How to Upcycle prints and digital illustrations

Have you ever come across pretty pictures or digital illustrations that are about to be thrown away? Or what about ribbons that are neither too long or short; especially leftover ribbons from products with brand names on it?

If you love to read books, you can always upcycle yourself a bookmark with recyclable pictures or remnant ribbons.

1. Cut the edges with patterned-scissors. You can get them at craft stores.

2. Glue them on other pictures; make a collage if you want. Use photos. Go nuts!

3. Glue it on a sturdy mounting board or cardboard. Or glue another print or illustration on the back.

4. Punch a hole to attach the ribbon or you can use few ribbons on it too. Be free!
Sometimes, recycling doesn't have to be limit down to newspapers or unwanted glass bottles, etc. You can start with something so simple which can easily put a smile on your face. Since part of creativity is upcycling and recycling, now you can show your appreciation for beautiful prints and put a good use to it. 

PS: You can even make one as a memento for friends. Have fun! With light & love.

Pick: Night by Doodle Design

by Doodle Design

Local talented artist's work for the magical Creative Every Day challenge.

Up close with: Crafter, Aiko Chan

Tell me about yourself (before and after your business) 

Before starting this business, I was doing craft on the side, however, I wasn’t full time into it . To be very frank, I loved art from a long time ago and I started crafting about 4 years back, but never really had the chance to do it because of commitments on the side, but that changed about a month back when me and my brother were on our way to Kuantan, Malaysia and we met with a serious car accident. I took that as a wake up call and how everyone should treasure what they love most and what they aspire to be and got to work with setting up the shop. Sure it was alot of hard work and sleepless nights, but after the website was up and running, it was worth it. 

What is the nature of your business?

I sell handmade jewelry and handmade plush toys

What is your personal brand?

Hapy Friends Shoppe

Collection brands : Aiko4Bubs 

When did it start and why? 

My blogshop is barely a month old. I started it to not only sell my creations, but to share them with everyone else. I also really do want to empower women, especially mothers who think they are at a dead end when it all boils down to having a family. This is a great part time business and also a great way to earn while you are at home and I want to show stay at home moms that they too have the same equal power to make something of themselves. 

What makes it stand out? / How are you promoting your personal brand? 

I think my shop is different from most shops as it has 2 different themes to it. One happy and the other one Gothic and eery. I also tell a story to each and every trinket that I make to make it an experience and not just another piece of jewelry you put on yourself. I promote my brand using me as the spokesperson, the actress in the movies I create and also the story teller. Every story that is told in this collection is an original. The world wide web is a magical thing when it comes to marketing and if you had the right tools, you could do wonders. 

How did you come up with the name and why? What does it mean? 

I was sitting down sewing a plush toy one day for my daughter, and then it struck me that I wanted to open the shop. So Hapy Friends Shoppe is sort of like a gateway to everything that is yummy and the brighter side of life. The shop name is actually a dedication to my 2 year old daughter who never fails to smile even on a rainy day. 

Let's talk about your collection and your strength!

My strength is probably putting the pieces together so it looks like I have strung an entire story together. Each bead and charm holds a meaning in my collections and I would like to think that it is a trait that is solely my own. My style is a mixture of everything or anything that pops up as an idea to me.  However, if you look at my shop, I have 2 sections to it. 

First one being the Aiko4Bubs Collection and the second being the Hapy Friends Plush Collections. Aiko4Bubs Collection is themed on the darker side of things. So for everything that comes under this collection has a little bit of goth in it. I  combined alot of goth, vintage and victorian themes in my last collection which was the Aiko4Bubs Tough Love Collection and its addictive! Hapy Friends however hold a lighter feel to everything. I am in the midst of creating the first collection for Hapy Friends and expect alot of candy cupcakes and pastels!

Basically, like every collection that come under the Aiko4Bubs vintage line has a story to it and I can’t say much about it yet, it’s meant to be a surprise :). But I can give you a sneak peek here.
Finally, I’m also running a charity project for neglected and abused animals in Malaysia. This project is something that I’m not getting profit out of. Everything goes back to charity. We have yet to find the shelter that will be getting the contributions. This is the link to my charity page

Any specialization? 

I do personalized customization for clients who are looking for something but cannot find it in my collection. 

"I also do free tutorials on YouTube to share the love of crafting."

What inspires you? 
Everything around me. It can be love, it can be trees, or even the weather. I translate all that into jewelry and I think that’s where my stories are created. 

What are your interest and hobbies?

Crafting, crafting , crafting! ...and  I definitely love watching anime and reading manga when i have some free time. They really inspire me on how in depth a story can be told through animation and sketching. 

