ETINCELLE CREATIVE STUDIO

New MT Tapes! {Tokyo shopping}

2012-05-22T08:00:00.000+08:00

I am finally able to share some pictures of the MT tapes I bought last weekend in a small shop in Ark Hills. I feel that my collection will increase at a fast pace here in Tokyo! I had never seen this pattern {photo below, on the left hand side} in Singapore, I wonder if it's a special edition...?

I will soon start crafting with them, and embellish my mails {I love writing letters and sending pretty cards - how about you?}. Another thing that I plan to continue since I moved back here is most certainly my stationery collection. There are so many pretty paper and cards in Japan!

Stay tuned!!

Coup de Coeur!

2012-05-21T08:49:00.000+08:00

Happy Monday!

I am glad to start my week which a gorgeous find on Etsy... It's the little things that make us happy, right? Well today I am falling for this statement necklace by Hitokoo. Gorgeous, right?

Screen-printed and stuffed gem necklace - CAD$75

I wish you all a very lovely week, I can't wait to move in our new home and discover all about our new neighborhood!

A plus!

My Tokyo Diary {Week 3}

2012-05-20T20:40:00.000+08:00

It will soon be a month that we've moved to Japan! The past week was easier that the previous ones, I am slowly getting control over my life again... I am really looking forward to the coming week though, as we should move in in our new home, and I will share that with you all as soon as possible. You will love it!

Here below are some images taken with my iPhone 4 and edited with Instagram {if you want to say hello, connect with etincellestudio on Instagram}

Day #1: It was last Sunday, Mother's day in Japan and in some other parts of the world... We didn't do anything special to be honest, but I treated myself with a Mont-Blanc {it's my favorite dessert} from French restaurant Aux Bacchanales in Ark Hills. It was light with just the right amount of crew, pastry and chestnut, miam!

We then headed to Ginza in the afternoon, after the kids' nap, to wander and RE-discover the area.
We HAD to go to the food floor of Mitsukoshi Ginza, as it's one of the most amazing ones in Tokyo. We bought a few snacks, including the colorful balls below {no idea what the name is...}. I also tasted wonderful croissants! There are bread shops all over the city, and believe me or not {I'm French and I know a lot about bread}, all what I have tasted so far is exceptional.

Day #2: Weekends pass by too fast, and Monday was here in no time. Nothing special to highlight, apart from a photo of Chloé's creations in play dough. She's the sweetest girl when she wants!

Day #3: I am eating light these days, whether I am lazy or too tired to cook in the evening. Plus I am either eating with my fussy kids, or by myself {hubby works very late every day}. I really can't be bothered to cook at the moment. On a side note, we've been eating "real" tomatoes again => I mean by that tomatoes with "real" taste :-)

Day #4: We did a lot of things on Thursday; we spent a bit of time at the Aoyama Book Center in Roppongi Hills in the morning as I wanted to get new books for the kids, and also have a look at the Japanese magazines {they are fantastic!}. I got the mag below for myself, Alice in Wonderland for Chloé and Where is Charlie? for Mathias {but everyone else enjoys it}.

In the afternoon I brought the kids to the Yoyogi park again, I love the trees with their brand new leaves, and the peace and quiet of weekdays. The park is indeed buzzing with people on weekends.

We ended up at my favorite place in Omotesando to eat gyoza. I don't know the address, but I will try to get a photo of the restaurant + the address or directions next time. Go there early as it's always full!

Day #5: Loads of fun last Friday! We were out the whole afternoon, coming back home super late, which is very rare actually. We first headed to the Robot park in Roppongi Hills, my kids' favorite. We spent far too much time in there, as many many children arrived just when we were about to leave and mine insisted to stay "a bit longer".

When we were finally able to leave, we stumbled upon the LEGO shop at B2 floor of Roppongi Hills. What a haven for lego lovers {like me!}. I felt like a kid again, and would have bought almost the entire shop. I am so happy to see how well the brand is doing, and I can't wait to indulge in legos in months/ years to come. I might even start collecting the mini figures :-)

Day #6: Saturday is market day here at Ark Hills. I hope to have an entire post on it this week {if my photos look good}. I took the photo below quite early at 8am, when the vendors were setting up their stalls. I almost felt like I was in France!

