ETINCELLE CREATIVE STUDIO

Greeting Cards 2012... /// Cartes de Voeux 2012

2012-02-11T08:00:00.000+08:00

I have been meaning to share this photo below for at least a month if not more, but I couldn't do it before our families had received the cards. I didn't want to spoil the surprise completely... I write "completely" as I did take a pic on Instagram and posted it on my personal Facebook wall last month... oups!

Maglaque family's 2012 Greeting cards by lepoetikstudio

My plan was to send my greeting cards early for once {before Christmas} when I found out about lepoetikstudio's shop on Etsy. I am in love with her sensibility and her work!

I soon realized however that I had no nice portrait of my little ones together... and the end of 2011 being what it was {very very busy}, I really didn't have much time to set up a shooting session at the park. Holidays came and magic! I happened to take a rather lovely picture of Chloé and Mathias in Melacca that I thought would be suitable for my cards.

Of course Christmas was over so I updated to New Year's greeting cards instead. I edited the picture to obtain the B&W version... et voila!

What do you think? are you writing letters and cards to your family and friends?

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Je voulais partager cette photo ci-dessus avec vous depuis au moins un mois, mais cela était impossible tant que nos familles n'avaient pas recu les cartes. Je ne voulais pas gâcher l'effet de surprise bien sur! bon, ceci dit, j'ai triché un peu quand j'ai pris une photo avec Instagram et que je l'ai posté sur Facebook, hein...

Au début j'avais prévu d'envoyer mes cartes en avance pour une fois {avant Noël}, à vrai dire dès que j'ai découvert la petit boutique en ligne sur Etsy lepoetikstudio. J'adore sa sensibilité graphique et tout ce qu'elle dessine!

Mais j'ai vite realisé par contre que je n'avais pas de joli portrait des enfants ensemble, et la fin de l'année dernière étant ce qu'elle a été {beaucoup beaucoup de boulot}, je n'avais pas du tout le temps de monter une session photo au parc.
Heureusement les vacances arrivèrent et magie! j'ai par hasard pris une photo de mes deux loustics dont j'ai pensé après coup qu'elle servirait parfaitement bien pour mes cartes.

Bien sur, Noel étant passé j' ai tout de suite opté pour des cartes de voeux pour la nouvelle année. J'ai retouché la photo pour en obtenir une en noir et blanc... et voila!

Qu'en pensez-vous? est-ce que vous aussi vous écrivez des lettres ou des cartes à vos familles/ amis?

Sweet Gift Thursday... /// Petit cadeau du Jeudi...

2012-02-10T20:30:00.000+08:00

Comet Modern Necklace by shopAHC - US$28

Lovely necklace spotted on Etsy earlier today - it made it to the front page in this lovely treasury by London based illustrator Sophie Parker. Check out her shop if you need some art to decorate your walls.

Laying beads & Sequins {Embroidery Workshop}

2012-02-10T13:45:00.001+08:00

Embroidered brooch {here}

Shall I assume that pictures can speak for themselves? Here has come the time to announce my second workshop, held at The Little Happy Shop in Holland Village. I am very excited to be given the chance to show others how to embroider beads and sequins the way I do it for my bags.

In this workshop you will make by hand a lovely flower brooch {same base for everyone}, the highlight being how to lay sequins and beads. You will be totally free to choose the colors of your beads and sequins {I will make sure to have to widest choice possible} and I will show you where to start and how to "play" with them.

Here below is a photo of one of my most recent bags, so that you can see what a more complex design can bring. I have used beads, sequins and "fake" gems to enhance this bag.

Un weekend à Paris net shopper bag {here}

I have planned to include as well some basic embroidery stitches such as running and stem stitches for those who wish to learn them and enhance the details of the brooch design.

Each participant will receive a sewing kit including:
- hand-cut flower base in cotton fabric + matching felt base
- a wide choice of sequins and beads to choose from
- needle
- embroidery thread and common cotton thread (again in different colors)
- a mini-pair of scissors
- brooch pin

Cost of workshop: $45 {including take-home kit}
Date: Saturday, March 3
Time: from 1 to 3pm
Location: at The Little Happy Shop, #02-07 Holland V Shopping Mall (over Bread Talk)
* In the event of more than 5 pax sign-ups, a bigger activity room will be booked nearby {at no extra cost to participants}.

Suitable for all, beginners or more advanced/ skilled crafters. I have chosen a base with shadows and lines that will help you keep in line your beads and sequins {which in return gives you the best result}.

Now I have a surprise for all of you! Early birds will save 10% of the cost of this workshop by signing up before Saturday, 18 February.
-> 10% off will be offered until Friday, 2 March for two or more packs signing up together.

For more information, please contact me by leaving a comment, or by email: marie[at]etincellecreativestudio[dot]com
or Ruth at The Little Happy Shop: 6466-8995

SIGN UP NOW

Sweet Gift Thursday... /// Petit cadeau du Jeudi...

2012-02-02T07:30:00.000+08:00

Sequins top by TheArborVitae - US$30 {only!}

* I am in love with this top, and many other items in this gorgeous vintage shop on Etsy. Make sure you check it out!

Felt, Embroidery and Beads

2012-01-31T22:49:00.004+08:00

I found stunning felt brooches yesterday while browsing on Etsy...

Portrait felt brooch by redstitchlab

I had to share some of the images with you as I am pretty sure you will feel inspired as well. Most of them are entirely made of felt and hand-embroidered, but some have beads and another one is made with crochet. Do you know how to crochet? I don't know and really would like to learn as my Grand-Ma is really good at it and can make anything she wants.... I wish I learnt it when I was younger!

from top to bottom left to right:

Embroidered wool felt cuff bracelet by LoftFullOfGoodies

Heart felt brooch by designedbybettyshek

Beaded felt brooches by MissPearlBerry

Beaded brooch by balanced

Another technique I am very keen to learn is making felt. As many others I am usually buying the machine made felt for my crafts projects, but when I see the butterfly brooch below which obviously has been made entirely by hand, I am impressed!

from top to bottom left to right:

Crochet brooch with beads by designedbyjane

Little deer doll embroidered brooch by MissMilupka

Butterfly hand-felted brooch by lannartfelt

Yellow felt dahlia brooch by HeartfeltYarnWreaths

Talking about felt, there is my upcoming sewing workshop next Saturday, February 11. Are you planning to join?

SIGN UP NOW!

Stay tuned!

2012-01-31T15:58:00.000+08:00

Hello!

The Russian dolls party is over, it took place last Saturday afternoon, and it was a great one! The little girl was very pleased, and so were here parents and the guests...

I am currently working on the photos and I will share them soon, so stay tuned!

Russian Dolls Birthday Party by Etincelle Creative Studio©

Sweet Gift Thursday... /// Petit Cadeau du Jeudi

2012-01-26T08:30:00.000+08:00

If you know me well enough, well you would know I just LOVE mobiles!... /// Ceux qui me connaissent bien savent que j'adore les mobiles!...

wings mobile by fellowfellow - US$56

Make Your Own Phone Cover {Upcoming Sewing Workshop}

2012-01-25T23:08:00.002+08:00

Almost two weeks ago I was announcing here on the blog that I will be teaching a sewing workshop at The Little Happy Shop in Holland Village this coming February. Since then I have made some new {and colorful} prototypes of what you will learn to make: you very own hand-sewn phone cover. The one featured below fits an Iphone, but not to worry if you have another type of phone, we will adapt the pattern to your needs!

If you join me, you will learn to sew by hand a phone cover in felt with an embroidered initial. I will teach you how to make a blanket stitch {to sew the sides of the cover} and a stem stitch {for the initial}.

Each participant is entitled to a sewing kit including:
- a couple of felt pieces of different colors -> we will sew one cover during the workshop and you can then practice at home and create more pieces for yourself or for gifts
- pattern of the cover
- a couple of snap fasteners
- needles
- embroidery threads of different colors -> you get to choose your own color combo
- two sheets of alphabets in different font sizes
- a pair of mini-scissors

back of the phone cover - you can decorate it as well!

Cost of workshop: $36 {including take-home phone cover, and sewing kit}
Date: Saturday, February 11
Time: from 1 to 3pm
Location: at The Little Happy Shop, #02-07 Holland V Shopping Mall (over Bread Talk)
* In the event of more than 5 pax sign-ups, a bigger activity room will be booked nearby {at no extra cost to participants}.

Suitable for all, including children {from age 7-8 with some ability to craft/ sew}. This is a beginners' class, so it's completely fine if you are new to the needle. We will practice first!

For more information, please contact me by leaving a comment, or by email: marie[at]etincellecreativestudio[dot]com
or Ruth at The Little Happy Shop: 6466-8995

SIGN UP NOW

Think Red, Polka Dots and Love {Valentine's day}

2012-01-25T11:58:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone!

We are back to blogging after a long weekend spent with family and friends. The Chinese New Year break is always special as Singapore seems to stop its restless activity for a short while, which is never happens the rest of the year!

Lovely to catch up with you and welcome our new readers to the world of Etincelle Creative Studio :-)

Love Forever Valentine's gift guide by Donkeystudio

Lately the polka dots Mini-Me dolls have been featured in treasuries celebrating Valentine's day, and I wanted to showcase some of them as there are some really lovely finds to be discovered , loved and shared...

Ped Pieces by visska

Even if you are not celebrating Valentine's day, some items in these treasuries would make very nice gifts for many other occasions...

Sing and be happy by IndyAndCleo

We don't usually celebrate much with my Mr. but I have something in mind this year, something to make him feel special and loved. That's what Valentine's day is all about, isn't it? Which means you could make anyone feel special and loved on this day...

