Craft Baitang & Friends: The Creative Souls of Kampot
- Sofiia Chaban
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
At the heart of Kampot’s bustling creative scene, a new artisanal hub is making waves. Craft Baitang & Friends, founded by Noémie and Catherine, is quickly becoming a focal point for local craftsmanship, transforming natural materials like wood and shells into jewelry, games, and decorative pieces that radiate authentic Cambodian spirit.
A Chance Beginning
The story of Craft Baitang & Friends began unexpectedly. Noémie, with a natural flair for creativity, found herself experimenting with a laser cutter — etching symbolic Cambodian motifs such as famous webs and album covers onto wood. What started as playful experimentation evolved into a line of souvenirs, board games, and home design pieces.
Over time, her vision expanded. Together with Catherine, she turned her attention to the abundant seashells found on one of Cambodia’s unique beaches. These shells became the foundation for elegant jewelry designs, which are now crafted in partnership with local silversmiths from the Kampot market. Their handcrafted pieces — combining laser-etched wood and coastal shell — are featured in prominent local spots like BOOKISH and Sabay Beach.
A Community-Driven Shop
Officially opened on November 15, 2025 on Dragon Street, Craft Baitang & Friends offers more than products. The shop also serves local probiotic drinks like kefir and kombucha, and hosts creative workshops that invite visitors and community members to engage with Cambodian art and craft traditions.
More than a retail space, the boutique celebrates local talent — displaying shell lamps, ceramics, rugs, and other work by Cambodian artisans. Their activities aim to bridge generational gaps in craftsmanship, passing on skills and techniques in a region already known for its prized shell and coral arts.
“Everything is Cambodian — from the raw materials to the hands that shape them,” the founders say, underlining their commitment to local tradition and cultural authenticity.
From Inspiration to Creative Boom
Catherine recalls a pivotal moment from six years ago while traveling: discovering a beach strewn with millions of shells. The sight sparked their imagination — envisioning new uses like shell tiles and stunning lamps. Three years later, their handcrafted jewelry — including locally sourced shell earrings — became the centerpiece of two collaborative workshops with area artisans.
Their work has since gained visibility at major events — including the Sea Festival 2024 and the CULT Market at Sofitel — showcasing the dynamic artistic energy of Kampot’s Francophone community and the broader creative network flourishing in the region.