I spent the whole afternoon at my friend's house, all by myself - I left the kids to the best baby-sitter in the world: their dad! My friend offered me this gorgeous ring among other things: it makes me so happy!

Have a lovely week ahead!

Sweet Gift Thursday

2012-05-17T12:50:00.000+08:00

My {Sweet Gift Thursday} column is back, and what's better than a pair of summery earrings to celebrate the gorgeous sun that we have today in Tokyo? I am in love with the styling of this photo too...

Dangling earrings by pawpapel on Etsy - US$12 only

My Tokyo Diary {Week 2}

2012-05-11T20:45:00.002+08:00

Hello,

We've been in Tokyo for nearly two weeks, times flies! I have got busier and busier every day this week, visiting one school after the other. It's rather important to figure out which school will best fit the kids, while being in a nice neighborhood and within reasonable distance from work... No easy task, believe me! So not much about pretty things yet, a lot about daily life in Tokyo this week again :-)

Day #1: The sun is back, I spend the morning with the kids at ark Hills nearby. It's Sunday, there are other kids around playing and despite the language barrier, my kids still manage to make friends. It's nice to witness!

Day #2: After a morning dedicated to schools visits, we finally find out where the famous Robot Park playground of Roppongi Hills is. It's rather small, but the slides are a delight and it's sunny most of the day. Delight! We end up our afternoon with a hot chocolate at Starbucks to warm us up and give us the energy to go back home by public transport + walk. No more taxi to the rescue! Kids have been doing well lately, they {almost} don't winge anymore...

Day #3: I am suddenly craving for Japanese food, something warm that will fill me up! It must be the weather {rainy and cold}. I satisfy my crave in Kamiyacho, where I used to work. It's very close to where we currently stay, and I am there every day. It brings back old memories!

Day #4: School visits after school visits... Bento lunch purchased at noon near the office towers in Kamiyacho for 500 yen! The kids are granted a Mc Donald lunch {!} and we head to the local {mini} playground for a picnic. Then another school visit after which we spend the rest of the afternoon at the Children's Castle in Shibuya. Great great indoor playground with plenty of different types of games for all ages. Highly recommended!

Day #5: This is today actually. We are done with school visits but start with house hunting... I always make time to bring the kids to a playground and we walk a lot everyday. The weather is nice and sunny but super windy which is not so convenient. A warm and comfy dinner is in order for today and kids don't fuss to it for once: they enjoy it!

As you may understand, life is a lot about kids and being a full time mum lately, which isn't bad at all. It leaves me completely exhausted at night though which explains the lack of posts here... I hope to be able to discover more fun things in Tokyo and share them with you all. There are tons of cute shops selling completely amazing stuff. If you have been here before, you know what I am talking about. If you haven't yet, then I hope to make you dream about Tokyo!

Talk soon!
x

My Tokyo Diary {Week 1}

2012-05-04T21:26:00.000+08:00

Woot! We have almost completed our first week in Tokyo as a family, and oh my, was it challenging at first! Mathias was not feeling well at all, it rained a lot (two entire days) and the kids have been waking up everyday at 5am {with the sun}.... EXHAUSTING!

I am now going to sleep earlier and I am learning to be patient, which is not my strongest point if you know me. I will touch base in the coming weeks with my good old friends here, so it's gonna be a lot more fun! Stay tuned...

Day #1: We are lucky to stay in the center of Tokyo, near Roppongi Hills in a lovely serviced apartment. This {above} is the view from my balcony which, you will agree, isn't that lovely... but it's only for one month so it's fine.

Day #2: I manage to make some time and start a new doll {an order placed at the last minute... I couldn't say no!} while the kids nap in the afternoon. I have almost completed the embroidery, then I will be waiting for my sewing machine to arrive {next week?} to complete it.

Day #3: Oh man, it starts raining! I am getting mad at home with two super excited kids. The photo above was taken in the morning before the rain started... Kids are moody and difficult to manage... I have taken a stroller, no scooters and the little one refuses to walk after a while which means I must carry him. I am glad the weather here is much cooler than in Singapore!

Day #4: Doing painting early in the morning... like 5:30am! Kids have been waking up with the sun ever since we arrived. Japan is the the country of the Rising Sun, right? well, it rises a bit before 5am, you bet I love it!!! I am dead tired by 10pm now...

