Took the afternoon off to spend time with the ladies.
19 February 2016
Afternoon Abbey's
06 February 2016
Weekend Projects
I spotted this kitten during one of the weddings we covered last Thursday. Nothing too special about how it looked. I instantly remembered how I find cat eyes very fierce that it would so much like to take a picture of them directly staring at me. This little one was hiding under a seat at Gabby's Bistro. I quickly aimed my camera at it and mimicked a cat sound and said "meeew!" Right then, it looked up and I got more or less a pair of cat eyes staring back at me.
It's amazing how graceful cats move. And they always look feminine, the way they tilt their heads, the way they stare back at you, the way they move their bodies and position them while resting. I've never really been fond of cats as pets but they are quite interesting to observe.
I've also been coming up with more ideas to upcycle materials lying around the house, mostly paper supplies, cardboards, empty tape rolls, kraft boards and similar stuff.
Pinterest has been really helpful with ideas and this was the last one I did, a DIY scrapbook made with ribbed cardboard and ten sheets of ivory cardstock as pages.
It's amazing how graceful cats move. And they always look feminine, the way they tilt their heads, the way they stare back at you, the way they move their bodies and position them while resting. I've never really been fond of cats as pets but they are quite interesting to observe.
From that wedding we were covering that day, the bride's shoes were quite nice. I like the glittery studs and the sheer material. It has red soles, made popular by every pair of Louboutins.
I've also been coming up with more ideas to upcycle materials lying around the house, mostly paper supplies, cardboards, empty tape rolls, kraft boards and similar stuff.
Pinterest has been really helpful with ideas and this was the last one I did, a DIY scrapbook made with ribbed cardboard and ten sheets of ivory cardstock as pages.
And a spare notepad with an ugly cover, gave it a little makeover. I think I like this camera series.
Thanks for looking! Wishing you a happy weekend!
03 February 2016
V Cards
I did a few more painting experiments this week, this time thinking about the upcoming holiday in mind. I have never been particularly fond of Valentine's Day. But I now have a reason to look forward to it ever since I came up with ideas of what I can make and paint for the occasion.
I made some nine to ten greeting cards, whipped up simple phrases and painted them with matching illustrations and whatnots. I'm trying to keep them as simple as possible because I like having a lot of white space in my designs.
I chose light and casual messages that you could also say in person but would "sound" so much better when drawn on a card, with illustrations and/or colors.
What I love about watercolor is how unpredictable it is, in a good way. Sometimes when I'm painting something and see that it looks horrible but it actually does look better when dry. And sometimes, I feel that it's the perfect media for beginners because you don't need to have hardcore drawing skills to paint something in watercolor and actually recognize what it is when it's done.
By the way, I like to paint feathers. They allow me to be flexible with colors and design. They can look weird and colored in neon and it would still look acceptable.
I made some nine to ten greeting cards, whipped up simple phrases and painted them with matching illustrations and whatnots. I'm trying to keep them as simple as possible because I like having a lot of white space in my designs.
I chose light and casual messages that you could also say in person but would "sound" so much better when drawn on a card, with illustrations and/or colors.
What I love about watercolor is how unpredictable it is, in a good way. Sometimes when I'm painting something and see that it looks horrible but it actually does look better when dry. And sometimes, I feel that it's the perfect media for beginners because you don't need to have hardcore drawing skills to paint something in watercolor and actually recognize what it is when it's done.
By the way, I like to paint feathers. They allow me to be flexible with colors and design. They can look weird and colored in neon and it would still look acceptable.
Cupcakes, though, are a bit of a challenge but I'm slowly coming around to making the icing look convincing. I do like how I can do any topping in any color I want and it would still end up looking like a cupcake, even if it looks like a badly-baked one.
And, part of the joy of painting is photographing my artworks afterwards. I like coming up of ways to present them in a photo. I've always been a fan of white and clean workspaces, but of course, a cluttered one can also make a wonderful picture.
It's important to take photos of my paintings because I almost always handpaint everything. If they are given away or get sold out, I won't have a copy of them anymore. It can also be useful just in case anyone wants an exact artwork I did in the past.
I'm putting these up for sale (still haven't decided where). I'm also a bit shy to market my stuff because of what people might say.
28 January 2016
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!
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!
27 January 2016
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:
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.
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:
- Toilet paper rolls
- Poster paint or ink or pen (or anything that works with paper)
- Paint brush
- Cutter/blade (optional)
- 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.
14 January 2016
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.
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!
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.
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 |
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.
01 December 2015
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.
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.
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