A Cute Welcome to My Little Candy World

As far as my brain functions, I realized I just simply couldn't create something without a story behind... And as I progress further, I notice I've been taking longer than usual to complete a piece of work...

Over here, I'm sharing one of my sweetest imaginations - the Candy World of my own with a little candy house sitting on top of a candy floss mountain... Yes, I'm using a ceramic watering can here, and made the candy floss mountain from scratch as though the candy floss is overflowing within... The inspiration comes from the fable of Hansel and Gretel's candy house... Instead of just building a candy house alone, I've created a Candy World instead using various chippies and mixed media goodies from my ScrapFX and Shimmerz Paints DT pack... This is actually part of a WIP (work in progress) project, which I'd be combining the idea of Jack and the Beanstalk to create a different story for my completed artwork... While I'm trying to piece up the chapters together, I just can't wait to share my little Candy World here...

I hereby extend my cutest welcome to everyone to enter into my little Candy World... 

ScrapFX Tips & Tricks Blog Hop

We have reached 1000 likes on our Facebook Page and to celebrate this, we are having a "Tips & Tricks" Blog Hop! Each and everyone of us in this wonderful talented Design Team have been busy creating a special little something for your inspiration and we will share a special tip or trick! So why not join us for the creative ride? I can assure you that everyone of us will not disappoint you! What's best of all is that you could win yourself one of these fantastic ScrapFX prizes! 

Check out these goodness:

Foam stamps prize pack...

Chipboards prize pack...

Stencils prize pack...

So how do you get in the running for a prize? All you need to do is:

• Visit EVERY blog listed below...
• Leave a comment to let us know you have been...
• Head back here, and tell us what prize pack catches your eye! As easy as 123! 
• For another chance to win, visit, LIKE and SHARE ScrapFX FB page HERE! 

The hop is open for everyone, world wide! The hop starts 12 Noon Friday 5th June till Tuesday 9th June 12 Noon (Eastern Australian time). 

So what you've got to loose?!? Let's get Hopping!

Arantzazu 

Bec 

CindyB 

CindyP 

Claire 

Elodie 

Irina 

Katie (You are HERE!)

Riikka 

Song

Alright here is my take for this Blog Hop, and I'm having a little tweak on these chippes. Instead of using them as they are on layouts, cards and such, I built this little candy house for my candy world. The trick here is to break apart various chippies to create something else. All you need is to break the conventional barrier and think out of the box. I know the chippies look too lovely to be break apart, all you need is a little courage to do that in order to create something new. With all these various laser cut chippes, creating become endless and fun.

I hope this has been an inspiration and happy hopping. A list of supplies follows by at the end of this post.

List of Supplies:

• ScrapFX Chipboards (Heart Strings, Floating Pacifier, Padlocks & Keys, Mini Alphabet)
• Shimmerz Paints (Inklingz - Pink-A-Boo, Miner, Miner, 49er, Creameez- Berry Hot)
• Lindy Stamp Gang Embossing Powder (Sweet Treats)
• Graphic 45 Precious Memories Paper Collection

Just Be A Carefree Beauty

After my very first art journal attempt, this is my 2nd attempt... Although this is not really one of my strengths, I'm learning to cope with such restricted 2D art... I can't really build things up or else I'm unable to close my journal... 

Getting away from 3D art seriously tie me up in a certain way... Yet I'm curious enough to try something else... It's often easier for me to think of a theme and create on a 3D platform which often appeals to me most... I do sucks on 2D I realize... I may start to dislike it but it does explore and broaden my other creative perspective... Because it is that "restrictive", I don't actually have "much" choices but to "force" myself to utilize my other aspect of creativity... As a budding artist, I just have to try and re-learn everything...

While sieving through the various ScrapFX chippies with my DT package, I came up with this "Just be a Carefree Beauty" title using various wordlets and shape embellishments... Initially wanted to use some feathers and wings but not sure what to do... Staring at the blank page, I was lost at start... So I re-look into my DT package again and found a Dandelion and some seed spores... And I thought this could be better than feathers and wings since Dandelion has a symbolic meaning of happiness and desire...The spreading seeds just make me feel carefree... And I decided to cut the feather off the "Just be" chippie...

