"I want to share with more people that the life cycle of good materials and craftsmanship is longer than we expect," Teng says.

Most Brut Cake objects are handmade. Hand-woven fabrics are used to make handbags, while furniture is recycled into new items. In the workshop, artists create ceramic pieces with a potter’s wheel.

"I believe there is a soul in antique pieces. They have a kind of personality, which can be explored and expressed by a person with unique vision," Teng says. She believes in the longevity and beauty of raw materials, seeing precious treasures where others see waste.

Teng's designs feature hand-woven fabrics from Southeast China.

"I use traditional materials to preserve the original beauty and add modern elements into the mix of old eras and new times," Teng says.

When Teng goes out for a walk, she is always scanning the streets for discarded furniture.

"I spend most of my time looking for abandoned items as inspiration for my work, which is what I am really passionate about," she says.

"Brut Cake is a brand that offers people items that have unique designs, so we attract customers who want something different.”"

Teng works with local craftsmen, and sometimes their projects can take a while to complete. "I receive orders nonstop, and I need enough time to create designs to meet the requirements," Teng says.

She encourages people interested in handicrafts to visit her store.

"Collecting and making things by hand is a big part of my life, so I am trying to create as many works as I can. I hope to exhibit and sell them to European countries and, eventually, all over the world."

Contact the writer at yuran@chinadaily.com.cn.