Project Intan 2013

Over the last 5 years, Project Intan has raised more than $150,000 to support local charities in areas such medical equipment, training programs, therapeutic fixtures etc. This year, The Intan is raising funds in support of Singapore Children's Society.

This is my second year participating in Project Intan as a volunteer. When my friend Alvin called me some months ago on whether I was keen to conduct a craft workshop for the youths at Roundbox, I couldn't say no to such a meaningful event! So I said yes! Last year, paper fans were given to guests as door gifts and we decided that we would use the same gift again this year. 

So I got down to work on the concept of making a paper fan that would encompass the elements of the Peranakan culture. And so I the idea of Peranakan tiles with beautiful motifs came to mind. 

This was the mock up:

The workshop was intended to get the youths who will be benefiting from Project Intan to make the paper fans as appreciation gifts for the guests who would be attending the charity event at the end of this month.  

The workshop was held this morning at Roundbox, a drop-in centre managed by the Singapore Children's Society targeting youth-at-risk through a variety of performing arts programmes. At this centre, youths are able to express their creative energies, learn new skills as well as make new friends through activities such as dance, drama, puppetry, mime, circus and music. The classes, conducted by professional trainers or volunteers, are offered at no charge to these youth.

It was a maiden experience for me conducting a craft workshop. I didn't want a one design for all kinda paper fan, so I provided them with different coloured papers to mix and match however they like, gave them embellishments, stickers and paper doilies to decorate their own unique pieces which they would sign off after.

Unlike having a group of adults, I wasn't quite sure what to expect. It took awhile for some of them to warm up and after, you have them crafting this minute and skateboarding, singing, dancing or playing pool the next minute. While speaking to them and observing the extra activities they were doing in between the craft work, I realised that each one of them have a hobby there are very passionate about like singing, dancing etc. And they seem to be quite good at it. One boy was singing to all the songs that was playing on 98.7FM and he sounded really good! 

I think the existence of this centre provides these high energy youths with a good environment to hang out. And the centre conducts activities that encourages these youths to pick up a fun skill like learning the guitar etc. I would definitely love to conduct more workshops for them in the future :) Can't quite explain that great feeling of seeing them progress from idealess to creating really lovely art pieces.

I Passed!

After more than a year of hard work, I finally obtained my Instructor certification! It definitely wasn't an easy journey. I remembered turning down appointments from friends and spending most weekends and even weekday nights cooped up in my room trying to finish the assignments.

Now that the certificate is in the pocket, I have time to work on new ideas and projects that have been running through my head the past year :) I hope to start conducting craft workshops next year to share the joy of crafting and to meet more like minded people.

It's finally over!

After more than a year, I am finally done with all my clay flower course projects! Finally finally finally!! That was like a good 20 projects!

Flash back.....

The last few months have been especially busy for me trying to complete the 'Themed Project" and "Tall Vase Arrangement Project". Both projects are to be assessed by the academy in Japan for my application to be an instructor. Submitted the final 3 roses to my instructor yesterday and they will be on their way to Japan for the final assessment as well. So fingers and toes *crossed*!

This is the tall vase arrangement project. Decided on an oriental themed tall vase arrangement bcos I am so in love with peonies :)) Glad the birds turned out pretty alright.

Thought really hard for the theme project. Did consider birthday, baby shower etc. But ended up with 'wedding', not quite surprising I guess hehe, after all I have been doing quite a bit of wedding stuff. Instead of the conventional ring pillow, I did the ring holder in the form of a frame. A nice keepsake after the wedding.

With the course done, I will have more time to blog, start working on my new website and play around with new craft. Bought a felt bear and figurine kit from Etsy some time back but haven't got a chance to work on them. So many things I want to do I need more time! 

My favourite hydrangea...

Went pass a florist on the way to dinner and couldn't resist stopping over to take a look at the stalks of different coloured hydrangeas displayed in the vase.

The last time I saw big balls of hydrangea was during my trip to UK in Sep 2012. The flowers were blooming from a bush and they were of different colours even though they were sprouting out from the same plant. And it was really lovely! How I wish I can have a hydrangea bush in my garden :) The potted ones I have in my garden have really small petals, like a mini version of the hydrangea.

Interestingly, I read that most species of the flowers are white, but some can be blue, red, pink, purple etc depending on the soil pH. An acidic soil will usually produce flower colour closer to blue while an alkaline soil will produce flowers that are more pink. Now I need to find out how to change the soil pH!

This was what I bought yesterday. And I think it looks so pretty in the can I bought from Plymouth :)) Totally vintage <3<3 Gonna brush up my painting skills and attempt to create this effect with clay soon.

"Anytime is a perfect time to receive such a lovely gift"

A pot of roses I created for a client who wanted it as a gift to a special someone. As we discussed over whatsapp on how best to surprise that special someone, I could sense the excitement on text! It makes me really happy too :) And her kind words complimenting my work made my day. It's really nice communicating with my clients like we are friends. Some of them have been really supportive and sharing my creations with their friends. Not forgetting my friends who have been really encouraging since Day 1. It has been an awesome 8 months since I created my first clay flower piece - a wedding box - for sale. Looking forward to create more interesting works in the months ahead ^_^

We are OPEN on Etsy!

Dawnut's Factory is finally open on Etsy! The items you see are just one of the many craft possibilities we can create.

Have always loved unique statement necklaces and brooches. So I thought why can't I have both at the same time? So for the launch, we have created a few unique Brooch Necklaces for those who like statement items but would like to have the best of both :))

New Year, New Creations!

Happy 2013! The past year was awesome and I think it will get even better this year :) Looking forward to more interesting and challenging projects this year. As I continue slogging to finish up my clay flower course, I hope to launch some new creations on Etsy some time in Mar/Apr this year. Preparations are on-going but I wish I have more time! So watch out for that.

I recently conducted a fun clay class for my girl friends. If you are interested in customised private workshop for your tea parties, bridal showers, drop me a note to find out more. Have a fantastic year ahead!