Sunday 29 June 2008

Art in the Kitchen


I re-use empty jam and spread jars to keep the kitchen ingredients. I plan to draw on the glass but I'm reluctant to buy the glass-painting medium as they are expensive. I'm not sure if arcrylic can be used but I'm too lazy to try.

The day I drew the "Twin Roosters", I thought it would be perfect for the label of my spice jars. It gives a kind of vintage or country feelings---with batik-motif-roosters! But most of all, I would be very happy to bring art into the kitchen. Furthermore, I would not get confused between the Cumin (jintan putih) and Fennel (jintan manis) powder anymore. Haha.

The labels were printed on waterproof self-adhesive paper. Let me know if you're interested to have the label set. RM12 for Cumin, Fennel, Curry Powder, Coriander and Turmeric. You can request to change the label names, or if you want me to make an artsy customized kitchen lables for you, I would be very happy to do so!!

Let's bring art into the kitchen!

Friday 27 June 2008

Small but Never Nameless

Garden of the Night

We were at the waiting room, at the hospital. Sara, my sister-in-law sat next to me, playing game boy. Me, having only my classic handphone with snake game in it---chose to doodle. I color it later at the office, trim the corner, put an eyelet and gave it to Sara before she went back to KL. Glad to know she likes to read, so a bookmark can still be useful coz I have nothing else to give her.

I have fun giving title to my drawings. No matter how small they are. Hehe.

Munge, Rooster on the Block, Rafflesia and Candy for Three (clockwise)

These drawings are made on pieces of leftover papers. I don't make them in a single day, I work on them bit by bit, whenever I have free time.

Kak Ida also has her own tips on what to do with leftover papers. She loves papercrafts and scrapbooking. Check her blog out! Maybe you can get inspired!

Thursday 26 June 2008

3 Leaves and Twin Rooster

Three Leaves : ATC

Twin Rooster : ATC too

Quickies. Having fun with my self-made stamp. Watercolor on paper.

Wednesday 25 June 2008

Paddy Field from My Childhood

Bringing back memories - ATC

I try to re-create an improvised version of the drawing that I use to make in primary school. Everytime our teacher tell us to draw a view of a village, or landscape, most of the student will draw this kind of scene. You'll find blue hills, coconut tree, wooden shack, paddy field, trees, river and birds, flying up high in the sky.

I wonder what children draw these days.

Monday 23 June 2008

Red Flower and Tortoise

Red Flower for Ifa - 8.5 x 10.5cm card

I bought new color pencils - CAMPAP. The lead is very soft and easy to blend. I like the richness and intensity of the color it produce, almost like oil pastel. The only thing I don't favor about this color pencil is, the lead breaks easily. Above card is made for Ifa, Rizal's student. Just a small token for her because she was the one who made the rattan frame that I received from Rizal. I hope you like it Ifa! Good Luck on your final assessment!


Tortoise - ATC (2.5 x 3.5")

Finally, my Nature card set, is complete.

Latte Test for Fun



I found this test in emila's illustrated blog.

Here's what my latte says about me;
  • You don't treat yourself very often. You find that indulging doesn't jibe with your very disciplined life (I am not VERY disciplined)
  • You can be quite silly at times, but you know when to buckle down and be serious (Yes, i agree)
  • You have a good deal of energy, but you pace yourself. You never burn out too fast (As long as I don't need to run or climb hills)
  • You have a healthy relationship with caffeine. You're definitely not dependent on it (Yes, I can live without coffee)
  • You are a child at heart, and you don't ever miss the opportunity to do something playful (Yes!)
  • You are deep and thoughtful, but you are never withdrawn (True).

How about you?

Friday 20 June 2008

Photos from Sepilok

My hubby supposed to have a meeting in Sandakan on the 17th but due to a no-need-to-be-mentioned reasons, he don't need to attend the meeting. But the flights already booked. Hubby said his work is stressful and he really need a break. So we took this chance to go for holiday. At the same time, he could submit the report that he prepared earlier to the Project Manager. I had a fever while we were there but lucklily, it's under control with the help of 1000mg Paracitamol everytime I start to feel unwell. I don't want my hubby to end up looking after a sick wife during his holiday. Hehe.