Day #4 {bis}: Catching up with some much needed French tuitions for Chloe at cafe Doutor... while it's pouring rain outside and while Mathias takes a much needed nap. It rained all day on Thursday, but we did manage to have fun at the end of the day :-)

Day #5: As soon as the rain stops in the afternoon, we get out of the apartment and go to Harajuku, then wander in Omotesando all the way to Shibuya. This photo of Mathias was taken in a little cafe called The Fresh Burger where, well, we had delicious burgers! We also had crepes in Shibuya later on :-)

Day #6: The sun is up and shining early in the morning, finally! the sky is blue, clear and beautiful. We check out the Saturday market at Ark Hills before heading to Yoyogi Park for an afternoon of fun with friends {who live in Singapore but happen to be on holiday in Tokyo}. The kids enjoy the park, the {too many} snacks, they make new friends and manage to communicate despite the language barrier... It's great to be a kid!

How was your week?

7 Passport Holders

2012-05-04T06:13:00.000+08:00

To close the chapter of the creations made while I was living in Singapore, here are seven passport holders in felt and hand-embroidered with beads and sequins made to order. Each piece has its owner's name hand-embroidered and each embroidery design is unique. I really enjoyed creating these pieces, I owe the idea of making passport holders to my friend Sheila. Thanks dear!

I would actually love to develop this product in leather rather than felt, I hope to be able to do so here in Tokyo! Stay tuned, and feel free to share your suggestions and ideas.
xx

My last Mini-Me dolls from Singapore

2012-05-03T18:22:00.001+08:00

Hello,

I am back! Blogging from Japan now, lost somewhere in the huge city that is Tokyo. I am lucky enough to be in the very center of the town, which makes it easy to get around and about. However one of my children has gotten sick shortly after our arrival, and it's now raining so we are kind of stuck at home watching a lot of cartoons in Japanese {which isn't too bad to catch up with the language, right?}...

Because of a lack of time, I didn't have a chance to share with you the seven Mini-Me dolls that I made two weeks before leaving Singapore. It was a special order placed by my hubby for his female workmates {sweet, isn't it?}. Every doll is of course unique with the name of each recipient embroidered on the heart.

Do you like them all? which one is your favorite?

A Mermaid Birthday Party

2012-04-23T07:30:00.000+08:00

Hello!

As promised here is my post with the pics of the mermaid party shoot I did last week. A little reminder that this party will only happen in June, which is the reason why I prepared a party kit {first time!}. The styling of the table below doesn't includes much food as I was running out of time to bake and buy "party food" -> remember I am moving to Japan next week...

Paper banner printable by Ruffled Blog

I was inspired by a party styled by One Charming Party and proposed a similar color scheme to my client: turquoise, purple and hot pink. The birthday girl wanted "something Ariel" and I got her the cups... I customized the bottles of bubbles with metallic gold and purple paper; it looks so much nicer, don't you think? I was also extremely lucky to find wooden shaped sea animal and stars in my favorite craft shop in Singapore {Art Friend in Ngee Ann City}. I covered them with pink glitter paper for a girly touch. I wasn't lucky enough to find real sea shells {at a reasonable price} though, but it would have been gorgeous with one or two huge pieces...

If you are following me on Instagram {@etincellestudio}, you must have seen these pics before... they are the behind-the-scene photos I took while working on this party...

I hope I have inspired you once more... my 5 year old daughter has already told me she wants the "exact same party for when she's turning 6".

:-)

Moving to Tokyo! {+ April's newsletter}

2012-04-21T08:00:00.000+08:00

Hello,

I have sent my April's newsletter yesterday {have you subscribed yet?} and made the official announcement of our move to Japan. It will happen next week on Saturday, and yes, it's about time to let you know!

Sneak peek at my latest newsletter...

I have got a little bit busier than expected in the past month and a half, and I kept postponing writing this post... sorry!

We are moving to Tokyo, a city where I have lived before, and I am all excited to be back as you may imagine. I am already planning to visit the places where I used to live and work, and contemplate how much the city have changed.