Think Red, White and Love by LePetitRefuge

What are YOUR plans? I would love to hear what everyone's up to in the coming two weeks... a lovely surprise dinner? a handmade gift lovingly handcrafted with your hands? a trip to an exotic country? a box of chocolate...

Dream and keep creative :-)

A crafty long-weekend...

2012-01-20T09:58:00.001+08:00

We are fast approaching Chinese New Year {starting this coming Sunday evening} and this means everything will go slow next week... well, not really here in the Studio, as I will be crafting a storm to prep up for my upcoming Russian Dolls birthday party happening on the 28th. Here below are some of the craft projects I will be doing {starting this afternoon}.

1. fringey garland and wall deco via Oh Happy Day

2. Matryoshka paper box via Fantastic Toys

3. Flower paper lanterns via Martha Stewart

4. FREE paper banner via Ruffled blog

I also would like to highlight the last pic {the paper banner} which is a FREE downloadable alphabet with gorgeous prints. It allows you to create your own banner, saying absolutely whatever you feel like. Mine will read "Happy Birthday" of course!

Check out all of Ruffled's DIY projects, and have a creative weekend!

Sweet Gift Thursday... /// Petit cadeau du Jeudi...

2012-01-19T08:30:00.000+08:00

Un petit air de printemps...

Necklace by notTuesday - AU$45

Pirate Party {Inspiration board}... /// Anniversaire Pirate

2012-01-18T08:30:00.000+08:00

As you may know I am currently working on the planning and styling of a Russian dolls birthday party whis will happen next Saturday. I am having a lot of fun and I really can't wait for the day to come!

February is always a busy month for me as a mum as both my children will have their birthdays: my son is turning 2 and my daughter 5. We have agreed on a joint party {of course!} and on a pretty cool theme: Pirates.

from top to bottom, left to right:
skull goodie bag, pirate babies, photo booth prop kit,

real pirate party,

invitation, pirate puppet, real pirate party

I have started working on gathering really cool inspiration pics a couple of months ago {see my Pinterest board here}, and I am now finalizing my choices in term of color combo, styling, activities, goodies etc...
I am always dreaming BIG, and I hope to create a very memorable event this year again :-)

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Comme certains d'entre vous le savent, je suis en train de travailler sur un anniversaire dont le thème est les poupées russes. Il aura lieu samedi prochain, et j'ai beaucoup de plaisir à créer une très belle fête pour la petite Salomé, sa soeur et ses parents.

Le mois de février est toujours super bien occupé car mes deux enfants fêteront eux aussi leurs anniversaires: mon fils aura 2 ans et ma fille 5. Nous nous sommes mis d'accord pour faire un anniversaire commun {logique!} et Chloé a suggeré le thème des pirates.

J'ai commencé à rassembler des photos d'inspiration depuis quelques mois, et j'en suis maintenant aux détails: gamme de couleur, choix de l'invitation, des décors, gâteaux, jeux et cadeaux.

J'ai toujours beaucoup d'idées, et j'espère encore une fois cette année créer une fête inoubliable pour mes deux loustics (et pour nous!).

Mini-Me dolls, sweet words... /// Les mots doux des Mini-Me...

2012-01-17T13:13:00.000+08:00

There is nothing sweeter than a Mini-me doll with a love message hand-embroidered in a heart... Custom made dolls are even more personal, don't you think?

Short and sweet words/ messages work best, and you can also ask for your loved one's name to be embroidered.

All of the Mini-Me dolls above were made for a cute little shop in Japan called Tavolo Tavola, contact me if you would like your own custom-made doll... or check out the few still available in my online shop {here}.

Thanks,
x

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Rien de plus mignon qu'une poupée Mini-Me avec un petit mot doux brodé sur son coeur... Et une poupée faite sur mesure, c'est encore mieux, non?

Les petits messages ou mots doux sont ce qui convient le mieux, et il est aussi possible de demander une broderie au nom de l'être aimé.

Toutes les poupées ci-dessus ont été réalisées pour une petit boutique japonaise qui s'appelle Tavolo Tavola. Je suis a votre disposition pour toute commande sur-mesure... sinon il y a encore quelques poupées disponibles dans ma boutique en ligne {ici}.

Merci,

Moustache George at home!... /// Moustache George à la maison!

2012-01-13T12:15:00.000+08:00

At the end of last year we welcomed Moustache George {by The Cookie Cutter} in our family. I had a big crush when I first saw his big moustache and introduced him to my children {online} to get their "seal of approval" before taking my decision to add him to our ever growing number of plushies.

Moustache George on my bed...

... Moustache George alone on Chloé's chair

... or on Chloé's bed among his friends.

Moustache George is more than just a plush: he's a quiet and peaceful companion whether in the bedroom or on the sofa; he adds a fun and quirky touch to any room {especially true on the too serious grey sofa mentioned earlier}and he's most definitely a very good conversation starter. We love him!

Happy weekend everyone,

xoxo

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A la fin de l'année dernière, nous avons ajouté un nouveau membre à la famille: Moustache George {design par The Cookie Cutter}. J'avais eu un gros coup de foudre pour ce moustachu la première fois que nous nous sommes rencontrés, mais je l'ai quand même présenté aux enfants - afin de recevoir leur feu vert, avant de l'ajouter à notre collection grandissante {et envahissante} de peluches.

Moustache George est bien plus qu'une peluche: il a un petit air tranquille bien à lui; où qu'il soit dans la maison, il ajoute une petite touche d'humour à la pièce où il se trouve {et surtout sur le très sérieux sofa gris souris}; il attire l'attention et engage la conversation très facilement. On l'aime notre Moustache George!

Bon weekend à tous,

xoxo

The Cookie Cutter :: Shop :: Blog :: Facebook :: Twitter

Sweet Gift Thursday... /// Petit cadeau du Jeudi...

2012-01-12T15:21:00.001+08:00

We are just over Christmas and New Year {I am still writing my cards, how about you?}, Chinese New Year is in less than two weeks and then it's time for Valentine's day!

Let's keep things simple, don't you think?

Valentine Card by letterhappy - US$3

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Noel et le Nouvel-An sont à peine terminés {je suis encore en train d'écrire mes cartes de Bonne Année, et vous?} que l'on nous harcèle déja avec le Nouvel-An chinois et la Saint-Valentin.

Faisons les choses simplement, voulez-vous?

First Sewing Workshop... /// Mon Premier Atelier Couture

2012-01-11T19:27:00.001+08:00

I have a big announcement to make today. Some of you following me on Facebook or Twitter might know it already, I will teach my very first sewing workshop next Saturday, February 11 at The Little Happy Shop in Holland Village {Singapore}. A perfect Valentine's day gift for your special someone!

Hand-sewn iPhone cover with flap in felt

If you join me, you will learn to sew by hand a phone cover in felt with an embroidered initial {I won't stop you if you want to embroider a heart as well!}. I will teach you how to make a blanket stitch {to sew the sides of the cover} and a running stitch {usually used for embroidery}. You will learn to master these skills and hopefully you will enjoy it and continue at home!

I will have prepared a sewing kit for each participant including:
- a couple of felt pieces of different colors {we will sew one cover during the workshop and you can then practice at home and create many more pieces for yourself or as a gift}
- pattern of the cover
- needles
- embroidery threads of different colors
- two sheets of alphabets in different font sizes
- a pair of mini-scissors

Key point in the blanket stitch {or loop stitch}: the regularity between each space.

Not an easy task!

Cost of workshop: $36 {including take-home phone cover, and tools in the kit}
Date: Saturday, February 11
Time: from 1 to 3pm
Location: at The Little Happy Shop.
* In the event of more than 5 pax sign-ups, a bigger activity room will be booked nearby {at no extra cost to participants}.

Suitable for all, including children. This is a beginners' class, so it's completely fine if you are completely new to the needle and thread. We will practice first!
For more information, please contact me by leaving a comment, or by email: marie[at]etincellecreativestudio[dot]com
or Ruth at The Little Happy Shop: 6466-8995

Malaysia, the old and the new... /// Malaysie, l'ancien et le neuf

2012-01-10T11:56:00.001+08:00

A couple more pictures today of our trip to Malaysia... As in many other countries in Asia, I am always stunned at the contrast between high tech, brand new skyscrapers located next to century old building {this is especially true in Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok or Singapore}. Malaysia is no exception, and we could admire plenty of beautiful temples and colonial houses while in Melaka or Penang {check my other post here}.

A Chinese temple in Melaka

Wall of a colonial house in Penang

Details of a painting in a Chinese temple in Penang

Traditional house ware {the colors!}

And Kuala Lumpur is home to the famous Petronas twin towers, probably one of my favorite buildings in the world. It was designed by Cesar Pelli, an Argentinian American architect, in early 90s and completed in 1996. We still haven't been able to visit it {you have access to the sky bridge linking the two towers}.

The Petronas towers in KL

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Encore quelques photos de notre périple en Malaysie. Comme dans tant d'autres pays en Asie, je suis toujours étonnée de voir des gratte-ciels dernier cris à côté de batiments plusieurs fois centenaires {ceci est particulièrement vrai dans des villes comme Shanghai, Tokyo, Bangkok ou encore Singapour}. La Malaysie ne fait pas exception à la règle, et nous avons pu admirer de nombreux temples et de magnifiques maisons coloniales à Melaka et Penang {lire mon autre post ici}.

