tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20733981817172860012024-03-14T20:29:58.302+08:00MY SPIRAL NOTEBOOKwrite everything downSharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-6190583745469740092011-07-31T23:58:00.000+08:002011-07-31T23:58:56.338+08:00Four Letter Words: BookGive me a good book to read and I'll stay out of your way till I finish reading it.<br />
<br />
As a young child, the bookstore was THE place to go for me. While dolls and little porcelain tea sets caught my eye, books really made me go crazy. I remember wandering along the aisles, gazing up at the shiny hardbound covers wondering what kind of world I would step into once I opened them. At 11, I read Alice in Wonderland three times while I lay in bed in the hospital after an operation for a ruptured appendix. I carried a dog-eared copy of To Kill a Mockingbird in my school bag when I was 13 - and pretended it was the first time I read it in my senior year in high school when it was given as assigned reading. My all-time favorite childhood Christmas gift was from an aunt -- two thick volumes of ghost stories that were read from cover to cover numerous times and which I handed down to my daughter who seems to have inherited my love for the written word. And when I have money to spend, I never end up buying that lovely dress I had been eyeing for weeks -- I always seem to end up buying a good, fat, book.<br />
<br />
Writing is also something I enjoy so I have in my possession all manner of blank journals and notebooks - some have entries in them, others have my sketches. The handmade ones are my favorite, especially the leather bound ones. So it was no surprise to me when I hooked up with two handmade book makers at the last art fair I was in. Seeing their work inspired me to make my own little versions of handmade books - the kind I can wear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMioUNHvuJ-QrQrNrX8RW_MFVBgPhGqz-33apyK8kv7V2FIK8Tdc5UqKNL3icIB2uOCcsyDtt70vhBwcTmo4vwa5x3UCuZHC4C2XZQ1Sf490ME0FDIy8dFAardIV16zlQow9MjC9uLkf0/s1600/P1010633_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMioUNHvuJ-QrQrNrX8RW_MFVBgPhGqz-33apyK8kv7V2FIK8Tdc5UqKNL3icIB2uOCcsyDtt70vhBwcTmo4vwa5x3UCuZHC4C2XZQ1Sf490ME0FDIy8dFAardIV16zlQow9MjC9uLkf0/s1600/P1010633_02.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This one was made from leather which I distressed myself by giving it a few swipes with some sandpaper and rubbing in some dark brown acrylic paint. I cut up a few pages of an old book and attached them to make little pages by sewing them into the spine with a dark brown leather cord. The same cord was cut long enough so that you could wrap it around the book and tie it up in front. Of course, I couldn't leave out the beads so a delicate dangle of tiny, tiny, round jasper beads and gold stone beads were strung together and attached to the spine where the cord peeked through. Here is another look<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnr8ciWZrXGlYc1cynV0PCdmQAzQtsSrJ5i0FK4EVVQ6jwpTYFQ1PvoLqYCFrkX0TGxnV5jHC7uyGP3CslIj-iJgVHjDq1DvB3lpwDTCKsCGJ-lQLnnhxz-378CnyuaMIUcH6u-rOTss/s1600/P1010635_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimnr8ciWZrXGlYc1cynV0PCdmQAzQtsSrJ5i0FK4EVVQ6jwpTYFQ1PvoLqYCFrkX0TGxnV5jHC7uyGP3CslIj-iJgVHjDq1DvB3lpwDTCKsCGJ-lQLnnhxz-378CnyuaMIUcH6u-rOTss/s1600/P1010635_02.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg1QR2B6X8LCayFmpPfRVUQswALBl3Pzk2WJTeAM0_Qx_IwlwyEOiWHXy6OlwmuWfIASZpZHuJ0jPw40_OS3LqHmGphsaXlHKKtUOl1qAztz1vaVsXHpoS9W8MaQMzTdyUoiOfdYuGCs/s1600/P1010640_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKg1QR2B6X8LCayFmpPfRVUQswALBl3Pzk2WJTeAM0_Qx_IwlwyEOiWHXy6OlwmuWfIASZpZHuJ0jPw40_OS3LqHmGphsaXlHKKtUOl1qAztz1vaVsXHpoS9W8MaQMzTdyUoiOfdYuGCs/s1600/P1010640_02.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I enjoyed making this first little one so much I decided to make another one, this time with some purple suede leather. I distressed it a bit with sandpaper and got the look I was aiming for. What do you think?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GBmlVB48HqEJkG1z0oYccaLXV1BV9BO8w3UdVfJXatMO3RZr9O79tJMDmrgo7AS8rzCqWJB9fePsexN-lK5t2Ip6c-vl9oZw-P-PjsUcZt4TcTcqRyyaiAKmWbHLWfOwjvwqXehHHD0/s1600/P1010636_03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7GBmlVB48HqEJkG1z0oYccaLXV1BV9BO8w3UdVfJXatMO3RZr9O79tJMDmrgo7AS8rzCqWJB9fePsexN-lK5t2Ip6c-vl9oZw-P-PjsUcZt4TcTcqRyyaiAKmWbHLWfOwjvwqXehHHD0/s1600/P1010636_03.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2drJfJkp6ENLP8N7ayvsBki0L_XzyKGf_MC20CQwILthORECIGLoTgkmRFM-Ny4EuN_nRhSDuFlQPdxZU-F4TYDH6fMf-M8V9R4CfetfoPdn951IMuGxrWq4UIjAhvfQR76ClvIduwI/s1600/P1010641_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2drJfJkp6ENLP8N7ayvsBki0L_XzyKGf_MC20CQwILthORECIGLoTgkmRFM-Ny4EuN_nRhSDuFlQPdxZU-F4TYDH6fMf-M8V9R4CfetfoPdn951IMuGxrWq4UIjAhvfQR76ClvIduwI/s1600/P1010641_02.JPG" /></a></div><br />
This wee one had blank pages in it, cut up from one of my watercolor pads. I thought I wanted one that I could write little things in -- like spells. LOL. The dangles were made of brass spacers, majorica pearls and the tiny round jasper, moonstone and gold stone beads. Like the first one, this little book is attached to an antiqued copper chain.<br />
<br />
Of course a book isn't a book if you can't open it, so this one opens up just like the first one -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfiQ0D1n-svXy-8-uczJDU52bPzPoC7ND5bGIQ4qdmypib1XkSCcvzWmoiaZmdEu20txyO03Tgwr3YoWKuDnzJxN7b_5BOCz4897FMC6zYyxT2VvcmCOwlpq4IqOwgvawmyQalO1DwAw/s1600/P1010638_03.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfiQ0D1n-svXy-8-uczJDU52bPzPoC7ND5bGIQ4qdmypib1XkSCcvzWmoiaZmdEu20txyO03Tgwr3YoWKuDnzJxN7b_5BOCz4897FMC6zYyxT2VvcmCOwlpq4IqOwgvawmyQalO1DwAw/s1600/P1010638_03.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Two of my favorite things in one --- handmade books and handmade jewelry. Now, I can't wait to wear these babies when I go out.Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-69290634482909999172011-07-09T23:50:00.000+08:002011-07-09T23:50:08.868+08:00The Water Baby<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I long to be near water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sand squishing through my toes, the sun on my face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wild wind turning my hair into an unruly tangle of black.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Summer came and went and I didn’t even go near the ocean.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had plans – oh boy,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>did I have plans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But daily concerns kept me from turning these plans into reality. And I am all dried up – I need to be near water. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">The monsoons have started so that pushes my plans back a few more weeks, or even months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I will get to the ocean somehow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I do, I will dive headlong into the white water that splashes along the shore, and walk on the sand each day I am there searching for treasures that the deep has left for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will feel the sun on my face and let it leave its warm glow so that I can still feel it on my skin when the evenings grow cold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I will sit still, so still, close to the water’s edge and listen to the secrets the waves spill out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are secrets for me and me alone – little truths that will carry me far, tiny whispers containing clues to where I should walk to next, what I should say, what I should create.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">In the meantime I will have this </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--11254_product_1201774466_thumb_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.artfire.com/admin/product_images/thumbs/--30000--11254_product_1201774466_thumb_large.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2064140">Three strands of the ocean’s tears</a> around my wrist to remind me that my good friend misses me and calls to me and wonders if I forgot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s taking me a while to get there – but I'll see you soon.</span></div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-57329802418830305692011-07-02T23:56:00.000+08:002011-07-02T23:56:12.567+08:00Christmas in July - Happening Now!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I have a co-worker who, each time December rolls round, wishes that Christmas happened everyday. I like Christmas but having it everyday? Well, I don't think my waistline would like that. Not to mention my wallet.<br />
<br />
But having an early Christmas is quite a treat don't you think? And that's exactly what <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Buy">Artfire </a>had in mind when it launched it's annual Christmas in July event. Where else can you find well-made, beautiful and unique handmade pieces like these<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdUm76dRQjbIXxZXa5ALJoFLDjH5peuR0RL85e8Yd00-vkV2i3utR5Fx0fGceDEL5Bb7KqSRZPOUbZIcgS_4Nnb3g6jYx_IRm-PEd9AssPuZcQcxBg7Oi-d7G6eorihkHaS7W7YzscNQ/s1600/cijs1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdUm76dRQjbIXxZXa5ALJoFLDjH5peuR0RL85e8Yd00-vkV2i3utR5Fx0fGceDEL5Bb7KqSRZPOUbZIcgS_4Nnb3g6jYx_IRm-PEd9AssPuZcQcxBg7Oi-d7G6eorihkHaS7W7YzscNQ/s320/cijs1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/Austinleighdesigns"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Stunning Necklace from Austin Leigh Designs</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKh1yCi77-6F6u3buuMAAx-bq6rpxvj9EFmtFYEl2RC1s5-4DClmV05U_a1YwqC7H3xfMaiHgWFA6sVEsDYcERVTPnqQ_j_0ZZsS8aO-OJJQ9t9lcq9J12LdU2aG3N8wY6rQDcsSV-qk/s1600/cijs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKh1yCi77-6F6u3buuMAAx-bq6rpxvj9EFmtFYEl2RC1s5-4DClmV05U_a1YwqC7H3xfMaiHgWFA6sVEsDYcERVTPnqQ_j_0ZZsS8aO-OJJQ9t9lcq9J12LdU2aG3N8wY6rQDcsSV-qk/s320/cijs2.jpg" width="319" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3412352"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Rhinestone Cufflinks from YourTime</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdCu-kAJ5FCNcuHQXItKTj2u_9i-9QioMQbSEsZ9qilAzL0wiLENw63PqiZ3iC_uhQyxtirXGVtBpuOwmB0dbAk8cZrt7uACHoGUDf_n8AiEybec6F1LQRLemhaeZlOOO0-qabX32FpE/s1600/cijs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQdCu-kAJ5FCNcuHQXItKTj2u_9i-9QioMQbSEsZ9qilAzL0wiLENw63PqiZ3iC_uhQyxtirXGVtBpuOwmB0dbAk8cZrt7uACHoGUDf_n8AiEybec6F1LQRLemhaeZlOOO0-qabX32FpE/s320/cijs3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2197305"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Aventurine Earrings from Artistikat</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>And it's not just jewelry. We've got journals and bookmarks</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7OIGhyphenhyphenmcIqfB4QqKPAg6XR0sa5iYp0PJ7EvtmV1JcTfk4m-jETgJV446K0WrsItUF0ZvDVxlskerS6qsHbJi4KyW_eisUmpyiFFBAeFOhbva_nU-lr_DeaxjSuvAEm1cLdvhDf3MKHw/s1600/cijs4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7OIGhyphenhyphenmcIqfB4QqKPAg6XR0sa5iYp0PJ7EvtmV1JcTfk4m-jETgJV446K0WrsItUF0ZvDVxlskerS6qsHbJi4KyW_eisUmpyiFFBAeFOhbva_nU-lr_DeaxjSuvAEm1cLdvhDf3MKHw/s320/cijs4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As a journal junkie, these pieces from <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3096059">Modern Marbling</a> are waking my want monster</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Yummy soaps and bath products<br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNrQuKwodRlWCmmPGAwFXZTDfmfLTwgdNZN6UIFP7JbZQ4LbM0iGZkwa3wrdk0niSMFOq1lmAK26QY_CusB55CDdwZnLqvBUAAB1mPmjfcOi5aE0twT_3Y7hyphenhyphendLEhME4LKh_v8sHPe6Q/s1600/cijs5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinNrQuKwodRlWCmmPGAwFXZTDfmfLTwgdNZN6UIFP7JbZQ4LbM0iGZkwa3wrdk0niSMFOq1lmAK26QY_CusB55CDdwZnLqvBUAAB1mPmjfcOi5aE0twT_3Y7hyphenhyphendLEhME4LKh_v8sHPe6Q/s320/cijs5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yummy Patchouli Honey Handmade Soap from <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1879503">Forget Me Not Soap Shop</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn9zD1kD7gca1M_dbZjhnjioo0gyK5cXYjWXhdsSv82GAWsHS66jwrAKOa_Rs1Xitixg-8gKKYzzcgX9LyukJbIvf-91C2z96pFQuqpiPl_30tFHpYHDkNsm8O_MvlORy-dwTA0DfCfQ/s1600/cijs6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn9zD1kD7gca1M_dbZjhnjioo0gyK5cXYjWXhdsSv82GAWsHS66jwrAKOa_Rs1Xitixg-8gKKYzzcgX9LyukJbIvf-91C2z96pFQuqpiPl_30tFHpYHDkNsm8O_MvlORy-dwTA0DfCfQ/s320/cijs6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Luscious Goat's Milk Blackberry Sage Shampoo Bar from <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3443881">Mr. Guru's Soapery</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>And of course, not only do we have handmade, we've got <a href="http://www.artfire.com/vintage-Antiques/2/73/0/0/0/0">vintage</a>!</div><div><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwA5wuzwiNOU5Isf1dZlDJ99Wn8QELMdOalnNQejTxngpLPESamiGtPsxFmoyG4q4ZfUAc_7knqKi55o3b0CmKv8DrAgdJV69BjF1G5wHGcwXEyrcarpimI2oy7Fsg48wkqE7N1TJpyI/s1600/cijs7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwA5wuzwiNOU5Isf1dZlDJ99Wn8QELMdOalnNQejTxngpLPESamiGtPsxFmoyG4q4ZfUAc_7knqKi55o3b0CmKv8DrAgdJV69BjF1G5wHGcwXEyrcarpimI2oy7Fsg48wkqE7N1TJpyI/s320/cijs7.jpg" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Large roomy vintage purse from <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2727321">Born Too Late Vintage</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B7wvk6ka0YIPhKuVq8eyUFf9TtXk7DkIwYws1xz7N1iaNehTG1mVrCBKresbFcecUvZUOsKOxyIyOcLH3tZuf-aBasb58PnfQIQ6nsMg-kE7EraBnq9SUVODEfRiCQy5FxxGjPz9lCw/s1600/cijs8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8B7wvk6ka0YIPhKuVq8eyUFf9TtXk7DkIwYws1xz7N1iaNehTG1mVrCBKresbFcecUvZUOsKOxyIyOcLH3tZuf-aBasb58PnfQIQ6nsMg-kE7EraBnq9SUVODEfRiCQy5FxxGjPz9lCw/s320/cijs8.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Smokey Amethyst Vintage Vase with White Florals from <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2644624">Refined Vintage</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Just looking at all these is already quite a treat for me! And I'm sure you'll find something you like among the hundreds of items on sale now at Artfire. Artfire members are really going crazy giving away gifts with your purchase, discounts, coupons and other deals that it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Check back often - I'll be posting more awesome <a href="http://www.artfire.com/">Artfire </a>deals all month long! Can't wait to see them? Then drop by Artfire today and see all the great items being offered.</div><div><br />
