The One About Taking a Leap (CIS Bazaar 2014)

If you follow my Instagram or Facebook account, you'd know immediately why this blog had been neglected for some time now.  When I started this craft and lifestyle blog, its main purpose was to simply be able to document all my inspired projects and creative pursuits.  I figured the blog was also a way to continually push me to tap into my creative side from time to time.  For years, people close to me have expressed admiration for my work and nudged me to try selling them.  I put them off for various reasons:  not enough time, not enough capital, etc.  However, during one of my solitude moments - when I'd think and ponder best - I visualized the kind of life I desired.  A passionate creative individual living a creative independent life.  I simply had to pursue it.  To this day, that vision continues to drive me and is the reason for taking the entrepreneurial plunge.

I had to stop making excuses and start making things happen.

So that's exactly what I did.  The idea for selling my stuff was born last summer.  Since I had two months off from work, my time was spent doing research, making samples, and sourcing materials.  I came up with a minimum viable product (wrap skirts) which received good feedback from people.  After that, I came up with a small line of clothing articles.  The whole time I was planning this, I knew there was only one place I wanted to start selling at -- Cebu.

So - again - that's exactly what I did (or where I went).  The months leading to the Cebu International School Christmas Bazaar was a frenzy of rejecting, tweaking, and approving samples, fabric sourcing, sewing, budgeting, more sewing -- it was crazy!  But I was very happy and inspired.

So last week, I debuted my products at the bazaar and the experience was nothing short of wonderful.  I had people checking out my stuff, purchasing them, asking if I had an online shop, taking a calling card.

I sold kimonos, tunic dresses, and wrap skirts in new prints.  And my handmade toys.  Fun!

If there's one takeaway from my trip to Cebu, it's that to trust in the magic of beginnings.  It may be scary and risky, but it's also worth it.  Plus, it gives you the motivation to keep moving forward and permit the magic to take you to further heights.

Cheers to new beginnings!

The One About the New Felt Breakfast Set

My first foray in creating lovely bits of felt food began with this breakfast set.

 Since my sewing skills have levelled up (“ahem, ahem,” –Miss Gertie), I created a much better, much lovelier one.

Oh hello, brekkie...

In case the difference doesn’t show in the photos, the pieces this time are bigger, almost mimicking the actual sizes of pancakes, eggs, bacon, syrup, and pats of butter.  The previous set had pancakes the size of silver dollars (although, yes, silver dollar-sized pancakes are still made in some homes these days).  Imagine how fun for a little one to play with real-life-scaled toys such as these!

On that note, won’t it be lovely to wake up to a hearty plate of these beauties?

Speaking of breakfast, I have often declared that it's my favorite meal of the day.  As I write this, I am having breakfast at this charming gem called Third Cup Cafe.

Here's to the happiness brought about by a hearty plate of eggs, bacon, and pancakes.  Or in my case, a steaming cup of cappucino and a jalapeno poppers sandwich.  Right now, I have the place all to myself which is a good thing because I brought work to do.  This blog post is just one of the many things on my to-do list.

Having said that, here's to a lovely day, a lovely breakfast, and a completely ticked off to-do list at the end of it. :)

The One About the Breakfast Felt Food Set

When the love for sewing and crafts presented itself to me, I knew it was a matter of time when I would start making felt food.  I'm glad I finally did!  I had fun making these especially since they're breakfast food -- breakfast being my favorite meal of the day!

 Each piece was painstakingly hand-sewn.

I'm resting my fingers right now from handsewing but soon enough, I want to make some more!  Felt food is a very good alternative from those plastic toy food being sold in toy stores.  If I were a mom, I wouldn't have to worry about harmful chemicals in toys and my kid hurling hard plastic at other people.  I can always tell him/her, "Anak, pag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng felt food!"

Okay, kidding. :)  Happy crafting, nonetheless!