{ Cambodia Note Sheet - Feb 29, 12' }

I went to Cambodia in January 2012. I admit that I didn't really know much about the history of the country. (I still don't know much now. Reading a few books do not really make me more knowledgeable.)Before the trip, I did all the usual things that tourists do, read a few guide books, look up beautiful historical sites to visit, tried to learn some local language and customs. I know that Cambodia is not a rich developed country, but the guide books did not prepare me for seeing what had actually happened there. All the famous historical sites are all ABSOLUTELY wonderful!  But We have also visited the the Killing Fields and S21. It is heartbroken to see it. It is heartbroken to see lots of children walking around trying to sell you their baskets of souvenirs. It is heartbroken to see children waiting next to your dinning table so that they could eat any scraps. After I come back to Hong Kong, I keep thinking of ways to help these people. I still have not figured it out, but I decided to make something about this trip to Cambodia that may help these people in some ways. I have a list of projects and one of them is the note sheets above. I made the 2 sheets  for people to download as freebies and wanted to link the Cambodia Red Cross on the page so people can donate whatever amount they can.  BUT I cannot upload pdf files onto blogger, and I have not been able to find free web hosting services that I can upload these pdf files. (The sheets are created in Excel so they are output as pdf files.) Would any of you know of free web hosting service that would let me upload pdf file so I can link it back to blogger??  My english is no good, but I hope you can understand what I'm trying to do. Thanks for understanding.

{ Art journal - Feb 24 & 25, 12' }

{ Art Journal Feb 24 & 25, 12' }

I have signed up for the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge for 2012. I don't think I could actually finish 52 books coz I'm a very slow reader, but it is the trying that matters. 2 journal pages from my idea journal sketchbook. A lot has happened so I have not been updating the blog as often as I used to but will keep doing journal pages and posting them here every week. Take Care :)

{ What I MAde # 25 - Memo Index Tab Holder }

What I MAde # 25 - Memo Index Tab Holder
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I have this lovely notebook for doing morning pages and grateful journal. The cover art is by a local Hong Kong artist. After using up all the pages, I decided to use it as a memo index tab holder.
Determine how many pages and pockets you will need for the holder. I only use 1 file for this, so there are only 2 pages and 2 pockets for mine. Measure the size of the cover and mark onto the file. Cut the file into the right size. The bottom part of the file will make 2 pockets. Apply masking tape along where you will sew the sheets with the cover for additional support. Punch holes and then sew them together.  I then put double-sided tape to the back of my index tab and stick them onto the plastic sheet. Then put the memos and stickers into the 2 pockets.  I put this holder into my project notebook and now I can easily take the index tab out for use and they're all neatly organized in a lovely holder! :) Enjoy.

{ Start Something That Matters - 52Books52Weeks 12' }

One of my goals is to read more books in 2012 so I decided to sign up for the "52 Books in 52 Weeks" challenge. I have tons of books on my bookshelf at home un-touch so hopefully this 52 books challenge will help. I have finished reading Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie. Going to do a mind map for it later on. Happy reading!

{ What I MAde #24 - Leather Sketchbook }

What I Made # 24 - Leather Sketchbook.

I got a sketchbook for my trip to Cambodia. It contains lots of memories and has also became some sort of an art journal - sketchbook - idea book. When I came back to Hong Kong, I decided to make a leather cover for it since it is a very good size to work with, small enough to carry around all day, and can be replaced at a reasonable price. Here is what the end result looks like. I have also included a rough sketch of the pattern used here.  Material needed: a piece of sturdy leather, sketch paper, scissor or cutter, wax thread, leather craft tool for punching holes, sewing needles, embellishment and snap button.  Take measurement of your notebook or sketchbook, mark down on a piece of paper. Mine is roughly 11.5cm x 15cm. Add 0.5cm margin to both the top and bottom. Wrap a piece of paper around the sketchbook and make sure you have enough material before cutting the leather. Take a rough measurement of your pens to determine where the cuts for pen slot are going to be, the width and length of the cut. (Part E of the sketch) Also determine where you would like to add embellishment on the cover, then mark down the measurement for the snap button strip  to be cut from the back cover ( Part F of the sketch ) Cut out the paper and trace the measurement and marks onto a piece of leather. Punch holes and add on the embellishment, cut the pen slot and snap button strip.  Add the snap buttom, fold along the two lines and glue the margins together. (Part A and B together, same for part C and D) Wait till completely dry. Then punch holes along the 0.5cm margin line to sew the cover together. Finish!! Enjoy :) Experiment and see what different designs you can come up with.

{ What I MAde # 23 - Two Face Zipper Pouch }

What I MAde #23 - Two Face Zipper Pouch.

I call this "two face" coz I used different leather pieces and designs for the front and back. (Well honestly I was trying to use up some of my leather scrap...) I made this before Christmas 2011, but forgot to post about it. I use it mainly as a small pouch for my rings, bracelet and other things to keep in my bag.  I didn't write a tutorial for it since it is quite simple and easy to make. If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below. Take Care :)

{ Drawing Sketches - Feb 1, 12' }

I have been working on several new projects lately. Some of them have to do with my trip to Cambodia shortly after 2012 New Year. Two of them are submissions for creative projects. The photos above show some of my sketches. Will post more about this when the result comes out.