Val's Simple Passions

Quilling Session

2012-01-20T11:55:00.000+08:00

At ATC session last night, one of the members showed us quilling using thin strips of paper. Look at some of her products! ANGRY BIRDS!

What's more, we swapped ATCs with each other and these are what I got...

I tried my hands at quilling fish which I pasted on a pre-printed card.

I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all my friends who are celebrating Chinese New Year...

A B U N D A N C E

GONG XI FA CHAI

Jane's Butterfly

2012-01-09T21:33:00.000+08:00

And it's ready to fly...

Jane's 3D Butterfly tatted in Ladyshuttlemaker's HDT #20

First Set of Wings

2012-01-08T15:46:00.000+08:00

And on to the next set.

Findings

2012-01-06T00:06:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year to one and all of my blogging friends!

First find in 2012: a red envelope with a toy soldier sticker stuck on the back, addressed to me (of course!). Who wouldn't be curious what was in it?

Well... the contents, as you can see, are a teddy bear-shaped card and a little knitted stocking! I was totally blown away. Who could have sent me this?

I had no clue even after looking at the name and address of the sender on the front. The name's "Fox". My first reaction was our very own Fox @Tat-ology! Nope. Sorry about the mistaken identity, Fox.

Then it occurred to me that I saw this miniature stocking on a blog. Oh forgetful me... I can't recall which. To cut the story short, I look in all the blog links I have on my blog margin and follow. Finally found the wonderful person who sent this.

I'd won this awesome stocking from Teresa @Stitching 'n' Knitting. I must have missed the announcement of the winners. A kind soul must have given Teresa my mailing address. Thank you, whoever you are. (Do tell me who you are.) Thanks, Teresa, for sending this gift!

My shuttle will go into the stocking when it's loaded and brought around.

Next find: a pair of goldfish!

Aren't they lovely? They are for my little sister who's been pestering me to make her some clay goldfish. I'm glad I found them for her.

Which Landscape?

2011-12-23T21:47:00.000+08:00

I beaded this carbochon over the weekend, but didn't finish it till late last night. You see, I couldn't decide which landscape (face) of the onyx I like better. Perhaps you can take a vote!

Let's say this is F1.

And this, F2.

They are similar, yet different. Each is unique. What do you see?

On the tatting front, I attempted Jane's Snowflake 2004. Ooh, it's challenging for sure. First I told myself I should stay off the beads because I know I don't work well with beads in tatting. Despite this, I found myself retro-tatting almost on every "leg" of the snowflake. (Oops, I hope Jane's not seeing red...) See it for yourself (but not too closely p..l..e..a..s..e.. ).

OK, I'll redeem myself on the next one, promise.

On another note, here are 2 giveaways I'd come across this Xmas season...

Ginger @Bearbits is having a giveaway. The prize is this lovely teddy, of course, named Bouton. Check it out here.

Another giveaway is at Knick of Time. Angie tried her hands at stencilling a pillow and she shared a tutorial on it. The end product is gorgeous! Cutting Edge Stencils is giving away a stencil worth up to $50. Here's the link.

Last but not least, here's a cheery sock to fill up all the Season's Blessings to be shared with you (my blogging friends) and your family!
(It was lovingly made by a colleague at work, not for me; I'd only managed to get a picture of it.)

MErRY ChrIsTMAs!

Le Flocon Frivole 2

2011-12-11T15:21:00.000+08:00

A more complicated pattern than the original, I think, but definitely another design feat. Thanks for sharing this wonderful pattern, Frivole.

Tatted in #20 Manela, Dusty Rose (I think!)

In Winter Wonderland and Snowflakes

2011-12-10T16:30:00.001+08:00

In the last week of November, I was off to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan. This was my second time to Japan after Tokyo many years back, and I anticipated a totally different experience. I was not disappointed. In fact this is the first time I saw snow!

Well, I'll tell you more about my Hokkaido trip in another post... (haha, such a teaser).

I really want to show you the snowflakes I tatted. Besides Julie's snowflake which was in the previous post, I tatted some snowflakes designed by Decoromana and le Flocon Frivole by Frivole. They were all easy to tat up and I was having a ball of a time. I used a variety of threads ranging from #20 to #100.

I also made use of these snowflakes in the various items I made.

Fabric ATCs

Speaking of ATCs, this month at the local ATC meet, our organiser Moses shared a technique in making ATCs. Watercolours were used to paint the little squares in creating a pretty visual.

Two samples he showed us...

Look at the creative pieces the participants made!

And this is my piece.

Julie's Snowflakes

2011-11-07T18:50:00.004+08:00

I'd been experiencing a period of craft drought. It's one of those times when the brain doesn't have any inspiration but the dry spell is slowly dissipating. In fact, I've been lurking among the blogs that I often visited but did not comment much as well...

Yes, I'd want to get back to tatting. The gold fish in the previous post was a 'start'. I'm looking to tat some snowflakes so I flipped through my super thick folder where I have my collection of patterns, but mostly shelved away. I found this!

It's Julie Patterson's pattern. I love the compactness of this snowflake, and I tatted two in one go. They are tatted in a #20 thread (but the label's lost).
Hope you like these.

NOTE:
The links to this pattern have been fixed by Georgia, thanks to IsDihara who wrote to inform her. Great work, IsDihara! The patterns are here and here.

And Another...

2011-11-01T13:29:00.000+08:00

@Sue's blog.

Another Cute Teddy Giveaway

2011-11-01T12:53:00.000+08:00

... at Janice's blog. Check out the cute Booh Bear!

A Goldfish

2011-10-29T15:40:00.000+08:00

Two days ago I chanced upon Gina's (aka Tatting Goddess) blog. I was attracted to the goldfish she tatted. It's Nami's pattern, found here.

This is my version...

...using Omega #50 variegated orange and measures about 7cm (2⅔").The eye is an Indian agate bead I found in my stash. Tats up really fast, but I would do split chains next time as Gina had done. I had to sew in 8 sets of ends. :p

Meeting Bear Artists and A Giveaway

2011-10-27T14:08:00.001+08:00

Last Sunday, I was at our local Teddy Bear Show at the Arts House. This event takes place yearly but on a rather small scale. I was lucky to meet a few bear artists whose names I've heard of for quite a while but only got to meet at this show! To name a few... Wayne Lim, Esther Lee and Audie (from the Netherlands). Do check out Wayne's blog. He has great pictures of the show. They are award-winning bear artists in their own right.

Oh, and Esther is having her first blog giveaway . Isn't Dusty a sweetie?

I'm Here...

2011-10-15T12:41:00.003+08:00

... enjoying this mesmerising sunrise on the balcony of my holiday suite on Koh Samui, Thailand.

And, I'd like to tell you that there is a fabulous giveaway at A Stuffed Life by Kelly. It's a little Halloween Mouse, as seen below. Who wouldn't like to keep this one that's not at all scary?

Ready to Quilt

2011-10-02T16:30:00.000+08:00

This is the quilt-to-be with six blocks completed. It's now tacked with the batting and backing, ready for the quilting. I haven't slacked as you can see, just swamped working on this. My swollen finger certainly is not enjoying being poked by the needle...

A glimpse of the WIP baby quilt...