Quant à Kuala Lumpur, il y a les fameuses Petronas twin towers qui sont probablement une de mes constructions préférées dans le monde. Elles ont été conçues par l'architecte argentin-américain Cesar Pelli au début des années 90 et ne furent complétées qu'en 1996. C'est la deuxième fois que nous allons à KL mais nous n'avons encore pas réussi à visiter le pont qui relie les deux tours {il n'est pas possible de se rendre plus haut}.

Latest Bags... /// Dernières Creations...

2012-01-09T23:19:00.005+08:00

It's about time to reveal pictures of the five bags I have worked on last December {an order from Japan}... I have loved working on more than one bag at once, imagining a different story for each bag. I came up with funny names, which all reflects what I was thinking/ dreaming about while working on the embroidery.

I pretty much work following my inspiration, only planning ahead the colors of the linings, pompoms and an assortment of beads & sequins following a color theme. Let me know your favorite!

#1 Aurore Boreale

Probably my favorite among the five bags {with Un Après-midi à Paris bag}. Think of a rising sun above an iced landscape {if that makes any sense?}.

Colors: ice blue, white, light pink and silver

#2 Rose Bonbon

When I was a little girl growing up in my village, I used to love getting a chewing-gum called Malabar, which was of a bright pink color. I would get one for free every Wednesday at lunch time from the local épicerie... I could make the most fantastic bubbles with it!

Colors: Khaki, neon pink, silver and raspberry

#3 Rose Citron

The colors of this bag remind me of the homemade ice cream I ate when I was a little girl in France: strawberry and lemon.

Colors: neon green, raspberry, gold and lilac

#4 Soleil Couchant

Inspired by some of the most beautiful sunsets I have seen in my life in Malaysia and Indonesia...

Colors: yellow, turquoise, aqua and gold

#5 Un Après-midi à Paris

More precisely an afternoon of spring spent wandering in Le Marais, window shopping with my girlfriends and ending up in one of the lovely cafés for tea and pâtisserie {bien sûr}{my favorite being Le Loir dans la Théière by the way}.

Colors: beige, salmon, aqua and neon pink

Feel free to share with me your comments! These bags are not yet on sale, but they will be available in the online shop of my friend Mai in Japan: Tavolo Tavola. Watch out!

PS :: One bag is currently available in my Etsy shop {here}. Click on the link to have a look...

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Il est grand temps de partager avec vous des photos des 5 sacs realisés en décembre l'année dernière pour une commande en provenance du Japon... J'ai beaucoup aimé travailler sur plusieurs sacs en même temps, rêvant à une histoire pour chacun d'entre eux. Du coup ils ont des noms un peu bizarres, un peu rigolos qui reflètent bien mon état d'esprit au moment où je les ai brodé.

Je suis principalement mon inspiration du jour lorsque je travaille, ne décidant en avance que de la couleur des doublures, pompoms et effectuant une sélection de perles de verres et de sequins selon ma gamme de couleurs. Alors, quel est votre préféré?

©Photos by me - please give credit if you want to use them

We are back... /// De retour...

2012-01-06T11:46:00.000+08:00

Hello 2012!

Happy New Year to you dear readers, I've loved interacting with you on the blog in 2011 and I feel that this year will be pretty awesome with many exciting projects already lining up!

I am back from my short holiday trip. It was great, although not extremely {<- read not at all} restful with the little ones in tow. In case you didn't know, we went on a road trip for 9 days in Malaysia. We rented a car in Johor Bahru which is the first city when you get out of Singapore, and travelled on the west coast. First to the city of Melaka, then to the Cameron Highlands {where we stayed in a little farm}, then to the island of Penang further north. We went back to Kuala Lumpur at the end of our trip and further explored this big city. I was lucky enough to meet up with my blogger friend Fenny of F for Fabulous and we had a lovely lunch {and a long chat}{thank you Fenny!}...

I am not usually posting many family related photos on Etincelle, so if you want to discover more about our trip, head over to my other blog {here}. In the meantime you can appreciate some pretty pix and awesome color combinations I spotted on houses and Chinese temples in Penang.

©All photos were taken by me in Penang {Malaysia}.

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Je vous souhaite une excellente année chers lectrices/ lecteurs! J'ai beaucoup aimé lire vos commentaires sur le blog en 2011 et je sens que 2012 sera une année exceptionnelle et pleine de projets {dont certains déja en route...}.

Je suis de retour à Singapour après une petite escapade en famille en Malaysie toute proche. C'était génial, mais pas vraiment relax de voyager avec les deux petits {5 et 2 ans le mois prochain}. Juste au cas où, nous avons loué une voiture à Johor Barhu {première ville malaysienne lorsqu'on quitte Singapour} et exploré la côte ouest pendant 9 jours. La première escale était Melaka, puis les Cameron Highlands {où nous sommes restés dans une "ferme"} puis l'île de Penang plus au nord. Ensuite retour sur Kuala Lumpur que nous avons parcouru pendant quelques jours. J'ai aussi eu la chance de rencontrer une amie blogger, Fenny du blog F for Fabulous et nous avons papoter un bon moment devant un très bon déjeuner... {merci Fenny!}

Je ne poste que rarement des photos familiales sur ce blog, si cela vous intéresse, allez voir de ce côté-ci: Frimousse. Ci-dessus des photos de portes et détails de temples dont les couleurs m'inspirent.

Season's Greetings

2011-12-26T22:53:00.001+08:00

I wish you all a Merry Christmas, a beautiful holiday and a Happy New Year! It's time for me to take a little break {I really need it}. We are heading to Malaysia for a road trip. Leaving tomorrow morning, YEAHH!!

Last year I was in my beautiful village in France, and it was Christmas under the snow: beautiful and magical. This year we were in Singapore, and it was Christmas under the rain... not as beautiful nor magical but most important were the people I was blessed to be with :-)

Blogging activity will resume in January 9, 2012 <- I'm looking forward to the new year, how about you?

Much love to all,
Marie

Credit Photo: Alexandra Brandelet

Dressed Up in Polka Dots

2011-12-22T22:19:00.002+08:00

Here I am after a very long absence on the blog! How is everyone doing?

I have been working day and night lately to complete all my orders, in particular these four gorgeous little dresses. My client had asked me two Christmas dresses for her daughters, and she fell in love with the prototypes I made in polka dots cotton {first three photos}. Since there was very little to change after the fitting, I was able to make two lovely summer dresses out of my prototypes!

Cream & dusty pink polka dot cotton fabric

A-shape dress/ size 3-4Y

Chocolate & ballet pink polka dot dress with its sweet pink bow {back}/ size 4-5Y

The challenge was to find fabrics "warm" enough for the Italian winter... Singapore is hot and humid all year round and it never gets colder than 28 degrees over here! I finally opted for polka dots materials in a thick cotton {from Japan} and lined the dresses with a matching red bemsilk lining.

Red & cream polka dot dress/ size 4-5Y

Laura insisted to have her Christmas dress with a bow too,

so I created one similar to her sister's.

Red and cream {tiny} polka dot dress/ size 3-4Y

I now have to make one more dress for my own daughter. I purchased a polka dot fabric similar to Laura's dress, but in a lighter cotton suiting the tropical weather. I am starting it tonight!

Sweet Gifts {For Home}

2011-12-15T14:25:00.000+08:00

Hand screen printed pillow by barkdecor - US$38

Check out barkdecor gorgeous Etsy shop, they have plenty of other lovely things for home, for you or him...

My Handmade Christmas Paper Goods

2011-12-13T09:08:00.000+08:00

Here I am with the pictures of the paper goods I made last Saturday at our Etsy Craft Party. I only used material/ tools provided by others and some I am not used to {such as the rivets for the gift tags}. I had a blast with the block stamps and the tiny white dot stickers... I hope it will inspire you to get creative this Christmas with your gift wrapping and decorating!

More Christmas wrapping inspiration {here}, {here} and {here}.

Etsy Christmas Craft Party {Report}

2011-12-12T14:54:00.001+08:00

Hi everyone,

Last Saturday took place our first Christmas Craft Party. It was held by Katrina of KatrinaAlana and myself as we are both leaders of the Singapore Etsy Team. Seven of us were able to attend the party and we spend a really good afternoon crafting our heads off Christmas cards, gift tags or wrapping paper. We didn't have time to cover the felt ornaments, but it's only postponed to the next event!

We charged a fee of S$10 to cover the cost of materials and refreshments. All of us also contributed some of our own crafting tools/ supplies and we ended up with an amazing choice of stamps, paper, strings, glitter etc...

from top left to bottom left, clockwise:

1. Baker's twine available here 2. A gift package by Katrina

3. Susan is cutting a snowflake to decorate her Christmas card

4. Choice of handmade rubber stamps by Katrina

Attending the craft party were: Melanie of magsbeadscreation, Claire of FellowFellow, Lisa of florigamigirl, Susan of tiramisuzy, Ktarina & Lex of KatrinaAlana and myself.

from left: Melanie, Claire, Lisa, Marie and Katrina {Lex is taking the pic}

Susan had already left when we remembered to take a group picture!

We are already planning the next craft party which should be held either in January or February next year. Theme: Valentine's day! You can keep updated thanks to this thread in the team, or on the team's Facebook page.

I hope more of the Singapore Team members will be able to join next time...

I have done a little styling of the items I have made at the party and will share my pics tomorrow, stay tuned!

{Interview with} Anna of Around My Table

2011-12-09T14:00:00.000+08:00

It's time for my {Interview with} column today... I missed it last week, busy as I am. I am happy to welcome my friend Anna of Around My Table, we had planned this interview for a couple of months already but Anna moved to Europe in between which delayed it.

