CRAFTHOLIC issue 6

MICA 243/01/2008

O8’~ ISSUE NO.6 / DECEMBER FEBRUARY O9’

CRAFTER OF THE MONTH (DIDIER) SHOP OF THE MONTH (MANGO WOOD CRAFTS) KIDS WORKSHOP WORKSHOP REPORT (CRAFTING NATURALLY) DESIGN RECIPE (ECO BEADS LOOMING)

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Momo (My Everyday Inspiration)

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With the Eco and Natural Issue, Craftholic had moved one step higher. Craftholic has always been conscious about the environment and this time we are giving tips on how to be Eco friendly with crafts. Eco craft is not just about re-using materials, but about how to spruce things up! Check out our hands-on accessories with tyre done by our crafter of the month, Didier.

(Sub-editor)

Enqi is the vivacious and effervescent craft lover. Enqi has undertaken a mission to recycle and reconstruct discarded items and has started one of the better-known craft shops in Singapore today. Her level of energy is admirable. Check out ‘Handmade Scoop’ in the Craftholic issues where she features some of her favorite crafters from around the world!

With huge love to all craftholics.

Nanao Craftholic All rights reserved by N’publication.

This publication may not be reproduced in whole, part or form, without prior written permission from the publisher. Craftholic assures the information provided is correct at the time of writing but disclaim liability for any loss or damages

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Karishma, like most people, loves Momo’s quirky and travelling. Apart from the shopdifferent outlook in life ping, she enjoys learning about new often leaves us agape. cultures and traditions. Her favorite He sees things in cities would probably be Mumbai ways we would never and Hong Kong. Two cities which imagine, and manages never sleep, and are always so to construct them into full of life, energy and charsimple words! His regacterized by indescribable ular MeiMei segment in Craftholic is always eclectic personalities. a delight to read and portrays his experiBetsy mental and explorative nature. Pauseability and possibilities occupy most of his time (Yours sincerely, Betsy) these days. Do pause by pauseability. blogspot.com to say hello (Do note Coming from a “crafty” that Craftholics readers will be part background, it was but natural of an exclusive giveaway). for Betsy to take up hand-knitting and crochet as a hobby. She has recently done her first solo-exMichelle Ow hibition at Arts House “Mee-Suah” which showed Craftholic her great skill and her passion to craft.

(OOHS and AAHS) Betsy is the owner and instructor at Knotty Bicsie, where she sells her hand made lovely creations, and Michelle is one woman you can’t help but also conducts knitting and crochet classes. For more admire. Her diverse portfolio in music, fine art information and to view her handpainting, photography, critical writing and art therapy knitted/crochet work, please Visit: leaves you wondering what is next! Michelle is Craftholic’s www.knottybicsie.com.sg Email: resident OOHs & AAHs recipe designer, where her betsy@knottybicsie.com.sg love for working with kids is reflected through her creative ideas. Michelle also develops and manages art activities to schools, business and institutions. She runs an art studio CANVASS (art.space.projects).

Muhamad Fadhil

Enqi (Handmade Scoop)

For all loved readers and supporters, Craftholic will be suspended from 2009.Worry not, our Craftholic directory 2009 will guide you to your craft destiny.

Karishma (Marketing/ Writer)

WoonChi & Yun

(Craftholic’s Designers)

You can email them at mosquitoid@hotmail.com or crisisrain@yahoo.com.sg info@craftholicmagazine.com Tel: (65) 67343210 Fax: (65) 67379046 N publication 131 Tanglin Road #02-09 Tudor Court Gallery S(247924)

Fadhil’s love for art started in Primary Two; a drawing of a purple puffer fish won him a box of Ferrero Rocher and he has not looked back since Forest Gump.

He enjoys doodling in between bus rides, watercolour painting and charcoal art during the weekends. Fadhil writes for a living.

CRAFT HOLIC CONTRI BUTORS www.craftholicmagazine.com

MAAD is an experience- unlike your usual flea market, it emphasizes on displaying the local talents and giving them a tremendous platform to flaunt what they have. Visit the market next month for some green goodness and to scour the stalls for some special finds!

An eco business venture originating from Jakarta, XS Project is an entrepreneurial example on how we can combine environmental goodness with humanitarian rights.

It is often said that one man’s trash is another’s treasure- in the case of our planet; one man’s trash is a millions of lives affected though the degradation of the environment.

The project has used this concept to come up with their mantra: ‘Doing Good things with trash.’

Sounds simple? This notion actually embraces many facets of environmental degradation, plastic packaging totaled 800,000 tons last year. After their usage, they tend to clog landfills and waterways, or worse release toxic fumes.

Indeed, XS project buys trash (usually soap packages) from trash pickers in Indonesia and trains craftspeople to create shoulder bags with the plastic waste. Mixing and matching the colors and patterns has become a livelihood for many artisans around Asia. We laud XS project for this very innovative and eco friendly venture and wish them all the best for the future!

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Truly, you can find everything at MAAD- from funky handmade earrings made of paper, to beaded jewelry, and even clothes. Some artisans following the green trend also sell notebooks made of recycled paper or coffee cup fabric covers so that you can avoid the paper ones they give at coffee shops to keep your hand from getting scalded. Really, the list just goes on and on and on!

