Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Year 2014- The Best Thing I Did for Me, in the Moment, to Be Tomorrow. Hello 2015.

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

January 1stis tomorrow. Time has passed so quickly, and everything that happened in January this year still feels like just yesterday.

In a flash, I am another year older and going in to a new year already. I spend time chatting with my friends and colleagues, and as we all exchanged our stories, feelings or thoughts, some of us felt that we haven’t done enough this year. Going into a new year is like the flowing river… you see the stream pass you by just like that… and it’s almost like there’s no turning back… it’s just one way.

Everyone wants to feel a sense of accomplishment. Everyone wants to feel they have done something more each year, giving us a sense of self-satisfaction.

I've stressed on this a couple of times before that Life itself is the most mysterious gift of all. It is not difficult to understand or adapt once you embrace the essence of Life. When it comes to achievements in Life, I personally think it isn't just limited to how far or how high you can climb in your career…

Or how much money you have already made in your late 20’s. Sure, savings is important because we want to make sure that we have a safe, fulfilling retirement experience… but I think that what happens now, or as they say ‘Living in the Moment’, is just as important as your retirement fund…

For now, in this moment, can become tomorrow…

I see my Life go by like a buzzing fly. Too swift to even stop, observe and analyze. But I tell myself each day that right here and now, I can very much change and control what comes after, and I do my best to live each day the way I prefer to live- an experience that very much resonates with my soul.

As I write this, so many memories and past experiences are playing in my head. I let the mental video recorder play and replay because I know my experiences/journey this year is the reason why I am here today, still breathing, still existing, still laughing, still experiencing all kinds of joy, bitterness, sadness, anger, whatchamacallit-kind-of-moments with everyone that I know.

This year, I am thankful that I followed my heart. 90% of the time this year I have decided to listen to my heart, follow my intuition (or gut feeling) and stay on this path. When I was moving into my own studio apartment this year, I was a little nervous. It was an impulsive decision but I knew it in my heart that it was the right thing to do. I believed there was a reason to everything and anything that takes place in our lives, and so we did it. Dug out every penny we had, and rented a space that we longed to have.

It was scary, of course, but a good scared. I knew it then, that the blissful feeling that was in my heart and waking up every morning in my own space was the joyous feeling of achievement- that our relationship has been bummed up.

And when I went back into making art & jewelry, and selling them… I realized that this is a new journey for me, even though I was here before, also making and selling my work. I've learned that things happened for a reason, and it has found its way here. I am thankful for my talent, my blog, my art and my life.  

So, there I was, sitting in my own cozy living room, watching my inspiration shrine and just being in the moment… and I thought to myself about how I feel stepping into the new year: all I needed was to give thanks each year, that I am still here, being able to move towards the next year and after; and everything else will unfold eventually.


Have a blessed New Year, everyone. 

Thursday, December 25, 2014

The Artsy Craftsy at Ohhsome Fest 2014 by Hotlink

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Whenever I am writing for my blog, working a craft project or just drawing for fun... I feel happy. Not just the "YAY! this is so much more fun than paperwork!" kind of happy, but bliss that comes from within. No exact words can describe how I feel...except that I feel very much at peace and happy with myself. And I can only say that, my idea of happiness means I am ONE with my Self; and that can only be attained when I am creating.

I know my soul so well; or rather, I am now my soul and it is living as Me like a skin turned inside out. Except that I think I have been wearing my skin inside out for many years ever since I was growing up, but finally now I am wearing my actual skin. Don't worry so much about it, if you are trying to figure out what I am saying; but if you can relate, I'm just glad. =)

#OhhsomeFest

I was recently offered an opportunity to be part of #OhhsomeFest by Hotlink. This offer came to me months ago, not too long after my participation in the DiGi WWWOW Awards 2014. I was very excited, and although I don't have much of award-winning milestones gathered as a blogger, but these little things help me see things in a bigger perspective: the only milestone that matters most is what I see in my life, my career, my passion and my Self.

