Around the World - Manchester, UK - The Paper Machines

What I love about The Paper Machines, is not just the obviously unique look of their items, and no, it is not just their superbly represented photography as well. But it is the fact that they are all made of discarded and abandoned scraps, are eco-friendly, made with lots of thought and love, as well as pertaining to all of the above elements. I mean, how can you not love something like that? I'm always a huge supporter of eco-friendly products hehe. Besides, isn't that mini leather journal with chevron just adorable?

Around the World - Manchester, UK - PrinceDesignUK

I always love laced ceramic looks, and no one does it better than Prince Design UK. I'm sure if you are on Etsy a lot you might have seen her work around before. Most ceramic shops on Etsy sell the same things over and over, mugs, bowls, vases etc. I like that she tries to be different by creating decor items instead. Sure, they may not be as practical, but it sure makes her stand out! I love love love her ceramic butterflies. But then again, I have a thing for butterflies as well, ahaha, that may be why.

I Love Secret Santas!

Aside from being a team leader for Team Etsy Malaysia, another team that I am actively participating is my treasury team - Curation Nation. We had a Secret Santa event this year, and look what I got in the mail last week!

I was told that it was going to be late due to the international location, but the parcel arrived just on time, early even! Perhaps they are more efficient this year. :) Although it was not Christmas yet, but I have the compulsive mail-opening-on-arrival disorder, and opened it on the spot. Sorry secret santa!!

Do you know that it takes massive amount of patience just to take these photos before I open them? Yes, I'm that excited to find out what is it. One more layer of packaging underneath, and doesn't this look so cute? :) Finally, after snapping this photo I proceeded to rip it open.

And look what I got!

TEA!!! I GOT TEA!!!! Thank you soooo much to Darcy from Splurge for getting these for me! She was my lovely secret santa! I mentioned that I loooove tea and I also made a wishlist some time ago. So she got me these lovely and oh-so-fragrant tea from The Hedgerow, which also happens to be a teamie of Curation Nation.

I haven't tried the tea yet though, I'm still waiting for my tea infuser to arrive. I had been looking for one since last month. You know... the ball with a chain type? But I couldn't find any in local tea shops or supermarkets. So I decided to get one online instead since my loose tea leaf collection is growing. (I got some loose tea leaves from another friend a while ago too) For now, I'll just settle with sniffing while I wait. The smell of these tea leaves are soooo strong and enticing!

Thank you again Darcy so so so so much!! Love Curation Nation!!

Merry Christmas!!

I hope you get lots of presents and eat lots of good food this Christmas! :) Me? I just spent the day chilling, cleaning my desk and work on some orders.

So what did you do (or are going to?) this Christmas?

So what did I get for myself for Christmas?

Sometimes, the best gifts are the gifts that you got for yourself. :) It is true in my case, because my family doesn't really celebrate Christmas. We never had a Christmas tree, no sock stuffing, no gift wrapped presents. But I still wish to feel a little festive myself, so I pamper myself in this holiday season.

The question is, what did I get?

SAVOR SOAP!!! My Christmas wouldn't be complete without Savor soap. I love love love Clarity! (the blue one) The refreshing smell was immediately recognizable when I opened the mail. Am using Hot Maple Toddy now because the shrink wrap broke at a little corner, and mmm it smells so deliciously like mild caramel. The other two had a milder scent too, and I can't really smell it through the shrink wrap, but I bet they smell amazing too! They are Chocolate Cardamom (top) and Vanilla Pinecones. (bottom)

Unfortunately Lisa from Savor had to have an emergency eye surgery, and her shop is closed atm while she recovers. Here's to hoping she recovers soon! She is the sweetest person I've ever had the honor to talk to. :)

What else?

More soap from Cat's Little Corner! You see, I'm a bit of a soap collector myself haha. And isn't her soap just so pretty? Unfortunately though, her packaging is a little bit not so travelling-friendly for her soap. They did not arrive as pretty as it looks on her photo, smudges on the plastic and lots of chips stuck at corners. The soap's smell is pretty mild, but very nice.

Woodland Critters Calendar - NatureMandalas // Retro Atomic Fabric Magnets - BettysKitschen

I finally decided on a calendar to get! Can't wait to get it in the mail, it's too cute. :) I got a set of fabric magnets too, because I've been thinking of putting up an inspirational board in my room somewhere, and I want it to be steel so that I can get cute magnets to stick prints and cards on it. It is more flexible too so I can move things around when I feel like it. :)

So what did you get for yourself for Christmas?