I met Anna in Singapore and we very quickly became friends as we both love planning parties. She designed the horse party set for the birthday I styled last June, remember? Anna is blogging over at Around My Table and she also recently started an Etsy shop selling printable party sets. She certainly has an eye for interior decoration as well, what a talented lady indeed!

Anna of Around my Table

ECS: What got youstarted with the blogging world, and why/ when did you start a blog?

I've started bloggingafter moving to Singapore in 2009/2010. I was in great need to find new friendsand keep in touch with my relatives and friends that are spread all around theworld. I've always wished I could organize tea parties around my table :) sothat we could chat, plan, dream and share ideas about everything creative. I'vealways loved taking photos of beautiful places and things so I thought ofsharing that as well on my blog. But as you can see I have no specific target,I blog about various things, a bit of travel, food, inspiring interiors, photography,party designs. Mix and match of all that I like :)

Anna's interior in her new home in Poland {source}

and photo of autumn leaves {source}

ECS: You starteddesigning party sets a while ago... do you consider yourself a "partyqueen"? do you like to entertain at home?

True, party designingwas something I've been doing for some time but was never ready to show it off,and I've never considered myself a 'party queen' :) I wish I was one, buthonestly there is never enough time to prepare everything to the last detailand to perfection or as I would have imagined it to be.

I do like entertainingat home, but again I wish I could do that more. The expat life definitelyhelps, as people are in need of socializing with people in the same situation,being somewhere just for a while. I've always tried to make the best out of it. So there were often kids parties, BBQ, picnics, theme dinners etc...

Butterfly party set by Around My Table©

ECS: Where do you shoponline for party goods? Any favorite shops in Singapore?

I don't, I tryto make most of it myself, I buy supplies like ribbons and fabrics on ArabStreet in Singapore, my favorite place :) I also like Little India forinteresting items.

Race car party set by Around My Table©

-> ECS: I remember buying these "race car" theme ribbons with you at the ribbon shop in Arab Street!

ECS: Do you havesources of inspiration on the web {blogs, website, e-magazines etc...} that youwould like to share with us?

The best option is to head over to my blog, where you can find all that I like and allthat inspires me :).

A nautical birthday party by Around My Table©

-> ECS: I particularly like the nautical party that Anna planned for her little boy when he turned 3. The color scheme, the details... it feels very "homemade" and simple but with very stylish details {for example the cutlery in the napkins & basket}.

ECS: As usual, I have asked Anna to share with us a couple of her Etsy favorite shops. Here below is a Mini gift guide of items I have picked among her fav sellers.

Imight shop for Christmas gifts in these gorgeous shops on Etsy: theblackapple, BabyBuntingUk, ThirtyfiveFlowers, lovahandmade or FreyaArt!

from top to bottom, left to right:

1. A Winter's ride 2. For you my dear 3. Dala horse felt ornaments

4. Christmas bunting 5. Coin purse

-> ECS: I'm loving the greeting cards and the felt ornaments... so colorful and sweet!

ECS: Tell us of anup-coming exciting project, or what do you dream to achieve with Around My Table... or anything else...

I have just completed two party sets on my belovedtheme - Christmas! My ideas and dreamsare great but they should come to life once my own life will be more stable. I have recently moved to Europe {between Germany and Poland as I have families in both places and I try to spendequal time here and there} and next year should bring another change or move! You can imagine how difficult it is to expand my business seriously so I mainly do it for fun right now :-)

Khussa shoes from Dubai {source} & stunning photographs

of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi {source}

SPECIAL OFFER TO MY READERS
Anna is offering a super duper cute FREE printable to you my dear readers: Christmas cupcake toppers that are matching Anna's Christmas party set. Click on the photo to save the file and print it.
-> The cupcake toppers match a 2" scallop puncher if you wish to have them round.

Thank you so much Anna for your generosity, you are always welcome here on Etincelle Creative Studio. We wish you good luck in your new venture, and a very Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Around my Table :: Blog :: Shop :: Facebook :: Twitter

Coming later today...

2011-12-09T11:08:00.001+08:00

I have a lovely interview of my friend Anna of Around my Table coming up later today with some free goodie... Stay tuned!

It's coming up, you don't want to miss it!

Sweet Gifts

2011-12-08T08:30:00.000+08:00

I have three sisters and many girlfriends... I am sure more than one of them would love this gorgeous necklace...

Rainboots necklace by urbanlegend - US$25

Poppytalk Handmade {BROOKLYNrehab}

2011-12-07T13:30:00.000+08:00

The new Poppytalk Handmade Market is live and as I was mentioning on my Facebook page yesterday, there are tons of handmade goodies awaiting to be purchased!

I feel like highlighting the work of BROOKLYNrehab today, not just because their creations are handmade, vintage or reclaimed treasures but also because I love Alyssa's photo styling!

Here above is a selection for nearly everyone in the family!

1. For dad's home office 2. Vase for mum's flowers

3. Holiday ornaments for big sis 4. Chalkboard animals for the little one

BROOKLYNrehab :: Shop

My Christmas Tree + Gift Wrapping

2011-12-07T09:32:00.001+08:00

I couldn't manage to get this post up and live yesterday as promised but here it is: snapshots of presents I'm going to send to my family this week + my Christmas tree! I have been sticking to very traditional colors this year again, just adding felt decorations that were part of a handmade Advent calendar I purchased at the Christmas fair last week {from Good Shepherd Sisters Bangkok}. I should have taken pix of those before putting them on the tree!

I like being creative and play with colors, papers, ribbons and stickers/ masking tapes when wrapping gifts... as you can see! My gift tags were purchased in a shop and not handmade.

I hope I inspired you for your own gift wrapping this year! Join our Etsy Craft Party this Saturday afternoon and bring 1 or 2 gifts to wrap, I will show you how to replicate it!
Sign in {here}.

Xmas in Gold, Pink, Vintage {Pinterested}

2011-12-05T08:30:00.000+08:00

Hello!

I haven't been very good at blogging lately, and the only reason is really that I just didn't take the time to prepare my posts ahead and got carried away rather quickly. This week however, despite a tight working schedule, I will resume blogging to normal. Which means a Pinterested post today, one about making Xmas cards and tags on Tuesday, my picks from the current Poppytalk Handmade Market on Wednesday, my Sweet Gifts column on Thursday and an {Interview with} post on Friday. You have been warned!

Everybody must be into holiday decoration by now and I want to share a bit of my Christmas inspiration board on Pinterest. I am also taking this opportunity to introduce you to one of my new favorite blogs: Citrusandorange. Susana lives in an enchanting house in Portugal and although she's not a full-time stylist, she really should be. What an eye for color candy displays, not to mention her dessert tables!

Gorgeous pictures of a Christmas in pink & gold by Citrusandorange

I have decorated my tree last weekend {in traditional red & silver colors}, but how much would I give for these splendid vintage baubles {above and below}. They are true memories of my childhood, and I want to start a collection as soon as possible. I have checked with my mum, and thank you, she hasn't thrown away hers {remember, she also kept nearly all of our toys/ books/ clothes -> Maman, you rock!}.

Anyway another blogger who rocks is Yvonne of The Yvestown blog, and if you are not already reading her blog, start now {ok, you can finish reading my post first, haha}.

Her home seems to be another enchanting place, and her collection of vintage baubles is certainly enchanting ME.

Xmas as seen on The Yvestown blog {here}

I would love to share with you some pictures of my own tree, but I can't seem to take proper ones yet. It's very difficult with the lights and no flash as my home isn't particularly bright...
I will try harder, I promise!

Happy week ♥

A Craft Party {Etsy Singapore Team}

2011-12-04T23:56:00.001+08:00

My blog is also here to inform, and I want to let you know that Katrina of KatrinaAlana and myself have been promoted leaders of the Singapore Etsy Team at the end of last month by Richard of UniqueGrabs, the captain of the team {thank you Richard!}.

We are working hard on reviving the team and the craft spirit in Singapore and we are kicking the season of with a craft party on Saturday afternoon, December 10, 2011. It will start at 2pm until about 5pm and take place in the function room of my condominium.

Activities will be the following:
- Christmas cards making
- Gift wrapping
- Decorating gift tags
- Felt ornaments making {to decorate your windows, gifts, walls etc...}

We will provide all materials {but feel free to bring along some if you have} and there will be some food and beverages. There is a flat fee of S$10 to participate to this event.

All information {here} and you can register {here}.

Join us!

About packaging {Etsy Meet-Up}

2011-12-02T10:55:00.001+08:00

It's about time for me to write a blog post about our last Etsy meet-up! It took place at The Pigeon Hole cafe last Tuesday. Sylvia of BonChat Boutique, Yen of Yen Paintings, Sandy of The Cookie Cutter and Melanie of MagsBeadsCreation were able to attend it and we had a lovely time exchanging tips and information about the subject of the day: PACKAGING.

View of my Pinterest board dedicated to packaging

{here}

Today I want to share with you all who couldn't attend the meet-up several ideas and resources {on & offline} to improve your packaging {and your branding at the same time!}.

1. WRAPPING PAPER

That's what comes to my mind first: no easier way to create a stunning packaging than using a lovely wrapping paper. If it's too costly to offer it for free in your shop, nobody is stopping you to charge a minimum fee! {this seller is doing it very well here}

Wrapping paper by Minimega via Polli blog

You can also buy cute papers when they are on sale, or in shop such at Daiso {where everything costs only $2} or Ikea.

2. CUSTOMIZE YOUR BLANK WRAPPING PAPER

If you follow this blog, you might remember a recent post about how to use rubber stamps to enhance your packaging {catch it up here}.

