ZC Had Its Very First Planner Meet…

And only five people showed up, not including our escorts LOL.  

         

So in our group messenger alone, we all decided and picked on the venue to meet in. We settled on Third Cup Café in LM Hotel, Tetuan. We also brought small gifts to share with our new friends.

It was an afternoon of getting to know and also working on our journal pages, planners and simply getting messy.

As for food, we ordered snacks like cheesecake, nachos overload and coffee to munch while waiting for the glues and glitters to dry on our creative projects.

We spent hours and hours talking and crafting and before heading on home, piled all our planners and notebooks to take a photo of our obligatory (?) planner tower.

Even if we know that crafting can be a bit messy, we did clean up after so that the café can allow us to come back when we shall decide to meet again in the future.

I came home with gifts from new friends and I also hope they enjoyed the ones that I brought too. It was a good experience and I hope to be a part of the next one, hopefully with more members too. 

2018 Mid Year Updates

And there’s so much to report since the last time I have posted.

I must have left town at least thrice since then.

School 

It’s not that I’m procrastinating, but thinking about school lately makes me feel overwhelmed. Now I’m wondering if enrolling this semester was a good idea. Though I sort of feel consoled knowing that I'm not the only feeling this way since most of us in class are trying to keep up with the demands of researches and also discussions in class. For my part, I also have to keep up with midterm requirements. 

ADZU LRC Building

Travel

We took advantage of the Holy Week and went on a road trip to Cagayan de Oro and Camiguin Island. CDO is my mother's family's hometown so it's always great to catch up with family and also partake in scrumptious meals in cowboy country. Baby back ribs always brings up beautiful, delicious memories. 

Mantigue Island, Camiguin

Naked Island, Camiguin

As for Camiguin Island, it's a place for leisure and island hopping for the summer. Because of beautiful and preserved places like Mantigue Island and Naked Island, it creates a sense of pride and joy in me discovering nature's beauty and grand design. It also pays to have family in the island to enjoy local life. 

The Great Wall, Beijing Station

For the last half of May, I went to China to attend a training and had the opportunity to visit major cities and famous sites such as The Great Wall, Tiananmen Square and the gates to the Forbidden City while in Beijing. I also went to Shanghai and toured around, indulging in crowds of tourists and savouring all the sights and sounds. The rest of my photos and videos are in Instagram and it just only fed my need to travel and see places all the more. 

Tianjin Eye

Yu Yuan Garden, Shanghai

Also in May, I turned three decades old. It was a beautiful day for me having been surrounded by friends and family who celebrated with me. I did say that this is my year. I'm keeping an eye on major milestones up ahead, such as finishing school and also completing projects. In the meantime, looking back the past six months, I can say that I've been blessed and feel so grateful for all that's come my way. 

Still, I have so many dreams and I'm slowly working towards them. 

I may be coming on here on and off, but I believe that I'm growing in other aspects. In the meantime, I'll be working on finishing school, investing and improving on myself. Who knows where I'll be a few months from now (sans the acne which appears when I'm stressed out). 

Another international travel is in the works, but will be revealed as some of them are in place. As of now, it's time to hustle and then look forward to an opportunity of relaxing as soon as all the work is over. Knowing work, it sure has a way of not going away. 

I'll see you when I see you. 

February’s Happy Mail: Vintage Washi and Glitter Pens

I couldn’t help myself and went on a splurge last week. Disappointing, I know but arts is life. So now I have to contain myself and also remind myself that March is for our Holy Week escape so there will be no more extra expenses.

Tim Holtz Cling Stamps

And I gave in.

I long wanted to add my Tim Holtz stamps, I currently have two: Freshly Brewed and Treats (see how I’m fond of good food…) and since I started school, I’ve long wanted Schoolhouse. Now I have it thanks to Berry’s Treats.

But with the arrival of my nephew, I’m tempted once more with Baby and Childhood. Of course, I can still aim for Travel and Vintage Things by the time my birthday rolls in.

Tim Holtz Washi

And there’s an addition to my Tim Holtz washi.

I did tell myself that I’ll only get the designs that are relevant to me. And I did. So that’s that for my Tim Holtz washi in the meantime…. 

Sakura Gelly Roll Pens

I love the colors in the Sakura Gelly Roll Galaxy set. There’s five: pink, lavender, green, blue and black. The ink gives off a gold shadow and it’s great for different paper varieties. It’s a perfect match for glitter washi and even galaxy washi. I like that it’s affordable at Php 250 per set. I’m now seriously thinking of getting the metallic set. No seriously, I am.

Deco Art Washi

I received my package with freebie stickers, (I love panda bears because I call C panda lol). But of course, I went ahead and got myself travel-inspired and vintage washis that I’ve been stalking for quite some time. So this is all going in my traveler's notebook and what's good about traveling by land is that I don't have to get in trouble with airport security confiscating a pair of tiny scissors for my crafts. 

