First Ever Babalisme Watercolor Workshop at Bandung

On 30-31st July, last week, babalisme and refinery.id just hosted a watercolor workshop! I'm so excited, it's my first formal class! We decided on floral theme because it's highly demanded, and it's appropriate for both beginners and advanced painters. To make it more interesting, we're making a flower wreath, specifically! 

I was overwhelmed with joy and bewilderment too, frankly, when just in a matter of minutes of the announcement going online, the seats went fully booked. Originally, we were set only on one date. We have to open up a second class due to high demand! I don't know how I feel, mostly amazement and gratitude, but also terrified. I was expecting a slower seat filling, I even thought that the class won't be fully booked and we would have a smaller more intimate class where I won't even have to leave my seat and speak with my daily talking volume. But it turned out huge!! What will this class become? What if I fail such enthusiasm, not being able to deliver what the class had expected?   

Fortunately, all of the participants were so lovely and endearing, they were great listeners and students, they embraced my flaws, they laughed and they had fun! That's the most important thing! We had actual fun! I'm glad to know there are even a teacher, a doctor, mothers, a dress designer, young uns, and even men among the class! Men are such a rarity in a female driven subject such as flower wreaths... but well technically, there was one man, because the other was a young man, persuaded if not dragged along by his mom who is also joining the class. :D  

What matters most is WE HAD FUN! I had fun, and I saw smiling faces and I hear laughter. We made new friends, we greeted our old acquaintances who unexpectedly know each other, and we came home as happy as we can be. Thank you all! 

Here are some snapshots of the days and some of the participants' results! 

 

I'd like to thank @refinery_id and @maubelajarapa for hosting the event, handling the promo and registration. Another round of applause for Glosis Resto Bandung for the venue and scrumptios meal, @ourcactus for an understated yet beautiful decoration, @madeiracookies @chiayo.id and @brown.id for goodie bag fillers, last but not least, @artemedia for the watercolor paint used in the workshop!  You can find them all at instagram! 

Giveaway Winner Announced

Sorry to announce it so late here on the blog, but if you're an instagram follower, you might have caught the announcement. So here it is again, congrats Instagram follower : @_miranti.

I didn't use rafflecopter or any other random number generator, because I'd love writing 500++ entries down by hand and pick the name out of a jar old fashioned way. 

If you don't win this round, please don't be discouraged. Stay tune for more giveaways! I am planning one actually. 

New Year, New Resolutions.

Soooo, Happy New Year, everyone!

For me, resolutions making is a huge new year must, not only it keeps my hopes and spirit high up in the cloud, but also the beauty of not sticking to most some of the resolutions remind me of how flaw of a human I am. (Anyway "the unresolved" usually sit on the same bench with "regrets" and "only-ifs"). Personally, resolutions, whether you stick to it or not, is such a marvelous, new year tradition, don't you think?

I had fun with confettis! Glitter stars are essentials! 

I don't know about you but this year, one of my list includes MAKE A babalisme's PAPER DOLL APP!! Yes, yes, yes!! You have read it right! I have been giving lots and lots of free printables here on my babalisme blog for the past 5 years, and one of the most coveted by readers is the paper dolls printable! I was so extremely thrilled to make personalized paper dolls, of boys, and girls, and families, I have lots of paper dolls orders last year! But it really made me sad to turn down an order because I can't fulfill them all at once. I came to a (crazy) solution last year, why not make an app out of it, that you can personalize yourself, and also print it on your own! Even share your creation on social media! I once conducted a small survey on how much you guys would be willing to donate for my free paper doll printables, and mostly answered US$2 for a set of paper doll. Just imagine, for maybe US$0.99 or even free you can get unlimited set of paper dolls!

And here's where I need your help so together we can make the app happens, please tell me more about your ideal children's app, I want this app to be fully consumer driven, please fill in this survey to let me know about your thoughts. I can't offer much, but for every one of you who completed the survey, your name would be put on the app's free download list ;). You gotta be the first testers! So here goes, my first online survey, please please please share me your thoughts! Let's make one of my resolution  came true!