1. via Martha Stewart 2. gift tags via cute tape

All you need is a rather beautiful stamp with an intricate design {plenty are available on Etsy: here, here or here}, blank paper and an ink pad!

3. RUBBER STAMPS {again}

That you can carve yourself or get made following your logo/ message. Here below are a few examples, including a lovely hand-carved "Thank You" stamp by Katrina:

Handmade rubber stamps by KatrinaAlana {source}

Invest in your business, and make sure that you have looked at every aspect of the branding {labels, business cards, coupon code for returning customers, etc...}

Custom made stamps for your Etsy business {here and here}

-> Shop for rubber stamps now.

4. REUSE, RECYCLE

Why not recycle beautiful wrapping paper/ bags that have been offered to you in the past? Leslie of A Creative Mint is showing us how to in this post.

Source

-> Shop locally for Baker's twine {here}.

And yet another easy {although time consuming, we agree} way to decorate your gifts:

Source via Oh Happy Day

5. MASKING TAPES!

I only started using masking tapes a year ago after my sister offered me some for Christmas. It's the easiest way to decorate everything {from notebook to letters, packaging, walls, windows etc...}. I absolutely love mine!

Source here, here and the last one is by Sandy of Cookie Cutter

-> Shop for masking tapes here.

6. STICKERS

My daughter introduced me to the wonderful world of stickers... there isn't a day without stickers when sh'e around... Another easy way to enhance your packaging, and your BRANDING!

Thank you stickers by PrettyTape

Here below is a good example of what I mean by branding your shop: everything is coordinated, and the set includes address labels and circle stickers.

Gorgeous work by GingerStudio on Etsy

7. WAX SEALS

More traditional way to enhance a packaging/ letter: wax seals. Again a bit more costly, so feel free to charge an extra fee for packaging if you want. Lovely for illustration or paintings.

Wax seal and baker's twine set by KatrinaAlana

8. PAPER DOILIES

There are many inexpensive ways to decorate with doilies. I have selected the ones below as I found them a bit more unique that what I have seen so far. I am using them a lot :-)

Source here and here

-> More on paper doilies here.

9. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX

Infuse your own creativity into your packaging. You shouldn't stop yourself at creating a stunning piece of art or beautiful jewelry. As a designer and artist selling online, you MUST use every possible way to charm your customers.

Check the last issue of NEET Magazine for a D.I.Y. gift box - from p.148

Lovely packagings for jewelry 1. 2. 3.

I think I am done this year with packaging! I hope you enjoyed this {long} post. It took me a while to prepare it as I had so much to share ;-)

Happy weekend!

Personalize your Mini Me Doll!

2011-12-01T08:30:00.000+08:00

I had promise a couple of weeks ago a new member in the Mini Me dolls family... you can now personalize your doll by choosing the name/ word/ short message to be hand-embroidered in the heart on her belly.

I will soon have other fabric option for these dolls... stay tuned!

Click here for shopping these dolls, and here to see the whole family!

I realize every single doll using cotton fabrics I source while travelling or from my local market. The lace trim in cotton used to enhanced the face and heart are hand-sewn and so are the face features of each doll.

If you have something in mind and you aren't sure if it's possible to realize the embroidery {a word in a foreign language, a message that may be too long?}, it's best to contact me firsthand before making your purchase: marie[at]etincellecreativestudio[dot]com.

I hope to hearing from you!\

xoxo

New Bag {Custom order}

2011-11-30T17:04:00.001+08:00

I am excited to show you pictures of my latest bag... a custom order for a young lady currently based in Australia... I have created a couple of new pieces recently and it's always the same excitement to complete one bag. I have started to include beads in my embroideries, and larger sequins as well.

Short-handled net shopper bag with hand-embroidery using sequins and beads

I have one more bag which should be completed and listed in my Etsy shop tomorrow {December 1st already!!}... when I tell you I'm working hard, I am not joking!

And guess what? I just only realized that I forgot to take pictures of the two bags I sold at the Christmas fair last Saturday. Oh dear...

Polka Dots & Macaroons

2011-11-28T11:40:00.001+08:00

Hello!

How was your weekend?

The Christmas fair I participated to is over, and it went very well, thank you! I still have a lot on my plate though before the holiday starts and it's nice this way... I like to keep busy!

I created this very christmassy pouch last week, I couldn't resist to the polka dots! it gathered a lot of attention at fair, and since I have some left, I will be listing one in my Etsy shop today.

How much do you like polka dots? {and macaroons}

{Interview with} Mable of Happee Monkee

2011-11-25T06:30:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone,

It's Friday and time for a little interview of an artist on Etsy I admire and I'm friend with... Today I am welcoming Mable of Happee Monkee and her absolutely gorgeous photography. Mable has traveled Europe and it shows on her pics. She's also an avid food lover.

We have loads in common!

Mable and her sweetheart... {via}

ECS: Mable,please kindly introduce yourself, your work, where are you currently living andanything else you would like to share about your background? (travels etc…)

Hi! I’m Mable and I’m the creator of HappeeMonkee.I’m a freelance photographer and travel writer (copywriter, and when needed,book editor) that sometimes lives out of her suitcase. I’m very fortunate to bemarried to a lovely man who brings me along his travel. My job is to cook andgive him head scratches.

2012 calendar by Happee Monkee {here}

ECS: Whatare your sources of inspiration for blogging and creating your lovely photographs?

Michelangelo said David was already in the stoneand all he needed to do was chip the rest away. It’s the same with photography.I firmly believe that the shot is already there,I capture the essence and shareits glory. God gives us so much beauty and good wherever we go and so, our jobis to see beauty in everything.

ECS: Howdid you get started on Etsy? Is it your day job or do you have anotheractivity?

Long story short, my husband and I were postedto a small town in Sweden for six months and I needed something to occupymyself with. I’m a wordsmith as well, so occasionally I do some writing formagazines or copywriting for fashion catalogues. I find myself needing a goodbalance between words and visual. I love taking photos and I love writing,can’t live without one or the other!

ECS: Notonly do you run your Etsy shop but also a great blog with super good recipes (Ihave tested a few of them…). Tell us more about it.

Haha… In 2006 I had just moved to Melbourne(from Malaysia). I didn’t have a job or many friends but I had all this creativeenergy in me. Having worked in a magazine house for years, I learned how tostyle food. So the blog was an outlet for me to express myself. Moving out ofhome meant I had to learn to cook for myself and as I explored different recipes,I thought, ‘Hey, why not document it so I’d remember what I did?’

ECS: Doyou have plans to expand your brand? Feel free to share any of your ongoingprojects and dreams!

I’m passionate about writing a cookbook. I trulybelieve that everyone should learn how to cook because it’s healthier and somuch fun. There is huge satisfaction when I’ve just made something fromscratch. And I think (not unlike Auguste Gusteau, from Ratatouille)‘Wowthat was easy! If I can do it, anyone can!’

I want to write a cookbook for teenagers oryoung adults who have moved out of home for the first time. I think there’sjust too much junk around us. And why eat junk when you can have beefbourguignon?

ECS: Are you celebrating Christmas? Are you decorating your home? Any tips?

This is in fact the first time I’m celebratingChristmas. We’re celebrating with Gavin’s family this year and we just broughtout the Christmas tree. I love a silver and navy blue theme. Ever since I was akid, I had always wanted to decorate a Christmas tree. I’m Chinese so weusually have red, red and red at Chinese New Year. For once, I can actuallyhave a different colour scheme!

ECS: Now I am asking you to pick up among your favorites on ETSY (6items from one or different shops) as a mini-gift guide for Christmas for myreaders.

Mini Gift Guide, from top to bottom, left to right

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

ECS: Last,what are your favorite items in your own shop?

Hooray!I love promoting my shop. I’m really proud of my photos. It gives me great joyto look at and serve people from all over the world. My thoughts are, ‘Thesephotos make me really happy, I hope they make others happy too!’

Ilove Venice so very much. I would love to go back. It’s such a beautiful place.I don’t care if it’s touristy or sinking, it is just amazing.

This was taken in Florence. Italy is gorgeous!

Ihave too many favourites because each photo represents a very special memory. Isee it and I remember the sight, smell and what I was doing at that moment.It’s like looking through a family album. I have one last photo to share; thiswas taken in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles, Paris. It was a dream come trueto walk through this hall.

Mable is very happy to share with you readers the following offers:

ECStudio readers and Twitter followers willreceive 10% off any purchase with this coupon HAPPEE10.

Note: For one day - on Cyber Monday(28/11/2011), as part of team FPOE (Female Photographers on Etsy), HappeeMonkeeis offering 20% off all the goodies. Just enter FPOE2011 at checkout.

{Happee Shopping!}

Thank you so much Mable for sharing so much of you and the "behind the scene" of your beautiful photographs with us today. Your photographs bring loads of memories to me (Italy, Paris...).

I am leaving you all wishing everyone a great weekend, and with this lovely message:

{here}

Happee Monkee :: Blog :: Shop :: Twitter :: Facebook

Birch Color Palette {Bloesem Blog}

2011-11-22T15:51:00.001+08:00

My color palette is live on Bloesem Blog today! here is a teaser...

I chose birch as a color and collected gorgeous finds for you. Hop now to Bloesem for the full picture and the links to purchase these tastefully designed objects... Enjoy!

Busy Bee {Bags}

2011-11-22T15:26:00.001+08:00

Hello people,

I am still alive {thanks God} but physically unable to maintain the blog this week... I am attending a Christmas fair this coming Friday and Saturday and I am one very busy bee at the moment. On top of it all my youngest has been sick for a while now, and you all know what it means... sleepless nights and many many {too many} days spent at home with two bored little ones. NO FUN.