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Focusing on Singapore’s booming craft scene and emphasizing on hand crafted items only, MAAD market is a joyfor all crafters and craft lovers! Held on the first weekend of every month at Red Dot Museum, the Market for Artists And Designers (yes, MAAD), is a meeting point for all those who wish to sell their products or just enjoy the exposure to portray their talents.

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The quilting and fabric store also carries a variety of bags to choose from, which can double up as handbags.

This would be our own small way of doing our bit for preserving the environment!

MAAD MARKET

(opens Every 1st Saturdays and Sundays of the month)

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Belinda from After Organic woke up one day with the same question in her head. With an admirable zest and passion for bettering the environment, she set up an online store for baby garments made of organic cotton. She partnered with Kate Quinn and Sckoon helped her fulfill her mission - which is to set up a platform where she can share the benefits of organic, and thus do her bit in building a healthier environment for her loved ones. Visit her online store to help improve our natural world.

You can make your own foldable shopping bags which can be used and reused at Quilts ‘N Sew Forth, located at Aliwal Street (behind Arab Street). They have a special kit consisting of easy instructions and all the paraphernalia necessary for the construction of the bag.

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The current state of our environment is not new. How many of us have actually stopped to ponder on how toxic substances will affect our future?

Non-biodegradable and toxic, the use of plastic bags should be avoided as much as possible. Of course, we are not suggesting that you hold your groceries with your bare hands! On the contrary, Craftholic advocates the use of recyclable fabric shopping bags. They are handy, practical, reusable, and most important, gentle on our planet.

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Organic cotton comes from cotton plants grown in fields which have not been chemically treated by pesticides and fertilizers for at least 3 years. The benefits of such a practice is directly linked to our personal health, the well being of our environment, and eventually the better working conditions of cotton plant laborers due to the involvement of the Fair Trade Organization.

I was outraged when I was first told that we would have to pay for plastic bags at some supermarkets on specific days. After much consideration, I realized that it is actually a very good start- after all, saving the earth is not only the problem of a few selected human beings, it is up to all of us to contribute in every way possible to stop the further degradation of our planet.

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Everyone today is talking about organic food, and the fashion cognoscenti are all harping on the use of organic cotton. Why exactly is organic cotton so popular these days?

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Bringing together eco-friendly artists, designers, and under privileged individuals from all over Asia is certainly no mean feat. Yet, David And Jay from Green Peas have created a platform for the one and all who use eco sustainable products and supplies to create awareness.

This husband and wife tag team advocates ethical consumption, thus hoping for a cleaner and greener Mother Earth. This December, they participated in Tanglin Mall’s Christmas celebrations and have created a cozy, eco friendly outlet outside the mall. They housed products which contribute in their own way to the livelihood of most individuals.

From organic make-up without toxic chemicals, to sustainable raw materials such as bamboo, soy and organic cotton to beautiful toys and chic fashion accessories made by Fair Trade organizations throughout Asia, all these products are made to make a difference.

Check out the Green Peas website, www.greenpeas.com.sg to find out more about upcoming exhibitions, or just visit them at Curiocity Gallery at NAFA School of Fashion, Unit A1-02.

HEARTROOM GALLERY Have some old furniture lying around? Do you plan to throw it but the rag-and-bone man says its too heavy? Heartroom Gallery has just the solution. Specializing in decorative painting, the gallery promotes the use of old wood pieces and furniture to paint upon. This concept can be used in various ways. After all, decorative painting is defined as being an art form which utilizes various techniques and media to decorate functional and non- functional surfaces.

This notion actually embraces the aesthetic by rendering an object more attractive. At Heartroom Gallery, they have taken it one step further. Recession, global warming or otherwise, we could use this art and craft form to reduce wastage and accumulate junk.

For instance, those dusty dining room chairs? You can save that money by giving it a facelift through decorative painting.

Visit Heartroom Gallery for more innovative ideas to spruce up your home décor!

Shop of the Month

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Tucked away on the third floor of Holland Shopping Centre, Mango Wood Craft is a little treasure cove. Earthy tones, colors and natural elements dominate the attractive interior of the shop, reflecting the store’s philosophy perfectly.

As the name suggests, Mango Wood Craft uses mango wood to make home accessories and furniture. The mango wood originates from north Thailand from the same tree. Once the mango trees cannot reproduce fruits, they are cut to allow reseeding of younger plants. This wood is then crafted by local villagers into home décor .

Rose, owner of Mango Wood Crafts, has always had a fascination for wood. Mango wood has been her favorite material, and long and tedious searches in shops throughout Thailand resulted in a futile search. In short, quality was lacking, where quantity was in abundance.

Eventually stumbling upon a shop which had superior

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products, Rose finally found her Romeo. Working with them enabled her to interact with Thai and Burmese villagers. She would pay them for each hand craft in her store. some of which she designed herself.

It is easy to spot her passion for natural elements through the products displayed at the store: vases, plates, serving dishes, and even candle holders are all made of mango wood. Her creative outlook has enabled her to mix various natural elements to create a homely concept. For example, the use of Buddha Leaves, kalimanjan or saga seeds as a backdrop for decorative plates.

