Quiet Girl

Made in Colkinikha

2012-02-13T20:00:00.000+08:00

I found Made in Colkinikha in the Mori Girl magazine I bought in Japan last 2010. I love their clothes so much that I made some of the girls in my Blush Postcards wear MIC dresses and tops. I was supposed to blog about the brand last October. I probably forgot to! MIC is created by Kate Sakai. She modeled when she was young. While attending university in 2002, she started creating and selling her own clothing line. Kate Sakai is a musician as well. Her blog can be found here.

Rebuild and Withdraw

2012-02-11T20:00:00.000+08:00

Hello! I won't be able to post any personal content in the next few weeks because my room is being renovated (finally!) If you visit my deviantart, there's a journal entry there, dated May 2011, saying that I am about to renovate my room. Truth is, it never pushed through. I've been holding this off for 2 years already. Right now all the blinds, wallpaper and couches are torn, even my toilet is busted. My room is also my work space so I find it very difficult to move out, especially when work comes right after another.

Last week, I told myself that we should take all the furniture and be done with it even if I haven't chosen the upholstery yet. So just 2 days ago, the furniture company took out my bed, desk and all the other furniture in my room. In the next few days, I'll be looking for fabric. To be honest, I'm not entirely sure how I want my room to turn out. Even my mom told me the other day, "I think your room is going to look ugly." She was very serious. :|

I closed commissions again but I'm still drawing for leisure, figuring things out. I don't know which direction I want to take my work. There are days when I want to keep it simple and days when I want to be adventurous and ambitious. A lot of days I feel inadequate and at times, projects I am excited about in the past aren't as exciting anymore. Sometimes I am compelled to put my diploma to good use (aka. employment). I guess we all go through this. I'm finding ways on how to put the fun back in, and the "pain" out of painting (lol), or at least make it more bearable. It has reached a point where I'm not having so much fun anymore. I'll get out of it.

Coco and I will be on vacation.

If anyone needs to send me a note or an email, just do. I still regularly check my messages from my sister's laptop. I also left a couple of inspiration posts on queue, around 2 posts a week, so please continue to visit my blog.

Much love!

The Bird Feeder

2012-02-10T20:00:00.000+08:00

Some of you might have seen a progress shot of this work a while back. I finished it just in time for my exhibit last year. It didn't go as planned but I think it still turned out ok. I had quite an ordeal with the hair. I learned that it's often most important to listen to that little voice inside rather than the voice of bigger people. A lot of times, the little voice is right.

The Bird Feeder

(I offered you seeds, you offered me sympathy)

Acrylic on cotton, 12x18"

deviantArt Link

This painting is not all that magnificent but it will relentlessly remind me of two turbulent hours I spent trying to figure out what color should I use for her hair, making a mistake, then moping trying to fix it back. As for The Bird Feeder--she has an entirely different story.

Nina van de Goor

2012-02-06T20:00:00.000+08:00

I still often stroll around Etsy and I discovered these precious ware designs a couple of days ago. They're by Nina van de Goor. She prints geometric shapes and patterns to vintage wares to add a little fun, spice and character to them. I'd definitely want to own a few of these pieces in the near future. Click on the images to view their Etsy listing.

Visit Nina van de Goor's shop.

Clinique: I rise at the caress of a kindred spirit

2012-02-04T20:00:00.000+08:00

Clinique commissioned 4 of us artists/designers to come up with paintings for their event. The launch was held last January 19 and it showcased some of their items like the famous chubby stick and eye mousse. What's great about Clinique is that their line of make-up is very young and fresh. Their pallet highlights your features rather than alter or add too much drama.

I rise at the caress of a kindred spirit

Acrylic on cotton and Photoshop (minor), 12x18"

Here's the work that I came up with. I wanted to project that after shower slash "I just woke up" feeling. And also how joyous a lady feels while putting on make-up. Photos of the event and other artworks under the cut. Please check them out!

Whirlwinds

2012-02-03T09:00:00.000+08:00

I've been on an unannounced hiatus the past several weeks. There are times in a year when I get episodes of depression (though I don't want to call it that because I think that's a case worse than mine). I sometimes find myself incapacitated to move for a couple of days, I deliberately skip meals, I cry a lot and I lash out self-depreciating words to myself. I just stopped drawing and painting for almost a month. Sometimes I realize how staggering the silence and loneliness is. And I sometimes have an obsession to aggravate it.

