Made. It. Myself

Having graduated from fashion design, fashion still remain as a passion of mine.

Although i rarely sew my own clothes, one thing for sure, i love making my own accessories.

I usually gather trinkets, buttons, charms, anything that i find interesting really, only to turn them into something wearable. Accessories are a great way to individualize your look, yes?
 

wallpaper cut-out butterfly earrings

 wrap bracelet tutorial + crafting-themed charms

 hardware-themed charms + hook = earrings

wrap bracelet tutorial + old "lucky" charms

box braid necklace tutorial

earphone-cord-holder + hook = earrings

clip-on earrings + gold chain = collar clips

vintage buttons + gold chains = earrings

mobile-phone-strap + old ring

gold chain + mail-folder-style rattan clutch

my new (celebrity) friend

My sister-in-law, Susy, was in excitement for having a couple-friend from Philippines to stay over at her place a week ago. 

This particular visit was different from the others because the guy was the youngest son of their close friend/pastor and his wife was a Filipino celebrity/presenter. I have heard of them before and even watched their touching wedding video which coincidentally took place not long after ours.

Upon meeting them the first time over breakfast at my sis-in-law's, i was keen to find out that Rica, the wife, got excited over coffee and bread, like i did. When lunch followed, however, i had found myself uncomfortable due to the fact of having to bow my face eating noodle while having a runny nose and wearing glasses on a particularly hot day. I'm sure i was not prepped for chit-chat while looking so unfriendly now that i think about it *haha*. 

It was the next day that i began to notice more of me and Rica's similar fondness for things, when my sis-in-law asked me where she should take them to see an old & historic part of Jakarta that was a favorite of Rica's. I suggested Kota Tua and Batavia Hotel right-away.

When they came over at our place later that night, our chat went frenzy. Similar interests between us proves to be an endless conversation subject. She was bubbly, intelligent, beautiful and funny. The sort of person you can't help but liking instantly. I was very happy to discover she went gaga over the wallets i make too.  It was one of those nights when you knew you've made a new friend and felt so excited upon discovering her, you just had to restrain yourself from freaking her out otherwise.

Few days later, when she's back in Philippines, Rica sent me her blog link (yes, she blogs too!) which features me along her other trip highlights in Indonesia. 

read it here

It totally made my day.

Her generous words and beautiful photos are just like a reflection of her personality, and
i'm glad to know she felt she had found a sister of a "kindred spirit" too. Thank you Rica and please come again soon to Jakarta!

tobucil's crafty days #6

more info, click here

Hard to believe it's been almost a year since my first craft fair at tobucil.

If last year, it was all about me, me & me (you know how nervous being a first-timer is right?), this time i decided to come with a different mindset. More than anything else, I want to fully experience the love of creativity of the handmade community. 

The chance to see what other creative brains come up with always baffle me, not to mention i don't meet most of the crafters here at other craft fairs in Jakarta.

Tobucil's Crafty Days is a different kind of craft fair because it strictly selects and curates its tenants every year. There's that sense of "freshness-guaranteed" albeit its small-size and traditional feel. 

It also felt nostalgic.

It reminds me of how much experience i have gained over the past 12 months and that i wanted to remain "thirsty" for more. I feel comfortable being in this circle of people and it influences the way I socialize with the other crafters too. No more awkwardness and self-conscious instead I was relaxed, honest and sincere. That was important for me. 

Now, the best part about it... the affordable handmade products!

I only managed to get my hands on these ones because they're truly one-of-a-kind and that i slept thinking about them after the first day. (Oh, well...).

For the rest, i'm planning to keep them under my radar and hopefully see them again next year. Till then, i'm gonna be parading these babies at home and everywhere...

travel journal w/ hand-drawn cover from journ(al)ey

pretty painted paper-beads bracelet from lilliline

fabric embroidery-hoop wall art from scrappetizer

paper-mache chicken money box from miming&meyliana, fruit&veggie felt magnets from bengkel kriya imut, and rainbow mobile phone-strap from gondangdia afterwork

hand-knitted bag, porcelain ring&buttons, and patchwork from sekarepe