Little Mustard Seeds 小さなマスタードシード A Picturesque Diary of My Handmade and Life

Shop Update: Puffie Wristlets

2011-03-04T19:49:00.011+11:00

Happy fawn & candy

Hi all!
I really enjoyed making these wristlets and the fun part?
It's PUFFIE!
Such a cute accessory on a day out with the girls,
or just out and about at the shops.

Come visit the shoppe!

LMS Photography Editing service

2011-03-02T04:35:00.007+11:00

Hi everyone

I am offering photo editing services for people who have no photoshop editing knowledge and wants their photos edited. Since I enjoy editing my own photos, I would be happy to do it for you for a small fee :o)

If you are a handmade online crafter and you want to improve the look of your product photos, I can help too!

I am using Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 2.6 and Adobe Photoshop CS3 to edit the photos.

Here are some examples that I did for my own.

Email me for quotes and other enquiries
at littlemustardseeds@ymail.com

Have a good week ahead!

Shop Update: New Stock 2011

2011-03-01T00:37:00.005+11:00

Hi all!
New stock has arrived!
Come visit the shop!

My First Market Experience

2011-02-21T20:23:00.010+11:00

Hi Everyone!

After my family's visit, I have been so busy for the last couple weeks rushing stock.
My first Canberra handmade market was held at the National Convention Centre during the weekend. The last market I have participated was with MAAD Singapore at the Red Dot Design museum. All I can say is HUGE difference! You'll be spoiled for choice :o)

There were food stalls which were opposite from my stall that made me hungry throughout the whole thing too :op Setting up was a little challenging due to the size of the table I have rented. I would have placed more of my handmade if I were to have a bigger space. My space was cramped between a jewellery stall and a specialised frame stall so I was kinda stuck and I couldn't move around freely. Luckily, Husband was around to help me run errands or else I wouldn't be able to set up on time. Thank you Husband! :o)

To be honest, I am extremely introverted and I tend to keep to myself a lot when I am in an unfamiliar environment. It's really hard for me to put on a smile all day long and most of the time I have no idea what to say to customers and I'm trying very hard to step out of my comfort zone. I usually let my handmade do the "talking" :o) Despite that, I still enjoy selling my handmade. The customers are very nice and I'm happy to receive many of their compliments :o)

It's quite a challenge when you are facing so much competition at one place, esp the ones who have already well-established themselves here and with their customers/blog-readers. I was having quite high expectations for a while but it turned out to be a little disappointing and discouraging.. sigh.. oh well.. at least I have met my main objective which is to bring awareness to the public. I will use this experience as a stepping stone to something greater next time :o)

In the meantime, I won't be joining anymore markets in the near future but I will try again maybe near Xmas. You will still be able to buy my handmade at my Etsy shop, Shop Handmade or at Milk thieves. Don't worry.. I will not give up yet! :o)
Anyway, this is what my stall looked like..

That's all folks. I'll be back! :o)

My family's Visit!

2011-02-12T00:19:00.010+11:00

It has been a very awesome start in Feb. My whole family came to visit for the first time since I moved to Canberra. So it was really exciting to show them what I have been up to, where and how I lived for the past 20 mths.. It's a pity that they can only stay for 5 days as they had to start their work after chinese new year holidays but it's still meant alot to me.. at least they get to see for themselves that I am living healthy and well :o)

My family spent a day in Canberra and the rest were spent in Sydney. We rented a people mover and drove around NSW.. It's the first time for my parents. My sis and bro came to visit last year in Sydney so they are familiar with the city. Thank God it didn't rain throughout their stay, except for Canberra in the evening and their last day in Sydney. But it was REALLY BLARING HOT! Even hotter than back in SG! At least the humidity is not as bad.. I hafta prepare an umbrella for Mum as I know that she cannot stand the heat. lol.. Here are some family moments..

Day One - Canberra

Day Two-
Drive to Sydney & blackberry picking

Their first time seeing & picking blackberries.
They are enjoying it, esp my mum & dad :o)

Day 3 - At Blue mountains

Me & my sis being silly at the ANZ stadium,
Sydney Olympic park :oD

Last day spent at QVB for big breakfast :o)

Sending them off at the airport is usually hard for everyone, esp for me as I do not have my own family here. It feels like they have left me behind and wishing that they could pack me in the suitcase and go back home with them. Sigh :o( Sometimes I do hope they will move to Aussie one day so I don't hafta feel so alone. Miss all of you! Please come back and visit every year! :o)

LMS has a website!

2011-01-12T01:18:00.008+11:00

Hi everyone!

I got it done! My website! Yay!
Although it's a simple one, it just feels great having one of my own.
well.. kinda.. :o)
As it's a Flash website, it won't work on iPads or iPhones.
Really dunno why Apple doesn't upgrade to Flash for their gadgets!
Annoying.. oh well..
Come visit anytime on ya good ole computers!

click here

"LMS Website"

Happie New Beginnings

2011-01-01T03:42:00.012+11:00

Feels Good to Get Some Work Done poster

by Mary Kate McDevitt

Happie New Year everyone!

Hope all of you had an awesome break/holiday! My husband and I spent Christmas by ourselves this year and decided to cook pork leg roast for Christmas dinner. It was a huge almost 2kg piece of meat so imagine pork pork pork for the next whole week! lol!

I presume 2010 was a very different year for each and one of us. All the more we should congratulate ourselves for getting through the year! What I am thankful for, for 2010, that I was able to go back home. The company of family and friends and comforts of familiarity of home had truly made my soul come back to life :o)

I have been thinking of new plans and resolutions for 2011. Personally I am a "go with the flow, live as they come" kinda person as I know that I can never predict what will happen in the near future. That is why I don't do resolutions. But as they all say, our destiny is in our own hands to build them up. If you don't do anything to achieve it, it will never happen.

Well, it's only the first week of the new year, I have till Chinese new year to ponder about it. haha! Excuses!
Ok ok, I have a few.

~~1. Set up a stall at the markets.~~
I have applied for the Handmade market in Canberra for Feb 19. Fingers crossed for a space!

~~2. Finish and publish my website.~~
For the last few months, I have been cracking my head on learning the "How-tos" to design a flash website. I am almost done, just need to figure out how and when to publish it.

3. Get a driver's licence. (since we have a car now.)

4. Need to have more money! (Who doesn't?!)

5. Focus more on coming up with new designs for my handmade and marketing solutions. Any tips out there??

Hmm sounds like I made more new plans for my handmade biz.. Haven't really think for my own personal goals.. I hope to travel more though(maybe Japan) and go back home to visit family and friends again.

Good news for one that I will be expecting more visitors this year. My family will be coming over to visit during chinese new year in Feb. Canberra for a day and the rest in Sydney. Although it's only a short few days, it is still good to be with family again :o) My close Secondary sch pals might come visit during winter. They have been raving to me since last year! So they better come or else! lol! Can't wait!:o)

About Life: Cooking with Mum

2010-12-09T13:36:00.010+11:00

I love to cook and I feel flattered when my hubby's colleagues would complement that I am a good cook. Not too sure about that though but I reckon my cooking is for one's acquired taste :o) My hubby brings home-cooked lunch almost everyday, usually leftovers from last night's dinner.. my silly husband would eat his lunch an hour and a half early before lunch schedule. It's always the scent that he always draw others to follow suit, having their lunches 15 mins later.. lol..

I usually cook Asian as it's one of the easiest cuisines to cook in my opinion.. most of my recipes are from books that I bought in Singapore. Some from my mum's recipes.. Maybe I'll share some recipes next time :o)

I miss my mum's cooking. I used to help her in the kitchen, preparing ingredients and such and would watch her cook. The last visit back home was asking my mum to cook my favourite dishes, like her chicken curry and I would stay home just to have her home-cooked meals and boiled soups.. She hardly cooks now as the rest of my family members are busy with their agendas..