I've been this way since my pre-teen years so it's nothing new. The only difference is that back then, it's a perennial low. Now I'm regularly OK although on some days it goes on full throttle and I become a horrifying mess for a week. And I guess that if you don't see people everyday, it's very easy to waste away.

There you go. I'm alive and all is well! I've managed to pick myself up and I think that's what's important. :) On the other hand, I've partnered up with someone to work on a project and I've got a couple of projects I planned out for myself. It's just... these emotional whirlwinds are insane and I'm wishing that I'll be able to handle them better next time.

"Fragments of your face race around my lonely place." - No Smile, I Blame Coco

I'm turning quietgirl.net into an online portfolio maybe around the end of February. This blog will be moved to a /blog subdomain. I've decided to filter down the content of Quiet Girl to just personal material and my work. No more commercial things, just my authentic self and work, genuine interactions, warm and personal.

January was quite a ride: Internally eventful, but I have accomplished nothing relevant. To highlight the good of January:

Orvin and I turned 8 last January 21. We are a very old couple!
My blog has a new layout. It's very simple but I hope you like it. The text on the header and most sidebar buttons are handwritten.
My exhibit closed/ended and some of my paintings are here at home. That was a wonderful exhibit! Thanks Heima!
I lost friends yet I gained some. The universe has a funny way of executing equivalent trade.
I was part of the exhibit/product launch of Clinique last month. I'll talk about it soon.
My daily life now revolves around Coco, my rabbit. He's potty trained and free roam and I think I've been giving him too much attention that I take work breaks more often. :(
Marj calls my low streak a "month-long PMS". And true enough the universe isn't too cruel. February so far has been okay. :)

Pauline

2012-02-03T00:46:00.001+08:00

I posted an announcement on my twitter back in January that I was looking for a person who can model for me (not nude). I wasn't particular with the face and body type--I was okay with anyone. Much to my surprise, I got a message from Pauline. I always imagined her as a busy model. But I'm truly honored to be approached. I think Pauline is one of the most beautiful models to walk this earth.

I didn't ask Pauline to pose. We just talked about really random things. Pauline's a couple of years younger than me. I think one of the puzzling things about her is that she looks so mature and her topics of interest are very grown-up. I often felt that I was talking to someone older than me. And the paradox comes in. Despite being so mature, she has the inquisitiveness of a child. I guess that's what makes her so daunting (yet alluring).

Pauline didn't want to have her photos taken. She's camera shy daw! So I wasn't able to finish most of the sketches. I did a quick portrait as thanks. I partly referenced it from Lesley Choa's photo of Pauline. (Btw! Check out Lesley's blog. Her photos and inspirations are captivating.)

I'd love to draw Pauline again, properly, with food (worst host represent). And I'd definitely love to draw other people and get to know them underneath flesh and bones. This is an experience I find fulfilling, though it feels a little strange at some moments: listening to what you are drawing.

James Jean in Manila Part 2

2012-01-18T19:00:00.000+08:00

This entry took long to write.

I first encountered James Jean several years ago. Year 2005, I was at Fully Booked, Rockwell. I used to go to Fully Booked almost every month to browse their graphic novels. The 1st compilation of Fables was a new addition to the shelf. The price was around 600php, which is incredibly affordable for a volume, the cover art was charming, and a Filipino artist was drawing for it, Lan Medina. Factor all these things in, purchasing it was the wisest decision I could make--and indeed it's one of the wisest I've ever made.

What undoubtedly struck me were the covers of Fables. Funny thing is, I'm not really into very masculine comic book art. So my very shallow basis of buying graphic novels were actually the covers. I believe my growth in taste attributed to the very narrative style of graphic novel art. James Jean played an immense part of our (me and my peers's) growth as (real or pretending or aspiring) artists. You will always find an artist-illustrator, somewhere who will mention his name. You can't help but be drawn to the intricacies and the breadth of his work. What makes him all the more spectacular is his capacity to encompass several arenas in art: illustration, commercial art, fashion, fine art, and now even jewelry.

Look Down Illustration + Fashionary Contest Winner

2012-01-18T18:00:00.000+08:00

No need to look down

Watercolor, 15x15"

deviantArt Link

Here's another painting from the exhibit. All my works actually look a little sad. This is the last piece that I made and I told myself that I should make something happy and light, something you might want to put in your kid's room. Here's how it turned out. :)

I also got word that the unsold pieces are still on display Heima Makati. Half of the collection has been sold and they're on their way to their owners. (I'm not sure if I should cry... please take care of them! ;_;) They're putting the remaining works down on Friday so if you want to see them, you can still visit on weekdays (10-6PM), contact info here.