Each item in the store falls in accordance with her outlook. Mango Wood Crafts also sells flowers, tree barks, natural twigs, and palm and shredded lotus leaves. They have all been chemically treated to retain its essence.

Mango Wood Crafts 211 Holland Avenue #03-08 Holland Road Shopping Centre Singapore 278967 Tel: +65 6468 6318 Email: sales@mangowoodcrafts.com www.mangowoodcrafts.com

Visit Mango Wood Craft to get a respite from our urban landscape and add some natural goodness to your home décor!

TEXT Karishma PHOTO Nanao

Doinky Doodles Doinky Doodles’ shop, studio & gallery (opened in May 2008) is a space that not only showcases Xin’s (from Makisquare Patch fame) works- it also features wonderful handcrafted creations by selected artists & crafters living in Singapore. The artist/ crafter likes to think of Doinky Doodles’ as a place that makes one happy and feel like a curious kid again, because everything inside this shop is fun, made with warmth and love, filled with colors, are mostly environmentallyfriendly products and one-of-a-kind objects.

Her label stems from her passion towards recycling and reconstructing, and her range of soft-toys, sling pouches, pencil case, large totes to homewares like pillows, blankets and penholders is completely loveable and covetable!

33 Bali Lane (2nd Floor) xin@doinkydoodles.com www.doinkydoodles.com

MERCHANDISE I Doinky Doodles

TILES Craftholic AND Directory 2009 PIECES 12

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response that the mosaic FREE workshop by Sarah gained at listings! experience in making a picture, fortheir first project. After that, they could venture into various projects such as piggy banks and lamps. MOSAICSthe MAAD workshop held in July For more info, log on to hip encourages students to use their imagination, and plan bywww.craftholicmagazine.com Craftholic magazine, we were Contact us ateffectively info@craftholicmagazine.com or call us at 67343210 to complete the final design intended. amazed. so many people interested in mosaic art!

Resin tiles are used, which are non-glass. Thus even childrencould create great art pieces safely! Tools are What started out as a cultural provided during classes, and material costs are included and religious art form has today become in the class fees. Enthusiasts like you a popular craft Mosaic is a eclectic mixture of could also buy the materials and tools different colors is used to enhance creativity from Sarah’s studio to create the art and the artist’s imagination. at home!

In line with our modern day lifestyles, resin If the craftholic in you is interested tiles are gaining popularity. They are surprisingly to try to your hand at mixing and easy to handle and come in fantastic colours! Best of all, they matching mosaic tiles then this is are non-glass and light-weight,so we can do the craft safely definitely worth a shot! Not only at home, and apply on many you will learn a new craft, but your MOSAICS-hip different objects such as lamps art piece can also be an object of Bukit Timah Plaza #01-03. and book covers. Armed with 6466-5055 admiration by one and all. this information about mosaic, enquiry@mosaics-hip.com you might be looking for a www.mosaics-hip.com TEXT: Karishma PHOTO:MOSAICS-hip mosaic making workshop.

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Not to worry, Craftholic recommends MOSAICS-hip by Sarah. At her studio can find a range of mosaic materials and products, and also join different types of workshops, depending on your level of proficiency. Beginners learn the Essentials in mosaic-making - cutting & layingtechniques; and principles in designing a mosaic art, while creating their very own photoframes, coasters etc.

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At Papierhouse we design and wholesale scrapbooking and cardmaking products produce from Singapore. We also conduct workshops and retreat for school and corporate companies locally and internationally.

We have forum where all crafter can share their ideas and techniques with one another.

Find out more by visiting our website www.papierhouse.com.

Website www.papierhouse.com Email info@papierhouse.com Telephone (65) 91558988

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They can construct anything around them into a ‘thing of beauty’ (forgive the Shakespeare quote). One such crafter would be Naoko from N’Craftroom. She has incorporated the use of natural elements into her beading techniques. Originally from Japan, Naoko would collect Jyuzu seeds from grass fields in Osaka as a child, and would paint over them or create her own jewelry. Till today, her inherent love for natural elements and materials is reflected extensively in her work.

One of her favorite materials to the use of the saga seed. Have you ever noticed these bright colored red seeds on the sidewalks of Dempsey Road and Emerald Hill? Their eye catching texture and color have attracted many passer- bys. Saga seeds are also known to possess special charm for those who believe in it.

It is said that if you collect more than a N’Craftroom thousand saga seeds, it brings some 131 Tanglin Road #02-09 luck in your love life. Hmmm…

Tudor Court Gallery interesting. Maybe it’s time for +65 67379045 us single gals and guys to initiate enquiries@ncraftroom.com more trips to Dempsey Road! www.ncraftroom.com

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Used together with different materials, i.e., wire, beads, silver, these natural embellishments adorn a jewel because of their rich blood red tone, their alluring shape, firm texture and lastly, some eco goodness.

Naoko also recommends the use of an assortment of seeds to vary your techniques, looks and styles. An oval shaped, slightly bigger brown- toned seed could be the main attraction in a necklace, decorated with smaller, less conspicuous beads or seeds. Jyuzu seeds (popularly known as prayer seeds in Buddhism) and Rudraksha (brown Indian prayer seeds) can also be used to enhance accessories.

