Washi Clipboards

Inspired by this…

I finally found the time to do this…

A washi tape clipboard!!!

Will be using this to display pictures on my office wall

Must remember to use a brighter color next time, though  Hahaha!

Doesn’t this post card make you smile?  It’s so happy!  Thanks, heykessy!

Photo of clipboards grabbed from decor8 instagram

Sneak Peek : M’s Flower Power Baby Shower

One of my BFF’s is about to give birth soon!

Not only is her impending delivery something to be excited about, but so is the baby shower we’re throwing for her next weekend!

Another opportunity to be creative and to do some DIY!  Woot!  Woot!

This time around, because I know she’s having a girl, I thought of having a simple, but very dainty and feminine floral party.

I got my inspiration from this Rifle Paper Co stationery design:

Ofcourse, the color motif is pink, blush, peach, white and gold

Here’s a glimpse of what I’ve been working on as part of the decor:

I’m pretty happy with how these paper flowers turned out

What do you think?

More pictures of the party styling next week!

Stay tuned!

Fab Finds : Craft Fair Loot!

I am so excited to share with you all the loot I got last weekend!

As it turned out, there were 2 arts and crafts fairs, and I was lucky to be able to hit both!  Woohoo!

First off was the La Feria En Arte.  It was held at ARTS in the City in BGC.

I was able to score some cute felt items for the little miss…

Aren’t they adorable?

It’s too bad I wasn’t able to get the name of the seller.

I also got these pretty frocks from Silly Monkey Clothing.  I just love the fabric prints!  Cheerful, happy, girly, and perfect for the summer!

My next stop was 10a Alabama–my favorite arts and crafts fair!

It did not disappoint!  Just look at all the treasures I went home with…

01 Postcard from heykessy

02 Notebooks from Spellbound

03 Washi Tape from heykessy

04 Doily Stamp from Sitting Pretty Crafts

05 Little Girl Stamp from Rubber Ducky Stamp Co.

06 Bookplates from InkyLivie

07 Notecards with Envelopes from InkyLivie

Can you believe all these are made by local artists/crafters?  Serious talent, right?

*Sigh*

For now, I live vicariously through these amazing creations.  Hahaha!

Hooray for DIY!  Hooray for arts and crafts!

Today, happiness is…

…a mother-daughter art collaboration!

With nothing planned over the non-working holiday (intentionally so as I had just arrived from two back to back trips!), I was determined to do something creative and fun with the little miss .

I’ve been feeling awfully guilty about not spending enough quality time with her lately (the pitfalls of being a working mom ), so I thought it was time to bust out the watercolors and paint to Katy Perry!  Hahaha!  Yes, my daughter loooooooves dancing to Katy’s music!

A did the lines, while I made the “dots”!

Of all the artworks we produced, this was my absolute favorite!

It’s a good thing I remembered I had a spare frame from SM in our storage cabinet so in a matter of minutes our collaboration was framed and ready for display!

Simple pleasures .

My dose of happy for the day .

What’s In Store + Happy Weekend : March 16-17, 2013

Gaaah!

So many things to do this weekend, so little time!

Here’s what’s in store:

This is a must see!

I’ve been waiting for this since last year!  I can’t wait!

I am sure there will be lots of drool-worthy home stuff here…

Retail therapy is always a good thing…

Hope you have a wonderful weekend, everyone!!!

Handcraft Holiday

Just before the Christmas madness began, I found time to do one of the things I love to do the most–craft!

Yup, I’m a crafter .  And I’ve been one for as long as I can remember.  When I was little, I used to make lots of things–bookmarks, stationery, comic books, picture frames, jewelry, t-shirts, etc. etc.  I even sold some of them to my classmates !  That didn’t last very long, though, as I discovered that I’m more of a creative rather than a business person–hahaha!

As an adult, I’ve had less time to craft, and I miss it so .   While my job allows me to exercise a lot of creativity, it’s just not the same as making something with my hands . During the few times I’ve had the opportunity, I try to go all out. The last crafty thing I did was the decor for my daughter’s 2nd birthday party. Read all about it here.

So when one of my favorite bloggers, Alessa of lifeafterbreakfast.com, announced that she was holding a Handmade Holiday session, I jumped at the chance and signed up!  I’ve been wanting to join her crafternoons for the longest time, but it’s either I don’t have the time, or I already have something planned for that specific weekend.  However, as fate would have it, December 9 was a rare, free Sunday for me!  Yipee!  So I was super duper excited to participate in this afternoon of crafting and creating .