Thanks for being part of the experience!

Demografik

2012-01-17T17:00:00.000+08:00

Hey guys! One of the most amazing creative and branding agencies around, Vgrafiks, recently launched Demografik. Vgrafiks asked some of us illustrators and designers to provide pieces for their messenger bags. We gladly obliged!

The caricatures are so cute! *u*

In a nutshell, Demografik is a:

Collaborative venture that partners with artists and designers to produce imaginative and functional products. This platform brings us together with creators and supporters of our thriving creative and cultural scene.

Our inspiring collaboration combines creativity and craft. Our first line of messenger bags features the works of illustrators Isa Afable, Dex Fernandez, Kat Yeo, Dan Matutina, and Valerie Chua. Our bags have become canvases of their talent and eye-catching containers of imagination.

You can now physically bring our designs with you where ever you go!

Visit Demografik:

Website | Facebook Page

The fall is short on higher ground

2012-01-11T22:45:00.000+08:00

deviantArt Link

Mixed media on cotton paper, 12x18"

SOLD

This wasn't supposed to be included in the exhibit. I felt ashamed after I finished this work. I did it in a day or two and it looked so simple compared to the rest of the collection. I'm thankful that it made people happy.

The 1st week of 2012 came as a surprise. I got to meet a couple of artists from different parts of the world (up and close!). I barely got time to work on projects last week because I was up and about. But it's fascinating to meet people outside your city and it really inspired me to travel, even for a brief time. I'd like to talk about them in individual entries in the next few days.

This is a weird thing for me to do but once again I cut down my commission work and I'm focusing on personal projects and skill-based self-improvement. I think that I'm falling short on technique and conceptualization at the moment and I find it wildly frustrating. So I'm doing a little personal work experiment, a change of routine, and I'll see how it turns out.

2011 had been a strange year. I wrote a very long culminating entry about every possible department there is in life (art, work, friendship, finance, including the pet department). I decided not to publish the entry. I kept it in a safe place instead. But here's an excerpt:

Every year people discover new things, they find themselves, they get lost again.

A lot of things happened. I think that's important, that things happened and I actively reacted. It doesn't matter how good or bad. I believe that one of my struggles since 2010 is to be more human. I forgot things like habit and virtue, which I'm trying to get back now. If it takes a certain kind of suffering in order to realize the importance of sincerity, and honesty, and the things that you have, and the ideas you wish to project in your work and as a person, then I am grateful for the struggle.

Keep them coming and I will battle it with my bear fists. Thank you 2011.

Thanks for being a part of my 2011.

Quiet Girl ft. Avalon.ph Fashionary x Sibling Giveaway

2012-01-04T18:24:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone! I'm happy to announce that Quiet Girl has just turned 2 years old. I was supposed to hold this giveaway last December but due to time constraints, we decided to move it to January just in time for the new year! Coincidentally, my blog has turned 2. It's been a great 2 years sharing my stories and works with you. I'm grateful to everyone who has been supporting and following my blog, old and new!

Avalon.ph is one of my favorite local online stores. I held a Moleskine giveaway sponsored by the shop half a year ago to show my support for Avalon.ph and quality/archival sketchbooks like the Moleskine. Apart from offering rare books and collectibles, Avalon.ph sells popular notebook brands such as the Moleskine, Field Notes and Fashionary at very affordable prices.

A few months ago, Avalon.ph lent my sister and I copies of the Fashionary to draw on. You can read about our experience here. It's a great item for fashion and clothing enthusiasts, professional fashion designers and hobbyists. Much to my surprise, Avalon.ph sent me a LIMITED EDITION item: the Fashionary x Sibling - iPad Pouch Limited Boxset. There are only 400 (FOUR HUNDRED!!!) boxes of these around the world and we're giving you a chance to own one!

Boysen KNOxOUT Air Cleaning Paint

2011-12-30T09:39:00.001+08:00

I was part of a commercial for Boysen KNOxOUT Paint. It's an environment-friendly, air cleaning paint. Its chemical composition is able to break down and neutralize air pollutants. It's self-cleaning and anti-bacterial. Just imagine how much healthier we'd all be if the entire country uses this kind of paint. *u*

Meet Gab, my TVC partner! He's a surrealist artist currently studying fine arts in UP. We're both blowing paint to create a tree.

