BUTTER & CREAM

Country love

2012-01-23T20:27:00.000-08:00

The Western country inspired from the materials that I bought lately...raw leather, turquoise beads, rough strings, silver charms in raw edges just right to create the Western outback collection. I am also very much inspired by the brand Sundance Catalog which was based on the lifestyle and living in Salt Lake City, Utah. This collection has a lot of me in it; which speaks of contrasting colors, some added on charms and glass beads to make it a little fancier.

Sundance Catalog

Turquoise fetish with silver beads and charms

Rock crystals with glass beads and silver charms

Pure leather strap with glass beads & bronze charm

Braided pure leather with silver charms, simple & yet elegant (available in assorted colors)

Turquoise beads with rough leather attached with bronze charms

Close-up view at the details

Mini water pearls with beds and silver charms

Clay miniature stud earrings Part 1

2011-10-06T09:02:00.000-07:00

Dear all, I apologize for the very delay updates on my hand-made. I was extremely busy with my new day-time job while feeling guilty neglecting my hobby. But I somehow got to stole time and made something out from your old fashion paper clay......miniature earrings with hand drawn patterns was my first thought.

Polka-dot anyone?

African print inspired

Molding the dough was tough, but it got even tougher at the drawing part. Your hands have to be steady while trying to sketch a neat pattern on it. Moreover they are pretty small which made it even harder to keep my balance. They aren't perfect but I felt a sense of fulfillment from what I had produced.

Ink on mini stud earrings with glaze

Indian motive inspired pattern

So handmade and crafts are not there to kill time, but a skill to enjoy peace, develop patience and creativity, a sense of fulfillment in a small part of our life.

Dots in many colors

More dots in many many colors

Long live vintage!

2011-07-02T01:19:00.000-07:00

"Long live vintage"...a phrase I caught from the label Fossil, vintage has become a classic trend in fashion and people from all ages are crazy about it! I got the opportunity to buy some handmade vintage lookalike necklaces back from Seoul that is too cool to resist.

Bird cage and mellow tree with bird vintage necklaces.

The Paris and camera necklace is so damn cool!

The fashion tool kit and bunny necklace

Another shot of Paris.

Metal ribbon bracelets in many colors

De Paris avec amour

2011-07-02T01:07:00.000-07:00

I bought back a few pretty earrings from the wholesaler in Seoul. I pieced together the rose earrings a conceptual photo shoots of the earrings with Rococo 18th century French inspired background. The fabric earrings was me having fun attaching the earrings on my mini drawings of cute little girls.

Floral earring fabric, I intent to sell them like this.

Aqua fabric earring

Pink fabric earring

Satin grey fabric earring

Red rose earring on a red flower

Other rose earrings in black, turquoise and pink, it does matches with the Rococo painting at the background

Rose earring in black, brown and purple on embroidered Jacquard

Blue earring on an embroidered Jacquard

Cream and orange rose earrings on a embroidered table cloth

Earrings on a linen

Earring attached with a Madame de Pompadour painting

Soul of Seoul

2011-07-02T00:48:00.000-07:00

I went to Seoul in the middle of June for some time out of KL, the weather was cool but warm (should go a month earlier then it will be perfect). The trip was a tremendous experience, learning their culture and life. Beauty is significant to them; with the power of beauty, they will have a happier life, got a better job, acquired more respect from everyone...etc. I could not upload too many pictures but these are some street shots that can tell the story of the daily Korean lives.

Minivan fruit stall selling water-melon on the street, this is near our hotel. *It is funny that me and my friend wanted to buy strawberries and couldn't find one even at the supermarket, we only realized that we came during the summer!

Little board welcoming you to the upstairs cafe

The sign board says 'Coffee & Tea', love the cafe decoration from the outside

It is amusing that all restaurant and cafe decorations are very European style, but they are serving traditional Korean food. This shows Asians still look up to the Caucasians.

Korean street food, selling fresh fruits with shredded ice, dried cuttlefish...etc

This is a building at Myeong-dong (forgotten the name), they are all filled with young designer boutique shops and as you walk up the walking lane spirals up to the top of the building!

There seems to be dried cuttlefish, fried snacks and spicy rice cake selling at every street stall

Dessert had a COEX mall at Gangnam, somehow during the summer they love having fruits with shredded ice topped with ice-cream (on the left)

BBQ shells with BBQ sauce and cheese on top, it was deli!

It's a Korean tradition to have Soju with dinner every night.

Little concept lounge bar at Apgujeong

The cat reminds me of my pet cat Creamy

Little concept cafe at Myeong-dong

Me at this photo zone in a boutique!

Cold beef noodles...personally I didn't like it, I prefer my food to be warm, but it is worth a try. I like the buck-wheat noodles that is springy and unbreakable.

At Namdaemun wholesaler zone, it is something like our Petaling street that sells everything that you can get!

Amazing architecture.

Very creative!

Flora - flora part 2

2011-06-04T08:58:00.000-07:00

A continuation of my flora-flora part 1, I extend the collection of florals into different variations of wearing florals on your wrist. I started with bracelets, with added hand sewn fabric florals embellished with shining beads and crystals. Also hand crochet pleated strings with Moroccan inspired pewter ornaments. Anyone interested? they are all priced RM25, it is a go getter!

Different variety of floral bracelets

Moroccan inspired crochet bracelet with pewter ornaments

They are all only RM25...it is a go getter!

Flora - flora part 1

2011-05-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

Spring has been wonderful with all the inspiration coming from all around me, my current job as a designer/buyer allows me to keep in touch of the fashion trends as early as 6 months ahead. Florals has always been the theme for Spring/Summer collection in fashion; it depends where the floral themes inspired from. So this time the floral inspiration is from French/UK country inspired floral patterns, the colors and the country look.