To be honest, at a very last minute about a week before the actual date, the full details finally came in from the organizers. Perhaps it was the wait, but I was on the verge of giving up this opportunity until two of my good friends told me why I shouldn't and encouraged me to go through with it. One of them even helped me out in producing the introduction video of my blog which was submitted to Hotlink months ago, and helped me make sure that I get all my props, materials and name card ready before the weekend. I was very touched, because not only did they gave me the emotional encouragement that I needed, but they helped me see why I deserve to do this.


The fest was quite an experience for me; it was a new and good learning experience. Throughout the years being part of the creative community since college days, I've had experience setting up booths and bazaars, but this time, it felt different. Perhaps it was my changed of mindset that made me see and did everything differently.

Meeting People

I befriended few people from the community and finally get to meet some of them in person too. It was nice to get out there to meet and mingle.
Thank you JQ, for this photo and for dropping by. JQ is a Malaysian lifestyle blogger at www.jqtalks.com

Thanks Kendrick for this photo! Kendrick is a doodle artist known for his work at www.kendylife.blogspot.com

Izzati is one of the owners of Dwikrafts, and became a fan of my hand drawn chakra mandala wooden necklace
Cherane is a talented crafter and illustrator; we exchanged artworks and she drew a picture of The Fuzz!

Releasing Merchandise

I was given a choice to do a talk or to set up a booth. I chose booth because I wanted this to be the chance for me to display my hand made work and art for sale that I was working on for half a year...

I was pretty glad that it received quite a response.


During the 2-day fest, I gave out free doodles on wooden plaques. I drew them on the spot and left it in the basket for passersby to take & go. It went *poof* like candy and it made me gleefully happy.

Meeting Community

I had friends dropping by to see me (you know who you are special people), and made new 'fans' who really loved my work.

One potential client who approached me for a collaboration, asked me if I was from overseas or at least received my education overseas. I said no, and asked him why; he said my work was unique and had an extraordinary element which isn't common among the locals.

I was very grateful to hear this because before introducing my creations to the public, I was wondering too about the response. But it's alright now, and I am pretty certain of my style, art direction and my audience.


Good friend, Yana and her husband, Rizal popped by to support me. She's a proud owner of my Tribal Lotus handpainted book.

I didn't just just display my arts and crafts for sale; I took this opportunity to sort of like have a mini-exhibition to introduce to the public about my blog.




Experience Gained

Even though I have been blogging for 5 years, there is still a lot of hard work working on this blog to get it out there.

People tell me "wow! must be pretty glamorous that you get to meet all kinds of people, and get free stuff all the time," ...  Funny thing is that, as an introvert person, I never really saw it as that. I saw opportunities, offers and collaborations, even events and such, as a pathway for me to offer my blog as a platform for others to present their work.

We have all kinds of charities and communities, from women's rights, animals, youth, children, and more... we have all kinds of blogs, from food, fashion to travel and your typical lifestyle blog...

But The Artsy Craftsy was never just another blog, swimming in the blogosphere. It is a blog to:

- empower those never to give up their dreams, no matter how big or small...
- to motivate those to stay true to themselves especially and follow their own pace & path...
- to inspire those with hobbies and interest, that it is never too late to pursue their passion because it helps us reconnect with our inner Self and maintain a balanced mind.

I also took this chance to introduce the Arts & Crafts Lounge, a public group on Facebook for all creative enthusiasts to join. Sadly, we didn't get much of a response, but it's okay, perhaps another time. =)

All in all, I am really grateful.

I have big, big plans for my merchandise and for expanding The Artsy Craftsy Shop (official name still undecided yet). And my aim is to work towards it. This event has certainly reaffirmed my faith in my creativity, passion, and my plans for it.

Who said dreams are not possible? Sometimes, it's right there in front of you already.

At the fest, a visitor passed by my booth and stopped to browse my work. After enquiring on my
products, he asked "So, what's the economical value of this business? or this sort of products?"