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Wikkistix (FREE) Workshop

I really really in full support of anything to get my 5 year olds off the screens (TV, Ipads, computers, handheld game consoles, etc). But then I maybe the one to blame since I'm ON screen most of the dayswhether it's replying emails or even trying to clear all those damn jellies (for those of you who is lucky enough to avoid the addiction and wondering what I'm talking about, it's a saccarine filled app game. Google for "candy" and "app". You'll see what I mean.) Guilty as well for bribing Big Sis G with a screen when she won't let me do my work, or when I'm driving, or when I try to chew my lunch. OK. There you go. My confessions of a tech addict mom.  

So, how do  you have a screen-free day, you say? You might remember WikkiStix from this post. Those sticky yarn thingy is a great great screen distraction. Those little tiny fingers might kept busy for a while longer. And the good news..... For my fellow Indonesian readers, you and your children can actually test drive the product, for free, >ehem< , FREE !!!  ... as in no charge at all, this Saturday, September 28th 2013 at Kinokuniya, Plaza Senayan. The workshop starts at 2 pm and only last for an hour, so, yes, don't be late at all!  Find or ask Kinokuniya staff for the event corner, yep, if you find Kinokuniya is too vast for you. There will also most certainly a huge Wikki Stix promotion, extra gift with purchase and all! 

To RSVP or any further inquires you may reach WikkiStix at http://wikkistixasia.com/contact-us/

Have fun creating, ladies! 

Ps. Since I live 2 hours drive from Jakarta (boooo!) I won't be attending the workshop myself, so if you please please please share with me your experience with WikkiStix to me! Any photos, tweets, FB updates or a sweet email would be fine! Tag me @babalisme! 

Merry Christmas

Have a Merry Jolly Christmas from all of us at Babalisme!

by the way, it's a pop up Christmas card from Muji, it is also free! How great is that? Just ask for their Holiday catalog and it's right there on the end of the book.

Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year for all of you folks too!

It's a BOY!

I won't be holding the vote any longer since June's almost over, so based on 12 votes, it's 7 for boys and 5 for girls. Real close, ladies, real close, I'm sorry but you girls have to wait till next time :). Thank you for all the voters!

And for my own what's-cooking-in-the-oven reveal.. it's also a B-O-Y. You're right, readers, your vote is exactly what I also have in my belly. Yay for blogger-reader mind reading :D!!

I'm gettting all your free printables ready, but in the mean time, here are some stuff you can stock up first for your baby boy shower/  little man's birthday/ mustache party. :)

Ties for decoration, thank you FullHouse for the inspiration! 

Matching t-shirts for the guests and/or the birthday boy! Shop at BirthdayCouture! 

Need a snack? What could be better than a batch of mustache cookies? Found one at ThePastryTart Bakery.

Hi Again

When one of my blogging pal said in an email nearly a year ago, "I think I gave up blogging, but we can still be in contact and I will still be an avid reader of your blog." I was "Whaaaa..aat??!" I enjoyed her blog very much , it's tidily structured and decorated, plus, she's one of those who update her blog regularly every week. She's even much more diligent on that part than I do. I was, "What has gotten to your mind? You can't give up now?!" Well, the same thing almost happened to me. I almost gave up blogging.

On my blogging hiatus, I was so consumed with life and all things happening around me, I was away from the keyboard for almost half a year. I do still read my favorite blogs and what my pals have to say on theirs, I enjoy blogosphere as usual, from outside, looking in. Well, now that I missed Easter, mother's day, father's day, The Queen's Jubilee, and lots of merry things we usually find here, I AM HERE now :) 

Sooo.. a quick catch up about me. I'm 7 months pregnant, it wasn't as easy as my first, so I partly blame the pregnancy for my blogging absent and Baby G is now almost 4. She will be when her sibling arrives. To my pride and joy, Baby G is now fully toilet trained (bye bye diapers, HA!)  and is a master on counting 1 -20 also knowing her ABCs. Pictured above is her own art exhibition.  