My mum and I would chat on the phone, we would exchange recipes and tips too.. She even gets my sister to scan recipes from her cookbooks so I will have ideas on what to cook.. It is a struggle for me to cook something different each night! I am still amazed till now that my mum can cook up to many different dishes every night for the last 30 years and never complains even though she works full-time.. I always tell her that :o) Every time I cook, I would always think of what Mum will add in each recipe to make it taste special :o)

My younger sister and brother doesn't like cooking much unfortunately.. Well, I'm glad that I am the one who inherits my mum's cooking passion.. I guess I will also be the one who will inherit all her hand-written recipe journals and books later on :o)

Miss you Mum!

About Life: Facebook & Friendships

2010-12-09T01:48:00.012+11:00

I admit that I do not write much on my blog except for shop updates or uploading random photos.. Sometimes I would write about my life experiences but I wouldn't think anyone would be interested to read it anyway (hence no comments) I am human after all and I do get fed-ups or pet peeves too.

You do have Facebook right? Are you one of those people who read your friends' profiles occasionally even though you have never contact them for a long while? You keep them in your contact list so as to "spy" on them once in a while on what they are currently up to.. or checking if they are advancing ahead of you, just by looking at their most recent photos and reading their wall posts.. I'm guilty that I am one of those people..

Yes, I have even "blocked" some "friends" on Facebook so that I have the option of not reading their daily news feed.. Do you know how irritating that is?? Every single minute some particular person keeps flooding on rubbish like what they eat, drink, think, fart whatever.. and Worse of all.. the ones that keep twitting about.. "blah blah.. "hey look at how much money I have!.." blah blah.. "I'm so tired of counting the number of blessings I have..." blah blah.. "I can't believe I'm so much better than the rest of you..." blah blah blah blah blah... such meaningless, self-centred d***head stuff...!! It is really demoralising in every level! Now you know why I hafta "block" these people.. Then you would ask me "why not just delete these people from Facebook..?" And the funny thing is, I still want to read these people's annoying twits! Duh.. I think I am quite "kia-su"(Singaporean slang for "scared to lose out to someone else..") and "kay-po"(Singaporean slang for "busybody") I can't help it though.. I live overseas now and have the "urge" to check on other people's business.. I think I am so silly..

I feel friendships are seasonal.. one season you'll be good friends.. another season you don't get to talk with one another at all.. I'm not the kind of person who wants to and has to chat everyday... It will get boring in the end.. As for me and each of my friends.. we have an understanding.. we have our own level of friendship with one another.. some that we don't need to chat everyday and we still receive the same level of friendship. I guess some friends don't understand that. Oh well..

The new year is coming soon.. maybe its time to do some "spring-cleaning" in our Facebook contact list and keep the friends who matter more to us.

LMS on Frankie!!

2010-12-02T18:17:00.005+11:00

This afternoon as I was checking my email as usual when I saw that I was tagged in one of the photos on Milk Thieves Facebook page. I logged into Facebook and to my pleasant surprise that LMS and other lucky designers are featured on Frankie Magazine homepage!!
That's like one of my favorite lifestyle/designer magazines!! So exciting!!
My very first media exposure! A Really nice early Xmas surprise!
All thanks to Emma-lee from Milk Thieves!

Read it here!

Oh yes, Milk Thieves is organising "The Art and Design Christmas Market"
at Wollonggong this coming Sunday 5th Dec, 2010
at Wollonggong City Gallery,
Cnr Burelli & Kembla Streets, Wollongggong.
Another reason to stock up on your X'mas shopping!

It's been raining all week here.
Will be shopping for a car in Sydney this weekend.
Hope it will have better weather by then.
Have a great one! :o)

Shop Update: My Shoppe is finally opened again!

2010-11-18T15:06:00.006+11:00

Welcome back!
I kept my word and took time to stock up at the shoppe.
Though it's only a humble eight,
I will be making and stocking up more lovely things each week. :o)

Come click on my Lovely Shoppe
or on the right side of my blog to see more pouches I made.
Have a great weekend!

Shop Preview: Oh you are just teasing..

2010-11-16T01:55:00.009+11:00

Hiya all!
Sorrie for late updates!
Lookie what we have here..
ahhh.. for you to find out,
just come on back this week and you'll know! :o)

And oh! LMS is finally on twitter!

Stock update: At Shop Handmade

2010-10-09T00:43:00.006+11:00

Hello!

For the last couple months I have been sewing and making accessories but it's just so hard to keep track of time when there were quite a few long weekends and having too much fun doing other stuff, like watching Korean drama series. ( nah..I'm not Korean..) Yes I caught the K-drama bug! Opps.. lol

And so I pulled myself together, finished up the lot, packed and record my inventory (man, that took me a while!) and finally send most of my new stock to Shop Handmade today! Yay! Finally accomplished one task! This is how I usually work. I would send most of my ready stock to the consignments first. Then finally on Etsy. I should start stocking up on my Etsy shop soon. I really have to stop procrastinating.. It's almost X'mas! argh!

Anyway, here are some of my handmade at Shop Handmade now.

Well, hope all of you will like it :o)

Hello Spring..

2010-09-23T02:38:00.006+10:00

More photos here..

Something new to share..

2010-08-31T02:24:00.014+10:00

I'm finally back on track..
I've been very busy sewing for the past few weeks,
hoping to have enough stock for the consignments and on Etsy.
My Etsy has been really quiet for the last few months so
I'm quite excited to re-open the shop again.
I'm even more excited about the new things I'll be posting
like the stamped fabric button shown above.
so do stay tuned for more!

It's coming!!

Here are some of My Favourite Things: Cath Kidston "Hello!" From London

2010-08-12T01:51:00.008+10:00

I have been into "Mooks" lately.
What exactly is a Mook??
Well, it's technically called a Magazine Book which is really popular in Japan.
What's awesome about it is that it usually comes with a "free" gift.
Either really cute tote bags, pouches or accessories.

I got this Spring/Summer 2010 Cath Kidston's "Hello from London" Mook
from Books Kinokuniya when I was back in SG.
Not only it comes with a japanese-themed catalog with beautiful pictures,
it has a multi-purpose travel pouch with matching hand mirror and mini tissue pouch!
Just Love Love it!
I can't wait for the next Cath Kidston Mook on sale!
It's gonna be 2010 Autumn/Winter issue, "Fly to the UK"
and it comes with 2 tote bags!
I heard it's going to be sold in Japan on August 26th but a friend of mine
saw that the latest mook is already out in SG.
Hope she'll be able get it for me! :o)

A Baking Session: : My Weekend with Weekender Biscuits..

2010-08-03T20:27:00.007+10:00

This is my MIL's recipe :o)

Weekender Biscuits

4 oz butter

½ cup sugar

1 egg

2/3 cup sultanas

1 cup flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 ½ cups lightly crushed "Kornies" or Cornflakes

Method

Cream butter and sugar.

Add egg, beat well.

Fold in sifted flour and sultanas, mix well.

Drop tablespoons of mixture into "Kornies"; roll lightly.

DO NOT FLATTEN.

Place on lightly greased oven trays, allow room for spreading.

Bake 20 minutes in moderate oven.

Makes 1 ½ dozen approx.

(Depends how big you want for the biscuits)

Here are some of My Favourite Things: Rings

2010-07-24T17:02:00.014+10:00

I love my rings! :o)

Bought at Far East Plaza, Singapore.

Inspiration: Zooey Deschanel

2010-07-23T14:37:00.006+10:00

Zooey Deschanel is so talented!!

Just love her style :o)

In Search of a Unique Shop: Woodwould(Singapore)

2010-05-25T17:16:00.004+10:00

I have been a big fan of Woodwould, a little whimsical lifestyle shop where you can find all kinds of unique cards, stationery, toys and other lifestyle goods. The other day I decided to pay a visit at the store at The Cathay in town. I bought a few things to add to my collection and also use as photography props for my handmade. The lovely lady gave me permission to take some photos of the shop and of course I was happily snapping away! Nearly forgotten my purchases! :oD Not all shops are nice enough to allow you to take photos of their shops though, due to competition and copycats :o) Anyhow, here are some photos of the store.

you can view more photos of the shop here.

Apparently, they have 2 outlets:

The Cathay
Unit. 03-03, 2 handy road, Singapore 229233

Mandarin Gallery
Unit. 03-24, 333-A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897

Where I Am..

