Mommy Goes To Market: crafts

Showing posts with label crafts. Show all posts

I think I became obsessed with handwriting and calligraphy when I was in high school. The neater your handwriting was, the prettier your notebooks were, the better. It was like a fashion statement altogether.

When I went to college, I had to learn to properly write in "drafting mode". Very technical and edgy. I loved it. My most favorite subjects were color rendering and drafting 101.

As I went into corporate, you can imagine my handwriting especially during critical meetings - chicken scratch! (kinayod ng manok). LOL.

I couldn't even recognize my own hand writing anymore!

When I went into full mode into pursuing a career in design again, my love for all things pretty, including penmanship, came back. A font expresses so much more than just words into an artwork. It dictates the personality and the tone of prints. That's why I'm so happy my work team is also so obsessed with details like that.

Being cooped up (mostly) at home these past 3 months because of my pregnancy gave me an opportunity to take a step back and rekindle my love for arts and crafts.

My "hoarding" and "packrat" thing came as a blessing because as I was about to do my annual declutter (throw-out, give away and keep process), I found so many things I could use and complete my crafting area with.

Although I need to get it finally done this June because its all going to be baby stuff in our bedroom, my craft room still needs a decent re-haul, hence, the non-posting of the progress of late.

So going back to the topic at hand, I found out my ink stash dried up...boohoo. With this heat, I can only imagine. (Also one of the reasons I can't move in to do my thing in the craft room..this HEAT! ugh).

I searched like forever in National Bookstore Glorietta nd Greenbelt. NO CALLIGRAPHY INK.
So my last resort was to turn online and yes I slapped myself because I should have ordered it with my US loot...

So lo and behold, I found a great site: The Craft Central
I have yet to receive my order this Tuesday so I'll update you on another post when I do.
I'm excited because I really need INK. hehehe.

I was however able to snag this in National Bookstore: ZIG Scroll and Brush Marker for Php90+
It's too thick for me but It's pretty good for practice and for bigger projects.

I only got the black. Not sure if I'm going to get the other colors. I think I prefer a more thinner kind of brush pen. I will post my practice sheets soon. Too embarrassing to post my recent ones today hehe.

Because this is the goal and the goal has not been met! LOL

So my haul would be

Dr. PH Martin's Bombay Black and White Ink
Got it for Php300

This very awesome and CHEAP Speedball Oblique Holder for only Php150. Got 2 in case I'm too lazy to change nibs all the time hehe.

Plus other little stuff like Hunt Nibs and Practice Pads.

If the transaction goes well, I'm coming back for more inks and pads. :)

Start a hobby, it's relaxing, you can do it at your own pace and free time, it's rewarding when you get to be good at it.

Cheers!

Photo Credits:
www.chereeberrypaper.com
papercrownokc.blogspot.com
www.jnbooksellerblog.com

As a mom, you get your hands full almost everyday.
And I'm sure most moms will agree with me that kids get bored VERY easily.
I for one totally ran out of ideas last week.
Even limited credits to using gadgets didn't do the trick to keep boredom at bay.

So here's my second try at making the most out of this summer.

I'm sharing this calendar with you with the hopes that both of us will get our kids' diverted into activities that enrich their creativity and artistic side.

Feel free to download the art compilation I made for next week's art stuff. (First image on this post)
You can do two activities a week or do everything in the list, depending on what you can manage. :)

I usually leave out Sunday because we take the kids out by then.

Recycled Art is up for next week!

We've been wanting to do this and so we had to gather enough recycled materials for the past 2 weeks

*Photo and Idea credits to Google and all owners/crafters, a big thanks for sharing your talents

Cheers and Happy Crafting!

After scouring the internet and all possible bookstores, I finally caved-in and decided to order hard-to-find craft tools and supplies online.

I'm lucky that I have access to the items and that I can ship them here for an average of 2 to 3 weeks interval as needed.

I did a test buy last month and orders finally came in. I'm quite happy with how fast and smooth the shipment went.

