The Bobbling Deads

This is Halloween month, The Walking Dead returns with new season, and if you're one of the millions thrilled by those undeads (and a few living ones), you'd love Whoppass Enterprises' new line of the Bobbling Deads. What are the Bobbling Deads, you say? In 5 words : zombified booble-head of you. Yes, you! Ever imagine what would you like missing a limb, blood gushing out of your body, and gritting your teeth through your bloody lips? Or maybe surprising your friends and family with their version of zombie? Well, you can order one now from Whoppass Enterprises.

I had a lovely chance chatting with Whoopass Enterprise's founder, so here it is, a bit of our conversation ..

 - When/where did you start this business?

Whoopass Enterprises began in December of 2003.  We launched it after our trip to Mexico where we saw a custom bobblehead and got in touch with the artist.  You can read more about the story here: http://www.whoopassenterprises.com/about-us/our-story/

- What makes your product different than competitors?

Our company is based in the United States and works with you to make sure your bobblehead is designed especially how you want it.  We speak your language and make sure everything is done to your specifications.  Other companies are shipping these overseas and don't have a solid understanding of what you want and a lot can be lost in translation.  At Whoopass Enterprises, you talk to our customer service person in Chicago, and we go above and beyond to make sure you'll be pleased.

- What makes your product/service special?

Our customer service and attention to detail is what makes us special.  We really want our products to be something you're proud to display and will work with you to revise things until you're happy.

- Who's your target market?

Anyone with a fun sense of humor!  These go well for anything from a gag gift to a wedding cake topper, and anything between.

- What's the biggest obstacle when you first starting out?

Being able to produce custom dolls quickly and effectively.

- How do you overcome it?

Instead of producing them in China like other companies, we work with partners in Mexico.  It makes communication much easier, allows us to keep costs down, and provides customers with a better overall experience.

- What's is your best selling product?

Our completely custom dolls are the most popular, but the Groomsmen bobbleheads are also extremely popular.  Seasonally, our zombie bobbleheads do very well around the Halloween season.

- How do you see your business in the future?

We really hope people will start using our "build your own bobblehead" custom applet.  This is a cool app that allows users to select clothing and accessories, customize their bobblehead doll however they want, and submit it online.  It reduces the back and forth and makes sure we get things right the first time so you don't have a lot of revisions!

Did I mention that you can even customize your own zombie pose? Yes, you can! It's so much fun playing zombie without having to apply and wash all those fake bloods. Be sure to drop by and get your own Booble Deads figures! 

Happy Halloween! 

Melon for Summer!

The sun, the air, the breeze, the crickets' chirping, the ice creams.. Summer is approaching, as anyone can tell. Sure that it made no different for me, living by the equator, I get the whole sun to myself, but I can always relate to the 4 seasons in the world. Let's say, I love to celebrate, and this is one of my excuse.

The other reason that I love to celebrate different season is .. fashion! If you think dressing up for four different season is exhausting, try living in only muumuus for the rest of your life! Fret not, this is the right season to let your muumuus out.


Considering getting your pint sized half a new summer dress? Say hello to melimelon. She sews the prettiest summer dress for little girls I have ever seen.
A mother of two beautiful girls (5 and 9, nice pair!) herself, she decided to open an Etsy shop dedicating for girls' dress. She's a proud stay at home mama from Barcelona (hey, it rhymes!) and also a freelance graphic designer. She was too kind when she answered my questions ..

Who teaches you to make your own clothes/ what makes you start to sew?
When I was a child, my mother always made the clothes for me and my sisters, so I spend a lot of hours looking at her while working and learning how to sew and make patterns. When she left us a few years ago I became the new owner of her sewing machine and a lot of vintage and never used fabrics. My oldest daughter is so thin and tall, that conventional sizes in the shops never fit her well, so I started to sew new dresses for her and that's how everything began.

Let's say you're a piece of fabric, what would you be an why?
Think I would be a traditional fabric like silk, with a spring and colourful pattern (like butterflies and a lot of flowers). I’m always a very optimist and happy woman, so I don’t identify myself with solid fabrics nor dark colours.