2010-05-24T02:17:00.015+10:00

Nope I have not disappeared.. just been away for a while.. it's been a wonderful 3 weeks since I came home. Quality family time, friends reunited, yummy meals which I missed so much. Thank you friends for making time to meet up with me, arranging gatherings and blessing me with awesome treats! :o)

I haven't had this feeling for a long time.. a sense of home and belonging where everything is familiar and close to my heart, which I took seriously for granted.. it's only when you go away for a while that you would appreciate the things and people around you.. People are just funny in a way that you wanted to leave the present life so badly to experience a new lifestyle and when you get to that place, it turns out that home is still the best in the end.. Sigh.. the days are going by so quickly and the thought of going back really burdens my heart and it bothers me a whole lot..

Do you know why? My family and friends I guess.. I don't have them around, neither any new ones who I can relate to from where I live now.. sounds really sad isn't it? I do not know why either.. from the number of friends here, I think I must be doing something right to deserve such friendships :o) so I really don't understand.. maybe I am just adjusting to new life and trying to shut myself from other people that they will not be the same as the people back home. I would think that they will not understand me cause' I came from a different culture and have a different accent.. yeah, sounds like I have personal issues :o) Oh well.. all I can do now is to make use of the time to enjoy myself with more food and the joy of spending time with my family and friends. I will definitely make this my yearly pilgrimage! LOL!

Back for my dad's birthday

I Heart you guys! Thanks for the gathering!

Happie 20th Friendship Anniversary, my buddies!

Need to take more photos my friends!!

Fav Animations by Michael Dudok De Witt..

2010-04-24T21:56:00.007+10:00

(Le Moine et Le Poisson)

(Father and Daughter)

A Visit to Shop Handmade..

2010-04-19T14:48:00.006+10:00

Say hi to the bosses, Julie & Rachel!

That's my space!
Well, part of it actually..hee..
my handmade can be found in other corners of the shop,
if you are sharp :o)

I must say the shop looks beautiful!
Awesome job, lady bosses and Lisa!

Just so encouraged to know that my handmade sold
like hot cakes during the opening!
To the wonderful people who bought my pouches,
God bless and Thank you so much!

You can view more of the photos here

A LMS Preview at Shop Handmade...

2010-04-15T14:20:00.003+10:00

Shop Handmade is officially opening tomorrow! Woot!

New Consignment...

2010-04-13T01:37:00.004+10:00

It's been really busy last week.. I made a decision at the last minute to join the opening of Shop Handmade, a new shop coming in the heart of Canberra city this Friday 16th April.. I am stoked that they have accepted my application! Been a fan of their markets since I moved to Canberra last year and visited them every season :o) I alwayz wanted to set up my own stall at their markets but due to tight finances, I hesitated.. so this is such a good opportunity and blessing for me that they decided to open a shop for other designers & crafters, like me, so that we have a chance to sell our creations.

I dropped off over 30 of my beloved handmade on Saturday and got to see the shop.. from what I saw, though there's lots to do around the space, but according to Lisa(in-house interior designer) who was busy putting up wall papers & Rachel(proud shop owner) multi-tasking with her kids and tons of errands, they will definitely be ready on Friday.. I think it's going to be awesome! Poor Rachel hurt her back.. hope she will get well soon! :o)

I might go down this Friday to have a look at the shop and hope to take some photos too. Very excited to see everyone's creations!

Shop Handmade
Allara Street, City Walk Canberra
Opening hours:
Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5.00pm
Saturday - 9.30am - 2.00pm

Time for Tea!

2010-04-04T02:45:00.005+11:00

Salutations!
Just found out that Jennifer, owner of "i art you" design blog,
has featured my teacup brooch in her tea+rain inspired blog!
She has such a lovely blog and great photography too!
This had been such a great week!
My handmade has inspired so many people!
Happiness! :o)

Easter Feature!

2010-03-30T13:35:00.005+11:00

I'm so happy to find out that one of my happy bunny bag/pouch has been featured on
proudly Australian indie design blog, Calico & Co.,
just in time for Easter too!
Thanks Amanda!
Your blog is so lovely!

Read it here!

It's a Balloon Extravaganza!

2010-03-23T02:11:00.003+11:00

At Commonwealth park - Old Parliament house, Canberra.

This is worth waking up for at 5am on a weekend for this spectacular scene.
Just so cool to watch hot air balloons take off..

Not just a pouch...

2010-03-17T01:08:00.005+11:00

I had the pleasure of making this lovely pouch for a lovely lady,
whose daughter had an awesome blessed wedding just last weekend.
Congratulations! :o)

Dreams and Aspirations...

2010-03-04T03:06:00.003+11:00

Come to nothing, originally uploaded by ...Cecilia....

I had a very "interesting" conversation with "friend" a few days ago about dreams and aspirations. The thing that got to me was "friend" was very unwilling to share the plans of pursuing this dream.. and refusing to answer any of the questions I asked.. and the questions I asked were very logical and rational.. Not only "friend" doesn't want to answer, "friend" got frustrated and asked me not to ask anymore.. To "friend", asking questions means doubting.. what bothers me even more is "friend" expected me to know what it is.. Honestly, I thought I knew what "friend's" dreams were but as a matter of fact, all these years, I am not too sure anymore.. but that does not mean I am not being supportive..

What is wrong with asking questions about your dreams? We usually ask because we care and because we are interested right? Why is this friend become so defensive when asking how are they going to make their dreams come true? Is it because "friend" is afraid of being judged? or that someone will burst the bubble? or is afraid of the whole process of hard work and refuse to face reality? Aren't we suppose to be proud and willing to share our dreams and aspirations to others, even if it sounds stupid? Don't we need a little help from others to help pursue our dreams too? Even if you need our support, don't you have to be accountable to others on what they are supporting you for?

Until now I really don't understand and not able to see the logic.. I just hope and pray that God will bring the wisdom, knowledge and patience to "friend".. and one day "friend" will share it proudly with family & friends.. Breakthrough will come, "Friend"..

Whimsical Fairy Tales...

2010-02-26T14:58:00.004+11:00

Hello Peeps!
Its finally Friday! It's been such a slow week and
it feels like it's taking forever to get to the weekend.
Hope all of you had a good week so far.
You can find new pouches like these in my shoppe now.
Whimsical fairy tales!
There will be more prints & designs coming up so
do come back & have a look yeah?

It's going to be another boring weekend for me.
But will think of something, maybe cook up a new dish?!
I need to go out & get some fresh air!

See ya!

What's for Lunch? : Cream of zucchini soup

2010-02-24T01:32:00.006+11:00

So what are you going to do with tonnes of homegrown zucchinis lying around besides steaming them at every meal?
Oh no, not zucchinis again!
Well, Make soup of course!
We tried this recipe and it is really yummy!

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon oil

1 onion, coarsely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
4 large zucchini, chopped
1 tablespoon oil
2 large potatoes, peeled, chopped
1 Litre chicken stock
3/4 cup cream
salt and cracked black pepper

Method:         
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 coarsely chopped onion, 1 crushed garlic clove, 4 large chopped zucchini and 2 large peeled, chopped potatoes. Cook for 5 minutes, making sure vegetables don't brown. 
Add 1 litre chicken stock and 1 cup water. Bring soup to the boil, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until potatoes are soft. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes. 
Blend with a hand-held blender until smooth. Return soup to the heat and add 3/4 cup cream, salt and cracked black pepper.
Bon Appetit!
(courtesy of taste.com.au)

In the Making of Something...

2010-02-21T19:23:00.006+11:00

Hallo.. sorry about my last post, I think I was super emo that day :op
I think it's time to move on and stop dwelling about the problems that I'm gonna face for the rest of my life anyway so please don't be surprised to read one of my emo posts again throughout the rest of the year :op

Anyway, one thing to look forward to, that is i will be launching more pouches & brooches at my etsy shop this week. So do keep a lookout yeah?
Have a blessed week!

Them Versus Me..

2010-02-15T11:35:00.011+11:00

I did this illustration to conclude how I always feel...