Fabric floral with crocheted strap and metal chain.

Country style has always been my favorite trend, I always dream of having a cottage inspired home with huge gardens and large kitchen...just like Martha Steward's home...enough said. Hence, I will create my love for country style in my jewelry collection. The style and look of the product are made with a different twist, not your usual commercial jewelries that you can find in your nearby mall; they have their own character, their own stories to tell......

Large beads in Spring and floral colors.

Simple crocheted strap with khaki floral

Black floral with fabric chain

Twentyone kitchen and bar @ BSC having mini bazaar

2011-04-16T02:36:00.000-07:00

Twentyone kitchen and bar at Bangsar shopping centre, KL is having a mini event of food and music. And interestingly they also organized a mini bazaar alongside with the event...just to create more crowd and pull more audience. Guess what, I will be there selling my handmade jewelries. And this time I will have a new look on my display and products. Cheerio and see you all there.

my interview in 'Dong Fang Ri Bao' Chinese paper.

2011-04-16T02:32:00.000-07:00

Crazy for butterflies episode 1

2011-04-08T20:44:00.000-07:00

It is all about butterfly these days, in the magazines, fashion ads, prints and patterns. I took the chance to create something out of it. My pictures will tell the story.

butterfly on my fingers

butterflies landing on my flower pot.

butterflies landed on the back of my kitty.

butterfly on me.

Fabric Rings

2010-07-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

Fabric rings display on a dried tree branch

I was sorting through my old fabrics and wonder what I can do with all these left overs. The Kaka handmade art market is just around the corner...moreover I didn't have enough time to produce completely new designs. Then without any doubts, I made these cute rings in different fabrics, colors and matched with different vintage buttons that I still have a few left. Mum found this dried tree branches fell behind our garden and thought will look pretty good for ring display. Enjoy viewing.

Varieties of fabric rings in chiffon, cotton and jacquard.

Sample ring in Gold and gold vintage button

Ring in Moroccan Turquoise and vintage button

Tree of floral rings

...comes in different fabric colors and vintage buttons.

C + C creative with charity bazaar

2010-07-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Last weekend it was the C + C creative bazaar event at Berjaya Times Square, KL. There are a few local celebrities from radio and television as host of the event. there are performances like street dances, coffee brewing demonstration, celebrity performing their latest music album, and most importantly the street bazaar filled with handmade goodies along the front entrance of Time Square. Mum, Dad and I participated the bazaar of course with our very own homemade jam and my very own handmade accessories.

The same bazaar will be happening again this coming weekend, but it was from another organizer promoting Malaysia Mega Sales.

Dad promoting our handmade jam

my dear friend Bremen was also there

interesting and cute handmade


Dad busy preparing

Artistic Talent on Parade

2010-06-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

My products are in The Star local newspaper about Kaka handmade art market. Unfortunately in their website did not post my products, neither my mum's lovely jam, but they did mentioned my work in the article. However, on the newspaper print they did post my works and my mum's too.

Below is the website link to the brilliant news. Enjoy reading.

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/6/15/central/6427564&sec=central

Kaka Handmade art market 6/6/10

2010-06-10T21:46:00.000-07:00

June is a busy month for me. The 1st weekend of June on Sunday 6/6/10, a new bazaar held at Shaw Parade organized by Purple Cane called Kaka handmade art market. The 1st event was a success, lots of fun programs, meeting new artistic people and get inspired with new ideas.

The following week will be Art for Grabs 12th -13th June, my Aunt will be coming down from the US to join me and also to pay a visit to the indigenous group people organized by Gerai OA; to further understand their culture, lifestyle and most importantly to purchase their crafts in order to help them financially. Will update those in photos soon.

Below are the recent photos from Kaka handmade art market...enjoy viewing!

Sorry for the blur image, was shot upstairs with the deepest zoom to show the crowd.

Ceramics from New Era College

Interesting fabric floral

Clown performance from NEC

TV commercial talent bought my parent's homemade jam

Swirls of Ring

2010-05-31T03:17:00.000-07:00

Looking through varieties of materials to make different kinds of rings. I found out a bunch of nylon string handles gotten from old paper bags, I was thinking..."hey this could make something unusual"...

So I coil the nylon around to form a swirl, kind of like cinnamon rolls. And glue the finish material on the ring.

The lollipop look alike swirl ring collection in multiple colors. I wish I had more colors available with me! And this is a recycle collection.

Swirls of rings

Lollipop swirls

Looking good on my finger

Candy floss swirl

The strawberry color is tempting

The blues and whites

Blue swirls hypnotizing

Sea Coral collection

2010-05-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Sea corals are an endangered species as everyone knows; however I get to see the beauty of a sea coral when I was in Pulau Perhentian last year...I know it's been ages I talked about Perhentian. I had the most memorable trip, the breath-taking turquoise blue beaches, snorkeling and visiting creatures under the sea, and sunshine.

Only a few days ago that finally made the effort to make jewelries out from sea corals I hand picked along the beaches. Do not worry, those sea corals I collected are broken down and died, and had been washed up along the beaches leaving a streak pathway of broken white sea corals.

Breath taking bay view

A streak of white pathway

Rocky bay

Corals along a straw hat, each RM15

Close-up version

Triangular coral with suede necklace

Close-up version.

Me enjoying the summer breeze

Cactus look-a-like coral

Design inspirations!

2010-05-20T01:21:00.000-07:00

Being a designer, professionally trained always start by researching and sketching designs. The wonders of researching and sketching can bring you very far, even to the subjects out of your field; and you still would keep on knowing more because of curiosity.