June is babalisme's annual FREE Party Printable Month, as usual, you will get to choose between two themes and the chosen one will be shared for free! I will reveal both themes tomorrow, and yes, it will be linked  to my pregnant mood. I hope you don't mind :D

glad to be back. xoxo. 

Rub a Dub Ducky

Like Ernie of Sesame Street, I do have a thing or two about rubber duckies. They utterly cute and happen to bear one of my favorite color, yellow!! And they squeak! I don't own a bath tub now and I certainly miss  taking a bath with those guys.

thank you Amesh for taking a picture of babalisme printables with your favor goodies!!

If you're a fan of the duck like me, check out a rubber ducky theme party hosted by Dreamesh for her son's 3rd birthday! It's a splash and get wet outdoor party, good thing to be Indonesians is you can host a summer-y party at any time of the year, and everyone seems to have a splashing good time!

Happy birthday, Yuara, and congratulations, *cough* an expecting mother, Amesh for throwing out such a great day! Yuara, enjoy your last moments of having your mom and dad solely for you. *evil laugh* just kidding. I know you'll be a good brother, Yuara. 

On the side note, the winner for kyandkin giveaway is allwiredup! Congrats, Dee! 

Winner!

Hello, folks, did you miss me? I think this year is my busiest to date, I have been on blog absents for most of the time, I'm so sorry! Not to worry, today's about good news only.

*fanfare*

I'm going to announce the winner of Cloud Street Lab giveaway! Thank you for all of you who came to participate and join the fun. If you don't win this time, you still have the chance to enter my other giveaway with goodies from kyandkin. Don't forget to increase your chances with additional entries! Soooo, about the winner..

*drumroll*

It's number 29, Jill Hogan, 14, Snowfairy, 23, Kimberly, 44, Kartika ,49, Elizabeth  ! You will be contacted soon by Cloud Street Lab to redeem your prize.

And for you, my lovely readers, there are lots and lots of Christmas ideas right here, so stay tune, everyone. Also, babalisme will be participating in Christmas Wonderful event at designdazzle ; 100+ craft ideas and 30+ blogs from all around the world pitching in for a wonderful, crafty, and even edible Christmas projects. Don't you dare miss it!

Much Needed

Katherine Kalleklec's cards, found on brothers borg.

Hi everyone. Have you noticed anything changed on this blog? It's slightly changed, you probably won't notice it but, thank you if you do :) SO .. I finally decided to give it a makeover, 3 years in the run and I think the blog deserves some face lift. In fact, the blog really need one! Do tell me what you think! do you have any more suggestion?

And I also want to tell you that I may not be really available to you during Idul Fitri Holiday break, but I try as much as I can to be online. :D I can't breath without puffing some http nowadays. Cheers!

Surprise Surprise

Guess what, after countless projects and wonderful clients for these 3 long years, *drumroll* I'm finally opening my own site!! *applause please! what? no applause? sigh, a little smile perhaps? :) thank you! I know you can do it!*

I have had been asked numerous times, "What is your Etsy shop link?" or "Why won't you open up an Etsy shop?". Sadly, but I think Etsy is not for me. There are a lot of substitutes for Etsy, of course, but I have look around and can't find one that fits babalisme.

So here it is, my own babalisme dot com. It's still under construction, but I can't wait to share the news with you, I'm sharing it now!! Please be sure to drop by again when the store's held its grand opening. I'll tell you when for sure! Also my new facebook page and twitter account. I know I'm not much of a FBer or tweeter but I'll try my best! Like and follow me please :D because more surprises coming right up!

On the lighter side of surprises this week, I won a giveaway at cocomomo. This is the first time I've ever won a giveaway held by fellow Indonesian, and I'm quite surprise the snail mail package arrived in less than a week. Usually if I won something from abroad, it'd take months to arrive. By the way, ain't the camera pouch cute? Check out cocomomo for more pouch-y cutey.

