erase and repeat

happy ♥ day!

2010-02-14T11:16:00.002+08:00

Some of my fave shots from our outdoor shoot prior to the wedding... Thought today might be the perfect day to share with you guys :) Happy Valentine's and a happy lunar new year!

p/s yes, we're married! will share pics once i get my hands on them

Ho ho ho!

2009-12-25T22:29:00.005+08:00

{via Jackie Rueda}

Merry merry Christmas!!! Can't quite believe we are here in December again and that its going to be 2010 in a few more days! Wowww!

How have your december been? Are you done with the mad rush of holiday sales and gift buying? Are some of you making 2010 resolutions already?

I for one am counting down the days till 30th January instead of the end of year. And I look forward to start writing in again after that eventful date since my major to-do list will disintegrate after :p I have been such a bad blogger now, haven't I? I really missed you, my friends, hope you have not given up on me yet...

Til then, load up on the festive goodies and enjoy the rest of 2009!

xo.
sina

Possibilities

2009-11-20T15:41:00.004+08:00

via {polkadotnadplaid}

Silent Contentment

2009-10-29T22:19:00.002+08:00

Aptly titled, if only... via mayalu

Hello!

2009-08-09T19:02:00.009+08:00

{via}

Well, hi there!

I'm still here, albeit a little off the radar... I totally didn't mean to disappear like that but life's been getting a hold of me.

And whatever time left has been filled with all things Michael Jackson. Yes, I must admit it. It has become quite the consuming obsession since his passing. Any and every time you find me in front of the computer after work, i would be engrossed watching videos of him. And i prolly see this at least once each day, go take a look, the kids are so sweet! But on a serious note, i truly feel he is one of the most misunderstood and most talented person ever.

And the only creating I have done lately has been fulfilling orders and a large order for a local make-up artiste. Where has my groove gone?!

Aye aye aye... Well, here's a few links to share;

- oh so cute!
- very interesting video, really makes you think about what formal education does to the creative mind
- to ponder
- super excited with my newest buy!
- and i totally can't wait for this movie to be out, Zooey Deschanel makes me wants to wear pretty dresses all day, everyday

You will be missed...

2009-07-05T17:18:00.002+08:00

{via}

Let's make tent!

2009-06-15T12:42:00.005+08:00

I enjoy browsing designs of boutique hotels where each and every room brings you a totally varying experience. And then I came across Hotel Fox from Copenhagen. Especially that one at the bottom called sleep seasons! How cool to have a tent-liked bed in a hotel room? You could like ..ahem set up tent and sleep in the 'wild' and have a pretty jolly time with the room service :p

And if you can't make it to Copenhagen (like me), you might just want to improvise in your living room, like Katie did here.

Things to do this weekend...

2009-06-14T09:34:00.000+08:00

{via}

Collage ladies

2009-06-13T12:35:00.003+08:00

"Kat Macleod’s collage ladies will inspire confusing feelings of wardrobe envy, even though they are drawings and not people. She finds fashion, textiles, new art supplies and old books inspiring."

I'm totally loving this series of collage illustrations from Kat Macleod, hailing from Australia. I could not find if there is a particular outlet where she's selling these directly but they are for sale here. Smitten!

Item of the day!

2009-06-12T21:04:00.005+08:00

Have you heard of Etsy Item of the Day?

Nope, I'm not referring to the daily email subscription from Etsy, what I am referring to here is a blog run a lovely lady, where she pick and choose to feature one Etsy item a day. Since there are so so many shops on Etsy, its so easy to get buried on the site itself. Thus i totally love the idea of Jackie's blog. And today, she picked my satin flower headband to feature! wooooot!

Go right on over to see what she has to say about eraseandrepeat and for more picks from Jackie.

Word art for your walls

2009-06-07T18:13:00.003+08:00

Lovely word art for your walls via {studio mela}

Love!

2009-06-02T21:08:00.006+08:00

Totally smitten with this set of labels!

From the uber talented Yasmine of a print day, you can drop by here to download. Its gonna take me some willpower not to print like 50 pages of the notepad portion and make a set for myself. And the rounds labels on sticker paper... And the labels on cardstock coz you never know when you might need some in hand, ya know? Love, love, love...

Exciting news this monday...

2009-06-02T00:47:00.008+08:00

This week is set to be an exciting one!

First of all, I got accepted for the exhibit over at paperNstitch for month of June and half of July *squee* I have always coveted the lovely shops on display and am so excited to be one of them this month! For those not familiar, paperNstitch is a curated online exhibition space for handmade goodies that changes each month. Go over for a peek, there's over 60 shops showcased this month with a whole variety of items for sale.

And get this - The shop with the most hearts each month wins a month on papernstitch for free AND also a cash prize! Makes it that more exciting, eh? So if you like what you see, click on the heart and send me some loving, won't you? :)

And the second news, i officially start my 9-6 again this week! Although I don't look forward to the morning rush hour, i am so looking forward to the steady income :p Its kind of a flexi arrangement, so i will be working about 4 days a week and the remaining time will be dedicated for eraseandrepeat making. Its something I have been wanting to do for a while and am so delighted to have this opportunity now.

How's that for exciting news on a Monday? *wink*

Daydreaming

2009-05-31T23:47:00.007+08:00

I have to say working on bridal pieces is prolly my favourite of all. As i watch the pieces come together, I often daydream how the same pieces will someday be accompanying a girl on her big day somewhere in another part of the world, and I dream the different settings and themes and wonder what sort of hairdo she'll have, what sort of jewelry she will wear, how her gown might look like... heeee, it sounds a little silly but all this daydreaming makes me deliriously happy!

Lately, I have also been thinking of some designs for my own outdoor pre-wedding shoot (similiar to the engagement photos in the States) Hmmm... looks like it might be time to play with more feathers and dream a little more.

Do the snail mail

2009-05-30T03:57:00.007+08:00

Some weeks ago, Clarie drop me a mail to introduce her works and also this range of hand drawn postcards. Turns out she's a fellow artist in Singapore! Together with her sister, they run an online store runrave, where they have a smorgasbord of jewelry, clay figurines, wedding favors and then some.

These few postcards caught my fancy, and i do think it will be lovely as a thank you note for a wedding. Don't you think?

Of journal and journaling

2009-05-28T17:19:00.007+08:00

A blank page awaits...

I have been trying (very hard, i might add) to start journaling on a consistent basis; ie everyday. But try as I might, it seems so difficult to pick up the journal and start writing..hmmm...

So in a spur of the moment, I decided that I should make myself one. What could be more inspiring than writing in your own hand-bound, self-decorated journal right? So in the middle of the night, I literally pick up bits and pieces from the table and glue them down. I had started on some signatures way back from a blank notepad so that came very handy for the body. My usual perfectionist tendencies was left behind on this project as I allow myself to venture out of my analytical mind and focus more of the colours and textures - trying new things that i don't normally think would look good together. And even though it looks kind of haphazard in a way, i'm pretty satisfied with the outcome.

Now the next step is to errrr.. actually start writing in it... :p

Let's play in the rain!

2009-05-24T01:50:00.005+08:00

lovely image from here

In the midst of the crazy heat and sudden downpours, this week seemed to have flown by without me realising... and its going to be June soon! Wow, time sure flies when you're having fun eh?

Here's a quick share of my link loves for the week

♥ a new fave blog

♥ Creativitae's first giveaway, awesome loot to be won!

♥ love everything in this shop here

♥ inspiring interview with Carolyn over at Makeunder my life

♥ having this playing in my head over and over

♥ falling in love with Tara's flickr stream

Have a lovely weekend folks! Esp you guys over in the US, enjoy the long weekend :)

Its in colour!

2009-05-19T01:19:00.002+08:00

So how do you likey the spanking new design and layout?