The next step is searching for materials, the right material will match very well together. The hassle about mix and match is when thing does not go the way you wanted, you have to take the apart and start again.

These are my sketches and research for my next jewelry collection. Happy viewing.

My sketches...developing.

Do you know what is this made from?

They are fax paper rolls, very hard like wood.

This kept me thinking further.

Tsumami Kanzashi inspired my collection.

2010-05-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

Browsing and surfing the internet is always my routine job as a fashion lecturer in college, I need to get myself updated with whatever people are doing in this small world of ours. I read all kinds of blogs, websites, online magazines, vlogs (video logs) and online TV. Anyway, I came across this website about design, arts and crafts from Japan http://pingmag.jp, and an article about a kanzashi crafter creating interesting accessories for hair http://pingmag.jp/2008/06/12/tsumami-kanzashi/, Kanzashi is a traditional fabric folding craft, something like origami but it is much harder to handle.

Since I've been cracking my head what to create with my brooches and rings, I guess I have found Kanzashi craft and my Kanzashi inspired accessories will launch soon once I finish learning the techniques. But lets enjoy beautiful photos on Kanzashi from Japan.

Vintage silver plate collection part 2

2010-04-30T19:42:00.000-07:00

Vintage silver plate collection with more bracelets to complement with the beautiful necklace launched last week. Interested customers can contact me at my gmail: butterandcream@gmail.com, then we will talk business, terms and conditions, payment details and shipping details. Thank you and enjoy viewing the collection.

Floral bracelet RM30

Mid large floral & 2 sided small floral RM30

Round petal bracelet RM30

Vintage silver plate collection part 1

2010-04-27T04:07:00.000-07:00

I came across this silver plate cut and plated into patterns from the jewelry supplies, bought them and made some interesting collection. A classic, elegant and vintage approach this time and hope you all enjoy it. Interested customer can contact me at my email: butterandcream@gmail.com, then we will go about the payment details, terms and conditions and questioned answered.

Diamond pendant with hoop necklace RM48

Leaf pendant with hoop necklace RM40

Hanging floral pendant with hoop necklace RM38

Triple floral pendant with hoop necklace RM38

Nyonya pendant with hoop necklace RM48

Left: Round floral earring RM22 Right: Round petals earring RM22

Left: Large round floral earring RM25 Right: Square plate earring RM25

Seoul Fashion Week 2010

2010-04-22T02:50:00.000-07:00

I never really follow fashion from Seoul fashion week until today I browsed through wallpaper website that reports on it. It surprised me instantly that Korean fashion designers have grown so much; their menswear designs are amazing, innovative and very different but contemporary.There is this style of urban, hip-hop, punk and street matched together. The womens-wear are very 80's leathery and fur look, with the mix of urban street and hip-hop! It was totally hot!

Killa' pillow beads with vintage buttons

2010-03-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

The Butter & Cream News

22nd March 2010

Several days ago, the police have found crime scenes murder of 5 VIPs'. The victim is of middle aged and wealthy women whom were fond of accessories. The questions on how the victims were murdered and why were unsolved at the moment. While the killer is on the loose, the authorities is working hard at investigating the case; they also announced to the public to stay alert and be safe at all times.

However from the investigation, The Butter and Cream News has receive hints from the authorities that the evidence found on the crime scene were coincidental, the victims may be murdered by the same killer. The evidence were accessories of necklaces and bracelets by the label named "Butter and Cream", worn or were happened to be by the victims while they were murdered. The authorities took several shots of the victim lying murdered, but were fashionably dressed with their make-up undone. The police were mesmerized by their fashion shots of the victim, somehow the necklaces and bracelets completed the whole look.

Several days ago, Butter and Cream launched it's new collection of "Killer pillow beads with vintage buttons", designer Ling Ooi mentioned that the collection was inspired by Lady Gaga, the epic drama "Dirty Sexy Money" and especially Guy Bourdin's photography of a fashionably murdered models/victims. The police did not find any other evidence to solve the cases, hence those cases will be close. But they declared Butter and Cream label as the fashion look of the moment!

The authorities and Butter and Cream label is auctioning out the accessories to fans of the murdered victims. Below are photos of the evidence found and close-up shot of the accessories. Customers whom are interested can contact the designer's email, prices will be announced soon. Remake is not possible due to vintage buttons only comes in minimal quantities.

Murder Exhibit A, murdered and wearing...
Black sequined pillow beads with chunky gold vintage buttons, classy and elegant.
SOLD

Black sequined pillow beads with chunky gold vintage buttons (close-up version) SOLD

Murder Exhibit B, murdered alongside with...
Brown floral netting with beaded pillow bead and chunky brown vintage buttons
(RM78)

Murder Exhibit C, murdered while holding...
Red and brown pillow beads with chunky vintage buttons
(RM78)

Red and brown pillow beads with chunky vintage buttons. (Close-up version)

Murder Exhibit D, murdered while wearing...
Purple beaded pillow beads with chunky purplish vintage buttons and black velvet necklace
(RM78)

Evidence P, found on crime scene
Pink pillow beads and chunky vintage buttons, lavender velvet necklace.
(RM78)

Murder Exhibit E, murdered while grabbing...
Pink and black pillow beads with vintage buttons bracelet.
(RM48)

Pink and black pillow beads with vintage buttons bracelet.

Evidence B, found on crime scene
Blue pillow beads beaded with silver beads with chunky white and silver vintage buttons.
(RM48)

Blue pillow beads beaded with silver beads with chunky white and silver vintage buttons. (close-up)

Paid homage to Guy Bourdin photography

Guy Bourdin's photo, fashionably murdered.