So I went ahead and ordered another batch and made extra provisions. :)

I know that crafters and DIY enthusiasts out there may be looking for these things like I do and I wanted to share them with you.

Although the website is still being worked on, I've uploaded the first batch of tools and supplies that are coming real soon. Yes, this may seem like a shameless plug but I'm just so happy I found these items! :)

Bowdabra

Don't you just hate it when you've already spent an hour trying to make that ribbon or bow look elegant? Well after searching for some time, I finally found the perfect tool. I'll be posting a separate review per product.

Purple Cows 9-blade trim and score portable tool

No more changing of blades and bulky boards if you need one on the go.

It has 9 different blade types from trimming, scoring, perforating and more.

I really love this tool, plus, it fits more paper sizes than any regular trimmer or scoring tool.

Just perfect!

Tombow Mono Multi Liquid Glue

I have been looking for this brand of glue for a LONG time.

Its a permanent glue when adhered while wet and a reposition-able glue when you dry it out first on the item you are applying it to.

It has dual tips from a Pen tip to a wide dabber beneath.

A lot of crafters are raving about this glue so I'm bringing in extract stocks for those who want. :)

Below are some more and the rest are in our FB page. Just click on the link.

Stamp-a-ma-jig Stamp Guiding Tool
No more crooked or mis-aligned stamps!
Easily make patterns with this tool

A ruler that helps you center and align mostly any craft item or element
you need to fix

Martha Stewart Crafts Ultra Fine Glue Pen for the smallest of crafting pieces

The Pen version of the Tombow Mono is LOVE

Aleene's Original Tacky Glue
One of my favorite Tacky Glues for almost any DIY project in handy bottles
are also coming your way

Its also in Pen Form

I'll also be making some crafting machines and other tools available on a per order basis.

What's good is we are able to have pre-orders arrive every 2 weeks as needed.

We can even have per person's bulk order or special machine orders delivered per individual request.

These are just some of the imports we have.

We're also launching a lot of home-grown craft items and supplies in the next couple of weeks!

Cheers to DIY, Crafting and Creativity!

Not all plastic items are safe to re-use!

That's why the best way to help the environment would be to use water bottles that are made of materials that will last a "lifetime" like stainless flasks and BPA-FREE bottles that are meant to withstand daily usage without leaking chemicals into your beverage or food containers.

Based on research, the following numbers (you usually find these numbers below the container) are safe to re-use:

#2 HDPE (High Density Polyethelyne) - safest, especially when content is liquid

#4 LDPE (Low Density Polyethelyne)

#5 (Polypropelyne)

So what do you do with bottles labeled outside of the safe numbered ones?

There are so many cool ideas on the internet actually! (Images below courtesy of google)

Perfect for Flood-prone Manila

Some washers and bolts and an old rod does the trick

Saves money in buying clay pots

Themed containers for different occasions

More earth-friendly ways to save

Those caps are also useful, look at this nice art installation!

There are lots more ideas online. Get a little creative, it does so much good for the earth and makes you even more productive as well!

Cheers!

I specifically created this blog to review various products and services mommies like me get to enjoy or most of the time REALLY need.

From must-haves to hobbies, I always love to share great finds.

Some of you may still be too hesitant about online shopping in the Philippines especially if you're buying from a Facebook or an Instagram account, there's no telling how the transaction will turn out.

This year, I decided to be headstrong about DIY items - from crafts to packaging and mostly anything as long as time permits.

So I went ahead and looked for a shop that will give me hard-to-find-items for crafting that you'll usually only find the US.

I found a forum thread and took a chance at this FB page: The Yellow Violet House

Isabe, the owner is very hands on and SUPER nice.
As a first time crafter when it comes to die-cutting, embossing and such, I had so many questions plus, being the mommy that I am, I wanted the most out of my money at prices that were competitive too.