NEW :: neon pink shopper bag

Anyway on a bright note, I have been sewing up a storm over here, and I now have 9 Mini Me dolls, new pouches and matching iPhone sleeves and even better: 3 new shopper bags! I won't list anything on my Etsy shop before the fair {except perhaps the Mini Me dolls with personalized names} so if you'd like to see what's new, come visit me on Friday/ Saturday!

TANGLIN TRUST CHRISTMAS FAIR

95, Portsdown Road

Venue: Berrick Performance Hall, Level 2

(behind the Junior school)

Friday, November 25 from 8am till 4pm

Saturday, November 26 from 10am till 4pm

Also I will be holding our monthly Etsy meet-up tomorrow evening {Wednesday, November 23} from 8pm at The Pigeon Hole cafe in Duxton Road. We will talk about packaging, Christmas promotions and conduct shop critiques if requested. Bring whatever materials you are using for wrapping your orders and branding your shop. Join, it's FREE!

{Interview with} Katrina of KatrinaAlana

2011-11-18T08:41:00.000+08:00

It's already time for {Interview with} as it's Friday today! I am so pleased to welcome Katrina and Lex of Katrina Alana, a sweet couple from Philippines currently living and working in Singapore. We met through Etsy and keep on bumping into each other around the city {at MAAD or Public Garden fleas, or at the rubber stamp workshop recently held at The Little Happy Shop}. It seems like we have similar interests in life...

Lex & Katrina

ECS: Katrina, please kindly introduce yourself,your work, where are you currently living and what brought you to Singapore.What did you study? What is your background?

Katrina Alana is a family shop run by husbandand wife team, Lex and Katrina. We moved here for work since it was the nextstep in our careers. We both studied Information Technology at university wherewe met.

Wooden wax seal & wax stick set {left} and custom wax seal {right}

ECS: What are your sources of inspiration for designingyour lovely creations? Where do you source your materials?

Part ofthe work that we do is custom design and our clients usually have an idea aboutwhat they want. We come up with idea boards from trends that we see online andwe drop by the nearest library to do research. This process is the basis forour designs and most of our ideas. We usually source most of ourmaterials overseas as most items are difficult to find locally.

from top left to right, clockwise:

Bakers twine - Wax seal stamp & wax beads set,

Custom wax seal - Wax seal & bakers twine packaging set

ECS: How did you get started on Etsy?

We knewabout Etsy for years and we only joined last year because we were focusing onpromotion for our own website. We decided to give it a shot a year after welaunched our business since we weren't getting the growth we wanted from ourown site. We've been very happy with what we've accomplished partnering withEtsy as a seller.

How to use your wax seal

ECS: Do you have plans to expand your brand? Feelfree to share any of your ongoing projects and dreams!

We do.We're planning on adding several specialty items by January and wewill be opening a custom stamp shop and an illustration shop in the upcomingmonths.

Katrina is also making her own rubber stamp! {Source}

Katrina & Lex designed and made their own Save the Date & wedding invitations...

they are so talented! {source}

ECS: I know Christmas is a very big celebrationin Philippines. How do you celebrate Christmas this year? Are you decoratingyour home? Any tips?

Christmasstarts at September for us. I know it may be weird for some people to hear butin the Philippines, Christmas is such a huge holiday that we sort ofunofficially start it as soon as the months end in "ber" likeSeptember and only consider it over after the Three Kings holiday which isusually in January. This is true for both our families and we havememories of our mothers decorating the house super early and takingthe décors off the next year. We are putting up a tree this year butthat's it since we will be going back home for the holidays where thedecorations are off the charts.

ECS: I have asked you topick up among your favorites on ETSY (6 items from one ordifferent shops) in order to create a mini-gift guide for Christmas for my readers. Tell me if I am wrong Katrina, I guess your favorite color is yellow...

Three picks by Katrina:

'hello" sign, vintage kimono silk & fresh water pearl necklace, illustration

Three picks by Lex {I love Moustache George too, and I am adopting it next week...}

Miniature Monster , My universe , Moustache George cushion

ECS: Last, what are your favorite items inyour own shop?

Katrina:My favourite item in the shop is the wax seal. I always wanted tohave one as a kid and I still can't believe that we own a shop that sellssomething from my childhood.

Lex: Definitely thewax seals. We still write letters and send them by mail. It adds a specialtouch to each message I send.

Wax seal stamp set

It's Christmas soon, and it means gift time: for any purchase from KatrinaAlana, receive 5 yards of Baker's twine WITH wooden spool! Exclusive promotion to readers of Etincelle Creative Studio :-)
Type coupon code EtincelleStudioReader at check out. Shop now!

Thank you so much Katrina and Lex for allowing me to feature you on the blog. I am a big fan of your work and will continue to support you in your new ventures!

KatrinaAlana :: Blog :: Shop 1 :: Shop 2 :: Facebook :: Twitter

Sweet Gifts {for Me}

2011-11-17T10:30:00.001+08:00

I fall for the GORGEOUS bags and purses by Alexandra Ritchie, a designer based in the French country side. It was hard to pick only one sweet gift out of her collection, but I DO need a leather clutch and this one would fit the bill perfectly...

Dark blue leather clutch by Byloom and Hyde - US$115

A day at the market {Public Garden}

2011-11-14T13:46:00.001+08:00

A bit more than a week ago took place the second Public Garden flea market {I attended the #1 as a seller, remember?}... it was a delight to be there as a visitor and browse every stalls. I want to share with you some really good finds, labels I knew and great discoveries....

nana & bird

"A multi-label boutique that stocks fashion and lifestyle products curated by co-founders, ... Georgina Koh and Tan Chiew Ling." Here below are three of my favorites, but feel free to browse and discover labels otherwise not available in Singapore. Fantastic!

Leather jewlery pieces by Emma Ware {left and right}, shawl blazer by Aijek {middle}

Milk Bar

Sandra Liao's venture into baking yummy pies, cupcakes and preserves. The cupcakes only were available at the market, and how good it was... I bought two thinking my daughter would enjoy tasting one, but ended up eating them both when I learned she was already having ice cream with her dad!

The little DRöM STORE

Who doesn't know this great shop located in Ann Siang Hill? Independent publisher and gallery shop, The little DRöM STORE is a hidden gem off the beaten track that will surprise and inspire you. And if you are not based in Singapore, the web store is there to help you!

Matryoshka dolls by Ingela Arrhenius , Origami squirrel brooch, Duo triangle necklace

The Occasional Traveller

Jac is 'an ordinary Singaporean with the occasional need to pack her bags and get away'. We first met at MAAD market {I think} and I love how well curated her little shop is. The occasional traveller I have become {it was much easier to travel the world before having kids} enjoys the sight of the Geographia blogs and I wouldn't mind a proper passport holder either!

Geographia globes, leather passport holder

I also wanted to highlight other favorite sellers {and friends} such as stationery queen Katrina Alana {here and here}, handbags & accessories label Veira, little girls clothing label Sparrow, and new other local handmade/ vintage online shops: Merrimakers, Wishfulthinking and Roccoco Kent.

Shop handmade, shop local!

Work in progress {Sneak Peek}

2011-11-11T14:30:00.000+08:00

I figured I would share with you one of the projects I am working on at the moment... A lovely Moroccan bag in turquoise, aqua, mint and silver colors. I have nearly completed the embroidery, I will then select the pompom trim and the lining. Do you like it?

Turquoise Moroccan bag

* hand embroidery with aqua, mint & silver sequins and silver & turquoise beads *

Here below is the selection of mesh bags currently available for customization. I have long and short handles bags but I am also currently working on proposing the bags with different handles {in leather, transparent plexiglas, bamboo...}.

I am still taking orders for Christmas, feel free to contact me: marie[at]etincellecreativestudio[dot]com

Interview with Ryan of {The Blooming Thread}

2011-11-11T08:30:00.000+08:00

It's been a long time since I last had an interview of a creative friend over here... I am kicking of this column once again during this holiday season and will introduce you to some of my favorite Etsy sellers/ friends. I am also asking each of them to share with you a mini Christmas gift guide...

Ryan & her Mr.

Starting today with Ryan of The Blooming Thread, a wonderful little shop all about flower accessories & home decor.

ECS: Hi Ryan, would you please kindly introduce yourself, where you are currently living and what you are doing.

Hello! My name is Ryanand I am a daughter, sister, aunt, girlfriend and friend. I count myselfblessed most of all to be surrounded by people I love. After those things, I ama designer, small business owner of now two growing Etsy shops {The Blooming Threadand Filix}, traveler, vintage collector and an avid coffee drinker. Icurrently live in a very small town north of Santa Barbara CA, in a smallSpanish bungalow just between the mountains and the sea. My town alsohappens to be the flower seed capital of the world, so it's easy to see howflowers and nature play a role in my work.

Champagne silk & organza flower brooch

ECS: What are your sources of inspiration for blogging and making your lovely creations?

I started my blog as away to start conversing more personally with my customers. Littledid I know, not only would it become a face to 'The Blooming Thread' shop, buta burning source of inspiration for me. I am absolutely amazed at the potentialwe have to dream and create, and seeing how my fellow bloggers/designershave achieved this in their work, homes, and lives inspires medaily! Whether its making your house a cozy home, finding a new dinner recipe,or spotting stylish ladies from all over the world. I also spend waytoo much time on my Pinterest boards!

Citrus scented embroidered sachet

ECS: How did you get started on Etsy and did you have a formal training in sewing?