I will take some sort of break from my busy life as a crafter, and concentrate on helping the little ones to get used to their new environment. I will also be busy looking for schools and our new home, so please excuse my lack of posts in the coming weeks.
I have put my Etsy shop on vacation mode until I can fill it up with new goodies :-). I am not totally off though, expect some pictures from Japan as soon as I get an internet connection there!!!

There will be one more post on Monday {pictures of the mermaid party table set up I created - yeahh!}, and maybe even another one towards the end of next week - in between packing and farewell dinners.
Stay tuned!

Batik dresses... I love you!

2012-04-19T17:13:00.000+08:00

I am very happy to introduce you to the last two dresses in batik fabrics (traditional Indonesian fabrics) that I completed recently. For once I didn't buy the materials, as my customer came to me asking for two pretty dresses for her little ones (7 and almost-5 years old girls).

A-shaped dress, size 6-7Y, April 2012

I suggested the patterns, which I make myself, and if you are familiar with the dresses I make, you will notice immediately that I have made these designs before. What was interesting this time around though, was the use of a plain fabric matching the floral print to create interesting highlights.

I adore the fact that each dress reflects perfectly the character and age of the little girl it belongs too. That's what a made-to-measure dress should be all about, right?

My trademark when it comes to dresses: the belt and bow dress is a classic!

All the colors & flowers make me so happy, do you like batik fabrics as much as I do?

A peek at my Instagram album ...

2012-04-16T08:00:00.000+08:00

It took me a while to fully appreciate Instagram, and to be honest there is still a long way to master it and create the most beautiful photos. In the meantime, it's a wonderful, easy, convenient and creative way to share all the "behind-the-scene" shots with my followers, and now on the blog. Enjoy some photos taken over the past few months!

follow me at @etincellestudio

Singapore, I will miss YOU!

New Net Shopper Bags {Part II}

2012-04-12T09:59:00.003+08:00

Ready for some more eye candy? Here below are some pictures of the second bag I completed last week for online Japanese shop Tavolo Tavola... I have called it Myosotis {a flower called Forget-Me-Not in English} as it reminds me my country-side in France and the beautiful flowers that will start blooming in Spring. Enjoy!

Myosotis net shopper bag - April 2012

How is your day so far? mine is packed but the sun outside makes it easier. I will soon start the embroidery of seven passport holders {such as this one}, and I am still working on the mermaid party kit for my client.

I had to realize though that we are moving to Japan in less than three weeks, I'd better start working on packing and organizing things...

Have a good day!

Spring Celebration {New Bags}

2012-04-11T09:30:00.000+08:00

I am very pleased to introduce a new bag I made last week. It is one of the two bags made to order for the Japanese shop Tavolo Tavola. Does it make you think of Spring? It's all about cherry blossom in Japan right now, I hope I won't miss it!

Fleurs printanières net shopper bag - April 2012

I will share pictures of the second bag later today... stay tuned!

To be mailed

2012-04-10T09:14:00.000+08:00

Prizes won by Bina in the giveaway I had on Bloesem Kids last week... to be mailed today!

Flower Brooch Embroidery Workshop #2

2012-04-09T07:30:00.000+08:00

I had the most wonderful time conducting my second workshop at The Little Happy Shop last Saturday {April 7, 2012}. I had a smaller group of five participants this time which allowed us to hold it at the shop and work in a super friendly and relaxed environment. Thank you ladies for a great, creativity-filled afternoon!

Flower brooch embroidery workshop #2: a bit more challenging!

Setting up the crafty table at The Little Happy Shop on Saturday afternoon: each participant was entitled to a sewing kit, a brooch flower base + 2 felt bases, the instruction sheet, sequins & beads and a sheet with a list of shops where to purchase supplies in Singapore.

Sarah, Judith, Rosanna, Elaine and Irene at work!

Embroidery of the leaves with two types of beads. Each participant was free to use the different beads as they wanted to create their own design.

We then started the embroidery of one of the two flowers. Laying sequins is certainly challenging but addictive as well!

I will share later on this month pictures of the final brooches made by the five participants... stay tuned and check out on my Facebook page or here on the blog...

This was my last workshop in Singapore as I am moving to Japan at the end of the month.

Feel free to check out the upcoming workshops that will take place at The Little Happy Shop {here} this month. It's always fun to learn new techniques together with like-minded people in a pretty place :-)

Thanks again Ruth!