The experience was nothing short of cool. I've never been in a TVC shoot before and I've never seen or been to a studio for TVCs or big productions. I've never seen so many lights in 1 place!!! The shoot took us the entire day. It was a little tiring but it was fulfilling. And it's amazing to see how a simple set up was turned into something like this. :)

My clothes were from Flights of Fancy. It's a new online store run by my friend, Krisella, and her business partner, Celize. They were kind enough to lend me clothes for the shoot! I love their style that I got a few pieces for myself. Check out their store! (Krisella's design skills are mad. Been loving her layouts since high school.) <3

Metamorphosis in Couture

2011-12-28T16:26:00.001+08:00

I illustrated for Designare Magazine. It's a Haute Couture magazine based in Singapore with offices in Asia and Europe. It's a prestigious magazine and I was incredibly honored to be part of their December 2011 issue. Lenne and I have been following each other's blogs for quite sometime now and I was so happy that she contacted me to collaborate. When I first saw the photos, they looked so clean and professional and the styling was so elegant that I initially felt afraid to touch it. I'm glad that my contribution turned out all right. :)

Photographer: Lenne Chai

Stylist: Venetia Sng

Illustrator: Valerie Chua

Makeup Artist: Zhou Aie using M.A.C

Hairstylist: Mark Cheng

Model: Olesya S (Ave)

Photography Assistants: Togusa Chan, Poch Mauricio

Styling Assistant: Yongyang Hoon

Congratulations to everyone! You all did a great job. *u*
And thank you so much, Lenne!

A few years ago when I was just starting out, I've always dreamed of creating fashion illustrations or just illustrations related to fashion design. I kept switching illustration genres because I've always felt that maybe it isn't for me. I really started out with fashion illustration in mind and I somehow parted from it along the way. It really was a surprise to be able to work on something like this.

When I heard that a friend was going to Singapore, I shamelessly asked her to get me a copy of the magazine. (I hope she was able to find one.) If you're in Singapore now or if you live in Singapore, I hope you can buy a copy or browse it. I think the viewing experience is much more amazing in print! :)

Got these images from Lenne (full post):

By the way, Lenne was a finalist for this year's Nuffnang Asia-Pacific Blog Awards. Lenne's blog is filled with inspiring photos and looks, please visit her if you haven't! :)

All that is lost is golden

2011-12-27T15:20:00.004+08:00

All that is lost is golden

Watercolors and gold acrylic, 12x16"

deviantART Link

I somehow misplaced the progress shots for this one. :( But here's the finished photo. It's one of the pieces in my exhibit. I think this is one of the works that I didn't plan out well. It turned out incredibly sullen as well. I remember being a little miserable while doing this.

I'm down with a cold virus (initially a sore throat then post-nasal drip turned cough, now my ears are kind of blocked). It's my 8th day being sick and I finally visited the doctor yesterday. I avoided the doctor in the hopes that my body' immune system will do it's own butt-kicking but it I only seem to get worse (and sleepless). I'm slowly recovering.

I think my biggest regret this Christmas is not giving myself a break. I took on a lot of jobs simultaneously and my body just gave up. To be very honest, I really feel insecure that I'm not earning enough (compared to a lot of my peers) so I make up by taking a lot of projects. Sometimes I feel jealous of other people who can pull all-nighters. I guess it's really different when you're doing work in front of the computer screen versus working with your back and neck's bent 45-degrees for hours straight. ;_; I just wish I can do more while not skipping on friends and family.

Speaking of friends, here's a photo of my new friend:

He's a mini-rex rabbit given to me by my boyfriend. His name is Coco.

He has velvety soft fur, very spoiled and hungry 24/7.
He's always excited when there's people around (and when he's not busy eating).
Every morning I carry him in my arms around the house.

This was a few days after I got him. Little did I know he was peeing on the couch while I was taking this photo.

---

I remember this blog being somehow confessional at some point in the past. I just wrote whatever came into mind and I talked about how great or terrible my day went and who I was out with, add a small drawing here and there. I kind of miss those days when it was like that. You know that feeling whenever there are a lot of people reading, you start writing about really positive and general things just so it's not too embarrassing? I tried to restructure it into an art blog or a semi-fashion/lifestyle blog and it doesn't quite fit. That's not it. Quiet Girl is actually (well it used to be), in bulk, a very confessional place. The less I wrote about what's close to me (ie. my feelings and thoughts, no matter how awkward and ridiculous), the more this place felt empty. I'll definitely work on this blog, change it up a bit, send it to its proper place.