Holiday Gift Guide - For me!

Hello, welcome to the Holiday Gift Guide! This guide had been curated by your's truly, and the aim is to stir ideas for holiday gift giving. Maybe you may find something you like from my gift guides to buy as gifts, or maybe you will gain some inspiration on what to get for that special someone. Whatever it is, there will be something for everyone! :D

Gift Guide 01 : Holiday Decors

Gift Guide 02 : For the Geeks

Gift Guide 03 : Fashionistas

Gift Guide 04 : For the Love of Food

Gift Guide 05 : Mommy Dearest

Gift Guide 06 : Boss of the Family

Gift Guide 07 : Animal Lover

Gift Guide 08 : Eco-Friendly

Gift Guide 09 : Stocking Stuffers

Gift Guide 10 : Gift Wrapped

How can I do a holiday gift guide without having a guide for myself? Lol!! I don't mind getting my gift late. ;) *hinthint* Haha, since Christmas is only 2 days away, I think this will mark the end of the Holiday Gift Guide series for this year. :) Enjoy this little list that includes some things that I really really want this Christmas.

Calla Blossom, Silver on off-white Tights - galstern

The Barbie Doll Funky Button Bracelet - dditta // Bad Ass Alley Cat Siamese Brooch - Royalmint

Had I mentioned before that I am nuts about leggings/stockings/tights? Yes I am! Haha!! These Calla Blosson tights would be soooo perfect for the new dress I bought for one of my best friend's wedding next year, I'm going to be a bridesmaid! And isn't that button bracelet just so unique and charming? And I was browsing through custom pet items just a couple days ago, I love Siamese cats! But if I get a custom mini pet felt portrait of Ginger, I would be even more thrilled!

Lace Leggings - QooQooFashion

Bursting with Brilliance Unlines Notebook - KatieBlairDesigns // Recycled Billboard Banner - NottyPooch

More leggings! This one is so sweet too. :) And that notebook! Mortal words cannot begin to describe how awesome the cover is. (I guess the cover is pretty self explanatory) I would totally be motivated to fill it with big, life-changing, brilliant artworks! (and ideas) Finally, I've seen NottyPooch's work in person before and although I do not have one, (yet!) I can vouch for the fantastic quality. I love this color, and it would be awesome to bring my laptop about in it casually. My big ass laptop bag pack can be so troublesome to lug around sometimes.

And last but not least... I want an...

Please please? Pretty please Santa? XD I love the white one! And it's high time I get my first smartphone hahaha. Yes, I am still using a 'low intelligence' phone, the Sony Ericsson w810i. Though it had been servicing me loyally for the past 4 years or so, it is starting to have some minor problems. But alas, I am far too poor to get an iPhone 4S, maybe in the far far future...

And before I hop off to work on more orders, here is a fantastic Christmas song for you all to enjoy :)

Around the World - Manchester, UK - deLacy Online

Let's travel to UK now and see what handmade wares they have to offer! We'll stop at Manchester before we head off onto another country. :)

Looking for a stylish and fashionable leather bag or clutch? Look no further, you can find loads at deLacy Online. His bags just have that unique 'wow' factor, loving some of the asymmetrical look of the shape and design. I love the look of his clutches as well, the unique patchwork look utilizing different types of material would certainly be an eye catcher! He makes tassels look like the 'in' thing! Seriously!! Just check him out! I super love that studded canvas and leather clutch bag, so fashionable and attractive. Now if only I am rich!

Holiday Gift Guide - Gift Wrapped

Hello, welcome to the Holiday Gift Guide! This guide had been curated by your's truly, and the aim is to stir ideas for holiday gift giving. Maybe you may find something you like from my gift guides to buy as gifts, or maybe you will gain some inspiration on what to get for that special someone. Whatever it is, there will be something for everyone! :D

Gift Guide 01 : Holiday Decors

Gift Guide 02 : For the Geeks

Gift Guide 03 : Fashionistas

Gift Guide 04 : For the Love of Food

Gift Guide 05 : Mommy Dearest

Gift Guide 06 : Boss of the Family

Gift Guide 07 : Animal Lover

Gift Guide 08 : Eco-Friendly

Gift Guide 09 : Stocking Stuffers

Since it is probably too late to buy gifts already, how about gift wrapping your gifts then?