In most cases, my immediate response would be overprotective and defend the concept of creativity and the creative community against such people, but this time, I just smiled as said, "Well, it is creative passion. There is demand in the industry, for instance, take a look at Toyota and their annual international dream car art contest..."

Throughout my blogging experience, I have learned 3 things from 3 people of different mentalities:

Person 1, my guru said "Continue to do what you Love most, and the money WILL come". Person 2 said "Instead of pausing your passion to start something new, continue to focus on what you are already working hard on, because you are already halfway there" and person 3 said, "You can do anything you want, just make sure you focus at being good at it."

I know it's very unconventional (and perhaps risky too to some) to pursue this passion because we humans are generally concern about money and financial independence, but if you really think about it, even a brother that runs a small cart selling burgers at the side of the road, can make tons of money only because he chose to focus on what he is good at.

I love my passion.

Merry Christmas.

Note: Sorry if the photos are dull-looking. There wasn't much lighting that day.

P/S: If you would like to see more of my work, browse here:



Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Meet Creative: Yee Sien of Midnight Seamstress

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

When I first started my creative biz, I was 18 years old in college. I used to customize t-shirts with fabric painting, and it was a hit among my college mates and my lecturers, including the staff. What's more important was that I remembered, how happy I was when I first discovered the possibilities of turning my passion into a biz, and utilizing my talent. I was good at something, and I knew that at that time, the secret to success was to pursue something you are truly passionate about, wasting no time & effort at all and just continue to move forward. I was very grateful to God that I was given this gift.

However, I was also too young at that time and had very little resources, so I sort of floated at the same spot in the ocean.... the creative community was very small those days. Plus, back then, we didn't have Facebook to create a business page for it, although we had Friendster. So, after college, when I tried to further my biz, I took the liberty of creating a Friendster account for it (today is Facebook page). I was very ahead of my time, but still the answer was resources. Not just monetary resources, but the kind where you have connections or the community to believe in your work and help you promote... blogging wasn't quite a big thing those days, and it's definitely rare to come across creative lifestyle bloggers like myself that focuses on niche topics, but hey, that was how I started this blog =)

Today, whenever I see newcomers, aspiring or inspiring creatives in the creative biz community, I share their joy and excitement. I know how it feels like, I can relate and I can remember the fiery passion within me that drove me to do more and more with my hands and my talent. And because I can relate, all I want to do is to be able to expose these talented bunch of people.

If you are wondering if this story inspired me on my blog post today, well... no. More like crafty-hands Yee Sien of Midnight Seamstress (such a profound name) inspired me to share my story. And of course I'm eager to share her story too with you, especially on what inspires her, what helped her through her creative journey, and more. So, I hope that you will find her empowering too.

Name: Ang Yee Sien
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Link: Facebook

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1. What is your day-to-day like as a creative person? How do you juggle your tasks, projects and personal life?

Both my full time and part time job relates to art and creativity but in different ways. Sewing is more personal and also connect me to people more directly. Time organization is pretty straight forward when I have a full time job; I can only sew at night. But when comes the shooting months, when I go out and film things almost all the time, that’s when I joke about how my shop will be closed for monsoon! However in fact, I keep my social media page alive by spreading out the posts throughout that period and not disappearing for the whole two months. At rare times, I would also steal like half or one hour to sew a few straight lines before I hit the sack. As an introvert, my social life is not that active so I never have to worry about less time attending to people. 


2. All creative people have their own toolbox. What’s in yours and what are your favourite tools?

My tools are the basics, some for sewing and some for rivet fixing. My favourite will be the rotary cutter as this was actually the first ‘serious’ tool I bought when I started Midnight Seamstress. I remember seeing it quite often on blogs and videos and thought it was such an awesome tool to cut things fast and straight. I still like it now how it works perfectly together with the transparent ruler and the cutting mat.


3. Fill in the blanks and complete this sentence: "Whenever I am _______, I am ________"

“Whenever I am sewing, I am lost in time.”