Chinese Painting Using ... A Chopstick!

2011-09-08T23:28:00.000+08:00

I attended the monthly ATC session this evening held at Bishan Library, and the group experimented painting with a chopstick! "How odd?!", "How to paint?" were my first reactions.

I managed this... What do you think?

A Branch of Cherry Blossom

I think the result's quite cool although I felt rather clumsy, not being able to control the strokes well. Nevertheless, I'm pretty happy with this painting.

I Finished Two Blocks

2011-09-04T20:38:00.000+08:00

Time just flew by for me in the last few weeks. My tatting is still at where I stopped since I blogged about it; my new carbochon beading got started; a few new ATCs were made and sent to my swap partners and I started a quilting class yesterday.

These are the two blocks I completed this afternoon using my late MIL's sewing machine. I hope I can do something good with the machine. I haven't used a sewing machine in 30 years so this beginner's project was a little challenging. One day, I'll have tatting incorporated with my quilts.

From left: A Ribbon Quilt and A Churn Dash

New ATCs: Crustaceans

2011-09-01T22:44:00.000+08:00

A quick post tonight... a series of new ATCs created for a swap. These are coloured using watercolour pencils and then "washed" over with water. Voila!

Prawn

Hermit Crab

Scallops

Lobster

Promise I'll catch up again soon.
XOXO

Something Bowled... But Uh-oh

2011-07-17T12:57:00.000+08:00

Started tatting something bowled. That's right, bowled. Was happily getting along when the thread simply snapped. The floss just came apart!

You've probably guessed... It's Perle Cotton, again! Only because I wanted to give it another chance... And I was just over half a row done. You can image the fate of that row now... My trusty SNIPS gotta get to work.

What I Did Yesterday

2011-07-05T00:21:00.000+08:00

I put my legs up yesterday, and had no tatting done. I just stared at the herringbone chain I beaded the day before and decided I should practice beading again. So I pulled out my beading magazines and picked out a page that showed how to do the St Petersburg stitch. Voila!

Before my dear tatting folks think I'm neglecting my tatting, I will just say that I've decided today what I will tat for one of my new hankies. I doodled a pattern I'm going to experiment with on paper in the train, on my way to work this morning. Will give you a glimpse of the idea I'm hatching as soon as I have something decent.

Happy Monday.

A Lazy Afternoon

2011-07-03T11:57:00.001+08:00

Yesterday I wasn't feeling up to anything so I lazed around at home. Put on a DVD and practiced the herringbone stitch in beading. This is what I got using 2 different colours of #11 seed beads.

I wish I have some energy to start my second tatted edging for a hanky! I'm boiling duck and salted mustard soup now. Perhaps that'll lift me up somewhat. ;p

Have a good weekend. XOXO

Edging Accomplished

2011-06-26T23:31:00.001+08:00

Ahh, bliss. I've finally completed tatting my hanky edging and sewed it on. Looks good I think.

Why did I take so long to finish this? Well, the usual... had to retro-tat quite a bit because I keep miscounting, and the thread's rather tiny (#70!). That is one reason I feel the project is quite an accomplishment. By my standard temperament, I could have already thrown out the edging and ditched the idea a long time back, but it being my first tatted edging, I kept my cool and continued till the end.

Went looking for some hankies to tat more edgings (didn't I tell you this is addictive?!) last week and found two. Will probably start peeking in books for more patterns now that the first hanky is done. Meanwhile, I tried another pattern for fun and to sample its size...

Leaf Braid in Tatting with Visual Patterns by Mary Kornior

Hmm, not sure I like the variegated thread for edgings...

Anyhow, hope you've had a good weekend.

XOXO

The Lace on My Lap

2011-06-14T21:24:00.002+08:00

So many of us are busy tatting up edgings for hankies lately. I have lace on my lap too. Here's a sneak peek. I'm only halfway through but it's rather addictive I must admit.

Asters in Tatting with Visual Patterns by Mary Konior, DMC #70

Using the Kimono threads

2011-06-05T21:07:00.002+08:00

I have been tatting... especially with the new Kimono thread that I was talking about, recommended by Lynn in this post.
Made a curious little motif with the black and white variegated. Also with a smaller #70 DMC cotton and metallic silver. I had a lot of fun doing this. Can you guess which pattern it is?

Tatted another motif with this thread... It's a motif for a coffee table mat.

Next up, a doily that's almost complete, minus one last round. (Lost steam for now but I might pick it up again some time. ;P)

Both these patterns can be found in this little booklet that Jane Eborall shared some time back. I managed to get a copy, and I love it.

I certainly have a new project waiting and I'm very keen to get crackin'. But before that, I gotta do some homework. Till then...

Hope you are having a nice weekend.

P.S. Jane wrote up a pattern for the Fandango corners and tatted up a pretty duo-colour sample. It's gorgeous. Find her post about it here.

Finds In Hong Kong

2011-05-28T22:33:00.000+08:00

Took a short trip to Hong Kong two weeks ago to visit my sister and to have a little break from work. Did loads of errands for family but didn't forget to catch up with Lynn Poling, one of our very own tatters who's assisting as admin to the InTatters forum. Met her there for the first time about four years ago when I visited and we had a lovely chat over coffee. Did the same thing again this time (but oh dear, we didn't even take a picture!). When Lynn heard that I was going over, she offered to take me to check out a thread that she found in a tiny shop in Mong Kok, Kowloon. She's such a darling.

Each of these cost HK$110 (~US$13.40).

The brand's Kimono and it seems to have been made in Korea (that's what it says on the blue thread label) but the variegated black says it's made in India (on the back of the label). Strange, but it could be true because I tatted with both these threads and they feel totally different. The blue feels sturdier whilst the variegated black feels softer. Will show you the products in the next post.

Then I asked Lynn to take me to Yu Chao Kai in Sum Shui Bo, one subway station down from Mong Kok station. There's a street that supposedly has all the bead shops. We walked into five, I think, and browsed, mostly. Of course we would have loved to bring home the shops but we said we only wanted to look-see, and we kept our promise. LOL I didn't come home empty handed though.

Some charms and earring "filigree" parts...

Lynn and I parted with a hug and exchanged a little something. I gave her the Fandango bookmark and she gave me this cross tatted in Lisbeth thread. It was a fabulous meeting and we had fun.

A Happy Baby

2011-05-24T21:10:00.001+08:00

...has "arrived". It's a baby polar made in white destressed mohair. He's a totally cheery fellow; always happy. Look at him climb onto my sofa. Don't let DH see you.

Wait a minute... he "sniffs" something exciting.

Ah, Bearbit's having a giveaway for her 500th post! Does it mean that this Happy Baby will have a May-bee for company soon? Keeping his fingers cross.

This week

2011-05-01T14:46:00.000+08:00

I think many of us in Tatland have tatted and fallen in love with many of Jane Eborall's patterns. This bookmark pattern is one I really enjoy (although I made a lot of booboos in the first attempt -- the one on the top!) The reason I'm posting the first is because I like the colours, but the second is the one without mistakes. Opps, it's the Fandango Bookmark of course! Both were tatted in Flora #20 as the instructions recommended and they are pretty large (8" x 2"). To be honest, I'm itching to tat another, perhaps in a smaller thread.