What's the greatest reward in this business?
Always when a customer, after receiving my clothes, tells me how happy is a girl wearing one of my designs. After all, my final customers are the kids, not their parents...
On the contrary, what's the most sacrificing thing you have ever done in favor of the business?
I’ve recently took part of my first craft show and it was really a sacrifice for me: I had to wake up very early on a cold and snowy sunday and stare there freezing for hours. I’m pretty shy, so it was very hard for me to talk to customers face to face for the first time too, but it was worthy, as I had several high priced dresses sold.

Which celebrity kids you're dying to make a dress for?
In Spain we don’t have any celebrity kids, here it’s not allowed to publish their faces. Otherwise, I don’t have TV connection at home, so I don’t know much about the celebrities world... but yes, I would be glad if any of them was wearing one of my dresses.


Yes or no : Matching dress with your toddler? (..and why?)
Maybe I would wear the same fabric, but not the same style/design. I’ve never made matching outfits for me and my daughters, probably because we have very different styles. Yes, I think that every little girl has her own style!
Finally, what piece of clothing you'd never ever make?
I don’t like “sexy” clothes for little girls, think they’ll have a lot of time to wear those when they have grown. I always try to make my designs playful and comfortable, just as toddlers are.


Wow, don't we think alike? I hate sexy clothes on little girls too. So, if you're still reading up to this point, you're in luck, melimelon offers a free shipping promo anywhere in the world for babalisme's reader. Just mention "babalisme" upon your checkout at Etsy and enjoy your summer.

It's time for another interview!! I'm so excited! And today's I'm very lucky to have the chance to interview Tracy of plingstore!! Gee, when's the last time we have a jewelry maker around this blog? So, Tracy graduated with a degree in TV directing, how cool is that, but no, now she doesn't even watch it. She's more of a movie person than a TV one, and obviously she's too busy making jewelries. A retail version of pling is planned to hit one of Singpore's streets, another reason to visit the sunny island.

Tracy loves photographing random things, but never herself. She also enjoys art and occasionally writes and does graphic designs for her own store. She also lives with my elderly stroke-patient mum and is the sole caregiver. pling allows her to really work from home and care for her (...quit your day jobs now, ladies!! NOW!) Think she's an angel? She also has something for you, my dear readers. Purchase 2 or more pieces from plingstore and get a 10% off your entire purchase! Savings of at least US$8 is in store for you. Just enter "babalisme" in message to seller at her etsy store or www.plingstore.com (promo code). Promotion ends December 9th, 2009. She is having a free international shipping promo too in favor of your Christmas shopping this year.

Let's get the interview started, then!!


What started Pling?
I'm been a wearer of accessories since I know how to dress up and I think a piece of accessory makes your outfit different and adds oomph. I love mixing and matching the new and the vintage jewelry I inherited from my mum or through finds overseas.

I've been creating accessories for friends (guys included!) since my uni days. My style has changed significantly and I do different jewelry at different stages of my life. I think it's a reflection of who I am, what influences me and what I feel touched about.


I created pling two years ago, incorporating it in Singapore to give a peace of mind to my online blogshoppers. Initially, I bought accessories from overseas to sell, but that increasingly became unsatisfying because the prices may be too high with that type of quality. I thought I could do better than this and it has always been important that I use my heart, hands and mind in the creation of the pieces - mixing colors, textures and styles that could transcend different periods and continents.


What style of jewelry you are you drawn too?
I love jewelry that is a mix of eclecticism, Romanticism, vintage and eco-friendliness. My creations say that with my various obsessions (What's life without some form of obessions right?). I love making jewelry with wooden materials, vintage keys, hand stamped words and earth themed charms.
Among the sole type of jewelry; necklace, earrings, ring, and bangles/bracelet, which is your favorite?
Can I only choose one? I'm never without a necklace-earrings combi. I think an outfit changes with what you throw on your necklace, using your blouse/dress as a backdrop. With one necklace, it can be quirky; with another, it becomes glamorous; and with another, it becomes city chic. There are just too many permutations to play with. A bonus, necklaces accentuate the best part of your upper body, be it your sexy collarbones, your defined jawline, or your chest.

