Melisasa: Crafts

Friday, May 20, 2016

Sparks Moments

Friday, May 20, 2016

While waiting for work to start, I've been working on Sparks. It was started out of my desire to start crafting again now that I've ...

While waiting for work to start, I've been working on Sparks. It was started out of my desire to start crafting again now that I've got plenty of time and no longer involved in frisbee or school.

I've always been inspired by ohhappyday, and started off making cake toppers and putting them for sale on carousell. Then I moved on to party buntings and subsequently into watercolor.

I've had a couple of orders for the party buntings and just a few for the watercolor cards. But it is enough to keep me busy. I've been busy updating the instagram account and working on the website as well. The day before, I had a facebook account set up. Not too sure how I'll keep things running when work starts, but right now, I'm really enjoying the process and looking at Sparks grow.

*Update, I recently decided to go ahead and launch an official website for Sparks. I couldn't be more excited. Things are still pretty quiet though, but I've got patience.

Thursday, April 07, 2016

Brush lettering and water color painting

Thursday, April 07, 2016

In February I went for a free clay sculpting workshop by Art Detox. It came with a free colouring book, which I got all excited about and we...

In February I went for a free clay sculpting workshop by Art Detox. It came with a free colouring book, which I got all excited about and went to buy a set of water colour set from Spotlight just for it.

The water colour set was only $18 and the brushes were on discount, so I got a set of 4 for just $7. I started colouring the book and then went on to try brush lettering, when I discovered that I actually had a notebook of sketch paper material.

So I started painting and writing. And sometimes it feels like i'm making no progress. While at other times, I get such a deep sense of satisfaction and surprise from what I could produce.

This was the first "artwork" I produced. I didn't trust myself enough to write across it, and it's still empty now.

As time passed, I got more confident and looked to try new styles. I learnt that I'm better at painting than writing too. I had to spend so much time learning the strokes of each character and learning when to press down on the brush. The amount of water and paint to use was tricky too.

Currently, I'm just working on improving my words and developing more confidence. I found these artist's works particularly inspiring, and it's a great place to start referencing if you're new like me. It's funny how both of them got the same name.

Pinterest is a great place for inspiration and tips too. I currently rely on my "Brush lettering" and "Words of wisdom" board whenever I practicing.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

DIY Brush Lettering

Sunday, February 22, 2015

I've taken alot of interest in brush lettering and typography recently and I recent bought this brush pen to develop this hobby. It wa...

I've taken alot of interest in brush lettering and typography recently and I recent bought this brush pen to develop this hobby.

It was only after my purchase, that I realised a whole plethora of pens exists for this craft:

Well, too late to regret my purchase. And to be honest, I have no idea which is the best pen/brush to start with and whether I made the right choice. But this brush from Art Friend cost me almost $8, so I better put it to good use.

I've been scribbling as and when I'm bored/free and it feels rather therapeutic. Here are some of my scribbles!

It ain't the best, but I think I'm doing an okay job. I've learn that there is more to brush lettering than just forming words. It's alot of putting in your own style and creating your own font.

For now, I'm still getting familiar with the brush and practicing with tumblr quotes. It's not easy given how untidy my handwriting is in real life. But the next step would be to practice a particular font, before developing my style. I'm looking forward to integrating water painting as well!

For those of you out there that are also starting brush lettering, you might want to try these links out!

http://calligrafikas.tumblr.com/

http://design.tutsplus.com/tutorials/hand-lettering-mastering-brush-script--cms-22948

http://handletteringtutorial.com/how-to-learn-to-use-a-brush-pen/

Searching for "brush lettering", "calligraphy" and related tags on tumblr, pinterest and instagram can help draw inspiration too.

Do share with me your techniques and difficulties picking up this hobby, I would love to hear about them!

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Getting something for your favourite guy on Valentine's Day is always the toughest challenge, especially if he hates frills, pink, heart...

Getting something for your favourite guy on Valentine's Day is always the toughest challenge, especially if he hates frills, pink, hearts and anything girly (I totally feel you). And that's why my solution is always something handmade. So, here's some inspiration for you ladies out there

Hand stamped leather keychains - i love how customisable this is!

For the guy that is a little more over the top and glamorous*

Time does not matter when you guys are together <3

Top if off with a short love message and it's perfect!

Well, if guys aren't into flowers, pineapples work too!

Use a marker/thread to emboss his initials or your anniversary date to top it off!

This cactus is a good substitute for flowers too! Pin a polaroid of you guys in the middle and it'll brighten up his day, everyday!

These bracelets are so chic, but it's retailing for a whooping USD75. But why spend when you can always customise it with polymer clay? :-)

Saturday, February 07, 2015

Valentine's DIY (for girls)

Saturday, February 07, 2015

Valentine's is this saturday! Here's some craft ideas if you've yet to get something for your other half, or if you're unwil...

Valentine's is this saturday! Here's some craft ideas if you've yet to get something for your other half, or if you're unwilling to splurge on those roses that are selling at $50 a bouquet. Sincerity is the key! <3
These are just like the flowers on the floral crown diy, but with more variations!
Up-cycle that old globe that is no longer in use with love quotes!
This bouquet with lasts forever just like your love <3
Or preserve those flowers forever with this diy!
Any girl will go crazy over these giant blooms, and they make the perfect prop for that Valentine's Day polaroid
Prove that your love is unbreakable with these concrete heart necklace
And finally, throw some of these paper hearts into the mix to create the perfect ambience <3

PS: The giant purple roses are my personal favourite! :-)

Sunday, February 01, 2015

DIY Cactus Cork Board Jewellery Holder

Sunday, February 01, 2015

Who doesn't love cactus and succulents? They are such adorable and chic indoor ornaments, I would totally have one if I weren't so b...

Who doesn't love cactus and succulents? They are such adorable and chic indoor ornaments, I would totally have one if I weren't so bad with plants.

So, I thought, why not have papers ones? This ^ have been dangling around pinterest for quite awhile now, and is the inspiration for this diy.

template here! tadah!

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Polymer Clay DIY

Thursday, January 29, 2015

I've been seeing alot of polymer clay accessories around the net and i'm just itching to try a DIY on it. The only problem is, I hav...

I've been seeing alot of polymer clay accessories around the net and i'm just itching to try a DIY on it. The only problem is, I haven't go any time to find polymer clay. Perhaps this recipe on how to make clay would help?