Thanks, Jane, for sharing another gorgeous pattern!

Earlier in the week, I finished another beaded project. And, I'm beginning to experiment more with my own ideas. It's more fun and challenging.

Alphabet ATCs

2011-04-16T12:25:00.001+08:00

A great part of last month and up to yesterday, the amount of work and client demands at the office brought me close to insanity. Hope the upcoming days won't be so bad. Anyway, I tried to channel some bad energy into productive energy and made some ATCs. Very little done each day though...

A couple of alphabets to begin with. Two sets: the first made from paper and a second set using fabric. The paper set incorporated origami critters.

Dipped into my very small stash of felt and made these... (but one's been loaned out for a photography session.) And yes, there's tatting on that one. Will show when I get it back.

A for Ants

E for Egg

Thing is: at our last ATC meet, the organiser announced that he's planning to have an ATC exhibition in August and hopes for members to make some alphabet ATCs to contribute to the letters forming the theme of the show. More on this later.

Have a good weekend. XOXO

Clumsy Clunies

2011-03-25T23:19:00.000+08:00

No, not really... It's me. I'm the clumsy one. LOL

Saw Karen Cabrera's video on youtube. Decided to give it a try. Finally. So I picked up my shuttles and practiced tatting clunies. Guess you can see the reason for the title of this post.

My first attempts at clunies

OK, I'll keep practicing. One day... one day I'll get them right. Thanks, Karen, for sharing the video.

A Gift: Star No. 4

2011-03-20T13:54:00.000+08:00

I'm into tatting pretty motifs for pendants lately, besides beading with cabochons. This one's from Tatting Patterns and Designs by Gun Blomqvist and Elwy Persson, on page 35. Got some Flora #20 threads that I like and so here it is... It's a gift for a dear friend's birthday. It was presented to her yesterday and she loved it. :D I really like the colours. Can you tell the rings were tatted from a single coloured thread whereas the chains are from a variegated?

More Beaded...

2011-03-14T21:10:00.000+08:00

Earrings!

Suede Earrings
Pattern by Ann Benson

I can only say these are simply too addictive...

Handfuls This Week

2011-03-13T13:02:00.002+08:00

I've been working on quite a few things this week. Been keeping awake almost every night to finish the items. You see, I simply can't rest until I have completed what I have in my hands. Is that good or bad?
First up... this heart motif by Martha Ess – Two Hearts as One. It's gorgeous. I would love to tat the one with the 2 hearts instead of just one of them, but I got stuck with the intertwinning of the rings part from R2.

Next, I tatted Lyn Morton's Romance Pendant again. This time it's with marine blue 4-mm Swaroski cystals with Flora #20. Maybe the choice of crystals wasn't quite right. They feel too large and heavy on this motif. What do you think? My first attempt is here.

I've also worked on beading a few cabochons. Finished one pendant this morning at four. It's for a personal exchange with a dear friend. I think she'll like it. It's my own pattern.

Sorry about the colours. They really didn't turn out right. The actual piece is way more gorgeous. Another piece is being done. I plan to complete it end of the day.

Have a great weekend. XOXO

Tatted Jewellery and Some Cards

2011-03-07T23:41:00.001+08:00

Found Lyn Morton's Tatting Jewellery in the library a couple of weeks back but never picked up on tatting anything from it. Just busy drooling over the pictures. Finally put some energy into tatting something from the book tonight. I love tatted pendants and tatting pendants. :)

Romance Pendant

Over the weekend, tried out some watercolour pencils I got while shopping with Ellen one week earlier. We went to the bookstore and craft supplies shop. What else can be more fun?

So, I drew and coloured some ATCs for a swap I'm participating in. The theme is Tarot Cards. I love the results. And they are so easy to use.

XVIIII The Sun

XVIII The Moon

VI The Lovers

So much for now. Going to zzZZZZZ.

Beaded Ring

2011-03-06T12:36:00.001+08:00

Was instantly attracted to this ring yesterday. Couldn't put the kit down. I had to have it. It's a Miyuki Jewellery kit. The ring's named Rote Rose Ring. Of course, I also had to make it up immediately as I got home. :P

Good weekend. XOXO

P.S. Sorry but I can't seem to get a good picture of the ring. Didn't do the colours justice.

Beaded Bracelet

2011-03-04T23:40:00.001+08:00

Bought this Japanese jewellery kit, known as Toho Jewellery, some time back and never did anything till now. The bracelet's named Bracelet "Motif with Black Agate".

Same piece, different background.

TGIF! Woohoo...

Happy Valentine's

2011-02-13T20:58:00.003+08:00

Here's wishing you Happy Valentine's Day in advance.
P.S. The pattern is here.

It's A Plane!

2011-02-08T22:42:00.001+08:00

The first TIAS of 2011 has ended.

I was so looking forward to the final day (day 10) but when it was released, I fell ill. The cough that I thought was finally subsiding returned (a mighty strong whooping cough)! Anyway, to cut the story short, I tatted up the final part but didn't have any energy left to hide the ends.

My aeroplane has now landed and Jane's got it posted here. Thanks, Jane, for the fun!

My CNY

2011-02-07T10:58:00.001+08:00

The rabbits have arrived!

My collection

Flowers symbolise the arrival of Spring

Sweets box filled with yummy candies and nuts.

No celebration is complete without food!

A steamboat dinner

Yusheng (鱼生-- a salad dish of raddish, carrot shreds, crackers, sasame and peanut bits with
thin slices of raw fish, accompanied by a sweet-sour plum sauce). The ingredients in this dish are
tossed and the act is believed to toss up some wealth and turn the fortunes in our favour.

Chinatown

2011-02-06T15:29:00.002+08:00

With the Lunar New Year looming close, Chinatown (牛车水) was buzzing with hawkers selling celebration goodies. It's Year of the Rabbit in 2011.

Buildings have been decorated with flowers and well wishes (couplets)

Rows and rows of makeshift stalls line both sides of the street

Charms that people hang in their cars, on purses, anywhere

Windmills blessed at the Wong Tai Xin Temple in Hong Kong, believed to
change the previous year's bad luck when the wheel turns with the help of the wind

Auspicious Chinese sayings to be stuck to the doors

Dried preserved meats (duck, leg of ham, Chinese sausages) -- in the past, these were prepared
to tide over the winter months when people could not go out to hunt.
The meats are either salted or sugared. It's now become a tradition to have these.

More accessories for decorating the house

Lanterns and decorations to ignite the celebrative mood

Not forgetting the flowers

These cheery windmills are for the kids

These knotted tassles can be added to lanterns or hung on their own. Very colourful.

Mustn't forget the lanterns

Chinese lions (These were what I thought Jane had in mind in the early days of the 2011 TIAS)

Other finds -- big calligraphy brushes

And dolls of the different Chinese tribal peoples

It's the fourth day of the CNY celebrations today. This festival is celebrated for 15 days and kids can continue to collect angbaos (aka hongbaos 红包) till the last day. Families usually gather for a huge feast from the eve through the 15th day.

Here's wishing my Chinese friends

Gong Hei Fatt Choy 恭禧发财

Hope you'd enjoyed some eye candy here.