4. Describe your creative work with just 3 words:

Original, Thoughtful, Forwarding


5. They say creative people are eccentricweird; so, how weird can you get?

I can never stay happy with my current condition and always want to venture in something new and fresh (hence the fact that I travel frequently) and yet hates the uneasiness that comes with change. Call me Dilemma Diva.

When my mood is on, I can work straight on for 10 hours, skip meals, and at the end of the day,  find myself in dehydration. I've successfully corrected this bad habit.


6. Name your top 3 favourite books for ideas:

Erm… I must say, internet is taking over the world. I usually get visual ideas from the Internet.


7. Music mixes are awesome! What’s your music playlist when you are creating & making art?

I switch on LIVE Radio 365 app and pick the genre that goes with my mood, mostly easy listening, blues or country.

8. How do you organize your creative ideas & inspirations for reference?

I keep snapshots in my phone and pin stuff on Pinterest. I haven’t quite developed an organization skill for this yet, perhaps a good reminder to start doing it.


9. What is your favourite place to go to for inspirations?

Pinterest, Etsy, some indie brands


10. I SPY with my little eye:  Who’s your favourite creative person (artist/crafter/baker, etc.)?

Tenten handmade, Minifanfan


11. If you didn't discover this creative interest, what would Life be for you?

A life where you didn't believe you can do much about it.


12. How your creative passion inspires you?

Just be yourself and just do it.


13. What was the most difficult part of running a creative biz?

Marketing and selling should be, but I think they are the aspects that can be overcome technically. Hence, the most difficult is, to be constantly creative, thinking out of the box. To create styles that intrigue people and attracts fondness for a long time.

14. What sort of lessons do you learn from it?

Persistence, faith for purpose, and willingness to get out of your comfort zone.


15. What is your Kung Fu style to fight creative blockages?

Creative blockage is my least favorable part Normally it takes a few nights, sometimes weeks to create something new. I’ll be frantically scanning all my visual sources, sketching and sketching, sometimes throwing away the initial idea, and sometimes coming back to the first idea. My ultimate Kung Fu style is actually just sit down and start doing, and let it revolve as it goes. It is scary to do it this way, but sometimes it is only through this process that your idea is evaluated more precisely.


16. Give the readers some love! Do you have any tips, advice or words of wisdom?

90% of your work is rubbish, that’s what we call creative work. This is my recent realization to this cold hard fact. It is like what they say to writers, 90% of your job is rewriting.

Doing and failing. Doing and failing. It’s a repeated process. When you’re successful, it doesn't mean that your journey will be smooth from then on. When you fail, it doesn't mean you don’t have a chance to rectify and be better.

If you want to procrastinate and find excuses, don’t blame for what you are having now.



17. Daydream mode ON! What do you want 5 years from now?

First and foremost, a beautiful sewing palace, oops, ok, I mean place. :D

An established business. Sew and sell while I travel. Be able to join the larger international sewing community.

Hoping that my passion will inspire others to have something better in their lives.



Thursday, December 18, 2014

Style: 6 Basic Ways to Wear a Graphic T-Shirt (X'mas 2014 Facebook Giveaway-closed)

Thursday, December 18, 2014

When I was 15 years old, I went through this crazy phase where I was suddenly obsessed with everything "artsy", and suddenly was listening to a lot of homegrown indie bands like Butterfingers, Juliet Orange, Nice Stupid Playground (I have no idea why the names are like that, but I swear those are real band names, and they sound kinda' nice during those days). Because of my artsy phase, I started shopping at thrift boutiques or bundle shops, and got myself a couple of graphic tees at dirt cheap prices. Despite the phase, I was pretty selective with the designs that came with the t-shirts; so if my mom showed me a pink t-shirt with fluffy animals on it, I will say "NO!"

