by belinda

facebook

2010-05-20T10:54:00.001-07:00

hello friends.

for news and updates on
new cards and upcoming shows

please find me on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/bybelinda

thank you!

twenty10

2010-01-20T13:04:00.000-08:00

happy new year!

it has been twenty days into the new year, and despite the rainy weather, things are going well.
i'm excited for a few shows i've signed up to do this year, and i'm super excited for the new things made bybelinda, including...

these fabric covered push pins!

patchwork

2009-11-14T15:35:00.001-08:00

i will be vending.. tomorrow!
reduced prices to clear out old items
and plenty of fun new cards! :)

2202 north main street
santa ana, ca 92706

hope to see you there!

UPDATE:

patchwork, this time around, was quite calm and pleasant. i was surrounded by mother/daughter duo's, including Tara and her mother all the way from Palm Spring of FreeSparrow. and as always, i got to see wonderful familiar faces of the craft community.

in my spot behind a brick wall, i had perfect view of the live performers. this band was my favorite....

check out all that tightness and goldness!

i also got new display racks to make it easier for all of you to browse through all of my cards...

that is all. until next year!

progress

2009-11-04T13:30:00.000-08:00

we are making progress in the house...

this is what the kitchen looks like now

relocating

2009-10-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

it has been a crazy month
with the arts&crafting on hold.

because...
i've been moving into my new home...

it's still a work in progress.

this was the kitchen a few weeks ago

it now has a refrigerator, stove and cabinets...

and it feels more like home each day. :)

thank you adidas

2009-09-15T08:35:00.001-07:00

custom thank you cards for my friend
rosaline who interned for adidas

the update

2009-08-27T17:27:00.001-07:00

just to rewind and update a bit...

a few photos from handmade brigade indie craft show II
at tall mouse arts & crafts in laguna hills

i had the wonderful opportunity of sharing a space

with ivy of delightful trinkets!

i had a few unexpected visitors
my sister and her family!
(and they brought me lunch!)

and the lovely ladies of 489. tania + mira.

made steph chen a custom father's day card.

oh! and the colleagues at work threw a little going away potluck for liliana and me

aside from the delicious foods,
i loved loved loved the table decorations - arts & crafts (and corn)!
before i took off for china mid-july,
i received a last minute custom order request.
the project was much too exciting, i could not refuse!
with less than 48 hours and a little bit of online research
i was inspired by juliette, and created...

six lovely garter flask holders!

i had just enough time to wrap them in these
mini plastic matching hot pink shakers found at target's dollar bin!

and here they are in action!
congratulations adeli + marvin!

and then there was china!
the trip came and went - and it was absolutely amazing

one of the trip highlights was definitely this...

conquering the great wall of china
with the amazing d.phuong

and leaving our mark.

on vacation. :)

2009-07-13T19:32:00.001-07:00

bybelinda will be temporarily closed.
i will be vacationing (in china!) for new inspirations!

be back in august!
with PLENTY to update!

:)
belinda

handmade brigade II

2009-06-26T13:14:00.001-07:00

as a last minute request, i was asked to participate in the
Handmade Brigade Indie Craft Fair in Laguna Niguel!
i was confirmed yesterday, and the fair is tomorrow! eek!

so it's a super last minute notice...
but if you're around, hope you can make it!

tall mouse arts & crafts
23932 aliso creek road
laguna niguel, ca 92677

invitations

2009-06-18T10:17:00.000-07:00

at work, i had the wonderful opportunity of helping to coordinate a wedding celebration for my supervisor and fellow colleagues.

the invitation i designed

the maps you see in the background indicate wedding locations!

chicago, orange county, & los angeles

and one of my coworkers, fatin - with her amazing talent - was able to duplicate the invite and create banners to put up throughout the room!

i also put together wedding cards for the lovely couples

and i loved the cut out wedding cake design so much

i decided to hand-embroider it!

and most recently,

i've been putting together invitations
for a very special birthday tea celebration
with doilies and handmade tea bags!