Nature has provided a large excess of elements to experiment. Next time, before using a synthetic craft object, think of the various materials you can get around your garden, on the roads or the

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On a more serious note though, the saga seeds’ texture and color provides an interesting medium to work with. You can drill a hole in order to pass a wire so as to link parts of a necklace (warning- quite a tedious experiment), embellish the seeds with silver studs to form part of a ring or you can make a cage them with wire works.

Anything is possible, as long as you keep an open mind!

Singapore Botanical Garden (if the park ranger comes by, don’t quote our name). They are cheap (or even free) and natural, but ensure that you will be the only person in the room owning the piece!

If you are not too sure how to produce these natural elements into an accessory, visit N’craftroom and meet Naoko for suggestions and classes. Her keen eye and creative outlook will help you find your own style and unique designs!

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Our Craft Place www.ourcraftplace.com

D’ATELIER

Walking around Holistic Approach to Crafting Katong Shopping Centre, we chanced upon this quaint cute space filled with kid-friendly material. Upon enquiry, we were told that this is a new craft workshop, D’Atelier has recently opened. Another workshop, great we said. But wait a minute, “It is an aeroplane. That’s the big balloon. we were further enlightened that I’m going to draw the clouds; they are all D’Atelier is a part of the Rainbow the way up. That’s a big egg so you can Cove Preschool and follows the catch. He is a flower, cute little flower…

Reggio’s philosophy of learning. branches…trees…She is a girl. Draw a boy.

He loves this girl. How do we draw a This term piqued our interest boy? Just draw the biggest boy…!” and we then knew that we had to -Hinemoa (5 years old)’s free expression learn more about D’Atelier! Upon meeting the owners of the workshop, same epithet Italian city, which focuses on child development here is what we found out: through exploration, development D’Atelier is part of the Rainbow Cove and respect. It uses the arts as a Preschool, and has been shifted to medium to teach. the shopping centre due to a lack of D’Atelier has followed closely space. There is a desire to open up this philosophy and has adapted applications to one and all to reach the system to suit the Singapore out to a larger number of kids for market; they have thus designed after school fun. a curriculum based on the Reggio So what makes them different from Emilia’s learning concepts. other ateliers? If you’ve heard of the Kids are encouraged to play education system Reggio Emilia, with their environment and the you will be nodding your head tools available. They work with in agreement. It is an innovative textures, forms and shapes and educational philosophy from the gain experiences through touching, D’Atelier moving, listening, seeing and

hearing. For instance, there is also a great emphasis on the use of recycled materials: for one project, the students were instructed to construct a toy using materials from their home. One of the little tots brought some old tissue boxes and made a train out of it! What more could you ask for your children?

D’Atelier is a concept formed by Alexis and Mei. They have taken a plunge into a relatively unknown system in Singapore to document children’s benefits through such a program, and to bring awareness to it.

There is also great emphasis on cross-cultural interactive learning and the workshop is open for kids from 18months – 12years.

In addition to basic workshops designed to hone on the children’s creative mindsets, D’Atelier also welcomes other crafters to set up a workshop at the studio. The basic idea is to pool people together who are keen on working with similar concepts.

This holistic approach has become a very popular method in the States and Europe, which is not surprising given the all-encompassing approach of it. After all, it is about combining fun, play, education and craftiness!

Katong Shopping Centre 865 Mountbatten Road #02-38 Singapore 437844 www.atelier.com.sg +65 63482850 1) Creative Program- Developing through artistic ways of knowing (10 lessons @ $300 + $60 material fees) A) Scattering Seeds- (18 months to 30 months) 1 hour B) Little Buds- (30 months to 5 years old) 1 hour 30 mins C) Rising Sunshine- (5 years old to 7 years old) 1 hour 30 mins *Monday to Sunday by appointment only.

2) Concept Program- ($150 inclusive of materials) Vol. 1 a) Ceramics (4 lessons)- 4 years to 12 years (Thursday) b) Cartoons Drawing (6 lessons)- 7 years to 12 years (Sunday) c) Painting (4 lessons)- 5 years to 12 years d) Chinese Art (4 lessons)- 4 years to 9 years (Saturday)

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TEXT Enqi / PICS Courtesy of 100XStrut

Suntec City Mall, Tropics Atrium, 1st and 2nd November 2008:

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The turnout on the event day was testimony to the popularity and fame of Create Your Style. Truly an event worth watching out for, especially if you love the cultural fusion of vintage, street style and couture!

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Customers were spoilt for choice with the different kits available. Some enthusiastic ones took up to 8 workshops a day to try their hands at the various techniques – gluing, weaving, crocheting and wiring. We were also pleased by the special appearance of Mr Ayumu from Japan, whose ensemble of jeans and Tshirt was embellished with CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements, showing us that Create Your Style is a fun way to express one’s individuality!

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White luxury, Winter Queen, DIY, glamour, style, creativity and lots of sparkle. I am referring to the ‘Create Your Style’ beads fair which provided a platform for distributors and certified instructors to create jewelry and accessories, sharing their knowledge with the participants.

Co-organized by Craftholic & Clay-Street

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It was a “clay-ey” day of creation, expression and loads of fun and laughter with paperclay, paperclay and more paperclay. Our Clay-Street pottery studio at Syed Alwi Road was sardine-packed with adults and kids and families. The air had a mix of intense concentration and the obvious happiness of discovery.