</div><div>With shopping this easy and fun, I don't think my wallet would have any problem with having Christmas everyday. Now, to find a way to solve the problem with the waistline. </div><div><br />
</div><div></div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-39164344077650882582011-06-07T00:14:00.000+08:002011-06-07T00:14:02.929+08:00Gossip I LikeNo one I know wants to be talked about - especially if the talking is going on behind their back.<br />
<br />
But being mentioned in this article on <b><a href="http://www.entrepreneur.com.ph/ideas-and-opportunities/article/top-bazaar-products-that-are-making-waves-in-retail">Entrepreneur Philippines Online</a> </b>is the kind of gossip I like. <br />
<br />
Look, they even put up a photo of one of my rings<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6u_y1bWjYMnCdU1R1Xfh-pLFRt9HaeXVRJ2FH947j1fHLJBR2_oLzBCRzSoCBnAFDnZTg0I5HGTRgOA1tQMmKeSzpUT23nk2MERQvzAhWMMbmPJGjk8Vi5X1SY2FRaRqshtnIqGEz2bU/s1600/P1010475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6u_y1bWjYMnCdU1R1Xfh-pLFRt9HaeXVRJ2FH947j1fHLJBR2_oLzBCRzSoCBnAFDnZTg0I5HGTRgOA1tQMmKeSzpUT23nk2MERQvzAhWMMbmPJGjk8Vi5X1SY2FRaRqshtnIqGEz2bU/s320/P1010475.JPG" width="277" /></a></div><br />
Did I scream? Of course I did -- the neighbors can testify to that. And I think my sons think I'm cool for turning all those cartwheels out of sheer joy. LOL<br />
<br />
And here I was thinking I was invisible. :-)Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-8927081193054867542011-05-29T16:19:00.000+08:002011-05-29T16:19:46.644+08:00The Ship Captain's WifeI met her many years ago - a young woman grieving over the loss of her husband. A large wave had caused the cargo ship he was in to flip over and bodies of his shipmates had been recovered already. We were called to help her find out if he had passed on or if he was lost somewhere, adrift at sea, stranded, waiting for rescue.<br />
<br />
I remember the little crib that sat in her living room, her 3-month old son sleeping quietly in it, unaware that his mother was slowly shattering to pieces as each day without news went by. Her daughter played with her dolls under the stairs, directing a make-believe play where the prince returns to his princess after having been given up for dead. <br />
<br />
She had looked at us with such hope, and we had searched our souls for words to tell her that it was going to be alright. The others who were with me said things that made her smile. I merely sipped my coffee and watched the baby sleep. <br />
<br />
I could not feel him. Well, I did actually but only because he seemed to want to say something but I knew he was no longer here. I sipped my coffee slowly, I tried to find the words. They did not come.<br />
<br />
Years later I received a text message from her. That she was still waiting, that she had not lost hope. She told me about her daughter and her son and how they were growing up without their father. She told me she still cries now and then but the moments between the crying fits have become longer and she feared that she was beginning to forget. She said she could not stand seeing the ocean, but that she had taken many trips to its shores, listening to the waves for news.<br />
<br />
That was many years ago.<br />
<br />
She was who I had in mind when I finally finished this piece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFo_76DTBjbh6DH4wi86C_GcFSycsPuHlbTfA4RYJqBahnlBSln5BgHibG7cAoTb5a2r8-TuEG_EIp_9moNDP_Z8bUPdwZXSF2-g-udFFxHBOo15hlnxV2yGazfUT9vIJrPghP7QZg9A/s1600/P1010600_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFo_76DTBjbh6DH4wi86C_GcFSycsPuHlbTfA4RYJqBahnlBSln5BgHibG7cAoTb5a2r8-TuEG_EIp_9moNDP_Z8bUPdwZXSF2-g-udFFxHBOo15hlnxV2yGazfUT9vIJrPghP7QZg9A/s1600/P1010600_02.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oRPsniVDw6WWoFjBNhyphenhyphenqV51yJeLVZD1zhPcQy3WRmpm99WNL50XgoiuwE-B19oC5akx0128zWjdd0TXE54wtbaFAzwk6JpWoYU_NusWsylTlRSNEDokUXC0dl9BcuRV4IgFrdHP-BYY/s1600/P1010599_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6oRPsniVDw6WWoFjBNhyphenhyphenqV51yJeLVZD1zhPcQy3WRmpm99WNL50XgoiuwE-B19oC5akx0128zWjdd0TXE54wtbaFAzwk6JpWoYU_NusWsylTlRSNEDokUXC0dl9BcuRV4IgFrdHP-BYY/s1600/P1010599_02.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I had been working on it for some months now and for some strange reason I could never quite finish it. I would start, then stop and start and stop and stash it away someplace and forget. Then I would come across it and start working on it again. But each time I would tear it up and put it away -- somehow it felt that it wasn't saying what I wanted to say.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKcw182ftIdhM7CMRHvep1sG21bHHm5Fqvz8MP-Ldwg3b-BiUsEqwcSeO6nfizb363UnES012CVQZvBbwasamrCtu2CsMdWdQED4bxHKw0zGQ-XDIzcAh_Z1hy50qoAtCEN6TyJRiyV4/s1600/P1010595_04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKcw182ftIdhM7CMRHvep1sG21bHHm5Fqvz8MP-Ldwg3b-BiUsEqwcSeO6nfizb363UnES012CVQZvBbwasamrCtu2CsMdWdQED4bxHKw0zGQ-XDIzcAh_Z1hy50qoAtCEN6TyJRiyV4/s1600/P1010595_04.JPG" /></a></div><br />
And then the memory of her sitting across me from that dining room table, the glow of a small lamp hanging from overhead casting a shadow on her young, pained face, her voice eagerly asking us of news, returned. I suddenly realized why I was making this piece and who it was for.<br />
<br />
I wonder if she still sits and waits and hopes. And if she has found peace with the ocean and its turquoise and blue depths. I ask myself if she still cries, her tears falling down her cheeks like pearls. I also wonder if she will, forever, shroud herself in grief or if she has finally, after so long, learned to live again and be happy.<br />
<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJRN2M3XkcJGHhEMSm_a67e9yL8Tild5uXtnT14M94M3jwSC9bOj39hnVJVEZ9rhE9NQTuON1hou2nqiXsIZcRpt3M19aq-j1xwj1XyUFgjvYZrzK4npdGReb7qtupEmBuKNegQrk-BQ/s1600/P1010594_04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqJRN2M3XkcJGHhEMSm_a67e9yL8Tild5uXtnT14M94M3jwSC9bOj39hnVJVEZ9rhE9NQTuON1hou2nqiXsIZcRpt3M19aq-j1xwj1XyUFgjvYZrzK4npdGReb7qtupEmBuKNegQrk-BQ/s1600/P1010594_04.JPG" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-9085649733685030562011-05-20T00:07:00.000+08:002011-05-20T00:07:08.988+08:00Four Letter Words: PinkFirst blush<br />
A baby's lips<br />
A single rose, though silent<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgM2aorq7p8xMC1VgNqib6-CCHOCvogpguoN4hx6-Mjo7qQdKWyDHLLqxaD97790iKLAQ65nwMrQXomImQasJXkSvMvJmPqYopcjlzL_nN8xy9ZhXq0OEFt_Z0QY2QYgVR5lpSCwNwnLs/s1600/pinksovereign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgM2aorq7p8xMC1VgNqib6-CCHOCvogpguoN4hx6-Mjo7qQdKWyDHLLqxaD97790iKLAQ65nwMrQXomImQasJXkSvMvJmPqYopcjlzL_nN8xy9ZhXq0OEFt_Z0QY2QYgVR5lpSCwNwnLs/s320/pinksovereign.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2326814">By Sovereign Sea</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Speaks<br />
Of hope and life, of birth and beginnings<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50HaswBhfO-_FRkYy8riKK49r22DMHt_rV_ICwJ_9pK2IYPVUYEG7IWvxyULQW6us7-vP57zH_tbeVUeyj6PxP764k3kRr0DhyphenhyphenQ-7dnOTRk8jUaUNfjcoOuFuGZLERFUilOjJQ1D9le8/s1600/pinkpigtail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50HaswBhfO-_FRkYy8riKK49r22DMHt_rV_ICwJ_9pK2IYPVUYEG7IWvxyULQW6us7-vP57zH_tbeVUeyj6PxP764k3kRr0DhyphenhyphenQ-7dnOTRk8jUaUNfjcoOuFuGZLERFUilOjJQ1D9le8/s320/pinkpigtail.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2670915">By Pigtail Creations</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>The tips of clouds in the early morning<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKwwXlnWFnmzC-xG7PEezAY2G0YAk-srOSdVdIPr4ZBzkH9SDLpjvxbOmeyD4V6tXBXnhxmF6riqUzcgMDvi8QvRVnXBgxGJpaDacq04-fCIJT6SNxaPBuHeuy-DNenJc-e9IODA_o3s/s1600/pinksages.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKwwXlnWFnmzC-xG7PEezAY2G0YAk-srOSdVdIPr4ZBzkH9SDLpjvxbOmeyD4V6tXBXnhxmF6riqUzcgMDvi8QvRVnXBgxGJpaDacq04-fCIJT6SNxaPBuHeuy-DNenJc-e9IODA_o3s/s320/pinksages.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2974971">By Sages Cupboard</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
A little girl's Sunday dress<br />
With matching shoes and bow<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0Kyy-WnODbL2opJ-5khb8j59S3RSKWJQrZ5TSiQnHtMJQAqBRnUSuRpwNqghGVZcOIw0d5FI27-r5JbZaP56FiG3XgWH3QAHgAkqcLYBme5_r1W9fIK-2kPUmVCRy3nFhG8tRQDD734/s1600/pinkzen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx0Kyy-WnODbL2opJ-5khb8j59S3RSKWJQrZ5TSiQnHtMJQAqBRnUSuRpwNqghGVZcOIw0d5FI27-r5JbZaP56FiG3XgWH3QAHgAkqcLYBme5_r1W9fIK-2kPUmVCRy3nFhG8tRQDD734/s320/pinkzen.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=3070340">By Nature and Zen</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Come a few years, those lips will be tinted with a sweet pink glow<br />
And a single rose will be offered<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVoesPcVrrJRiA0JMFtsfaa56GhQjfjDWfvBrM3L2M0AIY2Q15OdCo4OjQpZLsxbPCiMwxelV56-khs7F4J-A52kon0uKGAp_PPJnkvbX42uL8OnL5onH4ZTmlIjCxqXyp0SAtJ_7ZAY/s1600/pinkfine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBVoesPcVrrJRiA0JMFtsfaa56GhQjfjDWfvBrM3L2M0AIY2Q15OdCo4OjQpZLsxbPCiMwxelV56-khs7F4J-A52kon0uKGAp_PPJnkvbX42uL8OnL5onH4ZTmlIjCxqXyp0SAtJ_7ZAY/s320/pinkfine.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Still silent, but it speaks<br />
Of love's first blush, and promises to keep<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpfXr0wrq361FShFgzsVpzxN9qeK_rJrumWegaMC6FGWKfPP5XP9gNQIcRzf7WeEs_20N0KjoXczBou7cuewRtg5aGullTbCcTd8WeC6dIILPvP69mB8IdAR8IOKCZQDswXN86jJzvZE/s1600/pink3entwinedvines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpfXr0wrq361FShFgzsVpzxN9qeK_rJrumWegaMC6FGWKfPP5XP9gNQIcRzf7WeEs_20N0KjoXczBou7cuewRtg5aGullTbCcTd8WeC6dIILPvP69mB8IdAR8IOKCZQDswXN86jJzvZE/s320/pink3entwinedvines.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2901089">By Entwined Vines</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-59146865426029376522011-03-17T00:23:00.000+08:002011-03-17T00:23:33.882+08:00My Kind of X<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">In an almost forgotten corner of a popular shopping hub in <a href="http://www.metromaniladirections.com/2010/03/how-to-get-to-cubao.html">Cubao, Metro Manila</a>, sits a group of shops that seem to exist in a world of their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This location used to be a popular place to buy shoes in the 70s back when it was called the Marikina Shoe Expo and it was where the top brand shoes made in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marikina">Marikina</a> (whose workmanship can rival those made in Italy some say) were sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom and dad would take my brother and I there at the start of each school year when we were kids to get our school shoes and to pick up a few pairs for themselves as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was THE place to get bespoke footwear and leatherwear at that time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtZJ2TexqwG-pzyDFGBaj1olwPqi-drOMjV0A0d5OECk2WP17rhPq-Z-TroKFhFjfobQ1u_WBUYDccB_TJ2jibuV4g3XuaSocmMJMJ_O2hhW59MmJX86vvHfspRQIZfy4IIoYCLXExoc/s1600/P1010181_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtZJ2TexqwG-pzyDFGBaj1olwPqi-drOMjV0A0d5OECk2WP17rhPq-Z-TroKFhFjfobQ1u_WBUYDccB_TJ2jibuV4g3XuaSocmMJMJ_O2hhW59MmJX86vvHfspRQIZfy4IIoYCLXExoc/s320/P1010181_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I had all but thought that this section of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cubao#Cubao">Cubao</a> had been torn down when the spanking new malls around it were built in the mid-80s and 90s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would pass it now and then on my way to work<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and all I could see that was left of it were a few shops with almost nothing in their windows – the bespoke, handcrafted shoes and bags were gone, their day in the sun usurped by mass produced faux leather shoes imported from China, Taiwan and Korea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">In recent years though this place has experienced a rebirth, transforming itself from the rickety, seedy-looking place it had become to a vibrant, fun shopping mecca for lovers of handmade and vintage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now known as <a href="http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/227413/an-emerging-art-district-cubao-expo-my-breathing-space">Cubao-eXpo</a>, the former shops now house a quirky assortment of art galleries, restaurants,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>vintage and antique shops, shops selling holistic products, shops selling old, rare books, one of a kind handmade wearable art, repurposed furniture, handmade jewelry and clothes by upcoming designers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This non-descript row of shops is frequented by artists, fashion designers, interior decorators and even movie stars to get first dibs on quality handmade and one of a kind apparel and hard to find vintage items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal">I could spend hours just going from shop to shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But of course, the shoe lover that I am I quickly spied this little shop called <a href="http://www.thebeadlady.info/index.html">Beadlady</a> that sold handmade, handpainted shoes!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a whole rack of them and you can even ask the artist to customize a pair for you.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9cbbm1NqiYDBEW5wmKDc4aWKLWDPDUJrng2dUuJ_ZGSeSplTK4gsFFx9qx4u0ffF56nhoQc8L1n4bhiyRlHwcKdmZoaupEPxmyuRDQxVxJjPtPlEzL9l-j-CAZ1Gpvue473oAN6785U/s1600/P1010182_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik9cbbm1NqiYDBEW5wmKDc4aWKLWDPDUJrng2dUuJ_ZGSeSplTK4gsFFx9qx4u0ffF56nhoQc8L1n4bhiyRlHwcKdmZoaupEPxmyuRDQxVxJjPtPlEzL9l-j-CAZ1Gpvue473oAN6785U/s320/P1010182_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">This pair with the peacocks on them are my favourite</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><o:p><br />