the litte tea bags are inserted into the invitations
and can double as a bookmark!

shameless plug:
i'm available for all your personal wedding + invitation needs. :)

handmade brigade & new cards

2009-06-12T16:29:00.000-07:00

i got my own 10x10 space at handmade brigade!
that's a lot of space for all my lovely little things.

some new things i had out this time...
a handcrafted simple 'b' banner made out of felt.
a clothesline to display my new card designs
and my wooden coat rack to hang my lace totes!

jenny, janelle, me & eva
and thank you to everyone else who stopped by:
mom & dad, anna + timmie, amanda, paul, edi, anton

and for your viewing pleasure, two of my new cards...

please, don't leaf me.
hand embroidered leaves, green

fly away with me.
hand embroidered hot air balloon, yellow

these cards are now available on etsy. :).

oh, hello friend give away!

2009-06-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

oh hello friend
{ art + design by danni hong }
is having an amazing giveaway with amazing prizes
- - $275 worth of handmade goodies - -
to celebrate her 1-year blog anniversary!!!

to enter...

patchwork + new items

2009-05-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

patchwork was wonderful.
it was hot. very hot.

i was definitely red and toasty after the day ended.
and now i'm all kinds of skin-peely. =P.

but anyway, these were some new items i had out:

button paperclips or bookmarks and fabric covered pinback buttons!

oh! and my mentee tiger made some monster plushies
during our weekly one-hour sessions.
i offered to feature and sell them for him at patchwork...
and now this little guy has a new owner! yippie!

overall, it was wonderful to see friends and family!

yep. my mom, dad and brother stopped by!

thank you vic + will jaw, krister + friend, diana + calvin, jennifer, steph + friend, and my special helpers mira and benJAMIN :D.

and of course steppie + danni
for being so helpful and inspiring!

and i hope to see you at the next show!

upcoming show:

the handmade brigade indie craft show
saturday, june 6, 10:00am-4:00pm
13233 e. south street, cerritos, ca
@tallmouse arts and craft store

visit the handmade brigade of orange county
for other events during the month of june
as part of indie craft month

b'bye.

note to self: try to update more often. (haha)

hello.

2009-05-10T15:11:00.000-07:00

lace tote

pockets on the inside!

small zippy pouches

*special* anteater happy graduation! cards :)

special note greeting cards

with your own special note!

1 inch - hedgehog heart buttons

these will be available at my next art & craft fair:
patchwork - sunday, may 17

hope to see you there! :D

turtle & happy baby!

2009-04-27T14:55:00.000-07:00

i've been working on new designs
these will be available at my next fair!

patchwork

sunday, may 17

happy baby!

turtle heart turtle

rainbow cake

2009-04-06T13:14:00.000-07:00

a friend sent this to me this afternoon...

how to make a rainbow cake
by aleta from omnomicon

incredibly beautiful and looks delicious!

fabric, vintage, vegas, & more

2009-03-31T07:30:00.000-07:00

the past few weeks have been busy!

to keep it brief, here are photos + text...

i've organized my fabrics!

i've been frequenting thrift shops.
and found lovely vintage trimmings!

i have a mentee at the cross-cultural center.
his name is tiger, and he's an incredibly talented artist.
the past few weeks, we've learned very basic web + design,
and i've even taught him a little bit of hand-sewing!

here are our monster plushies. we soon added button eyes.

last quarter, the studio art department had their senior exhibition
this was my favorite piece.
6 pack of hanes boxers. worn. glued. dried. beautifully displayed.

i've also made my first few sales on etsy!
i like to use recycled materials for my packaging.
recycled cardboard boxes and office supplies!

oh! and a few custom orders have come my way.
this is an anniversary card of two zodiac signs.
monkey heart tiger (though it looks more like a cat). metallic thread.

i also took a much needed trip to vegas!
we came back from lunch one of the days,
and found our toiletries organized!