Expectedly, the kids had a whale of a time molding out all kinds of creations from dinosaurs to cute little animals to superheroes. Many adults and parents who treet / played with paperclay for the first time were pleasantly Clay-S et in from& Clay-Stre lv A T o surprised by their expressive ability in shaping clay TEX TO Nana PHO into recognizable things! Everyone returned home proudly carrying their uniquely handmade artistic paperclay creations.

We wish to say a big thank you to all of you who joined the fun, for your interest and we cordially welcome you to discover more of your creative potential at Clay-Street.

We thank Craftholic for their support.

I never quite figured out my fascination with them. Fabrics, that is. They come in all textures, colours, gradients of colours, materials, fluffy and non-fluffy. The possibilities really seem endless what one can do with it. Even after it has been used several times over, a lot of fabrics that we toss out of our wardrobes actually still have quite a bit of life to them.

Using these supposedly past expired fabrics to create

WHEN FASHION MEETS ECO

Support 100XStrut! Find out more about the project but most importantly, check out the outfits for bids at www.scape.com.sg/100. Kleenex for your drool?

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Handmade Scoop

The sheer fun of what I can do to clothes that no longer interests me ironically really excites me. Where my contemporaries think it is gross and turn their noses up at pre-loved garbs, I love spending weekends at flea markets for that rare treasure find. Swopping clothes with gal pals was not just about having new stuff to wear but also a time of bonding and sharing. When digital cameras first came out, I got hold of a 2nd hand Sony Mavica (yes, with those floppy disks) at $550 (eeps yes!) and sold clothes that I no longer want (or have bad memories of) on eBay. I was 17 then.

new things seem to be getting really fashionable these days as environmental issues lace our every conversation. Why waste fabric when it still has life left, right? This December, *scape is presenting 100XStrut, a charity auction where 100 outfits are up for bids, 20 pieces of which fall under the category of “The Environmentalist”. There is little wonder why I suggested that category for the auction. Sneaky me! That aside, it is really challenging and fulfilling to see these young fashion designers digging their heels in and coming up with the most fascinating creations even with the arduous task at hand.

But no matter how uphill the task may seem, they proved themselves worthy.

They managed to creatively treat boxes and boxes of fabric samples donated by KayBee International to create gorgeous party dresses and outfits.

The possibilities are really endless. And the good thing about it all is that all this is done for a good cause as proceeds from sales of these 100 outfits will go to the Dove Self Esteem Fund and *scape. It just gets even better.

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It is amazing how much junk gets accumulated every day. And it often pinches us when we have to throw away a whole stack of old magazines or that tattered dress just because it is no longer ‘trendy’. Have you ever wondered just how many trees may have been cut down just to end up as a stack of paper before ending up in the dustbin?

Crafter of the Month

So then, why throw away our old items, which ‘seem’ unusable?

Well, if you put your mind to it, there is so much you can do with unwanted material. This idea was taken up by a young happy lady, Didier. She uses all kind of recyclable material to make practical new products.

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This eco-friendly crafter cum designer is trained in product industry design. Didier resides in Singapore, yes the same Singapore that offers would be Oscar-the-Grouches a lot of rubbish to choose from. Rubbish is a free resource, and

harmful to the environment. Didier hates wastage, and is appalled at people who throw away relatively new furniture in the name of fashion. There is so much one can do with old furniture, or anything for that matter!

She utilizes old tyres, dresses, furniture, magazines, rice sacks, and plastic bottles to showcase a range of products.

Her cutest product is probably the bow tyres with a lace covering, used as buckles or even corsages!

Didier is a very observant person- she gains inspiration from everything around her. In fact, she has done stints at florists and restaurants, which have inspired her and given her ideas for diverse products and goods. Her enjoyment at what she does and passion for recycling is reflected through the way she describes her craft.

The eco friendly crafter is quite the perfectionist- each and every item is handmade, and Didier keeps striving to make her hand crafts look more professional! No worries there Didier, Craftholic can vouch for the fact that your finished products will make Ernie jealous. And maybe Big Bird.

The eco- trend is gaining popularity around the world, but somehow Singapore seems to be lagging behind. As Didier recalls from her trips to Japan, bottles had to be separated carefully in the different recycling bins Didier chuckles as she remembers how it would take 30 minutes each day just sifting through the recycling garbage!

That is how she actually gained more awareness about recycling! In fact, the crafter is so passionate that every single thing she uses, i.e., from her bag to her wallet to her hat, is all made of recyclable products! Very cool huh?

Moreover, another incentive for her to pursue this craft is the fact that she gains tremendous satisfaction in transforming a seemingly unusable and useless product into an interesting item. When constructing, Didier always makes sure that she uses the whole material, be it a tyre or an old dress, so as to ensure

maximum efficiency. Sounds interesting, we think.

OF THE MONTH When Didier is not crafting, she loves to travel! USA and Japan are her favorite destinations, and she describes with passion the lifestyle one can have in these countries.