I have absolutely noformal training in sewing! I purchased a large messenger bag a few years ago touse as a school bag while attending college. My mom had given me a vintagestationary set that had the most beautiful floral design on thin rice paper and the two came together with a basket of colored thread, I've neverstopped stitching since. It still remains one of my favorite bags and it makesmy heart glow to still receive such wonderful compliments when it ventures tocoffee shops and bookstores with me. My Etsy shop came about lastyear when my boyfriend suggested I give it a try. I think he was getting alittle nervous with my stitching taking over my house! With my shop continuingto grow, I'm happy to share I'll be launching my own embroidered tote bagcollection this winter. Stay tuned!

Gray bubble crochet clutch

ECS: How do you celebrate Christmas this year? Are you decorating your home? any tips?

I am looking forwardto spending this Christmas in my new home! so much I moved into my littlespanish bungalow after the beginning of the year, so this will be my firstholiday season there. This time of year my family and I make sure toenjoy the season, but most importantly to honor God and the greatest blessingof all, his son Jesus. I'm excited for the smell of a fresh pine tree in myliving room, and having all my dear ones come decorate and drink cocoa with me.We usually have old christmas movies or a Frank Sinatra holiday cd playing in thebackground. My home will become a little winter wonderland! I'llbe sharing lots of decorating tips and ideas on my blog so please comevisit!

Hot pink felt flower brooch

ECS: I have asked you to pick up 6 of your favorite items on Etsy that would make a great gift for family members, friends, colleagues. Your selection is great, I personally love the Mini Goals chalkboard ;-)

Oh, picking just a fewitems was so hard but these are some of my favorites that I think would makeperfect gifts! I wear the knot ring everyday...

from top to bottom, left to right:

turquoise key hook hanger, proposal mug, mini goals chalkboard

vintage heart locket necklace, knot ring in gold, custom painted travel mug

ECS: I am curious to know what are you favorite items in your own shop. I have picked up my 4 favorites to illustrate this post (the 4 top photos). Please share with us which one are yours!
My twofavorite hair pin sets {here} and {here}.
I am in absolute lovewith these new enamel lockets from my Filix shop! This coral color is myfavorite, but I love wearing all the other too. It's such a fun way to add alittle unexpected pop of color to an outfit!

I have this scented sachet inmy office and I love the soft, relaxing smell of lavender. There are also otherscents available.

I also have a new lineof brooches and this color is hard for me not to love! I am always wearingsomething floral so there lots of cool colors to play with in my shop.

I love your packaging Ryan!

Do you fancy anything from The Blooming Thread? Ryan is happy to extend a 20% discount to all of you, my dear readers:

Please share the promocode "BLOOMINGFRIENDS" for 20% off on your entire purchase (shipping fees not included).

I am also inviting you to pay a visit to Ryan's new venture on Etsy. It's called Filix as mentioned above and it's all about sweet jewelry pieces such as this gorgeous pair of earrings below.

Tropical beaded hoops with gold plated pendants {here}

Thank you so much Ryan for replying to my questions so kindly, I am happy to have your gorgeous creations featured on Etincelle Creative Studio today!

The Blooming Thread :: Blog :: Shop :: Facebook :: Twitter

Sweet Gifts {Child}

2011-11-10T07:57:00.000+08:00

Hand-screen-printed Christmas Angel by JaneFoster - US$19

Poppytalk Handmade {La Boum}

2011-11-09T11:21:00.002+08:00

Sweet introduction today to the delicious world of La Boum, spotted in the Poppytalk Handmade Market. These delightful pieces of our childhoods are the work of Tatiana Kontouli who lives on a small Cyclades island called Antiparos. I can't help but think of Alice in Wonderland when contemplating the frames.

Dans mon Jardin - Handmade shadow box frame

Christmas spirit to go #2 - Handmade shadow box frame

Circus Fun - Handmade lightbox display

Now thinking that any of these cute boxes would make wonderful props for parties {think Alice in Wonderland, Vintage Circus, Christmas...} and look wonderful in a child's room.

Which one do you pick?

Rubber Stamps & Packaging {Pinterest}

2011-11-07T08:30:00.000+08:00

Hello,

Starting the week with a public holiday {it's Hari Raya here in Singapore} doesn't sound too bad, does it?

I have put together a super inspiring blog post for you today. I wanted to share more about my Pinterest boards as they are playing an important role in my creative life these days.

Since we have our monthly Singapore Etsy team meet-up tomorrow* where we'll talk about packaging/ wrapping gifts and since I attended a great rubber stamp workshop last Friday {again at The Little happy Shop}, I thought of sharing my favs of my Rubber Stamps and Packaging boards.

#1 Stamping your own wrapping paper/ tags

Using kraft or plain paper and a {big!} stamp with an intricate motif such as the ones used in the photos below. I am in love with the gift tags pictured on the right, such a clever and easy way to decorate gifts.

I have spotted a similar stamp {here} and {this one} allows you to write something in the middle.

1. via Martha Stewart 2. gift tags via cute tape

#2 Using all sorts of stamps + stickers & masking tapes

This blog post by Oh Hello Friend shows it all... "everyday stamps" or office stamps can go a long way into adding a fun touch to your packaging {think of date, time, a note...}. Teamed with cute masking tapes and fun stickers is adding a very personal touch. In her post, Dani shows you how to create a coordinated packaging to several gift.

Source: Oh Hello Friend

#3 Using SHAPED eraser can do the trick + stamping & drawing

If you are not into carving your own stamps, use shaped erasers to create fun decoration. Add a little bit of drawing {no special skills requested here} and you've got a whole new look to a borrowing packaging.

Super great blog post spotted on A bit of this & A bit of that.

Source: A bit of this & A bit of that

#4 Be creative, be YOU!

If you don't already know about Geninne Zlatkis, you are missing out big time. Her blog is just as amazing as her {at least this is what I think} and a great resource to let your imagination and creativity FLOW. She is an illustrator and also makes absolutely stunning rubber stamps, mainly inspired by nature. Many tutorials on the blog as well, so EXPLORE the archives!

Source: all images by Geninne Zlatkis

Don't you fall head over heels in love with her art? She is a true inspiration and reading her blog will charge you with enough energy to conquer the world!

Happy Hari Raya!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
* Singapore Etsy Team Meet-up :: Nov.8 :: starting at 8pm @ The Pigeon Hole, 52-53 Duxton Rd, Tanjong Pagar MRT {Singapore} :: subject -> packaging

New Column {Sweet Gifts}

2011-11-04T14:36:00.002+08:00

I will launch two columns this month to celebrate the Holiday Season. The first one is called Sweet Gifts and launches today. I will share an Etsy favorite that would make a great gift for her, him,... or your daughter, mum, sister-in-law... you get it!

A graphic shoulder bag by ulala US$40

Tiny&Little Magazine {Issue 5}

2011-11-04T10:15:00.000+08:00

The latest issue of Tiny & Little online magazine is live, and oh my, how many beautiful and inspiring parties are featured in this one. I LOVE the sewing party and will bookmark it for when my daughter is old enough to have one... Here below are my favorite picks...

Vintage hot air balloon party by Little Sooti

This amazing and very unique sewing party is stunning from all point of views: the decoration, the sweets, the activity/ craft, the birthday cake, the party favors... Heaven! party by Pure Joy Events

There are many more pretty things to discover in Tiny & Little, and among them are Lovely Sweet William illustrations and the relatively new dinnerware by Love Mae. I have seen these plates while in Australia last April, and believe me they look as cute in real as in picture.

Lovely Sweet William {here} and {here}

It's not in the mag but I wanted to highlight the lovely Christmas reusable wall decal by Love Mae... I am getting a bit excited by the coming Holiday Season... because I know it's my children's favorite and I always try to make it special :-)

Christmas wall decal by Love Mae {here}

It's already the weekend, how was your week? I feel that hours, days, weeks, months and years are passing by too fast. How about you?

Scarlet & Salome {Mini-Me Dolls}

2011-11-03T16:30:00.000+08:00

Salome & Scarlet {here} and {here}

Introducing you today the two new additions to the growing Mini-Me dolls family...
Salome{left} and Scarlet{right} have been handcrafted by me with lovely embroidery details: either with sequins and beads or with a delicate trim and French wording {bisous means kiss in French}.

I have added a little pink ribbon at the top of their head to allow you to use them as a decoration until your child is old enough to play with them {note: dolls without the beads & sequins are children friendly}.
Each doll requests several hours of dedicated work and I am happy when I know a doll has been adopted by a lovely little girl {or a grown-up one!}.

Poppytalk Handmade {Lucy Snowe Photography}

2011-11-03T12:19:00.000+08:00

L'univers de Lucy Snowe...

I haven't thoroughly blogged about the fantastic artists at the Poppytalk Handmade Market this past month, and now realizing it's almost over, I shall work on my posts as I have 5 more favorites to introduce you... you can check my past posts {here}

Today I have chosen photographer Lucy Snowe whose work and photo styling is conveying a whole bunch of souvenirs to me... It's alternatively nostalgic, sweet and fun with a vintage hint.

top to bottom: 1 2 3 4 5 6

Lucy is currently living in the Pacific Northwest in a tiny town with no stop lights. Her husband is a cowboy who doesn't really get why someone would want to buy the above photo of the chihuahua wrapped in the scarf {does it ring any bell to you? Mr D wouldn't get it either}.

Lucy's photography is a lot about nature's beauty, a little about architecture and is music to my eyes.

Random Christmas stuff

2011-11-01T23:09:00.001+08:00

It seems like the twin bears got caught while participating to a photo shoot today...

