Maker Spotlight
Kelly Palencia
Founder of Handmade in Norway | Illustrator & Graphic Designer
Paving the way for the makers of Norway
Hi! I’m Kelly — founder of Handmade in Norway, illustrator, graphic designer, and your first-ever Maker of the Month. I figured I’d kick things off by putting myself in the spotlight… partly because someone had to go first, and partly because I believe in leading by example.
Handmade in Norway started as a spark — a feeling that the creative community here needed more visibility, support, and spaces to grow. Over time, that spark became a network of talented makers, meaningful markets, and moments of real connection between people who care about handmade things and the stories behind them.
But before all that, I was — and still am — a designer.
From sketchbooks to Sentralen
I’ve been working in the creative industry for over 25 years, starting in the UK and now based in Oslo. My work as a designer has taken many forms — from clothing and accessories to packaging, branding, and print materials — but illustration has always been my true creative home.
I’m especially drawn to plants and flowers. There’s something meditative about capturing natural forms in linework — a mix of rhythm, detail, and flow that never really gets old. You’ll see that floral thread running through most of my illustrations, whether it’s a Christmas label, an event poster, or a set of stickers for fellow makers.
These days, I split my time between drawing, designing, mentoring, and organizing events like the Sentralen Design Markets and Løkkamarkedet. It’s a bit of a creative juggling act, but I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way.
Why I started Handmade in Norway
When I moved to Norway in 2005, I was struck by how much talent was tucked away behind closed doors. Makers were everywhere — but they weren’t always visible. There wasn’t a central place to connect, share experiences, or simply be seen.
Handmade in Norway began as a way to fix that. I wanted to create something that felt supportive, practical, and a little bit magical — a space where makers could not only showcase their work, but also feel part of something bigger. It started with a few markets… and grew into a whole movement.
Today, HiN is a place for events, resources, digital showcases, collaborations, and community — and we’re just getting started.
A little about how I work
My design style is clean, calm, and detailed — and I always start with pen and paper. Whether I’m illustrating a floral arrangement or building templates for makers, I’m thinking about how the end result will feel — not just how it will look.
I love helping other creatives feel more confident about their visual identity, and that’s part of why I started the Canva Pro for Makers course. Design shouldn’t feel intimidating — it should feel empowering. Like marketing independence for makers.
What’s next?
I’m currently working on a redesign of the Handmade in Norway website (starting with this new blog!) and planning this year’s markets. I’m also taking on a few custom illustration commissions and working on some big-picture ideas for expanding the community.
If you’ve made it this far — thank you. I’m so excited to feature more incredible makers in the coming months. If you’d like to be considered for a future spotlight, or just want to say hi, you can always reach me on Instagram or through the contact form.
Until next time —
Creativity & Community,
Kelly 💛
Handmade in Norway 