Two and a half weeks in Canada, and I'm feeling the ickiness of Malaysian humidity! In another two weeks I'll be starting a new life with intentions to make the most of it. I just get the feeling that uni will be the best time of my life - in its first half, at least.
Here's a post all about gifts given and received in the past year, featuring my handmade cards! I love making cards, and expanding my horizon means I have an excuse to buy, buy ...and buy pretty things that can be incorporated into cards. XP
Personalised balloon for the best friend
Little gifts that show me the love
Oh and I love wrapping presents too. This was for a Gymboree boy, turning one. Must've been the prettiest gift from Gymbo so far. =P
The thing about Gymboree birthdays is, the celebrated student always gets a T-shirt. So to the person wrapping, it means wrapping the same object and it would be dull unless you challenge yourself to come up with a different way every time. Which is just what I did.
I appointed myself official present-wrapper and had three other rounds to experiment with. No photos, because I forgot to take them at work. Overall success reported, but I don't know how much longer I could've gone on, haha.
Perpetual calendar from Lady Jayne, whose products I adore.
Pocket calendars from Fat Spoon, irresistably pretty!
The whole set
They make for dainty Christmas gifts.
We shall see later on what becomes of this
Project #1: Miss Cheryl's. From Those Who Will Keep On Dancing.
Most cards start off with an inspiration, a concept which evolves as the card progresses.
This one was based on a clothesline, sparked by mini pegs as accent pieces.
A quick 'do, with notice given by VP about a day before.
Aforesaid VP, with the calculator pulled from her handbag after dinner. =P
This darling is now literally flying high, with Singapore Airlines.
Here, I have sacrificed much and learnt more. I was pushed out of my comfort zone with the mantle forced upon me, and all I could do was take a deep breath and hold my chin up.
Because backing out or giving up is not an option.
From this experience I saw that perseverance is one of the things that make me tick. Maybe I was born this way, but I can also say that life has presented many opportunities for me to show how long and how strongly I can hold on -
and well, I learnt to seize them.
Project #2: Amirah's. Comeback Queens.
Even shopping in Australia, I am reminded of you!
We grew apart, but you were never far from my thoughts.
All those sunshine days we spent together; happy, happy times.
We met in the alley fourteen years ago, and you shaped my life.
Project #3: Sean's and Jaf's. It Shouldn't Be This Hard to Say Goodbye.
A special date, for more than one reason
That night the kitchen counter saw the beginnings of growth spurts
Secret fear and reckless smiles
The phone line fizzled after the eleventh
But I never ceased.
Now I only look back to see how far I've come.
The best friend I wasn't sure I had. =')
There's something about wood and paper, and the authenticity of open space they afford.
Sometimes I get afraid of marring their beauty, but it is an empty beauty that could instead hold the artistry of a soul.
With bated breath, I attempt the first stroke.
Didn't have a plan, didn't have a template.
An impromptu design, made up as I went along.
My first experiment with wood and metallic puff paint; a relative success!
Sean's frame next to Jaf's 'chopping board'. Just a little farewell gift to lighten those days when being a future doctor gets suicidal. =P
Through the slow days lounging behind schooldesks,
tears cried in science labs and gifts opened in toilets;
Facing conmen, Dutch men, and lame jokes that could kill any man -
We've come a long way, boys.
A lot can happen in a year.
How sobering it is to know we three will not meet again like this for four, five - maybe more!
When I first heard from Jaf that he was leaving, it was like a brick to my stomach. And I never knew how heavy that could feel. My first thought was
Of all places, why India???
But of course, it's one of the places for Medicine. Of course. It's just that my good friend is going there and I've never had a good friend go away before. Over the years we have climbed the ranks in each other's friendship scale, and now he's a best friend I never guessed I'd have.
Funny how things change.
Project #4: Caveman's. The Envelope Card.
The idea of a piece that was both card and envelope had been at the back of my mind for some time; it only remained to see if I could pull it off.
Figuring out the closure took some time. I wanted it to look effortless, near seamless. That meant a slit (which could come loose in delivery), or some complicated placing of buttons and string.
Or maybe the answer was magnets.
So two days before deadline, I went out determined to find me some little magnets.
Worked like a charm!
Mission accomplished.
Project #5: Najjua's. Standing Out in a Frame.
Now, this was a different challenge: Naj's guy was putting together a big scrapbook with birthday wishes from her friends, in any form they wanted.
An ordinary card wouldn't do; it had to look good just lying flat. Yet at the same time, I wanted something she could savour separate from the rest of them. In case she ever went overseas and couldn't fit that bulky scrapbook into her luggage.
I wanted to stand out. So I gave her the option of hanging my card on her wall, or leaning it against her bedside lamp, or anywhere instead of just being trapped between artblock pages. My first photoframe-style card.
One look, and I knew it was the perfect 'wallpaper'.
OHmygorgeousprettisimo!
My parents used to caution me in buying new toys, or new gadgets, or learning a new instrument, claiming that it was just a fad and would pass. But I have come to understand the distinction between passing interests - a new restaurant, a trinket I've not quite seen before - and those that last in me. For the most part, I fall for the same things and traits again and again. Which isn't bad news when you see me buying yet another pair of earrings, knowing they won't be discarded in just several months. Or better yet, when I've forgotten the number of my parking lot and simply rely on falling for the same items on the way back - just in reverse. It's like an emotional roadmap back to the car!
