Coffee LOVE

I've always been amazed with how coffee art is done.  You're not allowed to make mistakes, otherwise you repeat the whole thing.  I've always loved edible art and this one is definitely on the top of  my list.  I bet it tastes great too.

But I guess the best kind of coffee is the one my dad makes for my mom everyday.  You can't beat coffee brewn out of love. = )











Picture is not mine! Taken from the internet = )

Shameless Plug: Kiddie Salon

When I started this blog, I promised myself 3 things.  First, I will make it as informational as possible.  Second, that I will post once a day.  Third, I will not make it an advertisement of my services.  I wasn't able to keep my 2 rules last week because of the typhoon which left the whole of Luzon powerless, and on the weekend, I was busy preparing for one of our services, a kiddie salon.  At the risk of sounding like a shameless plug, I'm going to tell you a short backgrounder of one of our services.

I first thought of turning one of our dressers from our furniture shop because it's shape was quite dramatic for an ordinary house.  After cans of violet and pink spray paint later, it turned out to be like this.  Oh and the bulbs were painstakingly installed by Bobby one by one.  Thanks a lot! 

The kiddie salon service is for parties, and is both for kids and adults alike who want to experience makeovers. With colored spray or gel, clips, make up, and a bit of body jewelry, each guest gets the chance to be a little more glamorous.

I am lucky that most of my existing artists know how to do hair and nail art as well.  The past few months that we have been offering this service, I'm glad to note that it has become one of our best sellers.

The thing about this kiddie salon is there can be special themes to go with your parties.  We have rockstar, we have the beach theme, and we have princess themes as well.  There are packages that inlcude nail art and glitter tattoo as well.

So there, I did my shameless plug.  = ) Forgive me.  Next time my 3rd rule sticks.. and maybe I will change my rule number 1 to posting 3x a week. 

Chivalry is Not Dead

I rode the mrt earlier today. I must admit I like riding the mrt when I'm going to a far place like Mandaluyong provided that its not rush hour. Rush hour by the way brings out the beast in people. It was standing room only in the train.

I saw 2 students, girls who wore rocker type outfits.  Black fishnet stockings, dark eye make up with matching black lipstick.  Surprisingly, they  gave up their seats for an old man. The man looked sheepish and really didn't want to accept the seat at first. But you can tell from the relief in his face and his struggle to carry his bag that he was grateful.

I didn't expect that these girls would do that.  I guess it just goes to show that appearances are not at all an indication of who you are inside. Finally, I saw something today which made me believe that chivalry does exist. It may have been in the most unexpected places or people but it does exist. Thank God : )

Tools I'm Thankful For

It can be said that each warrior shouldn't go to war without essential tools. So I'm sharing the tools that I've found to be very useful in doing any arts and crafts activity.  This is in no particular order.

1.) Craft Scissors - I think I mentioned this.  It gives your paper different shapes, so it doesn't matter if you can't cut straight = )

2.) Craft Foam - You can buy this with shapes or sheets, and you can just cut it into whatever shapes you like.  Very versatile decorating item, good for fabric or paper.  I've used it in kites, bags, shirts, hats, anything.

3.) Fabric Glue - A heavensent.  Very useful for pasting buttons, beads on fabric. 

4.) Fabric Paint - Again, very useful for making fabric projects very nice.  Kids are able to turn bags and hats into personalized projects

5.) Acrylic Paint  - Just like fabric paint, its very useful for pots, boxes, also for fabric if paints are not available.

6.) Craft Stamp - Great for making shapes of all kinds.  There was a time I bought lots of different craft stamps.

7.) Rubber Stamp - Nice for making adding color and different shapes to your projects.

8.) Ribbons - Ribbons are usually for gifts but they do make projects nicer and with a nice feel to it.

9.) Sequins - Need I say more?  Shiny things that add depth to your project.

10.) Potpourri - They're not just for making sweet smelling projects.  They're inexpensive and makes your projects simply pop!

What about you?  What are your favorite tools?

Why I Became a Face & Body Painter

It has been said that you should do what you love doing and you'd never have to work a day in your life (or something similar). I'm very blessed to have found one of the many things that I love doing.  Since 2001, I've been a part of children's celebrations and events by being a face painter.  What do I love about face painting?

1.) There is instant gratification. You can tell from the way the kids smile that they love your work. With a canvas painting, you have to wait for a painting to get sold, or for an exhibit so that you'll know what people think.