Earrings really light up your face, whether there are blings or not. They bring attention to a woman's shoulders if they are long. For studs, I love to play with colors and textures. I feel kinda of naked without earrings, like I'm dressed to head out of the house!


Do you have a piece of jewelry you never take off?
Nope. I love to mix and match according to my mood of the day, and what I'm wearing, and who I'm meeting.
Which celebrity(ies) looks perfect in your creations?
1. Audrey Tautou - I'm very inspired by my Paris trip and I think she can take some many looks - classic French, romantic elegance, boyish chic, and party glamor.
2. Bjork - She supports handmade and wear fashion made by her friends. She is pretty gothic at times, and yet, she looks so childlike. I feel that my toy necklaces would suit her personality.
3. Ellen Page - She is eclectic.
4. aiko and Becky (from Japan)

What is the best kept secret in jewelry making business?
Don't think it qualifies as a secret though. First, never make something that you are not going to wear. Second, pray for wisdom and guidance for your HEART and hand when you are creating the pieces.

Meet Thea (pronounce it like "thea" in "theater"). She brings her imaginary friends to life with her outstanding stitchery skill. And do they look good in fabric and felt. ...and she's only 18. Yes, eeeeiiighttteeen!! Envy. Envy.

Thea's shop on Etsy called Lucy's Colorful Dreams are displaying these little creatures here, and if you're swift enough to grab now, you're in luck, she's having a sale right now until Nov, 1st. Her blog, the LoversCanvas can be viewed here.

In all of my interview, I never edit my participants' answers, let it be their notations, use of capital letters, etc, I like the irregularities as they bring out the characters of the interviewees, even if it's only from their typing habit. So, Thea here had warned me about her punctuation and her random mind walking that could put a 4 year old toddler into deep shame. That's what she told me, not me mocking her, I swear! Seriously, I think it might be one of her charm, and please put this in mind while you're reading. You have been warned!


Where do you find the images of your handmade creatures? Do they appear regularly in your dreams, sketches from your childhood, or what?
In all honesty I have absolutely no clue haha. I’ll be in bed (this is why I keep a drawing pad under my bed at night) and I’ll wake up and have this image of something draw it and then finish it in the morning haha. Just little sprits of creativity. I still like to think that I have the imagination of a 4 year old, I’m a total little kid in a big kids body dealing with all the responsibilities of a adult.
Certain sounds in music will set of a design cause I try to think what it would look like in physical form.
Is that just a little weird? Hehe
As a little kid I had tons and tons and tons of plushies I still have them all and sleep with one occasionally I haven’t kept any of my own plushies for myself but I will one day I’m sure haha.
Plushies can be your best friend, another plushies enemy, they’re just such a source of pleasure and imagination, That I feel that everyone needs one cause they just take you back ya know?

How do people around you initially react towards your creatures?
My wonderful amazing boyfriend/future fiancé absolutely adores my plushies.
Just about everyone that’s seen them loves them or just thinks they’re ok (generally those who are closed minded and don’t like out of the ordinary things lol) Me well I’m my best critic and I will admit I have scrapped a couple critters even after the stuffing process cause they just didn’t come out right, but even I’m surprised with how adorable my things are here and there ^_^

How does living in Las Vegas affect you and/or your creatures?
Well living in Vegas is a new thing we only just moved here a few months ago, I’m a California grown girl whose moved around quite a lot, born and raised in San Francisco, Santa Rosa, San Rafael, Hawaii (yes Hawaii, Maui), then back to California and now here in Nevada, personally I haven’t found it to affect my business at all, but I don’t have TOO many options for craft shows which is a big bummer when California both north and south have such awesome opportunities. (But living in Nevada will change with the coming of the new year)

Speaking of business, when and how did you first see making dolls as an opportunity?
Another thing I can honestly say I have no idea haha, umm well I am a avid poster on the threadbanger forums and I think it was just me starting to want to sew because I was seeing all these other people creating. A phone call to my mom resulting in my mom buying me a sewing machine and then getting some fabric drawing up my own pattern and going for it. I’ve taught myself how to do everything I’ve been doing. Just a few online tutorials here and there. My mom tried to teach me how to sew when I was little but I just didn’t have the attention span nor the patience to figure it out lol.