Design + Craft Didier_ng@email.com www.didier.itgo.com

DIDIER

Craftholic admires this young woman who, in her own little way, is doing so much for our worrying environment. We urge all of you to take inspiration from her and to think carefully before you throw away any old looking possession in the future- you might be able to get a funky pouch or even bag which looks as good as new!

In conclusion, Didier’s message to all crafters out there: ‘I want people to get more awareness, and to realize that there is always a use for something. Treasure what can, and do not take things for granted!’ Spoken like a true eco crafter.

TEXT Karishma PHOTO Nanao

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Momo’s

mEImEI

A collection of random thoughts and muses to kick-start what you can and will call “my Everyday Inspiration” for crafting an artful life.

t ill m e? love

The texture and pattern of bark and wood grain are fascinating.

Some have seen images in them while others have incorporated these into their work of art. There is also the fragrance of the cinnamon bark that goes into coffee, stews and buns, and how sticks of cinnamon conjure up the rustic, spicy and senssual.

And of course, wood is useful in other ways too. Timber has been made into furniture, bowls, moulds, chopsticks and even toothpicks – no matter whether it is hard and dark like teak or soft and light like pine. Intricately carved wood is an age-old craft, and on closer inspection, we might even spot some timeless designs in them.

TEXT

Momo – crazy owner of Pauseability, (www.pauseability. com.sg) a concept space with free-flowing craft materials for folks to rest, relate and create; to explore possibilities.

Momo has an unquenchable thirst for quirky things and a lame sense of humour.

& PHOTOS by Momo

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TEXT Betsy / PHOTO Betsy

Christmas season is here & what better time to celebrate the love all around with your loved ones! If you’ve always wanted to experiment on DIY projects, but never found the motivation to do it; well, this is the perfect reason to start crafting & make something unique for your family & friends. Something as complex as baking a X’mas log cake? Or handknitting a sweater? Or as easy as a handmade card, just do it!

Have you ever noticed the dances of trees? Their leafy arms of branches reaching to the sky, frozen in a graceful sway and holding their breath-taking pose. All of us would have drawn trees as a child and their unique form and silhouette continue to inspire us.

The next time we take a walk through the park, look out of the window or browse through an antique or furniture shop, let us not miss the trees nor the forest of inspiration awaiting us.

YOURS SINCERELY, BETSY Dear Crafters,

Warm, sturdy and natural mE are some of the words that I* # come to mind when we look at wood.

04 :W Whether a tree with spreading branches, o deep roots and textured bark, or an object that has been fashioned into something useful and beautiful, wood seems to speak close to our hearts.

us yo od

My Eveyday Inspiration

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Knotty Bicsie, my little Indie Label, was only possible with the blessings & encouragement from family & friends. Last month, I had my first solo exhibition, Mee Suah, to express close-knit relationships, experiences I take from my personal life. Mee Suah is a traditional Hokkien cuisine, served during occasions like birthdays, Lunar New Year & weddings.

Hence, Mee Suah to me, signifies a bond between people. Through knitting & crochet, through this intriguing labyrinth of colours, I hope to depict camaraderie. Mee Suah was a special tribute to my loved ones for making our shared dreams come true – my very first solo exhibition!

To “experience” some of Mee Suah’s work, check out Barang Barang @Central in December.

To view all colourful Mee Suah creations, check out www.meesuah.blogspot.com When researching on eco-friendly craftwork, I encountered foreign websites. When I click the tab for Singapore, I only identified with Pauseability’s eco-creations (www. pauseability.etsy.com), which I introduced earlier to Craftholic readers. Actually, I’m not sure if our local crafters make handicrafts using recycled materials. We needed an online community. Hence, after discussing with my fellow KBCC (Knotty Bicsie Crafting Club) friends, we decided to start a blog last month on crafting with recycled materials.. We hope to share ideas & links to sites on eco-friendly Art & Craft creations & projects. We look forward to having more friends onboard to join our crafting journey.

For eco-friendly handicraft ideas, check out www. kbcclovescrafting.blogspot.com To join KBCC, register online on www.knottybicsie.com.sg Yours sincerely, Betsy ^_^ betsy@knottybicsie.com.sg Purple beads customizes classes for beginners and professionals at the store, according to their preferences and abilities, and also sells a variety of quality delica beads and all the material needed for beads stictching. Different courses include beads crochet, knitting and weaving among others.

Many bead makers face the problem of bad lighting while crafting, OTT LITE ™ True Color™ developed a line of natural lighting in order to avoid these problems. Now we lucky Singaporeans will be able to bead in natural light without any electric transformer. Visit Purple Beads to get your very own OTT LITE ™ True Color ™ and see the difference in your beading!

220 Orchard Road #03-09 Midpoint Orchard Singapore 238852 Tel: 6735 7030 Fax: 6836 1278 Email: purplebeads328@yahoo.com

e ith th sed w to be able s e l b ean friends er. I am is h gapor a Sin m family &ng my carebe given t ly m a I e i o o “ t r t f m f a e d t r r r e t t C suppoake Art & lled & exci u some exeir dreams to m mely thri re with yoe living th extre n to sha rs who ar ne shops.” columted crafte their onli talen me) with (like

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Eco

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Beads

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08

02

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Put through 1.3m thread into a beads needle.

Leave 15cm length and tie a knot at left top line.