For the meantime--Happy holidays!

Gelato Pique Collection 2011

2011-12-27T14:35:00.000+08:00

Gelato Pique is a Japanese home/nightwear brand. It also has a garden, kids and toiletry line. I browsed through their Spring catalog this morning and it was filled with very ethereal and romantic pieces. I checked their website to see more of their clothes and I stumbled on these gorgeous photos.

“Dessert for grown-ups”

The brand is happily creating relaxing clothing that makes you comfortable and is fit to your lifestyle, as “fashion in the room.” "Sweets to wear," to stimulate your room for a dessert, affordably priced like a dessert, is for all the women like you.

Image Source: Gelato Pique Website

Contest Winners & A Buried Fear Painting

2011-12-18T10:26:00.002+08:00

A Buried Fear Grows Lemons in the Dark

Watercolor, 12x18"

DevianrArt Link

I think some of you have seen process shots of this one already. The scan isn't really good but I couldn't scan it again because it's framed already. :( I think the colors are richer in real life.

I also recently did an illustration for A Different Cut. I was asked to combine 3 things:

Paul Budnitz Bicycles Model No.1

Russe by House of Laurel Alatyr Cover-Up

NeatDesk High-Speed Desktop Scanner & Digital Filing System

View Larger

The result looks retro x anime, which was completely unintentional but it was fun!!! I tried to make thick watercolor outlines for the hair and face instead of just washing it. Apart from the colors, I think the outlines contributed to the anime-ish look.

A Game Over Tea

2011-12-13T17:30:00.000+08:00

This is an older painting I started several months ago but it took me months to finish (I usually leave it lying around and I go back to it weeks or months later) because there's something that's making it off-balanced. I didn't intend it to be included in the exhibit but it ended up there. *u*

Around 90% done. *cries*

I lack courage.

The image is cliche so I tried to compromise with the use of color. I just wanted to try out something more narrative with a background so I tried to fill up the entire paper but I think this isn't something I'm very good at. I've no knowledge of landscape and value.

A Game Over Tea

12x16" watercolor

deviantART link

Scanning is a little terrible. :( It looks better in real life, I think. My exhibit is still up.

Visit it at Heima, 2nd fl., LRI design plaza, Nicanor Garcia St., Makati City. Event details.

Drawing Summer

2011-12-09T17:00:00.000+08:00

I'm fully aware that the summer season is long gone but I'd like to share this section of Syrup Magazine called "Drawing Summer". An apt content for my blog! These are great "dirty work" (art school?) clothes and I believe this shade of cyan and teal never gets old. I love using them in my works once in a while.

Image source: Syrup Summer 2011

Backyard of the Universe (Opening aftermath)

2011-12-08T18:00:00.000+08:00

I haven't blogged about Backyard of the Universe. I have a hard time talking about it. It's not something I can explain well myself. But I'd like to share with you a couple of experiences I had with it. The exhibit is still running, until December 20, so I hope you can still visit. It's different when you see it in person (plus it would mean a lot to me if you come!)

The set-up is actually tons prettier in real life. You have to be there to experience it, sit on the couches, and smell the nice Olive scent. Then suddenly the feeling of home kicks in... And suddenly you want to purchase the entire store.

At first I wanted to exhibit in a real art gallery although I am well aware that my genre is a little different from what they show here. I don't do abstract expressionism, post-modern and modernist work, which are popular with the galleries here, nor realism or works that lean towards the classics. Even lowbrow, a relatively new genre, doesn't seem to umbrella on my work that much. I visited galleries and even after going through the works at ManilaArt, I felt that I won't be able to be part of a gallery here because my works aren't weird or strange or experimental enough, neither is it classical or academic enough.

I decided to stage an exhibit independently only to find out that the location would cost me P50,000 (1,150usd) in 2 weeks and that's not an amount I'm willing to shell out in one go, knowing that no one might buy my works. So I thought of tying-up with a furniture store to add to the viewing experience since my works are small. I immediately chose Heima because my color and style preference isn't too far from theirs. I was so nervous drafting the proposal letter. (Siyempre nanginginig pa ako yung pinindot ko yung send button) They gave me a positive response in 2 hours. It took me over a day to respond because I really couldn't believe what I read.

