Finally December!

It's December at last! What perfect time to start thinking of how you will be wrapping presents this Christmas. I personally like having a theme for all my presents, like black and white, or white and red and stripes, black and gold polka dots, recycled paper and twines, things like that. I don't know. I may be just one of those who are fussy about the gift wrapping process.

I love kraft paper. I love everything about it, the color, the texture and especially how cheap it costs. There's so much you can do with them from gift tags, to boxes, to buntings and calendars... the possibilities are endless and almost always they look good.

It's a wonderful idea for giveaways and presents because you can definitely decorate it as you wish. Minimalist designs look amazing on these materials. Match it with jute twine and voila! You have a present that's beautiful both inside and outside!

This set is a repurposed kraft folder. I cut them in small rectangular sizes, grabed a tube of green and blue gouache, mixed them together with a brush and went all leafy on the edges. I wrote the greetings in black loopy lettering, punched little holes on top and tied each with jute string.

They're not at all perfect but what's great about hand made is the thought and effort the person takes to make such things. I think you can call that a gift on its own. Giving something with a personal touch is just way more special than buying them instantly from a store. The present is a different story but for me, I wrap my presents with a bit more love and thought.

DIY Calendar 2016

I guess my last project turned out very well. I finally got around to having some calendar designs printed. Printing quality is always my concern whenever I send them out for the local print shops and I can finally say this did reach expectations. It's more because I insisted I use my own paper instead of their usual poster card stock.

I painted the floral details, cooked up all the rest in Illustrator. I did have to cut them myself, that took a bit of effort but nonetheless it was fun.

I tried out two sizes and slightly varied in style. But I basically stick to minimalist designs. I like them clean and bright. The cards are to be placed in an easel like what you see in the photos. I got extra tiny wooden easels in Singapore a few months back. Somehow I knew I'd have something to use it for in the future.

Yay! for my first DIY calendar!

When blue makes sense

Tried something different. Bigger leaves, using gouache and one color only. I think I like how it turned out.

So far so good.

Growing plants on paper

Practicing more on drawing and coloring botanicals. They could get so addictive! I'm starting to love plants and flowers. Drawing and coloring them have shed new light and appreciation on these living things.

I think I'd like to have a garden now, on my desk. But a real one wouldn't be so bad.

Proposals

Sunday was a memorable day to a friend. It was the day he asked his girlfriend of eight years. He proposed on their 100th month. It was the first marriage proposal that I've witnessed so I was very excited and happy. I may just be one of those helping out with anything else that needed to get done but it was a great experience for me, nonetheless.

It took place at Stephen's house, early evening at the front yard or their backyard, I wasn't sure. There was a little fish pond with lit paper lanterns floating, twinkle lights were hung across the place and three "chandelier" candle holders hung on these lights. Clipped on these were printed pictures of their random photos a couple. There was a small table with two chairs, a glass lamp, some sweets and wine on the table. Round paper lanterns hung on the twinkle lights, on the trees, along the walkway. There was even a small table with some snacks and sweets, wine and whiskey for the few friends he asked to come over to witness the whole thing.

On top of the stairs where they would enter was a table with a bouquet of flowers and the engagement ring that he would give to her once they arrived.

Everything, if not most of what we saw Stephen prepared. He really put much thought and effort into it and I think that alone says a lot about him. There was no kneeling that happened as what we all would expect but it thought it was okay. It was sincere, simple and real. Of course she said yes, but perhaps in a different manner of saying it. I didn't see the entire thing in full view because I was hiding behind a wall so as not to be seen. It was touching for him to invite his few good friends to come witness the moment with him. And they were more than happy to be there.

Afterwards, it was time to be merry and celebrate the engagement with the presence of food and laughter. It was an intimate gathering, a simple celebration of love and friendship that would surely last for a very long time.

Etsy Envy

Etsy is and will always be my first love when it comes to channels of inspiration. There's something about how it looks and feels while I'm browsing the site that makes me feel at home, like it's where I belong. I find so many lovely things on Etsy that keeps me constantly motivated and inspired.

I opened my very own shop at Etsy a few years ago before I left for Singapore. I had a few items listed. I closed it temporarily during the hiatus. I have resorted to browsing the website again for some inspiration on simple hand crafts I can do myself. I've started drafting some gift cards and their respective listings.

There are some issues though, that I'm looking at. I'm unsure about shipping. I just don't feel confident and secure about the local postal system and I don't want my items being lost or damaged in transit. Another is quality of print. As much as possible I wish to have printed artwork in professional quality and there are very few (to none) options in my area. So I keep everything handmade, hand-cut, hand-painted, from scratch.

Perhaps I'm really not very aggressive when it comes to marketing or selling things. It's funny how I'm easily motivated and inspired but then when it's time to market and promote my work, I hesitate and take a step back. It's something I really need to work on. I'm guessing a change of environment, but that needs a lot of thinking and planning and so many other things. I'm optimistic though how much positive change that could do for me.

Blush and Shimmer

(Sorry, this post has nothing to do with make-up.)

I like drafting cards. It's the only way I can tell if I'd want to continue making more of them or not. I recently discovered that lettering with a fine brush to mimic modern calligraphy is greatly therapeutic for me. I especially like using a very opaque black ink on this kind of thick watercolor paper. Just the right absorption and is black all the way, from the thickest to the thinnest strokes.

I tried a new color palette for Christmas gift tags. Aside from the usual green and red combo, I think something nice to go with white, gray or black wrapping paper would be some light colored tags. Pastels and Christmas, because, why not?

The ombre effect is something you must try. It is as charming as it is easy to make.

Halloween Stars

Well, so much for my first attempt at astro photography. The conditions were not ideal, too many clouds and a bright moon in the sky.  Plus no proper research on camera settings. But the cool breeze felt nice. It was Halloween and I was in good company with the stars.

Rania Turns One

Little Rania's whimsical floral birthday party was as adorable and pretty as Rania herself. I personally think the cake was so lovely, you wouldn't want to touch it while it sits on a swing adorned with flowers. There were giant floral decorations excellently crafted by talented mom Aleli of Engrande Events.

The kids looked very excited to see the surprise guest who loves warm hugs, Olaf! It was a joy to capture their reaction when Olaf revealed himself. One little girl in particular happily stared at him while he was dancing and giving the guests some high fives.

Children may require a little more patience when it comes to taking pictures but when you catch a priceless moment, like when they make goofy faces, stare in awe at something, giggle, laugh or even just crack a toothless smile, it's all worth it. I especially adored Rania's wide eyes and cute pink pursed lips. It was truly a simple but lovely celebration for this precious baby girl.

Styling and coordination by Engrande Events
Cake Pop Tower : Isabel Pinili Of Sans Rival Cakes And Pastries
Cupcakes : Paula Celdran Montenegro
Cookies : Liv Vilar
Meringue Tower: Au Miranda
Mascots : Engrande Events