TIAS Day 9

2011-02-06T00:19:00.000+08:00

Which way should I look?

This way...

TIAS Days 7 & 8

2011-02-02T23:30:00.000+08:00

Here's Day 7 and then Day 8 ... Can't tell what it is on Day 7 but I'm beginning to figure it's a creature on Day 8. Just look! I can somehow see two eyes on the top of its head (in the orientation I'm posting below). What do you see?

TIAS DAY 6

2011-01-28T23:12:00.000+08:00

Still have no idea what it is.

TIAS Day 5

2011-01-24T23:57:00.001+08:00

TIAS Day 4 and I'm Loving It

2011-01-22T13:18:00.000+08:00

Can't tell what it is anymore... What's that? A nose, tail or ele's trunk? What's Jane thinking, but I'm loving it.

Day 3, and I thought it was going to be a Chinese "lion", the one you'll find in lion dances.

Day 4, and I have totally no idea what it's going to be now...

BTW, the TIAS link is here.

TIAS-Day 2 and It's Fun!

2011-01-16T21:34:00.002+08:00

The first TIAS for 2011 has just started. I can't wait to see what dear ol' Jane has up her sleeves for us in tatland. Managed to catch up to Day 2, although I really hadn't the chance to practice the new technique she introduced. I think it looks right as I compared my tatting to her diagram. Ah, I work best with diagrams.

"D Thanks, Jane.

More ATCs... Shoes

2011-01-11T13:17:00.000+08:00

Inspired by designer shoes...

Bling #1/4

Sophiscated #2/4

Trendy #3/4

Comfy #4/4

Which is your favourite pair?

I Love Coffee

2011-01-09T13:59:00.024+08:00

This is a set of 6 ATCs I created from my love for coffee. Themed as "I Love Coffee", these were posted on an online forum. Imagine my surprise when I woke up this morning to find loads of comments and requests to swap for these.

"Making Greek Coffee" #1/6

"Espresso" #2/6

"Latte" #3/6

"Mocha Latte" #4/6

"Frappe" #5/6

Cappucino #6/6

(Post blog remark: And this cappu is for Diana. Cheers!)

And, this is another set painted with coffee! That's the criteria for the ATC swap I'm participating in. How extraordinary. The coffee aroma still lingers in the cards. Mmmm...

Butterflies and Heart #1/4

Butterflies and Heart #2/4

Butterflies and Heart #3/4

Butterflies and Heart #4/4

There's more to do now... I'm planning to making some in the Chinese New Year theme.

Later...

New Preoccupation

2011-01-08T23:19:00.001+08:00

Have been fighting the flu bug, again. Can't sleep at night due to the persistent cough that leaves me breathless and awake. Argh! I have no mood to pick up my tatting nor teddy bear sewing.

But my brain won't let me rest. Since finding out about ATCs, I have been looking at what other people are doing, and swapping. Hmm, it's very interesting out there!

These are two sets of ATCs I have made. Can't get enough of pretty shoes. LOL

Trendy Heels #1/3

Trendy Heels #2/3

Trendy Heels #3/3

Designer Stiletthos #1/2

Designer Stiletthos #2/2

Well, for now... I'll have more in the next post.

Have a good weekend.

Girl Panda

2010-12-28T23:24:00.001+08:00

You might remember my panda, Pod, in this post. I've made a new panda. This time it's a girl! She's a special request by a dear friend. I'd altered her body profile from the last one I made, and I experimented with sculpting her face.

Her name's Shasha (莎莎). She's now gone to live in Beijing, China, with her new mummy.

Shasha
DOB: 24 December 2010

Shasha wears a little flower.

Pod and Shasha love to exchange jokes.

It's time to say goodbye. Pod gives Shasha a peck on the cheek. Pod's sweet.

I'm going miss Shasha.

My First ATCs

2010-12-27T22:46:00.002+08:00

Just arrived from Ina Smirnova of Bears and Roses. I fell in love with this ATC because of the snowflake on it (as you might have guessed!). It was a special request to which Ina kindly agreed. Along with it are some goodies... Thanks so much, Ina!

"Silver Frost"; #4 of 7.

But this is not all. On 9 Dec, I gatecrashed one ATC gathering-sharing session that Ellen (aka Singtatter) attends. It was my first time at this gathering and one of the organisers shared on pointillism, a technique developed by Georges Seurat in 1886. Pointillism is a technique of painting in which small, distinct dots of colour are applied in patterns to form an image.

I tried my hands on the spot. And, here it is... This ATC is somewhat simplistic, but I will like to learn more techniques to make more ATCs.

My first ATC: Discovering Dots

These are some of the ATCs made by the other participants at the session.

ATC ~ Artist Trading Card

My Christmas Presents Arrived

2010-12-24T23:35:00.002+08:00

... just in time! Yay!

These goodies are from Trayna.

This large post shuttle is made by 'im in the garage. It's huge!

To all my blogging friends celebrating Christmas...
Here's wishing you

A Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Tatted Hearts & A Bling Ring

2010-12-05T10:55:00.002+08:00

It's wonderful to get some tatting done. These are two tatted heart patterns that I adore and so I tatted them for two blogging friends, for our exchanges.

The first tatted heart (left) is a pattern by Ruth Perry, entitled Yellow Heart. The smaller heart is a pattern by Birgit Phelps named Sweetheart. I find them really sweet and absolutely love to tat them. The hearts were tatted in Milford #40 variegated pink/white.

In the last couple of weekends, I did some lessons with a lady who's very talented at beading. She taught me to wrap beads around a carbochon using peyote stitches. Something very interesting and a little challenging for me but this is the result of those sessions. I'm totally blown away by the outcome (and no, the image below doesn't do it justice!).

Hope you are enjoying your weekend. XOXO

Downtown Singapore

2010-11-28T12:24:00.000+08:00

More Christmas street decor, a continuation from here...

An indoor Xmas decor @Novena Sq

Tangs

An intoxicated mannequin - one of the window displays at Tangs

Chocolates

2010-11-26T14:07:00.000+08:00

... so how many of you folks got 'fooled' by the title of this post? I am talking about the chocolate box to be exact. I saw a chocolate box contest posted on Ambitatterous here over a week ago and thought "Oh, how interesting?" I mean who can resist chocolates, or boxes?

The first thing that came to mind was obviously "Chocolates" and so I tatted the letters from The Complete Book of Tatting by Rebecca Jones'. Then came the flowers as they went with the alphabets.

Chocolate box (front)

And I got carried away. I tatted a honey pot and a chestnut (my own pattern) next. Then I saw Martha Ess' pumpkin teapot which I tatted a couple of days before. The pattern is here. All these took up positions on the back of the box.

Chocolate box (back)

Now I know you must be eyeing those truffles... Yes, they are actually pincushions I made for my teddy bear toolbox. Can they pass off as truffles?

Truffles

Finally, here's a glimpse of the box I picked up.

Just the box

I had loads of fun doing this. Thanks, IsDihara, for this contest idea.

I Love Pretty Things (3)

2010-11-21T12:46:00.002+08:00

Was in town last night... Orchard Road, downtown Singapore, the famous shopping belt. Think these images will send some festive cheers to blogging friends who are starting to experience the cold spells. Hope you like the images.