i love these girls :)

and finally, my sister had her baby shower!
she's expecting in may
and she and her partner decided not to share with everyone
the sex of the baby. though everyone thinks it will be a boy.
i'm going to be an auntie! i'm so excited!

ok. that was a lot. and that is all for now. :)

my 'first' craft fair

2009-03-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

i will consider this my 'first' full-day craft fair.
(since the other fair rained out. hehe.)

and it went well!

my booth

steppie & me

though it was cold, gloomy, and slow at first,
a few friendly faces definitely made my day brighter & better..

thank you
mira & lauren
vic + diana
amanda + ben
krister & anna
& everyone who couldn't make it
but continue to be very supportive!

and just like that,
the day came and went.

it was a good feeling,
putting myself out there
and having other people
really enjoy
the things that i make.

oh!, and of the many wonderful vendors there,
i had a few favorites:

double-sided tape

delightful trinkets

and of course,
voz clothing & art
(my friends and i almost bought out the whole booth!)

hope to see you at the next art & craft fair!

:)
belinda

handmade district craft fair

2009-03-08T20:25:00.001-07:00

i will be participating in another art & craft fair!
have a look at all the wonderful venders...

Abyssal Gems
Ajz Delights
AM-PM Creations
Annierexic
Artwistic Creations
- by belinda -
Chantal deFelice
Cherry Tree Lane
Clippity Do Dah
Delightful Trinkets
{Designs By Steppie}
Double-Sided Tape
Forest Nymph
Funkie Fresh
Handamade
Hearts and Laserbeams
Honey Child Designs
Jam Baby
Jane Clothing
Jewelera
KD Kreations
Kelso Doesn't Dance
Kristen Craft
LT Creations
Lucky Find Designs
Melissa Hill
Mini Maniacs
Music Saves Lives
My Friend Roze
Namaste Designs
Nancy's Threads
Natural Lathers
Nina Gibson Designs
OCHSA OShop
Roscata
South Wind Design
Spun By Ver
Tangent Designs
Twinkle Berry
Voz Clothing and Art
Whatakaracter Creative Group
Wolves and Willows

Save as Draft

Yolandas Clay

my friend steppie

2009-03-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

...is having a give away contest!

she needs your help!
help her name her new painting and win great goodies!!

find out more by visiting {steppie}!
also, make sure to stop by her shop to view her other wonderful handmade items and designs!

feels like summer

2009-03-01T20:56:00.000-08:00

the past few days have put me in a great mood. the weather has been lovely -- bright and sunny -- and i've had a busy fun-filled week, which means a lengthy post! but, to sum it up... it consisted of food and water!

please read on for details...

food
this past week was Orange County Restaurant Week! i was able to try out 3 different restaurants!

the first was Royal Khyber near south coast plaza. this was probably the best. the basil mushroom matar korma and the basil coconut chicken were my favorite! the best part... i was full that evening, and had leftovers! the second was Stone Hill Tavern in Dana Point. this was a fancy outing with the hallmates from first year. i don't think i've ever been to such a fancy place! the waiter came to reset our place setting after each plate! wow! there, i had the spot prawns (butternut squash crepe in a coconut-curry broth) and the prime beef short ribs! yum! perfect portions! and finally, my roommmates and i had lunch on saturday at RA sushi in The District. it was ok, but i probably won't ever go there again... but anyway, the rib from Stone Hill encouraged me to search meats on etsy, and look at these deliciously meaty finds! haha!

- porky pleasure magnets (4) by allegrae
- wool felt tbone steak (packed and ready to go!) by chicbabyrose
- steak plush by midnightsnack
- so meaty stationary (6 pk) by crackeddesigns

and i have to add that i LOVE funny word puns... like "let's meat up"
haha!

and the second part of my week...

water
saturday morning, my roommate mira and i went kayaking at the newport acquatic center! it wasn't my first time paddling in water, but it was my first time kayaking, and the first time paddling in a long time. it was definitely a workout... arms sore the next day and everything! and it made me miss paddling!