The Handmade Holiday session was intended for crafters to get together, and make gifts for the special people on their Christmas list.  We were provided with materials such as wooden beads, paints, canvas bags, rubber blocks, kraft paper, stamp pads, wooden tags, etc. etc. so we could create handmade, personalized presents, and even wrap or package them in a creative, unique way.

Earlier on, I had decided I wanted to make some rubber stamps, so that’s what I worked on the entire afternoon.  Here are images of the super fun session:

Alessa also fed us some really yummy snacks while we were crafting–kamote chips and vegetarian lasagna! Sarap!

It was really such a fun afternoon!  I got to meet several crafters, and spent the entire time doing something I love .  I actually got so lost in the moment that I didn’t feel the hours whizz by so fast!  At 5PM, I was super bitin, and equally sad to leave .  Huhuhu  :(.

If anything, this Handmade Holiday session only made me realize how I’d like to do more creative things and pursue more of my passions in 2013.  These have taken a back seat to work and mommy duties lately, but I’ve decided that I’d like to push myself a bit more to make the time this year .  2013 will be MY YEAR to get creative!  Woohoo!

I am so excited!  Wish me luck  This is definitely one goal that I’m determined to make happen!

Prezzies

This is what’s kept me happily occupied lately…

Yup, it’s wrapping madness over here at Casa C!  My poor living room has now been overtaken by boxes, ribbons, wrapping paper, and gifts waiting to be prettily packaged .

I’m not complaining, though .

Despite the fact that I am waaaaaaaay behind my usual holiday schedule, these prezzies are just so pretty to look at and have been so therapeutic to wrap–I’ve decided that I’m totally going to take my time and enjoy the process!  Hahaha!  Once I start wrapping, I’m in the zone!  Boom!

My sister thinks I should totally do this for a living.  Actually, I’ve been considering it for a while too.

Hmmm…

How are you guys coming along with your Christmas wrapping?

Manila FAME 2.0

I’m quite embarrassed by how late this blog post is.

*Sigh*

But as the saying goes, better late than never, right?

Before anything else, I’d like to give a shout out to the folks at Manila FAME– thank you, thank you sooooo much for the complimentary tickets!  Despite the jet lag (I just arrived the night before from Europe), nothing could have stopped me from dragging myself to SMX to see this wonderful expo!

And I’m so glad I made it

A celebration of the Filipino artisan, I thought that this second showing of Manila FAME featured such strong work from designers at the forefront of their fields–fashion, accessories, product and furniture–as well as put the spotlight on craft traditions from all over the Philippines.  True to the event’s theme, these age-old disciplines are the soul of our country, as well as a source of pride.  I am thankful that through expos like these, their importance is elevated and emphasized for all the world to see, and that something is being done to preserve them for generations to come.

The H was my date this time around, and both he and I were salivating over the wonderful pieces we saw at the booths of Kenneth Cobonpue, Ito Kish, Vito Selma, Budji Layug and Padua.

I was especially attracted to these lighted domed displays by Ito Kish.  I think it is a very elegant way of showing off little curios at home, or at least an interesting way of telling a story about treasured pieces or accessories.  I’m definitely gonna get me some as soon as they’re available at Kish’s store!

The H and I are also “thinking” about getting a new coffee table.  The one we currently have, while very practical, is a bit bulky and the wrong shape for our living space.  We’re in the market for a more streamlined, simple design, possibly one like Vito Selma’s or Padua’s design.  The reason why I have thinking in quotes is because while we really want a new table, I also know it is something we still have to save up for so it may actually take a bit longer .

There were other booths that had such beautifully designed and innovative home accessories, however not all of them allowed pictures, and most of them only catered to exporters  So sorry, the images I have to show you are only a fraction of the talent that was on display that day during the expo.

As usual, Masaeco, my favorite booth during the first expo, did not disappoint! I’m glad to hear it was awarded Best Booth during the show.  Hubby loved the mounted paper art so much, he wanted to walk out that day with a frame in tow! Unfortunately, these pieces need to be pre-ordered, and it usually takes about 45 days for an order to be finished .  So wait we must for our Masaeco piece .

Because we didn’t have much time to go through the entire exhibit, I made it a point to leave enough time to explore the 2nd floor of the SMX, where the fashion and accessory booths were located, as well as the special displays, and interactive pavillions .

It was inspiring to see the works of Manila’s most celebrated fashion and jewelry designers on display!  Such talent and creativity!  I especially enjoyed Aranaz’ bags and jewelry, as well as  Nicole Wisenhunt, Joyce Makitalo, Ann Ong, and Arnel Papa’s accessories.  They were truly mind-blowing!

