THE POLKAROS POTCAST
A podcast where we chat with fellow creatives, artists, designers and craftspeople. Hosted by Ros lee, ceramic artist and designer behind lifestyle brand Polkaros. polkaros.com
From Tofu to Nottofu: Michelle’s Journey from Design to Food and Sustainability

In this episode, I speak with Michelle, creative director and founder of the Singapore-based design agency Tofu. Tofu has been providing creative branding solutions, integrated campaigns, pop-up experiences, and more since 2011. Â
After 14 years at Tofu, Michelle shares how her love of food has guided her practice into a more purposeful direction through their new food design unit at Nottofu—a platform where food meets climate-conscious design.
A Conversation with Miniature Clay Artist Joycelyn of Ai Clay
In this episode of The Polkaros Potcast, I sit down with Joycelyn, the talented miniature clay artist behind Ai Clay. A true pioneer in the miniature food clay craft scene in Singapore, Joycelyn launched Ai Clay in 2009 and has since built a beloved brand that has captured the hearts of many.
I’m thrilled to have had the chance to speak with her just before she closes the chapter on her studio and embarks on a new adventure. During our conversation, Joycelyn shares the story of how she turned her passion for crafting into a thriving business—a jo...
A conversation with Genevieve and Isabella on Art, Architecture, and AI
In this episode of the Polkaros podcast, I am excited to speak with Genevieve and Isabella who share a studio in the same building as us! Both with a background in architecture, Genevieve is an artist and designer, centers her work around ceramics and material research. Isabella, is a visual artist whose work delves into the conflicts between our built and natural environments, using her skills in programming and data to enhance her creative expression.
Throughout the episode, we discuss their artistic journeys, the rigorous nature of architectural education, and the role of AI in the world...
A conversation with paper artist Cheryl from Lulo Paper Studio!
Welcome to another episode of The Polkaros Potcast. This week, we're excited to have Cheryl from Lulo Paper Studio as our special guest. Cheryl, a talented paper artist, shares her inspiring journey from studying product design and photography to discovering her passion for paper art.
In this episode, Cheryl discusses the evolution of her craft, from building sets during her university days to creating intricate paper sculptures and illustrations. She reveals the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from hand-cut paper art to utilizing technology like 3D software and cutting machines to enhance her work.
Cheryl...
From Tokyo to Mashiko - A conversation with Hiki, the founder of Uguisu Store
In this episode of The Polkaros Potcast, I traveled to Mashiko, a pottery town in Japan, to visit my good friend Hiki who runs a Japanese craft and gift store called Uguisu.
Hiki has moved from Tokyo to Mashiko in the recent years. It was nice catching up with her and learning about how living in Mashiko has changed her perspective on life and deepened her appreciation for traditional Japanese crafts and nature.Â
We also talked about the local craftsmen she collaborates with, including potters, bamboo artisans, and indigo dyers. Hiki shared her thoughts on w...
Patchwork Conversations with Textile artist Kione Kochi in Japan
Welcome to a special Japan edition of The Polkaros Potcast! Over the summer holidays, I went back to Japan after a 5 year break. It was so nice reconnecting with friends and being in Japan again. In this episode, I had a chat with Kione Kochi, a talented textile artist, in her beautiful home studio just outside Tokyo.
Discover Kione's unique approach to patchwork and quilting, her creative process, and how her love for colours and textures transforms into stunning quilts and other handcrafted items. Learn about her recent exhibitions, collaborative projects, and her thoughts on sustainability in...
Crafting Joy: Embroidery and Beyond with Cheryl from Bead Bad Wolf!
Welcome to another episode of The Polkaros Potcast! In this episode, we are happy to chat with Cheryl from Bead Bad Wolf, a vibrant and colorful craft studio located in the heart of Singapore's Waterloo Street Arts Belt. With a background in fashion, Cheryl started Bead Bad Wolf to share her passion for embroidery, and now her studio offers an array of craft workshops to make crafting accessible to all ages.
Join us as we explore Cheryl's journey, from setting up her dream studio at Stamford's Arts Centre to organizing cozy craft markets that bring together local...
A Converstation With Textile Designer Stacy from Yabai Yabai
Hi everyone, welcome to another episode of The Polkaros Potcast. Today, my special guest is Stacy from Yabai Yabai. Stacy and I reminisce about our last chat during the COVID lockdown before she moved back to Singapore. It's been four years, and I'm thrilled to catch up on her journey since then.
Stacy, a textile designer with her own studio in Singapore, shares her inspiring journey from being a graphic design student fascinated with object making to studying textile design in Japan. We delve into the concept of surface design, a blend of fashion and textile design...
Blooming connections: Clare's Journey with Friday's Garden
Hi everyone, welcome to another episode of The Polkaros Potcast where I speak with fellow craftspeople, artists, and creatives. Today, we're thrilled to have Clare from Friday's Garden join us. We’re recording in her beautiful studio, surrounded by chirping birds and vibrant flowers, making it a truly special experience.
Clare shares her journey from a career in copywriting and branding to becoming a floral artist. She talks about how the pandemic lockdown inspired her to start Friday's Garden, initially as a way to connect with nature and find solace. She recounts her transition from painting to fl...
Knot Your Average Craft: Joette's Macrame Journey
Welcome to another episode of The Polkaros Potcast! In this episode, we have a special guest, Joette from Knoette, who is a skilled macramé maker. Join us as Joette shares her inspiring journey of discovering macrame and turning her passion into a thriving business.
Joette talks about how she started macramé during a challenging time in her life and how it became a therapeutic and creative outlet for her. She explains the basics of macramé, the different types of knots, and the variety of beautiful and functional items one can create with this craft.
We als...
The Journey of a Rubber Stamp Artist - Rachel from Drool Stamps
Welcome to a new episode of The Polkaros Potcast featuring an intimate chat with Rachel, the talented artist behind Drool Stamps. We delve into her unique journey from art student to successful entrepreneur in rubber stamp making. Learn about the process involved in her work, her initial encounters with stamp carving, and find out how this hobby was converted into a prosperous venture.
Conversations with Sophie, the Passionate Creator Behind Paper Full of Posies
In this episode of The Polkaros Potcast, Ros sits down with the talented Sophie who makes extraordinary paper flowers ad founded Paper Full of Posies. Dive into Sophie's compelling journey, from folding origami blossoms as a young girl to crafting intricate, lifelike crepe paper flowers that have dazzled the world of crafts.
Sophie's crafting expertise divulges through her beautifully designed unique botanical creations rendered from careful attention to detail, varying crepe paper textures and exquisite colouring. Gain an exclusive insight into Sophie's creative process as she opens up about her passion behind every petal sculpted and every...
A conversation with bontanical-inspired resin jewelry artist Peixuan from Marshmellowneh
In this episode I speak with Peixuan who crafts beautiful botanical-inspired accessories with resin under the brand name Marshmellowneh. Find out how Peixuan started her craft business while shuttling between Singapore and Shanghai.Â