As I excitedly gesso-ing my journal page and those chippies, the next step I need to do is to create a background... Happily took out several shades of pink and blue from Shimmerz, I was lost for the second time on what colour scheme to use exactly... Thinking of just using pink mainly ('cos I was too overly immersed with my pink Haute Couture petite fairies), I tried to get myself to think of a suitable colour theme that will match my title... I started misting and I screwed it... Before I started to feel frustrated, I gesso everything with an intention to redo everything... Surprisingly, as I spread the gesso down the page, the brushing down effect blends the colours and gives a series of nice vertical strokes giving a very nice shabby look... To add on some dimensions, I added some Shimmerz Dazzlerz and painted some blue and gold... At the end, I manage to achieve this unicorn colour scheme which I think it does matches well with my title, somehow... 

"Just be A Carefree Beauty" is a message to all girls and ladies to be carefree and just be a beauty yourself because you are worth it... I grew up without people telling me I'm beautiful the way I am and often being teased as ugly... Adults treated me very differently and my cuter sister and friends are often more well adored compared to me... Even at my era, I was often criticized on the way how I look... Moving forward to today's era, I've read and seen so many girls and ladies struggling to look good... The media influence of what is defined as a beauty greatly impact how everyone look at themselves... I wasn't spared either and I did struggle for a good hell 10 years before I could eventually accept the way I am... Be carefree and enjoy the beauty that's given to you... You will learn to appreciate the way you are.. 

Supplies:

• ScrapFX chippies (Dandelion, Seed Spores, Just Be, B Words, C Words, Mini Alphabets)
• Shimmerz Paints (Inklingz - Miner, miner, 49er, Pink-a-Boo, Creameez- Berry Hot, Ride the Tide, Spritz - Cotton Candy, Vibez - Sweet Heart, Texturez - Crushed Coral, Dazzelerz - Tutti Frutti)
• Prima Finnabair Don't Forget to Fly Cling Stamp
• Vintage Handwriting Rubber Stamp

La Petite Haute Couture

Oh yes it's the annual La Petite Haute Couture Faerrari Show that's happening... The Queen of Whatcha-NaNa Land cordially invites everyone for a preview of her latest 1739 wings collection... Not long long time ago, the Queen received a few pairs of naked skeleton wings from the city of Basin, land of Victoria Aussilia... Looking good with a flare appeal, the Queen decided to gather the town best artisans to furbish up the wings... Meticulously hand painted and plated with dust and gold, all are transformed into pieces of grandeur wings... Presenting these wings as a form of specimen to the Queen and she was indeed very pleased...

While the fairies were awe with the newly crafted wings, installing them on their petite bodies aren't an easy job... Irony are these little fairies, they love huge wings to flaunt their petite frames... Such a vanity! And here they are all winged up in their pink poofy dresses hand stitched by the renown haute couture dressmaker, Mademoiselle Nettlerlilie... Those glamorous millinery are freshly made from the freshest blooms harvests in town, handcrafted by Princess Petablooms... Join me to welcome these little sweeties and I hope you have a wonderful evening...

Smooches from the fairies...

XOXOXO

Steampunk Curiosity; An Altered Eyeglass Case

Steampunk is always one of my favourite themes, and surely I love almost everything that's steampunky... I've created several several grunge and steampunky altered art pieces - from perfume bottle, bookend to mobile case... Now, I'm taking my eyeglass case and turn it into another steampunky piece... 

I find eyeglass case bulky and troublesome though it's function is to protect your glasses... When certain objects don't look pleasing to me, instead of hating them I turn them into art pieces so that it will be visually appealing to me... Using quite a number of ScrapFX chippies and Shimmerz stuffs, I'm spreading glitter and jewel as well...  

Presenting here my new steampunky eyeglass case...