Scarlet Mini-Me doll now available {here}

Ohlala... {Gorgeousness}

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000+08:00

Neon Vintage III by NobleHouseDesigns

I thought it would be great to start the day {and the weekend} with a photo as gorgeous as this one. I am not saying that I can actually afford to wear these three statement necklaces together {maybe not even one of them}, but I love it on the photo. How about you?

The Green Bean Bag {Poppytalk Handmade}

2011-10-27T10:48:00.002+08:00

I was off yesterday as it was Deepavali here in Singapore. No chance to approach the computer when you have to provide entertainment to two active young children!

We went to try a new venture called Le Cuisson in the busy Kopitiam of Queen Street -> French cuisine, food court style. Interesting experience, but that's when you realize that the environment you eat in is {almost} as important as the food... In short I appreciate more my {French} food when in quiet and pleasant surroundings!

The Market Tote {here} and {here}

I have been meaning to share my new Poppytalk Handmade's finds since last week. Starting today with The Green Bean Bag, a label on Etsy selling bags made of recycled coffee bean sacks saved from the landfill.
Items are all produced in Kansas City {USA}, supporting the local community AND the environment.

I will take the one on the left, thank you!

Un petit air de Noël {Styling}

2011-10-25T13:47:00.001+08:00

I am currently working on the styling of a "Christmas" shoot of my pouches ... and look who are the two adorable creatures that I have adopted... are you falling for them both too? They will follow me throughout the holiday season here on the blog and in my Etsy shop of course.

Can you guess which one is the big brother?

About Shoes {Chie Mihara}

2011-10-25T08:24:00.000+08:00

I wanted to share this inspiring video and interview of shoe designer Chie Mihara {mind me I forgot to post it yesterday}. I love the creative process behind each collection. As a designer myself I find it extremely interesting and inspiring. Something to think about today...

via Monica Lee's blog {here}

Be creative!

Be inspired!

Something you should look forward to...

2011-10-24T22:15:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone,

I haven't been much online today as I am working so hard to complete the first half of my order from Japan - the Mini-Me dolls. I am then mostly seating at my desk and doing embroidery then sewing then embroidery... there is something though that I have been dying to share with you for a couple of weeks already. I have completed a new mesh bag last week with a new design.

Latest addition to the shopper bag family

The fabric I have taken this beautiful motif from is coming directly from Japan {a country close to my heart} and has been carefully selected by my dear friend. I have hand-cut it before placing it on the bag and starting the embroidery.

It took many hours to complete this bag.
I don't regret any.
This is my labor of love, the quiet hours spent on doing something that makes me happy.

Each bag is lined with a nylon mesh {here a blue one} contrasting with the actual silky lining {raspberry for this bag}. The sequins are chosen to compliment the bag's colors and so is the pompom trim.

This delightful little purple bag has already found someone to take care of him, but I am sure you are looking forward to see the next one... patience is key here...

xoxo

Indie Love Lookbook {Poppytalk Handmade}

2011-10-20T13:30:00.000+08:00

Proud to share with you the lookbook of the current Indie Love market at Poppytalk Handmade. There are some gorgeous finds inside {including one of my pouch gift set - hehe}. I have also made a selection of my favorite vendors and will start sharing their work with you all tomorrow. Stay tuned, support handmade and buy local whenever you have a chance!

I fall for {thisilk}

2011-10-20T11:08:00.001+08:00

I meant to share this gorgeous label on Etsy last week but there was quite a lot to talk about already... I am fascinated by lace and chains, and Tamara Bavdek who is the designer behind thisilk, is working with both materials gracefully and - I dare writing it, with the right dose of sexiness.

1. Leeloo byzantine lace & metal earrings

2. Jeannie snake skin lace earrings 3. Octopussy fringe lace & chain necklace

4. Ballerina chain & lace body harness 5. Poison Ivy fearless earrings in lace

How are you wearing your accessories? are you trying oversize earrings, statement necklaces or one of a kind piece? I know I am currently not bothering much, but it's time to change and re-start collecting original pieces. Are you following me?

Rubber Stamp Workshop

2011-10-18T15:45:00.001+08:00

The Little Happy Shop in Holland Village {Singapore}

I promised to share some photos of the rubber stamp workshop I attended last Saturday at The Little Happy Shop in Holland Village. One should keep her promise and here we come. I had a blast as expected and not only because JoE, our teacher, was good, but also because I was in great company {my friend Sandy of The Cookie Cutter among others}.

We were given a piece of rubber, the tools to curve it, cute images and a light piece of paper to ease the transfer of the image to the rubber. I don't have photos for each steps {sorry} but you can get a good idea already...

I chose to start with what seemed to be the easiest images to carve and I was right...

I managed to finish two stamps within one hour, and the end result was satisfying.

Cost of the class: S$28 only including the tools and ink!

My daughter already asked me to borrow my stamps... I better make her her own set quickly!

My plan now is to start creating my very own designs and have fun stamping on everything :)

If you are interested and would like to learn how to make your very own rubber stamps, you can get in touch with the delicious Ruth of The Little Happy Shop or keep updated thanks to her FB page.

There will be an intermediate class in November and I hope to be part of it!

Are you hooked?

Charcoal Color Palette {Bloesem Blog}

2011-10-18T15:23:00.004+08:00

Today is "color palette day" over at Bloesem Blog... Go check what I have selected in a gorgeous charcoal color!

{link}

If you are on Olioboard as well, you can have a look at all my previous boards for Bloesem and more {here}.

A new banner {Etsy shop}

2011-10-17T13:30:00.000+08:00

Every now and then, I need to refresh and get the feeling of a "new" start... a bit like in January, when you write your resolutions for the year {by the way it will soon be time to do it}{again}.

Graphic Design by Be Brilliant, A Design Studio

I decided to order a new banner for my Etsy shop, to describe what this shop is about instead of what I am doing for a living :). I will keep the previous banner as an email signature which is also very nice.

I will quickly fill up the shop with new items, once I am finished with my very first wholesale order {YEAHH}{something to celebrate... where is my glass of wine?}{it's always time to drink wine - I'm French}.

Hmm, what do you think about the new banner?

Sweet Monday...

2011-10-17T08:30:00.000+08:00

Last night there was this beautiful treasury on the front page of Etsy curated by inameliart, aka Amelia Jastrzebski, an illustrator/ graphic designer based in Poland.

from top to bottom, left to right:

1. 2. 3. 4.

If you have a little girl, and I do have one, any of the illustrations above would look adorable in her room... don't you agree?

Happy Monday everyone, and let's rock this week!

Things I loved at MAAD {07.10.11}

2011-10-15T15:01:00.000+08:00

This post is kind of overdue... MAAD {standing for Market of Artists And Designers} took place last Friday. This time I was not selling, but I managed to drop by and was very pleased to {re}discover some great local designers.

#1 Veira

"Veira is all about quirky statement bags that are as relevant today as they will be tomorrow. The look is contemporary, yet classic; functional, yet fashionable; minimalist, yet intricate. Our label is built upon a mixture of modern female flair, inspired by vintage silhouettes and complemented by an array of innovative detailing." {source}

I am in love with the envelop clutch above...

#2 L'Ile aux Ashby

"L'Ile aux Ashby loves playing with shapes and forms, mixing the hard with the soft, the old with the new. Artfully handcrafted the designs are edgy yet stylish, and speak to different personalities and moods." {source}

#3 UNCVRD

"un-covered (UNCVRD) is a brand that exemplifies modern street wear with bold lines and charming confidence in its collection of stylish wearables. Unpretentious and original, UNCVRD holds firm onto its concept of uncovering new styles and ideas, transforming them into assertive looks teased with versatility and that essential dash of fun." {source}

#4 inkypots

"I live and work in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Most of the time, i am copywriting or graphic designing, but when work is scarce, or inspiration wriggles, i make things!
With clay, I explore with my fingers and bow down to the kiln gods hoping for happy surprises at each firing. Everything here is individually beautiful to me... I strive to make objects which reflect strength, beauty, simplicity, whimsy." {source}

Totally love the blue print at the top! {here}

I loved the vibes at MAAD {and the ice cream!} and I want to attend the next one in November 11 {registration opened}.

Who is IN?

Rubber Stamps {The Little Happy Shop}

2011-10-13T10:24:00.001+08:00

Something I am looking forward to this weekend...

On Saturday, I will attend a rubber stamp workshop at The Little Happy Shop. I didn't know you could make your own rubber stamps until I stumbled upon posts on a couple of blogs and started to get really interested in it. I even tried to make my very first one out of an eraser and with the help of my cutter... a little star. Not too bad, but it got damaged pretty fast!

The Little Happy Shop is cozily nestled in the heart of Holland Village {Singapore} and sell all sorts of marvels from Korea and Japan... Think cute stationery, pretty cups and mugs, tea, handbags, totes, stamps, stickers, masking tapes, and other crafting goods. very cute shop if you ask me, and ideal to pick up all sorts of gifts for your loved ones. Ruth, the shop owner, is a delight as well, which makes shopping even more enjoyable :)

Matryoshka dolls cards, Alphabet stamps,

Tote, Shinzi Katoh tea

The rubber stamp workshop will be conducted by JoE of Monster Gallery {I will talk about him in my post about MAAD later today}. I am looking forward to meet up with other like minded people and have fun!

If you are interested in the workshops conducted at The Little Happy Shop, follow its Facebook page {here}. Upcoming workshop is about handpainting shoes {22 October} - more information {here}.

Happy day!

Credit: All photographs via The Little Happy Shop website