Butter and Cream in Penang LPSM

2010-03-21T23:14:00.000-07:00

Butter and Cream will travel to Penang this weekend to catch up with LPSM (Little Penang Street Market) on this Sunday 28th March...Fanms from Penang do come over for a chill and lookout...it is a happening place with lots of performance, food, fashion and art. Below is the location to LPSM, it is at the street where you find all the pubs, bars and clubs, and this street is just opposite E & O hotel. Go check it out. I hope to see ya' all there!

Map to LPSM in case if anyone get lost!

From Beijing with love

2010-03-13T08:36:00.000-08:00

Butter and Cream went to Beijing bringing 30 students from New Era College for an Art and Design learning and holiday trip. I wish I had more time to roam every corner of the city, but 1 week is a long time away from my work. I felt handicapped as I cannot log on to my Facebook and Blogger, these websites are ban by the government there...such a pity though. These are a few of the photos I shot during the trip. I won't be showing pictures of nice skycrappers and historical buildings...as you all have seen it in the media already. I am going to show you the real Beijing. Enjoy viewing.

Morning breakfast, food stall nearby our hostel

eeek...scorpions for dinner, there are cockroaches and worms too

Beijing alley way

Egg roti canai...it is not bad at all

These are the art shops opposite National Art Gallery...and there are several families living at the back alley...super small rooms

Imagine if your kitchen is that small...it cannot even fit a fat man.

This is a cozy restaurant just a few blocks from our hostel...serves very delicious home cook food.

...and above us is the kitchen with steep stairways

The Great Wall...Imagine I've climbed to the tip of it in this photo!

Hey...looks simple but it is not easy to climb...I almost twist my ankle climbing this stairways.

Look at those students crazy over strawberries...they are sweet you know^^

The same stall also selling apples, dried mushrooms, dates and eggs.

I particularly like this Chinese brush painting...the whole perspective and the color tone of the snow is impressive...just like you are looking at a real life herd of buffalo under the snow.

I call this the trishaw van with only 3 wheels

The CCTV building...this shot is just half of it...you should see the entire building structure...it's impressive.

Old man collecting trash on a trishaw...he was pedalling very very slowly crossing to the opposite street.

Pillow Collection part 2: Baroque

2010-02-25T06:38:00.000-08:00

This time I went on a different approach, I use more sequins, crystals, plenty of bling-bling now. I came up with necklaces in just hues of brown, black and red together, attaching my pillow beads with black and brown metal chains; mixing together with gold beads, dark reds and black sequins. Then it just came to me...hey...this style looks very Baroque, very classic and dark. So here it is folks, my all new pillow collection inspired from the Baroque, from the court of King Henry the 8th.

Feel free post any comments and opinion. I will communicate with customers through email if you all wish to purchase them. I am starting my online business now and I do deliveries too. Payment can be done to my PayPal or to my local Maybank account.

Remake is possible, do support. Thank you^^.

The Caravaggio inspired dark and mysterious. (Necklace RM68)

Caravaggio bracelets (RM45)

King Henry necklace (RM68)

Anne Boleyn bracelet (RM40) SOLD

Mary Boleyn bracelet (RM40)

Elizabethan No.1 (RM68)

Elizabethan with zebra (RM50)

Elizabethan with zebra close-up

Pillow Collection part 1: Tea party

2010-02-22T07:09:00.001-08:00

I wasn't confident on my pillow collection until they were selling well at Metissage boutique. This great attempt drive my confidence to the max and made me continue designing and producing more pillow stuff. Below are my gallery shot on my recent pillow collection. Enjoy viewing and feel free to post any comments, your opinion matters.

I am starting my online business now and I do deliveries too. Customers whom wish to purchase can communicate me through emails. Payment can be made into my PayPal or to my local Maybank account too. Thank you for your support and thank you for viewing butterandcream blog.

p/s: I also do remakes for extra interested customers whom fetishes quirky crafty jewelries.

Tea party the English style

Peppermint tea with jasmine (RM68) SOLD

Indian summer (RM45)

Swirl of chiffon, pillow nuggets and glass jelly (RM68)

Sugar sweet (RM68) SOLD!

"Just as I have left it"

Jewellery in colors of jam (Necklace, RM88 SOLD) (Bracelet, RM48 SOLD!)

Thank you ye all, have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-12-20T07:25:00.000-08:00

Dear Ye all fans, just visiting bloggers, friends and families,

The 'Thank you' artnote above is dedicate to those whom have supported and encouraged me. I will never be who I am today without your never-ending support. And thank you for all the comments on my blog that made me grow and learn everyday.

Before I end I also would like to wish everyone a very Merry Xmas and a very Happy New Year of 2010. I looked back the year 2009, I proclaimed that this isn't a good year for me! I had bad lucks, unforgettable histories and made mistakes. I hope I can go back and change that.

But as I thought, those bad lucks and mistakes changed me in some ways to be a better person. So I take that back, it's a very mesmerizing and adventurous 2009 and 2010 to be a fulfilling year for me.

A very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Julie and Julia: a French cooking experience!

2009-12-18T07:35:00.000-08:00

Do you have what it takes to cook and to cook like Julia? Recently, I've been crazy about this movie. I even plan to buy the cookbook by Julia Child, "The Art of Mastering French Cooking". Born in a family of good cooks and pastry makers, my love for cooking is never ending.

Although I only get to discover my talents in cooking while I was in Australia studying and slaving off my degree in Fashion. I can just read recipes in a cookbook and reinvent it to complement my taste butts; by adding more ingredients or change ingredients.