2.) You get to work with kids of all ages.

3.) I can do volunteer work with orphanages, and it'll always be a hit. It's true face painting is usually for parties but some of my best moments are spent in orphanages or hospitals and its heart warming to know that these little things make other people happy.

4.) It keeps me grounded.  You know what?  Sometimes when you're working in a background, its easy for people to dismiss you or treat you like help.  But I am proud to be doing something I love. 

5.) It's a never ending learning experience.  There are always new designs, new characters to learn.

6.) I've met a lot of people, celebrants, party planners, even celebrities.  There's something new every week.

7.) I got to train other people who are interested in learning how to do face painting.   Whenever I am not available, these people take over. It's a good sideline for them and being able to help makes me happy.

8.) Like I mentioned, it's not like work at all = )

 

My Vincent

My favorite artist is Vincent Van Gogh. Although his paintings were child-like, bright and colorful, he lived a difficult life with heartbreak, and mental illnesses.  He was unappreciated when he was alive, and it was only after his death where people began to realize the value of his work.  He had however, a very devoted brother who stood by his side throughout his life. 

 His starry starry night painting is one of the most popular in the world. But he produced over 2,000 paintings in his life, even if he painted in his late 20's up to his death at 37.  He died due to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  His life was tragic but his paintings had a happy vibe.

Thank you my Vincent. 

The Cafe Terrace on the Place du Forum, Arles, at Night

The Sower

The Starry Night Over the Rhone

Painter on the Road to Tarascon

(various sources in the internet)

How to Really Love a Child by Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

Sark is one of my favorite authors.  Her books are colorful hand and is published in her own handwriting.  I like her books because they're simple and feel good.  They're inspirational but also gives practical advice.  Here's one of the excerpts:

HOW to REALLY LOVE A CHILD

Be there.  Say YES as often as possible.  Let them bang on pots and pans.  If they're crabby, put them in water.  If they're unlovable, love yourself.  Realize how important it is to be a child. 

Go to a movie theatre in your pajamas.  Read books out loud with joy.  Invent pleasures together.  Remember how really small they are.  Giggle a lot.  Surprise them. 

Say NO when necessary.  Teach feelings.  Heal your own inner child.  Learn about parenting.  Hug trees together.  Make loving safe.  Bake a cake and eat it with no hands.  Go find elephants and kiss them.  Plan to build a rocketship.

Imagine yourself magic.  Make lots of forts with blanketes.  Let your angel fly.  Reveal your own dreams.  Search out the positive.  Keep the gleam in your eye.  Mail letters to God.

Encourage silly.  Plant licorice in your garden.  Open up.  Stop yelling.  Express your love.  A lot! Speak kindly.  Paint their tennis shoes.  Handle with caring.

CHILDREN ARE MIRACULOUS.  

-taken from A Creative Companion, How to Free Your Creative Spirit by Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy

Art Attack!

I've always believed that art is meant to be messy, at least while you're doing it, and there is no better testimony to this than Neil Buchanan.  I like the fact that he is not a trained artist and is actually a musician.  So I guess in a way, it's like saying that if you love something, you'll always find a way of going back to it.  Before he became a TV host, he was actually rejected at an art school. 

All of the works in the show are conceptualized by him.  Before anything, he does his sketches.  Even the big art attacks are practiced beforehand in a warehouse.  What strikes me most about Neil is the feeling you get that anybody can be an artist.  I especially like the paper mache' projects that he does, and that's what I use for teaching art as well.  (Thus, the messy part).  I also like the cheats that he shares in drawing.  

I spent most afternoons watching all his shows along with my son.  He's quite funny and entertaining, definitely not the typical artist = )  I wish he can go to the Philippines so I can meet him.  And hopefully, with the items in our yard, do a big ART ATTACK! = ) 

  

How to decorate your flipflops

Admit it.  Every once in a while, the urge to do something creative hits you.  At the risk of spilling a "trade secret" I would like to teach you the art of decorating your own flip flops.  While there are really nice (but quite expensive) flip flop decorating products are out there, what I'll be teaching is a simple way to decorate your own flip flops using wooden beads, string (or nylon) and a whole lot of patience.

Step 1: Cut your nylon string with at least triple the length of your flipflops.  This is to ensure you'll have enough space for all the tying that you'll have to do.

Step 2: Do a square knot twice.  For those who are not quite sure what a square knot is, it's the most simplest knot there is.  The knot you do before tying a shoelace.