Over the years, I never really got over the graphic tee phase. I just became more interested in plain black t-shirts, but whenever I come across prints that are... as how my friend, Kimberly would put it... "it is so Shia Lynn"...then I would hoard keep it like a collection. These days I really like band t-shirts, mostly just rare ones...however I am pretty psyched about having 3 new t-shirts just in time for Christmas. 

I was very excited when Arttee Apparels agreed to work with me on this special post + Christmas giveaway. I am excited because, not only do I get to show you how I would style my graphic t-shirts, but we get to select 3 lucky winners to receive graphic t-shirts from Arttee Apparels, designed by talented artists.

For some of you who just got to know Arttee Apparels, Arttee Apparels is a community-based website for independent artists. Arttee Apparels collects awesome artworks and transforms the artworks into stylish & artsy t-shirts!

Plain t-shirts that come with 1 colour are usually the easiest to style with; however you will be surprise at how easy it to style with graphic t-shirts too. If you are selective with your designs like me, then I highly recommend that you get yours from a collection designed by talented artists from Arttee Apparels. Plus it comes with good fabric.

Here are 6 basic ways to style your graphic t-shirt:
(*Note: I am not a professional model, and I am definitely NOT a UK size 4...I also don't have much equipment for photography; but it is all about the idea and intention behind this post that I only wish to convey, so I hope you find this post useful.)

1. Style with a Long Gypsy Skirt

I love this print very much! One thing for sure, Owl designs seem to be quite a thing now these days. I don't usually ride the same boat as everyone else, but I seem to like this particular Owl design, entitled 'Hoot' by artist Queen Bee. Plus, long skirts tend to create an illusion whether you are tall or short, plus size or not; it looks good with a simple t-shirt design. 


2. Style with a Short Skirt (rock style perhaps?)
Back again with 'Hoot by artist Queen Bee', this time try styling an artsy t-shirt with a short skirt. Perhaps try a rugged look, pair with a high-cut converse or black flats will do. Can't go wrong for sure.

3. Style with Denim Jacket

This style is a classic style. You can never go wrong with a denim jacket for casual days, and it never ever goes out of style. Over here, I think the denim jacket enhances this sweet t-shirt with design 'Berlayar by artist Nengiren' even more; even though it is a jacket, it doesn't seem to cover up or block the design on the t-shirt at all. Plus the nice soft colours on the t-shirt design complements the jacket too.

4. Style with Black

Ask any fashion expert, the little black dress is known as a popular wardrobe essential. Well, I personally think it is because of the colour Black as well, which is my favourite colour, and also because Black goes well with almost everything and anything! You can never go wrong with Black, just like pairing it with t-shirt design Berlayar by artist Nengiren; and it automatically enhances anything you wear just like the picture above. 

5. Styling Print with Prints
I once read somewhere that when it comes to wearing prints, it is best that one pairs it together with a plain bottom or top to balance your outfit out, so that you don't look like a walking wrapping paper. BUT! I beg to differ because over here, I have paired the t-shirt 'Good Day by Mira Kyns' with a design so intricate with a skirt that comes with a complicated design print too! I think the idea here is to balance it with similar colour and perhaps by not wearing any other accessories too, because then it would just be too much.

6. Style with Boyfriend's Shirt (literally boyfriend's shirt!)
Finally! If all else fails, and you really have nothing else to style with your favourite graphic t-shirt, then try a boyfriend's shirt. Well, here in my case, it is literally my boyfriend's shirt! (he doesn't know that this is what I do to his clothes, but what the heck!) As you can see, I'm driving back the attention to this awesome Good Day by Mira Kyns design with a simple shirt, and plain bottom. Keep it simple, clean and classy!

Are you an aspiring artist/graphic designer? Or perhaps you would like to have your own apparels collection. Arttee Apparels welcomes talented artists and designers to submit their designs. Find out more here.

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Now that you have clicked on the links and probably curious about t-shirts OR maybe interested in owning one... well, you are in luck because Arttee Apparels is giving away 3 t-shirts to only 3 lucky winners each! 