</o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxos4E9jUeAaCcUXGK_-h-xoJWFmQjyf0bgMkPjVElRbx_3MsPhnAuFlEcCAAH52yhpbeIafMOy_TOWwqKJDta4OsB9v_Xy8QUnwUH9C9AaLMTTAaY5hRdYSEhP5rzE-NKvrW8nbCr1o/s1600/P1010190_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnxos4E9jUeAaCcUXGK_-h-xoJWFmQjyf0bgMkPjVElRbx_3MsPhnAuFlEcCAAH52yhpbeIafMOy_TOWwqKJDta4OsB9v_Xy8QUnwUH9C9AaLMTTAaY5hRdYSEhP5rzE-NKvrW8nbCr1o/s320/P1010190_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">There was a whole wall of handpainted wooden bangles in this shop as well <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>–<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m loving the ones in shades of blue -</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYjEBueVfRqyUlEvtG2sFQatQjT3lLZG44-_PTrkyW7CxSb3o5XHPs3Y0iM_6YAl0z1_RmB4Dt4AYlvc7L2T77kjH1Fu7cveFrypGUpso5nHKBkusby2guXOORQXagJXxzdg3BDj12S0/s1600/P1010184_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYjEBueVfRqyUlEvtG2sFQatQjT3lLZG44-_PTrkyW7CxSb3o5XHPs3Y0iM_6YAl0z1_RmB4Dt4AYlvc7L2T77kjH1Fu7cveFrypGUpso5nHKBkusby2guXOORQXagJXxzdg3BDj12S0/s320/P1010184_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">And even handpainted canvass totes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To one corner of the photo below you can see a rack displaying handmade earrings<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjiBFDYjyRSWpw4OFEFOCX0uN4Ki7g4hd3DZ2k3SuzkKZwls7jGlShr6_KtAuQIn6iLFv_OaoY53xcorTgxMhWpe8XAgg5OpQgn1j4lzdEbyd12st7yBGQvNZw05oulEwB7nyttc0mvM/s1600/P1010191_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjiBFDYjyRSWpw4OFEFOCX0uN4Ki7g4hd3DZ2k3SuzkKZwls7jGlShr6_KtAuQIn6iLFv_OaoY53xcorTgxMhWpe8XAgg5OpQgn1j4lzdEbyd12st7yBGQvNZw05oulEwB7nyttc0mvM/s320/P1010191_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">And don’t you just love this little shopfront display? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj909aWj6PtSZhqUbe2zgjcEdObAbMrCc1XgXYnHiJiPAE4yVfgKU5lSgtIXKOqieZkXUmGN-oBFDORlw-ZnFJPdN0OYEZyBI7bH-egZOPPS2HFaNxjsjwSASqG9x7KA6brI87Fx6XY7Fg/s1600/P1010188_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj909aWj6PtSZhqUbe2zgjcEdObAbMrCc1XgXYnHiJiPAE4yVfgKU5lSgtIXKOqieZkXUmGN-oBFDORlw-ZnFJPdN0OYEZyBI7bH-egZOPPS2HFaNxjsjwSASqG9x7KA6brI87Fx6XY7Fg/s320/P1010188_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I picked up my first batch of polymer clay from this store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I honestly don’t know what to do with it yet, but it will certainly be a topic for a blog post soon I’m sure. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Then it was time to go troll the vintage shops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I found old glassware</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid10hKMGgQwv2U6bnAnDeMmMPrFzhwqqNv-jaKRNj7z7B65v5z2H1bHAE4I6x1K05AsPUVOISkb_NFLQS6bYrtz7ZavVZEeC_qYpe3uieRkh4QoLohG0nkk10gDuPHX2yiteYaNbTEjYc/s1600/P1010204_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid10hKMGgQwv2U6bnAnDeMmMPrFzhwqqNv-jaKRNj7z7B65v5z2H1bHAE4I6x1K05AsPUVOISkb_NFLQS6bYrtz7ZavVZEeC_qYpe3uieRkh4QoLohG0nkk10gDuPHX2yiteYaNbTEjYc/s320/P1010204_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Old books and vinyl records -</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gy1eby14UnJzbphdyJ-iQdHSpvHGM1iAstwMG8Vph7nnEwPT7PBplndXdKLUBneMYFgxSztrWZUbLKS6-jzgm056pQKW70F0wtM-XLobeH8k4Z6-aAwivXqlIvJHB7SspsSw6h-eiMs/s1600/P1010205_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-gy1eby14UnJzbphdyJ-iQdHSpvHGM1iAstwMG8Vph7nnEwPT7PBplndXdKLUBneMYFgxSztrWZUbLKS6-jzgm056pQKW70F0wtM-XLobeH8k4Z6-aAwivXqlIvJHB7SspsSw6h-eiMs/s320/P1010205_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Wouldn’t it be cool to get this large, red coin-operated phone rewired so it can function as a phone again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And do you see that little sewing machine in the background?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The shopowner said it can actually sew small items.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Such a pity I can't sew!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Asl_-TWUgIeeJj_Qr1229c-mGQrQoz3AByhXfgt0mgeTOmeC4xtubUtA2X15L902U4IF3nZr4YWn9s23e86x7fLbcW9BFpOx8mFVmO5USLqWimr7l8LeOKjC_DTY8nY6bbugua6hOXA/s1600/P1010207_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6Asl_-TWUgIeeJj_Qr1229c-mGQrQoz3AByhXfgt0mgeTOmeC4xtubUtA2X15L902U4IF3nZr4YWn9s23e86x7fLbcW9BFpOx8mFVmO5USLqWimr7l8LeOKjC_DTY8nY6bbugua6hOXA/s320/P1010207_02.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Of course, I would never pass up taking a peek at the latest treasure trove of vintage jewelry –</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQMixH9bIesk3tDOQKbryl-ewfgzhUhgySYNBjJLjUaq4EDoTJb6-S8daDAz7PvvGamuihWF0qQ9Y8VwjOxQYGamxjOAUMGWbAnJRux4QyRn1FpZBe65YtILz7JKw3ijmOsobThTKqc0/s1600/P1010198_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQMixH9bIesk3tDOQKbryl-ewfgzhUhgySYNBjJLjUaq4EDoTJb6-S8daDAz7PvvGamuihWF0qQ9Y8VwjOxQYGamxjOAUMGWbAnJRux4QyRn1FpZBe65YtILz7JKw3ijmOsobThTKqc0/s320/P1010198_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I am loving that pearl brooch! And that blue enameled daisy pin. And oh – look at that lovely bouquet with the pink rhinestones, I want that too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Okay – maybe I should just carry the entire case out the shop door. LOL.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">And then my daughter spied this pair of dolls. It was the day after the big Japan quake and seeing them up on the shelf made me think of all the little Japanese children and their families who were affected by this terrible tragedy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwU-U6b7gBcH60Sl1mtvryAn5dwIPGdJOY8eoFS7xK9LkOv8dWGYp3YgpcnLTmvaMV8VxgZrSLj2fEKJZXFadqLeWZrp1VM9hVLWs-nfpIuavsEol33dNzfNjJDpxyIh2d0R-me27rEk/s1600/P1010199_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwU-U6b7gBcH60Sl1mtvryAn5dwIPGdJOY8eoFS7xK9LkOv8dWGYp3YgpcnLTmvaMV8VxgZrSLj2fEKJZXFadqLeWZrp1VM9hVLWs-nfpIuavsEol33dNzfNjJDpxyIh2d0R-me27rEk/s320/P1010199_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Definitely not the end of this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There’s a part two coming where I will show you the art gallery, the place that still makes bespoke shoes (my son’s school shoes are made there – just following tradition I guess) and the inside of a lovely Italian restaurant owned by a retired Italian paparazzi (for real!).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">In the meantime, I’ll leave you with this photo of Danica, my daughter’s friend, taken while the two of them were browsing<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>in one of the shops that sold all sorts of curiosities from all over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I think this photo says it all about the quirky, happy, free spirited vibe of this place.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZu5UfiradAC3U2ylzhZhbENWaxLsVELp0N_ORIe4HgfZmesTquOgpdmG_Rf3FImJvfP56y4VjmqKdyjYZvnfE-cSPXf25qswfDwQMfl2sb1C3EWPNpJWio-OE7K-hGZOcGZ3xZzxy8o/s1600/P1010180_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZu5UfiradAC3U2ylzhZhbENWaxLsVELp0N_ORIe4HgfZmesTquOgpdmG_Rf3FImJvfP56y4VjmqKdyjYZvnfE-cSPXf25qswfDwQMfl2sb1C3EWPNpJWio-OE7K-hGZOcGZ3xZzxy8o/s320/P1010180_01.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br />
</span></span></div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-18291057523759764412011-02-24T00:23:00.003+08:002011-02-24T00:28:58.985+08:00Try Something New: Making Faces<div class="MsoNormal">A few months ago, I purchased a roll of plaster tape from an art supply store. I had been wanting to make plaster casts for the longest time and I had been wanting to try out a technique I found in <a href="http://kellyraeroberts.com/">Kelly Rae Roberts</a> book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=kelly+rae+roberts&x=0&y=0">Taking Flight,</a> where she makes a plaster cast heart pendant and embellishes it with paint and glitter. Of course, I came up with so many reasons not to go out and find that store that carries it (and later on, when I did go get it, I got surprising answers and solutions to my silly fears) – I don’t know where it is (Google maps and my uncanny ability to find my way in a maze helped me out), it might be too expensive (the whole roll cost me less than USD2.00!), they probably won’t have it in stock when I get there so why even bother (the lady told me they never run out of it), I don’t think I can find the space to work on something involving this material (I used the kitchen sink for like 10 minutes – and no one even noticed!).</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">The roll is about 6 inches wide and (at least that’s what the lady at the counter said) about 10 yards long. You cut it up in strips, get it wet (but not too wet) and lay it on the item you want to use as a mold. I salvaged two headless Barbie dolls and two forlorn looking doll heads (that unfortunately did not match the headless bodies) from my 7-year old niece's stash and used these. An ample amount of petroleum jelly helped keep the plaster tape from sticking to the mold (for this one I used a blonde Princess Barbie head) and a small shot glass provided me with just enough water to get the plaster wet. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGkF5VwuC2tYQ_zlho-loZM7R-x0duE20cKV51hk3f4Jj_ejQ6Bz3fn6Db3Pxnsd0djLvM8BhUXFKvBeF-4xALH7FiKN6dWiof-dqtCjoUykU9qXcr9Cv9eZN2o5jOb8ii9bfT2xFl_c/s1600/P1010617_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiGkF5VwuC2tYQ_zlho-loZM7R-x0duE20cKV51hk3f4Jj_ejQ6Bz3fn6Db3Pxnsd0djLvM8BhUXFKvBeF-4xALH7FiKN6dWiof-dqtCjoUykU9qXcr9Cv9eZN2o5jOb8ii9bfT2xFl_c/s320/P1010617_02.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH">Three minutes and a short “conversation” with one of the shih tzu twins later, I peeled the damp plaster off the Princess Barbie head and this is what I got: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinb8Yewk92MrwQCYp1HUzxbm5Lq9bQY2PrSOGiODfvaK8Hw_4hXLiRuExX0gZ0eTVMaWS8bscUXNirBOyVhx0VDTap4Hwbh0t1ruu86O5RpETvG0Ome-xetcS2jDxdL3oE6rojfssY3k/s1600/P1010619_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinb8Yewk92MrwQCYp1HUzxbm5Lq9bQY2PrSOGiODfvaK8Hw_4hXLiRuExX0gZ0eTVMaWS8bscUXNirBOyVhx0VDTap4Hwbh0t1ruu86O5RpETvG0Ome-xetcS2jDxdL3oE6rojfssY3k/s320/P1010619_02.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">That did it – I was addicted. I scrounged around my supply shelves and found a silicone mold for art doll faces. I had tried using this before with air dry clay (<a href="http://spiralsnotebook.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-01-19T01%3A00%3A00%2B08%3A00&max-results=6">see previous post</a>) and ended up with just a weird looking lump of clay with a protrusion in the middle that I suspect is a nose. I figured I would try this one more time and used the silicone molds. Well, as you can see, the nose is definitely not the only prominent feature: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEZCTdHPC101RxHA5A5V4y8mqvnzFP7xPUBt-2NRAguIShcLvKX9LTMRiB_pGEXBBdllXuynvYbsAhUOzmN2PyLn0knYCbTTEt2faeTr0ALzQ9EXQ_SzFa6Ph6P9npt0qP7i-zxP9Pd0/s1600/P1010620_02.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSEZCTdHPC101RxHA5A5V4y8mqvnzFP7xPUBt-2NRAguIShcLvKX9LTMRiB_pGEXBBdllXuynvYbsAhUOzmN2PyLn0knYCbTTEt2faeTr0ALzQ9EXQ_SzFa6Ph6P9npt0qP7i-zxP9Pd0/s320/P1010620_02.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Of course I can’t stop at just popping out boring white faces from molds so I thought I’d give Princess Barbie a new persona. I don't think Ken will recognize her now. And the art doll faces did look a little better after a few swipes of acrylic paint and some soft pastels. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknxc2LgxkOYu8J8tQsYe0cjk6eA-CwLFBQ2PPccOjsZOFEEbdCnNCAwjcFuTRgWH7IAc21haRGuGenFThjh8EaReYU0bcz8rjrE4_rbVSqhp1Xd3FTOK1DYFH69wpZzSxOwZ_n6jUGoY/s1600/P1010679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhknxc2LgxkOYu8J8tQsYe0cjk6eA-CwLFBQ2PPccOjsZOFEEbdCnNCAwjcFuTRgWH7IAc21haRGuGenFThjh8EaReYU0bcz8rjrE4_rbVSqhp1Xd3FTOK1DYFH69wpZzSxOwZ_n6jUGoY/s320/P1010679.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN-PH"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH">I'm thinking of doing something with these over the week-end. Maybe incorporate them into a mixed media piece. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">And in case you’re wondering why I tried this out months AFTER I finally got the plaster tape, well, as you may have guessed, there were a million (imagined) obstacles that kept me from trying this – all of which evaporated once I set my mind to doing it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH">I think Nike's really got something there. </span></div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-41458737522951307832011-02-13T23:53:00.000+08:002011-02-13T23:53:11.969+08:00Gaelic ForgeI just had to go look at it again -- one more time, this beautiful blue glass bead peeking at me from under its copper veil. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgss6B52Rkdwy1wD0MsK9hYGyFqsH_uv5l2mXJ802XvURQG-QrNNvHP9iPFC7NESazuYSWNUIgZuUAQf1yLjEUFFWAhxrea3wDnBm3Y3xhyphenhyphen68VH4SMFy2s4zmZS8hyYR41s7ulXkMMnHfw/s1600/gaelic3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgss6B52Rkdwy1wD0MsK9hYGyFqsH_uv5l2mXJ802XvURQG-QrNNvHP9iPFC7NESazuYSWNUIgZuUAQf1yLjEUFFWAhxrea3wDnBm3Y3xhyphenhyphen68VH4SMFy2s4zmZS8hyYR41s7ulXkMMnHfw/s320/gaelic3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2277217">Blue Sphere Glass Pendant</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
