Let's Make Stamps!

I spent last Saturday afternoon making stamps with crafty ladies! I was so happy I got to prepare a mini workshop guide, which also doubled as the workshop certificate, for each of them. I also included in their kits our very own carving blocks (available at our shop in Katipunan), which were thick enough that they didn't need to mount them, and firm that they wouldn't crumble when carved. Really ideal for beginners. Aside from the Versacraft inkpads, we also had an ink station where they could try our neon refills!

The Juice Barista made the workshop even more fun by providing us organic cold pressed juices! So refreshing, especially this season! :)

 

Stamp by Maggie

Ink station!

Refreshing organic juices by The Juice Barista!

Congratulations Steph for winning the Best Stamp Prize!

Thanks to Candice, Maggie, Kathe, Paola, Christine, Bianca, Steph, Tin, Carol, and Aura, for joining me last weekend. I hope you continue making stamps! :)

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PS For those who want to make stamps, I'll be at the The Block Party at Makiling Park, Ayala Alabang Village for a demo from 11am-1230pm. Kindly bring your own materials, or you can always buy from our craft booth.

PPS The next Rubber Stamp Making Workshop is on April 26, 2pm-5pm, at the studio. We will be stamping on summer sandals! You can register below:

Brass Jewelry Workshop

Brass is one of my most favorite material to work with! It's easy to use, looks nice, and can be turned into different types of jewelry. A few days ago, I held a basic Brass Jewelry Workshop at the studio. The students learned about the essential tools, brass types, and jewelry making techniques - and even the French version of the song Let It Go! Haha. Anyway, here are the photos of that fun afternoon. :)















The next Brass Jewelry Workshop is in May. For more details and to register, go to www.heykessy.com/register.

Chalk Art by Paul Imbong

It's about time our glass wall has a makeover! Don't you think so? I invited one of our favorite artists, Paul Imbong, the talent behind our monthly postcard design, to work on one portion - well, actually, this would be the second time as he also did the "Let's Be Makers" chalk art - of the wall.  And he did great! We also got him to answer a few questions about his work. :)

1. Hi Paul! Thanks for making another awesome work for Hey Kessy! Can you tell us about this piece?
You're welcome! This is actually a poem, by William C. Hannan. It's a good message not just for crafters and makers, but to anyone who's searching for something to be passionate about. It's an encouragement for us to be persistent and diligent.

2. How was it working on this project?
I used chalk markers from the shop to write on the window. They're much easier to use than a brush, and I really like how I can just wipe off any smudges or mistakes, which happens a lot when I'm drawing or writing.

3. Speaking of style, what is your style?
Well, generally I tend to go for something that looks clean and simple. And I always try add a bit of fun and whimsy in there as well. I try to do the same with my illustrations.

4. Who are your artistic influences?
An early influence was Ed Emberly. My mom brought home one of his books way back when I was in grade school, and I still adore his work up to now. I still have the book!

What got me into drawing  was superhero comic books because my older brother used to collect them. There's still a part of me that wants to explore that, but at some point I was drawn to children's book illustrations and that's what takes up most of my time nowadays.

5. What particular craft would you like to try this year?
Craft beer. Just kidding! Probably rubber cutting, and I think it goes well with the type of illustrations that I do. I tried it before in a workshop, but I didn't get to do much afterwards. It's a good time to start making my own stamps again.

Yay! Thank you so much again to Paul Imbong for agreeing to have this sit-down interview, and of course, for the awesome chalk art!

And here's something I'm sure you guys would love! We're looking for a crafter or artist who's willing to do another portion of our window for the month of April! Email us at contact@heykessy.com with your details and design proposals, as well as the kind of craft materials from the shop that you'd be needing. We can't wait to see those amazing artworks!

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PS Interested in Paper Quilling? Drop by the shop on Saturday, 3pm, because we'll have a live demo and pop up by Mary Imbong! 

How to Make Your Moisturizing+Tanning Oil and Sea Salt Hair Spray

We can't deny it, summer is already here! Most of the time, I'm at the attic working in my studio which can get really hot during noon time. I drink more than 8 glasses of water to keep myself hydrated. However, when I went to La Union to enjoy the beach the other week, I knew drinking water wouldn't be enough.

So, I made myself a bottle of moisturizing and tanning oil. And since we had the basic ingredients to make a sea salt hair spray, I concocted a bottle too!

INGREDIENTS and MATERIALS:

Moinsturizing + Tanning Oil
Black Tea
Virgin Coconut Oil
Lavender Essential Oil
Vanilla Extract 
Water



Sea Salt Hair Spray
Sea Salt
Coconut Oil
Lemon
Water



Packaging
Spray bottles
Washi Tape
Markers

STEPS:

Tanning + Moisturizing Oil
1. Boil the water, and transfer it to a mug. Add 4-5 black tea bags.
2. Mix the rest of the ingredients - coconut oil, lavender essential oil, and vanilla extract - in the mug. For this project, I used organic vanilla powder from A Vanilla Story. They carry a wide range of vanilla products. You can get coconut oil from Casa de Lorenzo or Flow Shop.
3. Wait for the mixture to cool before transferring it in a spray bottle.



Sea Salt Hair Spray
1. Warm the water and add sea salt. I get sea salt from Lotus Pod.
2. Add lemon. It will make your hair lighter especially under the sun.
3. You can add coconut oil to moisturize your hair.
4. Use as often as you want especially if you miss the beach so much.
5. Wait for the mixture to cool before transferring it to a spray bottle.





I'd love to see your summer DIY projects, so don't forget to use the hashtag #letsbemakers when you post them online! :)

DIY Shibori Shawl

Coming up with different shibori patterns is an addicting afternoon activity. All you need to do is bend, fold, and tie! Here's the simple shawl I made using swiss cotton: 

If you want to try shibori this summer, I suggest you try using the dye with different types of cloth. I normally buy fabric in Ali Mall, Cubao. :)