I've been working my very rusty hands on photoshop this couple of days and spend the whole day today playing with the mouse and going crossed eyed with the blog's html codes. The last I editted codes was prolly 6 years ago! Been wanting to switch to a 3 column layout for a while now and finally managed to find a clear tute today that works. I'm a happy bear! And i totally went crazy with the colours, didn't I? :p Well, looking at them makes me happy so I guess it'll stay for a while :))

And while at it, I totally started a brand new blog. I have been wistfully looking at tumblr journals this past few weeks and they all look so fresh and interesting. So i jumped on the bandwagon and started Words to Inspire for my own personal inspiration. I love collecting quotes and anecdotes and have trouble keeping them in one place, so tumblr is perfect! And of course, I can't resist adding some yummy pictures that I came across as well :)

Very productive day indeed...

Drool-worthy

2009-05-15T23:29:00.004+08:00

Like how totally gorgeous are these? And i mean both the photography and couple. I was pretty sure they were models, but it seems they're not.

Excuse me while i go drool somemore...

{via smitten}

So this thing about clutter : Part 2

2009-05-15T16:09:00.010+08:00

a cross stitch I did when i was about 9/10, uncovered in the last clean-up

So its been 2 weeks since my last post on my major overhaul on the cluttered homefront. I said "For the first time ever, i am making a conscious decision to keep at this and de-clutter my space. To be more present with the choices i make daily. "

15 days later, where do I stand?

I'm elated to share that I have been consciously keeping at this neatness 'thing'. For the first time in prolly forever, I have been making my bed everyday. Every single day. My dresser that used to be overrun by my beauty products is still neat and everything has been going back to its own little nook. My study has also maintained its status where I can actually see the table surface now. I have been somewhat conscious with my choices daily and wow, what a difference it makes!

And this newfound freedom has took on other areas in my life ~ like the computer. I have finally set up folders so that my daily subscription emails goes to their own and I can check on them when I want to, instead of having to weed through every one of them. So simple, yet so easy to overlook.

Other small steps I have taken includes registering my domain name for Erase and Repeat. Even if it only links to the etsy shop for the moment, it's a step nonetheless in the right direction :) Perhaps its time to work on a webpage eh? For now I'm working on my namecard design in preparation for my first craft booth at MAAD come July! Yes, I have send in my reservation, hopefully it gets approved. Now buzzing with 101 ideas on things to make :)

These are but some of the things that has been on my mind and to do list for a while now. Taking action is always hard for me for the first few times, but I do think it gets easier the more I flex that DO muscle. Now i need to take up the courage to do more from that list...

Safe to say, I have been feeling more in my game, even when I have had less than motivational thoughts in the wee hours of the morning. Like Aimee said, perhaps its a creative tension that I'm feeling as I'm stretching my wings and learning to fly. Slowly but sure, uh?

Oh, and I attended my third yoga class yesterday and I'm loving it! Friends of mine would know that I have been talking about taking up yoga for soooo long now. Well, I have finally signed up and started and boy, does it feel good :) I'm not a athletic person, so yoga and stretching myself into weird positions is totally up my alley!

I shall end this post with a tweet I just read from Robin Sharma ~

"It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare. It is because we do not dare that things are difficult." Seneca

Aaaaaaaahhh, perpective :)

Of thoughts at 3 in the morning...

2009-05-12T02:38:00.006+08:00

If you have been following closely, you'd have noticed that i've been very steadily producing new pieces in the last 2 weeks ~ jewellery, hair pieces, bridal pieces. I think i finally got the groove going, wooot!

Moving into the craft room have definitely provided a great boost in the productivity area. I'm finally able to separate work and rest and concentrate on both! (Even if i'm still sleeping at 5 in the morning) It has also been exhilarating not to contain myself to only making brooches or hairpieces and exploring and venturing and doing more. I have had a lot of fun witht the new pieces and i'd love to hear if any of you have got any feedback on them :)

And lately i also noticed something a lil' weird that made me think if i'm going a little crazy.

I will be very happily producing and creating and making things during the day and evening. But at the wee hours that i'm up (like now), i tend to get very emotionally charged. For no reasons it seemed, i tend to dwell. On the past. On the future. On whether i should be getting a proper job. On what sort of job i should be doing. On whether sales will pick up. On things to make. On the goals i should be making. On the ones i made. On the things i ought to be doing.

And i drive myself crazy with these thoughts!

Even though i have not for once regretted leaving my well paying job to venture on a more soulful ambition, I wonder. I question the future. And sometimes i get upset. Not to get all negative nancy on you, but i scare myself a little sometimes, you know. With my own thoughts. And its not that i'm unhappy, this is prolly the happiest i've been in a while. I am certain that the corporate world is not for me. I know that this is what i want to be doing. So why oh why am i feeling like this?!

Aaahhhhh, the things i think about at 3 in the morning... do you think i'm going crazy?

Current favourites...

2009-05-12T02:19:00.003+08:00

My current flickr faves, such a girly collection!

1. mein decor8 moodboard contest!, 2. 'twas whispered in Heaven...,

3. precious things, 4. Untitled, 5. happiness is..., 6. Untitled,

7. Sugar*Sugar Giveaway!!, 8. vintage trims, 9. this is like a candy shop to me....

I want...

2009-05-10T20:08:00.003+08:00

How lovely would these be, all stacked nicely like that in my ahemm 'new' craft room? Esp love the fabric of the first and third and that little pocket inside!

75 € each (!) from here

What I've been up to this week...

2009-05-09T00:18:00.005+08:00

Been making time to make more jewelery; necklaces and earrings for now. Trying new things, making use of my stash of old and new and falling in love with the shiny sparkling world of semi-precious stones and Czech glass beads...

Have a lovely weekend now!

xo.

The Great Gatsby

2009-05-06T20:10:00.003+08:00

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine requested for a custom feather hairpiece for a theme party she was throwing. I had been till then, a little aprrehensive to try them for reasons that i myself cannot fathom but tried I did. And henceforth came all the feathery goodness in the lil' shop now. Feathers are so much fun! So much thanks to E for making me get off my butt and get cracking (no pun intended)

And this is her hairpiece, black feathers - checked, full on glam - checked, 3D effect - errr, didn't quite materialised (!) lol...

Words to Inspire

2009-05-06T14:17:00.004+08:00

“ we are [all] artists, and life, itself, is our medium "

~ joseph goldstoin

Re-framed

2009-05-04T12:42:00.003+08:00

I've been re-taking and re-framing my product shots, trying to make it a little more exciting and not so flat. The above are some of my faves. And all the 'treasures' that i found whilst clearing the old room came to be such good props!

My mind is swirling with so many ideas and so many new things to make now. Somehow 24 hrs is still not sufficient... gahhh

So this thing about clutter...

2009-05-01T01:45:00.015+08:00

This whole week has been all about spring cleaning and de-cluttering for me...

And for someone who really doesn't like cleaning, that took quite a bit of dedication i must say. It all started when i decided to finally sort/clean/organise my old room ~ to try and do up a craft nook where i can create and store all my craft stuff. Stuffs that has literally took over my bedroom. I'm not kidding when i say it was getting nauseating to be in the bedroom for such a long period of time everyday. And not very inspiring either.

The mission was simple. Just throw all the junk that i have not been using, clean a little (or a lot in this case) and make do for the next 9 months or so. But for the life of me, i didn't expect it to be so liberating! I seriously feel like a brand new person now with two clean and (fairly) organised room :) I guess i didn't quite realised how the space that you spend so much time in really can influence you (even though i have heard it way too many times before and yes, i am a trained Interior designer, damnit)

So the cleaning and throwing spree started last Sunday where i went through things from a decade ago and got snapping with the camera...

Top is my mom looking oh so pretty,

bottom left is yours truly prolly at 5/6 yrs old and

on the right is my eldest brother at his kindergarten graduation!

all the badges i received from NPCC in secondary (high) school

our family old Kodak! used to take this to excursions :)

errrm, unwashed water color palette from 5 years ago?!

makes a good picture though :p

There's many more from where that came from, see the whole collection in my flickr set.

And tonight, some stars in the universe must have aligned as i was switching channels on the telly, only to land on the Oprah's Clean up your Messy house tour!!! Did someone set me up? C'mon you guys, own up! LOL. It was a real interesting episode i must say. And of course, i had to go and find out more about this Peter Walsh guy and look what i found... This Is the Year to De-Clutter Your Life. Hello, story of my life!