There's something mystical about it. It's like staring right through the soul of a star. I have never been so moved by a handmade piece until this. Nor have I been more obsessed by a piece of jewelry!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=94425&rmore=1&op=new">Gaelic Forge</a> is responsible for this. Everything in this new <a href="http://www.artfire.com/">Artfire</a> shop looks like they were unearthed from an ancient site. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aSbYUUrTHESjcTDdZexLysQ47AMJuQt34hVh-MbGy8nhGu1SpvMNX9wsOXTCqjfVCdbEVB7oU0NPa0VNWuHjfgWk1NlLfqqbODtR2tNm7BYPxgfga1SCHlkdYBH82QVkfu8mGNQ37YA/s1600/gaelic6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2aSbYUUrTHESjcTDdZexLysQ47AMJuQt34hVh-MbGy8nhGu1SpvMNX9wsOXTCqjfVCdbEVB7oU0NPa0VNWuHjfgWk1NlLfqqbODtR2tNm7BYPxgfga1SCHlkdYBH82QVkfu8mGNQ37YA/s320/gaelic6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2277136">Celtic Sea Glass Copper Pendant</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
And the manner by which these are made makes the "ancient" feel of these beautiful pieces stronger. Inspired by Celtic design and lore, all the pieces are <a href="http://www.artfire.com/">hand-forged</a> from copper and the lovely patinas on the pieces are produced using methods of old. No paint is used to make the lovely colors on these distinctive jewelry -- just the natural reaction of metal to the elements, hastened by <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=94425&op=new&body=2">Gaelic Forge's</a> own secret process.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJAuc9g7ZXKMd4YwumyzkRBXZ9NAAHIOsUrFMVqZnOwCU0QIzXS8vy48oPD_QwCvL2vdSquBggL7-wANnxRfcyWSKHp7s7SG87RYmIYjErzIEfXvSHyT3ZFfLzQUCOq0yhTP_Xix8Hq4/s1600/gaelic1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJAuc9g7ZXKMd4YwumyzkRBXZ9NAAHIOsUrFMVqZnOwCU0QIzXS8vy48oPD_QwCvL2vdSquBggL7-wANnxRfcyWSKHp7s7SG87RYmIYjErzIEfXvSHyT3ZFfLzQUCOq0yhTP_Xix8Hq4/s320/gaelic1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2116484">Peened Celtic Nickel Earrings with a Flame Patina</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv0MJLPt6TxZ2bUxOUiTMLyV9JJOJxmtyl8-4IkmcibeUYRUNxSYisBtT6zd2_28KhCKHb95IAitihoNaq9p0ENKoSdsyvPjydIhKul0AH7W2GviUj-kWiTt6BS3h65cGq_rsMn5sbg4/s1600/gaelic5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv0MJLPt6TxZ2bUxOUiTMLyV9JJOJxmtyl8-4IkmcibeUYRUNxSYisBtT6zd2_28KhCKHb95IAitihoNaq9p0ENKoSdsyvPjydIhKul0AH7W2GviUj-kWiTt6BS3h65cGq_rsMn5sbg4/s320/gaelic5.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2661005">Celtic Hand-Forged Copper Earrings, Flame Patina</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>While inspiration for the jewelry made by Gaelic Forge may come from days long gone, the pieces are very versatile and will go with that Renaissance gown that you so carefully made based on a sketch of a lady's finery of long ago (and will wear with aplomb to an upcoming Renaissance Faire!) or with a more contemporary, more urban outfit. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cUUTpWiXp0oPG-y9TrV5mTMrts759VmgrolGeux7UMwraVitBm1JKI0Z88PDcg6gZvpwSf8OULmsERdF3ZbVKNZ_eLMTQ9fkXLE2KEty8WmHMduwRySwpUbHzxS4JNQ_xVoeYTA7XFQ/s1600/gaelic2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cUUTpWiXp0oPG-y9TrV5mTMrts759VmgrolGeux7UMwraVitBm1JKI0Z88PDcg6gZvpwSf8OULmsERdF3ZbVKNZ_eLMTQ9fkXLE2KEty8WmHMduwRySwpUbHzxS4JNQ_xVoeYTA7XFQ/s320/gaelic2.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2116459">Copper Pendant with Green Verdigris</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>To me, many of the <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=94425&op=new&body=1">pieces</a> are representative of the processes of life, death and rebirth - a never-ending, upward spinning spiral.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-42366644414992687542011-02-08T23:25:00.000+08:002011-02-08T23:25:14.436+08:00Shanghai Tai<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Nope, it's not the name of what I'm drinking right now. <br />
<br />
What it is though is a lovely shop on <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=99591&op=new&body=1">Artfire</a> owned by <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=99591&op=new&body=2">Roxanne</a>, an award-winning artist who creates quality, one-of-a-kind jewelry with an Asian flavor. Why Asian flavor? Well, she lived in Asia for a time and that was where her interest in making jewelry was developed. She says it all started with pearls -- yup, those pearls get you all the time!<br />
<br />
Roxanne has several techniques for jewelry-making up her creative sleeve - she's into wire-wrapping, metal working, glass fusing and also works with precious metal clay. <br />
<br />
Take a look at some of the pretties in her shop<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcURJ1kfthuUCBRzpybx50q725WKovrGfx__tGE0EyFvg6DZ7WoqZEmAWZWOa2FqEoI2Pz-emiE-WkvE0mNMQ9PZ-HaGHErVKTfPMLmAfWCkMRedEn1nI0aqOnHkiNlGNfV1rQapNTjW4/s1600/shanghai+tai1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcURJ1kfthuUCBRzpybx50q725WKovrGfx__tGE0EyFvg6DZ7WoqZEmAWZWOa2FqEoI2Pz-emiE-WkvE0mNMQ9PZ-HaGHErVKTfPMLmAfWCkMRedEn1nI0aqOnHkiNlGNfV1rQapNTjW4/s320/shanghai+tai1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2522153">Faith Pendant in Fine Silver</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhNzVjrrdmJrnPY01k_4kEpGKOxFTrpJ94LOFZ3MJBdjR6Tku0BUpuJEDyCIIlrIfymIWiaQYNY9uzIweZmw4ILiroN8xX8W1ZOcess49mdbdXj9pfQsLK1c8iCxtYEbXQkRJ53Fhonc/s1600/shanghai+tai2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhNzVjrrdmJrnPY01k_4kEpGKOxFTrpJ94LOFZ3MJBdjR6Tku0BUpuJEDyCIIlrIfymIWiaQYNY9uzIweZmw4ILiroN8xX8W1ZOcess49mdbdXj9pfQsLK1c8iCxtYEbXQkRJ53Fhonc/s320/shanghai+tai2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2522176">Lovely Dichroic Pendant with Retro Flowers</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
And let's not forget, some choice pieces for Valentine's Day<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8fXw7u2F2jpPDoX-RSgtHHPa5Tqlca635tz01g0F1waF7HuKFzSapPvRR80GayheRN9aS0p849Lu0dxSzWxFL-VDwi_E2MfIVMNbtByUY_hY3Sl0ni3J3Gm6XxxDR4eDKEPjpOTunJw/s1600/shanghai+tai+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8fXw7u2F2jpPDoX-RSgtHHPa5Tqlca635tz01g0F1waF7HuKFzSapPvRR80GayheRN9aS0p849Lu0dxSzWxFL-VDwi_E2MfIVMNbtByUY_hY3Sl0ni3J3Gm6XxxDR4eDKEPjpOTunJw/s320/shanghai+tai+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2522151">Copper Heart Earrings</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOMyLpeyUgu69s8ZgzAu_ngZi98DjGOuars7mc3btwMRYjW5olPKWtHJg3HQKU0dPVdTy1yv5uLR-RZa6ls_7X9tYnGp8B2xU7ebf4npCHAneRcTGV68XGDsx2QpAu9ix_EaVBe2oQv4/s1600/shanghaitai4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikOMyLpeyUgu69s8ZgzAu_ngZi98DjGOuars7mc3btwMRYjW5olPKWtHJg3HQKU0dPVdTy1yv5uLR-RZa6ls_7X9tYnGp8B2xU7ebf4npCHAneRcTGV68XGDsx2QpAu9ix_EaVBe2oQv4/s320/shanghaitai4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2628686">Rice Pearl Bracelet</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>There are also some pieces with a <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&sc_id=127633&seller_id=99591&op=new">cool vibe</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZRMOGejc2uyfiMxsmPscdT6OTnVelePT4CDvrxqJ6AvtJ3hj7Hm2zYOa1Pp0_T-A7m_RbWlI9HJo24ZYNE6kOuTj09_sG8-qXAnJlkzu37_zX4Q_qDaVkqDR1Pq2dKdJP3HnZIRR2Fo/s1600/shanghaitai5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZRMOGejc2uyfiMxsmPscdT6OTnVelePT4CDvrxqJ6AvtJ3hj7Hm2zYOa1Pp0_T-A7m_RbWlI9HJo24ZYNE6kOuTj09_sG8-qXAnJlkzu37_zX4Q_qDaVkqDR1Pq2dKdJP3HnZIRR2Fo/s320/shanghaitai5.jpg" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2795405">Peace Sign Pendant</a></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And these little <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2628844">Pagoda Earrings</a> are just soooo cute!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69tlNA2cQmw7uBVwTpGdcGRFDGdT8XXckiaQNxqlXxn5AJZlsliAX1G2WjBIJVEvBGHAzxLFvJEXZiF5a-RfLALssG6Sj1cVq3n-KSzrgPPGBXSW8d8Ng9dG8dX7feQpG3hvu79SLODg/s1600/shanghaitai6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69tlNA2cQmw7uBVwTpGdcGRFDGdT8XXckiaQNxqlXxn5AJZlsliAX1G2WjBIJVEvBGHAzxLFvJEXZiF5a-RfLALssG6Sj1cVq3n-KSzrgPPGBXSW8d8Ng9dG8dX7feQpG3hvu79SLODg/s320/shanghaitai6.jpg" width="229" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=99591&op=new&body=1">Shanghai Tai</a> offers a wide range of pieces in different styles so I'm sure there will be something there that you will fall in love with. Personally, I can't keep my eyes off those earrings! She creates pieces for the blushing <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&sc_id=127632&seller_id=99591&op=new">bride </a>too -- so now we know where to go after that pearl bracelet is unwrapped on Valentine's Day, right ladies? And there's a whole section in her shop that's just full of pieces with a <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&sc_id=138737&seller_id=99591&op=new">heart-theme</a>. <br />
<br />
Roxanne insists she's still a "work-in-progress" and is deep in the hunt for her signature style. Looking at all these pretties, I can definitely say her signature is: AMAZING.Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-17782233811075613322011-02-07T01:43:00.001+08:002011-02-07T01:44:33.385+08:00My Own Space<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I do not have a dedicated space for making my jewelry. I either work on the dining table -- and it's a pain to have to pack up and keep my stuff when mealtime's a-coming -- or on my bed (which is a pain to my back!). I keep fantasizing about what my studio (I love saying this word -- it makes me feel like some bigtime, fabulously famous artist LOL) would look like.<br />
<br />
Perched atop my house, it has to have a lot of natural light -<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2xxC3uGZkBHfzM9sgZ16idlDn_lwMvvlmIH92sEj4xnhH2oAe4S5bHgPvb72iJRLisupfDctuX8hil9uAbd86v82hKMKOkP9WURQVzGK451i5C32oF7pWvlLLHmBhjcKbLS6M3DyB7c/s1600/college-living-room-51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2xxC3uGZkBHfzM9sgZ16idlDn_lwMvvlmIH92sEj4xnhH2oAe4S5bHgPvb72iJRLisupfDctuX8hil9uAbd86v82hKMKOkP9WURQVzGK451i5C32oF7pWvlLLHmBhjcKbLS6M3DyB7c/s320/college-living-room-51.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.genuinestyle.net/artistic-college-living-room/">Genuine Style</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>And an awesome view --<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1jxobEeXK2z6VPJi7XxYczjF8z7Cp7Z7uPV6ioA3-c3jah_VYbv-OYgwxfacVFzL7YktmORANfDHxx8PSAVHy13UCn3JvA00EisLvi687jdSoI88pkwklKIHjStMsvGkmrzvqrwJprE/s1600/1911954-view-from-The-Manor-grounds-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1jxobEeXK2z6VPJi7XxYczjF8z7Cp7Z7uPV6ioA3-c3jah_VYbv-OYgwxfacVFzL7YktmORANfDHxx8PSAVHy13UCn3JvA00EisLvi687jdSoI88pkwklKIHjStMsvGkmrzvqrwJprE/s1600/1911954-view-from-The-Manor-grounds-0.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Philippines/Baguio/blog-240660.html">Travel Blog</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table> It has to be roomy enough for all my stuff (beads, wire, paint, canvass, doodads and cookies!) but not too big -- I stand 5 feet flat and I want you to find me amongst my cookie tins (getting me to share is another matter)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AIl9CdoKsK5dJeMubQn7CdJ4jj8IHQ8KZ24kaoVZIPkGhWoQlFLNrKig1EGCqanb1vGKvARaOYTW-S4ibi-RbYsp5Pa9g2lo7BmcDSo-AJj1CgRibMiSTzCmSPJckFRo7OuxDINYVZY/s1600/02_gomariz_studio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AIl9CdoKsK5dJeMubQn7CdJ4jj8IHQ8KZ24kaoVZIPkGhWoQlFLNrKig1EGCqanb1vGKvARaOYTW-S4ibi-RbYsp5Pa9g2lo7BmcDSo-AJj1CgRibMiSTzCmSPJckFRo7OuxDINYVZY/s320/02_gomariz_studio.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://loftlifemag.com/mu/?p=947">LoftLife</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Furnishings will be rustic and old and will have tons of stories to tell -<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmx2YqlBDRerRUNKEdhcJXP-ZVlDVWetulWT2-jl9pKb4oS8ohmToRi8rqTuBzS_czkvhi3ZCjKXpoXxXjKeH0xtUz4zKpU2IPZQ6Xu20fObdw-HwjTHprNfzDCxV44IE3xQllQb5-nA/s1600/VintageFrenchInteriorsBook1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmx2YqlBDRerRUNKEdhcJXP-ZVlDVWetulWT2-jl9pKb4oS8ohmToRi8rqTuBzS_czkvhi3ZCjKXpoXxXjKeH0xtUz4zKpU2IPZQ6Xu20fObdw-HwjTHprNfzDCxV44IE3xQllQb5-nA/s320/VintageFrenchInteriorsBook1.jpg" width="248" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Vintage-French-Interiors-Inspiration-Antique/dp/2080300547/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1245203591&sr=1-1">Vintage French Interiors</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2byk9DTqRJw/TU7UYf5aJrI/AAAAAAAAAtc/s1600/serene-workspace-8-582x385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8To1-B2uk45TcmuqMy0FqBQPcWAa03Kvq_RSNFNjssZfw1TU34prvTiULS35RQ9Nk8NQNB4K8dZ4YtImocXzMePr89oWSzr4qKZ3Wj4GCNETqgIE_myMdKGoyupeYOjr80C8lc-h44zg/s1600/serene-workspace-8-582x385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8To1-B2uk45TcmuqMy0FqBQPcWAa03Kvq_RSNFNjssZfw1TU34prvTiULS35RQ9Nk8NQNB4K8dZ4YtImocXzMePr89oWSzr4qKZ3Wj4GCNETqgIE_myMdKGoyupeYOjr80C8lc-h44zg/s320/serene-workspace-8-582x385.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tangchan/">Tang Chan</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
There will be a corner for creating <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja774wpASj5v-vhbXAOtcl6PeVNvJ9xx_QOaiHAMW8WjWSh7lXQw_h7lQYy2cjGUV1bTdjhARTzCEmUG4bIIll6DTNFdbu00jQlQ8pOWfGVQOKxlwzRjsJOI8clxUVtimTf5QtKrW-omc/s1600/Original_small-bedrooms-Layla-Palmer-daybed-striped-walls_s3x4_lead.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja774wpASj5v-vhbXAOtcl6PeVNvJ9xx_QOaiHAMW8WjWSh7lXQw_h7lQYy2cjGUV1bTdjhARTzCEmUG4bIIll6DTNFdbu00jQlQ8pOWfGVQOKxlwzRjsJOI8clxUVtimTf5QtKrW-omc/s320/Original_small-bedrooms-Layla-Palmer-daybed-striped-walls_s3x4_lead.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://hgtv.com/">HGTV.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And a quiet corner for me to rest<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It will be my safe place, where I go to weave dreams and make them come true.<br />
<br />