Heima helped me out a lot. I was really happy working with them! I love that they didn't follow a strict gallery set-up. The exhibit was ambient; the works and furniture go hand in hand. I think that's what made the exhibit endearing.

I didn't have a curator for the exhibit. I have no idea how much they cost but I needed someone to write my exhibit description and I was so happy that Gerard obliged.

Searching for rabbit holes, spinning on tea cups, carrying lemon tree pots and traipsing over patches of dry earth, Valerie Chua, self-taught illustrator, render on watercolour paper the female adolescence in its most beautiful yet haunting form. An exhibit of 14 illustrations entitled Backyard of the Universe, Chua’s poised and solitary ladies invite viewers into the secret worlds of the backyard. Exploring the subtle depths of a simple portion of a house, the artist successfully brings viewers back to childhood and the moments once lived in these walls.

Drawn on watercolour paper and created with acrylic paint and water color, Chua captures in her art the many stories that live as whispers in the backyard. In various states of solitude, her muses exemplify innocence and a beauty that only the young posses. For Chua’s drawn muses, the backyard is an entirely different world, separate from the one breathing beyond their gates. Hinted by the artist, Chua shares that the backyard—which has been the tender thread to her works, stands as a metaphor for something private and vulnerable. Despite Annie Leibovitz’s words, “I feel a responsibility to my backyard. I want it to be taken care of and protected”, Chua opens up these private moments to viewers. Contrary to Chua’s light, almost dream-like hues and lines, there lies a silence varying from the calm to the mysterious (sinister even) that her muses greatly keep, inspiring questions of “why is she happy?”, “why is she alone?”, “why are they in the backyard” or even “what could she be hiding from us?” Backyard of the Universe allows viewers into the usually neglected and most vulnerable part of everyone’s house, where innocence, peace, secrets and answers once may have been lived, but are never forgotten.—Gerard Gotladera

In our Humanities degree, we were trained to write about and/or critique art and exhibits. There's an obstacle when you to supply words to your own work, it almost seems as if your words are dogmatic. And you don't want that to happen.

It's hard to understand one's own work, at least for me. Whenever I get asked for an explanation, I often don't know what to say (this is the part where I regret not getting a curator). I make a lot of images but I don't intend for anyone to think or feel this certain way whenever they look at them. I make them in the hopes that people will connect to/with them and it doesn't matter if you connect to it in a positive or negative light. What matters is that you connect.

This little universe between our backs

Is so beautiful, and colorful, I lean on that.

- Little Favors, KT Tunstall

I got the exhibit title from this song. I ended up with Backyard of the Universe because someone told me it sounds better but I'm really not sure myself! Everything is all about the backyard.

When I was young, we bought our current house because I was running in the backyard during an open house visit. The "running years" was short lived. I grew up, I studied, I worked and nobody visits the backyard anymore except to water the plants and to bury dead animals.

I didn't paint these to bring life and character to the backyard. They'll always be there whether or not you're around. I find the backyard a place of vulnerability and remembrance, not exactly a physical location. You played once, and then you grow old and then forget, but then in rare moments, you go back to it.

---

Thank you to those who visited!

Thanks also to those who blogged about the event:

The exhibit will run until December 20. It's located at:
Heima, 2nd flr. LRI Design Plaza,
210 Nicanor Garcia Street (Formerly Reposo),
Bel-Air II, Makati, Philippines - map here

Quiet Girl ft. Fika Fika Fika Christmas Giveaway

2011-12-07T19:55:00.000+08:00

Yes, you read that right! Quiet Girl is holding a giveaway featuring a Philippine-based crafts store, Fika Fika Fika. I've always been in search for local independent crafts stores to promote on my blog. In this highly digitized and fast-paced society, arts and crafts and everything intricately made and written isn't as much paid attention to as before. I like holding giveaways such as these to remind you to appreciate the little things in life and to remember what is heartfelt. Remember the days when you used to receive letters in the mail, colorful fragrant stationery from your seat mate, and the days when you took time to gather little items and trinkets for your friends and loved ones.

This Christmas Quiet Girl and Fika Fika Fika want to share this childhood memory with you!

ABOUT

Fika Fika Fika is a curation of things that we love. It is for the dreamers and the curious. We’re starting small, but who knows maybe we’ll have that small corner coffee shop that we have been dreaming of starting one day.

