Le Fleur Coffee Holder

I recently purchased my second cup holder from local small business Le Fleur. Their vegan cup holders have made my coffee or juice experience more delightful and aesthetically pleasing. It also warms my heart that their cup holders are all locally made by hand. I am all for small businesses that champion local craftsmanship and style.

Buy your own Le Fleur cup holder here! Enjoy your coffee!

Traviel Bags

In 2020, I received a DOST Coursera scholarship which allowed me to explore my creative skills through writing and personality development classes. As I was posting my certificates online, I met Pao Manalang of Traviel, who was also taking Coursera courses under the same scholarship. We shared the same values, and this is evident in her brand’s vision of enriching and uplifting local craftsmanship. Meanwhile, I wanted to enrich and uplift blogging as a craft which can be written about in a book. So that’s what I did. When I launched my book (Buy it in the link above this post! 📕), I finally purchased my first Traviel bag. It is made of plant-based leather and textile. I am very happy to support a local brand whose values align with mine ❤️

Embroidery Day 4

I recently made my third embroidery piece as The Craft Central’s pattern tester for their Daisies kit. I enjoyed this project, and I even learned some life lessons along the way.

Here were the lessons that I have uncovered while learning embroidery:

  1. It is okay to be a beginner at something new.

  2. Learning a new skill grows our mindset and improves our adaptability.

  3. Starting something new as an adult teaches humility.

  4. Finishing a project gives satisfaction and joy, especially during the global pandemic.

So, if you think that you need some time away from your gadgets, I highly recommend embroidery! Visit The Craft Central to browse their embroidery kits. Stitch tutorials can be found on YouTube! This is a skill that will help you relax as you expand your mind.

Enjoy embroidery!

Embroidery Day 3

I recently finished my second embroidery piece as a pattern tester for The Craft Central. So far, I learned that embroidery takes a lot of patience for the stitches to look polished. Also, I was able to stay away from my phone as I was making this project. It was a lesson on focus and determination during the lockdown.

I recommend this project to beginners like myself, as well as to anyone who wants a new hobby that is not gadget-related! Check out The Craft Central for embroidery kits and future announcements regarding pattern testers.

Embroidery Day 1

They say that you have to do something that terrifies you every now and then. Guess what- embroidery scares me! I may be skilled in crocheting and knitting, but embroidery just intimidates me. So, I challenged myself by signing up as The Craft Central’s pattern tester for their Daisies beginner kit.

First impressions: the kit was packed in bubble wrap. It arrived on September 1st, and I think I have enough time to overcome my fear of embroidery by the challenge deadline on the 30th!

The kit came with carbon paper, three pieces of cloth, two embroidery needles, embroidery floss, stitch guide (in English!), patterns, and embroidery hoop.

The first step is to trace the pattern onto the cloth. Since I used to work in a bank, I am familiar with carbon paper! I can do this, no worries!

I got the tracing done in one go. Now on to the actual stitching!

I used the color guide to match the thread to the appropriate parts of the pattern. Since the first stitch needed was the satin stitch, I did not have any problem with just doing it. Before I knew it, I was stitching yellow petals and I felt confident with my progress!

I may be a slow stitcher, but I will get there! Slowly but surely, I will overcome my fear of embroidery and finish my first pattern.

Wish me luck!

Bow Tie Top

I just crocheted this beautiful Bow Tie Top! I followed this tutorial by Filipina crochet designer Purple Haze Crochet. I used milk cotton yarn from Oh My Yarn!, and I worked with a 5.00mm hook.

This project is fun to make as you can easily watch a movie while crocheting. The tutorial was also clearly taught, so finishing it is a breeze.

I hope that you can also try this project out!

Calico Flowers Scarf

I just finished crocheting the Calico Flowers Scarf. I followed this free pattern from Yarnspirations. I used a 6mm hook and rainbow cotton yarn from Shopee.

The pattern is intermediate-level, but I think it can be doable even for advanced crocheters. Just be sure to count stitches and ensure that the gauge is followed.

I hope that this inspires you to make something during this pandemic. Creating beautiful things is uplifting and fulfilling. Do give it a try!

Auric and Ice

I am happy with my latest jewelry purchase. I got Auric and Ice’s crescent flatback for my conch and I am really impressed with the quality, craftsmanship, and sparkle! They used G+ colored diamonds for this piece, and it is internally-threaded. It is the perfect piece for downsizing my conch piercing.

For genuine gold and diamond local piercing jewelry, follow Auric and Ice on Instagram! This is not a sponsored post. I am simply a satisfied customer.