Of course you are welcome to visit. Look, I've already picked out a special chair for you<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSd183c4ji1bvypDkfpmhCIMaYgXNpkjTN97V19Pm2g9KNZ1eMNaxaX74w1B1Ir2nWKNXXIIUHKC9mD5Yu1S0n9eDcTBowGl_cN-dSkc_lR4hOIkidBL0htgRpkwny_DS0w36qNK5nsw/s1600/chairs-1108-de.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUSd183c4ji1bvypDkfpmhCIMaYgXNpkjTN97V19Pm2g9KNZ1eMNaxaX74w1B1Ir2nWKNXXIIUHKC9mD5Yu1S0n9eDcTBowGl_cN-dSkc_lR4hOIkidBL0htgRpkwny_DS0w36qNK5nsw/s320/chairs-1108-de.jpg" width="250" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-90431730396282881222011-01-28T00:22:00.004+08:002011-01-28T00:33:31.042+08:00Bucket List: Fundacion Pacita Abad<div class="MsoNormal">In 2004, I chanced upon a magazine that I found among a bunch of old newspapers that were marked for disposal at the office. I was listlessly going through the magazine, killing time and hoping for a reprieve from the emptiness I felt when an article in it caught my attention. The article featured a Filipino artist named <a href="http://www.pacitaabad.com/">Pacita Abad</a>. I marvelled at the photos of her art that accompanied the article. Vibrant, beating loudly like a thousand drums yet flowing like a clear river under a speckled sky – her work told me to live and not be afraid. To walk the earth and not regret retracing steps but rather regret those that were never taken. I promised myself then that one day I would somehow get to talk to her and learn from her. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZee9WmS8x_znS-8UZmiWwawWqE2SBcZfPtcRKyNthEda1DmjhJXAFXLNutzBmZTdn3OPt3OBCvnltgMnVyHVrANZFL2jBR7KSbKs7iM6bM21gCVoIdiheG8briShUbwGD4D5LRrCX4s/s1600/Pacita-Celebration+%2526+Joy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZee9WmS8x_znS-8UZmiWwawWqE2SBcZfPtcRKyNthEda1DmjhJXAFXLNutzBmZTdn3OPt3OBCvnltgMnVyHVrANZFL2jBR7KSbKs7iM6bM21gCVoIdiheG8briShUbwGD4D5LRrCX4s/s320/Pacita-Celebration+%2526+Joy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pacita Abad and one of her art installations<br />
(Photo by <a href="http://pacitaabad.com/">PacitaAbad.com</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal">Pacita Abad died in 2004 of lung cancer. Coincidentally, she died in the same month that I found the article. And although I was to learn of her passing a little over a year after it happened, I remember feeling lost for no reason after hearing about her death, like some light had gone out and I could not find the switch to turn it back on. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I chanced upon this photo last year on Flicker while browsing the net for inspiration during a bleak, empty time in my life -</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvkiGax-1_u27BUiTEuPzx6XsO84UIzwWWOkky_gdhALPEmDS5Ueoi4aDRe_G0jih6FUNMoOc6TwKbNQ3A6RavmxUrdWbOSoDX3OKUSqgQVyz5kcPPrB1gsspEyb6rc-UUBu0y6R7-HI/s1600/batanes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinvkiGax-1_u27BUiTEuPzx6XsO84UIzwWWOkky_gdhALPEmDS5Ueoi4aDRe_G0jih6FUNMoOc6TwKbNQ3A6RavmxUrdWbOSoDX3OKUSqgQVyz5kcPPrB1gsspEyb6rc-UUBu0y6R7-HI/s320/batanes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I can no longer recall where I found it on Flickr but I fell in love with it instantly and fervently wished that the house in the photo was where I lived.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">There was something about the raw, windswept vista that captured my heart. And though the house atop this craggy hill seemed to sit forlornly by itself, the word isolation never entered my mind each time I looked at it. What came to mind was a sense of peace, of wholeness, of standing on top the world and knowing your exact place on it. Whenever I looked at this photo, it felt like I was looking at home. Each time I looked at it, I somehow felt comforted.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Last night, I came upon <a href="http://www.carlosceldran.com/">Carlos Celdran’s blog</a>. Carlos Celdran is a celebrity of sorts in the Philippines. An artist and history lover, he runs walking tours of Old Manila (one more thing on my bucket list) and in one of his posts, he wrote about a trip to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batanes">Batanes</a> he took with his wife. After a few paragraphs, I realized that the lovely inn he was referring to in his blog post was the very same house in the photo above. I fell head over heels, truly, deeply, madly, tear-you-hair-out-act-crazy in love all over again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUx1Cm8Lm4FBgOWxgVE_0D-WAdGgdJTAmWNC1-wIlJdSOSaebiTpZMm0w19CY8IyUPr4rishTxGd7PVnqmfkwtRPJw4ida_FSGsI0B3pXMkm3wQ1O7-CM3FqGci3EOFTjdu4-EAJpmjY/s1600/fundacion+front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUx1Cm8Lm4FBgOWxgVE_0D-WAdGgdJTAmWNC1-wIlJdSOSaebiTpZMm0w19CY8IyUPr4rishTxGd7PVnqmfkwtRPJw4ida_FSGsI0B3pXMkm3wQ1O7-CM3FqGci3EOFTjdu4-EAJpmjY/s320/fundacion+front.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEV5I6G1_beqWsQ3i9HWaHbVa7L5UITnGXgwwk_xDZhhxRftqXfd1u9KP2XjjTpRsjWlcjNS2DHZRacz2L-s5Ksm0HzAxUYyAlrEfzIgkRGZHbDAyjBqeMaa98vFrDDc2GmVe_wyT5J4/s1600/fundacion+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSEV5I6G1_beqWsQ3i9HWaHbVa7L5UITnGXgwwk_xDZhhxRftqXfd1u9KP2XjjTpRsjWlcjNS2DHZRacz2L-s5Ksm0HzAxUYyAlrEfzIgkRGZHbDAyjBqeMaa98vFrDDc2GmVe_wyT5J4/s320/fundacion+room.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm8ZAbOQbyIsxTGGZgCGXbrw-7x63d3GyFe4mgBV9BkeyXvlfktEEcHB3PwBgveDzM5sc-ZRUOR4u0-0KucYcqGFwoaaiygCwxm9NhToruh1e23Wf7Z3uqnxaPggqiPXyG0WnMzXmR1M/s1600/fundacion+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAm8ZAbOQbyIsxTGGZgCGXbrw-7x63d3GyFe4mgBV9BkeyXvlfktEEcHB3PwBgveDzM5sc-ZRUOR4u0-0KucYcqGFwoaaiygCwxm9NhToruh1e23Wf7Z3uqnxaPggqiPXyG0WnMzXmR1M/s320/fundacion+view.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fundacion-Pacita/50375946779">Fundacion Pacita Abad</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Imagine how dumbfounded I was when I found out it was where Pacita Abad lived and worked for several years before her passing.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Visiting this place is now in my bucket list. I don't know why I found all these at such times in my life -- moments when I felt lost and unsure and afraid. I do know that the article and the photos of her and her art told me to live fully and that the photo of her home made me feel at peace. Maybe when I finally get to visit, I'll find out.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Strange how I found connections where I had thought there were none. Stranger still that an artist I admire but never met is able to speak to me from atop the grassy knoll in the sky where she now paints.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I don't feel so lost anymore.Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-58449690087182493132011-01-19T01:00:00.000+08:002011-01-19T01:00:42.755+08:00Try Something New: Wire Crochet<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--> <m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Last week, I faced the monster.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I went head to head with one of my worst foes, the one responsible for nights of endless crying over a school project in home education that I could not untangle, the one who threw me in a panic each time the teacher drew out her shiny, steel crochet hook – I stood up and faced this bewildering craft called crochet.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I have been a longtime fan of wire crochet but had been hesitant to try it because – well, let’s just say single crochet and I aren’t really soul sisters.<span> </span>But I did want to have a go at it.<span> </span>I did want to find out if I could finish something – anything! – that involved a crochet hook and thread.<span> </span>But, my vanity prevented me from trying it out sooner than I did – I was afraid that I’d end up with a crocheted wire piece so ugly that people would laugh at me.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Then I figured that since my projects using cotton thread looked a lot like those using wire and that the tangled, almost irregular and textured look of wire crochet is what charms me most about it, I got up one Saturday morning and said: “Hell, yeah. Let’s do this.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">So here is my very first wire crochet necklace.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjWSN0tXIDGspcPU_Y5wYrudeW7_71sDxLAozDXMWOWIe51VHm3K3clGf1eNBAebOgxbjvw2zHFtzkDTIAmqjj8wWM6sfaLAkosSDQAXFFeeiloKW0MZGp6Ziz00NkxiZ9RaWl7xpuYw/s1600/P1010612_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjWSN0tXIDGspcPU_Y5wYrudeW7_71sDxLAozDXMWOWIe51VHm3K3clGf1eNBAebOgxbjvw2zHFtzkDTIAmqjj8wWM6sfaLAkosSDQAXFFeeiloKW0MZGp6Ziz00NkxiZ9RaWl7xpuYw/s1600/P1010612_01.JPG" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><span></span>My fingers hurt a lot after and it took me a loooong time to finish since I went slow and worked without a pattern to follow so I got lost a lot (LOL).<span> </span>I also chose to use a soft, thin gauge wire as I thought it would be easier to handle and therefore less frustrating for me.<span> </span>After an hour, it didn’t seem like such a monster anymore.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I am, shall we say, quite HOOKED. </span></div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-9155691853063009602011-01-07T00:55:00.001+08:002011-01-07T00:58:57.352+08:002011<div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-PH">2011<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">My first post for the year. <b>Happy New Year to everyone!</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH">Last year saw me actively working on my Artfire shop (even opening up a second shop on Artfire called The Bamboo Box) and getting quite serious in making a go of my handmade jewelry business. And while sales on Artfire were quite slow, the last two months of 2010 found me working feverishly on Christmas orders from clients in the Philippines, alternately crowing with joy when an order for a custom-made piece came in and tearfully slogging on when the stress of keeping up with orders, holiday preparations and demands from the day job took their toll. Needless to say, sleep was not an option for me in the last 6 weeks of the year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH">The stress and harried pace also took a toll on my ME time. I stopped journaling, forgot blogging altogether, and even forgot about marking time each week to try out a creative technique. Now, THAT last one really made me a grumpy old witch. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH">I finally had time over the New Year week-end to sit down and figure out how I want 2011 to look like for me exactly one year from now. As soon as I did that, the feelings of being overwhelmed started again and I found myself making my first (and, I think, most important) reminder for the New Year: “Keep it simple, small steps will still help you complete the journey.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH">So this year, each month, I would like to:</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-PH">a)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Try </span></span></span>out or learn a technique I’ve been wanting to use in my jewelry or mixed media art.</div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-PH">b)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span lang="EN-PH">Visit a place in the Philippines that I have always wanted to see for the first time or revisit a place that I’ve been meaning to see again for some time now and see it with fresh eyes.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-PH">c)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span lang="EN-PH">Continue to help other handmade artisans promote their work.</span></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span lang="EN-PH">d)<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"> </span></span><span lang="EN-PH">Do something brave regarding my creative work and business that will help push it forward and upward.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH">Four things. Four things to do each month. Four things to tell you about. Four things to help me get over humps and keep walking forward. And I won't even hit myself over the head if I am unable to keep up. (That's my second resolution: to be more forgiving to myself.)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH">There – now that I’ve written them down, they’re not as scary as they first looked to me. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-PH"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">What would you like your 2011 to look like? </span></div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-23569478850200968312010-11-15T01:54:00.000+08:002010-11-15T01:54:36.028+08:00Trying Something NewA few months ago I had a hankering to try my hand at making something out of clay. It wasn't so much as I wanted to actually go into it -- more like see how it is and find out if I liked it. <br />
<br />
Yeah -- that's exactly what I said when I bought my first little bag of beads!<br />
<br />
So as I usually do, I did my research since I didn't want to spend too much on something that I'd give up after a month. The polymer clays available here were not quite what I had in mind budget wise -- we get them from the US and I wasn't too keen on buying a whole batch of them since I was just starting out. I trolled the web and found an art supply shop that sold a lot of the materials I only read about (since the whole lot of them are imported from other countries) and decided to pay a visit to one of their branches.<br />
<br />
Of course it took me weeks to FINALLY get to one of their shops and only because I stumbled upon it when I went on my usual bead-buying spree. I had to laugh because it was just a block away from where I get my beads and gemstones! And there I was, all this time, trying to figure out a way to sneak a trip to it in my schedule. Thank you Google maps for showing me the way. LOL.<br />
<br />
The ladies at the shop were kind enough to steer me in the right direction. I had asked for an air-drying clay that required no baking or kiln-firing, one that was suited to a beginner who just wanted to get her hands on some clay and squish something out of it. They suggested a terra cotta colored material akin to mud - they told me it hardened when exposed to air and I could paint it after if I liked. I did like the price though --- less than a dollar for a kilo! And they even showed me some inexpensive beginner clay tools.<br />