Fika (fee-ka) is that wonderful Swedish past time that involves taking a break and getting together with friends, co-workers or family and chatting over coffee, tea, cakes, pastries or sandwiches. We are guilty of this past time, and none of us are even Swedish! Having Fika was simply our means of enjoying a short getaway from work and our mundane daily activities. Visit Fika Fika Fika.

Giveaway Contents:

#1 ☆ 4-piece Quiet Girl Retro Girl postcard set

Each postcard is sized 4x5.5", printed on high quality matte card stock.

Includes 4 ivory colored envelopes.

#2 ☆ Prague: Mini Postcard + Envelope

45 mini postcards (8.5cmx6cm) and 25 envelopes in a box

Beautiful sights and landmarks of Prague, Czech Republic

#3☆ Handmade Dalahäst

Lovely Dala horse charm, 100% sewn by fikafikafika.

#4 ☆ French Girlish Mood Notebook Set A

Small notebook set of 2 with a petite French girl and her pets on the cover

Notebook size is 10.5cmx14cm

#5 ☆ Signed print of "Beekeeper"

8x11" Open edition print, printed on high quality matte card stock

Giveaway Mechanics:

To get a chance to win, all you need to do are the following:

1. Be a Quiet Girl Facebook follower -or- a Quiet Girl Google Friend Connect follower.

2. Like Fika Fika Fika on Facebook -or- follow Fika Fika Fika on Google Friend Connect.

3. Comment on this entry -or- reblog this entry and mention that you have done the above.

That's it!

For those who don't know, Google Friend Connect is found on the sidebar and it looks like this:

Note that each step has 2 options. You don't have to do both for each step. I understand that some people don't have facebook accounts and others don't have Google accounts. :)

This contest is open to international residents.

It doesn't matter where you live. We will ship it to you! :)

Contest will end on December 13, 2011. The winner will be picked using a randomizer.

Happy Holidays and good luck!

BY THE WAY!

If you're in Manila, Fika Fika Fika will be selling goods at the Brown Bag Vintage & Crafts Market this Friday. Click on the link for details. It's the perfect place to buy Christmas gifts and anything handmade! :)

Contest Closed
Thanks for joining! Winner will be announced shortly.

Keds: The Original Sneaker Exhibit

2011-12-07T17:00:00.000+08:00

As promised, here are the photos of all our designed shoes and of course, the Keds exhibit! Being there felt a little nostalgic. I wore Keds shoes when I was a child. Keds slowly disappeared from the local market and right now they're making a comeback. I was never a huge fan of sneakers but Keds blazed whatever little interest I had in them. This exhibit showcases the history of Keds shoes. Old designs and vintage print ads were on display. 5 young artists were also asked to collaborate with Keds. I think that's one of the highlights of the exhibit.

It was held at the Secret Fresh Gallery. A timeline staircase welcomes you.

Keds Exhibit Entry WIP

2011-12-06T17:00:00.000+08:00

Almost 2 weeks ago, Keds Philippines invited me to collaborate with them by painting on a pair of their basic white sneakers. It was scheduled to be exhibited at the Ronac Art Center on December 5. I picked my pair up from Complex, Eastwood Mall just last Sunday. I was also able to get a pair of my own to keep, I picked the violet one, which was a strange choice. I don't have violet clothes but the color matches my skin tone well.

Moving on to the painted sneaks...

It's my 1st time painting on sneakers. It was a little difficult. I heard of people using acrylic on shoes so I went on with painting acrylic straight onto it. It works fine with less water but it starts to bleed whenever the brush is soaked. My initial colors were similar but 1 or 2 of them had to go so I erased my work with primer and redid it. The repainted version (which is the one here) looks totally different from my initial painting. Only then I realized that these are canvas shoes. You have to treat it like real canvas. So I applied my usual canvas procedure and it's not as difficult anymore.

My primer was really thin. I didn't want to harden or cake the shoe. I tried mixing primer with paint. I decided to work on a select color palette of cool bases and red and orange accents. I wanted to make a wearable design rather than a real work of art. I was thinking, I want to match it with my clothes. I don't want it to stand out but I want people to notice my feet if ever they look down, like a subtle hello!

I was asked for the title. I didn't really have anything in mind except the color blue when I painted this. So I just said "Blue Forest" It's like, you don't need to go to the forest, because you're already walking with it.

(Haha so cheesy! XD)

Finished! Some squares have gold paint on them.

