VEJA Store Craft Session #00 with Zeynep Ayşe Hatipoğlu & Ben the Cobbler
An Evening of Timeless Craft and Unspoken Connection
On October 24th, the VEJA Store Berlin hosted its very first craft session—Event #00. An intimate gathering of 25 people, including VEJA team members, invited guests, neighbors, and a few curious passersby, joined us to witness a unique convergence of craftsmanship, music, and genuine connection. This evening celebrated the essence of making—slowly, skillfully, and with hands that transform raw materials into something meaningful.
A Dance of Craft, Sound, and Laughter: The Cellist and the Cobbler
This first session captured the essence of something ancient yet alive in the present—a craft that feels timeless, passed down through generations. Ben, our cobbler, and Zeynep Ayşe Hatipoğlu, a cellist, engaged in an unspoken conversation. Each was deeply immersed in their craft, bound together not by sight but by the sound and rhythm of their work.
Ben’s craft harks back to cobblers who have been shaping leather by hand for centuries. The tools he uses, each tap of the hammer, each cut, echo those used by artisans of the past—yet, as his hands shape a custom VEJA Dekkan model, he brings something original into being. This slow, careful process is a reminder that creating something by hand takes time. What may seem simple to an observer demands skill, patience, and dedication, turning materials into reality through his expert touch.
Across the space, Zeynep’s cello—an instrument with origins in the 16th century—fills the room with sounds that seem to speak across centuries. Her music is both familiar and new, resonating deeply, a timeless thread binding past and present. Together, Ben’s tools and Zeynep’s music blended into a single soundscape, forming the “music” of the night—a song made only of gestures, rhythm, and intention. Voices and laughter joined in, layering over the crafted sounds of tools and strings, adding warmth to the shared experience.
Homemade Delights: Simple, Honest, and Grounded
Adding to this ambiance of simplicity and tradition was a spread of homemade food—a reminder of shared meals and honest work. Guests enjoyed my customised quiches Lorraine, a tomato-pepper-feta tart, vegetarian pizza, hummus, and fresh vegetables. Alongside these, local beers and water grounded the evening in authenticity, matching the sincerity of the crafts we celebrated.
A Perfectly Timed Musical Interlude
Between the two intense sessions of cello and cobbling, we took a breather—a break perfectly orchestrated by Colins, the store manager, known for his great taste in music that sits somewhere between chill vibes and dance floor beats. Colins’ selection created the ideal ambiance, giving everyone a moment to unwind before diving back into the artistry of the evening.
Crafting a Community, One Session at a Time
This session is just the beginning of a larger vision, a “fabric of social connection” woven through monthly craft sessions. Each gathering becomes a pause, a chance to return to basics, where we shape things with our hands and connect with those around us. Here, we’re building a community of people who find joy in slowing down, finding connection, and sharing in the simple yet transformative act of making.
If you’d like to join us on this journey, more details can be found on our Telegram channel: https://t.me/vejaberlin.
A Warm Thank You and a Look Ahead
The evening reminded us that crafting by hand is about time—time taken to shape, to create, to connect. It’s a slow art that brings reality into form. Our thanks to everyone who joined us, both in person and online, for making this night memorable. For those interested in future sessions, you can learn more on our Telegram.