<br />
So here it is, my first little clay creation. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2pgHJiagK-Kxl1RNv1xxXeuNGcSd0kie3geIwEYCnH0UnQJAlfOy9kuQ8mbNNsZCDMudOmTk5K86SEIacxaX-aGIGAtw0KnTrip6SbtfeSGu9HcbojEV8fXByAfN_PxvJ9xKlHLwP60/s1600/P1010167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo2pgHJiagK-Kxl1RNv1xxXeuNGcSd0kie3geIwEYCnH0UnQJAlfOy9kuQ8mbNNsZCDMudOmTk5K86SEIacxaX-aGIGAtw0KnTrip6SbtfeSGu9HcbojEV8fXByAfN_PxvJ9xKlHLwP60/s1600/P1010167.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It's a little cracked around the edges and you can see my fingerprints on it! LOL. It's not quite dry yet but the color did change from a muddy brown to something close to grey. I think it will lighten up some more when it's fully dry. I don't even know how I'm going to paint this one. I guess I should've started with a simpler figure to mold. <br />
<br />
Here's another look, sitting amidst my pile of bead containers<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyr2uDsbiaDf3fLDyrSIkySwf3BbO1jEa_R1y2fkGb1PK2ucwnFURI83e-q4WLK2p3md1VFFp0_iEiwcfokYKm2Wglk-7cfnR_xYMgr4zmmOsY7pNLwIQwr7KIDaF1cfNf981_JSRs-EI/s1600/P1010168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyr2uDsbiaDf3fLDyrSIkySwf3BbO1jEa_R1y2fkGb1PK2ucwnFURI83e-q4WLK2p3md1VFFp0_iEiwcfokYKm2Wglk-7cfnR_xYMgr4zmmOsY7pNLwIQwr7KIDaF1cfNf981_JSRs-EI/s1600/P1010168.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I did have fun making this little one. A great part of the enjoyment came from the fact that my youngest son joined me and made his own little clay creation -- a dinosaur who somehow resembled Snoopy the dog. Good thing this stuff is inexpensive -- he wants me to get him his own batch!<br />
<br />
What do you think? Should I keep practicing and eventually go for the more expensive clay?Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-28139752610343835212010-10-31T00:23:00.000+08:002010-10-31T00:23:15.503+08:00Four Letter Words: FEARWhat are you afraid of?<br />
<br />
Dark, murky water?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGWycqqsa9GaVySOrbTXuvKMzy5-1w5Eifwfae6q7W28sPdYTukRGFcPFm66RFXH5-Ap_9pM-8HzXsz81OXcT6b2pB1IXocebimMVBpKwucrX0frMPqy-1zbkwaE1irlwzWFEQfanfxM/s320/fear1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="228" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2254226">Erin Reynolds Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHGWycqqsa9GaVySOrbTXuvKMzy5-1w5Eifwfae6q7W28sPdYTukRGFcPFm66RFXH5-Ap_9pM-8HzXsz81OXcT6b2pB1IXocebimMVBpKwucrX0frMPqy-1zbkwaE1irlwzWFEQfanfxM/s1600/fear1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> <br />
Creepy crawlers?<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mSVQ7-vxEf9EzRJQoz3uqGpVIOEYX0yLrrLL9Ti5SGNEUMk1dbORsjSx8es-_GBe0meqDAM5QzK0cOrPhlT2tiT2XnEtFteQbiqVYM2qYdjBPSBSjT-ixdv4ze48nBF1uvadnuV0YmE/s320/fear2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2229710">Over the Top</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-mSVQ7-vxEf9EzRJQoz3uqGpVIOEYX0yLrrLL9Ti5SGNEUMk1dbORsjSx8es-_GBe0meqDAM5QzK0cOrPhlT2tiT2XnEtFteQbiqVYM2qYdjBPSBSjT-ixdv4ze48nBF1uvadnuV0YmE/s1600/fear2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> Is it standing in front of people to speak?<br />
<br />
Or getting off the fence and taking a stand?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTS3NK7MdAiYZ6BCNutqPzFWOLxSPBBiXweCyM-BKRvtODTO8qX82zKexpgc-8WtzE5PR0LtY-8ygvJ8I028uAjPxJMiS0i0-ccX2WPA1YpwzgOBN-mQYGjJGbmGVZz5EHjEod0pCCYc/s320/fear3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1986059&ga_query=fence">Bonnie Bruno Photography</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHTS3NK7MdAiYZ6BCNutqPzFWOLxSPBBiXweCyM-BKRvtODTO8qX82zKexpgc-8WtzE5PR0LtY-8ygvJ8I028uAjPxJMiS0i0-ccX2WPA1YpwzgOBN-mQYGjJGbmGVZz5EHjEod0pCCYc/s1600/fear3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
Maybe just saying NO <br />
<br />
Or even saying YES to something that requires much effort but brings so much good<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKuwsZ4lB_NS33uDBa7dw-DVLfNm5HSMmMyGIKR3WFhZTw5-ABowosA7Lwmla3rwAw4E00lKKD5hk3J2iqslQnTY289e7MmkmqZdyGXJfnMG8uGRGZ1OVkbup57evSM83HFYkExzXzUA/s320/fear4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=129667&ga_query=yes">Letterary Press</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtKuwsZ4lB_NS33uDBa7dw-DVLfNm5HSMmMyGIKR3WFhZTw5-ABowosA7Lwmla3rwAw4E00lKKD5hk3J2iqslQnTY289e7MmkmqZdyGXJfnMG8uGRGZ1OVkbup57evSM83HFYkExzXzUA/s1600/fear4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
I've heard it said that fear of imaginary obstacles is the hardest to overcome. For how can one fight something that really isn't there?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hC5_XcmTUsmXhzT4z7WWA4OeDxsqhNHzSyDtHb_ae8fM0fR-yXGedTesFBoF4yNzCrBhuTBRo3PUlibIg0y0Ol7C3qqIJ59JmZ0pAsqRoguLZcCYPXrOipI2q4cQOLOo_2u0x65RSdI/s320/fear5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1956700">Michelle V</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hC5_XcmTUsmXhzT4z7WWA4OeDxsqhNHzSyDtHb_ae8fM0fR-yXGedTesFBoF4yNzCrBhuTBRo3PUlibIg0y0Ol7C3qqIJ59JmZ0pAsqRoguLZcCYPXrOipI2q4cQOLOo_2u0x65RSdI/s1600/fear5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
Boo! Happy Halloween everyone!Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-26124107257726819882010-10-21T00:34:00.000+08:002010-10-21T00:34:01.073+08:00As If One Shop Isn't Enough ---I decided to open another one on <a href="http://www.artfire.com/">Artfire</a>!<br />
<br />
I had already signed up for a basic shop a few weeks before the Artfire $5.95 Deal was announced so I went ahead and opened. Initially, the shop was for my destash beads but then I got to thinking that it would be cool to offer supplies that are not easy to find.<br />
<br />
So, I expanded the shop offerings and have included some craft materials and supplies that are made out of materials indigenous to the Philippines like abaca and sinamay and buri. There are <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2065180">abaca mesh sheets</a> to use for collages, mixed media work and even for wrapping up a gift --<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN8zjZMSNcuZzIKO2Rj0HvekLj37mFgsuEW6irY_ZcIEHzSRfd4H9IRkkBLfNu1swGxMZ566Ux9C9ukGAS05P_WVVfK8BeAUH27YpqnQb4GBKYZvkCSVRggN2TzXq0YUyag8e1RPrQTc/s1600/newshop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqN8zjZMSNcuZzIKO2Rj0HvekLj37mFgsuEW6irY_ZcIEHzSRfd4H9IRkkBLfNu1swGxMZ566Ux9C9ukGAS05P_WVVfK8BeAUH27YpqnQb4GBKYZvkCSVRggN2TzXq0YUyag8e1RPrQTc/s1600/newshop1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Or pretty little <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2137039">sinamay flowers</a> made by hand to add to your crafts stash --<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QChMqY0NvF_w5mlQT4wzqpd1K_1oeWQe5IH1zLwmRSnMEoP1v7vA-frbG5VqrpqJAoIVzS_sokpsAgEYsXr_RxP0vz2GRlRVXlAGUk5nlT5voWyj_G7epCT7BbHRxWmpZWcSp-OkFDE/s1600/newshop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-QChMqY0NvF_w5mlQT4wzqpd1K_1oeWQe5IH1zLwmRSnMEoP1v7vA-frbG5VqrpqJAoIVzS_sokpsAgEYsXr_RxP0vz2GRlRVXlAGUk5nlT5voWyj_G7epCT7BbHRxWmpZWcSp-OkFDE/s1600/newshop2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I've also got some pretty <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2065078">gift boxes</a> made out of mother of pearl--<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiF7dkP9GJs4aUEBqF_gG_rUiT8Lshq4nKQAnlzCHYKBLA9mUy65_8EiTcHqy7-ax94hMo8tQAa3YPM30zk6vHe4URUPmNDFQB0qmCmI1UldfntkO8JyfSxMhS8Jabw3swFD9DET6-Xk/s1600/newshop3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiF7dkP9GJs4aUEBqF_gG_rUiT8Lshq4nKQAnlzCHYKBLA9mUy65_8EiTcHqy7-ax94hMo8tQAa3YPM30zk6vHe4URUPmNDFQB0qmCmI1UldfntkO8JyfSxMhS8Jabw3swFD9DET6-Xk/s320/newshop3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dzBu5Xa65kFMu3wq0HuMPlOuZwAG-BJO2PdjhSmOkwMfbOSAJ8vxAuDzhD5TCadef1Kv8t0FciqoPoeRlkHoRnQqk1JGfolIyr779KnGD2w5NV7ZhrqzdfcQ79zXvtf5gQbGM_1PMgU/s1600/newshop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8dzBu5Xa65kFMu3wq0HuMPlOuZwAG-BJO2PdjhSmOkwMfbOSAJ8vxAuDzhD5TCadef1Kv8t0FciqoPoeRlkHoRnQqk1JGfolIyr779KnGD2w5NV7ZhrqzdfcQ79zXvtf5gQbGM_1PMgU/s1600/newshop4.jpg" /></a></div> or gift bags made out of <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2064795">sinamay fiber</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Think of all the decorating you can do with this roll of <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2065522">sinamay ribbon</a> (in different colors!) --<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90XRXGZB0nN_2gPF4tDINrMG1jtUAddlut9fYJfJKlX8yagcRNF2xyWhGzKsB46EpSV0ZmXf2Bec7GPOthGQq5RXslcUP3fRn7sL-FMBL9Y3OKsQvXDI1yF79Gqen0zGv1bvEJZWfXvg/s1600/newshop6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90XRXGZB0nN_2gPF4tDINrMG1jtUAddlut9fYJfJKlX8yagcRNF2xyWhGzKsB46EpSV0ZmXf2Bec7GPOthGQq5RXslcUP3fRn7sL-FMBL9Y3OKsQvXDI1yF79Gqen0zGv1bvEJZWfXvg/s1600/newshop6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And of course, being the bead and gem lover that I am, I could not resist including some <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2136937">freshwater pearls</a> among the items for sale --<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8r1wSNRzn24BAsUqMhxkykY4p-5nhDqhQRVcD9xHq5pY3wAtYlUkoU6mcPbizy-tWSG8lYVx_optil_6Zr5R2Oe0PicBvHKGDqlFmAati1F3TiefUFDvJnkPbJWEzeiDgCfq-xxre1A/s1600/newshop5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY8r1wSNRzn24BAsUqMhxkykY4p-5nhDqhQRVcD9xHq5pY3wAtYlUkoU6mcPbizy-tWSG8lYVx_optil_6Zr5R2Oe0PicBvHKGDqlFmAati1F3TiefUFDvJnkPbJWEzeiDgCfq-xxre1A/s1600/newshop5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As well as a few pieces of select <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2037250">gemstones</a> and <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1940172">crystals</a> --<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VXxYX0OI9vu3uPVZsRM7TzPoJHePuYAcWlW_deLzXLkZuWwmNXsP1nTKdoI813OK-zZJRz_tmKTxk1BUeNaH3Jn_I-FyghTlAckP7eTq6c4OY2VNT7EcDmSsvSTZBhPjVSU5PpNoq7I/s1600/newshop7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4VXxYX0OI9vu3uPVZsRM7TzPoJHePuYAcWlW_deLzXLkZuWwmNXsP1nTKdoI813OK-zZJRz_tmKTxk1BUeNaH3Jn_I-FyghTlAckP7eTq6c4OY2VNT7EcDmSsvSTZBhPjVSU5PpNoq7I/s320/newshop7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKbSa4iMtTYVim65NSvn0K8sYhipn48xcB25OTYig7AWpMz4C4bwK-ro6kj0n_tBq2lsFjDxfGVAGU3gwPRWlXZlFUXc7XomukuVnrjBJqCoDQqPqmskmlgq7taLlApDgw4TCb8bRCTw/s1600/newshop8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKbSa4iMtTYVim65NSvn0K8sYhipn48xcB25OTYig7AWpMz4C4bwK-ro6kj0n_tBq2lsFjDxfGVAGU3gwPRWlXZlFUXc7XomukuVnrjBJqCoDQqPqmskmlgq7taLlApDgw4TCb8bRCTw/s320/newshop8.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br />
I'll be adding more new items regularly so if you want to take a peek and get a chance to purchase some unique craft and mixed media materials, do drop by <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=84662&op=new&body=1">The Bamboo Box on Artfire</a>.Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-46944405548656912312010-10-16T00:30:00.042+08:002010-10-17T22:56:33.307+08:00Four Letter Words: SOLO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I sit, alone. The house is quiet and I am allowed to dream.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Of days long gone and people now passed.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguColbbW14i0xDXTOmIRKzK-ihpOo_BubQKcbAt3mv7H0QUzKs1dE0y2sKcgazE60kXSd58kVp-Pqh3iZTv3r2A4j2u67wSAT8oZwIqB6APef2Rb-9_997n-_FdFqV3dD6KUQfIYST7uM/s320/solo4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=492882">By Surrender Dorothy</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguColbbW14i0xDXTOmIRKzK-ihpOo_BubQKcbAt3mv7H0QUzKs1dE0y2sKcgazE60kXSd58kVp-Pqh3iZTv3r2A4j2u67wSAT8oZwIqB6APef2Rb-9_997n-_FdFqV3dD6KUQfIYST7uM/s1600/solo4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Of hours to come and wishes that will come true.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NJVCGx3iGPUW08BhndzdQ25SKK_01XSmLg-06B3IQGktJqnM-jd20LOU74mp6hx9QQVvhxq160xHsKMHiI8fI0oP47pAo8BAKGUN_7zs-qQd3DViC60lnzNOrYRgJJpDsZy7sZKkks4/s320/solo5.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1918256"> By Resin 8</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NJVCGx3iGPUW08BhndzdQ25SKK_01XSmLg-06B3IQGktJqnM-jd20LOU74mp6hx9QQVvhxq160xHsKMHiI8fI0oP47pAo8BAKGUN_7zs-qQd3DViC60lnzNOrYRgJJpDsZy7sZKkks4/s1600/solo5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I sit, alone and marvel at how comforting it is to be silent and not need to speak or even move. My eyes follow the path of dust motes reflected in the early morning sunlight, my ears pick up on the warbling notes of a birdsong. </span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgi5-Y_DyOKufgxmB_2gZPbIIPBlRzdR48q4aSA9l1Q61psN6qbacrvRkeZrbJOlEKBzsO03Wl5QY17z864meuiCNJDNZhxxStHkcQPPpklnPOCZXt-ZuiUykYMspKvm-3UzfdPAfae0/s320/solo3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://alisapaints.blogspot.com/">By Alisa Paints </a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgi5-Y_DyOKufgxmB_2gZPbIIPBlRzdR48q4aSA9l1Q61psN6qbacrvRkeZrbJOlEKBzsO03Wl5QY17z864meuiCNJDNZhxxStHkcQPPpklnPOCZXt-ZuiUykYMspKvm-3UzfdPAfae0/s1600/solo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I sit, alone and my heart beats out an even rhythm, an ebb and flow of life and dying, of having and losing. A song I used to sing comes unbidden and I let it escape from my throat softly, softly, afraid the slightest sound will break the warm, golden spell I am in.</span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">My shadow grows long and my coffee is cold. Around me the house is starting to fill with the sounds of life returning – my son calling from the doorway announcing he is home from school, my daughter cooing to one of the little pups who have come to meet her at the door as she returns from work, another son playing peek-a-boo with my little niece. </span><br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I breathe in and get up from my seat by the window, the spell of aloneness now broken. The chair I sat in is pushed back to it’s corner, to wait for when I can once again sit alone.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak-5B2RWGcOj2m5CL2rlieJE6HKEhnSLxmMFgZDcfFUDz5aZu2ITroucm6CmhMz8zsKKocbapGS0XC-58Rx4RezfVfFE7P8_vRxK634NbsmDn2TxXBlaA-Qa7ah_4XiAXZ2O6fnZmEuM/s320/solo2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/threesidewaysglances">By Sideways Shop</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak-5B2RWGcOj2m5CL2rlieJE6HKEhnSLxmMFgZDcfFUDz5aZu2ITroucm6CmhMz8zsKKocbapGS0XC-58Rx4RezfVfFE7P8_vRxK634NbsmDn2TxXBlaA-Qa7ah_4XiAXZ2O6fnZmEuM/s1600/solo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div></div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-74630481447410708202010-10-14T00:40:00.001+08:002010-10-14T00:45:33.158+08:00Was Gone, Am BackI apologize for disappearing again. I wish I could say that it was simply a case of life getting in the way but it was not.<br />