Want to win one? Just click on the link below and find out how you can participate in the Facebook Giveaway!





Post by The Artsy Craftsy Blog.

- this giveaway is closed-

Monday, December 15, 2014

Bad Day? How to Heal Yourself with Be Good's Edelwise Handmade Scrub (A Self-Love Advice)

Monday, December 15, 2014

It's never easy to deal with a bad day. And I personally have my own fair share of bad-days, and I can tell you that after a bad day, all you want to do is:

1. Plonk on the sofa in front of the TV
2. Stress-Eating/ Eat comfort food: Ice-cream or anything that would be able to 'comfort' you
3. Do nothing

My bad days are usually weekdays, and I would come home after work feeling terribly exhausted with low energy. I don't force myself to do anything that I don't feel good doing. I would tell myself that, after having to deal with so many things during the day, I deserve to... as what Justin would always say... "just chill and relax!" This man knows me well.

Personally, I think that if you are already in a foul mood and unable to think straight, don't force yourself to do any sort of work or chores... unless of course you are the kind of person that likes to paint, draw or craft after work because it helps you to de-stress- then by all means go ahead.

As for me, I have my ups and downs. Sometimes, kicking back with a craft project helps, but most of the time it doesn't. Because after a long, hard day, I just want to be able to find a way to heal myself.

I used to do the 3 things mentioned above to make myself feel better only because I have forgotten how much I enjoyed my self-pampering rituals that I used to do for myself ever since I was in high school. So, I was doing these 3 for sometime, and it finally dawned on me that no.2 was definitely not good for me at all because gluten would just make me feel bloated and make me feel depress even more. Then a month ago, I was introduced to Be Good's Edelwise Handmade Scrub, and it helped me with my self-healing rituals.

In my previous posts, I have mentioned several times how much I enjoy natural homemade bath and body products. Before I came to appreciate homemade body scrubs that consist of healing properties, I used to use rock salt to help with rejuvenation. (fyi, salt is commonly used for traditional ritual cleansing, besides lime or flower baths). However, Be Good's Edelwise Handmade Scrub also comes with healing content such as essential oil and herbs like thyme (stimulates immune system and blood circulation), geranium (release nervous tension or stress) and sage (an anti-depressant). Besides salt, sage is also used for body and space cleansing otherwise known as smudging to remove any form of negative energies.


Ever since then, Be Good's Edelwise Handmade Body Scrub has been reserved as my remedy for bad days or whenever I feel the need to cleanse my own energy. I use Edelwise combined with my own ritual method just as how I use it with salt-cleansing.

Here's how to heal yourself with Edelwise Handmade Scrub:

Step 1- Light a blue or purple candle, or essential oil like Ylang Ylang.



Step 2- Turn on a calm music, one that can transport you to another world. I recommend Medicine Woman by Medwyn Goodall. Perhaps transfer it into your phone or whatever that works for you...


Step 3- Turn on the shower, rinse and wash yourself with your own soap.

Step 4- The cleansing begins. Take a scoop of Edelwise and apply it on your body; scrub yourself with it and breathe in the fragrance.









Step 5- As you are scrubbing yourself, imagine you are literally removing any form of negativity from your body. It takes a little imagination in this, but it works for the mind.

Step 6- Now that you are done. Stand (or sit on your bathroom floor, if you are comfortable with it) underneath the shower, eyes close and allow the water to wash your body from head to toe.

As you allow the water to clean you, imagine all forms of stress, sadness, anger or negativity be washed away to the ground and flow away with the water. Channel your worries that way...

You may even say to yourself:

"All forms of negativity, 
may it leave me be,
and return to mother earth."

Step 7- When you are done, embrace the goodness by allowing yourself to feel fresh. Pat yourself dry, groom yourself and cozy up with a good movie and maybe with a nice refreshing drink (I said, refreshing ya, not some kind of a comfort drink)

Go ahead! Get yourself an Edelwise Handmade Scrub by Be Good and try this self-healing ritual. Share with me your thoughts if you have any. 