All these new craft goodies make me want to look forward to some quiet time to write quietly in my corner and process my thoughts. It’s also my way of coping, unwinding and playing with colors for my art therapy.


Do you see something you like? You can get them at Berry's Treats and Deco Art respectively, drop them a message in Insta and they're going to definitely reply. =) 

Washi & Co Bundle Deals: Feeding The Washi Hoarder in You

It’s no secret that I have a weakness for pretty washi. And where do you go for pretty washi? Washi & Co!

Washi & Co is a heavenly shop for those who find joy and thrill in owning pretty washi, yes I can’t emphasize that enough. So when bundle deals were announced, there I was again with head lolled to one side, thinking about restraining myself.

And as you know how the story ends, I got three bundles.

Temptation.

I gave in.

But hey, look at all this….

I got a teal bundle; 

And there's a pink bundle;

And florals;

And patterns….

Washi & Co is Davao-based that curates pretty washi for all seasons and all moods. I’m also keeping an eye out for the Christmas selection there, because they’re the non-traditional, sleek designs. To tell you, I’ll be proud to show them off with my Christmas packages even if let’s say I’ll be giving away baked goods in glassine bags to friends. That will be a nice touch.

I’ll get my hands on them soon.

School has made me busy with requirements for our midterms. Priorities. I even complained that I don’t have that much time to do creative stuff anymore.

But having new washi to play with kind of makes me giddy and excited inside. And the thought of having new ones for Christmas too.

There’s so much going on with my academic and family life right now, that plus the demands of work and it all makes me wonder how much sleep I have lately. I can get through it all though, one day at a time.

Besides, washi is always a good idea. Right? 

Like Washi & Co on Facebook and you can follow them on Instagram! 

What do you think of the bundle deals? Did you get some too? Which ones are your favorites? Let me know by leaving comments below! 

Category: stationery, washi, crafts

Washi Wednesday: Fall Washi

There’s just something romantic about entering fall and the change of the color palette that makes it lovely. And perhaps the signaling of the last quarter of the year with the -ber months beginning. Soon it will be winter and before you know it, the holidays will be upon us and then there goes the end of the year and we will be welcoming the next year in our doorsteps.

I’ve rounded up some fall washi for inspiration because this season just brings us closer to thanksgiving, and the earthy tones of burnt reds, oranges, browns, mustard, and even plaids and dark florals. It’s very comforting too, and also thinking of food for the season. I’d love some shepherd’s pie and chocolate cake…

And here I am presenting to you some fall washi for inspiration just in case you are looking for a new color palette to try out in your journal, diary and planner spreads. It’s fitting since we’re only a few days away from September.

Drool with me, will ya?

category: inspiration 

Shop Feature: Washi and Stamps Haul From Cathy’s Craft Buffet

This is where browsing Facebook arts groups can lead me to. 

The special feature about Cathy’sCraft Buffet is the 3 for Php 100 deal and believe me when I say that the washi rolls are the premium ones. I’ve seen the same washi on sale in other shops for more bucks, and since the ones I spotted in her offerings are patterns, seaside, galaxy and brown vintage ones, I dove in and helped myself, so to speak.

The choices from my buffet came with a freebie consisting of hot air balloon clear stickers. This is quite significant for me because I always have special memories associated with hot air balloons. They always bring back beautiful memories of a weekend where everything flies.

Not only that. Since I have a total of 16 rolls from this haul alone, I also received a reusable, compartmentalized box that’s just the right size for all my orders. I’m not sure how many clients Miss Cathy has who have received this, but this has got to be a thoughtful gesture.

Taking a look at my haul one by one, I have wooden number stamps that also come with fun icons such as camera, phone, mustache and others. I thought it would be good for stamp layering and dates. I’ve already tried them out on my Limelight Journal and they’re great with my Tsukineko ink pads in Coffee Bean and Pearlescent Olive. It seems like my favorite color palette anyway; what else is new?

As for the washi, I consider myself lucky to have scored these brown vintage ones. One is postale themed, the other one has typo textured script. I like it together with my vintage spreads on my journal and they look great with my postale wooden stamps from Deco Art Ph.

Onto the patterned washi, I have dusty blue ones that are a mixed pattern. There are florals and polkas, and also vivid, Morrocan washi in bright pinks, purples and red. I also adore the muted browns, blues and grays, also in patterns.

Now the convincing factor for me is the galaxy washi. Okay, I got a little carried away and got four. But looking at the swatches takes me away to a dark, starry sky and you know that I’m hooked. That and I did a post last time about galaxy washi.

And finally, there’s the seaside washi that I got two of. I love them both. I get to go all out with purples and oranges because of these two.

So that sums up my haul. I like that everything is super affordable and kind of haul-inducive if you’re like me with poor self-control when it comes to washis, stamps, stickers and writing instruments.