Now I am back here in KL and stopped cooking...you cannot have too many women in the kitchen or it will go havoc. So that is the reason why I stopped, but I never stopped researching about food and recipes. And this movie inspires me! Gosh I just love food.

My Fashion Potrait

2009-12-17T00:34:00.000-08:00

Lady Gaga lookalike illustration

I am playing on the scrapper board on black to draw some fashion illustration. I just worked on my instinct and drew out this Lady Gaga lookalike illustration... I do not know why the drawing came out to be like her, well she's 'hot' at the moment anyway! So here it is.

Art for Grabs 12th & 13th Dec - Xmas special report

2009-12-15T01:14:00.000-08:00

Ye all faithful followers...another wonderful event of Art for Grabs Xmas special for the year 2009. Despite the dry respond, I still get to understand my customers, the fragile market at the moment and what will drives them to buy the things that they do not need.

This time Art for Grabs has fewer crowd (compared to the previous Raya event), we analyzed the situation and came out with several circumstances: 1) a long weekend since Friday, a public holiday. 2) the program timetable most attracted activists and the 'reformasi' crowd. 3) it is still early buying gifts for Christmas. 4) the weekend falls on the middle of the month and people are broke by then. 5) my booth space is way at the back with bad 'feng shui'. 6) customers just do not wish to spent. I guess these are several possibility that caused the quiet dry respond. But at the end it is about give and take, learned something new but lost some sales.

our booth.

very interesting display

Coming up next weekend: Art for Grabs 12th & 13th Dec

2009-12-05T17:59:00.000-08:00

Dear all readers and followers,

Next weekend is 'D' day for the last Xmas art for grabs of the year 2009. As usual I will be there to sell my hand made jewelries. The facebook link below will lead you to that weekend's program list and timetable.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=185182678756&index=1

Do stop over for a peek. When you are there, you may not wish to leave there so soon.

See you there. Ciao

Little Penang Street Bazaar 29th Nov 09

2009-11-29T02:15:00.000-08:00

This is a tiring trip but it is all worth while. I packed up all my handmade jewelries and head to Little Penang Street Bazaar for the weekend. Unfortunately the Penang bazaar only falls on every end of the month Sunday, but the crowd is enormous; many of people from outstation, tourists and locals flooded the bazaar.

other vendors hard at sell...and look at the crowd

Some vendors are wholesaler selling products from Chatuchak or China... so Art for Grabs is still a blessing after all, purely handmade products made by the vendor/artist. Despite the humid weather and hard sell, I still come home with good sales, and I learned that there's a new place to promote my crafts in the future.

Here are some pictures on site for sharing.

Mum is busy serving the customers her jam samplings

My goodies on sale

Mum's homemade jam on sale

Me busy preparing for the day

My ceramic creations

2009-11-11T01:49:00.000-08:00

I have mentioned in my previous blog that recently I joined the pottery class in my college! I had a wonderful time and learn alot from this new course! The one thing I learned about pottery and ceramics is that...all of our creations have to be bigger because after pottery firing the product will shrink by 30%. So some of my works had shrunk in size. I am very excited with my pendants, although they are not perfect but at least it has some value in it; which I can sell them at good price. Below are my new ceramic creations and I would like to share with all of you.

My new mini mug

Mini soap plate with leaf imprinted

Mango leaf imprinted plate

Dirty brush strokes plate

Leaf pendant

Swirly pendant

Star-burst pendant

Star-burst leafy printed pendant

Ethnic printed pendant

Art@NEC, Badan Warisan Exhibition (Part 2)

2009-10-24T23:30:00.000-07:00

On friday the 23rd October, it was a long day preparing and installing all our art piece at Badan Warisan exhibition hall. Badan Warisan Malaysia (Jalan Conlay, KL) is a heritage foundation founded by the NGO to preserve our Malaysian heritage and culture. There are libraries of documentations about our heritage in writings, magazines and photographs.

Everything is in the mess during the preparations, as you can see all my work is on the floor at the bottom left of the picture; and I'm still figuring out the layout of my installation.

Art by our college students

Pottery section

My final installation layout

My final with added product descriptions and prices, hoping to sell some work out.

My exhibition concept and the story behind my work

My final and very final display

Other artist/ lecturer's works

Badan Warisan Exhibition (part 1)

2009-10-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

Being a fashion lecturer now from New Era College, our college is given an opportunity to all lecturers and students to present their work in the Badan Warisan Exhibition hall, an NGO heritage foundation and also my chance to expose myself to the real world. I did not planned out my organized my display presentation accordingly, hence I was stress out when the due date reached to the last week for preparations. Luckily at this peek moment ideas came pumping in, my mind started clicking in that I actually began to draft out the my exhibition display and how I would like to present it!

Presenting pillow beads necklace

Framing my collection

I thought of my display was using up the wall to hang my jewelries (as the whole exhibition space wasn't very big either...just to save space). I thought about having my whole display a home feeling and treating jeweleries as an art piece. I hand-painted my picture frames and create the worn out french furniture/cottage look, for a homey ambiance. I completely the look of the photo frame display by attaching tiny hanging wires to hook all my jewelries.

Tiny wires that hung my collection

Another presentation

Recently, I signed up myself for pottery class. As an amateur I only get to learn the beginner stage of rolling and swirling the clay, and level up all the rolls together to form a simple household item like a vase or drinking cup. I planned the vase was to use as a display for my jewelry exhibition at Badan Warisan; and I was excited to have made a tall, slender long neck vase to display my bracelets along it's neck. But after the clay burning, so unfortunately that the whole vase shrink and the neck went short. It did not look like a well-made display and I was embarrassed to use it for my exhibition, but then the more I glance at it the more I began to appreciate the beauty behind the flawed vase.