It took such will power NOT to purchase anything!  Hahaha!  Unfortunately, most of their pieces are a bit expensive, and while I would love to own a piece or 2 from each of these designers, practicality and prudence really prohibited me from the splurge.  *Sigh*  It sucks to be practical sometimes.  Hahahaha!

Similar to the first expo held last March, there were also pavilions that highlighted regional arts and crafts.  This time around, focus was placed on Hibla, an engaging showcase of various Philippine arts and crafts such as parol-making, brass-making, basket and cloth weaving, and beadwork.  Every station had an on-the-spot demo of how each craft was done by members of indigenous communities, dressed in their own tribal wear.

I especially loved watching the weavers.  Their skillful hands worked so nimbly as they interspersed various colors of thread to form their designs.  It looked very tedious and a bit confusing to me, but it made me truly appreciate the work that goes into these products.

I also love how these local, indigenous materials are transformed into beautiful, quality products for export.  I’ve always loved Filipino crafts–in fact, whenever I’m in the province, I love scouring the market for the town’s locally-made products.  Sometimes, I end up leaving with a couple of really cool finds too!  It’s about time that these products found their fame in the international arena . Go Pinoy!!!

New to this round of Manila FAME was a section called OTOP Marketplace. OTOP means One Town, One Product.  A priority project of the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), the OTOP initiative is a way of putting “focus on the grassroots level of the export industry”, as well as boosting and promoting local SMEs (Small to Medium Enterprises).  By showcasing and selling their products in the expo, the SMEs not only strengthen their export capability, but they are also given the opportunity to update themselves on the latest trends and innovations in design.  What a great idea, right?  Again, I love that smaller, local businesses are being given a chance to show off their wares, and are given their time in the spotlight .

Another highlight of the expo was the Craft Village, a program under Design Week Philippines.  The Craft Village initiative is intended to “bring design awareness and appreciation to local communities.”  Its goal is to preserve the arts and crafts of that particular location, while at the same time educating the new generation of its importance, and contribution to the creation of a sustainable livelihood.

The added wonderful feature of the products from these Craft Villages is that they will be made from recycled materials such as newspapers, bottles, tarpaulins, water hyacinths, etc.  Don’t you just love it?  Beautiful, quality Filipino products that are eco-friendly as well!

The Village itself is also intended to be a tourist destination, a regular stop for visitors looking for quality pasalubong or souvenirs to bring home from their trip to the Philippines.  All I can say is, “Yaaaaay!  It’s about time!”  I really hope that this is something the Philippine government can put into place soon.

It will definitely be a boost for tourism in our country.  And who knows, maybe the Philippines will soon be known as the Design Capital of Asia!  Wouldn’t that be wonderful?

You probably don’t need me to tell you what a great time I had at Manila FAME 2.0!  More and more I am convinced that Filipinos are indeed one of the best artisans in the world!  The 2 hours I had in the expo was definitely time well spent, and I left SMX that afternoon with a design high .

According to the Manila FAME website, next year’s expo is already slated for March 14-17 at the SMX.  Do pencil it in and save the date as early as now!  If you have the chance to go, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

{Party Planning} A’s Mexican Fiesta

A couple of months ago, while on a shopping trip to Shoe Mart for some of A’s essentials, my daughter happened to be drawn to a fuschia, purple and orange tiered dress that was displayed on a mannequin.

I can totally see why my daughter was attracted to it–mind you, it was a pretty cute dress, and colorful too! .  It also had the cutest crochet detail at the back . However, while we were not there to make any unnecessary purchases (my daughter has a closet-full of clothes already–haha!), A would unfortunately not leave the store without the dress.  Her obsession was beyond me, but because I was not in the mood for a scene, I relented and bought what I now refer to as “the dress that inspired it all”.

When planning parties, it helps alot to have some design inspiration.  Whether it be a color, a pattern, a character or a country.  In this case, the tiered dress with its bright palette reminded me very much of a Mexican fiesta.  And since I was already researching themes for A’s party at that time, I thought it would be perfect!  Coincidentally, I just loooooove Mexican food too so that pretty much sealed the deal!

So with the theme settled, I buckled down to work on the menu.  I decided on tacos, cheese quesadillas, chicken empanadas, and baked spaghetti (I had to throw in some noodles for long life!).  My mom, on the other hand, contributed some jamon in toasted pandesal from The Plaza.  For desserts, we had some leche flan, mexican wedding cookies, and ofcourse, churros con chocolate!  To keep things within budget, I also decided that most of the food would be cooked at home .