She never disregarded my questions, whether or not I committed to purchase. She just went on ahead and entertained my queries, which made me decide to get items from her.

Her prices aren't published, though some may find it inconvenient, I believe it's okay because she really answers all your questions. I think that's what a good store should have, REALLY GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE and not just cheap-to-the-bone prices. I don't mind paying extra when I know I am in good hands.

Here are some of the items I got from her:

Fiskars Fuse Adapter Set - so I can use other dies and embossing folders from other brands

Sizzix Framelits Dies with Stamps

Sissix Where Women Cook Pillow Box Die

Over-all I really loved the great customer service that I got from her. She also helped me figure out what items I'll make the most out of. I love it when sellers take time to explain and you really get value for money at the end of the purchase.

She's got so many items on hand so try them out. :)

Cheers and Happy Crafting!

It took me a year to finally decide to invest in a machine to help me with my packaging needs for the business.

I took a break from the online retail of my FEEL PH personal care products because I had to concentrate on my day job, make more time for custom orders of soaps and balms (for other sellers and special event favor orders).

Most of the time, I'm asked to do packaging that's unique and customized and it was hard to look for ready-made ones that won't look like someone else's design.

I initially wanted the Cricut Explore 2 or the Silhouette Cameo but it wasn't just the cutting that I needed and since I'm only spending for this on a limited budget, I had to look for a machine that will give me everything that I needed and will work with me for a longer time.

I got this for a really good price, half of how much its currently retailing here from various sellers.

It came with the basic set and I had to purchase other attachments like adapter plates and dies, but those can be done little by little over time anyway as the need arises.

I got the machine from another trusted seller: CRAFT FOUNTAIN

She really walked me through and we were able to narrow down on the machine I needed.

I got it the day after I made a deposit to her account, the shipping was fast and efficient, even if it came from Dagupan. Try her out and check out more of her products online.

Here's a video on the product that will best explain what it's about:

I haven't "played" much with it yet but here are some of the samples I made:

The Die for the Pillow Box on the left and tags on the right were purchased separately
The ones in the middle came with the machine

Die Cut Tags of different sizes using left over wrappers

Emboss different papers and card stocks! So pretty!!!

Another pillow box using corrugated card stock I got from National Bookstore

Another favorite embossing pattern

I'll upload other project experiments soon. I haven't tried the letterpress function yet and there's so much more you can do!

Here's my honest review:

PROs:

1. Price for the 12-inch opening is worth it! You can pass through larger paper sizes, all you need are the right "sandwich" adapters for different kinds of dies and embossers

2. It's very sturdy and feels like a machine built for long-term use. It mounts on any surface without wobbling

3. It folds up! Even though it's bigger than other brands such as Cuttlebug and Big Shot, you can fold it up and store it in a more compact location (Warning though, this machine is heavy)

4. It has 3 functions - Die Cutting, Letter Pressing and Embossing that most electronic machines don't have

5. It can accept other branded die cuts, stamps and embossing folders. You just need to follow the sandwich guides and buy the additional adapter plates (these are worth buying because you can maximize the use of your machine)

CONS:

1. It is heavy so its really not particularly built to be totted around like the other smaller 6-inch machines

2. The "cartridge" sets that include all 3 functions under the Fuse brand are on the high side but the expansion packs (if you already have the base parts or plates) are still affordable - which is why the adapter plates come in handy to use other more affordable dies and accessories from other brands

3. Designs for their Fuse branded cartridges are still limited and there aren't much larger ones available yet

OVER-ALL:

I recommend that you get this machine, even if you're just a newbie at this sort of thing. In the long run, you'll actually make the most out of it.

If you have more cash to burn, then you can also consider the Accucut or the Big Shot Pro which are even more heavy-duty machines.

I'm pregnant but this was easy to use though I just needed some lifting help because I can't carry heavy stuff for now.

Check out this Pinterest Board that showcases various projects you can make with this machine.

Till my next post!

Cheers!