I know, I know. I need more discipline. But with deals so good such as this, who’s ready to pass up?

For premium washi tapes at 3 rolls for only Php 100, visit Cathy's Craft Buffet on Facebook. It's worth your while, I bet ya! 

Shop Feature: Pretty Little Things by Clang Featuring Sticker Flakes Haul

It wasn’t long ago when I spotted a post in one of the journaling groups that got me scrolling some more. Isn’t that how we all begin our tiny little hoarding habit? First we become curious, then we fall in love, then just like any love-bitten crazy person, we try to recall our balances in our bank accounts, and then bam. There’s a comment under the photo that says mine, and how did my name get there?

Now, I’m at a position where I want to save for my travels, and then there are destashes everywhere, that I’m constantly in a push and pull with the nice stuff that I see in social media. I’m also looking at you Instagram.

These sticker flakes are from Pretty Little Things by Clang.

But, here I am with my needless justification, the reason why I’m happy with my mini haul:

• It's super affordable at only Php 50-60 per bag
• Saved on shipping
• Stored in handy bags
• Thick flakes, printed on matte sticker paper with beautiful and clear illustrations 
• No more hand cutting for me! (at least for now)

Because I always enjoy sticking stuff on my planner and diary, I always treat stickers and washi as a basic commodity next to my coffee. No kidding!

(I really do have a weakness for washi rolls and stickers...) 

So what’s in my haul?

There are all foodie sticker flakes, vintage objects, more foodie flakes and then girls. My package also came with a freebie washi tape.

That mini haul tidies me up in the meantime, and it means serious savings for me from now on! I have to focus and save for my upcoming travel! But of course, there’s going to be a traveler’s notebook you can bet on it.

You can visit Pretty Little Things on Facebook and check out the other stuff there. 

So how many of you are into stickers and washi? Do answer this question and leave me a comment below! I'd love to "meet" more artsy readers. Looking forward to it! 

Washi Wednesday: World Map Washi

To help get over hump day, I have a small selection of washi for inspiration. These are not mine, but I do wish they were. I have yet to hunt them down and hoard them one by one. Just kidding (not).

These are the world map washi that I’ve saved on my Pinterest board. However, I’ve seen a couple of local shops that carry world map washi. 

World map washi is for those journal enthusiasts or diarists who suffer from an irreversible epidemic or a symptom of the equally contagious bite of the travel bug.

Unfortunately, there’s no antidote to this.

Here you go, feed that wanderlust.  

Shop Feature: D Deco Art Ph- Haul and Shop Review

Anyone with an obsession for creative journaling can stumble upon shops on Instagram, (I'm no exception) because the Discover option serves more than its purpose admittedly. 

Then there's D Deco Art Ph which had a clever marketing strategy on Independence Day week to hook those stalkers by offering freebie stickers which was a hit. There were also other attractive goodies, (and at such an affordable price too) that those who had no urge to resist ended up with no urge to resist. 

One thing led to another, and with not much personal restraint, the following is a confession I made:

The Story Behind The Haul

I'm in it for the stickers!

Okay, there I said it.

I mean, who wouldn't want a piece of the action? The Independence Day stickers were a freebie but I'd go after them if I were you... They're cutesy-sized, the sheets are 2.5 inches each and contain Filipino icons such as slippers, jeepney, palm tree, church ( a testament to Pinoy devotion and faith), sun, Philippine map, and of course the Philippine flag. My other favorites are the sentiments: Mabuhay! Pinoy Ako and #SarapMagingPilipino. 

This sticker set is so timely for the month. I recommend that this set should be patented if it's even possible! 

On to the rest of the haul, I was looking for vintage washi designs to go with my Starbucks siren planner because its pages are full of coffee-stained artwork so I'd like to keep with the brown-vintagey theme in the absence of coffee washi and stickers. I was kind of late to the party so some beauties kind of escaped me, and I was told that the next restock will be happening in the last quarter of the year (so I have my alerts turned on already mind you). 

Also, I love how these stamps are able to give crisp images on my planner. Travel-crazed layout on my planner achieved! And you won't believe how crazily affordable they are at only Php 100 per set of 6 stamps. Steal! 

The Shop 

D Deco Art Ph is on Instagram and offers washi, sketchbooks, stamps. planners, post-it notes, brush pens, ballpens and anything else that can gain your attention. There's a lot of interesting stuff I swear. My transaction was fast and easy, courier of choice also was fast (I was surprised too that it came early). If you're interested in something, send them a DM in Insta. 

For my part, I'm going to be busy writing (another long weekend) and because it's my art therapy of sorts. Also, I'm keeping an eye out for new uploads but I'm also serious as hell on saving money, but goodies being offered in Deco Art are affordable that it's almost a crime (trust me I've compared prices in other shops). 

I'll give you updates soon but right now, enjoy your long weekend!

P.S. Follow @raisiespeaks on Insta because I'm doing messy art there LOL