Outside Paragaon Shopping Centre

Christmas trees lined with teddies! Oooh...

A 3-storey tall Christmas tree in the lobby of Takashimya

One of four teddy bear-shaped decor outside Takashimaya. (For more bear decor, go to my FB page.)

Now, back to my tatting. These 2 tatted bracelets were done some time back. They are only rings and chains with some Swaroski crystals added.

Cheers!

I Love Pretty Things (2)

2010-11-20T01:12:00.000+08:00

I'm not ashamed to say I hoard pretty stuff, such as these...

These bling shuttles are decorated by Diane (aka Lace-lovin' Librarian). How pretty and irresistable! She sent some thread samples too. Thank you very much, Diane. I love them.

And... these are some home items I got on two of my vacations.

Handcrafted giraffes from Bali.

Handcrafted lamp from Turkey. Love it!

I Love Pretty Things (1)

2010-11-20T00:28:00.001+08:00

If you are wondering what have been keeping me busy...

These cute little bears are derived from natural soap.
I made the one on the far left, Camomile flavoured, at a soap-making workshop.

Watch this space for more, soon.

Have a great weekend. XOXO

My Babies... Eh, Bears Actually

2010-11-05T01:12:00.000+08:00

I haven't posted for over two months. :p There was too much happening. I managed, however, to keep my hands busy with making bears. Some tatting too but that will be in another post (when I get more stuff sorted out). Some eye candy if you will, for now.

Bebe Blanc

Danny

Beary
P.S. He prefers to be a bunny.

Pod the Panda

Tatted Motif With Rose Quartz Chips

2010-08-01T12:02:00.000+08:00

Tatted this motif with rose quartz chips I got some time back. It's a gift and I hope it's finder will like it. Had to keep it under "wraps" until now. The tatting was fun except for the rose quartz chips, felt rather "clumsy" because they were quite some weight. I'd stiffened the tatting at the end so the pendant is not floppy. Quite like it. This was tatted with an Olympus #20 thread.

Going Ons This Week...

2010-05-23T15:49:00.000+08:00

Oh no, my mobile phone charm... this little black piggy has worn out. First his eyes fell off, one after another. I glued them back on. That was a few months back. Then his ears started to peel. Now even his nose is falling off. Poor thing. Guess he'd seen better times.

So I had to replace him with this alien (I can't figure what animal it is).

I'd been sick over the week. I coughed so much and so violently that I couldn't even catch my breath. I thought this was going to kill me! This cough, which recurred every 2 minutes won't let me sleep and left me short of breath after every episode. When I went to see the doc, he told me it won't go away for at least a week or two. Some patients he'd seen had coughs that lasted over a month and one fellow had coughed so badly that a rib broke! S.C.A.R.Y! I was forced to rest and take all my meds faithfully. I'm much better now. The cough's pretty much suppressed (that's what the meds do) but the throat's still rather sore.

On the brighter side, I found time to check out what's going on with some blogging friends and the well neglected Intatters site. I was looking out for some challenge, as usual, as well as some pretty bookmark patterns to tat.

"Tatted Clover Bookmark" by Carol Lepard that I'd found on the Intatters site. Simple to tat but a gorgeous pattern.

Another project that I have in mind: tatting up some vintage patterns from KNOTS. The patterns are in need of images of the actual work so Kersti suggested this challenge. OK, here's a glimpse of what I'm planning to work on. I tatted this motif with only the visual.

Have a restful weekend.

XOXO

Tatting and Goodies

2010-05-08T00:26:00.001+08:00

After Mr Crocodile went for his swimming lessons, it became quiet in the house. Ahh finally, time to tat. I thought I should revisit tatting a sheep. I tatted this sheep some time back here. Wow, it was almost a year ago. The pattern is from Sheep May Safely Graze by Karey Solomon. This was tatted in #20 Opera Ecru.

This pair of earrings was tatted a couple of weeks back, right after I tatted the pendant in the same pattern. Interestingly I found a spool of red metallic thread that I don't remember anything about. And voila!

Recently I got lucky and won in 2 giveaways. The first was actually an El Dorado doily giveaway by Two Shuttles. I didn't win the doily but I was the winner of the mystery tat. LOL. Isn't this peekaboo ornament cute? It's done in Lisbeth thread 'Jewel'. There is a metallic-thread butterfly hanging in the middle.

Last week, Bumpkin Bears had a giveaway too and I won a pack of her 'Friends for Tea' cards. I've been 'stalking' bear artists' blogs and this is one of them. Catherine is very talented. Apart from making teddy bears, she draws cute bears too.

It's the weekend again! YAY! I'm going to watch a play on Saturday afternoon with an ex colleague and her daughter. Another ex colleague's playing a role in it. I'm looking forward.

Heehee, have you noticed... my blog now has a 3-column layout instead of 2? Of course, I had some tips from Gina (aka the Tatting Goddess) who pointed me to the Three Column Blogger. Thanks, Gina.

Meanwhile, do check out the giveaways I've listed on my left sidebar.

XOXO

Mr Crocodile... con't

2010-05-03T23:15:00.000+08:00

Mr Crocodile's been enjoying himself watching TV on my sofa for close to a week now. There's no sign that he's going away. So I asked him politely if he would like to go back to racing after fish in the river or suntaning on the grass.

"No, thanks," he said.

"Why not?" I asked.

In a very soft voice, unlike a ferocious and confident crocodile, he admitted: "I really can't swim very well."

WHAT?! Can't swim? How can a crocodile not be able to swim? The story goes that when he first crawled out of his "shell" (sock), he didn't know he was supposed to learn how to swim. So he doesn't know how.

Immediately, I tasked hubby to go find Mr Crocodile a float so he can learn to swim. After searching high and low, far and wide, we finally chanced upon this float shaped like "a little foot". [It's pink because I chose it. It's no fault of Mr Crocodile.]

Mr Crocodile's all geared up to go swimming. Smile.

Look! Mr Crocodile...

2010-04-28T23:02:00.003+08:00

is perched on my sofa. What's he up to? Seems like he's searching for something.

No, there is no chocolate hidden in the grooves. No candy either. Nor would there be something that a crocodile might like to eat. (Be wary though, even if he's not showing all his teeth.)

Then he went on to hang about on the arm rest of my favourite chair. This is where I will sit to tat or make my teddy bears. Ahh, he's probably just looking for a comfortable patch to rest.

Psst, this crocodile's made from one of my hubby's socks, leftover from his army days.

Sleepy Bro

2010-04-24T21:42:00.000+08:00

Hi there! Hope you are looking forward to the weekend as I do.

This is the other sleepy bear, the brother of Sleepy Head. He's made in mohair that's rather stringy and sparce, but I was surprised at how soft the fur feels. This gives him the straggly look. I haven't given him a name because it's a teddy for my friend.

The story goes that I enjoy making bears but I really can't sew much. So my teddy bears do not have clothes! My friend who's very good with her hands offered to do an "exchange". She'd make some clothes for a teddy that I choose and I'll make her a bear!

The other part of the exchange? Well, they are not ready yet. Will post the designer clothes when they arrive.