We only manage to visit the Rainforest Research Centre and the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre at Sepilok, because our hotel is quite far from the city (budget hotel, hehe) and buses are the only mean of transportation (we don't want to take the cab, we afraid it would be very expensive as the oil price had increased).

I don't really like monkeys because I had witnessed my sister been attacked by my uncle's pet when I was 7, or 8. However, I still think they're cute though. Look at the pictures, these monkeys really knows how to pose for the camera. I feel entertained watching their behaviour (and forgot my fever, hehe). I have to admit that I had a good time at Sepilok, because of the monkeys.

Look at the baby (pic: below, right). I feel like I want to hold it...but I dare not trying to get closer to them, remember, looking harmless doesn't mean they can be trusted.


Innocent-faced monkey (above, left). Dominant male (Above, right) . The loving mother, taking care and playing with her young one (last 4 pictures).

The Orang Utans were a bit far away. I'm using maximum 12x optical zoom of my camera but didn't manage to focus correctly on them. See the monkey on the first frame, posing for the camera.

My favourite plants - Orchids and Nepenthes (pitcher plants). One of the orchid (below, center) look like human, wearing big hat and yellow bow-tie. On its left is the famous Slipper Orchid. I had to position the camera underneath the flower (below, right) because the flower look like it has been turned upside-down (see above small pic, top left).

Finally, sharing with you the sight from the top of the observation tower. Click for larger image, so you can see the birds!

Thursday 19 June 2008

Nature Swap

I want to give myself a try participating a swap in Monday Artday ATC. The theme is Nature and all submission need to reach the host at Missouri, United States by July, 11. I don't know how long it will take for a snailmail to reach US but for sure I need to complete the set (3 cards) as soon as possible. I made the sketches last week but have very little time to concentrate on them. I mean, eventhough they just small cards but I need proper time to give full attention on my drawing. I keep it in a small pocket file and take it wherever I go. My sister in-law saw the Flamingo sketch and ask me if she can have it (she loves drawing too)---but I promise to make another one for her some other time (I just promise but I don't know when, hehe). The swap is my priority, for the moment.

Flamingo - ATC (2.5 x3.5 inch)

We had our lunch at Anak Mami Restaurant last Sunday because my hubby had some work discussion with a Project Consultant. They don't need secretary to jot down the minutes (haha!) so I chose to sit in the car, cut a small plastic bottle in half, fill it with some water and begin coloring the "Flamingo". The drawing didn't turn out the way I wanted it to be but it's okay. The time is well-used, right?

Frog - ATC (2.5 x 3.5 inch)

I had to steal some time to color the "Frog" this morning. Instead of using blue to color the water, I use black, mixed with some green. I expected earlier that i would spend more time on froggy but the lotus leaves were more time consuming. I love this Frog (and would like to keep it for myself) but, nah... it's for swap. One more card to complete the "Nature" set!

I also want to apologize to Kak Emila, Rizal, Kak Ida, Debbie, Jiwasintetik, Megat and Cima for the delay of posting back the swapped Identity ATCs. Unfortunately, seems like we need to proceed without the cards from Pupu. I will try to get them mailed as soon as possible. Pupu, I feel so sorry if your cards really lost, but just in case they arrive late, I will mail them to the host of our next swap, okay?

Wednesday 11 June 2008

Beauty Secrets Meme

A tag from Carol.

My Foundation:
I don't use foundation. If I need to use face powder, i'll go for two way face cake. Most of the time, I don't wear anything.

My Mascara:
I only use them a week or two after I bought them, now I don't even know where I put them.

My Day Cream:
Hm...it's mosturizer with UV protection, right? I seldom use them, and (OMG!) I think it has been a year since the last time I put some on my face. No wonder I start noticing signs of pigmentation. Hm, maybe I'm not wasting money anyway, I don't buy beauty product regularly. They always end up expired rather than "finished".

My Essential Beauty Product:
Essential? Hm, perhaps facial cleanser. I use St. Ive's apricot. The only one that don't give me tight feeling. Ahaa..at last, I have a product which I can call "necessary". But, it takes me months to finish a tube. LOL.