Sweet Gift Thursday... // Petit Cadeau du Jeudi...

2012-04-05T13:35:00.001+08:00

I found something really sweet for today's feature thanks to my friend Sandy of The Cookie Cutter. Label Fabric and Handle proposes a line of tote shopping bags that are beyond clever: you can adjust the handles to your needs thanks to a series of buttons as shown in the pic below + the fabric is handwoven in Thailand with organically dyed thread. I am falling for this dark blue tote, how about you?

Elaynass tote shopping bag - US$49 only

Celebrating Easter {A Guest Post on Luminoso Blu}

2012-04-05T10:29:00.001+08:00

Check out my guest post on Luminoso Blu today! You will find some simple inspiration to decorate your home/ table for Easter. Have you decorated your house to celebrate Easter?

Sweet Scarlet Easter table set up & printable {available on Etsy}

Happy Easter to everyone celebrating it!

Things happening this week... mark up your calendar!

2012-04-04T11:25:00.000+08:00

There are a lot of things going on this week, and it's about time to start sharing them all with you...

Wednesday, April 4 :: Giveway on Bloesem Kids
I have mentioned it yesterday already, today is your last chance to participate to the giveaway I am having on Bloesem Kids. You could win a Mini Me doll and a cute matching pouch in a bright red polka dot cotton.
All you have to do is leave a comment with three key words that best describe my creations.

I will embroider the name or word of your choice on the belly of the doll! What a gorgeous gift, don't you think?

Thursday, April 5 :: Singapore Etsy Meet-Up @ The Pigeon Hole
Katrina and I have scheduled our next Etsy Meet-Up to be on Thursday, April 5 from 7:30pm onward. It will take place at The Pigeon Hole in Tanjong Pagar as usual. Join us for a drink and a good chat about handmade, you Etsy shop or your creative pursuit. You don't need to be on Etsy or have a shop to join, we welcome anyone who wants to learn more about Etsy or the local handmade craft scene.

-> RSVP to the event {here} if you are part of the team, or leave a comment below if you are interested to join.

The Pigeon Hole :: 52/ 53 Duxton Road :: T. 6226 2880 :: Tanjong Pagar MRT

Friday, April 6 :: Gorgeous Easter Craft with my Kids
I have very fond memories of Easter time when I was a little girl... Irene of Bloesem Blogs has blogged yesterday about a super easy and cute tutorial about dyeing eggs {the way I used to do it with my mum}. The kids will love playing with colors and see what happens to the eggs...

Fun Easter craft by Irene on Bloesem Kids. Check the tutorial here!
©Photograph by Irene via Bloesem Kids

Saturday, April 7 :: Flower Brooch Embroidery Workshop #2 @ The Little Happy Shop
I will conduct my second and last embroidery workshop in Singapore this coming Saturday, April 7 at The Little Happy Shop in Holland Village. We will learn how to lay beads and sequins to create one stunning double flower brooch. I am looking forward to teach to my lovely "students"!

Beads and sequins are a great way to enhance any boring tee-shirt or any clothes and you will feel empowered to create your own accessories real soon! Read this report by Katrina who attended my last workshop {here}.

-> Last but not least, my guest post for Luminoso Blu should be up tomorrow, look out for some great inspiration for Easter! You can also check my last guest post {here}.

Hope your week is as lovely and busy as mine!

Giveaway on Bloesem Kids!

2012-04-03T22:45:00.002+08:00

Today is your last chance to participate to the giveaway I am currently holding on Bloesem Kids! You must leave a comment with three (3) key words that best describe my work! Easy peasy, the result will be announced on Thursday this week...

Participate to the giveaway now!

I nearly forgot to tell you that you can win a Mini Me doll (you can customize the name/ word on her belly) and a matching polka dots pouch! -> as seen on the picture above!

On another note, I will soon put my Etsy shop on vacation as most of the items currently in the shop are custom orders. We will be moving to Japan at the end of April, and I now need to concentrate on the move first. Shop should reopen towards the end of June, feel free to sign up to be notified!