After a conversation with my husband last night, I now conclude that I will never fit into their family.. I'm calling all married couples, who yourselves, is a brother-in-law, a sister-in-law, I wanna to ask all of you.. do you all feel that you will never be part of your extended family?

I realise that it is really not easy after marriage.. you would think that after marriage, you will be in your own lovely, happy little world with your husband/wife.. until reality hits you that you have another "family" to worry about.. My husband's side of the family grew up in the western world, although they are Chinese, whereas for me, I grew up with the Asian culture.. My parents are wonderful, giving, generous people.. but I grew up feeling inferior about myself, having self-esteem issues, that I'm not good enough for anything.. and that I always give up when I failed at something.. After knowing God, I begin to feel self-worth and finally have the courage and strength to follow my aspirations..

I still don't know if I have made a wise decision to move to Oz last year.. I left my family, my friends, my comfort zone, to pursue a better life. I was living with my extended family for the last 10 mths.. They are good and generous people as well.. but I didn't expect that I'll be living through my thresholds again but with a different "set" of people.. I was frustrated, depressed, unhappy, uninspired, alone and that I will never feel the sense of belonging and acceptance.. It's them versus me.. I feel that I will never be able to bond with them.. it's that feeling you know? Yes, I am not as "smart" or knowledgeable as them, I never grew up doing crossword puzzles, reading encyclopedias, learning the piano, playing chess, learn to swim, "invest" in the stock market, i don't have a "real" job.. blah blah blah.. I don't know why but I feel they are judging me and they are expecting me to follow their footsteps or something.. I tried and sorry, I really can't do it, you can't change me.. if my own family is encouraging with my life decisions.. why can't you? just accept me as who I am!

I think you can tell my frustrations by now.. I really wanna learn not to care anymore and stop pleasing people.. After the recent events, I am beginning to learn to let go and let God.. prayers have been answered, breakthroughs have finally come that we are now living on our own and my Visa has finally been approved.. I can move on.. I guess God wants to strengthen me during those seasons and I reckon it's not going to stop there.. Thank God I have my sewing to distract me! Anyway, I have plans to go home very soon and get some serious "therapy" and getting myself back.. really really need it..

Sorry if this is boring but it's part of my life and just wanna share.. sometimes I do wonder if I'm alone in all this.. sigh... oh well.. gotta be stronger this year..

An animation...

2010-01-28T23:31:00.008+11:00

Winter Songs from Crush Design on Vimeo.

Sometimes when I watch animation shorts like this one, I do miss the process of making animation.. I think I must be crazy.. haha..

Not everyone knows I have a degree in Animation actually.. to be honest, its not a glamourous industry and all those special effects and stuff its just an illusion.. Behind it all, it takes SUPER SUPER SUPER hard work for months and years, you will have no social life, no sleep and sadly it pays peanuts.. No wonder most animators in the industry are mainly men.. haha.. Oh well.. been there, done that.. it's all well and good anyway in my new creative direction.. maybe I should start illustrating again :o)

Milk Thieves in Wollonggong..

2010-01-21T20:29:00.004+11:00

Here are some pictures of the shop, courtesy of Milk Thieves.
If you are sharp enough, you can see some of my pouches and bags on display! :o)

Brunch..

2010-01-19T23:29:00.003+11:00

Its good to have a place of your own,
where you can have breakfast & lunch at the same time..

Hello 2010!

2010-01-19T00:06:00.005+11:00

It's going to be a better year! Yay!

LMS now at Milk Thieves..

2009-12-02T16:22:00.004+11:00

Hi everyone

My Etsy shoppe will be closed from 2nd December till 10th December as I'll be spending the next few days in Sydney, Gold coast and Brisbane with my family! Woo hoo! It's been months and months since I last saw my family members, especially my youngest brother, who is finally graduating this year from uni after 3 1/2 years in Brisbane! He will be going back to SG so I won't get to see him for a while.. so I am looking forward to spend some time with family and friends :o)

Oh yes.. you can buy some of my crafty goodness now at the new shop Milk Thieves Art & Design store at Wollonggong! It is due to open on the 3rd December so if you happen to be in Wollonggong, drop by and have a look at some unique handmade art and crafts by local artists and designers there... Do Support Handmade!! The Best time to get your Christmas gifts too!! People living in Wollonggong.. you are so lucky! hee..

Have a Great week! :o)

Milk Thieves is located at

Shop 10A
157 Crown Street
Wollonggong
NSW 2500
(In the mall upstairs from Flightcentre, near Medieval Disco)

Life in Canberra - Picking cherries in summer..

2009-11-23T21:16:00.015+11:00

Went cherry picking at Young, NSW, in the weekend.
Really hot day.. it was about 35 degrees C!

It was all good, except that you'll be busy swatting flies away..
Big fat dumb flies keep landing on ya face and body!
yuks!!! so disgusting!!!
Even more funny to see one young chinese lady tourist
commenting loudly and running away from the flies..
If I were her, I would keep my mouth shut.. hahaha..
Fun day though.. :o)

A Date with Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs...

2009-11-22T22:03:00.016+11:00

Guess what?!
Warren entered this competition from Canberra Times and won a pair of tickets for us to watch the opening preview of "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" this Wed! Yay! The last movie we watched was another animation, "UP".. that was a great film too.. We actually saw the trailer for "Cloudy" while waiting for "UP" to start.. thought "Cloudy" was quite interesting.. cos it involves FOOD! YUM! The title is so cute too... I didn't know it came from a children's book either... maybe should read that book soon.. hee..

Oh.. the question in the competition asks what kind of food you wish that will drop from the sky.. guess what Warren wrote...?

"Xiao Long Bao" aka soup dumpling...

Wait a minute..... that was my answer...!!
He stole it!! LOL!

Anyway, here is the trailer if you have never seen it yet. :o)

Tote Bags and such - Little Red Riding Hood..

2009-11-17T14:21:00.002+11:00

"Grandma.. why is your mouth so big..??"
"All the better to eat you with, my dear...!!"

hmm.. this reminds me of someone I know.. haha..
Yeah just love the ever famous words for this fairy tale eh?
come to think of it, it is quite a scary story for little kids.. actually most fairy tales are quite scary back then.. but kids nowadays don't scare easily anymore :op

Well.. all the better you should get it huh? *smile*
They are now displayed at my Etsy shoppe.. Great gifts for love ones this christmas!

豆しば...

2009-11-15T11:54:00.007+11:00

Mameshiba!
I think it literally translates as "Dog bean" or something like that..
I have no idea what exactly it is but it is one of the latest cutest characters out in Japan for quite sometime.. I didn't know there's so many types of "beans"too! The random trivia cracks me up though.. So much merchandise came out of it too.. just love the cushions and stationery!

You can get Mameshiba products at Rakuten but it is in japanese..
But no worries, I figured it out without translating the whole website.. just go to Rakuten International, copy and paste this japanese word "豆しば" on the Search box and it will show all the products translated in English!

Have a great week everyone!

한국 사랑 !

2009-11-11T18:17:00.011+11:00

Hi there..
I probably gave the impression that I may have complain too much.. haha.. oh well..
Sometimes it just feels good to blog about everything good, bad and the ugly.. something to read about and ponder and going back to it later, thinking how silly it was.. maybe you might be feeling the same way too.. chances are that you are not alone in most situations :o)

The way to keep myself positive and it always works is to look at pretty things..
yeah.. pretty gorgeous stuff that you wanna get but can't have or need.. well not yet anyway.. the problem for me now is that I don't have my own personal space or money to own these things.. so I just ogle on the web instead..

What I am excited about now are these delightful stuff from Korea!

CuteCute Murmuring Postit Set

Spaceman Folding Cards

Linen tapes

Speech Bubble Post-its

Stamps to mark exams with..

Pandabear post-its

Handmade Menstrual pads???
Now this is something new.. lol

Really tempting isn't it?? Well, You can get all these awesome stuff and many others at nothingelegant and Gogohandmade.

좋은 하루 되세요! (Have a nice day! in Korean) :o)

English or Engwish...?