CHRISTMAS CARDS

All I Want for Xmas is You - FreyaArt // Jane Austen Deer Park Christmas Card - mulberrymuse

You Are Unique Greeting Card - badbooks // Christmas Tree Wishing Cards - moligamipapers

GIFT TAGS

"Oh Christmas Tree" Felt Tags - DobleEle // Miniature Thank You Gift Tags with Twine - SmilingTag

Set of 6 Chalkboard Tags - bumblebina // Folded Lace Doily Notecard Set - BirdcageCards

GIFT WRAPPING

5 Holiday Spice Kraft Bags - recipient // Shabby Chic DIY Printable Gift Bag - petekdesign

Ornaments Screen Printer Holiday Gift Wrap - slidesideways // Circus 4 Pillow Boxes - LilithEvy

BOX DECORATIONS

Deep Orange Japanese Washi Tape - PrettyTape // Light Blue Lace Tape - ShopKStudio

Robin's Egg Blue Mini Paper Flowers - thepaperpicasso // Hand Crocheted Miniature Bows - cornflowerbluestudio

Giveaway Winner and Other Things

First I want to apologize for the lack of activity for the last week. I had planned for quite a few updates, but all those were blown to oblivion when I got the news of my grandmother's passing. Everything is over now, the extensive Taoist funeral ceremonies are done, and I finally found time and energy to update the blog again. Hopefully everything will settle back in pace soon.

To start things off and to keep it light though, I'm going to announce the winner for the $30 gift voucher giveaway that I ran on EtsyStalker. And the winner is...

Congratulations to Eugenia!! I will be in contact shortly, so expect an email from me soon!

Around the World - Ottawa, Canada - Raceytay

Saving the best for last I guess? How can I feature Etsy sellers from Ottawa, Canada without featuring Raceytay? One of the photography shops on Etsy that has the biggest inventory, and probably most loved and widely used by treasury makers alive anywhere, Raceytay is probably one of the most featured artist on Etsy! It is no surprise though, as she does take very beautiful photographs. Some I even wonder how did she do it? (especially those wild life ones) She can make anything boring look gorgeous!

Aside from photography prints, she sells them in the form of jewelry pendants and lockets too! And because there are just far too many gorgeous photographs, here, enjoy four more of her photographs in this post and hop on over to her shop to see more!

Holiday Gift Guide - Stocking Stuffers

Hello, welcome to the Holiday Gift Guide! This guide had been curated by your's truly, and the aim is to stir ideas for holiday gift giving. Maybe you may find something you like from my gift guides to buy as gifts, or maybe you will gain some inspiration on what to get for that special someone. Whatever it is, there will be something for everyone! :D

Gift Guide 01 : Holiday Decors

Gift Guide 02 : For the Geeks

Gift Guide 03 : Fashionistas

Gift Guide 04 : For the Love of Food

Gift Guide 05 : Mommy Dearest

Gift Guide 06 : Boss of the Family

Gift Guide 07 : Animal Lover

Gift Guide 08 : Eco-Friendly

Not big on spending too much for too many people? A little tight on cash? Not to worry, everything in this gift guide is under US$20 and would be great as stocking stuffers!

FOR HER

Herbal Garden Lemongrass Soap - CatsLittleCorner // Lovey-Dovey Barrettes - NestPrettyThingsShop

Gray and Yellow Embroidered Brooch - SewSweetStitches // Coconut Mango Lip Balm - orangethyme

FOR HIM

Muscle Rub Gift for Men - WildRoseHerbs // Providence Mini Wallet - ideaka

Handmade Soap for Guys - sweetpinesoaps // Postage Stamp Cufflinks - houseofismay

FOR EVERYONE

Lemon Lover Sampler - estheraguirre // The Christmas Instant Comfort Pocket Box - kimslittlemonsters

Lemon and Clove Sachet - erinf115 // Yellow Felted Wool Fridge Magnet - PariDesign

OTHER FUN(NY) GIFTS

Bad to the Bone Personalized Mug - LennyMud // Animal Butt Magnets - StephMantis

Christmas Coal Soap - prunellasoap // Gag Gift Matchboxes - dippylulu

Super Busy!!

Probably one of the longest pearl clustered anything I've ever done! And I'm doing not one, but three! Eep!! I sure hope I can get it done in the weekend.

Aside from working on orders, I've also picked up a logo design job, volunteered to complete a children's storybook free of charge for a non profit organization, have new pieces to work on for an upcoming convention, and a roleplay community to run. Oh yes, did I mention too that I'm running a totally fabulous giveaway valued at $260 total for Team Etsy Malaysia? Yeah, you should totally check it out. :)

Back to work!!

