Crochet Corals

I attended the a crochet workshop conducted at the Museum of Contemporary Art and Design at the College of Saint Benilde. I enjoyed the experience, and it was a pleasure to see absolute beginners learn crochet.
We were given patterns and yarns for a sea slug and a starfish. Since the theme of the workshop was coral worlds, we were tasked to learn how to make underwater creatures.
I have used crochet as a way to de-stress and unwind. Attending events related to the craft has enabled me to meet new friends and also appreciate the craft more.

Here’s to more opportunities to exchange ideas with fellow crocheters, and learning more tricks to improve my craft!

How I Learned Food Illustration

A year has passed since I took my food illustration workshop with Teacher Jane Gaspar. Back then, I was still actively sketching my meals on my Traveler’s Notebook, and I wanted to hone my craft.

Enter Jane and her skills- she is one of the best food sketchers in the country today, and her Instagram account is a testament to her talent and dedication to her craft. 

My workshop with her last year was not only fun, it was also inspiring! I am not traditionally talented in art, but Jane somehow made me believe that I can draw my meals and post them online. Anyone who knows me well will not be surprised with this hobby of mine as I am such a foodie. I carried on with drawing, posting, and sharing my food illustrations, which I continue to do today.  

Take this meal I had a few months ago, which I haven’t shared with you yet. This was at Nord’s Bread Hub at SM The Block.  

I had this delicious salted egg and smoked fish pasta...

...and freshly brewed coffee.  

I illustrated my food as follows on my Traveler’s Notebook, using watercolor inserts from another local crafter and illustrator, AireesCreates.  

I still occasionally sketch my food, and it has given me joy. It is my hope that more people will learn this hobby and enjoy it as much as I do. Thus, I am promoting Jane’s Food Illustration workshop next month! 

I can guarantee that you will learn heaps from her, and she will guide you throughout the whole class. She will also continue giving you feedback and support online after the workshop. She has since become my friend and has been supportive of all my endeavours.  

I hope that you will consider attending the workshop. Jane is also open to private workshops and art classes. You may contact her through 09773296777 and jane.u.gaspar@gmail.com. 

Enjoy eating and sketching, friends!

Papemelroti Artisan’s Workshop

Yesterday, I spent the afternoon crafting, making, and simply being myself. 

I dropped by the newly opened Papemelroti Artisan’s Workshop to chill out and get lost in arts and crafts. I was eager to take a break from reality, and I was not disappointed at all.  

I was lucky to find a parking slot in front of the Korben Building. I was able to look around the Papemelroti Flagship Store at the ground floor, where handmade goodies were on display.  

I am a huge fan of Papemelroti merchandise because they are locally made and most of them are crafted by artisans in need (their accessories are made by the Kidney Friends Foundation members).  

The second floor houses racks of vintage clothing which are in good condition! Proceeds from the sales of these clean thrifted fashion go to charity.  

The clothes are affordable and most of them are branded.  

A few steps from the clothing boutique is the Artisan’s Workshop. I was greeted by shelves of kits awaiting customization.

I also found this napping area.  

This taka horse is reminiscent of the papier-mâché horses at Paete, Laguna. 

They have paper dolls in the workshop. Perfect for a nostalgic play session. 

The workshop is open from Monday to Saturday from 8AM to 8PM. You do not need to book or schedule a crafting session. You simply show up, purchase a kit, and pay the Php50 borrower’s fee for materials such as paint, glue, pens, and old magazines.  

The space is inspiring and it brings out the artist in you. Notice the natural light, murals, and handmade decor.  

The tables and chairs are inviting and I was excited to spend time crafting!

When I saw these papier-mâché sitting pretty dolls, I knew I already found my kit for the day. 

Their menu features affordable price points and various craft options for all ages. 

So I finally settled for a 2018 planner and sitting pretty doll as my crafts for the day. Yes, I chose two because, why not? 

I began my crafternoon at the stamping station which is reminiscent of similar setups at tourist spots abroad.  

I personalized the first two pages and I knew that it will be a productive session. 

I also got an old book so I could tear the pages off for decorating my planner and doll. As a bookworm, this broke my heart a bit. But then again, this is also eco-friendly. And words look pretty.  

I did my thing and enjoyed the sunshine on my window.  

I was assisted by workshop staff Lyn, who was not just a proficient teacher, but also a skilled photographer! 

I gave my doll magazine cutout hair and curled it using scissors.  

Before I knew it, I already spent four hours in there and I was done! 

Lyn was game to take photos of me with my crafternoon work.  

I was really into the taka horse.  

This place made me feel young, carefree, and capable of having a dream. As you know, one of my dreams is to live a handmade lifestyle. I think this afternoon perfectly upholds that! 

Meet my sitting pretty doll! I enjoyed decorating, painting, and styling her. 

I made her heart wings, which I later removed and turned into a separate decor for Valentines.  

I had a productive crafternoon and my journal is basically my vision board for the year. I pasted magazine cutouts, painted words, and placed stickers to spice up my days.  

Spot my creation among her sisters! 

By the time I was done, I was starving so I drove to Breakfast Bin Maginhawa for my favorite toasted naked longganisa with brown rice and sunny-side up egg.  

I had a gorgeous day and I recommend the Papemelroti Artisan’s Workshop for your next art session! Bring your friends and family. Or if you want to spend some quiet time by yourself, it is also fine! Then eat at your preferred restaurant. You deserve self-love and handmade goodness all-year round!

Day 9: #30GratefulDays | Calligraphy Necklace

Photo from Tin Espinas

I finally received the Dandy Ona necklace which features my own calligraphy. It was part of my workshop with lettering teacher Tin Espinas at Hey Kessy, which is incidentally one of my favorite stores because it sells art supplies and handmade crafts. I am happy with how it turned out and of course, it is crafted in sterling silver so I am sure it will last a lifetime. 

I advocate attending workshops, especially for handmade crafts. The experience of learning a new skill or improving your crafting game is priceless. Like during my calligraphy workshop, I realized that I am more of a brush lettering girl after all, but I enjoyed the vulnerability that comes with having no idea how a pointed pen works. It was messy, it was not my cup of tea, but I had a lovely time. The necklace was a beautiful bonus, and it is inspiring to wear something handmade. 

Now that I am unemployed, I need all the inspiration that I could get. Wearing a necklace with my own handwriting reminds me that if I can survive a calligraphy workshop with a quality output to boot, then I got this. A little sparkle would not hurt.