XOXO

Tatted Pendants

2010-04-10T22:48:00.001+08:00

It's the weekend again. Yay! I always look forward to Saturdays because I can indulge in my passions without guilt and without having to fight the sleepy bug!

Seems there's a tatted pendant fever going lately... This is what I finished in the afternoon. The pattern is from this site. It was originally intended for earrings but I thought it's interesting as a pendant. The thread is Flora #20 Deep Red. A little glass teadrop bead hangs below the tatted motif.

The next two pendants are for the Intatter's April Pendant Exchange. Both were tatted in DMC #20 variegated Red. Only one, however, was sent to my exchange partner. One had a broken picot so it was abandoned. It's been some time since I used beads in my tatting. (Too lazy to string the beads :p) These have brought about a revival to using beads... LOL. I hope my partner likes it.

I thought the motifs are simply. The first one below feels cheerful and elegant. The second motif below is a combination of repeated rings with a simple ring stuck right in the middle! I think I got these patterns from my tatting teacher.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend break too!

Bowled!

2010-04-10T14:01:00.001+08:00

Oh NO! The chains on my doily (the one I started here) are a mess! I know it's to do with the tension but I have unpicked/retro-tatted/tonked the earlier rounds and re-tatted. What do I do? Cut away these and start all over? It pains me to see this and more if I have to unpick and re-tat. URGH.

Two nights ago, hubby and I went out for dinner and I found this cutie flowery purse that I thought would replace my elmo tatting drawstring bag! It's not too large, roughly 10x8 cm, and very light. I love the colours. What more, it costs only $2, at Daiso. Will fit into my handbag as well.

I think I'll now go off to check out the new teddy bear supplies shop, opening in town today. Later...

And On With More Tatting...

2010-04-04T16:38:00.003+08:00

The motif (by Castats) I was tatting up on ITD. Nope I wasn't going to attempt a runner. :p It's a gorgeous square motif, now finished and blocked. Just wanted give an update on this.

Now on to a doily I'm caught on tatting. It's the "Flowerpiece" by Mary Kornior in her book Tatting with Visual Patterns, on pages 56-7. 3 out of 4 motifs done so far. I'm not sure I like the bright orange thread as the colour's hurting my eyes. LOL

And there are 2 fabulous giveaways. The first is happening on TattingChic's blog. It's her 2nd Blogversary. YAY! Some great items to be won there.

Next up, Elanor from Shantock Bears is having a giveaway too. A cute little mouse! Check it out. I bet you'll be mesmerised by it's cute face!

I Tatted Too On International Tatting Day!

2010-04-02T12:33:00.004+08:00

This is the FIRST time I'm celebrating International Tatting Day (ITD)! Thanks to IsDihara who mentioned it on her blog, I managed to tat something, almost at the 11th hour, literally, because I got home late and finally only managed to settle down then.

For my non-tatter friends...

International Tatting Day
1. Eat all the chocolate you desire.
2. Wear a little tatting and tell everyone you meet about tatting.
3. Tat only for yourself, only what YOU want to tat.
4. Remember (or honour) the tatters who have gone before you and contributed so much to our art.
And by all means, you can send cards.

There weren't chocolates but I am pleased I tatted something. It's a celtic motif designed by Castella Arthur (aka Castats). I found this pattern a long time back but didn't get to tat it until now. The motif's meant for a table runner if I'm not mistaken. It's pretty. (Oops, I haven't had the chance to hide the ends and block it yet! :p)

Hope all my friends who enjoy this art has a Happy International Tatting Day too! And there is much to blow our horns about...

TATTING IS NOT A DYING ART!

Sneak Peek

2010-03-28T14:48:00.000+08:00

Here's a new teddy saying "Hello". Nope, it's not entirely complete but I'm stumped now with ideas to improve it. It's getting impatient because the maker (that's me!) has been at it for over 3 weeks... The teddy can't wait to go out and join the rest of its kind. Can you see it's forlorn and longing look?

Two Shuttles is having a El Dorado doily giveaway. Really interesting. Do pop over to join in the fun.

Good weekend,

XOXO

Hearts

2010-03-13T18:51:00.000+08:00

Some tatting in the last 2 weeks... Heart's Desire by Susan Fuller, pictured below and test tatted one of Heather's pattern, Lady Pink. Not sure I can post it yet since she's preparing her new book so I'm going to wait. The second heart was way back when I first learned how to tat. Can't remember where I found this pattern. (Any body recalls?)

Heart's Desire was tatted in Flora #20 White and Coron #20 Pink. Sweet combination.

The second heart was in a DMC variegated red #20.

Other than these, been so caught up at work and office moving coming up this week. AWFUL.

On another note, Aileen's (aka Wickedtats) celebrating her BD and she's having a speedy giveaway on her blog. She's so sweet to have such a lot of goodies for fellow crafters. Happy Birthday, Aileen!

Goodies

2010-03-02T21:30:00.000+08:00

Some of my favourite things: teddy bears and shuttles. And the list goes on...

Ginger at Bearbits is having a Spring giveaway. It's a teddy bear named Blossom (pictured below). Ooh look at that face!

My Pop-A-Bobbin Tatting Shuttle made by 'im in the garage (Sally's DH) has arrived! Thank you, Jane, for sending it promptly. It's pretty. I can't wait to use it.

An Awesome Giveaway

2010-02-12T10:48:00.000+08:00

@kellymooreclark is giving away a bag! Check it out.

A Request

2010-01-30T11:32:00.001+08:00

A friend asked me some weeks ago if I could make her something (like a lanyard) to attach her glasses to so that she can hang them over her neck and not misplace them. I finally had it finished yesterday. It's now with the friend. Mission accomplished. :)

Oh, My Sleepy Head...

2010-01-14T00:00:00.013+08:00

Hey, who's there looking at me?

was born yesterday (13 Jan 2010). He's 7" from head to legs and is very fond of stealing a nap when no one's looking. There, the lenses caught him just about to go to dreamland again.

Hmmm, it's soft and warm here. Perfect.

Sleepy Head's favourite spot? Well, it's none other than on my hubby's tummy. Boys will be boys.

Since we are on the subject of bears, Linda Benson @ Bears In The Bush is celebrating her blogversary and hosting a giveaway.

And that's not all, Ladyshuttermaker's having her Mondo Monday giveaway again... Yes!

Oh don't miss this giveaway by Arty Lou, aka December Girl. She's giving away a pretty piece of jewellery (pictured above). Or check out her Etsy shop here.

A Girl Elephant

2009-12-19T20:29:00.000+08:00

for my dearest friend, Pearl. The new girl is pretty, isn't she? A butterfly was so attracted by her eyes that it landed right on her nose!

It's Christmas just round the corner. May all my friends, and one n all, have a wonderful time this season.