Giveaway :: Etsy shop

Mermaid Party {Inspiration}

2012-03-29T08:00:00.000+08:00

As mentioned in my post yesterday, I am currently working on a Mermaid Birthday Party styling... The party will only happen in June, but since I am moving out of the country real soon, I have proposed my client to prepare a "DIY kit" including all the decoration material, a booklet with details and explanation on how to do the table set-up, booking and design direction for the birthday cake and more!

I am very excited to work on this project as I feel it might the direction for me to take in the coming months if I want to continue to do birthday planning and styling... So here below is a few of the photos that are totally inspiring me for this party!

1. Stunning beach party by One Charming Party - purchase the party plan {here}

2. Mermaid cake by the talented lady behind Coco Cake Cupcakes

3. Mermaid birthday invitation by One Charming Party

4. Gorgeous table setting spotted on Amy Atlas - Design & photography by Debbie of Wants and Wishes

5. Mermaid sign - Mermaid party by One Charming Party

6. Paper lanterns - purchase them {here}

We are still at the stage of discussing the details, but we might have sushis and star sandwiches among other delicacies... Do not only cater for the kids when you plan a birthday party {unless parents aren't invited of course}!

Are you inspired? what are your favorite details in the above photos?

Newsletter #1 & Random Things

2012-03-28T14:39:00.001+08:00

You can tell I am really busy when I don't manage to update the blog at least three times a week... Well, I have got a lot to think, plan, organize, manage, book at the moment. Moving is most of the time a burden, but moving country with such short notice is more than that! Oh well, I am not complaining. Just sharing...

Last week I "gave birth" to my first ever newsletter, and I am very happy about it. I started the entire process last year in September, and it took me this long to make it happen {don't laugh}. If you haven't subscribed yet, you can do it right now {here}{it's free & I won't spam you}.

Subscribing will help you to keep up with the fast pace I manage to maintain at the Studio; between us it can only get better in the months to come as I will:

1/. move to Japan, the most attractive and exciting place in the world for crafters {such as you and me}

2/. travel to France in summer for a much needed break in the country side

It means that I will put on hold some of my activities {birthday party planning} while planning new ones {workshops? writing?} and pursuing some {blogging, sewing & doing embroidery}. At least this is the plan.

A bite of my 1st newsletter...

Other than writing "first ever" newsletters, I am also sewing up a storm over here: dolls, dresses, passport holders, net shopper bags and a mermaid birthday party {a kit, which is another "first" attempt}.

I also have my second embroidery workshop {my last one in Singapore} at The Little Happy Shop next Saturday, April 7. All details and registration {here}. Join us to learn how to lay beads and sequins to enhance your tees, and create stunning accessories. We will make a flower brooch {as shown in the image above}.

In between all this, I have coffee/ drink/ lunch or dinner with my lovely friends... which makes me remember to mention that we have an Etsy meet-up next week Tursday, April 5 from 7:30pm at The Pigeon Hole. Check all details {here}. Open to everyone: Etsy sellers, buyers or crafters considering to open an Etsy shop,...

Hope to catch up with you before I leave!

{Interview with} Penny of one98one

2012-03-23T08:00:00.000+08:00

I was looking forward to introduce you to a new favorite accessory brand of mine, born and breed in Singapore. Today I am happy to welcome Penny of one98one!

Penny has been very supportive of my own crafty business over the past few months on both Twitter and Facebook and I was extremely curious to put a face on such kind lady. I did just that by attending the last MAAD Pyjama in March 9 where Penny had a stall and I immediately fell in love for her very sweet accessory line {I shall purchase a necklace very soon}...

Penny Ong of one98one

Let's find out more about Penny, how she started her full-time business and some of her favorite places in Singapore...

ECS: A short introduction of yourself: what are you doing for a living? What is your background and how did you start making jewelry?

I have been in the buying industry for almost 6 years and have recently quit my job to concentrate full-time on this hobby of mine. I always wanted to do crafting but the busy and crazy schedule that I used to have forbids me to do so.

I had always loved prints and colours and meddling around with /fabric/needles/embroidery when I was in school 10 years ago. I re-discovered my love for them when I was feeling stressed & burnt out from my job a year ago. Nothing seemed to interest me at that time in my job even though I was bringing home quite a neat pay package.

I was packing my room one day where I saw my fabrics, buttons, embellishments again & I felt so excited just by touching them. I guess things just started rolling from there.

One thing led to another. The next thing I knew, I had quit my job & started building up one98one.

