a hearty purse

Wonder what's inside?

It's a pretty purse from Mbak Andi Lia of Calyx!

I really love the detailed embellishment on it, clearly that it's done with high quality craftsmanship. The mixed media - pastel drawing, embroidery (thread, bead and ribbon) - made the beautiful texture, how this is truly a work of art.

And I like how the purse could change its look easily (you could even carry it as a tote bag!), it's like having many purses with only one! You could see the many looks of the purse here.

Thanks again mbak Andi Lia for the chance of doing the craft swap with you, I hope you like my purse for you as I adore your multi function heart purse :)

My first jin(s)jing

Look what I've got from Dita of Cemprut! It's her share from our craft swap :)

I love it! The dark brown faux leather compliments the jeans very nicely, with the black and white cotton fabric for the inside lining and the yoyo embellishment. Notice how the wooden buttons on the yoyos match the color of the faux leather.

And look at the bag tag, oh so cute!

Thanks again Dita, you make my day!

^_^

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?

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 ;)

Swappin' Charlie

Here's another swap I've made with a fellow crafter.

This time with Pimpi from Sawo Kecik, a talented crafter and apparently zakka enthusiast :)

Since we're both big fans of the Charlie Bag, we decided to make our own version of the bag.

Mine, as usual is a reversible bag. I use a colourful fabric with measuring tape motives on one side, and a black/white/grey IKEA cotton fabric on the other.

To spice things up I added fun details with sheer green fabric which I made into some ruffles and stuff. The end result is.. errr, a little bit over the top, I admit. Or should I say I was highly inspired by Alice In Wonderland :D

I hope she likes the bag because I made it with her warm personality and cute craft work in mind :)

Rustic Clutch for a Swap

Some time ago I and Irene from Miu Craft agreed to do a craft swap.
I've sent this Multipurpose Rustic Clutch for her. I named it Rustic after the brown colors dominate the fabric (it's IKEA fabric, by the way) and the simple and rustic finishings such as the zigzag stitch at the side and the hand embroidery I made.

The inside is lined with same fabric as the outside yet in opposite colors. Also comes with button closure to secure all the items stored inside.

I'm still waiting for Irene's craft, I'm sure it'll be so cute ^^