2009-11-11T18:09:00.007+11:00

Today's scenario....

W. and his dad came back from work..

W. & FIL: hello!

Me: hello father in law! Oh you didn't wear your coat today.

FIL: (looked puzzled and looked at Warren..)

Me: ermm.. coat?.. jacket..? business suit..?

W. was already gesturing like he is putting on a coat..

FIL: Oh i left it up on a hanger in the back of the car cos' it was too hot today..

Me: *nod*
(in my mind was like ," huh.. he didn't understand what I just said...??")

Felt insulted of course.. I thought we are speaking the same language.. English..
Is my accent really that bad?? I didn't know it is that hard to comprehend :op
If I'm bad, you should see my in-laws chatting with my parents.. it's like chicken and duck talk although both sides are Asians.. It's quite funny to watch them talk to one another though...
We all speak the same language but we don't understand what we are talking about, due to our accents and culture and fluency.. sometimes it is very frustrating.. Sometimes I just want to pretend to understand or speak very slowly or simply, just don't speak at all... maybe I should go for speech therapy classes.. hmmm... I hope they will just understand my body language instead... :op

I am just glad the only person around here who can understand me is no other than my husband.. Thank God for him! :o)

自由..

2009-11-08T01:50:00.011+11:00

过了明天又快没有自由了。
心情非常不开心。。好凡啊!!!... 真得很想快点搬走。伟凉已经开始上班了.. 接下来剩下我和我的家婆了.. 我真得很怕她又在罗嗦了... 比我的laoma还要罗嗦... 咳...真受不了!!! 真得很怕她.. 以前她对我讲得事情令我觉得自己很没用... 到现在这件事还令我觉得很伤心... 觉得没有人会体谅我的感受....这里又没有朋友或家人... 没法子.. 为了自己,我需要原谅她... 但婆婆媳妇关系已经有"疤痕"了..

真得很想家.. 有时候真的很想放弃一切, 收拾行李,买张机票回家去.. 但这个办法由行不通.. 解决不了问题.. 已经七个月了.. 觉得好像过了整年一样... 现在终于有了突破... 我要感谢祖持给我力量... 如果没有他, 我大多数会做错了很多我会后悔的事.. 也很感谢好友的"陪伴", 听我诉苦... :o) 现在只能一天过一天... 慢慢等待接下来的突破.. 这几天正在找房子租.. 希望能找到适合的.. 也希望能圣诞节之前搬出去..

就是这样... 还好我会写中文... 有时候写中文的好处是有一点私人空间, 不会读中文的人呢, 哈哈! too bad! 如果他们会翻译的话..我就完蛋了!! 哈哈! 无所谓啦..我不管了! :o)

希望这个礼拜会美好一些..

Tote Bags and such..

2009-10-31T18:47:00.006+11:00

Salutations!
I am thrilled to present some new products in the LMS collection..
TOTE BAGS!
These delightful tote bag and pouch sets are in my shop now.
Come visit here and here.

I'm off to Sydney this weekend to do "abit" of shopping, jap food and bubble tea :o) Really need to be with civilization again.. being at home most of the time is really driving me bonkers!

So go out and enjoy yourself this weekend too! :o)

Have a Beary Week!

2009-10-26T14:24:00.008+11:00

There's nothing as nice
As a new Teddy Bear.
To tickle and cuddle
And take everywhere

To share all your secrets,
Your laughter and tears
To keep by your side
Through seasons and years.

There's nothing as nice
As a new Teddy Bear...
Except for an old one
With memories to share.

by Jeannie Hand-Stuart

haha.. yeah I know.. the poem is kinda childish.. but it kinda fit the teddy bear theme pouches I have made recently.. I'm sure everyone has a soft spot for teddy bears.. these pouches will definitely bring up anyone's day! :o)

You can get it here, here, here and here!

An Interview with Our Tea Party..

2009-10-24T17:42:00.009+11:00

Hi Dear Ones!
Quite a week for LMS.. firstly my shop is launched at Poppytalk Handmade and it is very exciting to finally push it a little further to bring awareness to my handmade pouches and brooches..

Oh, and secondly, I am so thrilled that Penelope from Our Tea Party asked me to do a little interview for her blog. You can read it here!

Did I mention that Penelope is talented too and she makes really lovely jewellery as well?? I owned one of her necklaces and it is one of my current favourites!
You can find some of her masterpieces at her shop.

Have a Lovely weekend everyone!

Spring/Summer edition and Poppytalk Handmade...

2009-10-19T15:51:00.009+11:00

Hello all!

The New edition for Spring/Summer is finally out and you can find them at my shoppe now! I am really happy about what I've done this season.. just love the fabrics!

Oh by the way, Little Mustard Seeds has been curated for PoppytalkHandmade from tomm onwards! Totally excited about the launch! Do check it out on the 20th Oct and support other crafters and designers too!

Happy week ahead! :o)

sneak a little peek...

2009-10-10T01:03:00.004+11:00

Hiya peeps

I have been working on something new, something colourful during this season..
It is Spring in Canberra but why does it still feel like never ending winter?!
Can't believe i'm saying this but I do look forward to summer and putting on flip-flops!
Anywayz.. i'll be posting more lovely things up soon..
stay tuned! :o)

An interview with Beautiful Heart n Soul...

2009-09-27T21:16:00.009+10:00

I have been featured on Beautiful Heart n Soul recently.. Coolness!
You can read the little interview here!
Thanks so much Michelle! :o)

It's my way to say "Thank You"..

2009-09-16T13:20:00.004+10:00

Just LOVE my new thank you tags.. :o)

It's Just Our Tea Party..

2009-09-09T00:57:00.005+10:00

Oh.. guess what I've got in the mail last friday??
A little early (first) birthday gift for myself and I am so thrilled to be able to get the last piece from Our Tea Party! Whew!

I wore it immediately that day too.. hee..
Thanks Penelope! You have such lovely stuff!! :o)

Of Birthdays and Wishes...

2009-09-03T16:18:00.007+10:00

Oh man... I couldn't believe it's September already.. in about 3 weeks time I am gonna be another year "W.I.S.E.R"! haha.. OMG! Thank God I'm born with "good, I still look young" genes.. many thanks to my parents! ho ho ho!

I think my birthday this year will be a really humble and quiet one.. I feel there's no meaning to celebrate anymore cos I left the people that meant to me most behind and I'm still trying to start life as it is.. but there's still no harm wishing for some things for birthdays right? And of course for christmas too.. I was thinking of the top 10 things that I really want in my list.. then again.. I can't think of all 10 at the moment.. maybe in due time I would.. for now I only thought about 5 things first... and here they are..

No.5
This lovely ruffle necklace..
pretty isn't it?

No.4

No.3
A Regal Rose...

No.2
I always wanted one for years..
hope to get a DSLR one day..

No.1
I guess this tops it all..
it doesn't feel right when you guys are
not around to celebrate with..
maybe i will come back next year
as a birthday gift for me :o)

Signs of Spring...

2009-08-31T22:33:00.005+10:00

Coming from a season of dryness and unfruitfulness.. I saw trees fallen bald from its leaves from autumn to winter.. the shivering cold makes it even lonelier and time seems to stand still forever.. Probably you have experience this before many times in your life..

But when I see trees are starting to grow buds again, then blossom into flowers..
it feels like its a metaphor for new beginnings once again..
i'm still waiting.. praying for breakthroughs to come very soon..

I Left My Heart in Melbourne: The Cafe Life..

2009-08-28T19:33:00.013+10:00

I must say that Australians love their coffees.. You will not miss a sight with long queues early in the morning each day at coffee shops or cafes.. Every street you turn, even little alleys you will see a few hidden little bohemian cafes, patronised fully by the locals, all through the day.. I'm not a frantic coffee drinker, sometimes a latte or two occasionally, a more of a tea lover I am.. but whatever you are a coffee or tea enthusiast, atmosphere, surroundings and people are always important to enjoy a good cuppa..

Well.. I don't have the time and the money to enjoy every cafes and coffee shops in town.. but got to try the more popular ones at least in Melbourne.. Our first stop was to try one of the bakery/cafes at St. Kilda's..
This one that we went to was called "Le Bon Cake Shop"..

another crowd on a sunday afternoon......