I knew that I needed a kick in the rear to up and get organised not just at home but generally in life. To start taking actions instead of just planning. To make that first,second and the third steps after. For the first time ever, i am making a conscious decision to keep at this and de-clutter my space. To be more present with the choices i make daily. And to be honest, I have already started to feel more at peace than before. Peter mentioned that to have an organized and clutter free home and ultimately life, you need to honor and respect the space you have. WOW, what a thought! That is something they don't teach you in design school now.

Well, I'll let you know how it unfolds :) pictures of the new craft area will be up in a few weeks as i slowly put everything together. Exciting!

Featured!

2009-04-24T18:54:00.010+08:00

{image from Poppytalk handmade}

Wooooott! Eraseandrepeat is featured today on Poppytalk handmade for the Mother's day showcase, together with lots of other pretties. Do go over for a peek!

Thanks so much to Jan for including my Candy Pop necklace. I responded to her tweet last night and was pleasantly surprised when i came by her blog today... Okay, i admit i might have let out a tiny squeal :p

Hmmm.. What have I been up to this week? Well, I took a short break early in the week and have since been working on my custom order, making multiple trips to the supplies store and also dreaming of feather hairpieces and hairbands. My fingers are itching to get started on them feathers, can't wait!

Have a lovely weekend you guys!

A little bit of old world charm

2009-04-23T14:11:00.008+08:00

{image from here}

Always always in awe at the things Livy comes up with... this time round its vintage music sheet turned into cones and edged with butterflies! This would be so perfect filled with rose petals for a wedding ceremony in a old chapel. And if you've not been to her blog before, you definitely should be a-visiting. I promise you won't be disappointed :)

Detailed instructions and how tos for the cones published here on Once Wed.

{image from here}

And whilst going click happy on Once Wed, i found this image that looks so perfect to me. How much would i love to be wearing a dress like that! *sigh*

I have a secret message...

2009-04-23T14:03:00.008+08:00

Now, i wouldn't mind receiving one of this... Perhaps taped to the window, next to the study table... A perfect reminder that really, it's okay!

More goodness over at her shop the Sweetie Pie Press

{via design is mine}

Swooning...

2009-04-23T02:03:00.002+08:00

Totally love the styling in this picture! From the walls lined with pages from a vintage(?) book, the flowers in the metal pail, the stacks and stacks of books, the super huge cross stitched frame, and of course the lovely dress, so ethereal!

To read more on the interview with the wedding dress designer, go here. For more eye candy, drop by Elizabeth Dye's website here.

Sparkle sparkle

2009-04-09T19:15:00.004+08:00

Newest addition to my bridal hairpieces. This one comes with a little more sparkle! Can i be a little shameless and say that i love it?

A note i received the other day...

2009-04-07T02:21:00.007+08:00

"hello! i just wanted to let you know that i wear the black heart cross stitched pin almost every day. i love it so very, very much. <3"

she totally made my day!

well, hello there...

2009-04-06T17:14:00.001+08:00

I've been MIA for a bit now, haven't I? Well, let's list a few things i've been up to...

- recovering from my cold (without a trip to the doc's...yayyyy!)

- finding a job

- finding a job and still thinking about what i really want to be doing

- making a scrapbook collection of our awesome memories from the past 4 years for the mister

- celebrating a year since we got engaged

- meeting a potential photographer for the wedding and learning they are wayyyyy too expensive, bummer!

- meeting with the team who are doing up the decor for our reception and being pleasantly surprised :)

- going on a shopping trip for supplies and buying way more things than i need

- thinking about how to improve my Etsy shop and thinking about new items to make (note how its thinking and not making)

- starting new hairpieces but not finishing them

I think i just needed a little break from the online world for a bit there to catch up on some real world activities. And figuring out what to do now that my three month self-imposed break (exile) from work is up.... and the reality of bills, a wedding, a new house and renovations are creeping in... eeeeek!

Pictures above are from our day out in Arab Street. Initial plan to go on a picnic and/or the zoo(!) didn't quite materialise, no thanks to the erratic weather this few weeks. Boohooo... We finally made it out in the afternoon; a short walk clicking about with the Canon and then dinner at our usual place.

Brand new week, brand new to do list. Time to get cracking!

putting on my dancing shoes

2009-04-06T16:05:00.004+08:00

this is so awesome!!! via {capucha}

Spring

2009-03-27T03:00:00.007+08:00

I'm in the midst of fighting off a cold, hence the silence here... Although, rushing off orders and taking photos, editting and listing all the new pieces has totally been taking up the time meant for some rest. I admit to being a little too obssessed with the new collection :p

Here's some of my Flickr favourites for the moment, some eye candy in lovely hues of spring. Enjoy!

1. Rose in Hand, 2. Toast UK, 3. Untitled, 4. Untitled,

5. Untitled, 6. hello there letterpress card, 7. ritzy bee collateral,

8. Untitled, 9. Pink Buttons Frame Clutch

And psssstt, if you have not seen the latest project by Holly (decor8) and Ez (Ceature comforts), you totally should be heading to Kindred. Gorgeous downloadable wallpaper, note cards & gratitude notes awaits! And there's a forum too, perhaps the perfect chance to get to know your fave artists/blogger better.

Poladroid-ing

2009-03-21T12:23:00.008+08:00

The first time i found Poladroid, i couldn't download the application as it was only meant for Mac users at that point. I went again this morning and guess what, now it is! (And i guess for a while already since i have not check in for a bit :p)

So what's a poladroid? Its this nifty application that turns your photos into polaroids!! So much fun! I can totally see myself spending way too much time on this...

And these are part of my newest necklace; layers of tiffany blue silk and a lil' bit of tulle on gold chain, with some swarovski and pearls. Oh, and the toggle clasps is a bird sitting on a branch... can i say i'm in love with that clasp? Had a lot of fun making this series of necklaces. More on my flickr.

Have a great weekend you guys!

Say what..

2009-03-18T21:15:00.004+08:00

Wooott! Eraseandrepeat is currently featured on Creativitae as both the Etsy Love featured shop and also Blog of the week!

Do hop on over for a peek and also perhaps to take another look at my chubby cheeks. Ok, ok, maybe not the cheeks :p Thanks so much to Aimee for the great write up :)

Light and airy

2009-03-16T00:46:00.004+08:00

Newest from the craft table...

I like the airy, floaty feel of the organza flower :) Its the first time i'm trying my hands at making a necklace, and it did take me a little time to adjust to gripping the pliers! But definitely enjoyed making this piece here. More to come... soon-ish!

I got tagged!

2009-03-15T22:08:00.000+08:00

So i've been tagged by Miss Behave with this

and it seems i would need to share a little of my addictions (!!) with you guys... So here we go -

Addiction no.1 - Let's start with the latest one; peanut butter sandwich. Need i explain more?? Esp the stuff that is Skippy swirled with chocolate. Yummmy! But it is way too heaty though. Which sorta explains the huge ulcer i'm nursing now :(

Addiction no.2 - Grey's Anatomy & Gossip Girl. Addicteddddd. Bad. Hurhur... Yes, i must get my weekly dose of the two. But more of Grey's than anything. Damn it Derek, propose already!!

Addiction no.3 - Notebooks, sketchbooks, journals...blank, with lines, grids. Everything that can be written in, i love it and i'm buying it. I have prolly more than 15 journals right now unused, and don't let me get started on the one that i started to write/sketch/doodle in only to move onto the next one ^ -^

Addiction no.4 - Books. My buddy calls me a neurotic reader and perhaps i'm close to being one. Love, love books - novels, inspirational, craft, japanese craft... I'm still waiting for the day that i own a house with a floor to ceiling bookcase and have my collection all nicely stored in :)

Addiction no.5 - I have this habit of touching my hair. And errm.. twirling it. Sometimes. You know one of those irritating people who can't seem to stop touching and twirling their hair? I've become one of them!! Arghhhh.. (even though i still cannot stand looking at them) I think it was the thing i did to my hair. I have naturally frizzy unruly hair that has now been transformed to smooth nice looking curls thanks to my hairdresser, and i can't stop touching it! So i'm kinda addicted to my hair...LOL.. till it grows out i spose.