My Favorite Makeup Product:
Eye shadow, blusher and lipstick. Usually, I just apply thin layer of lipstick eventhough the color is already nude or natural. Or, I just use lip balm. Psst...it's not unusual if u saw me as pale as a steamed chicken. Haha! This is a joke me and my sister use to say to each other when we're in secondary school.

My Perfume:
For the mean time, I use Bodyshop Chymara, Moshcino and Georgie on Ice-Nutrimetics. I LOVE PERFUMES but I only buy when I need.

My Nails:
Short, and always short. I don't wear any polish and I don't like long nails. They collect dirt.

My Feet:
Pedicure? Never spend money on these.

My Hands:
Erm, seldom wear any lotion. Only when I feel my skin a bit dehydrated then I will remember to look for my lotion. Either Gamat Lotion from Smartnaco (it don't leave greasy feeling thats why I like it---futhermore, it's effective for skin itch, rash etc.), and the other one is Vitamin E lotion.

Three Beauty Products to bring on a deserted island:
1. High SPF Sun-block lotion 2. Deodorant. Who wants pretty lady with body odor? 3. Cold wax strips---In case i'll be deserted there for months, I afraid I'll grow moustache and wearing men's leg. Haha!

Women I admire for their beauty:
1. Eva Mendes 2. Julia Roberts 3. Tyra Banks

Women with the Best Sense of Style:
According to my taste 1.Jessica Alba 2. Scarlet Johansen 3. Eva Mendes

My Ultimate Dream:
To look younger than my age, eventhough I'm 50 (if I reach that age).

How Do I Define Womanhood:
Wiser. Knows better how to take care of herself and others.

My Favorite Fashion Publication:
Cleo, Eh!, Marie Claire

I want to tag Kak Emila, Kak Ida, Cima and Pupu.

Saturday 7 June 2008

Drawing Day



Okay. I hope it's not too late to join Drawing Day. Rizal did inform me, and I did learn about it in Kak Emila's blog. It's just a very quick browse through, didn't pay attention on the exact date. I thought I always have "later" for all that. Blame it on my procrastinating habit. Fortunately, I visit Kak Emila's blog just now and realize the Drawing Day is today!! Kak Emila made a very cute picture book entitled "Mom's Garden" for this special day. The illustrations are very cute and adorable. Excellent job Kak Emila! The story is fantastic---I think it's almost every litte girl's dream to be in a beautiful garden with friendly birds, butterfly and ladybugs!

So, back to Drawing Day. For those who still don't know about it. Drawing Day is a worldwide drawing event encouraging everyone to drop everything and draw for the sake of art. It's held on the first saturday of June each year. The aim is to create 1 million online drawings this day and boost online art communities. For those who want to participate, all you have to do is submit drawing to any of the art communities listed on the Drawing Day's website (please click on the picture to learn more).

Since I'm not aware that today is Drawing Day---I have no intention to make any drawing. Later in the evening, the rain was pouring down heavily. We went to visit mama at my sister-in-law's house but there was nobody at home. So while waiting in the car, I took out a piece of paper leftovers that I used to keep in my bag. I manage to doodle some background for the stamp image that made earlier.

When mama arrived, we made some pisang goreng. While having the nice cups of tea complemented with freshly made fried bananas, I continue making another doodle on a different piece of paper. Mama keep asking questions like, "what are you doing?", over and over again, everytime she paused chit-chatting with my hubby. I said, "Just doodling ma", then she start asking, "What are you drawing?" and "The thing that you're doing, what is it for?". Hm, I took time to answer her questions, cause it's an aimlessly drawing so I really don't know what I'm working on. "It's a view, ma. Of a dream. Fantasy. Abstract. I don't know. This is just some paper leftovers, so instead of throwing them away, maybe I can make some bookmarks".

I already sent my scanner to the office, so I can't post the doodles that I made today. Maybe tomorrow I'll use my camera to get some pictures and upload it on Flickr Drawing Day group. Good night and Happy Drawing Day 2008 everyone!!