My flawed beautiful vase

My swirling vase. The carved floral vase in bright color at the foreground was made by Cikgu Raha, our pottery lecturer. It was given as a gift to our college principal.

The "Best" Art Show in the Univers

2009-10-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

As I had mentioned in my previous blog, reporting on The "Best" Art Show in the Univers event. It was held at this very cute little architectural mini town house (situated in Bangsar) where perspective was created to make the space with cool air; the work was behind all the research and deep thinking. Now back to the show...well I wouldn't say it was the best (you wouldn't want to know my ratings...it's sad). The architecture was even better than the show! Ouch!

Very memorable entrance 1

Very memorable entrance 2

Very memorable entrance 3

Until now I do not even know the purpose of the event, or the messages these artist is trying to spread out to the public...the opening of the event was not address properly or seriously; the whole event seems like a joke to me! It had more fooling and joking around among the audience with the artists than serious exhibition. I don't mean I prefer serious atmosphere where everyone kept quiet and just gazing at the art by yourself, I like jokes but not to the extend where it destroy the whole exhibition.

I was quite disappointed with the art and the exhibition; mainly was because these artists participate themselves actively in the art scenes, I was hoping to see a strong art from them, art that convey deep messages. In fact the most disturbing thing was, the artists was not even well-dressed/ groom neatly for their show, they were wearing slippers (not even nice slippers), khaki shorts and T-shirt...it was a disgrace to the arts. And the finger food and drinks for the show was not even presented professionally, it all looked like you went to an anonymous house party with loud music, fried food and beers...and some art hanging on the wall for decorations.

Exhibition: Mumbling lip clip and painting on wall

A few mini doodling exhibit on the wall

The 'wet paint' painting

Munkao (artist) presenting his vegetarian cook show

One of the painting at the backyard (not done by the exhibiting artist)...this is a better piece!

Inkjet print blocks by the artist...horror in sesame street and Barney

Art for Grabs 26th & 27th Sept (Part 2)

2009-09-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

Due to the dry respond from the 1st day, I tried a different approach on my stall display. I took up more space of the table and lay out all my jewelries on the table, easy for my customer to view and choose. My mum only occupied the small rattan table beside it...since mum's jam respond is better, the display of the merchandise does not make any difference... despite the wacky display, mum sold out all her jams too.

The 2nd day had better events and shows, so more customers came for the event/bazaar. I was busier on the 2nd day and made friends and contacts with some customers too. Plus we also made friends with the event organizers...their stall is just next to us selling childhood party packs, copy cupcakes and political artifacts. These guys will behaving their "THE BEST ART SHOW IN THE UNIVERS" public exhibition opening via Bangsar on 1st October 09...everyone is invited, the more the merrier and there will be beer as well...makes it even better. I will report on the public exhibitions by then...cheerio

The next Art for Grabs bazaar/event will held in another 3 months time, just before Christmas; a right time to sell our goods for gifts.

A different approach at my stall display

My new set of display

Laying out all my handmade on the table

Another side of the table

Friends from the event..2nd from left Maya (actively involve in the performing arts) & Munkao (last person from left event organizer)

Me on my stall

Rekha from Jendela KL selling her hand painted tiles.

Chung Wei...what are you doing? food performance?

Ceramic jewelry...handmade

Art for Grabs 26th & 27th Sept (Part 1)

2009-09-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday 26th Sept - 1st day of Art for Grabs

Another Art for Grabs season again via Central Market Annexe Gallery on the 26th and 27th September. Although this week the crowd is lesser due to the Hari Raya festive holidays, people are still on leave and celebrating the month long festive. Business seems to be dry and slow this season compared to the previous event (I wish the organizer had plan it before the festive, this will bring more crowd and people will spend for the festive!!); but there are new vendors joining in with their new products, even my mum having being enthusiastic about this event......painted some drawings and made some delicious homemade jams (less sugar, no preservatives & chunky fruits) for sales.

Mum's delicious, low sugar, chunky fruits jam

My corner of the shared table

Colored "Chan luu" bracelets on sale

Laici seed necklace...something crazy

Me on my guarding on my stall

Mum's paintings for sale

The crowd @ arts for grabs

Works from other vendors...beautiful illustrations

Creative artworks of T-shirts and paintings from other vendors.

Interesting illustration artworks

Elegant Indulgence

2009-09-06T20:20:00.000-07:00

Recently, my guy mate ordered a jewelry from me. He wanted me to custom make a ring as a gift for a gal. Honestly, I haven explore with rings before nor even tried doing it. But since this project is new to me, I took up the challenge.

He described that he wanted very tiny crystal stones, and those stones are weaved out neatly; most importantly the rings has to stand on it's own without collapsing (As we know some rings are weaved with only nylon threads and they are soft and collapsible). I actually cracked my head to try to produce as close to his description, and have been experimenting the pros and cons of different materials for this ring. But finally hard work proof the result to be beautiful, even the ring attract me to made one for myself as well.

S+arck releases fashion

2009-07-20T03:50:00.000-07:00

The quintessential Phillip Starck product designer releases his clothing collection with Ballantyne (S+ARCK with Ballantyne), Scotland's clothing label well-known for their history and quality cashmere wool.

Combining product and fashion design, Philip has come out a feasible, intelligent collection that is sustainable, classic and a concept that does not fit in the fashionable category. The S+ARCK collection is human friendly, with his waterproof cashmere line that challenges contemporary clothing market.

As Starck exclaimed "...fashion has a very high speed of turnover. It produces energy, material, waste and gives birth to a system of consumption and over-consumption which has no future." With this statement, his collection was made from ergonomics and contemporary fittings to ensure longevity. An ethical design approach and sustainable, products that works to fit between people and work; this is what we need to look forward to when producing the product. They represents and also determines the future of our world.

