Some WIP

Trying hard to do commision jobs whenever I can. These are a couple of stamps am working on but I couldn't finish them as I've run out of raw materials for the mounting.
Small fonts still make me nervous. Before I start carving these kind of stamps, I usually take time to get physically, and mentally prepared.

And, another butterfly came...

to make friends with the blue one. Maybe they need more friends, don't you think? Lebih seronok main enjet-enjet semut.

Enjoy this page of my test-chop-prints ya.

When you finish carving a stamp, you need to see whether your work turns out well or not.

Editing photos using photoscapes is so quick and easy.

Ahh~ I just love round corners. Most of photos in the late 70's and early 80's are rounded-corners.

Round corners is nostalgic and it bring back happy childhood feelings. :)

I am in e@Siswa - October Issue

Again, with self-taken photos. Haha.

I am featured in Kerjaya Pilihan (Carier of Choice) column. Click on the photo to read it. To those who is unable to read the original version in Malay, please read the translated version done by Haslina.

Argh! You don't know how much I really wish that "Eraser Stamp Carver" is something I can call "a carier". Like something I can officially write down on blank spaces designated for "occupation" in profile forms. So I can wake up each morning, enjoying my breakfast thinking only what stamps I'm going to make that day.

Since the article is about carier, let me tell you how I ended up carving stamps. Uhuk! Uhuk!

I wanted to be a scientist since I was 6, biasalah cita2 budak2 hehe but I carry on till I manage to get a Biotechnology degree. I thought of seeking for employment in something to do with plants/crop/agriculture development, don't mind if it is in private firms or goverment departments, or maybe at least become a teacher (preferably teaching Biology). But when I graduate, my hubby managed to persuade me to help him run the business, so he can focus more on field and train the staffs and I can take over administration affairs. I never know I would ever give up my years of ambition, I thought I'm strong-hearted, but I guess that's just how the letter L, O, V and E have changed my life direction.

I am now, holding an Admin Manager title. Self-created position, and behind it is all my husband's hard works, so nothing to be proud of (about myself).

I also love photography, but apart from an RM180 (approx. USD51.42) compact 28mm wide lense CANON analog camera which I bought during my final year in University, I can't afford anything more expensive than that to explore the passion. Later when me and hubby bought an S3IS prosumer CANON digital camera in 2006 I was so damn excited! I started to participate online photography portal and collect photography magazines only to realize that I need to upgrade my camera and equip myself with proper photo-editing softwares in order to upgrade my skills. Worse, even my laptop is out-of-date. Photography isn't a cheap hobby.

I never mean to give up on photography, but I take it as a sign for me to work harder to get what I want. There is no short-cut to an EOS or new laptop or whatsoever. In terms of carier, I love working with my husband, but it doesn't give me self-satisfaction as I don't have chemistry in construction. I am so green and introvert ~ I don't even know if I have a thing to become a businesswoman. So I tought, I must find something else...I must look deeper and find a talent to polish. I can't look for job in other company coz that will means I have to leave my current job. Well, it is different when the boss is your own husband.

In 2007, I started drawing. Just something to keep my blog goes on. I need to work hard on my skills, techniques and execution of ideas but I don't have much time for that. Following steps of talented illustrator and graphic designer, Emila Yusof and Rizal, a lecturer in Institut Kraf Negara, I joined Illustration Friday as a way to practice. At times when I'm not looking, I coincidently found Gennine's Art Blog through Illustration Friday and learned about stamp carving. So in 2008, when I found out that I'm kinda gifted with this stamp carving, I promise myself, that this is something I must pursue. Sometimes I do feel bored, but I just told myself I can't afford to quit things anymore.

If you ask me, I don't think I am eligible to be featured in this kind of article. I'm just a beginner but perhaps I got the attention because stamp carving is still something rare in Malaysia. However, it's also a good thing because before this not even my parents understand why I want to draw or carve stamps, and waste my degree. My husband always complains why do I need to juggle between spending time online, drawing, stamp-making and administrating our company. I understands why he is worry. The company is a greater commitment and responsibilities. I just hope atleast, they understand and lend me the chance to do something that make me feel good about myself. I expect nothing much, but their blessings.

I'm happy to have all the artsy-crafty friends in blogosphere. You guys never stop inspiring me and your supports make me go on. Just don't stop doing what you love and trust this, "Extraordinary People Do Ordinary Things Extraordinary Well". It works all the time.

You and I, let us be extraordinary.

Mango's Game

Ok, let's play it. A set of 9 mini mini mini handcarved eraser stamps as the winning prize + personalized stamp. Jeng! Jeng! Jeng!

But here's the truth. The mini mini mini stamp set was an express carving, done playfully and the workmanship is abit rough. No sketching or tracing process involved as I draw directly on the eraser surface.







Now,

1. Make a post and name an object/animal/plant etc that you want to see in a form of stamp. As an addition, if you win, I will make a handcarved stamp of your selected item, with your initial. The design, is a suprise and you will only see it when it arrive at your door. You can use it to chop the back of your handmade cards, letters, thank you tag, etc.

2. You may take any of these 3 photos to come along with your post, and don't forget, link your post to this Giveaway entry so other people can join the fun too.

3. Finally, after everything's done, leave a comment here to eligible you to enter the prize draw. Updated!!*Contest will be closed at 12 noon, Tuesday 3rd November 2009.