As I once confided in Sean,
I don't love easily, and once I love I don't let go.
Measured and marked, to get even corners.
Project #6: Joanne's. The Beginning of Easel Cards.
My desk, when in full cardmaking mode.
On the right is my big craft drawer, but of course not everything can fit inside ;)
so I started a 'secret stash' in the cabinet above where all the precious rolls of paper are kept. Wellll eventually the papers took over and all other tenants have been evacuated, tqverymuch. =D
Of easel cards, I was ignorant 'til I gave in and bought a lovely magazine that was all about cardmaking - I mainly wanted the calendar that came with it, which is very, very pretty.
Once I laid my eyes on this particular card structure, I could only marvel at how (or rather, howww?!!!?) it was done.
A few mind-boggling days later, I upped and asked Google. The rest is history.
The first part of cardmaking for me is paper selection. I draw inspiration from their colours and textures, fuelling enthusiasm and unfolding options through which I pick my way. All the combinations, the possibilities, the excitement! This is the joy I experience, even before the 'perfect' choice is finally made.
Getting this frame to stick on right was tricky, to say the least.
First shot of weaving took some calculations and meticulous handiwork.
An easel card is given flat, and unfolds to stand upright for display. Or simply to remind the recipient that he or she is cherished.
Project #7: Koko's. Say Tag.
Attempt at masculine; tag concept.
Olive and camel colour palette.
Matter of precision
The striped stand is actually done in a deep metallic maroon, very beautiful.
Breaking out in bolster fights, thieving like a magpie from your treasure trove of drawers, making crayon art on your furniture; it's been good growing up together.
Project #8: College Lecturers'. There Have Been Some Wonders.
Mini canvases painted over in metallic acrylic that took me ages to choose, after work in Czip Lee.
What did I have in mind? Something like that.
Or so I tell myself to avoid disappointment, lol.
I didn't envision making them bookmarks at all. It was the paper, I tell you, the paper.
Mass production doesn't suit me, but I needed to be fair.
Tediously ink-lined edges
Just one of the minute details which enhance beauty; and if you can't put your finger on it, all the better.
The papers just belonged.
I love these pretty concoctions! Why do I have to give them away?
Yes I kept one for myself but even that, too, I've just given away in Canada.
Hohoho, Merry Christmas. =P
Look! The memo holder comes with a bookmark as demo. =]
Very handy box for gift-giving.
There's even a slot for class dinner save-the-date's!
Project #9: Remember Me?
- said the little wooden alphabet.
Now I'm pretty in pink and ready to go!
Once again, black lining really helps with class act; creates exclusivity and definition.
Just like an artist.
Project #10: Giovana's. Unexpected Champion.
Her birthday fell on a Sunday, I just had to take hold of it!
It's not about how beautiful they say you are,
it's about how beautiful you really are.
Long-time girlfriends
Our promise
Our connection is legendary.
Project #11: V(i)P. Tea in Tinkling China.
To go with the book I gave her.
Nothing like tea and fun in my babydoll dress~
We went for our favourite pastime together - sitting down for a cuppa tea!
the tea republic was a lovely place I'd read about; thrilled to be there. =D
What a way to set the mood. I'm all ready to indulge now.
Listen to wisdom
Our two pots of tea with rocky road and a platter of macaroons. It was as bright a day as we lacked the last time we tried at Delicious, and it was her farewell. I rushed right over from a couple hours at work, ready in frock and all.
May the good things in life shine on you.
Very chic. I like.
Try and stop us.
I can't wait to see what Sydney has to offer in terms of dance. Generally, the explosive diversity I vaguely expect from a city as vibrant as it sounds. Specifically, what I can eventually master despite my inexperience and lack of training. Oh I can hardly wait.
Project #12: Mummy. Wilt Not.
She liked them lilies and orchids.
Big bloomin' babies!
There was a time she never wore pink. Only a few years ago her wardrobe started amassing pink and that marked a shift in her mindset, her viewpoint in life.
Colours. How they speak.
Project #13: Carmen's. The Record-breaking Overdue.
Meant to be the first easel card I made, but it never saw completion 'til five months later.
A sweet, serene theme at work here, with a seashore vibe. Since I know she has the same taste as me, especially in shades of pink. =)
Layering for the ultimate sandy-sweetheart effect nearly drove me up the wall. So many shades of beige and brown and pink, so many grades of pretty-good and not-too-bad and could-this-be-perfection? !
To be sure, I needed something light to bring out the delicate frangipani tones. But that second layer had to have a warmth also, to lie harmoniously with the base cardstock.
I love the result.
Tiny red beads for an ideally arresting accent; such fiddly bits they were!
I think this is my signature style; a look that is effortless but with underlying intricacies. And always, always finished. You could wish for more embellishments, but the card has to have a certain elegance and look finished.
Can't miss this, the quintessential mark of Nicole.
If it's not there, it's a pirated product. ;D