Where do you or your biz, wants to be 1, 5, 10 ,etc years from today?

I would want to be an established spokesperson for my brand and at the same time inspire others to do the same. I also want to empower women to take the next step in opening an online business where it can flourish. As for my business, I really do hope that Aiko4Bubs ( My vintage collections) will have a name for itself. And as for my Hapy Friends Shoppe, I really do hope that my little fury friends will become a household name like those from Sanrio and so forth. 

What successful people do you admire or inspires you? 

My Father. He is a man with  drive, determination and dreams. He always taught me and my little brother that if you want something, go out, get it and never look back.

What is the driving force behind the blogshop? 

Dreams and the zest for life in believing and doing the one thing that you love most.

What are your significant memories so far from this business? 

My growth in craft and definitely the stories I am able to tell through my work. Now that I have created a YouTube Channel to share my love for craft with everyone around the world. I would think that would be the most significant moment for me in this business. It’s never about the money for me, it’s more of the satisfaction for the love of this kind of art. 

Any inspiring quotes to share with others or advice?

"Telling Stories Through Craft"

I believe that in craft or art, there is no right or wrong. Many people forget the beauty in art is always when there is a story behind it rather than having the right technique or a conventional method where there are rules people must follow to make their kind of art a success.  I believe that true art is always perfect with imperfections just as long as it’s from the heart. 

Biz Card
Email: hapyfriendshelp@gmail.com
Website: http://hapyshoppe.blogspot.com/
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/Aiko4Bubs
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/#!/AikoMiyoko
Channel for Tutorials:

www.youtube.com/user/HapyFriendsShoppe?feature=guide

Aiko Column: How to Make Rio from Felt Sentimental Circus Plush

Thanks to our contributor of the day, crafter Aiko Chan, she has generously submitted a tutorial video of a felt project.
To visit her blog, click here.

How to Paint Intuitively

When I started The Artsy Craftsy, I've longed to share a post on intuitive painting. Reason being is because, I have experienced the refreshing creative magic of painting intuitively, and only wish to be able to share it with you.

An intuitive drawing of 'me and my mom' that invoked my emotions and understanding on how similar we are...

Like the previous post on Mandala drawing, painting intuitively is another form of art therapy, because you are illustrating the subconscious part of your mind. Intuitive painting also connects your mind, body and soul as well as to help you understand your inner self better.

While people paint for many reasons; to relax, to destress, to express, as a hobby, to heal from within, to manifest, etc.; all in all, painting is considered as a form of meditation or to express your deepest feelings or even a thought / idea / epiphany.

In some situations, some people find that painting intuitively is a form of expressing emotional feelings such as anger, sadness, anxiety or depression. Painting helps a person to communicate through its painting or drawings if a person finds it difficult to share verbally. Besides visiting a psychologist, individuals may find that art therapy helps them heal from within since painting is a form of therapy.

Of course, therapy doesn't just come in a form of painting or drawing. There are many other types of therapeutic activities such as crafting, singing, dancing, clay and more. Like myself, i find that painting and drawing are the most comforting therapy that suits me the best. Maybe even for you too!

I use intuitive painting or drawing as a form of coping with anxiety, stress and depression.

What If I can't Paint or Draw?

You don't need to be an artist or be skillful in the arts to be able to paint intuitively. The purpose of painting intuitively is to be able to tap into your subconscious mind to unlock the answers of what may be the cause to your issues now or simply to unlock and allow creativity flow naturally. Think of it as your body as a vessel that is facing a blockage like a hose that just needs to be unclog for you to be creative in everything and anything you do. The idea is to be unconscious when you paint and be as free as you can because there is no right or wrong when it comes to painting intuitively.

Remember, you are creating beauty and manifesting your abundance when you paint. Your thoughts matter so why not channel it to some positive thinking through painting.

So, if you'd like to give it a try and start painting, here are some tips to start with:

• If you are facing an issue; paint a picture of yourself free from worries
• Ask yourself; what does happiness feels like or look like to you, paint it!
• Keep a sketch book to carry around with you. You can practice 'direct-sketching'. See sample here
• Move freely when you paint and do not stop or limit yourself with the colours. Paint the first image that comes to you.
• Paint with music. Allow yourself to immerse into the music and its lyrics and unwind.

Some reference to refer, see here or here

Happy painting!

With light and love.

Fabric Fanatics - Going GAGA over Fabrics!

The tagline says it all; "Whimsical fabrics and everything beautiful"

At Fabric Fanatics, you can find the best quality imported fabrics with the most unique design a crafter can ever find. Fabric Fanatics offers linen fabrics, cotton to canvas material too as well as other sewing/craft-related supplies such as cotton tape, buttons, lace, iron-on batting, zippers, button covers and even inter-linings.