For the event styling, I was challenged to find decor that made a lot of impact, but didn’t break the bank!  Hahaha!  If you read my post on A’s first birthday party, I totally did not want to throw a party of that proportion again!  Hahaha!  Well, maybe not until A turns 7! :p  The H and I decided that we were just going to celebrate on a much smaller scale this time around, inviting only family and our closest friends.

So for the party decor, I decided to go DIY.  If you love DIY like me, then I personally think there is no need for expensive party supplies.  Just craft them! The net is chockful of ideas!

There were several items that I knew I had to make to give the party a truly Mexican flair.  A pinata was one of them .  Luckily, there are so many tutorials on the web that offer easy instructions on how to make a pinata, so I was actually able to construct one without much difficulty.  It was pretty fun to make, and I was so proud of the outcome!

Other elements of the decorations included some papel picado, mexican paper flowers, paper stars or lanterns, papier mache horses, sombreros, maracas, and some cactus as well .  Luckily, most of these can be made with a little bit of creativity and a lot of patience–hahaha! .  And good thing I happen to looooove crafting so I was actually excited about all the projects I had lined up!

I’m so excited to share with you how everything turned out!  In the end, I was so proud of my work!  It may look like I may have spent a fortune, but I actually didn’t!  That’s the best part!

On a bit of a serious note, A’s party actually had to be postponed about 2 weeks. The original date it was planned was a week filled with heavy rains that resulted in flooding.  Many people were affected and lost their homes.  I donated some of my party funds to the victims, but decided to proceed with the celebration at a more appropriate time.  We also downscaled the number of invitees, and ended up just inviting family.

Anyway, I hope you liked the photos of A’s party, as much as I enjoyed styling it!  I hope in some way, it inspired you with some DIY ideas for future parties of your own!

Star Crayons + Happy Weekend

A’s 2nd birthday party was a success!  Yippee!

While I am still writing my blog post about that, in the meantime, I’d like to share with you one of the projects that I did for her party–Star Crayon give-aways!

I gave these out to A’s cousins who were still too young to be given the papier mache horses (takas).  Those went to the older kids .

Anyway, these star crayons are not only very easy to make, but it also cost me nearly zero pesos–next to nothing!  Hahaha!  I say “nearly” because while I recycled materials that I had lying around the house, syempre I did use up some electricity while in the course of making them so I guess may gastos pa din yon (I still spent something) .  Hahaha!

Here are the things you’ll be needing to make your own Star Crayons:

one deep pot

mini glass jars (the number depends on how many colors you are making)

old crayons/broken crayons

mold/shaper

Here are the steps.  Easy Peasy.

Step 1: Sort your crayons into like colors and shades.  This is not really a super necessary step–only if you decide you want to make a monochromatic crayon.  In this case, that’s what I pretty much wanted.  I’ve seen other versions, though, where the maker just went wild and mixed so many different colors together!  The results are beautiful as well .

Step 2: After you’ve got your crayons in groups, break them apart and put them into the glass jars.  One color group per jar.  Again, if you have an extra non-stick muffin or mold pan, you can totally eliminate this step and just sort the crayons straight into the pan itself.

Step 3: Fill your pot with water (up to the level where the crayons in the glass jar are covered, but not high enough for the water to enter the jar)  and bring to a boil.  Once water starts to bubble, carefully place the glass jars inside, and let the crayons melt.

If you use the non-stick pans, you can do this step in the oven.  I think melting the crayons to 325 degrees will do.

Step 4: Once the crayons have all melted, pour them carefully into the molds.  You may want to use an oven mitt in this step because the glass jars will be very hot!  Also, it’s best to do this project without kids nearby since you are dealing with stuff that can potentially scald or burn.

Step 5: After pouring, stick the mold in the refrigerator to cool for around 20 minutes, or until they harden.

Once the crayons have fully hardened, just pop them out!  In this case, maybe because I used a silicone mold, the crayons popped out easily .  In other cases, especially if your pan or mold is not non-stick, you may have to spray some oil or any other agent that will make the crayons slip off with ease.

And here’s the finished product!  Voila!  Ready to be wrapped .

Pretty, right?  I made them in the party motif colors–yellow, purple, fuschia and orange .

Here is the little one giving her own set a try…Perfect for little hands!

Success!!!

Hope you have a great weekend, folks!