Matchbox Mania

As a child, I had a big box where I kept lots of used stuff for handicraft - pegs, ice-cream sticks and matchboxes etc. I created a whole convoy of trucks and cars out of matchboxes. Now that I'm using matches again to light the fireplace, I've decided to turn these boxes into keepsakes for friends.

                                                           A Vintage Dresser

A small cameo trinket box

A cup of tea for a friend

And finally, with Easter just round the corner, there are lots of eggs-iting and eggs- traordinary things to create from matchboxes as well.

A vintage Easter bunny with his fine collection of Reese's peanut butter chocolate eggs

Alice in Wonderland Easter bunny and Reese's peanut butter chocolate eggs

A bear dozing in his bunny onesie with 2 eggs for himself

Gingerbread banner and farewells

I don't like good-byes and another of my friends is leaving for the UK. I've only known Dorina since I came to Ireland and she is pretty charming. We are all members of the International Women's Organisation in Limerick - Americans, Brits, Scots, Irish, Iranians, Italians, South Africans, Hungarians and one Malaysian. So I decided to make a banner for her. I painted and embellished some chippies with an assortment of flags to represent the countries that we come from.

With Dorina

We've got a lovely lunch planned out for her and I must remember to bring a box of tissues with me. This is the card that all of us can write down our best wishes for Dorina.

While I was decorating the gingerbread chippies, I decided to embellish these 2 chippy ducks as well.

Mixed Media Man and Mask

Love mixed media ... as there are no rules, anything goes as long as I am happy. With the monkey and lush tropical background, I thought I'll complement it with something bright and fun, and throw in some keys and locks as well.

While still in the mood for exuberance and life, I gave a plain mask a 'mask-over' and now it is ready for the masquerade ball in Venice...

On a gondola with a fellow participant of the conference

St Mark's Square

Rhapsody in blue

Blue calms the soul. A combination of blues and creams brings out a certain ambience of peace and tranquility. I made these cards from Do-craft papers and ribbons, Gorjuss toppers and lace.

50 shades of Tea

When Themba and Sharon invited us to their wedding dinner, I decided to make her a gift. As no two handmade gifts are the same, I thought that will leave a personal touch. The wedding was beautifully done with praises to God and music and dancing.

This couple has been serving faithfully in the music ministry in Abundant Life Christian Church Limerick and it is such a joy to see a wedding where glory is given to God and that both bride and groom love the Lord.

The well choreographed prelude dance was spectacular, with beautiful African music which attracted even the wedding guests to join in spontaneously.

Michael and I had a lovely time, drinking in all the sights and sounds.

With pastor Kevin and Breda

So I made the newly weds a tri-shutter card

and a decoupaged tea-box. 

(I didn't know whether the bride or groom drinks tea or coffee!)

But I later discovered that Sharon actually loves her cup of tea!

Robyn's First Birthday

I believe that babies bring out the best in us. When it comes to milestones, it is indeed a pleasure to be able to share the joy of the occasion. Michael and I went for our grand-daughter's first birthday party and the occasion was beautifully themed. Minnie mouse made her presence felt and that reminds me, I must book a ticket for Disneyland before the child in me disappears.

The gorgeous angel was the centre of attention and had no lack of kisses and hugs and presents. I decided to make her a card and a cat - way before I went back to Malaysia because I knew that with the jet lag and all, my creative cells would go into slumber mode.

The materials for the card came from a variety of places: the background card stock which I've embossed is from Gorjuss (Scotland), the toppers are from Craftcuts (Philippines), flowers, heart doily and bling from Big (Malaysia).

The cat is made from Cath Kidston print and I still have some of the material left over to make into a shopping bag.

The proud parents

The handsome grand pas

One for the album

And not forgetting Minnie Mouse, created in 1928, but has never aged since.

Chinese New Year Cards

It has been a while since I went near the crafting room as I was away on holiday in Malaysia and Bali in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration. This year, Chinese New Year falls on 31st January till 14th February, a total of 15 days of fun and festivity. It is also the year of the wooden horse according to the Chinese Zodiac. The best part of this festival is the meeting of friends and family and of course lots of food.

Michael and I met up with my primary school friends and we had a great meal at Royale Chulan hotel in Kuala Lumpur. One of the highlights of the occasion was the tossing of the Chinese raw fish salad ('Yee Sang') for prosperity and for everything good. Other items associated with the new year celebration include mandarin oranges, the lion dance, drum performance and exotic food like waxed ducks and sausages.

Prior to the new year celebration, we observe the tradition of sending out cards. Last year we celebrated Chinese New Year in Ireland, so I made loads of cards as there were none available in Ireland. This year I made only two cards as there were lots of beautiful Chinese New Year cards sold in shops in Malaysia.