And to share more addictions, I'm tagging the following peeps whose blogs i enjoy reading,

Akiyo from My Dear Darling

Aimee from Creativitae

Jacq from For the record

Ruth from Sparklethots

Wynn from Zakkaart

So now its your turn to share your addictions, c'mon, let's play along!

Doilies & Buntings

2009-03-12T04:32:00.006+08:00

Buntings of all patterns and colours have been making its way in blogland. I've seen some really lovely ones, like here, here and here. Then i saw this one up here; thrifted doilies on linen - two of my favourite things. So simple yet so pretty!

Made by ravenhill, shop here.

via {whip up}

No words, just gratitude

2009-03-11T18:39:00.009+08:00

WOW...wow....wowww... I don't know what to say but WOW and thank you. You've got to stay with me on this one.

So I started the day by looking at my shop hearts as usual. Ever since the Flora Enchanment has been in the gift guides, it has been bringing in lots of views and hearts (yayy!). So the no. of new hearts didn't quite faze me as it usually would.

Then i received an email from musettemade that she included my Full Bloom in her lovely Plum treasury. This obviously made me a pretty happy girl...

and i thought that was it. Till i came across this new link from one of my contacts on Twitter. Its a new site that helps you track if and when you're featured in a treasury. Definitely beats going through the Etsy treasury list and wishing and looking for a gold or silver star! So of course i had to try it out. And then this happen...

Eraseandrepeat is featured in 4 treasuries?? At the present moment? For real?! I was so excited i tell you... and so off i went checking in on all the treasuries and my works were featured just as the website said. Now say it with me, Wowww!

I am so thrilled and so honoured that there are people out there who like my works. Oh my, its still kinda surreal sometimes. So here we go, these are the treasuries that i must share....

by musettemade
by illuminatedperfume

by decoratethediva

by poppylove

All images link back to the treasuries on Etsy, while they're still there.

So all you Etsy sellers out there, go ahead and try the fabulous new link. It might just make your day as it just did mine ♥

A customised piece

2009-03-10T22:23:00.007+08:00

A customised piece for a returning customer, who had previously bought my silk flower hairpin. This time round, she wanted a customised piece to go with a costume that she had, hence the new burst of colours.

I managed to find 2 beautiful shades that i thought would go well together with the light blue. I have to admit, I had a little doubt that the colours were too bold, too bright to be put together. But once I got started, it just fell together nicely.

Hope you'll like it Amy :)

Now I'm daring to experiment with more bold colour choices!

c'mon let's dance!

2009-03-09T15:37:00.002+08:00

Now wouldn't this have made your Monday? Esp if you were on your dreary way to work?

via {capucha}, via{lifeforsharing}

Giveaway at danni's

2009-03-06T23:17:00.005+08:00

psssssssssttt... the lovely Danni from ohhellofriend has organised another great giveaway again!

Look at all those yummy goodies. And they are all from different shops participating. Isn't that great? So, what are you waiting for? Go, go, go!

Nostalgic whimsy

2009-03-06T23:08:00.007+08:00

Wait. What??? Doesn't that look mighty familiar now? weeeeeeeeeeeeeee... Eraseandrepeat is on the gift page again!! I nearly choked my peanut butter sandwich (a new midnight addiction i must must have, so much for losing weight!) when i saw it on the frontpage, esp because it was at that top left corner *smiles like crazy* Makes me just want to go round hugging the Etsy admins.

And we were also featured on Cuteable a few days back, here. Great way to end the week uh? Thanks Lynsey!!

Now have a great weekend everyone!

A journey of Authenticity

2009-03-05T20:23:00.025+08:00

" If we want to understand our struggles with perfectionism, judgment, blame, and disconnection, we have to step into it. If we want to know compassion, courage, authenticity, and belonging - we have to walk through it. We can hold hands, but we gotta go. "

Something that has been close to my heart since the last couple of years. The journey back to authenticity. Back then, when i had started questioning my own struggles with life, it didn't have the the fancy mumbo jumbo. Beneath all this external build up that i had thought was acting as a shield against the world, there was me. Once with the perfection of a child, worry free and without boundary. Before getting messed up and made into moulds of what we should be doing, should be saying to be accepted. Its something I'm still struggling with. Everyday. To make a choice in living authentically, even when its hard. But as they say, a journey of a thousand miles start with a single step...

There is no doubt when i discovered Brene's work and her blog that i felt an instant connectivity. It spoke to me. Brene is so open with her thoughts and feelings and the way the express her feeling into written words is just so succinct at times. The image above will definitely be making its way onto my wall, as a quick reminder each day that I'm not alone and its ok to be scared and I must forge on ♥

I dropped by today to the news of her new books (there are 2), a read along and also a start to a movement. How exciting! The book in question is I Thought It was just Me :Women Reclaiming Power and Courage in a Culture of Shame. The wholehearted movement will be where there's going to be a lot of sharing and learning. What a great way to get people up and moving. I can't wait for it to start!

If you have not been there before, do go over for a look ♥

p/s All this rain (its been raining very heavily all week) is putting me into a comtemplative mode. Been doing much reading snuggled under my warm blankets and some journaling too. Looks like there won't be any new pieces in the shop this week :p

Taking a stroll through singapore

2009-03-01T16:10:00.002+08:00

So happy to be featured amongst the other SG etsians :)

Seeing wedding all round...

2009-03-01T14:15:00.005+08:00

Eeeeek! Has it been 10 days since my last update? Where have I been??!

Well, its hard to say really.. Mostly i've been knee deep in the preparations/research/hunt for vendors for the wedding that is now 11 months away. And it seems every other bride has booked their vendors wayyyy in advance and i am one of the few left skittering.... so yeah.. its been kinda mad. I now need to finalise the caterer for the reception.Soon. And decide which photographer and videographer i really want... Not easy for a Libran i tell you! For i am not a decision maker, i am one who will mull over every single aspect, over and over. Acckk..

And if you don't mind a little bit of wedding, i'd like to share these videos...

Julia + Phil Trash the Dress from StillMotion on Vimeo.

Betsy + Chase - Same-Day Edit - Tupelo, MS from StillMotion on Vimeo.

These are seriously my faves ever. Esp of the girl jumping into the lake for the TTD! What a perfect way to capture the memories. NOW i'm wishing i was super duper loaded, so that i could fly them (the filming crew not the brides!) half way across the world to film us... sigh..

Well, a girl can wish right?

Nature inspired goodness

2009-02-19T19:59:00.010+08:00

Now i'm sure many of you have seen the crochet covered seastones over at resurrection fern before.

But she has just went another notch further with these nature inspired beauties. When i saw this on flickr, i just went crazy. Look at the moss in the thimbles! Sweet, sweet love...

all pictures from resurrection fern

Check out Margie's blog here and etsy shop here for more nature inspired goodness...

And if you fancy doing one yourself, do visit Molly over at a foothill home companion. She has so graciously shared a tutorial to make one of these crochet covered stones aptly named winter berries. I know i would love one on my desk...

And the winner is.....

2009-02-14T14:47:00.020+08:00

And the winner is ........ Lucky no.13 - celestefrittata / Chiara from Italy!!

I'll be contacting you for your details

To all who took the time to participate, thank you for making my first giveaway a success! Here's to many more to come :)

Happy LOVEday darlings... remember you don't need a special someone to celebrate this day. Having a girl's day out would be mighty fun, just to enjoy each other's company! I for one am spending my day mostly at home since the love is working! Oh well, CSI will make up for it :p

p/s : I had a lot of trouble trying to upload my images! There seem to be some problem with blogspot, anyone else having the same problem?

/end of vent.