What is the most challenging thing to face in your business?
Definitely getting enough attention, there are so many other amazing shops with just as equally great plushies so theres A LOT of competition, but that doesn’t stop me I’m always up for a challenge. ^_^

Do you have a favorite among your creatures?
Hmmmmmmm, well I have quite a few, one that I actually haven’t posted yet is just sooo soo cute ^_^ it just makes me make that face every time I see it haha. As for the ones that are up I adore my owl Owen, Wub, Harper, My wonderful zombie couple, and mummy boy whom I sold was def a favorite, I put so much time and so much love into each of my critters that they all really do have a soul.


What is the most memorable compliment from a satisfied customer you have ever received?
Probably the custom order dinosaur I just did for seriously the sweetest women in Ireland. She came to me saying that my adorable spots the dinosaur (who just sold actually) looked exactly like what she wanted just a few alterations needed to be done. So she sent me the picture and I worked my magic. Through out the whole process she was just the sweetest thing ever, and I would gladly do business with her again. It wasn’t so much what she said that made me happy its the intentions she had for the little dinosaur. But every compliment I’ve received on my little critters have all meant the world to me, people opinions really matter to me when it comes to stuff I create cause I want it to appeal to them.
On the contrary, what it the meanest, heart breaking criticism you have ever heard?
I haven’t gotten anything heart breaking yet, but whenever I go into chats on etsy, or show my stuff to people, I think the thing that hurts the most is just my stuff not getting posted or people just doing that kind of non chalant kind of response where they just say uh huh ya that nice.

Ok, that's it for now, thank you for your time!!
Your most welcome, thank you! For wanting to interview me it’s a absolute pleasure <3

Curioser and curiouser ...

Welcome into an imagined wonderland, say hello to LaCurioshar ! I was browsing Etsy for handmade Halloween cards, well, the more gothic and adult Halloween, and I stumbled upon this lovely twenty something girl's creation. After a few chat turns up that lovely Shalimma is Indonesian!! Wow, I never expected that!!! Etsy is such a small place after all! :)
If I have to describe her works in only a word, it must be "whimsical". The colors, the tone, the moods, and the overall theme seem to bring you into a world you only dare to dream, a very romantic one I must say, no, not the casanova romantic, but rather a childlike innocence with a touch of romance. You are not only buying prints from LaCurioshar, but also a story, that's what makes Shalimma's print stands out! Check out her 'story' about Handsome Dan, an eagle headed gentleman (or is it an eagle with a gentleman's body and attitude?) :

Everyone would cheered each time Dan Eaglehead walks into a room. Not only he is very dandy, he is also a real gentleman with a very good sense of humor. He is what you will proudly call “a jolly good fellow”. Three cheers for Handsome Dan! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!

Oh, that naive description. Oh, those cheers. Oh, Handsome Dan!! See, like I told you, you're buying a whole lot of a package here! Want to know more about the lady behind Handsome Dan? Do continue reading, folks!

Tell me a bit about yourself!
I am in my late twenty, love books, and love to try things out , and have an acute scatterbrain problem (mentally I am still a toddler)

What inspired/motivated you to work in this craft?
My growing infatuation with greeting cards and the likes prolly started since I was 6 or 7, as I began to collect them I also began to make my own. Art and graphic design are also a big part, although I don’t really have a background education on both, I am always sort of drawn into it. Now with design software programs and digital printing-shops, it is so much easier to have your own design printed the way you wanted it to be.

Is it your childhood's dream to work as an artist?
Nope, I wanted to be a pirate! Yarrrr!!!

How would you describe your perfect day?
My perfect day would be waking up early in the morning, have a yummy breakfast, then out with my sister/best buddies to go thrifting or museum-hopping continued by browsing bookshops and then we go watch a good movie after dinner. And by the time I come home all happy and tired, there’s an e-mail saying that I just got a sale on my Etsy, YAY!