4. That's all. Good Luck!!

Participating Entries:

1. Anasfadillah - Maneki Neko (Lucky Cat; kucing sepet yang melambai2) -Malaysia

2. Trisya - Rafflesia, Sompoton or Mt. Kinabalu - Malaysia

3. Cabbiena - Two sisters - Malaysia

4. Veda - Kai Kriye, Orchid or Easel - India

5. Jiji - Her Nite wish Umbrella - Malaysia

6. Ayu - Pincushion and Needle - Malaysia

7. Sweetwannur - Lips yang mungil or Rose - Malaysia

8. Iefa - Heartshape or Buttons - Malaysia

9. Diya - Chandelier, Swirls or Damask - Malaysia

10. Nurain - Sewing Machine - Malaysia

11. Beldandy - Cake or Cupcake - Malaysia

12. Rozela - Giraffe and Elephant - Malaysia

13. Miyyah - رِحْلِة الأَلْف مِيل تَبْدَأ بِخَطْوَة - Malaysia

14. Syairazali - Frog or Lollipop - Malaysia

15. Cik Zizee - Hello Kitty!!! - Malaysia

16. Pianina - Roses! - Malaysia

17. Jom Makan - Tuck & Power of Juju or Barbie - Malaysia

18. Ciketon Fazya - Her Orange Kitty or Cocoa Tree - Malaysia

19. Elizabeth Kuang - Couple Holding Hands - Malaysia

20. Fawa - A house with Boy and Girl - Malaysia

21. Wanjah - 1Malaysia or KLCC - Malaysia

22. Wan Anis Sorfina - Moshi Moshi Mushroom - Malaysia

23. Zai Kulim - Upin & Ipin or Hello Kitty - Malaysia

24. My Rayyan - Yarn & Needle (cop mohor dia, hihi) - Malaysia

25. Msdaisy - Rainbow and Butterflies - Malaysia

26. Mimie Azim - Keta pon ponn dia...hahaha - Malaysia

27. Sikurus - Her WBL logo - Malaysia

28. Atiqah - Graduation Mortar Board or Bee - Malaysia

29. Asmieyra - Mickey Mouse or Winnie the Pooh - Malaysia

30. Anin - Papa Mama & Baby Boy or baby Boy only - Malaysia

31. Ciyou - Eiffel Tower or Mirror with Handle - Malaysia

32. Redcomel - Pout of Lips - Malaysia

33. Rai - Rose (blog header) - Malaysia

34. Faraisha - Story of heart or Flowery Garden - Malaysia

35. Me, Myself & I - Cute Little Crab, Sun & a slice of lemon - Malaysia

36. Dizzee - Tulips & Buttons - Malaysia

37. Juniza - Teddy Bear - Malaysia

38. Shakeymirza - Bear hadiah ex-bf dia...hik hik... - Malaysia

39. Em's Family - Pregnant woman - Malaysia

40. Mijiworkshop - er...er...

41. Sweetcraft store - Sakura & simple butterfly or cupcake - Malaysia

42. Segalanyer kuterima - Winnie the Pooh & Cupcake - Malaysia

43. Bethany - Guinea Pig - USA

44. Puantanah - xbox360 console - Malaysia

45. Inasepi - Cat & Rabbit - Malaysia

46. Syakila - Rose - Malaysia

47. Inahasan - Love (heartshape) - Malaysia

48. Izue - Elephant - Malaysia

49. Agnes Sim - Malaysia

Agnetha Fältskog

If it wasn't because of Lin who had been posting link of ABBA songs in Facebook yersterday, I won't end up searching for my favourite numbers of ABBA in Youtube again (after doing it a week ago). I grow up listening to ABBA and their songs always bring back memories.

The search further led me to Agnetha Fältskog, and I fell deeper in love with her voice. Last night was the night when Agnetha's really looked into my eyes and touched my heart.

"After the release of I Stand Alone in 1988, Agnetha took a break from her musical career and completely withdrew from public life. In April 2004, after 17 years of silence Agnetha came back with a bang by releasing the album My Colouring Book, a collection of covers of 1960s classic oldies.The album topped the charts in Sweden, reached top 5 in some countries and No.12 in UK. The Times reviewer noted "her voice is still an impressive pop instrument", and The Observer noted "time hasn't diminished her perfect voice".The album release attracted major media attention across Europe, but Agnetha refused to be involved in any publicity. Despite this, the album sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide, with 50,000 of those in the UK alone.Agnetha has a fear of flying and has not been on an airplane for over 15 years. When she goes abroad she prefers to travel by car. She prefers a tranquil life in a rural suburb south-west of Stockholm, away from the noisy city atmosphere".

Here's few tracks from the album MY Colouring Book, 2004.

Sometimes When I'm Dreaming

My Colouring Book

Past, Present and Future

Allen Design Giveaway Contest

I am so into trinket boxes, and while I was in Genting last August, I found some beautiful trinket boxes sold at one of the shop there. They were priced RM40 each while in other place I found them being sold at RM60-80. Now I regret why I don't buy at least one piece of these cuties. But to think back, I'm sure it was because I always try to be reasonable when dealing with temptations; avoid spending money on unnecesary things.

Only yesterday, I was browsing the web for trinket boxes just for cuci-cuci mata and coincidently this morning, I found something that really, really, really gets me excited! This Goody Allen Treasure Box is something I really, really WANT + NEED!!

Michell my Belle is a new blog I am following. Her artworks and creations are inspiring and stunning! If you also want to win one of these cute treasure boxes, well...let's play (ehem! let's compete)! Just click on the photo above! Deadline is Friday, October 9th.

Below are some of my collection of trinket boxes. All priced less than RM10. Hihi.