Colors, lovely colors

2009-02-14T01:49:00.010+08:00

New silk flowers. Slightly more abstract. Definitely more full and luscious. Lovely lovely colours. And with options to wear it in your hair! Will be updated in shop 15th Feb :)

xoxo,
sina

New found love

2009-02-11T23:23:00.009+08:00

I found myself completely immersed in these 2 blogs that i found today (can't recalled through which links though), i think you might be enamoured as well.... pls click on the image to be transported over ♥

And there was this sweet tutorial over at scissor variations as well that caught my eye. Been looking to do up one of this envelop accordion booklet for my wedding stuff and receipts, and this was kinda perfect. Well now, you could do one up for day to day use as well :) Go over here for a peek. That ribbon wire bunting up there is pretty swell too!

pictures from papiervalise

p/s thanks for all the love from the giveaway post and for taking part lovelies!

Words to inspire

2009-02-10T00:51:00.001+08:00

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create."

Albert Einstein

Hearts and a giveaway!

2009-02-06T17:45:00.006+08:00

I had told myself that i would do a giveaway (they look like so much fun!) when i reached 100 hearts on Etsy, to show my appreciation for all the love given. Currently, we're at 121 hearts (yayy!!) and that for my little shop of 22 items is a big deal for me! And what great timing especially since valentines' is just round the corner...

Above is what i'm giving away; my new-er, lush-er version of Winter's Rose brooch in white, a pair of x-stitched pin, a pair of mini hearts peg, a felt airmail envelope pin (the stitching is not fantastic but its cute!) and a repurposed matchbook notepad for those ideas on the go.

So here's the deal, leave a comment with your details (blog or email that i can contact you at) and i will do a draw on Valentine's itself. That will make a great valentine's gift for yourself, no? So what you waiting for, don't be shy, comment away!!

edit:/ i just noticed that there are 4 pins/brooches up there. How many can a girl wear right?! So i will offer to the winner to change the pair of x-stitched buttons to be backed with a magnet or bobby pins instead. Unless like me, the winner is obsessed with pins, of course! :p

Of great finds and more

2009-02-05T16:44:00.008+08:00

Look what we have here. I was pleasantly surprised a couple of days ago to find my Peach Posy pin on these lovely blogs - here and here! My first blog feature. You guys are so sweet ♥

Here are my favourites from their shop... since i am on a self-imposed ban on spending, perhaps you guys could beat me to these gorgeous pieces!

When birds sings by Sparkle Thots, both mine and her faves

Audrey in Oval by Cherbie, love the colours!

Oh, and i just have to share this! Miss behave posted the how-tos on her blog to make this really awesome neck warmer. Now i really don't quite have a use for a neck warmer in sunny Singapore, but it is really cute! Perfect substitute for your common knitted scarf. Here for instructions.

how cute is that!

Love on Flickr

2009-02-02T01:16:00.007+08:00

I've been a little quite here lately, but wedding planning has been taking up quite a bit of my time. We have finally started with the planning (again) and i'm glad to report that we have been making some progress. Yipppeeee!! Looking forward to spending my monday with the love and more decision making over hot chocolate. Its been a while...

I'm also in the midst of doing up my fiber jewelry collection that i was talking about here. Very excited to see it coming together, i'll keep my fingers cross that the ideas in my head will translate just as i hope it would :)

And today, i found an inspirational love story on flickr. A love story about a boy and a girl. Who 'met' on flickr. Who began a relationship thousands of miles away, shared by their photos and who won the relentless support of many flickr fans. Both of them are such great photographers in their own right and when they combine the amazingness, the images will just blow you away. Some of my favourites below, go here and here for more.

All images from the lovebirds

Lush

2009-01-31T00:23:00.006+08:00

an 'updated' version of my darling winter's rose... i'm loving the lush feel of the full bloom.

What do you think?

words to inspire

2009-01-30T01:30:00.005+08:00

“our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. it is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. we ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? actually, who are you not to be? you are a child of God. your playing small does not serve the world. there is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. we are all meant to shine. we were born to make manifest the glory that is within us. it is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. and as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.”

{ mariane williamson } from here

Cuteness alert!

2009-01-29T05:15:00.006+08:00

Eeeeek! How cute are these?

Its from Cubeecraft - where papercraft toys are available free for download! I've been searching for a calendar for my study aka craft area and my search for the old school lunar calendar has been in vain so far...

Then today, i found this via whip up and fell in love. I have always had something for robots, so robot + calendar seems just perfect! Will try this one and post the result soon...

And the fun part is each toy features interlocking tabs to put together. So all you need to do is just print on A4, cut according to the instructions and fold away. Make sure you check out all the characters available here.

I'm back!

2009-01-23T20:54:00.008+08:00

Hey lovelies, an update on the polls for Etsy that i made some of you vote for.

I didn't win. But i did get to top 21, and i did make it to the Gift Guides showcase!!! Yippeee! So thank you all of you who took the time to vote. It really meant so much for me ♥ The winner for the poll is the lovely cuff from waterrose . I mean seriously, that cuff is beyond awesome, look at the stitching details. It is definitely a well deserved win :)

And more happy news, my custom cross stiched buttons was spotted on a storque arcticle for another voting session and it has been driving much needed traffic to my shoppe! My shop hearts is up to 85 today :) and i got my first custom order for the buttons. Yes, i am grinning from ear to ear and yes, I am guilty of obsessedly checking my items views and hearts this couple of days. Guilty as charged ^-^

And the cherry on the cake is that my peach posy made it to Frontpage two days ago, thanks to Jennifer Burkin. Thanks Ruth for dropping me a note to inform me. WOW! That is a lot of awesome things to happen in just a few days, isn't it? I'm so grateful ♥

As you can tell by now, i am feeling more normal, more like me. I think it was just the pms taking its toll. And the most important lesson i learnt this week, is that sometimes you just need to stop pushing yourself. Cause if you're running on empty, it won't do anyone any good. A couple hours or a day busying yourself with something else will re-energise you. I definitely got some great inspiration after!

Ok, before i go, a couple of lovely links to be shared. The ever talented ayu mills has done up a lovely teapot pattern over here that's available for download. She has done a step by step complete with pictures to show you how. Sounds like a very fun project for the weekend!

And the second post for the Creativity column over at Decor8 is up, do go over. Holly is sharing how exercise and working out actually contributes to your creativity! Not such great news for a bum like me :p

Hope

2009-01-22T21:58:00.009+08:00

I normally do not touch on politics or any matter relating to it with a ten foot pole. Hell, i barely watch the news as it is. However, in this particular instance, i just had to log in and write about President Obama's inauguration yesterday.

I only managed to catch it this morning here and i'm so glad i did. Twice. Looking at the crowd that turned up in the winter cold just so they could be apart of the defining moment in American history, it was very moving. I think he did such a great job with his inauguration speech. Its was very succinct and so .... inspiring. One of my favourite part;

"In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted — for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things — some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom."

And more than anything, i think he is such a genuine person. His demeanour, his affection towards his wife and kids, that wide warm smile.

Oh, and did you see the pictures on them dancing at the inauguration ball? Love! You can literally feel the love oozing between this two. Such sweetness... I like the fact that Michelle chose a relatively unknown designer to design her white gown. I mean she could have chosen any top designer out there but she chose a 26 year old, a Taipei native who is currently based in New York. And the designer of her "lemongrass" suit is Cuban-American designer Isabel Toledo, a low profile designer whom has been in the trade for 20 years. How's that for diversity?

picture from here

the jubilation, the tears, the sheer joy, i'm glad to be part of it from a thousand miles away...

Case of the blues

2009-01-21T03:42:00.005+08:00

Its been a very trying few days. I have taken out my supplies, start and just couldn't continue. And then i tried something else, nope, not working either. There is now piles of silk, yarn, felt and papers all over my newly clean room. Nothing much done though.