some of you know that i was involved with dragonboating with chinese association @ uci (cadb). i paddled with the team for maybe 2 years, 3 summers, and a handful of races up and down california. i loved it because when i was in high school, my parents didn't let me play any sports. they thought i was much too tiny and fragile to handle the intensity. but in dragonboating, i think my being small worked to the advantage of the team - less weight on the boat. :) . ha! but anyway, it's a great sport, and being out in the water again reminded me of all the great times -- being tossed in the contaminated salty water, and eating good foods with the team after each practice!

then earlier this afternoon, my other roommate amanda and i went to the beach. this trip was a much needed reminder that i take living by the beach for granted. i can't wait until summer and... boogie boarding, maybe? ;D!

oh, and i posted a couple more items on etsy!

thank you for visiting and reading! :)

color me rainbow

2009-02-26T07:00:00.000-08:00

each morning that i step into my office, i am greeted by a spectrum of bright colors.

the former resident of my office, chris dea, had left me this wonderful window gift, and i simply rearranged them to my delight. now, they are peeking out just behind the blinds

its a very clever, simple, and best of all -- free -- decorating idea!

they are paint swatches in the funnest colors ever: global purple, apollo blue, hearty hosta green, zesty yellow, brilliant orange, & red pizzazz!

no gloomy days in my office :). nope.

please enjoy these rainbow inspired etsy finds!

-- Technicolor pillow by meringuedesigns (with many other lovely pillows!)
-- A New Direction by HeyHarriet (vintage aesthetic photos!)
-- April Showers Bring May Flowers by thecupcakery (fun felt goodies and more!)
-- Wee Wool Felted Beads by VermontFairies (wow, fiber and felting!)

v a g i n a

2009-02-24T17:10:00.000-08:00

i recently went to watch my good friend rosaline perform at the vagina monologues. the vagina monologues is an award winning play written by Eve Ensler to raise funds and awareness as part of v-day, a global movement to end violence against women and girls.

i've seen this show in the past, and i remembered a few of the stories. there are definitely some critiques i have about some of the skits, but the overall message is a powerful one:

- - to end violence against women and girls. - -

i also found this great html version: the vagina monologues.
its a bit tricky to navigate through, but still a fun and interactive narrative!

this is me and janelle with our 'we love vagina' sign that was mentioned in the university paper: the new u!

and finally, i also found these lovely vagina inspired creations on etsy:

- - violet the vulva by JessicaDoyle
- - lips no. 6 by artbywinona
- - vagina sculpture by QuiteCntrary
- - the britney by freckleface

enjoy!

live on etsy!

2009-02-23T23:00:00.000-08:00

i listed my first few items on etsy!

for now, it's just a few of the cards i've made...
but please do check back!
i will be updating slowly, but surely!

enjoy!

color me natural

2009-02-12T15:25:00.000-08:00

these buttons make me happy.

natural buttons from beadsnmoregalore.

breathe

2009-02-11T09:38:00.000-08:00

my first fair
came and went

and then i had a few days
to clear my head
to re-organize my thoughts
and really ask myself

is this
what i want
to do.

is it?
isn't it
always
always
always
what i've wanted to do?

with a full-time job
taking eight
to ten
hours a day
five days a week
out of my life

i really have to push myself
to keep making art
especially after work
when all i want to do
is lounge

especially on the weekends
when all i want to do
is sleep in

and then i realized

i just need to breathe.

keep is simple
keep it small
keep it fun
no pressure.

i have lots of support from people around me
and for that i am thankful

thank you.

for now, redesign. :)

it was a rainy day

2009-02-10T09:40:00.000-08:00

i woke up at 6 am.
i was too excited!

packed some snacks
then packed my car

it was a bit cloudy
a lot cloud, actually
but the weather forcast said
it would be sunny
so i was hopeful

the drive there was not too bad
but it was a bit drizzly

i was excited to drive up to the lot
and to see the other venders setting up

my first fair
i had to take a moment
after setting up
to just sit there
and look around

i was a vender
at an arts & crafts fair
it's something that i've always
always
always
always
wanted to do

and i was doing it.
wow.

it was weird. haha.
but i loved it.

but...
sadly, we got rained out
and had to pack up and leave
around 11ish.

but it was a wonderful experience
to have my handmade stuff set up
and out there.

and i look forward to doing again.

my booth is to the left, and steppie's to the right!

thank you steppie!

my first fair

2009-02-06T08:39:00.001-08:00

w/ steppie!
ON SUNDAY!