Put through next lines and follow the same step and loom rest of lines.

(Move 1~18 vertically)

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07

10

Strengthen the place where you are going to make a hole with masking tape.

Looming!

Cut 6cm (Length) 3cm (Width) with knife and make a hole.

Design by NAOKO from N’craftroom

Use the diagram and put through the beads from left to right (move horizontally) (eg. 1st line is 12 pieces of black(TB #49) Put through below all 13 lines.

Push each bead from below lines with fingers. Make a U-turn from step 7 and put the needles back to the beads.

Sandwiched the 13lines. (Keep the thread tight to keep the beads close to each other)

Design Recipie

Score at top and bottom part of the roll. Score at the center first and make 6 scores on both sides with 2mm spacing in between.

Make total of 13 scores on top and bottom.

Tense the thread from top to bottom, make 13 lines.

After that, put the thread on nearest score.

End of Looming.

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On both sides on top and bottom, make a score for stopping the thread. One score at 4 corners.

Through the 2m thread from left bottom to left top (through the thread outside the roll).And then through the thread to right bottom.l (Through the thread inside the roll)

MATERIALS

COLOUR

SIZE

AMOUNT

Toilet paper roll

NA

NA

1

Thread

Black

#100

1.3m 2m

Beading Needle

NA

10 or #12 1pc

TOHO Best beads #TB 49 (Black) (Delica beads) #TB 654 (Red) #TB 890 (Purple) #TB 57 (Green) #TB332 (Pink) 4mm Jump Ring Silver NA Earring Hook Silver

228pcs 7pcs 17pcs 16pcs 18pcs 2pcs 2pcs

Remove the lines from toilet roll. Clear the loops on top and bottom to outside by pulling each side. Work from center part.

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With the thread with needle, make frills. Put the extra 2cm thread into beads and take out from needle.

Put the thread into needle and make for the other side as well.

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Use 2pcs of Jump ring and connect to earring hook on top center.

CRAFTHOLIC CLASSIFIEDS

Our Craft Place

PMC Artist Club Singapore

Knotty Bicsie

The Precious Metal Clay Artists Club of Singapore is proud to announce the first and only PMC club in Singapore, where PMC lovers, students or instructors can have a platform to share their ideas, information and grow their network. Become a friendship member today, and enjoy a 10% discount all PMC materials at N’ Craft Room.

Knotty Bicsie is a cosy home-based knitting/crochet studio. What better place to hang out & learn a new craft than this idyllic nook, away from the hustle and bustle of today’s fast-paced city life. With Knotty Bicsie’s flexible & personalized workshop services, starting this therapeutic hobby is as easy as ABC. Start wriggling those fingers & check out www.knottybicsie. com.sg to start on your knitting/crochet journey today!

Visit member’s gallery at www.ncraftroom.com/gallery.html

We have 10 years of experience in ceramics making and 7 years in clay education to children, teenagers and adults alike. Whether if it is to create a special gift for a loved one or making your own platter to impress your guest to a romantic evening with handmade tea light holder you craft personally, we can bring you through the whole process from scratch to create the clay products by our experienced clay education instructors.

For more details on our courses, visit our website at www.zeclay.com or call us at 64743304 .

Studio is closed every monday.

Applebay Bead Shop

Beading Bees

Little Rainbow Cottage

Custom Handmade Jewellery and Workshop for children and adults.

Party Planning and Workshops for children and adults.

Regina started Beading Bees 6 years ago creating beautiful handmade jewellery and redesigning old jewellery for her customers. She started conducting basic and advance Jewellery Workshops for corporate companies, clubs and schools 4 years ago.

Little Rainbow Cottage provides activities such as sew a cuddly bear, paper crafts, scrapbooking, origami, card making, tile/stone painting, and more. We are also an online store that provides all kinds of quality crafting materials.

Please visit her website at www.beadingbees.com.

Contact Regina at regina@beadingbees.com or call at 91558988.

Visit our website at www.littlerainbowcottage.com.

Contact Regina at info@littlerainbowcottage.com or call at 91558988.

Is having a sale of up to 30% discounts for selected items. While stocks last! In addition, by showing this advertisement, you will get an additional $2 off from a minimum $10 purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

Valid till 28 February 2009 # 02-05 Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road, Singapore 059413 Tel: 6535 1236, Operating hours : Mon to Sat 11am to 8pm

www.knottybicsie.com.sg www.knottybicsieclasses.blogspot.com betsy@knottybicsie.com.sg

Zech Studio Ceramics Located amidst the lush greenery of Wessex Estate, Zech Studio Ceramics offers you a wide range of clay experiences conducted by passionate educators together with artists who are committed in contemporary ceramics art.

Ourcraftplace.com is an online store which is quite a scrapbooking paradise for the proficient and novice scrapbookers out there, with a whole range of materials available at an affordable price! Want to learn more about scrapbooking or crop- a- dile? You can join Justina from www.ourcraftplace.com to do so! Moreover, you can also get a number of eyelets, rub- ons, dies, brads and machines at reasonable prices, from popular US scrapbooking suppliers such as 7 Gypsies, American Crafts, Bosskut and Maya Road, amongother brands. Be sure to check out their website for more information on www.ourcraftplace.com!