*****

Okay. Today is Wednesday, June 10. I was not in the office for a couple of days because I was in the hospital accompanying my hubby's aunt, Mak Mah. She supposed to undergo an operation to remove some suspected malignant cancer cell from her breast but since the hospital is having power supply problem, her operation had been cancelled. Same goes to other patients who supposed to go for operation on Monday and Tuesday. Mak Mah's operation had been rescheduled to 30th June. That's why I didn't manage to upload these doodle earlier.

This is the doodle which I did in the car. I plan to add some colors but I'm a bit tied up so no time for that. Otherwise, the update of this post will be delayed further. When my hubby said; "Peacock don't climb trees", I realized that I could have made a mistake! Before that, I thought it's a hornbill (without the horn?). Haha! Becauce the image is taken from a batik motifs, so I thought maybe from an artistic point of view--->the crown is the horn! In my Identity ATC---I made the peacock sit on tree too!



Look at this hornbill. What do you think?

This is the second doodle. I like it better in black and white--somehow I regret with the attempt to color it. It spoils the drawing. "The Fly" is a poem by William Blake".

Thursday 5 June 2008

Identity Swap

All the submission for Identity ATC Swap which I'm hosting had arrived on my desk except Pupu's. Pupu, we are very dissapointed and feel sorry that your cards might have lost in their way to Sabah, but I promise, just in case they arrive late, I will mail them to the next host, so your cards can be included in the next swap. I hope everyone is okay with the decision to proceed.

So here they are; I put early submissions on top. Congratulations to Rizal and Debbie, their ATC's manage to reach me before deadline.

Mangosteenskin's

I say, "I like drawing girls, tea and make my own handmade rubber stamps".

Rizal says, " i am nuts about black-and white style..just love using them.. i am most comfortable doing weird, conceptual buzy illos. :)"

Debbie's

Debbie says, "I chose to use the theme colours of my blog, which are dark pink and purple to represent myself. The bee symbolises my name, Debbie aka Day-Bee. Debbie is the short form of Deborah, even though in my IC, it's just Debbie. =) It is of Hebrew origin, which means "bee".The daisy and butterfly symbolise the girlish side of me. The glitter on some of the embellishments mean that I like some attention, sometimes. Notice that each ATC is different? That means that I like to different from others and it also means that I am fickle-minded".

Cecima's

Megat's

Megat says, "Selepas semalaman berfikir2.Aku pilih tema Felis Catus ( Nama latin bagi-KUCING ). Ermmm, sebenarnya aku mmg suka kucing..."

Ida's

Ida says, "It has been a long time but I still love drawing a font".

Emila's

Emila says, "They're simple yet suitable for 'Identity' theme as my forte is children's art".

Jiwasintetik's

Tuesday 3 June 2008

Lost in a Doodle



Sometimes you'll be amazed of what you might create from a doodle. I chose to start at a corner, then continue adding more and more element. No need to rush, you may stop anytime, and resume anytime...or anywhere. All you need to do is let yourself submerged and lost in a doodle. The above illos is the doodle I made yesterday. The colored version is achieved by a simple tweak (enhanced hue, contrast and saturation). The original looks a bit dull and pale.

While sitting in the car last night, I continue scribbling on the empty spaces. This morning I proceed with the coloring (arrived so early at the office today) and....

Tadaa!!

Finished : 13 x 18 cm on a yellowish acid free paper (original)

...Hm, how about a boost in contrast and saturation?


Okay, try to create your own "lost-in-a-doodle". Let me know when you finished posting it. I will link your post to this entry.

Monday 2 June 2008

Baby : IF

Baby Dispender? : Watercolor Pencil on Paper

Do you wonder where I got the idea? Well, after checking my mail (last friday's night), I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. While brushing, I continue searching for ideas for the "baby" theme. Phisically, I'm in the bathroom, with my hand carry on the automatic brushing task but my mind...it was somewhere else. When my husband passed by the door (I left the door opened), I was so shocked when he called my name until I screamed!! Kurrr...semangat.

All my ideas gone with the screaming. The only thing I see was the shower gel dispenser. Staring straight at me.