What's the best thing(s) to get you in the mood of making art?
One of those dream-like state when I get those fuzzy feelings when inspiration struck me and I couldn’t stop working until it is done right.

What is it like living in Jakarta? How does it influence you and/or your work?
Jakarta is vibrant, noisy, and unpredictable. Despite everything, Jakarta is an interesting melting pot where people and their cultures collide. I think I kinda infused those elements into my works, if I live in the country I think my works will be much “quiet”.

What is the most common reaction from people toward your art?
Unusual and un- Indonesian, for whatever that means… hehehe…..(ah, I'm not the only one then...)

If you were able to transform into one animal, what would it be and why?
Dolphins travel in what it seemed to be a friendly and fun-loving pack and yet they have a certain respect from other creatures of the sea including sharks. I think it will be grand to be one of ‘em.

What are we going to swoon over next in your shop?
I will be working on Christmas-themed card-sets and ornaments, while trying out some new craft. I also plan to make a woodland-inspired pincushions , as soon as I found the perfect teacups…..

..and great minds do think alike. If you love craft and tutorials, visit her daily blog for inspiration. I love hanging out at ThisSundayChild for inspirations. Personally love the recycled mailers box tutorial. Thank you for the chat, Shalimma!

All About Rice Babbies.

No, I'm not encouraging you to be a cannibal eating rice with babies (uugh) nor I'll be talking about farming, because I believe that's not my expertise either. But I do enjoy rice in my every meal as much as I enjoy ...dolls! Yep, that's what I'm talking about. Rice Babies is a name of a blog and an etsy shop of Kellie, an art teacher by day, doll maker by night, and a 24/7 mom of two boys. What? Do the boys play with pretty dolls? Relax, ladies, she has a lot of nieces and other customers, so her boys are doing just fine with dinasours and superheroes.

Kellie started out the business by, being an art teacher, she saw plenty of blond hair with blue eyes images coming up now and then from the hands of litte girls who don't possess those quality. (As a matter of fact, my mother in law just bought Baby G a doll that looks like Sherly Temple, and I let her play with it, so this issue knows no boundaries! I even experienced this!) Kellie then determines to have all girls growing up seeing more of themselves, so she started to make custom dolls under the name of Rice Babies. She's so nice to let me bother her with (silly) questions, so I'll let you know her and Rice Babies better. Here go..

If you have to choose (say, I put a really sharp knife on your most expensive fabric), which one will it be, being a full time mom, a doll-maker or a teacher?
I would have to choose being a full time mom over anything, because with my kids I am actually all three mom, teacher and they help me stay creative. My kids inspire me to create and also to be the best me I can be everyday.


What is the best part of being a mom-trepreneur?
The best part of having your own business is having creative control and also flexible working hours.

What's the most challenging thing you have to face in this business?
The most challenging obstacle I face, is the same reason I made my dolls, there weren't enough choices for Asian dolls. My market is small and so it can be hard to reach people looking for what I offer. I have made dolls for halfies and a few other non Asian dolls, and its always fun, but I would like people to know my dark haired beauties are out there.

How do you juggle your time and thoughts between your princes and doll-making?
I juggle everything by putting my kids first, when they are happy and healthy, I have more time to create. I daydream and sketch ALL the time. I sew and design as I lay in bed at night, if I need to I get up and make it when all are asleep. Like most moms, I am a so called "mid night crafter", when the kids are asleep, I get to sew, and design.

As a child, what doll do you spend a lot of time with?
As a child, I had a prized doll, a My Friend Mandy, I recently saw one one the Wee Wonderfuls site.


What's the most funny/embarrassing moment as an art teacher?
One of the funniest moments as an art teacher was a day when I was teaching my students to make dino bones out of clay. It was close to end of school so all the kids were excited and talking a lot. I told them to raise their hands but I wouldn't answer any question until after the demo. I answered the question of a boy who had his hand up for the longest. He said, "how come sometimes when you talk , you sound like a cowgirl?" I laughed, and replied , "because I am originally from Texas".