Supplies:

• ScrapFX Chippies (micro cogs, mini cogs, flying time, wordlets; C words, steampunk feather collage)
• Finnabair Mechanicals (leaves 2, mini flowers, washer #1)
• Prima Marketing Butterfly brads
• Tim Holtz Idea-ology (game spinners, word bands, washi tapes)
• Shimmerz Products (Inklingz - miner, miner, 49er, tarnished treasure, Shimmeringz -heavy metal, Coloringz - night moves)
• Script lettering stamp
• Gold & Black glitter
• Distress sticklers 

Remember to mention my name (Katie Zoey Ho) under Paypal checkout for a freebie should you shop at Shimmerz...

Explore the Untaken Path Art Journal Spread

Earlier this year, I bought myself a hardbound sketchbook with a plan of turning this into an art journal after viewing so many beautiful works on Pinterest as well as on various social media platform... But I didn't make my first attempt the moment I bought this sketchbook... I placed it near my work desk and let it collect dust for months... 

It's till recently I find myself in the mood to make my art journal debut... This very first art journal spread is greatly inspired by Singapore's founding Prime Minister & Minister Mentor Mr. Lee Kuan, whom had passed away this Monday morning... His state funeral will be this Sunday... While emotions still run high throughout the nation this week, his demise and his legacy puts me into deep thoughts... He was one such great leader who had taken the untaken path; a path that he courageously took and brought Singapore to where She is today... Because that was the way he was; a man who was truly himself, his bravery and courage to challenge the uncertainties during those days were indeed commendable... I deeply admired this spirit of his... 

Reflecting on myself especially in my current perusal to be an artist, this is something I find a need to learn from him... This journal spread not only serves as a memorial on the great work of Mr. Lee, it also serves as a reminder for myself to look at things from a different perspective and explore the untaken path...   

List of supplies:

• Gesso
• Gel Medium
• Vintage Dictionary Pages
• ScrapFX Chippies (Explore the Untaken Path phrase)
• ScrapFX Foam Stamps (Dolly Stamps, Shoe Soles)
• Shimmerz Products (Coloringz - Night Moves, Shimmeringz - Heavy Metal, Spritz - Rock-a-fella Blue, Vibez - Snow Storm, Texturez - Gritty Graphite, Dazzlerz - Spun Sugar, Inklingz - Tarnish Treasure, Creameez - Ride the Tide)

To receive some freebie from Shimmerz, remember to mention my name (Katie Zoey Ho) during Paypal checkout under "Instructions to Merchant" when you place your Shimmerz order should you want to shop something there...

Steampunky Mobile Case

Today is my debut as a ScrapFX DT Member... For this very first blog entry for ScrapFX, I've altered my very own iPhone 6 mobile case; a case that I bought previously once I got my new iPhone 6... Because it is a pretty cheap mobile case, the images printed onto it were not that fantastic and it faded away just after 2 months usage... 

Since I'm such a big fan for anything that's steampunk, I decided to revamped this mobile case of mine into one such steampunky case... And here is what I created using ScrapFX chippes and Shimmerz products... When I'm done with it, I sealed the entire case with acrylic spray followed by PU varnish... So now I've a brand new mobile case...

A list of products used for this project is stated below... To receive some freebie, remember to mention my name during Paypal checkout under "Instructions to Merchant" when you place your Shimmerz order should you want to shop something there...

List of supplies used:

• Gesso
• ScrapFX Chippies (Steampunk Hot Air Balloon, Mini Feathered Wings, Mini Cogs, Wordlets - C Words)
• Shimmerz Products (Shimmeringz - Heavy Metal, Coloringz - Night Moves, Inklingz - Miner, Miner, 49er, Tarnish Treasure, Blingz - Hi Ho Silver)

It Has Been a Busy Year...