For the Bag-makers, you can even purchase your supplies with Fabric Fanatics too, offering bag handles, leather buckles and more! Other than sewing-related supplies, their other supplies include hairpins, ring bases, brooch pins and wooden-plaques that says 'Handmade'.


It is a Crafter's Haven as it is The Artsy Craftsy's too!
Fabric Fanatics highlight are their fabrics! You would surely be able to find your choice of fabric. Fabric Fanatics definitely tries to meet their customers' requirements. You can find from soft pastel coloured designs with cute child-like graphic characters to vintage ones ala newspaper, ones with interesting typography elements and the rest is fashionable and chic! Some of its designs mimics the famous Japan Zakka concept, and the material that comes with it, you will be able to get the kind of the result you are aiming for if you're crafting with Fabric Fanatics's fabrics.

Fabric Fanatics welcomes:

1. Fabric crafts bag-makers

2. Plush toy crafters

3. People who sew for fun

4. Mommies who loves sewing hobbies

5. Mommies who loves making clothes for toddlers

6. People who likes to make clothes for dollies

7. Applique and embellishment crafters

8. Patchwork lovers!

and more.

Reasons why you should purchase from Fabric Fanatics:

1. Friendly customer service

2. Imported fabrics

3. Wide range of designs from vintage to kiddy ones

4. Have cotton, linen and canvas

5. Other things to choose from too  from sewing to non sewing related goods

SHOPPING AT FABRIC FANATICS
Some of the renowned crafters in Malaysia are residing in locations like Penang or Ipoh; if you would like to purchase from Fabric Fanatics, you can visit their website to choose your choice of fabric and supplies. However, if you're in town (Selangor) or if you're a local, you can pay them a visit and check out their amazing products yourself at their shop in USJ, Subang Jaya.

Learning at Fabric Fanatics
Fabric Fanatics are not just your ordinary retailer; the owner Kelly Koo provides the space for other renowned local crafters to organize classes. The classes offered ranges from natural handmade beauty products, doll-making, kettle & copting techniques to other sewing lessons. With the appreciation for the art of craft growing, this is how Fabric Fanatics upholds the love for creativity.

To know more about Fabric Fanatics:

Biz Card
Shop Owner: Kelly Koo
Address: USJ 19 Mall
RL2-096, Level 2, USJ 19 Mall, Jalan Persiaran Kewajipan, USJ 19, 47620, Selangor
Opening hour: 11.30am - 7.00pm (For visiting after 7pm, please call to notify)
Email: fabricfanatics@gmail.com
Website: http://www.fabricfanatics.com.my
Contact: 012-6222074

*Photos courtesy of Fabric Fanatics
*This is a Sponsored Post

Painting at Art Jamming by Art Village

By Art Village: Art jamming is a painting session with individual or group participants paint using professional art materials and take home their own piece of artwork. No rules or artistic skills are needed to participate in an Art Jamming. No qualifications or experience in art making is required.

You don’t have to worry about rules; curiosity, imagination, creative, playfulness and fun are the keys to enjoy. It is free play painting session that inspires everyone to unleash their individuality and creativity. Participants are more often than not surprised and amazed at what they can produce in this fun environment.

This Art Jamming will be held at Art Village Gallery on every Saturday starting on 1 March 2012 .The fees is RM 120 per person for 1 session. Don’t miss this great experience. Just bring along your family and friend together and experience the fun and joy moment in our great art jamming environment. 

Venue : G13 Gallery GL13, Ground Floor, Block B, Kelana Square,
Jalan SS7/26, 47301 Kelana Jaya, Selangor.

RSVP : 03-7880 0991 (Kenny), 011-15782127 (Fadli)

For more information, please visit our website:

www.g13gallery.com

www.artvillage.com.my

*Information and photo courtesy of Art Village

Kabuki Performance

The Masseur & The Thief

The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, together with ASWARA Faculty of Theatre presents a demonstration and performance of kabuki, “The Masseur and the Thief (Anma to Dorobo)”


(As seen on on JFKL link)


Date & Time:
9th March 2012 - 8.30pm
10th March 2012 - 8.30pm


Venue:
Experimental Aswara,
464, Jalan Tun Ismail, Kuala Lumpur

For Reservation (via Phone & E-mail):

03-2284-6228 (The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur)

jpcc@jfkl.org.my (Cultural Affairs Department)           

03-2697-5327 (ASWARA Faculty of Theatre)             

wongoimin@aswara.edu.my (Dr. Oi Min Wong)      

Admission:

Free (Reservation is required)