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Want to win CASH and a pack of Be Good products named after you? Join their #BeGoodLipfie contest and stand a chance to win this awesome prize!


#iheartbegood #begoodtoyourself

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Meet Creative: Primila Ganash of LOVE IS

Thursday, December 11, 2014
Personally, I think self-pampering and body loving is just as important as self-grooming. In my previous blog posts on natural handmade bath and body products, I have mentioned how selective I am when it comes to choosing my preferred fragrance and content. I particularly enjoy natural handmade ones because of the ingredients that it uses, especially sea salt. And because my well-being is important to me, I believe in self-pampering rituals which helps with your mind and energy after a long exhausting day. We constantly surrounded by other energies, and there's only so much your vessel (body) can absorb. Naturally, you would feel the need to disperse it and the best way that I would suggest is to pamper yourselves with a good body-loving session.

Today, I am featuring Primila Ganash, the white magik maker behind Love Is, purveyor of natural handmade bath and body goods. For centuries, women are known to be natural creators of crafters & artisans, born with kindness of light & love. As women, we were put here on earth to nurture, inspire and create... you can say it is almost like earth goddesses with magikal powers... When I met Primila, she reminded me of this; of how truly blessed I am to be born a Woman.

"With her heart, 
she ensures that you will enjoy the tranquilizing experience; 
with her hands, 
she crafts them with care; 
with her love for creativity, 
she makes each and everyone of this product, a gift."

I hope you will be inspired by Primila, as much as I did.

Name: Primila Ganash
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Links: Facebook | Instagram

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1. What is your day-to-day like as a creative person? How do you juggle your tasks, projects and personal life?

To be honest, the day job I have doesn't really allow me to be very creative because of its nature. Finance and managing money is not exactly something to be creative with, however because I work banking hours, I take the hours as an advantage where I get evenings to myself and I’m able to work creatively in the comfort of my home.                                                                       

2. All creative people have their own toolbox. What’s in yours and what are your favourite tools?

My toolbox has the kind of items you can find around your kitchen; bowls, spoons, spatula, electric hand mixer, whisk, Pyrex jugs and small sauce pans.

The magic happens mostly in the Pyrex jug, so this item is my favourite.


3. Fill in the blanks and complete this sentence: “Whenever I am creating art, I am…”

“… I am ecstatic.”

4. Describe your creative work with just 3 words:

Naturally beautiful always.


5. They say creative people are eccentricweird; so, how weird can you get?
I guess I am a bit weird. I love sunflowers instead of roses. I think they way others don’t. I question the reason for my existence. I laugh while watching horror films.


6. Name your top 3 favourite books for ideas:

The Green Beauty Guide – Julie Gabriel
Make Your Place –Raleigh Briggs
Home Made Body Butter – Anna Ward


7. Music mixes are awesome! What’s your music playlist when you are creating & making art?

Susie Suh, Lisa Hannigan, Lelia Broussard, Lykke Li, Mindy Gledhill & Angus and Julia Stone.


8. How do you organize your creative ideas & inspirations for reference?

I write them down. Sometimes I wake up and I’m inspired, I grab my phone and start typing in the notepad application. Other times, I just try to remember and torture my brain trying to recall that idea later on.


9. What is your favourite place to go-to for inspirations?

I get inspiration just about anywhere. While waiting for the train, while watching people, listening to people around me talk, I can go anywhere and there will be something that makes me want to do things a little better, a little more meaningful.


10. I SPY with my little eye:  Who’s your favourite creative person (artist/crafter/baker, etc.)?

That would be Anne Marie from Brambleberry.com & Soap Queen.com. When I first saw her making soap, I was totally bought.


11. If you didn’t discover this creative interest, what would Life be for you?

Different. I wouldn’t have met all the wonderful crafters who are just like me. I wouldn’t have discovered that I had it in me to be where I am today.