Juicy sweet strawberry tart.. yum!

Macadamia slice

a few similar bakeries a few shops down... not as busy as Le Bon though..

Another popular bakery/cafe in town is Brunetti at Carlton..
I think that is their main branch.. about 20-25 mins walk from the city..
my cousins brought us there one day after lunch.. and as always.. crowded again on a Sat afternoon.. why do I feel like i'm back in Singapore?? tsk tsk...

When you step into the restaurant, you'll be like a kid in a candy shop!
They have a huge bar with rows and rows of cakes, pastries, chocolates, macaroons, etc and refrigerators of their whole specialty cakes to bring home...If you have a birthday coming up, should go down to Brunetti to get the birthday cake.. the birthday boy/girl will thank you for it! Believe me, I just stood there for at least 10-15 mins, totally bewildered and excited by the huge varieties! And of cos I forgot to take pictures of the bar.. duhz!
Finally, we ordered a couple of desserts and drinks to try..

I can't remember what this is called but
it tasted like nutella with rum..

my cousin's hot chocolate(recommended) and
another sponge dessert which I forgot its name
but its dark chocolate and cherries
with a little rum...
yeah everything tastes great with alcohol in it :o)

I Left My Heart in Melbourne: The Food - Miss Marples Tea Room

2009-08-27T21:40:00.009+10:00

I came upon this place on a friend's photo blog and
wanting to try it for a while so we decided to
drive down to have a look since we are in Melbourne.
We drove about 1 hr and 45 mins from Warragul to Dandenong ranges..
Got worried and a little lost cos the GPS lead us to
some deserted route in the middle of the national park..
but eventually we got there safe.. thank goodness!

love the cottage..

this is what they are famous for..
Devonshire tea and scones... yum!

with jam and cream... oh my...

Quiche Lorraine..

Chicken and asparagus open sandwich..

really surprised to see such a lunch crowd on a Monday afternoon..
its in the middle of nowhere too..

Yeah.. would love to go back there again :o)

I Left My Heart in Melbourne: The Food - Lord of the Flies.. I mean Fries...

2009-08-26T18:42:00.009+10:00

The American BBQ Sauce

The Belgian sauce

We were on our way to Southbank one night, with a couple of friends when we stopped at Flinders Street train station and our friends wanted to try this fast food outlet, Lord of the Fries.. I heard raves about this, even in Canberra.. ok.. technically i read about it in the blogs somewhere so we got excited to try it.. our friends got their fries with creamy Belgian sauce and we got the tangy American BBQ sauce.. Boy it was yummy! But don't say I didn't warn you.. try not to have any when you are suffering from a sore throat.. man, you will regret heaps the next day! haha..
Oh well.. It's worth the pain :o) Oh.. they sell burgers too..

I Left My Heart in Melbourne: Rose Street Artists Market

2009-08-24T15:04:00.008+10:00

I find this stall and it's illustrations very familiar..
I probably saw it on Etsy somewhere..
Pocket Carnival is the name..

How can I not forget about exploring art & craft markets while I'm in Melbourne..?
The Rose Street Artists market at Fitzroy is relatively small and humble if you compare to markets like the Paddington Markets & The Rocks Market in Sydney.. but the handmade crafts are still worth looking at.. really makes me miss having my own stall again.. perhaps I'll get back to having a stall once I'm more settled with my life :o)

I Left My Heart in Melbourne: Art

2009-08-24T00:10:00.015+10:00

Salvador Dali

Finally, I'm a little better now to do a little blogging about my recent trip to Melbourne and you know what.. it is truly what I expected to be!

Melbourne experience is truly great! There is so much stuff to do there but just not enough time! Got the opportunity to visit a couple of art exhibitions there too.. "A Day in Pompeii" at the Melbourne Museum, famous for its real life body casts of the victims during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii and the "Salvador Dali: Liquid Desire" exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria.. Believe me.. it's worth a visit if you are in Melbourne this winter.. Unfortunately, no one is allowed to take any pictures of the exhibits so I'll just post photos taken on the outside instead.. but here are some of Salvador Dali's work that you can see at the exhibition...

Galatea of the Spheres, 1952

Soft Self-portrait with grilled bacon, 1941

Three Young Surrealistic Women Holding in Their Arms
the Skins of an Orchestra, 1936

Portrait of Gala with Two Lamb Chops
Balanced on Her Shoulder, 1933

Self-Portrait in the Studio, 1919

Self-portrait with the Neck of Raphael, 1921

outside the National Gallery of Victoria

At Melbourne Museum

Flu Flu, Go Away...

2009-08-23T22:02:00.010+10:00

Oh man..
when was the last time I had a flu??
Must be years I think.. the worst I encountered at most are just minor colds.. Unfortunately, I caught the flu when I was holidaying in Melbourne.. it wasn't that bad as I could still move around and feeling "stoned" most of the time with medication.. It got worse when I came back to Canberra and it is the worst flu experience I ever had in my life! And to date, I'm still trying to recover from it for about 2 weeks now.. got sick of the smell of lavender oils and drinking shots of concoctions of lemon, honey and olive oil.. Ya.. I know.. it's weird and tastes funky too.. but it kinda helps with the coughing though.. truly this is not the kind of remedies I have grow up with when I get sick.. really missed my mum's care and my family's chinese home remedies and good, cold homemade chrysanthemum tea.. sigh.. well.. pray that I will recover soon...

I'll post more about Melbourne in my next post... soonish...

*cough*....

The Flu plushie is from this website..

In The Mood For Brooches...

2009-08-06T01:00:00.012+10:00

For the past few days, I was getting into chatting to my long-time friend online again.. What we always talk about are always stories from our secondary school days and the crazy fun we had during those years with "our gang". She's also my partner when we lined up for morning assembly every morning and loves to pinch my cheeks.. thank goodness she doesn't do that now... lol!

She is probably the only couple of people I know of who I can relate to the most by fabrics and Japanese Zakka stuff that we love so much.. always remember one time that we kept gabbing on about sewing and fabrics and ignoring the others when we had dinner at Kuishinbo.. haha.. it seems that the restaurant had become our regular "send-off" for our mutual friends who are going away for a long time.. sigh.. miss you guys.. Anyway.. just wanna dedicate this blog to this friend cos I have been chatting to her while making these brooches... hahaha.. thanks for entertaining me, Pei! You never fail to make me laugh by your outrageous stories and your contagious laughter... at least this time I won't hafta "wake you up" using MSN anymore.. your colleagues can do that for you! Miss you, my friend!

Oh ya.. these brooches are on my etsy shop now.. I'll be going away for a short trip this weekend for a week.. hope to post more about Melbourne when I come back..

Have Fun!

A Comeback.. Finally..

2009-07-31T00:38:00.007+10:00

After comtemplating for more than 3 months, I have decided to make a comeback.. i mean for LMS that is.. I feel after 3 months of moping around, worrying and feeling sorry for the current situation I am in during this "super dry" season.. I decided to change things around and TRY to be more positive about my life.. I guess the only sanctuary I have at the moment is "hiding" in one corner of the house, making my crafts.. and of course getting online, chatting to friends & family back home.. Really thank God for them for keeping my mind sane..

Already I have loaded more of my pouches on my etsy shop.
In the meantime, I'll be researching and learning how to sew new stuff too..
I just hope and pray that things will just fall into place very soon..
Thank you to the people who still believe in me :o)

A Vision for a Home...

