Archive for category DIY Gift Ideas

Leap Year 2012: Heat Transfer / Iron-On Transfer Gifts

Feb 29

Posted by Issa in DIY Gift Ideas, DIY Projects | 1 Comment

Happy leap year!

Today I discovered the magic of heat transfer papers! I know this may sound boring to those who are familiar with heat transfers (and I know there are many of you out there LOL) but my experience today was as if I was a child given a ball for the first time. Oh boy, did I have so much fun!

I wouldn’t have tried heat transfer papers had I not needed to make clothing tags for a client. So when I got my first batch of iron-on transfer papers, I immediately went to work.

I made a couple of mistakes though. The biggest of all is printing on the other side of the paper and getting depressed the whole night as to why the paper didn’t work. You can imagine my surprise and joy when I accidentally ironed the other side and it stuck to the fabric and peeled naturally. I finally understood how to use it! LOL! Note to self: read instructions FIRST and don’t get all too excited that you’ll go right ahead to implementation. teehee.

So, ready for my first slew of iron-on projects?

Remember my robot bookplate illustrations? I ironed one of my fave robots onto small felt scraps which I had sewn into packaging for my tiny gifts for friends this leap year.

Of course I cannot just leave myself without a gift so I made a pen case which can hold about 5 pens.

I used split pin fasteners and jute string for the lock. I ironed a bigger version of the robot onto the felt. Sweet!

And for Mr. Snuggles, I made a felt corner bookmark with my wish for him this leap year!

Don’t mind that I had sewn through the letters. LOL. I used scraps of felt and forgot to measure the print. So there.

Pretty, right? I ran out of felt scraps but I have a lot of designs lined up so I’m excited to transfer them onto different fabric items.

Anyway, here’s my heartfelt wish for all of you this leap year:

May you all take that giant “leap” you need — be it a leap of faith, a leap of love, or simply just a leap of joy. Know that every moment is just as beautiful as the dawn because they both offer new beginnings and countless opportunities for you.

So whatever state you are in, I wish you’d take the leap.

Happy leap year!

Tags: design print, heat, heat transfer, iron, iron on transfer, leap year, print, silkscreen, tshirt printing

Hand-Painted Thumbtacks

Feb 28

Posted by Issa in DIY Gift Ideas, DIY Projects | 4 Comments

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Mr. Snuggles bought new round wooden thumbtacks for our small cork board a couple of weeks ago.

But I never saw them simply as thumbtacks with large round heads. The moment I laid eyes on the tacks, I immediately saw people! Well, it was more like I “envisioned” people.

I had to wait a couple of weeks before I could actualize my plan of painting the thumbtacks and turning them into fun people. (Had so much work that I had to put my hobbies on hold. boohoo)

Anyway, let me introduce you to the new cork board bunch

I used my calligraphy pen on most of them because I found the pen easier to use than a fat paintbrush. Yes, I only have a fat paintbrush in my stash of art supplies (how can I not have such an important brush!?!). The brown-haired girl with yellow headband was painted using the fat brush. tsk tsk tsk.

They’re so adorable! This one is in honor of Mr. Snuggles. teehee.

Guess who this is

I just realized that these would make such lovely gifts to friends. Maybe I could paint their favorite characters. Or maybe I can make the tacks to look like my friends that way they will have a mini-me “thumbtack” version of themselves. teehee.

Hope you’re having a lovely week!

Tags: calligraphy pen, hand painted thumbtacks, paint, painting, tacks, thumbtacks

Hand-painted Tea Light Lamps + a giveaway!

Feb 13

Posted by Issa in DIY Gift Ideas, DIY Projects | 8 Comments

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I’ve been making a couple of tea light lamps for the temple‘s Open Mic Night this Friday. We’ll be offering plain ones which guests can design on their own during the Open Mic Night. These lamps are made with parchment paper.

They’re so very easy to make — just fold and glue them like how you’d make a brown paper bag. Use some craft punch on the top to add more personality to your lamps.

I used watercolor and painted bamboos, peonies, orchids and koi fishes. Our new kitten Moksha painted using her paws which I turned into yellow flowers.

She did well, don’t you think so?

Here’s my personal favorite:

Cute koi fishes! I’m excited to see the lamps lit on Friday night. I’m sure they’ll all look lovely. I promise to take photos and show them to you.

So what does our Open Mic Night lounge looks like?

Cozy, right?

First five who comments on this post will get their first glass of mocktail on me (Sorry, no alcohol ). Yes, a freebie for the first 5!

Just drop my name on the registration counter on February 17 and say you’ve left a comment on my post. I’ll notify you via email if you’ve been selected as the lucky 5 so please don’t forget to include your email address (it’s private, so don’t worry, okay?)

The lounge opens at 7pm. Music, poetry reading and crafts await you.