Sling Bag/ Shoulder Bag

These ones are not reversible bags, but they're still versatile in a way - can be used as sling bags by leaving the straps long, or as shoulder bags by tying the strap shorter.

Handmade from Tenun Troso handwoven fabric, they come in fun green-orange and romantic blue.

Find out more about the blue bag here and the green-orange bag here.

What I got..

...from Jepara, Indonesia.
Tenun Troso (handwoven fabric). The pattern is pretty and not so loud, just the way I like it and the color is summery. I'm thinking of making a dress out of it, but most probably I'll use it as a throw. It's always hard for me to remake an already gorgeous piece of fabric into other forms.


The tenun Troso below comes with golden thread, as you can see they look shiny and sparkle beautifully.





...from Lombok, Indonesia.
Beautiful colorful handwoven textiles - I already put one of them in my living room for a throw. It accentuates our black sofa nicely.


Do you know that Lombok is one of the best sources in the world for saltwater pearls? So it's only natural if I bought a pearl pendant there. Yet due to my preference in big pendants (and the budget limitation, lol) I chose the blister pearl, a half-sphere pearl that attached to the shell as it's formed.



What's more, the pendant's reversible too!

Pastel on Fabric

Thanks to mbak Lia who's shared about Pentel Fabric Fun pastel dye sticks with me.

I don't have any idea of what to draw, but since I'm eager to try them then here it is..

I tried them on my first handmade bag, giving it a new look. Now, what will I draw next?..

Kuta, Lombok

It's been my hubby's long time dream for him and me together (the both of us alone) going to Kuta, Lombok, Indonesia. And I was thrilled as much as he did when we got the chance to finally go there a couple of weeks ago. It was only a short 2 nights stay and we stayed in our hotel most of the time, but it's all that we need.

We stayed at Novotel Lombok, in Kuta (yes it shares the same name with the famous beach in Bali), on the southern of the island. Being faraway from the city and right on the most serene beach, it's the perfect place for a tropical honeymoon or getaway. The hotel has its beautiful private beach, yet we wander outside the premises and still found the surrounding beach (and hills!)beautiful and clean.


This is my first glimpse at the beach when we arrived on a cloudy evening.

We literally spent the whole morning lounging at the beach.

Told ya the view is beautiful.


In the evening we enjoyed the sunset and a walk on the ocean floor when the tide is out. At night we could see the night sky's glittering with stars.. a breathtaking view that I couldn't capture well with my cam, sorry.

I love how the tropical Sasak (Lombok native) traditional architecture adapted to the resort.

Now just looking at these pictures make me longing for more. It was relaxing and refreshing indeed. You could easily opt for more adventurous activities like surfing and diving, but walking (I'm not sure whether it could be considered as climbing) the steep hills is enough edrenaline rush for me.

Mini Me

A couple of days ago I received a small package, it's from Irene of Miu Craft!

Yes, this is one of those art/craft swaps. Inside the pretty package there it was, a necklace that's so pretty and cute which makes my Rustic Clutch that I sent her looks dowdy.

She's so sweet to include a small note inside:

"...I especially made this for you, inspired by you and your blog header.

I believe that the header represents the blog, and the blog represents you.

I hope you like it."

Ofcourse I like it.. LOVE it to be exact!

Wearing the necklace with my toffee coloured tunic, I've never thought before that I could actually pull the look off. But I guess it's not about how old you are, but it's all about how young you feel :D

*me and my age denial*

Thanks again Irene, you really do create miracles!

^_^

To The Beach

We went to Jepara, Central Java, Indonesia last week. It's only for a couple of days and it rained or cloudy most of the times, yet we enjoyed our stay there.

A package came just before we're leaving, it's a Charlie Bag from Sawo Kecik!

We're having this art/ craft swap, charlie bags swap to be exact, since we're both big fans of the bag. I've sent my version to her and I received hers just in time for the trip to the Jepara beaches!

Above is a picture of her version of charlie bag (which now is mine :D) at the Bandengan Beach. Located at the northern of Jepara, it boasts natural white sandy beach with beautiful view. We went there on a cloudy afternoon, that explain the not-so-bright pictures (excuses, excuses..).

Back to the bag.. it's a perfect beach bag! Reversible with one side made of blue flower cotton (with a cute flower button accent) and the other side made of multicolor waterproof material. How practical and pretty! Thanks again Sawo Kecik for the cute bag :)

Last but not least I also want to share some beautiful sunset pictures taken by my hubby at Kartini Beach, still in Jepara. Located at the west side of the town, it has the most beautiful sunset view within its humble premises.

C is for..

.. c e m p r u t.

Yes, I made this bag for another art/ craft swap, this time with Dita from Cemprut.

I've been eyeing her cute and fun work for some time now, I even bought one of her first owl bags, and it's one of my favourite up till now.

Here's a blurry picture of the owl bag, with me and my twin boys at a IKEA store - with only half of the logo, hence formed my name initials :D

Inspired by jin(s)jing from Cemprut, I purposed a jeans upcycle swap. But since I don't have enough old jeans material to make a reversible Charlie Bag (I was requested for the bag ;)) I ended up using all brand new material, I hope she doesn't mind.

Nice Idea, Poor Execution

I don't consider myself as a real crafter. And today I've been reminded why.

I've just finished a pouch bag for another art/craft swap with Lia from Calyx. I was so inspired by her beautiful story teller pochettes, so the theme of our swap is about making something that tells a story.


Still inspired by her pretty and romantic work, I have this idea about telling a story about a woman.

A woman who look modest yet pretty outside, while vibrant and even more beautiful inside. That's how women should be, in my opinion :)

Anyway, I used a faux leather and simple black and white cotton fabric for the outside, while the inside is lined with hot pink cotton fabric. I also used hot pink batik to accessorize the outside, for the wristlet handle and the button closure. And pink felt leaf embellishment to top it off.


Everything seemed running well until when I tried to assemble the lining with the faux leather part. It turned out ugly :(( Maybe it's because that part became too thick and I didn't use the proper needle..

It may not obvious, but if you look closer.. yes, it's there :(


So now I'm in doubt should I give this wristlet pouch to her or not. What do you think?

I got into the Small Cool Kitchens 2010 Final!

Yay! Thanks for all of you who voted for my kitchen earlier.

It's now among the two other finalists, and it's time to vote again!

Please click here and vote for my kitchen (no. 3 - Ina in Jakarta).

^_^

updates:
I ended up at the third place, from all 3 finalists :P
Thanks all for the appreciation ^^

Remember my art swap with Pimpi from Sawo Kecik?

Well I just got an e-mail from her, telling me that she's received the charlie bag from me.. and she really likes it! Yay! ^^

And she's kind enough to share her photo with her new charlie bag. How sweet is that..

For all of you handmade enthusiasts, I'm open for art swap of any kind!

Don't hesitate to e-mail me if you're interested ;)

Inspiration: Cozy Nooks

I was browsing Apartment Therapy when I stumbled upon this gorgeous House Tour. If you haven't notice, I've a soft spot for green design - even my final year project was about Green Architecture.

But I'm not going to bore you with some architectural terms now. I just want to share the cozy nooks in the house, which are perfect for lounging around, reading, take a short nap or just gazing outside the window.

Like this sleeping porch, located right next to the master bedroom facing the backyard. It's a fun and cozy twist to the ordinary chair-and-table or bench usually seen in porch or terrace.

Or the dreamy reading nook inside the kid's bedroom. I would've read for hours there!

And do you notice the bay window seating in the living room below? Lovely!

And then there's this unexpected nook above the staircase. It may not save for small kids, but it looks oh so cozy.

If you want to see more, you could see the full article here.