2009-07-18T01:55:00.014+10:00

The past few days I've been quite obsessed with looking at apartments or houses for rental.. particularly in Melbourne.. been doing some research too that it's actually more expensive to live in Canberra.. most of the rentals for apartments or 2-3 bedroom house here in Canberra itself costs at least A$350/week! even out in the suburbs! Whereas in Melb, you can rent a 1 bedroom apartment at downtown or 2-3 bedroom house out in the suburbs for at least A$250/week.. not so sure if the area is dodgy or not though.. But the best thing is you'll never be bored living in Melb.. so it seems to people I know who are living there and it seems everyone is moving there.. dunno why.. really drives me nuts that I'm not there to experience it! :o(

And why am I so obsessed with moving out? cos I'm the kind of person who doesn't seem to go with the flow living with "strangers".. it just makes me uncomfortable.. ok not really strangers but my new "extended" family for whom I gotta know upclose and personal for the last 3 mths.. they are very nice, giving people but ultimately they are still not "my family".. dunno if theres anyone know what I mean by that.. oh well.. its ok, doesn't matter.. but deep down I'm really trying my best to be accommodating.. not to be ungrateful or anything but nothing beats having your own space and your own privacy and doing whatever you want, cook and eat whatever you want, without being accountable to anyone else but yourself and your love one.. that's the life I am hoping for now..

So when I get discouraged by this, what do I do?
I get myself to do up a vision board for my future home!
Yes, I have a whole collection of pictures of what I want to have in my future house in my hard drive.. why not use it to make a vision board?

And so this is it..

the entrance, Living room, bedroom & my work space..

the kitchen, dining, bathroom & guestroom/s..
yeah I like to cook & bake :o)

It's not perfect but it's the elements in each picture that matters to me most :o)

What comforts me most is that I do not feel alone in this.. cos a few close friends who are also experiencing it in their lifes.. some already "suffered" for a couple of years...and they too want a home of their own and not depend on relations any longer... I'm really amazed by their patience and perseverence by all this :o)

One day we'll get there ya?
Leave everything to God and I have faith that He will build us wonderful, loving homes that we always dream of.. it'll come to pass very soon k? :o)

Don't forget to invite us to your future beautiful homes when we come visit!

tsumori..

2009-06-21T22:18:00.012+10:00

Don't you love these photos..?
I came across this korean fashion site, called tsumori, on "Fine Little Love" blog..
The photos are so tastefully shot and it makes me really eager to get a few lovely things for myself..
But it's annoying that you can't read and understand the language..
Can somebody translate Korean for me.. please???

Sydney Weekend...

2009-06-02T16:50:00.013+10:00

Funky gum boots displayed outside a shop in Paddington...

Handmade crafts at the Paddington markets...

The last time when I was in Sydney was in late 2002 after 4 years spent in Brisbane, finishing Uni.. After all the hard work and perseverance of drawing and wasting away the environment with all of the paper we have used for animation.. my then-bf (now my lovely hubby) and I decided to take a road trip down to Canberra to visit his folks.. It was really a long drive about 10-12 hrs and I haven't gotten my drivers licence yet so my poor hubby had to drive the long distance all by himself.. Hooray for him! :oD

I don't seem to remember much of Sydney except for the touristy places we went to that were the Sydney Opera House, Darling harbour and Chinatown.. I remembered we got lost many many times and the roads in Sydney were really unpleasant to drive around.. For one thing.. do get an updated map or an electronic navigator!! We got lost several times again and watching my hubby get frustrated all over again and it felt like we have turned back time! hee..

When we got there, nothing much changed except that the population of Asians in Sydney have significantly grown like triple.. I thought I was in Hong Kong! Where are all the white Aussies?? Well.. at least there's more varieties of Asian groceries, salons and shops and restaurants now :o)

This time we have the chance to explore other parts of Sydney.. We went to a couple of markets in Paddington and The Rocks.. really impressed with the creativity of the people here.. I really like Paddington too.. love their boutiques and vintage townhouses around the neighbourhood... such serenity compare to the CBD..

Think we might go back again to Sydney in a little while..
till we get bored with Canberra :o)

More photos...

Canberra Handmade Market...

2009-05-27T16:56:00.012+10:00

I always enjoy going to indie arts and crafts markets but it's unfortunate that there wasn't many such events happening in SG.. I'm quite happy to be able to visit a few here in Canberra..
Been to one last weekend called "The Winter Warmer Handmade Market" at Albert Hall, Yarralumla.

It's really a nice surprise to see a big crowd in the afternoon.. such a big difference from MAAD.. The people here really do support indie crafters and designers.. What's even more amazing is the variety of arts and crafts that people made.. these people are so creative! I'm so humbled by them all! Much to learn on my part too.. really a feast for the eyes :o)

There's also music and the fragrance of coffee and Chai tea that fills the cold autumn air and warms you up as well :o) Too bad the market is not held every week.. the next one will be in Sept during Spring.. I'm contemplating if I should join this market as a stall holder one day.. I do miss having a stall since MAAD..

Hmm...

Influence

2009-05-22T14:12:00.007+10:00

While in Canberra, I might as well have a chance to look out for unique lifestyle stores.
Quite a few surprises apparently in this quiet territory..
I found this shop, Influence, at Canberra Centre, displaying lots of exciting lifestyle goodies I would wanna own in my own house/shop one day..
The stuff are quite affordable.. really wish I could buy some of them home.. :op
Just to let some people know what kinda style I usually look at and maybe some ideas for future gifts??
hehe..

When will my life ever start...

2009-05-16T00:12:00.006+10:00

Life is so strange..

Did we make a good decision?
Ever since I got here, things have been a roller-coaster ride for the last 4 weeks..
It felt like 4 months... I've been through all kinds of emotions.. mostly sadness, alone, doubt, insecurity, worried but i'm hoping still for a good change..

I've been wondering if life ever starts at all.. it feels like its drawing away from me day by day and my dreams and aspirations are slowly dying away little by little..
All my life i'm just waiting for things to happen.. it's getting there but it's just not fast enough..

Wonder if I should still follow behind him..
sometimes I wanna just back away from him and live my own life the way I want...
I still dunno if there's happiness down the road at all..

When.. God.. When...?

At Last! At Last!

2009-05-13T23:05:00.002+10:00

Oh my gawd!

You will never imagine how relieved and stoked I am when I'm able to use broadband.. FINALLY!!
Yes yes I'm Back!! Ok, not back in SG, but i'm so glad to be able to blog now and read my favourite design blogs and best thing, I'm so glad to be able to contact with people back home!!
Hwah.. MSN.. Skype.. I love you...... LOL!

Can you imagine without internet for 4 whole weeks?!
Worse.. try to use dial-up again.. the last time I used dial-up was 5 years ago!
I gave up after a couple of log ins.. it's ridiculous!
I was really close to checking myself into an internet rehab centre if there is one..
Almost bored myself into vomiting white foam.. haha..
I'm all joy now... happy broadband! LOL!

Life in Canberra - Pumpkin Festival..

2009-05-06T01:27:00.008+10:00

poor sheep... "baaaa" to be them...

dress up a scarecrow...

Random pumpkins

This is the winner of the Biggest Pumpkin competition this year.
Look at the kid for reference... It's huge!!

Pumpkin pies...

Pumpkin scones

Been to a pumpkin festival?

Not me..but apparently I was in time for one this season in the outskirts of Canberra.
It is called the Collector Village Pumpkin Festival which is held on the 3rd May this year.
My in-laws have been to one last year and seemed to be excited to bring us to have a look.
I was wondering what's so interesting about looking at pumpkins.. the only pumpkin i know of is from Cinderella, where the Fairy Godmother uses the pumpkin to change into a carriage for Cinderella to ride to the Ball!

Ok back to the festival.. So it's just an annual thing where farmers and growers come together for a competition of who have the biggest pumpkin, who bakes the best pumpkin pies and scones, and who creates the best looking pumpkin out of papier mache.. Such a humble little town of festivities..

There are homegrown stalls that sells veges and flowers, arts and crafts, home-baked cakes, breads and jams, coffee and tea stalls and even sausage sizzles and a live band, playing western music too... everything for everyone of all ages.. It's not too bad for a Sunday out.. get to mingle with the locals and smell the fresh air and sausages... such experiences I do enjoy and never have I done it in SG.. I look forward to humble little events like this.. not bad at all :o)

It's MAADness again

2009-04-02T04:26:00.010+11:00

Hello!
Just a little update that I'll be showcasing my lovely stuff again at MAAD this weekend on 4th April.. been so busy lately, having to do preparation for this.. just came back from a family trip to HK and Macau 2 days ago.. and after MAAD, i'll be seriously getting down to business to start packing already for the big move..

