Mustard and Navy

I'm starting to consider doing bigger artworks now. I mean with the use of hand lettering. I've always had this mustard poster paint by Pentel gathering dust in one corner of my desk and thought of using more of it before it goes dry.

I did this quote before in green but did it again for this artwork because I wanted to put this in a frame so it could remind me every day. I remember before, I used to say a silent prayer every morning I wake up thanking God every morning for a brand new day. I have slowly forgotten to do this in the past year or two. I wanted this to serve as a reminder, everyday I will see it, I will never forget to be thankful.

And because I'm always itching to run paintbrush over paper, I tried designing and making nautical-themed gift-tags.

I paired the mustard yellow with Perusian Blue gouache which has this thick navy blue color that I really like. One thing I hate about it is it has this really strong smell that gives me a headache. I still used it anyway.

And what perfect way to finish the look with a knot of natural-colored jute twine!

DIY Pillow Box

While I was recently browsing through upcycling ideas for items to sell in a thrift shop, I chanced upon this idea on Pinterest that really had me excited.

If you have heaps of toilet paper rolls lying around, transform them from sad pieces of trash into really useful pillow boxes that you can use as containers for various gifts or party favours.


You'll need a few things:

1. Toilet paper rolls
2. Poster paint or ink or pen (or anything that works with paper)
3. Paint brush
4. Cutter/blade (optional)
5. Ribbon or twine

Step 1 : Take a toilet paper roll and flatten it like shown below:

Step 2 : Draw a half-circle on each end to mark the crease. For some, this is an optional step. But I like to be able to easily make the fold and to get a clean and consistent one, so I'm using a cutter. Run the blade lightly through the guides drawn. Don't press the blade too hard, otherwise it will cut the flap.

Step 3 : At this point, the whole look is up to you. Take a paint brush and poster paint or watercolor or any pen and draw simple patterns all over the box. Let it dry.

Recap

I am way behind keeping up with posts in this blog. I actually have a handful of drafts but I never get to finish writing them. Seeing that I had been invisible last December, here's a bit of a recap. I only have photos from my phone to show you as they're the only quickest way I can document anything that's going on around me at the time.

December started with this wonderful opportunity for me to see a restaurant-slash-hotel that is located with a mountain view. The place is called Azalea and it's located in Cambaloctot, San Jose, Negros Oriental. It took at least thirty minutes to reach the place by car but I liked that we were the only ones there. It was the chosen setting for a product shoot for a rising local designer of plus-size ladies' wear. My client and the entire team had been wonderful company and I truly enjoyed that experience, what with a view like it had. I would definitely go back.

Seen at Azalea Casitas and Restaurant

Team Nariz

On one of the weekends, I attended a dinner party organized by the teams of wedding coordinators in Dumaguete. The event was held at El Pueblo Genovivo function hall and was also an annual party to gather the city's wedding suppliers like the makeup artists, photographers, videographers, cake designers, lights and sounds suppliers and others. The party was held on a weekday and despite every team's busy schedule, it was great most of them made the effort to come.

Christmas Eve finally came, and despite some undesirable family issues, I chose to spend it with a friend and his three best friends. We actually just watched tv, played a few songs with the piano. Midnight came so we let the pets in because they didn't like the loud fireworks. I also received my first down jacket which came in my favorite color. It was a wonderful surprise and it was a thoughtful gift. Thanks D!

Christmas Eve with D

On days without work, I like to practice on calligraphy and watercolor. Brush lettering is growing on me but like any craft, it needs a lot of practice to get flawless strokes.

My best work would have to be my very first set of calendar cards. I painted the floral embelishments and did all the month layout and designs. It was easy but it takes a while to get one set done because I have them printed in larger sheets of material and cut them myself. But I love the outcome everytime and also glad that a few friends have become interested to get a copy of their own.

I'm currently designing a pocket planner, a bridesmaids gift from a bride. Looking forward to how it turns out.

That was more or less how the month went for me, plus surviving work with eight weddings in all. Whew! But I'm not complaining!

I am nothing but thankful for the year that was 2015. Thankful for the good things. For the bad? Well, I keep telling myself the bad things happened for a reason and those reasons may be to bring in the good things, so I guess I should be thankful for them too.

It's already mid-January but I guess it's not yet too late to wish you a happier and a more blessed new year.