12. How your creative passion inspires you?

When my customers come back to me, and they tell me how wonderful my products are, how it works for them and how they just love the fact that there is no chemicals to the point that some products are even safe in case of accidental ingestion, is truly what drives my passion to share what nature has given us with everyone out there.

13. What was the most difficult part of running a creative biz?

This business takes up time and effort. The time to make products that deliver good results and the effort put in to make these products available to the community. And sometimes, I forget to eat when I’m caught up making something.


14. What sort of lessons do you learn from it?

If the heart is filled with good intentions, everything sowed with heart will yield a good harvest. Be grateful that family and friends will always have my back. Be humble and always remember those who have supported & believed in me.


15. What is your Kung Fu style to fight creative blockages?

Listen to music, read a new book, meet a friend that I have not met for a long time, go dancing.


16. Give the readers some love! Do you have any tips, advice or words of wisdom?

Nothing is impossible. Do what you love. Life is short and yes, it is all about you. Its not the end of the world if you are down, get back up and show them who’s boss.


17. Daydream mode ON! What do you want 5 years from now?

A store that offers space for creativity. All art makers are welcomed to showcase their art and crafts, display them at the store and make it easily available to others. 


Monday, December 1, 2014

How to Pamper Yourself with Handmade Lavender Oatmeal Body Scrub by Claire Organics (Review + Giveaway -closed-)

Monday, December 1, 2014

In my previous post about self-pampering, I expressed my interest for home/handmade natural bath body products. As I have said before, I'm not at all a beauty lifestyle blogger. I don't really spend much on purchasing hair & beauty products, but unless it is made of natural ingredients, I don't mind it at all. If it is good for the skin, treating our bodies naturally, why not. I love em' all! Bring it on to me! The more natural, the better.

I had another chance to share about another handmade bath and body product by Claire Organics again. When I first met Louise, the magic-maker behind Claire Organics, I told her how much I love Lavender especially if it is the essential oil. So, I was recommended the Lavender Oatmeal Body Scrub, one of Claire Organics' popular range. This unique body scrub contains contents that are definitely good for our skin. Lavender, oatmeal and sea salt are the natural key ingredients that will help remove dead skin cells when you exfoliate, leaving your skin smooth and soft almost like a baby's skin.

Personally, I like it very much and it has been gentle on my skin. Mind you, I have eczema, and I am pretty careful when selecting bath products suitable for my skin-type. However, the lavender and sea salt really helps. My skin does not itch or feel dry at all, plus the sea salt helps with body/aura cleansing and lavender helps calm your mind and energy level.


When you are on busy schedule, and perhaps can't afford a Spa at the Spa Centre (I don't feel bad because it is costly), the best way to de-stress the natural way in the comfort of your own home is using a natural Body Scrub.

Take some time off (I like in the evenings or at night), spend some alone time and pamper yourself.

Here's How to Pamper Yourself with Claire Organics' Lavender Oatmeal Body Scrub:

1. Dim the lights and turn on nice relaxing music. I would suggest; classical, or perhaps compilations of music for Spa, Yoga, Meditation or even Soft Jazz music.

2. Light Blue scented candles (usually Blue is scent of the sea) or light your aromatherapy burner, try Claire Organics' essential oil. Try mixing 3 drops of Lavender and 3 drops of Ylang Ylang. There are combos you can Google up.

3. Then get in the shower and start the pampering process:





Wonderful! There you go, your self-pampering process. I urge you to try it because self-pampering with natural bath & body products really does help to take the pressure off your mind and physical stress from a very busy day or week. It helps with having a balanced work life.

Want one? Good news! Christmas is early this year at The Artsy Craftsy because Claire Organics is giving away TWO (2) Lavender Oatmeal Body Scrub to 2 lucky winners!

To grab one is really easy, just click on the link below and you will find out how you to participate:




Hurry! Giveaway challenge is from 1st December - 10th December 2014 (10 days)

[Giveaway Closed]