<br />
I fell ill a few days after I put up my last post and had to reserve my energy for getting myself to work so I could finish an important project. And then, my brother gave us a scare via a medical emergency (won't go into details as some of you may be squeamish but let's just say it involved a lot of blood loss) so that set me back another week. I have neglected this space of mine in the world wide web and while I could say I'll make up for it, I'd rather not. Each time I decide to post regularly, something happens and I'm unable to. LOL.<br />
<br />
Being away has made me want to tweak this blog a bit so you might see some changes in the next few days. I'm planning on redoing the lay-out and design (the yellow background is starting to bore me) and will be trying my hand at something new I thought up regarding the pieces I sell on my Artfire shop. Also, I will be opening the blog to feature more Artfire artisans as well as Filipino artisans so that all of you can get to know them.<br />
<br />
By the way, do drop by Artfire when you have the time. There has been an influx of great new sellers on the site owing to the $5.95 Deal that went up this October so I am sure you will find some great new items to put on your Christmas shopping list.<br />
<br />
Here's a little something before I go - it's one of my new pieces in my shop.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMYZ3H6yn54Cd2HGGlVGywL-hfa3-HU5_N4qMromCLNJ_IntREz-oNpLk7sKFOoc0Y0eetduQABRqj9ULCo7-c_2SUw10iu1NW8CAs5w6RHQkUhQu-g0VHmX5qOhsM-9ZIG_DRUWXu3M/s1600/P1010505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMYZ3H6yn54Cd2HGGlVGywL-hfa3-HU5_N4qMromCLNJ_IntREz-oNpLk7sKFOoc0Y0eetduQABRqj9ULCo7-c_2SUw10iu1NW8CAs5w6RHQkUhQu-g0VHmX5qOhsM-9ZIG_DRUWXu3M/s1600/P1010505.JPG" /></a></div><br />
See you soon!Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-70929653405980769772010-09-28T00:33:00.000+08:002010-09-28T00:33:14.965+08:00Making a Life -- Not Just a Living<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--> <m:smallfrac m:val="off"> <m:dispdef> <m:lmargin m:val="0"> <m:rmargin m:val="0"> <m:defjc m:val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent m:val="1440"> <m:intlim m:val="subSup"> <m:narylim m:val="undOvr"> </m:narylim></m:intlim> </m:wrapindent><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="267"> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/> <w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapedefaults v:ext="edit" spidmax="1026"/> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:shapelayout v:ext="edit"> <o:idmap v:ext="edit" data="1"/> </o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--> </m:defjc></m:rmargin></m:lmargin></m:dispdef></m:smallfrac><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Hello everyone! Finally, a blog post after so many days of inactivity.<span> </span>I could list all the reasons for this but I’m sure you will distill them into one <span> </span>- life gets in the way.<span> </span>That is why I envy entrepreneurs who have established themselves and their business enough so as to actually be able to quit their day jobs and focus on doing what they enjoy and are passionate about. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">That is why I think this blog post is apt to how I am feeling.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Today, I am featuring husband-and-wife team Che and Dino Villaflores, the duo behind <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/pages/I-Ra-Bamboo-Crafts/151341561551157?v=wall&ref=ts">I-Ra Bamboo Crafts.</a><span> </span>I-Ra Bamboo Crafts produces beautiful, handmade lamps, candle holders, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/album.php?aid=32270&id=151341561551157">room dividers</a>, and other home accessories from a material that is indigenous and hugely abundant in the Philippines – bamboo.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">Che and Dino are both artists. <span> </span>Che is into film and video production while Dino paints.<span> </span>It was this common love for the arts and a desire to give back to their community that served as inspiration for them to put up their business.<span> </span>As a newly married couple living in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angono,_Rizal">Angono,<span> </span>Rizal,</a> one of the <a href="http://www.neo-angono.com/members.html">art</a> centers of the Philippines, they would regularly visit <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talim_Island">Talim Island</a> and there they would see local craftsmen creating furniture and home decor from stalks of bamboo, a material abundant in the island.<span> </span>Saddened by how difficult it was for the local craftsmen to earn a decent living selling their pieces, Che and Dino thought of putting up a business that will not only provide a decent means of livelihood for the craftsmen of Talim Island but also allow them to live a life close to their passion which is the arts.<span> </span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qph1ID2CpgPKQFvunWYEwl2iC5UtFml24BvwzKl93z_c_cinU0E3wj6qKxqq7EOWccZNC9K9bQG1hO9DtMZvU_c10pEG9iR8azmqlQivxjIhyphenhyphenV_gY6uu517fcdl_OeZ-BQDSRBAF_P0/s1600/ira2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4qph1ID2CpgPKQFvunWYEwl2iC5UtFml24BvwzKl93z_c_cinU0E3wj6qKxqq7EOWccZNC9K9bQG1hO9DtMZvU_c10pEG9iR8azmqlQivxjIhyphenhyphenV_gY6uu517fcdl_OeZ-BQDSRBAF_P0/s320/ira2.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">With not much start-up capital to boast of, the couple nevertheless plunged headlong into the project and in July 2003, I-Ra Bamboo Crafts was born.<span> </span>Che and Dino believe in the Filipino artisan and one of the main reasons for their having built this business was to be able to show the world what we can do. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyZ9PYD3LhsV8KEW-ypsCfcmZxBYc8yE-g3Zt87-maPeSf3rA7qPetvWyS2a1hATmJFieGrOuXZTpabj1ZEVvAZsqMqT9PHdIu8yGux_xvPNd_waok-sCAj4Fh2OZP5qlqeLQutOAc_E/s1600/ira1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyZ9PYD3LhsV8KEW-ypsCfcmZxBYc8yE-g3Zt87-maPeSf3rA7qPetvWyS2a1hATmJFieGrOuXZTpabj1ZEVvAZsqMqT9PHdIu8yGux_xvPNd_waok-sCAj4Fh2OZP5qlqeLQutOAc_E/s320/ira1.jpg" width="198" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">A fusion of the old and contemporary, I-Ra Bamboo’s products make use of not just the bamboo stalk but even the little bamboo twigs (or “siit” in Filipino) that are usually thrown away when the larger stalks are cut down so nothing is wasted.<span> </span><span> </span>Che explained that their products personify the Filipino of today – forward looking but ever mindful and respectful of the traditions and values that have been passed on to us by our ancestors.<span> </span>The bamboo itself symbolizes the Filipino spirit – strong and flexible,<span> </span>able to bend when there is a storm only to rise up straighter and firmer than ever when the winds have passed. <span> </span>Their products have a unique look and Che and Dino have made it a point to stamp their design style on each and every item that their company produces.<span> </span>Che said: “We are simple people --- I-Ra is an extension of ourselves and our family.”<span> </span>Their bamboo lamps for instance,<span> </span>look like modernized versions of the Filipino “gasera” (gas lamp) that used to light Filipino huts in old days.<span> </span>Even their bamboo candleholders, with their unique organic shapes, are reminiscent of the makeshift lanterns made out of coconut shell where a wick (often a discarded piece of cloth or rag) is soaked in coconut oil and left to burn.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><span> </span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB5s72IfrxeAK30P3kP_Xk17iY-ustDTeYexFLQAe8cIwzj7E7GckcNubIZJGgIU6ho9gb1TJpR19qMqU6pl-2ipopP6XISccE9ztNIK3Bzn5RllzvPclhA8Q2R2GUQUyMdvtU08oojQ/s1600/ira4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBB5s72IfrxeAK30P3kP_Xk17iY-ustDTeYexFLQAe8cIwzj7E7GckcNubIZJGgIU6ho9gb1TJpR19qMqU6pl-2ipopP6XISccE9ztNIK3Bzn5RllzvPclhA8Q2R2GUQUyMdvtU08oojQ/s320/ira4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">I-Ra Bamboo’s pieces were sold initially at a shop in Greenhills, Mandaluyong.<span> </span>Che narrates that<span> </span>at first, they were not ready for the “technical” things that came with running a business – the permits, accounting, the everyday little tasks that when ignored can add up to monumental problems.<span> </span>After participating in various trade fairs and attending seminars to enhance their business skills, the couple went full speed and their modest workshop now provides employment and a steady income to several talented and skilled Talim Island residents.<span> </span>Their pieces are being carried by two of the country’s well-known home decor and accessories stores, <a href="http://www.regalongpambahay.com/">Regalong Pambahay</a> (“Gift for the Home” in Filipino) and Kultura (“culture”).<span> </span><span> </span>Becoming suppliers for these two large stores was a totally different game, Che says.<span> </span>There was the matter of advancing funds to produce the items ordered, delivery and then there’s the payment terms of 30 to 60 days.<span> She</span> says that while having one’s products in these stores can really boost your sales, one should also be ready for the additional overhead costs like rent, utilities, materials cost and other expenses that come with big orders.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPKlmwVA2kPPI9H6FN6L_3K-ZNFEUMt5GRC2011-Svw2aK5si6tvUS477CA_tJ0BWTpUoiTWWLB2vuCB8Z2WmfqSjWQ_DUEKQV-nhYCP514pgrErLxcgXX91ka2d2U3jA1KfgqH1t3BA/s1600/ira6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLPKlmwVA2kPPI9H6FN6L_3K-ZNFEUMt5GRC2011-Svw2aK5si6tvUS477CA_tJ0BWTpUoiTWWLB2vuCB8Z2WmfqSjWQ_DUEKQV-nhYCP514pgrErLxcgXX91ka2d2U3jA1KfgqH1t3BA/s320/ira6.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DfD6lxNUnwd04JE4NIxJvACSkFbFGJlTNyAu6JCSzVH7BC9hYAjWQB-oj9vvowoU3G3dTBOYTmRMeT7dZBT-jXvXCHWd7WECCDPC7jbrkxjOEFnnuFH2EfQ4QetAgTVVlIxmADoj7u4/s1600/ira7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0DfD6lxNUnwd04JE4NIxJvACSkFbFGJlTNyAu6JCSzVH7BC9hYAjWQB-oj9vvowoU3G3dTBOYTmRMeT7dZBT-jXvXCHWd7WECCDPC7jbrkxjOEFnnuFH2EfQ4QetAgTVVlIxmADoj7u4/s320/ira7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH"><span></span>Far from the din of the bustling city, on serene Talim Island, Che and Dino are making art.<span> </span>It is a unique form though – one that is steeped in tradition, pride of culture and a deeply rooted desire to be instruments for social change.<span> </span>I guess I would call it the art of living fully.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-PH">(To see more of I-Ra Bamboo Crafts, visit their page on <a href="http://irabamboocrafts.multiply.com/">Multiply</a> or better yet, be a fan of their <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#%21/pages/I-Ra-Bamboo-Crafts/151341561551157?v=wall&ref=ts">Facebook page</a>!) </span></div>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-56300581221825638112010-09-16T22:57:00.000+08:002010-09-16T22:57:41.061+08:00It Just Keeps Getting BetterFirst came the Collections page, then an updated Gift page.<br />
<br />
And now, comes a huge, huge promo - <a href="http://www.artfire.com/groupdeal">The Artfire Group Deal</a>!<br />
<br />
Sign up on the group deal page and be one of the lucky ones to get a studio on Artfire for only $5.95 a month -- FOR LIFE!<br />
<br />
What? Say that again please.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sign up on the group deal page and be one of the lucky ones to get a studio on Artfire for only $5.95 a month -- FOR LIFE!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">You read it right. Artfire just refuses to stop giving its members the best deals. If you already are on Artfire, with a Basic Studio, this is a great opportunity for you to upgrade to Pro - and pay even less than the Charter Member monthly fee of $7.00. If you have a Pro shop, and are paying either the Charter Member fee of $7.00, the discounted quarterly fee of $36.00 or the $15.95 per month regular fee, this is a great chance for you to get that Pro Shop and pay waaaay less than what you are paying monthly. </span></span><br />
<br />
With a Pro shop, you get tons of great widgets and whatnots to customize your studio and the Artfire team are topknotch when it comes to being of assistance to their members and your studio will have the advantage of being seen by over 40 million online shoppers. Now, that is soooo much more than $5.95 don't you think?<br />
<br />
And, if you are still not on Artfire, this is the best time to join us! Sign up and be a member and get your own studio for the rate of $5.95 for life. Unbelievable? I thought so too when I first read it -- but Artfire has been known to give out the most awesome deals to its members. So I believe it!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hop on over to the <a href="http://www.artfire.com/groupdeal">Artfire Group Deal</a> page and read all about it. It gets so much better!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Buy">Artfire</a> burning bright! </span><b> </b></span>Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-34074606631105193672010-09-13T01:42:00.000+08:002010-09-13T01:42:33.275+08:00Bead TripI don't think I should be allowed to go to a bead shop by myself. I need someone to whack me over the head every now and then and remind me that beads and gemstones are not in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.<br />
<br />