Hey Hey

Hey there, if you were wondering if I am still here or have ended up in a morgue somewhere, well I'm here. Sorry to disappoint you, though I hope you're not, and I secretly hope you're happy instead. I have been busy with my works (who says freelancers has much "free" time?) and planning the big surprise. The surprise would be a great big leap for me since I'm always a scaredy cat on anything. I learnt how to swim at age 12 (*roll eyes* I know!!!) So, I'm really hoping all of you loyal readers of babalisme the blog would give me a huuugeeeeee support on this one. Fingers crossed, I hope all go well.

And some info on the matryoshka party kit, tomorrow will be the last one. Can't wait to see your parties/projects using the free printable. Anyway the kit will be a surprise too. I just love surprises.

And, Oh! All these eye candies were from my latest find in home decor blogosphere, sukkertoy for oyet which coincidentally means "candies for the eyes". It need some goggle translator in action, but it was worth all the 3 seconds translating.

Do you have some new blog finds? Let's share! I love reading new blogs!

JUNE Pick A Theme

It's finally here again! Babalisme's anniversary free printable month!!! Can't believe it's Babalisme's third year on the blogosphere and I'm really really anxious too see that followers count into 1000! one thousand! That's many followers! Thank you!

So as a gratitude towards Babalisme's loyal readers I'm going to make a party kit for you, FREE download, FREE printables! Personal use only though.. Just make sure you don't sell it afterwards. Anyhoo, if you are reading this post and feel left out, here are one of the previous year party kit in Lemonade theme, still available to download FREEEE!! (why the heck I keep stressing the word FREE?) or just browse through the "printable" categories and you'll be taken to a full array of free printable.

For now, pick your favorite themes!! The theme with most votes will be made into a party kit and will be shared for free at the blog. Without further ado.... *drumroll* Please welcome theme number one.....

in the blue corner.... The Queen of all Craft world, the darling in every crafters' heart, the Russian celebrity.... Matryoshka party theme!!! Let's hear you scream TEAM MATRYOSHKA in the comment to vote for this lady!

In the red corner... A rookie contender of croissants, macaroons, and everything nice, A French girls special... Le Petite Poupee!! or.. er... The Little Dolly, in Parisian style. If you like her so much, please comment : TEAM POUPEE!

So there you go. Use your own imagination in how each theme could be addressed in a party. And along with your vote, let us know, what will there be in your party!

Vote away, dearies!

Thank you!

Wonder Felt Winner

Congrats chimerathreads! You just won a Big Little Felt Universe book from LarkCrafts.

the winner made this! Isn't she awesome?!

Thank you everyone for joining in and I'm so sorry I picked the winner 2 hours earlier, I had plane to catch and I'm worried that in my destination I won't get connection. I had fun anyway! Keep your eyes open for next giveaway!

***edit *** I'm so sorry that I have not heard anything in reply from chimerathreads, I have picked another winner it's #56 theenchantedtree! Congrats, Tree! (Her real name is Tree, I know! How awesome is that! )

Lemonade {for} Life

When one of my nice readers asked me in an email, "Have you uploaded all the Lemonade Party Kit?" I had to say, "Unfortunately, yes, for now." and that reminded me that I owe the rest of you readers the announcement as well. Yes, the Lemonade Party Kit printables are done. Please do use them in your parties or simply just because. Like these kids from volumetwentyfive. Visit them for more photos and tips to make that utterly cute and effortless lemonade stand.


Here are the Lemonade Party Kit links, in case you missed one:
invitation
cupcake topper/stickers
napkin rings/garlands
favor box

Do share your own party photos with us!

..and the winner is..

..TEAM LEMONADE! now cheer up everyone! (insert cheering sounds instead of those ol' crickets')
Thank you voters, don't get to bum up when your pick is not winning, I am sure to throw another printable party someday, I'll make sure the two others get their share on the spotlight.

