Saturday, November 22, 2008

DIY: White on White X'mas Tags





5 top reasons why I've hesitated putting up tutorials on my blog. This is what I imagine readers think:

1) It's so damn easy, anyone could do it. We don't need to see it step by step!
2) A million people have done it, aren't you a little sloooowww?
3) You have like 50 views on your blog in a year. Who do you imagine teaching?
4) I saw this before in a book! Are you plagiarizing without any guilt?
5) Are those your nails? You need a manicure badly girl.

Today I finally overcome my silly fears and am putting up some photos and steps to show you how to make some freaking simple X'mas tags. White on white remains a true classic, and with the contrast of textures, you'll find that tracing paper can often be more delightfully used than mere trace work.


There will be steps to show you 2 tags made from the same materials. Really simple. Easy-peasy. :)



An overview of the materials needed. I am using tracing paper and a metallic white cardstock to create some shimmery snowflakes



Cut cardstock and tracing paper to preferred size. Mine's 6 by 15cm (2.5" by 6")



Use a 1-eye hole punch to create openings on both ends of the short side.



Cut ribbon lengths of approx. 18-20cm. Seal the sides with a lighter to prevent fraying.







Tie a flat knot. It's easier to use a double-sided ribbon, but if you use one sided ribbons, it might be worth looking at a simple tutorial on flat knots here.



Almost done. Just 1 more step.



Use a punch with a X'mas motif. I have one with a snowflake. Punch snowflakes on the tracing paper, as and where you please. DONE!!!!



Now we're off the 2nd tag.




Fold cardstock and tracing paper into halves.



Create cut-outs with punch.



Cut ribbon to length of approx. 15 cm. Put double sided tape on 1 end.



Secure both tracing paper and cardstock with ribbon.



Done!!!



Yayyy!!!

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Another Fine Day! Featured in Scoutie Girl!




I woke up yesterday and had the most lovely surprise (it's as good as a surprise party I'm telling you...) I had a message from Jan, talented textile designer behind Daisy Janie, and writer at Scoutie Girl, which features fabulous finds from indie designers and artists. It was a really encouraging message and she told me she wrote about my cards in her blog. I couldn't believe my eyes and started jumping up and down. Normally I would snooze a little after checking my emails, but yesterday's was a tip-tap morning in the kitchen. I fixed a quick breakfast, and got back to my desk to re-read it again! Woooah! It's real!

You could read more about the feature here. I am very grateful to have Miu~ written about. While she doesn't yearn for excessive fame and attention, she's glad that more people are reading about some of her stories.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Hip Hip Hooray! Miu~ off to a new home...



I'm so excited I sold my first Miu~ card. It's one of my favorite too. Have been keeping busy with card making. It turns out to be really relaxing and therapeutic. Honestly, I had been so distracted and busy with so other things (somewhat unimportant) and got so focused on my pregnant woes that I have forgotten the joy of crafting and baking. I'm so glad to be in touch again.

Here are some photos of my creations. Though tedious to make, it's loads of fun matching the colors and cutting minute pieces of fabrics.










I also have a very bad habit of tracking the number of views of each card on Etsy. Well, I don't get many views in my store to start with, but it keeps me excited and all hyped up about which card has the most appeal, even if it tops the chart by a mere 5-10 views.

Okie, I think it's time to start thinking of a new series. The last (and only) series is sofa-centric. I'm hoping to start something for the kitchen and bedroom. Time to start drawing again! There's always a big inertia for me to start sketching. I guess I'm more of a penknife-and-scissors than a pen-and-pencil person.

Really glad someone bought a card from me! I hope I have a happy customer. Can't wait for the card to reach its new home miles away.