Yes I'll be moving to Australia in 2 weeks time.. really looking forward to start a new life all over again and just leave all my past behind.. really frightening yet excitement awaits.. Once we are settled down, I'll start working on LMS again, praying that opportunities will come and doors will be open for the both of us..

In the meantime, we have been meeting up with friends and spending more quality time with my family.. will miss them lots... sigh...

I Heart Vintage cafes..

2009-03-12T03:59:00.007+11:00

Love this place..
So hard to find a really nice vintage-like theme cafe in town to chill out..
Just love what they did to the furniture.. I think they refurbish the old and replace with lovely vintage style fabrics and new paint job.. They serve really nice desserts and cupcakes with so many varieties but a little too pricey for a tiny cupcake :op Well the cool thing is they are baked fresh there and then by 3 fellas, who I presume are the owners of the cafe.. What's interesting about it too that there's a salon within the premises.. Get your hair done with a nice cuppa and dessert... *envy sigh*
I know some people will adore this place too.. :o)

Hairloom & Caramel

100 Beach Road #01-50/52 Shaw Towers Singapore 189702

Website

Its getting "MAAD"!!!

2009-03-01T20:57:00.006+11:00

Hmm..
haven't been updating the blog for a long time cos it's been a super busy production month for me.
I've been preparing for "MAAD" this coming weekend on 7th & 8th March.
I'll be showcasing my beloved handmade stuff at Red Dot Design Museum, 28 Maxwell Road, from 11am to 7pm.
Do something different this coming weekend and come on down to have a look!
The market itself is interesting enough :o)

Hope to see ya all!

Beyonce "Single Ladies" Sat Night Live version

2009-01-22T02:16:00.007+11:00

Hilarious!
my goodness.. justin!

The original MTV

Thanks Couz!

2009-01-16T05:34:00.009+11:00

Just wanna thank my dear cousin, Joanne for being so nice and supportive even all the way from Canada! God bless! Hope you and your friend like the pouches! :oD

New year.. New stuff...

2009-01-06T02:13:00.010+11:00

Remember this?

Ta-Da!!!!

Yeah its been long due since my last post on these materials.
I finally made some pouches out of them!
I've given away a few as x'mas gifts to some of my fav ppl :o)
I'll be sewing more this season and getting ready for the MAAD arts & crafts market in a couple months time.
So stay tuned for more lovelies!

LMS on Etsy Treasury

2009-01-03T19:21:00.006+11:00

Hey I've been featured on Etsy Treasury on Singapore design!
so exciting!
Thanks so much for that! :o)

What I'm thankful for...

2009-01-03T04:14:00.002+11:00

It's been more than a year since I started Little Mustard Seeds.. I think I've been quite blessed even though I've been through many dry seasons where either no inspiration or finances running dry or lotsa disappointments.. But God has been faithful.. Although I've not made my millions.. What I'm thankful for is that He didn't fail to bless me so I can survive each month just enough to buy supplies and materials for projects that I desire to do..
Ok it doesn't sound very promising but hope is always there :o)
One day I'll open my own shop! hehe..

Anyway, what I'm blessed for as well are my friends and family who have been very supportive from the start.. They are always very eager to see or purchase anything that I made which is very touching to me cos its always been trial and error.. haha!

Most of all, I wanna thank Warren for being a great husband and helping me out in almost everything, esp cutting and folding those darn paper spine covers :o) To my sis Jane, my friends Carol, Eugene and Dawn, Louisa ( probably the only one who can relate to my love of zakka, hee), Sharon, Sab, Christine, Cyndi, Esther, if not for you guys, I don't think I have the strength and confidence to do this.. I thank God for all of your blessings! :oD

To my international supporters,
Thank you for the encouraging comments, which means alot to me and has assured me to push myself further to learn and make more new things.
God bless all of you! :o)

I'm not sure what to expect in 2009 but I alwayz hope for yet another great year and many breakthroughs to come :o)

Goodbye 2008..
2009 you better be a good year!

Auld Lang Syne!

Scrapbook Frames Frenzy!

2008-12-24T19:28:00.010+11:00

Can you believe I did these scrapbook layouts in the last 3 days?!
Ok except for the pink baby layout :op
I think I did a great achievement working that fast!
Usually it takes me a couple days to do just one!
opps.. haha!
3 more layouts to do before new year!
This christmas has been good to me!
hee...

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!

I'm so contented!

2008-12-22T15:04:00.004+11:00

Last week has been good. I managed to sell another couple of pouches.
Another one to the States and one in Singapore.
I'm contented!
Thanks so much to both Amy and especially Sharon for the support! :oD

My Pouch project: My First Sale!!

2008-12-16T04:51:00.004+11:00

Yay! My hard work has paid off!
I've sold one of my beloved pouches to the States!
Thanks Carrie for your support! :o)

It's finally done! New Pouches!

2008-12-05T04:57:00.007+11:00

Yay! It's finally done!
I managed to post all the pouches I've been making for the last few weeks on my Dawanda website and now newly set-up, my own Etsy website. This is just a start and it has been a good experience sewing again after 20 years! There's always room for improvement.. Let's hope I can figure out other sewing patterns and make more little cute pouches :o)

Boy I'm tired.. I need sleep...

Something new.....

2008-11-24T19:34:00.011+11:00

I know I haven't been updating the blog cos' I've been busy with yet another new project. That's just a preview of what's going to happen to the lovely fabrics above.
Love love japanese fabrics!
And another place which never in my life will I go to so often nowadays is at People's Park Complex and Golden Dragon store at People's Park Centre in Chinatown. You can find all kinds of stuff like fabrics, zippers, sewing equipment, embellishments you need for sewing there. Still a very uncomfortable place to go to if you don't wanna get gawked at by old men all the time :op

*shiver*

Anyway...

Stay tuned!

New layouts for this month

2008-10-30T18:40:00.005+11:00

Personally I like this one, hee :o)

New Scrapbook Layouts

2008-09-30T18:13:00.004+10:00

Children's Day

2008-09-30T17:08:00.011+10:00

Hi there!
Something new this week.. I was asked by my friend, Eugene, to personalise autograph booklets for 40 of his Primary school students this coming Children's day.
I did the illustration on Photoshop. Usually I draw the traditional way with pencil and paper first then scanned and render it on Photoshop. I'm quite happy with the result anyway.
After the whole bad experience with the dumb "stapler" thing, managed to bind the booklets properly.
Thanks to my husband who have been a great help from the start :o)
Updates, the students love their booklets and have been queuing up all day to ask for Eugene's autograph! haha.. Must be cool to feel like their idol for one day :oD

Happy Children's Day!

Fairytales

2008-09-16T20:57:00.009+10:00

If I have a good SLR camera, I would love to learn fashion photography.
The work of Eugenio Recuenco is really fascinating and
you can feel this sense of haunting and mystical in his photos.
Brilliant!

A Farewell Gift

2008-09-15T14:37:00.007+10:00

Helped a friend with another scrapbook layout for
her colleague, who is leaving the company this week.
Actually did a few with different backgrounds, but my friend
chose this one in the end.
Hope her colleague likes it :o)

“八月十五“ 中秋月饼

2008-09-05T14:31:00.005+10:00

Mid Autumn festival is coming again!
The thought of so many varieties of moon-cakes 月饼 make me drool,
esp 冰皮 kind my fav!

But this one takes the cake, literally!
So funny!
Will never see moon-cakes the same way again!
YUMMY!!! haha.. :oD

New Greeting Cards and Invitations

2008-09-03T22:19:00.016+10:00

Good day!
I've got new stuff uploaded on my blog and on my Dawanda site.
To see more, pls go to my Flickr website.
Been raining all day, everyday this season but it sets my mood to just stay home and work.

Design process continues.....

Cool! Another Sale!

2008-08-29T04:22:00.005+10:00

Happy happy!

Made another sale to 2 lovely ladies in Germany this couple of weeks.

Dear Bianca and Alexandra, if you are reading this

Thanks for your support! :oD