XOXO,

Val

Then Another

2009-12-13T15:32:00.003+08:00

My next snowflake... Same pattern as this one here but in different colours. A friend who saw it commented that it's the colours of the American flag. This snowflake's made in Flora #50, Colour 911 (that's what it says on the label!). I'm not sure these colours are suitable for a snowflake. *-)

On another note, my second InTatter's Secret Santa Xmas Exchange package has arrived! Woohoo! Like the first one, I didn't hesitate to open it! Inside the bubble pack, I found 2 sachets—one white and the other red. I untied the white sachet first and reached into it to retrieve my presents... then I did for the red. I was totally blown away by the generosity of my Secret Santa! And the next thought that came to my head? "Did she read my mind?" Every item she gifted I love! Thank you very much, Bev J Davis! I think Bev has been following my blog and perhaps even comments I made at our fellow bloggers'. :)

Have a good weekend.
XOXO

Wonderful giveaways

2009-12-09T15:43:00.002+08:00

Dawn @the Feathered Nest is celebrating her 1200th post and 400 followers! WOW! To me this is an incredibly great achievement. Congrats, Dawn. And she's having a lovely giveaway—of items lovingly handmade by her. Go and find out what they are at her blog. You will not be disappointed (hint: see the picture below).

Our very talented Ladyshuttlemaker's having her Mondo Monday giveaway again! Hey you know the rules... and the prizes are certainly fabulous (as always): Workbasket magazines and her HDTs!

Have a great midweek.

My Angel and Secret Santa Exchange

2009-12-07T11:00:00.006+08:00

My angel has arrived!

I tatted the angel's wings like those of a butterfly's, just off the top of my head. The angel's head is a 6mm round Swarovski crystal. The skirt's a Swaroski too, but I have no idea of the size... :p It's a fun little "adventure". A few days ago, I saw Aileen's (aka WickedTat) little angels and was inspired to make my own.

Yesterday I received the Secret Santa exchange organised @InTatters from one of my 2 partners. I got so excited that I opened the parcel right there and then! Enclosed was a whole lot of goodies... My favourite item: the tatted snowflakes, of course! Ok, the Secret Santa didn't write her name on the package but I managed to guess through the return addie. :D Thank you, Nancy (aka Lalou)!

God bless y'all.

After post: Checked out the crystal for the skirt—it's a 9x8mm teardrop-like swarovski. If anyone's interested in the wing pattern, let me know. I'll try and get it down on paper. LOL

Another Snowflake-y

2009-12-06T12:16:00.000+08:00

Here comes the next snowflake... actually it's been painted with some irridescent glitter and white glue. The result: it's stiffened so it can be hang on a christmas tree! Can't see the glittery bits in this scanned image, alas!

The snowflake's named Star No. 1 from Tatting Patterns and Designs by Gun Blomqvist and Elwy Persson, page 38-9. I've used a DMC #70 thread and it measures only two and a half inches across. A pretty dainty snowflake. :)

XOXO, good weekend.

Elle The Elephant

2009-11-30T20:50:00.001+08:00

Over the weekend, I made an elephant, with a pair of socks. He is approximately 20 inches tall (including trunk)! I'd not imagined an ordinary pair of socks could have such an outcome... He's huggable just like my bolster but a mini one. :)

Snowflakes

2009-11-26T17:01:00.008+08:00

Have been looking up snowflake patterns to tat...

Here's one that I like. The pattern can be found in Tatting With Ann Orr, motif 19 on pages 18-19. I tatted this motif in two colours.

More snowflakes on the way...

XOXO
Val

INDULGENCE Indulgence

2009-11-19T13:39:00.019+08:00

I was on a shopping spree. Whheeeeee...

These clay whistles were made by Andrew Chua, a Singaporean potter. I was attracted to the little teapot and owl the twins are carrying, of course. :)

These shuttles I bidded on eBay. I spent quite some money on those. ;P

Now I'm off to put together the InTatters Christmas Secret Santa exchange items...

Have a good weekend, XOXO

Here it is... the Final One

2009-11-05T00:58:00.013+08:00

Ok, I'm done with the little picture I wanted to send to my sister. I talked about only having one cup but this is the final version. It's probably a more balanced composition and the cup won't feel so lonely. LOL (Aiyah, but the colour is not turning out well... again.)

I must confess that I've been rather naughty... getting myself hooked lately to games on FB. I repent. I killed 3 games yesterday. :p Will get back to tatting, and my teddy bears are waiting...

Hey what are these gorgeous pumpkin earrings doing? Well, Elizabeth @ Elizabeth's tatted lace is giving them away to celebrate her 100th sale on etsy. So cool!

And Heather's birthday is coming up. She's having a birthday giveaway @ The Tarnished Tatter. Pictured here is one of the shuttles she's made for the lucky winner.

Happy Birthday, Heather!

XOXO

Great mid-week.

Gifts and Giveaways

2009-10-25T16:02:00.017+08:00

It's the great weekend again. Hope everyone's having a restful time.

I mentioned in my previous post that I tatted some things... well, here they are. The first is a black necklace. I added some blood red and wine red swaroski crystals to it. (Sorry, the picture doesn't do justice to the actual piece.) It's for a colleague who's moving on. Hope she likes it.

Then there is another gift that I worked on. A teapot and cup for my sister who has just moved into a new apartment. Actually I've been thinking if one more cup will do better. Mmm, will sleep over this idea and make a decision tomor. What do y'all fellow tatters and friends think? Of course you probably guessed... it's Martha Ess' pattern. Heehee. I love these. I used Manuella #20 thread which I ordered from Handy Hands.

Now if you'd seen Ginger's teddy bears, I'm certain you'll fall in love with them instantly! They are so cute and very well made. Ginger at Bearbits is having a Silver Anniversary Giveaway. I'm sure you know what to do... ;) This is Noelle Kringle and he's ready to celebrate Christmas with his lucky new owner.

The talented Iva at My Birdsong is also having a giveaway for her 100th post! Do pop over to her blog. This 5x7" beewax collage is one of the two pieces of her work she's giving away. Isn't it beautiful?

Giveaways and interesting stuff

2009-10-22T15:52:00.008+08:00

Hi there. How's your week been? Busy busy?!

Was blog-hopping and I saw this gadget that not only caught my eye but is certainly a brilliant idea—a retractable crochet hook pen, invented by none other than the Ladyshuttlemaker. So cool! I know I love to lose my crochet hooks and this bright cheery coloured thing is not likely to get lost. (Hint ;))

Many of you may already know... Ladyshuttlemaker is having her Mondo Monday giveaway! This week, it's going to be a bead spinner. How interesting! I've not seen a real one... Hope I'm the lucky winner.

Peach Street Primitives is also having a giveaway for the 100th follower. How unique! And that's not all, it's going to be one of Jamie's own creations for halloween. Wow! So fun!

What have I been up to?

2009-10-13T21:42:00.006+08:00

Hi hi hi. I have been busy busy busy. (I know it's not an excuse to neglect blogging... :p)

I did tat. Something. (Meanwhile, please be patient. LOL)

Tried prawn-fishing for the first time last month. Caught about 21 prawns, large and small. Perhaps I should tat a prawn?!

One night, I found this strange shape on an upturned storage container that was drying on my dish rack. Thought it's interesting... Looks like a butterfly with wings outstretched, doesn't it?

Catch up soon.
XOXO

Goody Giveaway!

2009-10-06T14:19:00.002+08:00

Michelle Allen @Michelle My Belle is having a giveaway of treasure boxes. How fun and lovely these boxes are! C'mon over...