Well-o, ladies, to warm things up, I'll give you a lemonade party inspiration this time, since like we have all predicted, this is not the first time someone threw a lemonade theme party, but you might be the one throwing it in babalisme's printables :). Tomorrow (save it in your schedule), will be the grand appearance of the first printable from the series. Stay tune! Happy Monday!

Silly Bee Chickadess

Lorajean's Magazine

vol.25 blog

And a few things for the party you know can't be printed...

Lemon Cloth Table Napkins by IrineDesign

Napkins set by ColorFunky

Yellow plastic mugs from BinspiredVintage

Lemonade Stand Dress for 18m by MyLittleGirlsCloset

You might want to visit our friend, Martha, too for the food and beverages dept, you know she's more reliable than me on this one. Just ask her a.k.a fill in her recipe search box and you will be granted with mouth watery delights! One of them is pictured above.

Pick your Theme

I'm going to make a party kit this month for regular babalisme free printable. Yes, you heard it right. C'mon, where's the excitement? (enter cricket sounds) OK, I give up, I still make the printables anyway. Sew, if you would be kind and vote for your favorite theme, you can download and print your favorite theme party kit for FREE!! Now, can I have the excitement? No? (enter more cricket sounds). It's my birthday month? ( enter even more cricket sounds and a lament song)

(awkward line) All right-y then, let's get down to the themes.

First one is Strawberry Field Wardrobe. Many of you ask a girly theme along with nature and tea party twist. Pots and cups are nice but you've seen them anywhere. If you like this one comment : TEAM STRAWBERRY!

I always feel bad if I only make one gender happy. So boyish theme coming up, very summer-y, say hello to Sailor Boy. His dog was named Popeye. If you like this one comment : TEAM SAILOR!


And I feel worse thinking many of you might want to entertain both genders at home. So if life gives you lemons, you make a lemonade theme party!! If you like this one comment : TEAM LEMONADE!

Here's a close up of each main pattern for you to look at.


Done looking? Be an extra dear and vote, people! Thank you!

I . Heart . Liam

I am super picky about toilets. I must have mentioned about this at least once in my blog because it's so me. The only one thing I ask before going to some place is "Do they have a decent toilet?" if the answer is no, I won't be there for longer than 4 hours (that's the longest I can hold, without any incident) My husband jokes that I would die in the desert not because of thirst or hunger but because I couldn't hold it any longer and I wouldn't do number one or number two in hot sands without any covers and no ceramic man made hole. And since modern toilet comes with the bathtub/shower that goes for them too. I can't take a bath in the river. No. Never. Mountain climbing for days? As much as I love nature,.... No.

..that was before I read about Liam. I was so humiliated, disgraced, and torn apart inside when I read about him. You can read about the heartbreaking story here, but I can give a brief introduction about Liam.

Liam, recently 6, is diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder called Spinal Muscular Atrophy type 2. He is able to play, move out and about thanks to his special chair called the Snap Dragon, which he has been using for 4 years, and been a happy and outgoing child ever since. Using the bathroom, as we may have figured, not very easy for Liam to do all by himself. Liam's mother, Lynn, has been assisting him. To my personal shame and guilt, Lynn has decided to remodel their bathroom to be as accessible as possible for Liam to do everything on his own. You can read about more detail here.


I felt like a snobby Queen with the most irrational pet peeve. My heart breaks for Liam and his family, though in the blog we always see them smiling and happy, things are not sugar coated in real life and they are real person after all (here).

If you are moved, touched, or like me, changed after reading about Liam, please head here for your support. You can either donate things for the giveaway or buy a ticket for Liam's bathroom remodeling. If you want to buy a ticket you will need a Paypal account along, but if you kindly ask Lynn, maybe you can manage to buy a ticket without Paypal. But the most important thing, is to spread the news around, so hopefully Liam's get a new bathroom this summer and I will get over my silly pet peeve immediately. Thank you Liam for the inspiration and be strong Lynn and Ben.

Thank you all babalisme readers.
xo.