Step 3: Put a big bead (or any preferred bead) in the middle, putting in both strings in the middle bead.  I call this the "mother bead." 

 Step 4: String 3 beads on one side, then tie a simple knot.  Try to make it stable and neat by pulling the string and pushing the beads towards the "mother bead".

 Step 5: Do the same for the other side.  Repeat, step 4 until you reach near the end of the strap of the flipflops.

 Step 6: Tie the strings, by doing several square knots at a time.  Again, making sure the beads are close together.

There you have it, a finished funkier flip flops.  = ) if you don't want the hassle, then I suggest you just go to Havaianas or to Mr. Mike Reyes ' popits = )

Enjoy!

WHAT MAKES AN ARTIST?

I had a friend once who told me that he is uncomfortable with being called a writer, unless it is a job description. I guess it is true. My other friend, who asked me for a quotation in her magazine article quoted my words as “artist Jinkee Reyes says….” And I couldn’t help but cringe. How does one transcend from being one who writes for the pure love of it, and another who has writing as a job but never really writes for leisure. Or one who paints as a hobby as opposed to one who is a graphic artist, is quite good with technical stuff but does not really have any sense of style (Sorry haha). What is an artist indeed?

I guess in my own opinion, you are an artist if you choose to express yourself in different ways and means, not necessarily for being recognized but because you wouldn’t have it any other way.

I once organized a painting exhibit, that featured some of my paintings. Someone told me my paintings had a lot of heart. I think it sort of meant that it wasn’t that good, but because it was my choice of colors, I would choose heart over technique anytime.

You are an artist if you see things in your own way, and are not afraid to create.

You are an artist if you make things happen. You don’t just watch in the sidelines, but you do something and MAKE things happen. 

You are an artist if you pick up that paintbrush or that pen (or laptop) and start doing what it is that makes you happy.

I also read somewhere that it is NOT your mission to create something beautiful for others. Just do what you have to do, and the world will live with it.

It is your mission to CREATE, to EXPRESS YOURSELF.

Go ahead. Start. = ) I just did.

Mini Me Caricature

I was watching TV when I caught a story about having your own "mini-me" model doll.  They showed the process of creating a caricature version of you.  Everything was handmade, and it was a long process.  One artist does the head, the others the bodies, while the others make the small details like the hair, the shape of the ears.  Of course, as Filipinos we want to always look good so the caricature did resemble you, but did not really exaggerate any features (or flaws) for that matter.

A perfect giveaway for someone who has everything.  Give them the gift of themselves.

http://www.minimeisthatyou.com/

http://www.minimodelworks.com/


(photo taken from minimodelworks website)

Homemade Scrapbook

I started scrapbooking in the 80's long before it was the craze.  Now,  I realized how expensive the materials are.  Digital scrapbooks are in, but I guess the practical person in me just used recycled, homemade materials. = )

For my first page, i used construction paper, potpourri and leaves which were just leftovers from other projects.  The picture was with my then 8 month old boy.  I also used craft scissors for the sides of the paper, perfect for someone who can't cut straight to save her life.

Sweet Halloween
 The other page, i used felt paper. I cut it into a lion shape, to commemorate TJ's first award as having the  "cutest costume" and being the youngest participant.  He was wearing a lion head gear and bib, with plain white pajamas.  And some mistaked him for a girl, or a wilted sunflower haha! I also included  a small flyer design which I did in Paint.  Yes! Some people are quite good in Paint application hehe.  The other pic was of him as Batman.  Such a cutie.

Birthday Galore
These 2 pages were made from actual birthday wrappers from TJ's birthday.   I also used old ribbons.  If you're familiar with the home TV shopping product that allows you to make anything out of curly ribbons, well I used it here.  So I guess one of my mom's purchases proved useful, although it wasn't a curly something.  It will serve as keepsake right?

Christmas Extravaganza

  This is one of my favorite pages.  I used an old Christmas card, ribbons (again from the curly TV shopping product), glitter glue, felt paper, old wrappers.  I also cut a portion of an old felt Santa hat to make the small Santa hat.  I also was crazy about the small craft cutters that i used to cut gold star stickers.

I know scrapbook fanatics might say that I didn't use acid free stuff, and this won't live forever. BUT, maybe as long as I make sure it doesn't get wet, and I keep it properly, my son will still see it when he's grown.  And that is what's important.  And my scrapbook is exactly what its name is, it is made from SCRAP =).