I'll be back when i'm feeling a little chirpier...till then i'll be scrapbooking and doing much reading. Hopefully staring at gorgeous, colorful loud papers will work :)

starting the happy file to cheer me up

2009-01-20T01:26:00.003+08:00

via note to self

“I want to beg of you much as I can to be patient toward all that’s unsolved in your heart, and learn to love the questions themselves, like locked rooms, or like books that are written in a very foreign tongue.Do not seek the answers, which cannot be given you, because you would not be able to live them, and the point is to live everything.Live the question now, perhaps you will then, gradually, without noticing it, live along some distant day into the answer.”

{ rainer maria rilke, “letters to a young poet” }

Having a picnic...

2009-01-18T02:13:00.006+08:00

Playing around with Picnik. Its really fun, have you tried it?

Feeling loved

2009-01-16T22:52:00.008+08:00

Thank you all of you lovelies who took the time to vote. I appreciate it so much. Especially the ladies over at the Singapore Etsy group. Thanks for the love!

Those who would still like to, voting is open till next week, 24th January. The mister actually signed up just to vote for me. How sweet! Thank you darling :)

In other news, today i listed my new creations. Made from silk, handcut and singed petal by petal, adorned with silk dupioni and swarovski. This is definitely a more refined look for erase and repeat and i would like to provide more variations in time to come. Just got my hands on some yummy supplies today. Can't wait to use them!

I'm considering doing up similiar pieces but as fascinator or on headbands. Or corsages... Hmmm i don't know yet, something to mull over. Also i'm literally dying to get the rolled roses right. Its still just not there for me yet. Experiment, experiment...

Till then, i'm leaving you with some lovely images. Here's to a great weekend!

ps. i managed to tweak the blog banner a little. Kinda more chocolatey now. What do you think?

Vote for me, won't you?

2009-01-16T03:59:00.005+08:00

Aaaaaaaahh! I saw rosetung's post on being voted on Etsy for seller's top item and went to take a look and vote...

and guess what?

My winter's rose is up for vote too!!!!! So excited!! So happy!! *jumps around*

Now you know what you have to do right? Of course you'll have to cast your vote (on me i hope!)

This is how. Sign in to etsy, go here and cast your vote! That simple :) Oh, and if you want to read more about this whole thing, go to this article. The hottest items will be featured in the Gift Guides and on the Etsy blog. Voting ends Jan 24th, so hurry!

Of cereal at 3am, JK rowling and my inner child

2009-01-16T03:10:00.006+08:00

Its 3 in the morning and i'm eating cereal and watching this video that first made me laugh, then gave me goosebumps and then brought tears to my eyes. I would like to share it with you.

Be warned though, its slightly over 20 minutes, so grab a cup of hot chocolate before you start.

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

In case any of you have not noticed, i tend to go off tangent every couple of days and post a few anecdotes, reminders and quotes from all over that doesn't have much to do with crafting or Etsy. These are meant to serve as a reminder for me, an inspiration to be more authentic if you will. And for me to keep looking for that child that is so afraid of coming out.

And in case you missed it, Holly over at Decor8 has started a new Creative series to be run every Thursday. Today is the first post. I read it this morning and felt like it was written for me. Not surprisingly, so did many others. It was such an eye-opener to read the comments of some of these people, people who were struggling with issues that i'm facing.

So that's about it. I hope you don't think i'm too weird now that i have open up on my deepest darkest secret!

I promised tomorrow it will be back to crafting posts again. I'm grabbing my notebook to mindmap away now... *wink*

Chaos and genius

2009-01-15T00:28:00.005+08:00

I went to Katie's blog today because i needed some pick-me-upper and decided to check out Improv Everywhere that she and boyfriend Matty is involved with. I was totally hooked at all the crazy fantastic videos! Totally genius.

What is Improv Everywher you ask?

"Improv Everywhere causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. Created in August of 2001 by Charlie Todd, Improv Everywhere has executed over 80 missions involving thousands of undercover agents. The group is based in New York City."

This is my favourite so far. Enjoy!

Frozen Grand Central with 200 over agents

Oh, and if you do drop by their site, do catch the no pants missions. I am amazed how all the agents managed to keep a straight face!

sending in my resume

2009-01-13T16:32:00.005+08:00

Look what i found on the news today. Its such a tough job, oh boy...

"An Australian state is offering internationally what it calls "the best job in the world" -- earning a top salary for lazing around a beautiful tropical island for six months."

"In return, the "island caretaker" will be expected to stroll the white sands, snorkel the reef, take care of "a few minor tasks" -- and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates."

Read more...

photo from here

Anyone with me?

wise words

2009-01-13T15:39:00.005+08:00

" How many people are trapped in their everyday habits:

part numb, part frightened, part indifferent?

To have a better life we must keep choosing how we are living "

Albert Einstein

hello, my name is erase.

2009-01-12T22:09:00.009+08:00

Its funny how in Etsy forums people tend to call me erase.

But i digress, some exciting news to be shared...

First, i start my storewide sale today! 15% off all items in conjunction with the up-coming valentine's. I urge you to do some clicking *shameless plug*

Second, i spend yesterday and today sewing and sewing and making many little buttons. My fingers are all sore but i had so much fun!

They could be pins or buttons or magnets, you choose. I think having these on the fridge is pretty cool, I might just stash some for myself :) Oh, and of course, you can have other phrases if corny is not your thing :p

Third, i scored a treasury tonight! So happy...

How's that for a great start to the week? Ooooooooh, and my best galfriend celebrates her 25th today. Happy birthday darling!!! I will keep your present for the next 4 months as per your wish *wink*

be still my beating heart

2009-01-11T15:14:00.004+08:00

A sudden inspiration. A flurry of activities. Some stitching goodness coming your way soon...

Till then, have a great weekend!

weekend crafting

2009-01-11T03:47:00.003+08:00

Found this via Creature Comfort

Make an apple shaped book! Go here for the tutorial to make your own.

hot and cold fever

2009-01-10T13:50:00.014+08:00

a few new items in the making...

Whilst trying to clean up (operative word = trying) i found my michael buble cd + dvd:caught in the act from years ago and immediately put in on. A little encouragement whilst i crochet. Nice. Yes, i'm a dork, i know.

And that explains the title of this post. Its not me having a hot and cold fever. Thanks god for that. I actually managed to fall asleep before 11 last night which is a pretty major thing. Considering i am a borderline insomniac. I normally get to sleep at about 3 or 4 or latest being 8. In the morning not at night. So i'm in a mighty chirpy mood today :)

Anyyyyyways, been working on new prototypes. I've been working with felt for a bit and am now trying other fibre options. New or found. That's the inspriration.

I had a lot of fun doing up the denim rosettes, so expect more colourful rosettes. Soon-ish. Also been experimenting with silk, traditional rolled-up roses and a more abstract singed flower... Those are the one you see up there.

At the same time, i'm also working on my crocheting. Completed my lessons with Betsy but definitely need more practice! I'm looking at combining crochet and other mediums to explore a wider range of fibre jewellery. That sounds pretty ambitious for now, but that will be the direction for 2009, or at least the next one month *wink*

a bow in the making

p/s: i just noticed all the colours i'm working on are pink! acckss.. not intentional though

what i'm doing now....

2009-01-08T15:59:00.001+08:00

... struggling with my treble crochet. Sorry Betsy, looks like there won't be much progress from the last lesson :(

... feeling hungry, yet don't really feel like eating. Talk about conflicting feelings! Typical libra!

... still thinking about the brother innov-is 900 i saw yesterday

... feeling the extreme need to clean my craft area aka room aka junkyard

... in a bit of a slum with creating. n e e d. t o .g e t. g o i n g. s o o n

... wanting to continue reading the saint, the surfer and the CEO by Robin sharma. One word = awesome {i have dedicated this as only night time reading, else i finish the book in one sitting}

what are you up to today?

2009-01-08T15:29:00.002+08:00

happiness is contagious …

according to the smarties at Harvard Med. A recent study that observed 5,000 people over 20 years found that happiness spreads like an emotional contagion, and (here’s my favorite part), it spreads faster & more efficiently than sadness! Sorry misery, you might like company, but happiness loves company even more!!

via- note to self

a few of my favourites

2009-01-06T14:44:00.010+08:00

Just a quick one - a few of my favourites on Etsy at the moment...