Me trying them on. :D The pair was picked up that same day. I wanted to wear them 1st before giving them out. I don't think I'll be able wear them again. ;_;

This was an interesting experience. I think the nice thing about working on a completely new surface is making certain decisions you don't normally make on activities you're accustomed to doing. It's been a while since I've done this kind of sudden switch. It's a little nerve wracking but we all need a little nudge in the head sometimes. After this I pretty much resolved to try out other things. I used to be more adventurous when I was starting out. I should bring it back!

Going back, it's mighty fun to paint on shoes. I think Keds shoes have ample surface area to paint on. That's what I liked most about it. And the cloth isn't porous or rugged. I think it's evident from the photos above that the final texture (after applying paint) is still smooth.

I hope you like my shoes! I'll post about the event, my Keds experience and photos of everyone else's shoes tomorrow. :D

Visit Keds Philippines on Facebook.

Special gift from a special person

2011-12-05T14:32:00.000+08:00

A lovely friend of mine, Aleyn, visited me on my exhibit opening at Heima and got me a present. It was really sweet of her! Aleyn works for a videography studio so she travels a lot and it's a rare chance to find her in Manila. I've only seen her once before. We spent a couple of hours together window shopping and we never fail to pick out the same items we'd want to buy. If there's anyone I'd claim to be my brain twin (which I've never claimed before), it might be Aleyn.

I opened the gift the day after my exhibit. I was so excited to open it that night but I figured that I should be 100% ready for it. I was sure that I'm going to be giddy and excited the entire time. I want the sun shining and the birds singing. Let me be giddy with gusto!

I was so excited that I took photos while opening it. Haha!

1st peek!!!

It's Frankie magazine's latest issue!!! I never had a copy of Frankie before. I know it's a beautiful mag (from online photos) and I've no idea what's it like inside. There's also a postcard book and a letter.

The Frankie mag articles are interesting. Some of them are down-to-earth stories from ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things. You can somehow relate to and learn from them. The aesthetic is very vintage and laid back (just like Aleyn!), so as their featured artworks. It's so simple, it's beautiful.

Aleyn also got me a postcard book called "Drop Dead Cute".

The works inside are charming. They're made by 10 female Japanese illustrators.

Some illustrations are so simple yet they look complete. It makes me wonder how people successfully do them (especially the Japanese).

(And oh this one is a little erotic. Whoops! Haha!)

That's about it! It's incredibly sweet of Alyen to get me a present. I don't know how to top this off! ;_; She's one of my favorite photographers in THE WORLD. I'm really glad that I got to meet her and spend the day with her. I'm so excited to see her again!!!

Visit Aleyn at paperxlove.blogspot.com

Human Jeans, multiple-personality

2011-11-27T09:24:00.000+08:00

Four of us friends modeled for a local clothing brand, Human. I remember that I used to buy a lot of shirts and jeans from them back in high school and early college. Their recent collection made me rekindle my old interest in the brand. Today, you'd never imagine taking a different persona while wearing Human jeans--glamorous or laid back, you name it. What I love about this shoot is that they made us dress in styles that we don't normally dress in and it seems like we pulled it off!

The four bloggers get together for a bohemian rhapsody as they revisit the 70s to spread peace, love and happiness in Human’s flared jeans. Channel the free spirit of the era in floral-print and tribal-motif tops. These prints give button down long-sleeved tops and billowy blouses a vintage feel.

This set was pegged from the 1983 film, Flash Dance. We're all strutting street style wear. It's definitely a 180-turn for me. I've never sported this type of look. I actually kind of like it!

L-R: Dominique, Valerie, Crissey, Shai

Each of the bloggers also stylishly updates solo personas like the vixen, the rocker, the sophisticate and the glamour girl. Shai takes a pair of Human’s skinny butt lifter jeans and dresses it up with a cotton sweetheart-cut top and pink high heels that looks as sexy as Barbie. Valerie gives Human’s skinny jeans a heavy metal appeal with a black and white ensemble. Dominique takes Human’s boot cut khakis for a refined spin with a twist by partnering the pants with a blue sheer button down top and orange blazer. Lastly, Crissey goes glam with Human’s skinny jeans by matching it with a shiny tank and vest.

I love these skinny jeans! I'm a skinny jeans hoarder myself. One of the things that I'm critical about in jeans is the wash and Human's wash tone and design is canon and essential; you won't have to worry about the tone not matching your top.

That's about it! :) You can read the entire article about our shoot here.