Monday, June 30, 2014

[Handmade Tags] Father's Day Necktie Tags


Hello folks!  Before we bring the month of June to a close, let me share with you these Necktie tags which I made for Father's Day but may be used for any special occasion,  These tags are so small and very cute.

Materials:
Base paper, 2 x 3.5" , I used craft paper here
Blue paper, 2 x 1.5"
Printed paper, 1 x 1"
Glue
Ruler
Cutter

Instructions:
1.  For the collared base shirt, take your 2 x 1.5" colored paper and cut a slit measuring a few centimeters on each side, and about 1/2 cm from the top.  Fold toward the center.
2.  Take the printed 1x1" sheet of paper.  Fold diagonally then open flaps.  Follow the photographs below.
3.  Once the necktie is done, apply a dab of glue and stick it on the center of the shirt.

Oh yes, it was totally cool.  I made 55 tags which we gave to the Fathers in our church together with some other goodies.

See you again next year, June.

michelle

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

[Challenge] Phil. Polymer Clay Guild "Merry Month of May 2014: Polymer Clay Flowers"

The challenge of the Philippine Polymer Clay Guild for the month of May was ti create something new using polymer clay flowers.  I've been making a lot of floral themed pieces, mostly daisies or simple flowers with 5 petals and I didn't know what to do for this challenge.  Then one day, while I was cleaning my craft room, I found a tutorial about "Orchid Pin or Pendant" that I bought from Ms. Penni Jo Couch during the 2013 Lone Star retreat.  The tutorial was simple, well written and well illustrated. 
Polymer Clay "Rhoda Orchid" Napkin Ring
This is my "Rhoda Orchid."  I named it after my mom who loves and grows orchids back in the Philippines.  There are several varieties of orchids but the color combination that I used in making this one are probably non-existent.  It's more of like a fantasy orchid, if you could call it that.  
Polymer Clay "Rhoda Orchid" Napkin Ring
This project made use of Premo sculpey clay.  I also used Ranger alcohol inks in Sunshine Yellow and Butterscotch to add color to and specks on the white petal.  I like how it turned out - very rustic. I'm planning to make "real life" orchids in white like Cattleyas and green Cymbidium.  They will make pretty sets of napkin rings just like this one for weddings or intimate dainty parties.  Stay tuned for that.

Oh, did I mention that it is National Clay Week?  Yes it is!  

See you soon!
michelle

Sunday, June 1, 2014

[Baking] Celebrate June with Hokkaido Cakes

Hokkaido Cake
Cream-filled Chiffon Cake

Let me share with you this Hokkaido Cake that I made a couple of weeks ago.  I tried the recipe from Ms. Corinne and it turned out pretty good.  Hokkaido cakes are very popular in Asia.  It's basically a chiffon cake baked in small square muffin cups filled with cream and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and fruits in season. It's delicately sweet, soft and fluffy.

Well, it's official... today marks another month closer to Christmas.  As I flipped the page on our wall and kitchen calendars, it made me realize how fast time flies.  This was followed by thoughts of "what have I done so far?  Have I accomplished what I have planned to do this year?  Did I use my time wisely?"

One of my goals this years particularly for CabbyCraft is "to improve the blog and to write more."   Well, I haven't written more than I what I planned to but I was able to have my blog critiqued by Ms. Martine.  It was a brave step to consult with someone but I admire her professionalism and honesty in doing so.  Martine inspired me to do more.  There will be some changes in the next few months... perhaps, move to a website or what not.  Stay tuned for that.

Have a blessed week, friends!