Bead Gems Bead Gems provide personal 1 to1 beading classes.

Private lessons available with a minimum group of 10 at your preferred location such as clubs, function rooms or private residences. We customise jewellery using semi-precious stones, 925 Bali silver and Thai Tribal silver findings. . Personally designed and exclusive pieces such as Pendants, Bracelets, Earrings and Rings are available at Bead Gems shop in Katong Shopping Centre. Open Mondays to Saturdays from 12pm to 7pm.

Sundays by appointment only. Call Jean at 9151 4560 or email her at beadgems@ymail.com

MOBILE GARDEN : an origami project artist name : Kelvin Atmadibrata (Indonesia ) and Rin Ioka (Japan ) dates : 23rd December 2008 to 2nd January 2009 place : Forth Gallery, 69A Pagoda Street (2nd level), Chinatown MRT The exhibition aims to show that origami is not a merely craft but also an art form. There will be installation, interactive art, paintings. Go down for different vision of art done by our crafter of the month in the Craftholic paper issue Kelvin and Japanese Artist Rin Ioka.

WH E CR RE AF T TH O G OL ET IC

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Rus Art Studio http://www.rus-art-studio.com/ Scrap Muse 42 Choa Chu Kang Street 52 #15-15 SP Chew Creative Space 220 Syed Alwi Road X-Ordinary Craftz & Giftz #03-03 Square 2 Zeclay 23 Woking Road Quebec Court #01-01

Cafes,Club & Retails

American club 10 Claymore Hill Artica #01-15 The Cathay Artoholic Café 422 Joo Chiat Road Asylum 22 Ann Siang street Balcony Bar #02-03 The Heeren Blu Jazz Cafe 11 Bali Lane BagAge #03-98A Far East Plaza Belle Reve #02-19 Tudor Court Gallery Collage #04-138 Fareast plaza Clique #03-15/16 The Cathay Design Tshirts store graniph (3branches) #02-20 Bugis Junction Déjà vu Vintage #01-18 The Cathay Egg Three 33 Erskine Road #01-10/11/12 Empi 38 Kandahar Street Fabrikade Blk 203A Compassvale Road #02-15 Fig and Olive Café #02-02 Raffles Place Fitness First #05-01 Paragon #02-38 Millenia Walk #04-05 The Cathay #B1-36 Ang Mo Kio Hub #08-01 One Raffles Quay (North Tower) #05-01 One George Street #09-01 Capital Tower #06-00 OUB Centre Fie Japan Bugis #01-16 Bugis Junction Forest+Trees #03-02 The Cathay Food for thought #01-06 North Bridge Center

Gloria Jeans Coffee #02-281 Marina Square Instant Karma #01-04 The Cathay The Jewel Box 109 Mount Faber Road New York New York #B1-25 Ang Mo Kio Hub MAAD Red Dot Design Museum Ma Maison (2branches) #02-51 Bugis Junction MICA Building #02-02 MICA Building One Rochester No 1 Rochester Park Pacific café (7outlets) PLUCK! 31 Haji Lane Que Pasa Raffles Country Club 450 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim Rose Citron 23 Keong Saik Road Salad 25/27 Haji Lane *Scape 113 Somerset Road Sup 34 haji lane Style Nordic 39 Ann Siang Road The Arts House 1 Old Parliament Lane The Substation 45 Armenian Street Singapore Tourism Board 1 Orchard Spring Lane Singapore Cricket Club #09-07 The Adelphi

Sketches #01-14/15 Robertson Walk Sketches #01-85/87 Bugis Junction Tiga Saja Enterprise 30 Victoria Street #01-05 Whatever Bookstore and Café 49B Club Street Indochine Building Wooonderland #02-10 Wheelok Place WoodWould #03-03 The Cathay

Schools Cavalry School of Design and Management #12-01A Maxwell House Chatsworth International School 37 Emerald Hill Road Nanyang Polytechnic Ang mo Kio Ave 8 National University of Singapore 50 Kent Ridge Crescent Marketing Institute of Singapore 10 Raeburn Park Raffles Design Institute 99 Beach Road Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) 461 Clementi Road Singapore Management University 70 Stamford road Temasek Polytechnic 21 Tampines Avenue 1 NAFA (2campus) 80 Bencoolen Street

P

RKSHO

WO AY

B E A D S & S I LV E R

CL

131 Tanglin Road #02-09 TudoR CouRT galleRy Tel: 6737 9045

Polish your skills And create your own brand

DIRECTORY

Have you always been on the lookout for craft retail shops or workshops?

2009

DIRECTORY

2009

Silver Clay Trial Class

$60 (excluding materials.

Silver clay $4/gram) Basic 6 Session course instructor Certificate Course available.

COMING SOO N

RECTORY

Or have been frustrated by the lack of information pertaining to craft-related issues? Well, not anymore.

Craftholic is proud to publish Singapore’s first and only annual craft directory with all the information about the city’s booming craft industry. Now everything will be at your fingertips!

2009

Be sure to catch this informative and extensive directory at the beginning of next year at the bookstore nearest to you!

DIRECTORY

2009

Prizewinning pieces from PMC guild Japan Technique of Silver competition. all from n’craftroom certified instructors.