Ghettogloss produces SILVERLAKE ART CRAFT AND VINTAGE.
In the Citi Bank parking lot at the corner of Silver Lake Blvd. and Glendale Blvd...
SUNDAY from 9a-5p look for the freshest flea market in town.
New vendors every week serving up the best in Art/ Craft & Vintage.

Indie crafters and local artists are mixed in with the best of vintage collectibles,
vintage clothing, and retro furniture. Did we mention plants, succulents, antiques, Tarot cards and palm readings? What more could you ask for?
Support the local indie vendors this season.

--If you love shopping and dig the classic New York style flea markets,
then Silver Lake Art Craft & Vintage is right up your alley--

Silver Lake Art Craft & Vintage is located at
2450 Glendale Blvd LA CA 90039
in the CITI BANK parking lot.

great finds: art under $10

2009-02-04T10:06:00.000-08:00

after graduating,
and moving out of my stanford court apartment
of three years (sad day)...

i became incredibly obsessed with
dumpster diving, garage sales,
craigslisting, and
goodwill hunting. ha.

all in the hunt for new furniture and decor
for the new apartment in costa mesa!

there are such great finds!
and for cheap!
and it was incredibly devastating to see
all the college students moving out
throwing away such great furniture
when there are so many people out there
who have nothing.
nothing.

one person's trash,
is another person's treasure,
indeed.

so one of the new art projects for the new apartment
included purchasing wooden frames of various sizes and designs
and freshening them up with a new coat of paint,
white paint, sealed with modpodge

i prefer removing the glass from the frames
because to me, the glass keeps the art work
cold and distant
and i like to transform the new wall hangings
into tactile art
i also love texture, so...
i cut out pieces of my scrap fabrics
of different patterns and coordinating colors
taped them down onto cardboard
and placed them into the freshly painted frames
and the finished pieces...

estimated total cost?
$1-$2 frame from goodwill
$1 cut of fabric on sale at joann's
$1 bottle of acrylic white paint from michael's
$5 mod podge that will last forever!
= cheap and fun new wall art for under $10! :)

i also use this frame project to frame my hand-stitched card designs
and these pieces are definitely one of a kind!

"hedgehog <3 hedgehog"

this piece will be available for sale at the arts & crafts fair this sunday!

the beginning

2009-02-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

a brief history about
the beginning beginning
the very beginning of it all...

i've been arts and crafting and sewing since forever
seriously, forever
my mom used to sew
a lot
and when i was as young as five or six,
i would sit and watch her

she used to sew simple tank tops and skorts (remember those?)
for me to wear to school
and i would take the scrap fabrics and make clothes for my teddy bears!
the bears are gone, but i kept the clothes i made for them!

and i kept going from there.
experimenting with different materials
learning to be incredibly resourceful
and always thinking of creative ways to do and make new things

my favorite television show while in grade school was
aleene's creative living.
yep. a craft show, not cartoons. haha
aleene's. sound familiar?

it's the tacky glue we all love and use!
i tried finding something about aleene's tv show on the net.
but i couldn't find anything. boo.
apparently its a magazine though.

i also subscribed to highlights magazine.
there was always a page or two for 'creative play,' the arts and craft section that always had fun and simple projects to do with random stuff around the home, like toilet paper rolls, paper plates, paper bags, popsicle sticks, etc...

and so i started collecting anything and everything
and stored the items away
because you never know
you know? haha
and i still do it
because you can always make something out of anything
and that's the super beginning of it all...