Print - Flight by Kite

Robot Attack Natural Tote Bag

Handmade Gift Tags

Flora Tee

Scarf Bunny Journal

drift off to a daydream

p/s: i've linked back to the shop at the bottom if you'd like to have a peek! All pictures from the individual shops.

good start

2009-01-06T03:23:00.005+08:00

well, few things i've been up to since the new year...

On the etsy front, sales has been pretty slow since x'mas. Much love to my friend, En for her custom order and Stephanie for your purchase since. For the first time, a total of 19(!) items are listed. I'm very excited of this accomplishment as you can see. Been enjoying more hearts, more views overall too. Slow and steady does it, i suppose.

On the creating side, i labelled Saturday as my victory day. I started early and work and work and work to complete 5 brooches in that day. Like seriously, no procrastinating, no excuses. Start, finish, pictures taken and listed the next day. Now if only that can be repeated each day without all my dilly dally!

And today was a good day. Got to spend the day with the mister who for the first time offered to come along to the hair salon with me. Well, i did my hair and he was at starbucks on his laptop. I finally treated myself to getting my hair done today. Could no longer stand the frizz. Maybe, just maybe i'll post a picture...

And we went to my fave mediterranean place for dinner and had a short walk down memory lane. Good times, I'm a happy girl.

Ooooooo...and yes, dear cherbie included my blush pin in her treasury. yeahh! thanks so much cherbie, this would be my first feature apart from that of the gift guide :)

i think its a pretty good start to the year.... now to more creating and less talking for me :p

ro-ro-rosettes

2009-01-03T20:56:00.006+08:00

New rosettes in the works! will be up in the shop tmw when i'm able to retake some pictures :)

editted: Shop update - 3 new rosettes and 2 yarn pins are up. do come see!

end and to the beginning

2008-12-31T19:29:00.007+08:00

2008 came and has gone by in a flash.

It has been a year full of doubt and uncertainties for me as i search and seek for my dharma. To be true to myself and bask in my own skin and not who i think i should be. But as with the hazy and tough, there were definitely many great times as well...

The main highlights of my year will have to be;

- getting engaged to the man i adore ♥
- discovering the handmade community
- going for my dream to set up an online shoppe
- etsy, etsy, etsy!
- learning to listen to my inner child, once again

And to end my 2008, taken from note to self,

" I dare you...
…to take action. You know all those great ideas you have, all those people you want to reach out to, all those dreams of yours? Act on them. Ignore that little voice that says, “Don’t be silly, that would never work.” You’ve got lots of ideas. Some are big; some are little. Some are good; some are phenomenal. Today, choose one idea, whichever calls your fancy, and act on it. "

I shall start my 2009 on this note - stop procrastinating and start making! Have a great new year's everyone!

xoxo,
sina

i'm in love

2008-12-31T00:32:00.001+08:00

This is a little slow and i'm sure you have already seen this fabulous home featured here and here . But above all the amazingness that is their home, i'm in love with the swing... yes that blue swing with the colourful seat and cushions, i'll take it all. Right in the middle of the bedroom, no less!

*swoon* images from here

2008-12-29T23:23:00.012+08:00

" Take risks,

do the uncomfortable,

run towards your resistancies,

embrace change"

-Robin Sharma

shades of grey does it

2008-12-29T14:28:00.005+08:00

click image to view

Inspired by dear piggy, i was on the lookout for openings in the ever elusive treasury yesterday. And as i was fiddling through the forum, fishstikks was kind enough to raise an alert of the opening in treasury west, so i and about 183 other people (!) staked the page. Hurhur... i found it super hilarious at all of us, all over the world were hitting the refresh button every few minutes and willing the list to expire at the same time!

In any case, i had beginner's luck, managed to stumble my way to create this lovely collection of items. Yes, i'm very much into the grey mode right now. Shades of grey with a splash of colour does it. Enjoy!

Last 3 days!

2008-12-28T13:23:00.002+08:00

Last 3 days to enjoy free international shipping for all my brooches and pins! Do come see ♥

all in the details

2008-12-26T22:59:00.012+08:00

Look what greeted me in the morning yesterday... sitting there right smack on the dining table. Noticed the crocheted tablecloth - part of my mom's collection :) but i digress..

I have been waiting for this package to arrive and i have to say i had to restrained myself from ripping the mailer open. Amazingly, i managed to contain my excitement to document the process and share with you guys...

hello!, originally uploaded by erase and repeat.

I bought a sweet pair of earrings and the mini stamp set from here and i must applaud Danni for the details that went into the packaging. I am a sucker for nicely wrapped packages and details! ahhhhh... where should i start?

From the recycled mailer (eco, yeah!) adorned with stickers to remind you to reuse the bubble mailer, to a recycle tissue wrapping the brown bag holding the goodies, to the airmail (how did you know i'm in love with the par avion anything?!) envelope holding the earrings which was of course wrap in vellum and machine stitched. Aaaaahhhh, did i say i love details?

There were endless stickers and stamped details in every corner. How long did it took her to wrap all this? I don't know. All i can say is, this is why i'm in love with buying handmade. From the conversation you have with the seller, to the details evident in their handiwork and (in this instance) even the packaging and a little sweet thank you note to end it all.

This really made my day. Thank you Danni!

well, hello!

2008-12-25T20:07:00.002+08:00

something came in the mail today (well, prolly yesterday since today is x'mas after all!) that made me very happy... details in the next post!

xoxo,
sina

can you teach me magic?

2008-12-25T16:33:00.001+08:00

I was introduced to Capucine a while ago and was immediately smitten. Today as i was going through my favourites, i drop by their vimeo to see if there was any new videos. This was what i saw ...

"What is it ?" from Capucha on Vimeo.

Isn't she just a gem? I want a french baby now, thank you! hurhur... and while you're at it, watch this one here. My absolute favourite.

This particular video was such a huge hit in the blogosphere that Anne (Capucine's mommy), with help of several awesome persons, have set up a project in order to raise money for Edurelief, a development organization based in Mongolia, who helps providing school books to Mongolian kids.

Pls do visit skreened for t-shirts similiar to the one below, zazzle for some buttons and magnets or you can also make a direct donation on Edurelief's website

This is Capucine's drawing of the character from her story and its available for sale here. There's a total of 9 designs available, all very yummy.

I think its absolutely lovely what Capucine is doing, so pls do lend your support!

2008-12-24T16:08:00.002+08:00

following your dream

2008-12-23T01:09:00.005+08:00

Anyone who knows me know that i am a book fiend. I hoard books of all kinds and satisfy my endless crave at any chance i get. And you know how some people read before they sleep just to lull them to sleep? Oh no, that doesn't work with me. I WILL end up not sleeping and reading the book instead, esp a book like this one.

My latest book treasure is the alchemist, written in 1988. I have read so so many reviews for this book ever since a couple of years ago, i just didn't go out looking for it. Then last week, whilst at the bookstore with the mister, i saw a copy. Just there staring at me... hmmm.. why not i thought? Honestly, reading the summary at the back of the book, i wasn't enthralled. I even wondered if i might enjoy the story. I took a chance and $17.95 later, I'm glad to say that i was proved wrong. And even more, i fell in love. It is a very magical tale indeed.

picture credits from here

“When I wrote The Alchemist, I was trying to understand the reason for the existence of life. Instead of writing a philosophical treatise, I decided to converse with the child inside my soul.

To my surprise, this child was living inside millions of people around the world. With this book I wanted to share with my readers the questions which, precisely because they don't have an answer, make life a great adventure”. - Paulo Coelho

This book has came to me (I'd like to think anyway!) at the perfect time. I might not have appreciate it as much had i read it 2 years ago. Right at the point where i am questioning my life choices, my everyday existence, about where i am and where i am going; it came to me and made perfect sense.