Butter and Cream in Kluublog

2009-07-13T04:58:00.000-07:00

Butter and cream is featured in Kluublog, one of my very own good friend's blog about fashion, trends and also selling her own T-shirts...it's a cool blog to look-out for new product findings in the market and also her own food cravings that I am always interested to look-out for, so when I head to Melbourne again will have to visit restaurants she recommended in her blog...hehe!

Way the go Karen! Keep up the good work and all the best

Visit Kluublog now and make yourself a follower.

The Pillow Earrings - New arrivals

2009-07-10T02:24:00.000-07:00

With having more excess knit fabrics, I thought of adding them into my pillow earrings collection, new arrivals with simple designs decorated with coloured beads.

The Woven Bracelet: experiment #2 Joy for Beads

2009-07-10T01:34:00.000-07:00

I apologize for me slacking away with my Woven experimental #2 blog, I'm sure there are many fans waiting to see the results of my experiments.

Yes...it was a little hard to tackle this bracelet design, my handwork needed to be neat and consistent, and the production has to be professionally finished. Hence they were my challenges to achieve the end product; with many failed attempts and practices makes them perfect.

I am proud to present my very own version of the woven bracelet, using multicolored glass beads and turquoise stones, with embellished button at the end as fastenings (adjustable fastening). Unfortunately I could not get my hands on leather cords, I replaced them with compact poly cotton cord. Despite the materials, they still look good to me.

Baby blue bracelet with shell button

Turquoise beads bracelet with sheel button

Yellow glass beads with embellished button

Green glass beads with shell button

Black and purple glass beads with embellished button

...just another angle to display the unique button

...a splash of colours

...a different angle

Jimmy Choo for H& M

2009-06-22T09:02:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Choo for H & M, I bet people will fight until the last pair...this is such a huge merchandising strategy to get Jimmy Choo British accessory brand for H & M. It's such a shame KL doesn't have H & M, I'll defnitely line up for those lovely heels. Jimmy Choo accessories collection prior to launch on November 14 in 200 stores across the world.

Jimmy Choo collection for H & M

For my opinion, when quitessential Jimmy Choo left his label, the collection changed to a much glamorous and catwalk fashion approach, the original Jimmy Choo scents for comfortable flats has lost.

The Woven Bracelet: experiment #1

2009-06-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

I am a frequent bluefly.com viewer...not to purchase but to research the latest designer products, they stock several quircky and more crafty jewelries online. So I came across the Chan Luu bracelet using leather cord and semi-precious stones, for beachwear and casual look. Having the LA look to her designs, her works are well-known among the Hollywood celebraties. Amazingly she's a Vietnamese who studied business administration turn fashion designer, and having her own line of clothings and accessories.

Chan Luu's turquoise stone with leather cord bracelet

Chan Luu's, interesting mixture of colours and crystal stones

Chan Luu's leather cord bracelet, design for the guys perhaps!

While browsing I got so inspired by her work that I thought..."Hey, I can do this by myself, this is simple..." So I got hold of a few selected glass beads from my inventory and some fabric cord (leather cord is just too expensive >.<) and strung a sample out. Well it looks simple but the making process is hard to tackle, I have to adjust certain pressure between the cord and the beads so they all stay neatly align together.

my experiment..."conclusion, it is not simple after all "

......To be continue in The Woven Bracelet: experiment #2

House of ceramic minitures

2009-06-21T20:09:00.001-07:00

Last weekend I was in Bangkok Chatuchak market and came across a hobby that is flooded among the Siamese. It is their ceramic minitures; not dollhouses that made out from painted clays, but ceramic minitures are ornaments that is coloured, glossed and ready-to-use ceramics minitures. They can be bought readily to arrange a scene like a house or a food stall.

......ceramic minitures displaying a Thai food stall

......the floating market in minitures

......So having inspired by the minitures, I bought a few cups and saucers.

......the picnic scene

......empty ceramic saucers and plates

Then I turn them into miniture earrings.

Pink earring cups

Olive earring cups

White earring cups

Earring cups is RM18 per pair, while stock last ;)

Pre - KLPAC event party and performance

2009-06-21T02:19:00.000-07:00

On the 21st of June, Friday just right after work, a good evening to indulge in free alcohol and some music. It's the pre - KLPAC party inviting vendors and people from the industry for a little mingle and vodka at urbantic via Cap square. Well, as we're all working down town, jamming our way to Cap square is hectic...so we were late but we still get to enjoy 2 glasses of vodka rasberry and vodka lychii; and some live music performance.

Event at urbanatic via Cap square

......Ze bar

Live band performance at a nearby stage...I think it was a rehearsal

......street art next to the bar

...finally me and Yuan have our photo taken

Bijou bazaar 6th and 7th June 2009

2009-06-08T07:38:00.000-07:00

Me and Yuan was at Bijou Bazaar via Jeumpa Dramo boutique hotel last weekend (6th and 7th June, 2009) testing our handmade accessories. I can honestly say that the respond was bad, our sales was bad compare to Arts for Grabs; dropped by 50%, I think overall the whole event respond was not satisfying, there are hardly any crowd and the allocation of vendors are messy. well...despite feeling disappointed, we get to observe the bangsar shoppers' behaviour and the stuff they are looking for:D

We come to a conclusion that bangsar shoppers that came are looking for cheap disposable fashion, clothes that are cheap enough to discard when the trend is over. In fact these people are wealthy customers, by the look of their Chanel handbags or Louis Vuitton bags. I guess the shoppers are looking for stuff that only appears in the fashion magazines...it's something like either you're in or you're out! So that concludes the fate of our handmade products, they'll be out when they wear our jewelry...haha!