Around the World - Ottawa, Canada - Modulem

Marisa from Modulem creates a series of art, ranging from illustrations to collages, and from book art to travel photography. Although she has quite some interesting illustrations in her shop, but I am still most impress by her book art! There is just a certain chaotic yet poetic look to them, some more so than others, but each uniquely beautiful. If only she is really selling the sculptures though! Unfortunately they are only photographs/prints of them. But still, they are fantastic pieces. :)

Weekly Word Picks - Dragonfly

Sooooo busy lately!! But I remember to update my blog, hah! This week's word is...

DRAGONFLY

Black Dragonfly Candle Holder Lantern - PaintingbyElaine // Dragonfly Photograph - magpiefoto

Dragonfly Steampunk Necklace - CosmicFirefly // Dragonfly Diaper Bag - retrofied

Hammered Hoop Earrings with Dragonflies - Federikas // Dragonfly Ring - LuraJewelry

For the complete treasury : Fly Fly Dragonfly

This week's word was chosen by PeachWillow.

So what should next week's word be? Suggest by posting in the comments below!

For a list of words already suggested, please refer to this post.

Around the World - Ottawa, Canada - Helen Dardik

Do you love colors? I hope you do because I love them! And I love Helen Dardik's illustrations. :D The adorable characters, the beautiful usage of colors, and the rich patterns. There is just so much to see in all of her illustrations that you must take some time to take in all the beautiful details. And they look so much fun too!! Not only will they brighten up a children's wall, I bet they would look wonderful in an adult's room as well. :) It was such a difficult choice to select just four to be featured in this post, so I urge you to hop on over to her Etsy shop to see more of her wonderful whimsical illustrations!

Holiday Gift Guide - Eco-Friendly

Hello, welcome to the Holiday Gift Guide! This guide had been curated by your's truly, and the aim is to stir ideas for holiday gift giving. Maybe you may find something you like from my gift guides to buy as gifts, or maybe you will gain some inspiration on what to get for that special someone. Whatever it is, there will be something for everyone! :D

Gift Guide 01 : Holiday Decors

Gift Guide 02 : For the Geeks

Gift Guide 03 : Fashionistas

Gift Guide 04 : For the Love of Food

Gift Guide 05 : Mommy Dearest

Gift Guide 06 : Boss of the Family

Gift Guide 07 : Animal Lover

Today's gift guide is dedicated for the tree hugging, healthy living, eco friendly friends that practices the 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. :) Thank you for all your thoughts and consideration to preserve mother earth.

ECO FRIENDLY FASHION

Striped Tshirt with Embellished Neckline - PeekoApparel // Friendship Picture Magnetic Locket - polarity

Snap Skinny Scarf - Malam // Ceramic Pendant with Recycled Glass - allthatweare

VEGAN FRIENDLY

Baby Ninfea in Green. Vegan Bag - ninu // Chocolate and Peanut Butter Vegan Fudge - SweetVeganDelight

Amber Cold Processed Soap - sacredsuds // Brown and Aqua Racer X Guitar Strap - couchguitarstraps

RECYCLED / UPCYCLED

Recycled Billboard Banner Macbook Pro Sleeve - nottypooch // Old Books Lamp - umbu

Recycled Coffee Burlap Haversack - RACHELelise // License Plate Flower Box - erikrdavis

ECO FRIENDLY STOCKING STUFFER

Felted Acorns in Teal Blue and Rustic Brown - SewnNatural // Reindeer Drawstring Bag - DobleEle

Blooming Stocking Stuffers - naturefavors // Bursting with Brilliance (Teal) Screenprinted Notebook - KatieBlairDesigns

2012 Desk Calendars

Hello December! It's that time of the year again. No, not to hunt for Christmas gifts, and no, not planning for that Christmas party either. What I am referring to... is looking at new 2012 calendars!

I want to support fellow Etsy sellers, and had been browsing through all the calendars offered. There are just soooo many gorgeous calendars! I don't know which one to choose! Here are a few that I am seriously considering getting...

2012 Botanic Desk Calendar - sparksoffire // Cabin and Cub 2012 Desk Calendar - Cabin
A Year in Food 2012 Calendar - SweetFineDay // 2012 Floral Desk Calendar - Raceytay
Woodland Critters 2012 Calendar - NatureMandalas // In Dreams Photography Calendar 2012 - ellemoss

Yes, I do like photography desk calendars! :D Because once the month is over, I can snip off the calendar part and I'll have 12 mini prints at the end of the year! However, it would still be a difficult choice on which calendar to pick, they are all so pretty!!

What do you think? Which one is your favorite? :)