Yes it's a New Year... Year 2015 is here... Just 3 days ago, it was just last year... I actually didn't feel the year was reaching an end and a new year has arrived... Partly is also 'cos I was super busy with Clear Scraps & Graphic 45 CHA projects, Prima class projects and my other various DT assignments... I was seriously that busy that I actually missed the countdown for Year 2015... I only got to shout "Happy New Year" to my younger sister at 12:05am and she gave me a look... A "huh" look... LOL!!

Finally when all are done, I manage to slow down and slack a bit before I kick start for this year's planning... It has been a pretty fruitful life changing 2014 year for me though there's some major life changing events taking place... Things started changing from the day I got myself into the Graphic 45 Design Team for 2014/15... And gradually I become part of Prima Educators, ScrapFX and Shimmerz DTs... It was definitely a busy year for me and when I got to realize it, the year of 2014 has reached an end...

Whether you are someone who just get to know me via various DTs I'm in (notably Graphic 45) and my various social media network (YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc), or those have been attending my classes in Singapore, some of you probably may think where is this lady coming from and what's her background?!? In particular from scrappers who had attended my classes at The Art Republic, you guys always wonder where the heck I find those technical inclined and interesting techniques to teach in class... 

Biggest question of all I always get is where do I get all my inspirations from and what's running in my mind?? Gradually, I'm labelled by most you as one of the most pervertic craft instructors on earth who loves to torture her students in class... LOL! I don't totally deny that but as always, you guys do love to be tortured by me... At the end of the day, you guys bring back home with a fulfilled mind other than the project itself isn't it? And it has been one of my most happiest accomplishment in craft teaching to see you guys practicing the techniques I taught and transform them into something different and share it with me... I suppose this is what education is all about... 

People who know me enough understand that I had previously received formal biomedical and scientific training and had been in the R&D and biomedical industries for years... My very first R&D job was with Johns Hopkins, under one wonderful inspirational boss, Dr. Natasha E. Zachara who taught me alot of things about glycobiology and scientific research... My very last job dealt with advance cutting edge technology and product development for early cancer detection, mainly in cancer management in terms of Personalized Medicine... Due the tremendous pressure to meet industrial demands yet keeping opportunity cost as low as possible and to push the most innovative product out while the iron is hot on a global basis, I decided call it a day and enter into a land where I want to be in before I could die from physical and emotional constipation...

Way before I received my formal biomedical and scientific training, I took up traditional and fine arts in school for a period of 10 years and had informal training in both graphic and web design... In January 2014, I won an inaugural national shoes design competition which awarded me a full scholarship to study footwear design with one of the renowned Italian school, Ars Sutoria... Being a designer in this aspect is never an easy process especially if you are looking at being real and orginal... As I embark my journey as a true designer, I was given advice by several veterans in the industry to search for an identity... And that's where I'm here entering into this world of scrapping and crafting!!! Re-learning what colours and design elements are all about...

Along the entire year of 2014, being in various teams taught me a lot of things, meet a lot of wonderful and inspirational crafters across the globe and definitely I can gradually see myself evolve... Still learning and improving... I'm very grateful and thankful for the various opportunities given in particular for my very pioneer LLS, The Art Republic whom had given me the pilot chance... I love exploring, thinking out of the box, putting my various life experiences in my works and sharing my inspirations across the globe... Though meeting project deadlines may be stressful especially in days when you lost your mojo, I actually enjoy these processes much more than what I had been doing previously...

So that's my little background story... I hope this hasn't been a boring entry... And now it's the exciting fun part, Graphic 45 is releasing 3 new collections for this CHA - Artisan Style, Home Sweet Home and Precious Memories... Sneak peaks up for next week!!! And... they are also re-releasing 2 previous collections; ABC Primer & Once Upon a Springtime... Simply gorgeous and to die for!!! If you're going for this year CHA, I've done up 5 projects for the booth... Be sure to pop by and see what my other fellow teammies have done as well...

Cheers!!!

ScrapFX DT Annoucement

Oh yeah... Finally it's official!!! I'm gonna be part of ScrapFX design team which I can only start designing for them next year March... But I'm still excited as this is my very first chipboard DT...

Hope to provide more inspirations...

Cheers!!