Russian doll brooch - shop it here

ECS: Are you a self-taught designer?

No. I attended school at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts & graduated with a diploma of Fashion Merchandising & Marketing.

ECS: Describe your work. What is inspiring you?

Colours. Prints. Patterns. Birds. Flowers. Owls.

Lace collar necklace - check out similar designs here

ECS: What are your favorite materials? Why did you choose to work with Plexiglas and fabric?

Where are you sourcing for materials?

I was looking through Etsy and I found a lot of designers doing laser-cut jewelry.

I like the simplicity and details of laser-cut jewelry but there were just too many people doing it & they are good at what they do... I wanted to do something along that line but didn't want to fight in that pie with the experienced sellers.

So I decided to put in my own “flavour” into these laser-cut pieces by combining my love of prints/colours with them. The process was not easy. I had to find the right thickness. Right fabric. Right backing.

It really isn't as easy as it looks!

The best place for me to source for materials is online. Locally, craft supplies are just too expensive. Unless I need them urgently, many times I will resort to buying online.

Etsy is a good place for supplies in fact!

Flower brooch - soon in the (online)store!

ECS: Did you design your own logo? Is there a story behind your brand's name?

Yes. one98oneis my birth year & I wanted to name the business something that is close to my heart.

I love owls which is why I incorporated the shape of the owl as part of the logo.

ECS: Why the owl theme?

I love owls.

Owls are wise (although research has shown that they are not the most intelligent but I chose to believe it. Teehee)

Owls are cute with their big doe eyes.

Owls are sharp & determined in their judgement.

Basically they look cute.

(I am just being biased.)

Owl necklace - soon in the (online)store!

ECS: Where can we purchase your collection?

In my newly launched Etsy shop and at Threadbare &Squirrel at Bali Lane.

Threadbare & Squirrel

660 North Bridge Road (Bali Lane)

Singapore 188797

Tel: +65 63966738

ECS: What is your wildest dream?

Skydiving!

ECS: Best-kept secret in Singapore?

Drips Bakery at Tiong Poh Road: they make the best tarts EVER. All are baked by Alfred who used to be a pastry chef at Shangri-La.

ECS: Would you like to share with us some of your favorite Etsy shops?

Here they are:

from top left to bottom left: statement necklace, fabric,

wooden brooch, read my lips brooch

Jennifer Loiselle - Statement necklaces to die for!
Laughing House Fabric - Local based store that stocks Japanese fabric. Very fast and reliable service.
Snug Studio - Particularly love their brooches!
Shupg - Local designer who has a wide range of accessories from different materials.

And...

Wheniwasfour - Local designers who designed/handmade a range of products that brings back a lot of my childhood memories.

Something to look forward to:

1. one98one is coming up with a new collection over the next few weeks: using coloured Plexiglas and combining more embellishments. Simply can't wait to see the end product!

2. Because I have so much fabric remnants at home, I am going to turn then into fabric buttons/ rings and more...

3. I will be participating to the next Public Garden flea market in May and this time it's going to be a huge event because it will be in accordance with Singapore Arts Festival.

It will be really exciting for one98one for the rest of the year!

Please join my mailing list to keep up to date with the latest arrivals and promotions!

Thank you so much to Penny for willing to be a part of my {Interview with} column. I am delighted to share it with you all, and I hope you enjoyed the read too!

one98one

Website :: Facebook :: Etsy Shop :: Twitter

And the winner is...

2012-03-20T09:27:00.001+08:00

I had this little giveaway going on last week, and was supposed to announce the winner yesterday... sorry if I kept you waiting, it was a really busy day. I asked my daughter Chloe to proceed to the draw in a very innocent and simple way this morning {she's wearing her school uniform}... and the winner of the handmade passport holder is...

Congratulation Anna!

Get in touch with me as soon as possible to let me know your address and I will mail your prize this week :-)

Sweet Gift Thursday... // Petit cadeau du Jeudi...

2012-03-15T18:30:00.000+08:00

Here is one perfect bag/ pouch! Check out the entire range of Corium as there are many other accessories to fall for...

Screen-printed geometrical illusion handbag - US$45 only

:: Found via the gorgeous blog Odessa May Society that I recommend you to check out!