However, we're definitely confident with our product, it just need the right customers and the right event to blossom. There are a few pictures from the event to share our thoughts.

...this is the boutique hotel where the bazaar is, it's very hot that day

...specials of the day

my new pillow earrings collection on sale

...our usual mannequin display

...our cute little stall

...busy shoppers

p/s: Just an advice for future vendors not to sell at bijou bazaar, I found out from a friend that alot of people have already ban this organizer due to irresponsibilities (from the organizer itself) and bad management.

5 Disadvantages of a PR manager and department

2009-05-27T01:04:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been reading this book about Public Relations by Frank Jefkins...it's a text book by the way...boring and descriptive with hardcore definitions. I read to the point where the topic caught my eye on "5 disadvantages of a PR manager and department". Imagine such simple disadvantages can actually disrupt a company's image/branding:-

a. The PR manager can be so close to the organization that he/she can be bias, which sometimes reflected in his or her writings to the media.

b. He/she is not properly trained or qualified.

c. The PR manager may lack sufficient executive status to enjoy the respect from the management and the media.

d. The PR manager may simply be given the title by the management as a good way to promote a senior person, and so thus he/she neither having experiences or liability will have to dabble in this profession.

e. The management may not agree the job specification which enables the PR manager to take responsibilities.

Somehow these disfunctional elements listed above are actually happening in my current company, and the management just do not care that these disadvantages is actually eating up the company's budget and could in worst case scenario disrupt the company. I guess Chinamen business do not really care of the outcome or the end product...anyway they just do not care about the whole management, as long as at the end of the day they get their share of profit.

But I guess the business world is changing rapidly and Chinamen business will not survive the competition if they hadn't start changing their ethics/culture.

Experiment #2 - End result

2009-05-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

I've been slacking away with my continuation post of Experiment #2... =.= ...anyhow let's get back to business......so I have done this little experiment on the pillow earrings, and I went further with the design by using different patterns from the fabric and created various looks out from it.

...and so these are my crazy designs

...elegant designs with dangling crystals

...even more crazier designs

...interesting side view perspective with blurrish ends photo

...my work table, messy full of materials and colours to inspire me

Experiment #1

2009-05-13T08:05:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been looking at my messy office table and cupboard, and realize that I need a spring cleaning...so I found this whole pile of old fabric swatches...in big pieces...storing in the cupboard. I was thinking how to get rid of these garbage, throwing away seems such a waste, so I thought of an idea to make something for my jewelry collection.

......so I ended up making a pair of earrings

Yup...as you've seen in this picture...the extra mini pillows actually look like frankfurters..haha^^...I have to struggle my fingers to sew these cutie out and also stuffed fibres into it using a tweezer. Imagine dealing with an inch height of pillows sometimes can strain my eyes but the fun is where you can see the results out *wink*

Old fabric swatches in different floral prints

The thoughts about my current experiments is using scraps or unwanted things to create something beautiful...recycle is the way to go!

......................................to be continue to experimental #2

my share of wallet

2009-05-12T21:54:00.000-07:00

My wallet story

As I read through Tom Fishburne's article on share of wallet, I thought of drafting myself on my own share of wallet and what actually I've been spending on. In fact as I was drafting, I realize how little I spent on fashion items...as a fashion person I was advice from young to dress up the latest trend and present yourself to look like a fashion designer......in fact all had gone on paying debts like my car installment, petrol fees, lunches and dinners, all these debts have eaten almost half of my sad monthly exploited wedges.

Being a fashion designer who design good looking clothings and yet I don't encourage myself to buy them! So right now fashion has become an optional item, not necessity anymore, people only spent when they only feel like having a retail therapy, the 'happy-when-I-bought-that-bag' feeling! I guess that's where fashion products go working for their packaging designs to keep fighting for business. For instance, when you are at a department store and you saw this perfume bottle ...the perfume scent is just ordinary and you might not even wear it regularly...but the perfume packaging design is just too beautiful to be let go, it catches your attention so much that you got to have it!

So this is where the packaging design works but the product does not, how long can these product survive for business? People are starting to realize the trick and made a conclusion that the product itself should matter more than the packaging design!

Back to my wallet story...my 'emergency' retail therapy which only happen once in a blue moon when I am being hysterical about work and life that I need to cash out on something...either on food or fancy products! But when I do not need my emergency retail therapy, it goes back to my savings, and then will go to my debts :(

It's a wallet cycle and it all comes out through paying debts...Don't we want something free in our life?

Arts for Grabs 9th & 10th May 2009

2009-05-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

Art for Grabs is an arts event that promote young designers and local artist in KL, this event only held once every 3 months via central market and it's an opportunity for young innovators like me to present/sell my crreations to the mass public.

Honestly speaking, this is my first time taking part at arts for grabs and I'm surprise to see more and more people are responding to this event, people are actually learning to appreciate art and culture...moreover the best thing is my handmade jewelries actually get to reach out to the audience. The same feeling also happen to Yuan my dear friend who shared the table with me, also selling her own quirky handmade jewelries; we had doubts about our designs due to our failed attempt at South Melb market and also my own failed attempts at 2 other boutiques. Arts for Grabs gave us a push of encouragement and built the confidence nack into in our designs, therefore we made a great deal of sales from that event ^.^

Our display merchandise...looking good^^

Mannequin as a tool to display our merchandise

These are my stuff were on sale that day!!

Last but not least, we had a really great time at the event...we're anxious to try out our designs to a larger group of audience, so we are planning to hit more flea markets and arts bazaar^^ We hope to see you there!