My summer project is to fix my very messy storage area and turn it into a craft room.
Easier said than done!

Its an extra room that's not really fit for a bedroom (no windows, not much ventilation for someone to relax). But its a good space nonetheless for organized storage.

So after almost a year in our apartment (hehe, yes! a year), I started organizing the space.

Mind you, shelving isn't cheap and unfortunately, with the amount of workload our design workshop has, I always tend to place myself last in terms of priority when it comes to asking our workshop boys to make me anything.

So much work is yet to be done plus I can't do heavy lifting so I kinda need to wait for my ever trusted super yaya to help me move things around.

My current work in progress with old and new stuff over the years.
Baskets and organizers come cheap from Japan Home (Greenbelt 1) and Daiso (Glorietta)

Papers, card stocks, pads, etc.

Tapes, Art Materials for the Kids, Wrapping Papers, etc.

I spotted kitchen and living room items in storage that were extra and unused from our move last year such as hook sets and an extendable curtain rod.

I asked my brother to help me install these. I collect different scissors, punching tools and these old and new ribbons (some are already vintage).

Unfortunately, the new ribbon rolls in the market have holes that are much too small so I'm still making another make-shift holder for those.

DIY Ribbon Station with re-used items from the house

So there, I can't wait to get this done before the baby comes! Lots of things to do still but I only have time when I don't have projects due or at least every Sunday afternoon, this becomes my go-to activity if we're home early from church.

My kids are also excited to get this room done because we'll have more time to spend together crafting given that we're trying home schooling this year.

I hope this heat goes away or gives us some form of relief in terms of rain, at least a few times a week!

As I've said, being preggy is literally having a bun in the oven and you feel so sweaty and hot all the time, even in an air-conditioned room.

I'm also excited to share tried and tested online sellers for all your craft needs.
I've ordered some items from different ones recently and I'm very happy with the services I got.
More on those in my next posts.

Enjoy the summer and keep cool and busy!

Cheers!

My kids and I have been spending more time together since I'm usually home based due to some pregnancy issues.

I make it a point to be firm with them with days that they are not allowed to use any of their gadgets.

In return, we buy them different crafting and art supplies to make their days productive and encourage more creativity plus learning how to work together so they won't bite each other's head off. :)

Yan-yan has always been fascinated with things from crafts, science and art.

This was her at 2 years old, whenever she'd get something new, it was like Christmas morning with the oohs and the aahs.

It's also the same when a package arrives from one of our favorite online sellers.

She's been making a lot of loomband creations and is quite good at it.
I didn't want her to easily get tired of it so we went ahead and got new crafting sets.

One of which are these food-grade plastic beads.

They are called Hama, Perler, Fuse, Ironing, dependent on the brand.

Here are some of he creations the kids accomplished within 1 1/2 day!

Finn and Peppermint Buttler of Adventure Time by Yan-yan

Minecraft Characters and Weapons by Peyton

My Little Pony by Yan-yan

A bigger and more complicated My Little Pony by Yan-yan

This activity needs adult supervision though because in order to fuse together the beads, you need to iron them underneath wax or ironing paper.

I bought them several sizes of the clear plates to mount the beads on so that we can iron them in batches (to save time and electricity as well).

There's so many items to make like keychains, decorative pieces you can make stands for, pen toppers, hair pieces, fashion jewelry, 3D objects and so much more.

There are currently 2 online sellers who are very nice and accommodating that we enjoy purchasing from.

Gadgets n Gifts

Toys and Crafts

You can find a lot of new craft activities from them plus more, we highly recommend these two sellers. :)

For patterns, we download from various sites, just google and you'll find a lot.

There are a lot of Youtube Tutorials too.

This is a good tool to bond with your kids so try it out, you might even enjoy it too.

Cheers!

Welcome!

Let's Connect

Like Us on Facebook

Popular Posts

Pinterest Ideas

@mommygtm Shop Feed on IG

Topics of Interest

Search This Blog

Blogs We Love