Paulo Coelho just reaffirmed my desires in his book. I know now i am not the only one with the endless questions and struggles. I took a stab in the dark three months ago to go on an adventure seeking my dream, to really take a chance and see where it might take me. And i have never been more happier or feel more fulfilled. I like this new adventure, i like how i have more time on my hand to go to the library and look at books on craft...or knitting... or jewellery making...or sewing. I like that i can now make a list of things i want to learn, not really so that i can make things to sell but more so the experience of learning that new skill that will bring me so much joy. These are on my list currently;

♥ bookbinding (inspired by my fetish for notebooks/sketchbooks of all kinds)
♥ sewing (so i can finally learn how to use all those attachments!)
♥ crochet & knitting (i'm in the midst of taking classes, more later)
♥ learn to use my Canon EOS 450D and all its functions (been contemplating classes here)
♥ been thinking of clay art as well

I have always love making things with my hands and i am so happy that i have made an effort to listen to my heart and follow this dream. God willing it will materialize.

As Paulo Coelho say,

"When you want something, the whole Universe conspires to help you realize your dream."

RE-load!

2008-12-20T16:04:00.004+08:00

I had the most fantastic salad for lunch today.Like most fantastic ever. I am by no means a health junkie and salad are more often not my idea of lunch. Or dinner. Like seriously...

However, there is this new salad bar that opened about 6 months ago at work. And some of my colleagues have mentioned how good it is. But still i thought, a meal of veggies and nuts? No thanks!

Till maybe like 2 months ago, a colleague bought me lunch, a salad wrap - freshly tossed salad wrapped in pita bread. It was loaded full of goodness and i think i spend close to 45 minutes eating it - it took so long only because it was stuffed full of goodness and i was enjoying it. And i was kinda won over. I am a total junkie (the junk food sort of course!) I eat chocolates almost everyday and i thrive on chips and the likes. So trust me when i say they won me over! Its reaaaaaaaally good.

Feeling kinda healthy-ish today, i decided to go for a salad. Like just the salad without the wrap. My mom would have been so proud! Hurhur... and the verdict? Well, i was making funny moaning noises while devouring it (in my head rather than out loud, thank you.) So good i tell you!

And i feel so full and healthy (no dreaded carbo after effect) So i thought i should spread the goodness around you know? Its called Reload juice bars and originated from NZ. Wait.. let me get this right. They actually called themselves New Zealand’s most innovative fast food outlet. Fast food?? I would love to see more "fast food outlets" like this then.

So go, grab something and stuff yourself silly without the guilt! Yummy!

p/s : only available in NZ, UK and Singapore. Don't ask me why...

Found!

2008-12-19T23:36:00.005+08:00

Uh huhhhhhhhh...

I came across the link to this flickr group called Etsy Front Pagers and found the treasury that i was featured in a month ago. It was curated by Etsy admin, thank you guys!! So great to finally see this frontpage that made my Winter's rose such a hit.

And while i'm at it, here's a sneak peek at a new flower brooch...

What do you think?

random

2008-12-13T19:02:00.018+08:00

30 random facts about me

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
1. i must have something sweet after meals
2. i love bows on anything - clothes,shoes,bags...
3. i leanrt sewing by looking at my mom do it
4. i have an unhealthy obsession with books (too many books, too little time)
5. and chocolates
6. i have really curly frizzy hair
7. i lived 3 years of my childhood in malaysia
8. i couldn't read English till i was 8 years old (points to no.7)
9. i like the smell of rain
10. i like staring out of the windows when i'm in a car/bus/train
11. i have pretty bad insomnia whenever i mess up my sleeping habits
12. my knee has a tendency to err.. pop out of its socket (!!)
13. i like the feel of wood
14. i like to stare at clouds forming and moving, very therapeutic
15. i studied interior architecture and realise i didn't like it that much after all upon graduation
16. i am a super major procastinator
17. i am a night owl
18. i used to be a staff sergeant in NPCC
19. i can't run for nuts
20. i can bend my fingers backwards at every joint (you have to see it to believe it)
21.i can't sing...i croak
22.i simply cannot put on contact lenses
23.i cannot digest beef
24.i cannot speak my native language(hindi) :(
25.i have a phobia of water ie. no swimming in the sea for me (i like the beach though!)
26.i have fear of heights
27.i like cheese on anything
28.Milo makes me sleepy :)
29.i met the mister on a blind date
30. i do not like velvet..the texture gives me goosebumps
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

And look what i found on my trip to the fabric store today...

a heavy weight cotton with ballerina shoes and pretty dresses! sweetness... it was actually hiding in a corner because the whole bolt was reserved. Arghhhh... BUT i managed to sweet talk-ed the lady at the counter to give me a metre. I see a bag out of this for my niece...

p/s: Yes, my dear Kierra, of course i have not forgotten your special request! How could i? I'm still sourcing the materials to make it extra special... *wink* Give me a little bit more time ok darl?

when the craft bug strucks at one in the morning

2008-12-11T01:32:00.011+08:00

forgive the bad lighting...it is afterall 1:40 in the morning

i've been wanting to make a simple card holder, to hold my calling cards so that i could like you know...start giving it out.

That idea started well over 2 months ago and i have been procastinating. Sometimes when i lay in bed, willing myself to sleep, i would think about it. What material to use...how to construct it, how to embellish, which colours to use...

Then tonight, just as i was just about to log off the internet and go flip through the knitting (!) books i just borrowed from the library, i was overcomed with the desire to just grab a needle and start sewing! I swear i was sort of posessed during that few minutes. And half an hour later, my masterpiece emerged. My favourite logo with my favourite colored felt housing my handmade cards. I'm a happy duck :)

This is something else i have been playing with, from earlier today. Irregular pieces of felt stained, then stacked together and top off with some vintage buttons...

2008-12-07T14:41:00.004+08:00

As i was making rounds reading my favourites blogs today (in my pajamas at 3pm, no less) i came across this super happy blog - Color me katie. Am bookmarking it as a site to visit on days where i might be feeling a little down!

Also this sweet lady is offering santa labels on pdf for your x'mas mails! How cute... Featured also here... I might just be sending out my orders with these *wink*

I'm off to make more brooches... Etsy has been really good to me this past week :)

what i want for christmas...

2008-12-01T23:38:00.003+08:00

i saw this on tree house blue and fell in lurrrrve....

a great reason to learn to knit too!

p/s thank you to 2 more lovely person for your purchases... 2 more winter's rose will be flying off :)

perfection a vice?

2008-11-28T18:12:00.003+08:00

What happened to the eco totes and lunchbags that i was talking about?

Well you see, that has something to do with the perfectionist in me. I have a total of 2 lunch bags and 5 eco totes all cut out, embroidered and waiting to be sewn together. And out of 7, 2 are ready... But the perfectionist in me is still not satisfied, so they are sitting in a corner waiting...

I so wanted to finish them and put them up for sale but..but.. hmm... oh well... the 3 new fabric/felt brooches will have to do for now.

And i've been waiting and wanting to do the fabric sketchbooks for a while too... let's try find time for that soon-ish. I can't bear to see my shop so empty!

Till i get to craft again on sunday... have a good weekend everyone! (all 2 of you reading :p )

peek-a-boo

2008-11-23T01:54:00.004+08:00

what to expect in the coming shop update....

really liked how this turned out

new labels!

yummy!

Shop update - 25th nov, till then

xoxo

sina

first sale!! wooohooo!

2008-11-19T22:00:00.000+08:00

i've been hard at work the whole day, putting together my eco and lunch bags (to be up in the shop sometime next week) and only managed to get on the computer in the evening.

like i do everyday, i checked my email... and then i noticed one from paypal. Weird, i thought, i didn't buy anything the last few days. And imagine my shock/surprise when i read the header " payment received from ....." payment?? and with a shipping address??!

after five whole minutes of jumping up and down like a mad women and calling the mister, i sat down and start looking through my etsy shop & conversations. I was featured by some lovely person on the front page...which led to a few more hearts (!) and my very first sale. Bless this person...although i don't quite know how to go looking for him/her, but u made my day, make that week.

Such a rush, such a rush.. my winter's rose will be flying to the US to a lovely lady this weekend!