But how can you resist these?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM35ff-DqVnjey_aGH4cJUESSiZtt-DlyPPPzfCFZEnxsjpW1NNFMe1np1s5zvGbJvD8ATjqqhxzklteJL02_DFQ76Yx5rADp8NC4XOodk3O0pWiopD67Wc1v15x1Z4CUeP31MDHX1Gw/s1600/P1010167_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoM35ff-DqVnjey_aGH4cJUESSiZtt-DlyPPPzfCFZEnxsjpW1NNFMe1np1s5zvGbJvD8ATjqqhxzklteJL02_DFQ76Yx5rADp8NC4XOodk3O0pWiopD67Wc1v15x1Z4CUeP31MDHX1Gw/s320/P1010167_01.JPG" /></a></div><br />
I swear I could stare at the pattern on this bead for hours<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dYKSQLn9Mt6hBd-oWjfRd3zF-35PbCyXwEK0zHuJBRZMFxYQLrzEzGHvGQgxX878MMSdApLE04p4Jzq80DR-H56dxrnuPL2lgm6oxG89Ht4Pfir7Il4YYoqjq4m4nTOu8fDifHjvaiU/s1600/P1010171_01.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dYKSQLn9Mt6hBd-oWjfRd3zF-35PbCyXwEK0zHuJBRZMFxYQLrzEzGHvGQgxX878MMSdApLE04p4Jzq80DR-H56dxrnuPL2lgm6oxG89Ht4Pfir7Il4YYoqjq4m4nTOu8fDifHjvaiU/s320/P1010171_01.JPG" /></a></div><br />
My daughter has told me time and again that she would like to go bead shopping with me. While her company on such outings is always welcome, I hesitate to introduce her to Steve, one of my trusted gemstone suppliers, for fear that she will track him down and warn him to stop setting aside the best of his new stuff for me. The faceted amethysts and jaspers are his fault. <br />
<br />
If you want me to agree to everything you ask, ask me while we are shopping for beads. My son knows this trick already and has been pretty good at squeezing permission from me to go out -- he first hands me a lovely strand, waits for my eyes to glaze over then asks the question. I think his name will be added to the list of people I should not bead shop with. <br />
<br />
Lost for hours in a wonderland that shines and glimmers -- that was how my Saturday went. How was your week-end?Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-17180973934183204762010-08-31T23:16:00.000+08:002010-08-31T23:16:14.909+08:00Learning CurveIn the five months or so that I have been <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/spiral">selling online</a>, these are some of the things that I have learned:<br />
<br />
1. <b>Do not forget why you do what you do.</b><br />
<br />
When I first ventured into making jewelry, all I wanted was to make my own set of Goddess prayer beads. As I said in my <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=18648&op=new&body=2">Artfire Bio Page</a>, that little, seemingly harmless "experiment" has turned into a passion for making beautiful things that other people can wear. I make jewelry because I love jewelry -- and I love them because a favorite piece always brightens my day when I put it on no matter how gloomy it is outside (or inside me). I realized that I found fullfilment in making something by hand that has the ability to make someone feel good about themselves, to add a bit to their confidence, uplift their mood or simply make them smile. I make jewelry because it is a way for me to reach out to people I will probably never cross paths with and let them know that they are special and that they are beautiful. This is why I do what I do. To forget this would kill my passion for this creative endeavor and could, in effect, kill my muse. <br />
<br />
2. <b>Do not undervalue yourself.</b><br />
<br />
Agonizing, this one. Pricing is such a delicate matter when one decides to sell what one makes. For me, the agony has gone beyond hitting the right formula to get the perfect price -- it has been (and continues to be) an ongoing battle between my inner critic telling me my work is not worth that much and the higher me that insists I am deserving of more. Happily for me, the one that says I am worth it wins most of the time. But it is still a struggle. Does this happen to you?<br />
<br />
It is important that we don't undervalue our work as it is a reflection of ourselves. This has nothing to do at all about humility -- but it has everything to do with pride in your work and loving yourself.<br />
<br />
3. <b>Your competition isn't who you think it is</b>.<br />
<br />
Who do you compete with? Who are your major competitors?<br />
<br />
With the variety of tastes and styles in the market and the number of talented artisans that cater to each one, competition in the form of other jewelry artisans should not be my problem. My problem should be creating pieces that I love and getting them out to people who I know will love them as well. There are plenty of jewelry artisans out there but I no longer see them as competition -- rather, I see them as partners who will help satisfy a market segment that I can't cater to simply because what they want is not what I make. I will, however, compete against myself -- so that those who like my work will continue to get the best of what I can give them.<br />
<br />
4. <b>There is no shame in saying your name.</b><br />
<br />
Having been raised in a culture where tooting one's own horn is considered bad form, I had a hard time finding my voice and saying my name out loud. I used to be very shy about promoting my work. Heck, for some time only my close friends knew that I made jewelry and to this day, only a handful of them know that I paint and collage. I have just started to unlearn this -- and I am unlearning it fast. It is not bad form to show the world what you can do -- keeping it to yourself and not allowing anyone to share in it is.<br />
<br />
What's your name? What do you do? Tell me so I can tell the next person so they can say your name too.Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-55949186478868239292010-08-23T23:29:00.001+08:002010-08-25T00:38:24.871+08:00Four Letter Words: DARELook around the <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1707306">corner</a> and go see what's on the other side. You might be pleasantly surprised at what you find.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWtIA3OJyEr5YOAfhvkCHpt7kVMEicyuJukNEvh-oWld9o8RZz8a0LCfIwFif4C8EJI-JJQJo9o_GEXqrCDxy2HclN5vDzeN-Eud5qXQYA0nuM01coe9UDPfquP9o-UwKgpNtYr1LOyo/s1600/dare1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiWtIA3OJyEr5YOAfhvkCHpt7kVMEicyuJukNEvh-oWld9o8RZz8a0LCfIwFif4C8EJI-JJQJo9o_GEXqrCDxy2HclN5vDzeN-Eud5qXQYA0nuM01coe9UDPfquP9o-UwKgpNtYr1LOyo/s320/dare1.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Smile at the person standing next to you in line. Don't worry about looking foolish. Think about what could happen if they <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=651928">smile back</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduvD1Rn1fSxnslkXoku-U5-G5WQ8020xdRiNc75MgTBFBF1KenbO3Tm045l_SZ2P2TrnHUJJ0pQ3Vt8_0m2OOeTAnADVrVsGkzOx9DbsrB2aC23SF6Q0dIC5mGZtxAbH42OxRii1i5SY/s1600/dare4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjduvD1Rn1fSxnslkXoku-U5-G5WQ8020xdRiNc75MgTBFBF1KenbO3Tm045l_SZ2P2TrnHUJJ0pQ3Vt8_0m2OOeTAnADVrVsGkzOx9DbsrB2aC23SF6Q0dIC5mGZtxAbH42OxRii1i5SY/s320/dare4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Take a new route to work today. Take a new route home. Don't see it as a deviation but as an <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=883830">adventure</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACy4Kj99pW9nweEklulLH0w3YhC2dk_-j_z3RXliTAyI_1RfUFhyphenhypheni4cxFmylWcaQm22F_zXXTbGSxzxxrDmGRnJJslw6ujkTo0OcaB7bKSHnu2slvUOBRuNdmVnpyf1F-FAEjP57QnXY/s1600/dare2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACy4Kj99pW9nweEklulLH0w3YhC2dk_-j_z3RXliTAyI_1RfUFhyphenhypheni4cxFmylWcaQm22F_zXXTbGSxzxxrDmGRnJJslw6ujkTo0OcaB7bKSHnu2slvUOBRuNdmVnpyf1F-FAEjP57QnXY/s320/dare2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Wear that outfit you've been keeping in your closet for so long - who cares what other people say. You've been wanting to wear it because it is so <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=241454">YOU</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhvX_F7zUsfUubi8zeKCe1JTT8vfkUz4Komot8iEoJtfz-4RyjPha-t5n7KjPvsc-fxpenrYpiVkfVhrJ2gehSPRfVUgNyxpyMUgf_EaQMWpa53Ub1MGokAyggsDvkG7Dv0mkovT6PHM/s1600/dare3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhvX_F7zUsfUubi8zeKCe1JTT8vfkUz4Komot8iEoJtfz-4RyjPha-t5n7KjPvsc-fxpenrYpiVkfVhrJ2gehSPRfVUgNyxpyMUgf_EaQMWpa53Ub1MGokAyggsDvkG7Dv0mkovT6PHM/s320/dare3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1405721">Tell </a>someone how much they mean to you. They've probably been waiting to hear it for a long time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1IpdvPRRPMsS5GqucOZd7_oiHpKjFesmb1kzI2i4ze-hqP5kebSOrGZOHlcm4jCCHRE6u2nDKidkbIljSFB3gQktBkrqDBVcfjJ85ur3yp8kHpktvR1SM3oDAZCp9VNpGmTGtdHgNyA/s1600/dare7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1IpdvPRRPMsS5GqucOZd7_oiHpKjFesmb1kzI2i4ze-hqP5kebSOrGZOHlcm4jCCHRE6u2nDKidkbIljSFB3gQktBkrqDBVcfjJ85ur3yp8kHpktvR1SM3oDAZCp9VNpGmTGtdHgNyA/s320/dare7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Just for today, look at that <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=56841">dream </a>straight in the eye and take the first step to make it real. Who knows, the rest of the steps you need to take, not apparent for now, might just appear.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFhryhyphenhyphenCWo3Ol-XvWeoT-Gg8KZLgjWHj7LVNXFgNYD8f3buFE5EdptmQeYONBURaDAg_wSUwc_2SlKEFsjy46TXvA-WJPMNhD8sWHm1q4npaLqUgSpJjzfPK-OrQFP8nDPi3VsWPG52M/s1600/dare6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFhryhyphenhyphenCWo3Ol-XvWeoT-Gg8KZLgjWHj7LVNXFgNYD8f3buFE5EdptmQeYONBURaDAg_wSUwc_2SlKEFsjy46TXvA-WJPMNhD8sWHm1q4npaLqUgSpJjzfPK-OrQFP8nDPi3VsWPG52M/s320/dare6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
(Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2073398181717286001.post-72911356714789443082010-08-09T23:47:00.000+08:002010-08-09T23:47:08.157+08:00August Sale and New CollectionsJust as I was working on my August promo, a wonderful artisan over at Artfire, <a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/cctexan3">CCTexan3</a>, suggested that we revive the Artfire Stimulus Sale this month. Well, I love a sale and I especially love an activity that is fun so I jumped right in.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>There are tons of great items on the <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?sterm=afss&name=hypersearch&cb=8">AFSS pages</a> -- from <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?sinclude=jewelry&sexclude=&sort_cats=0&submit=Submit&name=hypersearch&display=20&view=0&price_low=&price_high=&cb=8&view=0&sterm=afss">jewelry</a>, to <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?sinclude=supplies&sexclude=&sort_cats=0&submit=Submit&name=hypersearch&display=20&view=0&price_low=&price_high=&cb=8&view=0&sterm=afss">supplies</a>, to <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?sinclude=vintage&sexclude=&sort_cats=0&submit=Submit&name=hypersearch&display=20&view=0&price_low=&price_high=&cb=8&view=0&sterm=afss">vintage</a> items, <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?sinclude=fine+art&sexclude=&sort_cats=0&submit=Submit&name=hypersearch&display=20&view=0&price_low=&price_high=&cb=8&view=0&sterm=afss">art</a> work, beautiful <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?sinclude=photographs+prints&sexclude=&sort_cats=0&submit=Submit&name=hypersearch&display=20&view=0&price_low=&price_high=&cb=8&view=0&sterm=afss">photographs and prints</a>, <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?sinclude=beauty&sexclude=&sort_cats=0&submit=Submit&name=hypersearch&display=20&view=0&price_low=&price_high=&cb=8&view=0&sterm=afss">bath </a>and body products -- the list just goes on and on. Simply type in AFSS on "Search" and allow yourself to be surprised and delighted by the great discounts offered by so many artisans. I have put up a few of my items on sale -- some discounted by up to $10.00 off their original price. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBESHxgnINNZz1IzfTR-GyJ96WXHISV_aKvv08PehNK1BgjcXbAfCeS0srpg9qcQ2Zg7aJkkcj-56Dbw16gN7pOA6gDP6AfvJSUCF1RTLnw-5iQ0553tqkHpjXESImV0-CoYPViLYT6g/s1600/P1010356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBESHxgnINNZz1IzfTR-GyJ96WXHISV_aKvv08PehNK1BgjcXbAfCeS0srpg9qcQ2Zg7aJkkcj-56Dbw16gN7pOA6gDP6AfvJSUCF1RTLnw-5iQ0553tqkHpjXESImV0-CoYPViLYT6g/s200/P1010356.JPG" width="173" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-tzOMopoI0F7UN_38rLgF_IYpMhytiFH_Xni9dj4qC3GszFVM_ktPEPs_cfEqD-1mB2u-NCe7v4_mEqMZ_cB86ZgP5M2dOVySahMD29o6e_b-wONr5fW8bq4QqGrd0Ffsxhbny1Fsl4/s1600/P1010371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-tzOMopoI0F7UN_38rLgF_IYpMhytiFH_Xni9dj4qC3GszFVM_ktPEPs_cfEqD-1mB2u-NCe7v4_mEqMZ_cB86ZgP5M2dOVySahMD29o6e_b-wONr5fW8bq4QqGrd0Ffsxhbny1Fsl4/s200/P1010371.JPG" width="172" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5pw6DHevWkOCLuREUIVKx0-yv5eeebJrG-IWZXLWNIXHJEejR_D2GPFpFxxjEOWEdVy1a4hrfQwBRrnogoOW5ium1lvDK1RUstxgeZQuan48wco7CvqWisrem8FBU1KRDO_FcwjZMKI/s1600/P1010537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5pw6DHevWkOCLuREUIVKx0-yv5eeebJrG-IWZXLWNIXHJEejR_D2GPFpFxxjEOWEdVy1a4hrfQwBRrnogoOW5ium1lvDK1RUstxgeZQuan48wco7CvqWisrem8FBU1KRDO_FcwjZMKI/s200/P1010537.JPG" width="200" /></a></div><br />
Last week, <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Buy">Artfire</a> also launched the Artfire Collections and members are now allowed to publish their own collections for everyone to see! I've put up a few and in doing so, I've discovered just how talented the people on Artfire really are. There are a lot of lovely things to choose from and as I made one collection, another idea for a new one popped right up. Making the collections was a sure eye opener for me in terms of spotting talent on Artfire. Here are a couple for you to check out: <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=collections&op=details&cid=492">Vintage Runway</a> and <a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=collections&op=details&cid=381">It's About Time</a>.<br />
<br />
August looks like a super busy month for me. I'll be putting up new items in my shop, visiting an interesting place in town that I will share with you and of course, I'll continue with posting the Four-Letter Words. Hope the rains over here in Manila don't dampen my spirits!Sharlenehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16017207183298066864noreply@blogger.com0