Beanipet's 1st Birthday

2009-10-02T12:52:00.002+08:00

And... I stumbled upon the Beanipet blog. There's going to be a 1st birthday bash! The beanipets are so huggable.

Cubcake!

2009-10-02T12:39:00.002+08:00

Oh, here's another October giveaway at Yesterday's Glitter by Kelly. Check out the cutsie little cubcake!

Brooches!

2009-09-30T13:09:00.005+08:00

Edward and Lilly are having a giveaway—cute brooches in 3 designs and 4 colours. Go try your luck!

Ann at Creative Antiques is also having a giveaway—halloween Candy! Leave a comment of your halloween experiences and you might get lucky. (Sadly I haven't celebrated halloween.)

Aileen's Wicked tats: Hallowversary Mystery Giveaway

2009-09-22T17:13:00.007+08:00

'Allo 'allo... another promising giveaway to take note of: Hallowversary Mystery Giveaway at Aileen Wicked Tats! The drawing will be on Halloween (but I haven't had a chance to celebrate this before, Hmm, sounds good!), 31 Oct, and she's going to blog about the prizes from now. Make sure you pop over to join in the fun. Woohoo, I can't wait!

A Charming Video & Giveaway for a Great Cause

2009-09-17T14:02:00.005+08:00

I was visiting my creative friends' blogs and came upon A Charming Exchange by Ruth Rae. She collaborated with Kelly Snelling in a book entitled 'A Charming Exchange' and many of her jewellery creations are featured. There will be an auction of the pieces in October (National Breast Cancer Awareness Month) for a very good cause. Please read the short writeup which I took from her blog for more information.

(I just want to note that Ruth's given permission to quote from the blog.)

I wish them all the best.

"Check out this video that Johanna shot of Kristen and I in Kristen's studio. The project we created was based on one of many amazing collaborations from A Charming Exchange written by myself and Kelly Snelling. Stay tuned for more information on the wonderful auction which will take place in October benefiting breast cancer.

The necklace created by myself and Kristen (seen in the above video) will be a special give away; to enter the give away post about the Charming Exchange Breast Cancer Auction on your blog making sure to add a link that takes readers to www.acharmingexchange.com. Leave your link in the comment section on A Charming Exchange and good luck. The drawing will take place on October 30th.

Thank you so much for your support and feel free to copy and paste this post directly to your blog."

090909

2009-09-09T12:08:00.000+08:00

Yep, look at the date! It's supposed to be an auspicious day today and so I just want to say 'Hi' to all my blog friends out there and wish you all abundance.

xOxO
Valerie

The Great Wunderkammer Giveaway!

2009-08-16T11:33:00.001+08:00

"A collection of curiosities discovered in dark and wonderous corners of Etsy"--this is the tagline of the very interesting blog where TotusMel recommends all her fabulous finds--from the simple to the most exotic and gothic. I found so many items that I fancy and had to try my luck. And the prizes... check them out.

Seoul Holiday I: Curly Wriggling Food

2009-08-15T13:45:00.006+08:00

Was in Seoul and Jeju island for a couple of days with my lit'l sis. Woohoo... Great trip. Lots to see, do and eat. EAT! Yes, I'll be showing you some of the things we got to try.

How about something curly and wriggling... on a pan? Looks squirmish initially but had to try it. So instead of just waiting for it to cook, I took a short video clip of the process... (Warning: Although it's not bloody, the curly octopus moving on the pan might make you squirmish.) Enjoy. And yes, it's yummy!

On another night, a typical Korean dinner spread, of small side dishes and pancake. Yum.

Till the next instalment... Have a great weekend.

Olive Grove Primitives Giveaway!

2009-08-15T13:38:00.001+08:00

Hear ye, hear ye. Another giveaway at Olive Grove Primitives... a Victorian shoe pin cushion with 5 handmade french style tags. Nice. Do pop over to join in the fun.

Well, at my end, I have just returned from a short well-deserved break. Was in Seoul and Jeju island with my lit'l sis. Will report it in my next post. Watch out for it. Seeya.

1st Blog Giveaway at Cath's Pennies Design

2009-08-04T13:22:00.000+08:00

Hehe... here's yet another blog giveaway—at Cath's Pennies Design. How exciting?! It's her blog's first! Pop over, quick!

I know I haven't been blogging much lately. My apologies. Am quite buried under a mountain of projects, daylight is only a short glimpse during which I travel from home to the office. Next thing I know, it's supper time. No TV, tatting or Coke. Trying very hard to keep my eyelids from falling... Oops!

P.S. Has anyone on blogspot encountered a problem adding pictures to your post? I can't even see the functions now... Strange. Now that explains why I haven't got pictures for the last few posts.

July Giveaways at Enchanted Oddities

2009-08-02T11:06:00.001+08:00

Yep, you got it right... July giveaways! Another exciting event to look forward to. Take a peek. There are 2 giveaways in fact: #1 is a handpainted and beaded bag with surprise goodies inside and #2 is a handsewned Gingerbread doll. Hurry over.

A Must-Join: KnitPicks Zephyr Knitting Needle Set Giveaway (8/21)

2009-08-02T10:53:00.000+08:00

ThingsMomLike and KnitPicks are having a great giveaway: a pair of Zephry knitting needles. They are cool! Check them out!

What inspire(s) me?

2009-07-31T23:41:00.002+08:00

What inspire(s) me? Lots...

1. Nature: flora and fauna. Especially animals. I always wonder how God managed to come up with so many forms, shapes, sizes and colours. Always marvel at the colours of the flora world too.

2. The light at different times of the day and in different weather conditions. At sunrise, the sky gives off a redish glow. Seems to say "Hey, it's a brand new day!" After the rain, leaves that have started to turn a yellowish-green from thirst suddenly looks fresh and vibrant.

3. Findings, all sorts. Nuts and bolts, jump rings, coloured beads, rings on soft drink cans... the list goes on. Love to collect (or shall I say 'hoard') them. Never fail to tell myself "I will need to use these some time."

4. Books. How can I ever live without books? Strangely, I have books that I read many times over and over again, simply because I love the stories! (Yes, I own many books on my favourite subjects.) There is this terrible habit I have... arrive early at the airport, check in and browse in the airport bookstore. Very often, I get too engrossed and forget I had to board my flight. On some occasions, I hear a familiar name over the PA system, requesting the passenger to board her flight immediately. (I'm sure you know this person.)

5. Tin cans. I don't know the reason but I just love to collect tin cans, in particular those with pretty prints, paintings and colours. My friends and colleagues often hear me ask them to eat up all the chocolate and cookies, and leave me the tin cans. (No, I don't fancy chocolate and cookies very much. Will attempt a piece when offered.) I guess the fact that people can come up with so many ideas to decorate and package things always catch my attention.

OK, I fancy pretty things. Who doesn't?

Blog Party at Inspiration Avenue

2009-07-23T12:57:00.003+08:00

Inspiration Avenue is hosting a fabulous Blog Party. Please drop by to join in the fun! And not forgetting the wonderful prizes that await the lucky winners! Woohoo!

♥Theme: "5 Degrees of Inspiration"
♥Date: August 1st, 2009