What's the best reaction you have ever received from satisfied customer?
So far I have been touched by all my reactions, but a comment one lady made, was the point where I decided that however slowly, people will find my dolls when they need them. She said "I would have loved to have had a doll I could play with that looked like me as a child. Not dressed in a kimono or cheongsam, either, just a little girl doll wearing every day clothes that happened to be Asian or half Asian like me."
It was an awesome feeling.

I agree with the cheongsam thing, it's a really big misunderstanding, really. So, thank you Kellie for your time and passion!! I hope more Rice Babies are in the hands of tiny little girls of any races anywhere in the world. Want on yourself? Your welcome to take a look around the shop!

This Girl can Draw!!

It's time for another illustrator interview!! I'm so excited, that Noemi Manalang lives in Jakarta, Indonesia! Well, hello, neighbor!! Noemi was born in the Philippines 19 years ago (I envy her youth!) but she has spent her whole life in Indonesia. Having a painting lesson as a child, she didn't automatically pursue a painting career nor joining an academically painting schools, she's self trained and much much experimenting on her own afterward. She has been in several exhibitions, and in her leisure, still very much enjoy viewing other art exhibitions. She took fashion design in my course, but yes, she still constantly draws (Thank Heaven for that!).


I just love how her flowy, soft, and subtle watercolor first caught my eyes, as a girly kind a girl, I always have a soft spot for soft watercolor illustrations. I must say that I really connected to her illustrations mainly because I'm a girl, and her poetic, dreamy illustrations seem like my own thoughts. Well, if you're in love with her illustrations too, you can always check out her shop, niminami on Etsy. Now's in time to get to know her personally!


What's your most favorite thing to draw?
Leaves are my favourite. And eversince I took a course in fashion design, painting watercolour girls has become one of my favourites too. Sometimes I also like doodling some text art. It depends on my mood.

What/who inspires you the most?
I'm inspired by the things around me. Mainly about nature & people. Sometimes, when I look out the window, I could just stare at a beautiful tree and admire it from a distance. (ah, we do get a lot of beautiful trees here) Then maybe I start drawing it. Little and simple things inspire me and give me ideas.

What's the sweetest thing a person has said about your work(s)?
It was when a friend of mine wrote a comment about my artworks that she wishes to have my hands. Well, not literally cut it of course. Hehe meaning the ability to draw, if you know what I mean. But every compliment is the sweetest thing.

On the contrary, what's the biggest, heart crushing, gut melting criticism you have ever taken?
I have yet to face some criticism. Hopefully, if ever, it would be constructive. Something that will push me to improve.

Is there any things (objects/techniques/material,etc) you wish to master more right now?
Recently, I've just moved from oils to watercolours. Its very light and flowy compared to the heavy oil paints so I have yet to learn more of it. I think it suits my personality more.

This is a little out of the topic, but how do you like living in Jakarta, not to mention the recent suicide bombing?
Oh, the suicide bombing. Such an unfortunate thing that happened and to the poor victims. It's scary, but it doesn't mean I don't want to live here again. I grew up here and there are good people here. Some deserve to be punished for what they've done against humanity.

Finally, what's your biggest beast in making art? (by "beast" I mean obstacles, hindrances, or anything else that put you of making good art, like laziness, perhaps? well, that's my beast :))
Ah, yess, like laziness.. Its procrastinating. I usually put things off till to later because I always think there's still lots of time. Time is money. Hehe its something I have to change.



Thank you for your time, Noemi!!

Meet Monsana!

...no..Monsana is not the name of this bear...but the creator of B (that's the name of the bear, if you were wondering) and the owner of the lovely shop called Brand Appliqué. She just opened it a few months agot and got some new listings yesterday, so be sure to visit her and give her some love! I called her shop, which is stuffed by wonderful letterpress cards and papers, not to mention their neat packaging, clean and modern, in a design-y kinda way. On the contrary, her style still somehow reflects a homy feeling too, when other design-y shops seem to lack of. (Oh just look at B the bear!)


Monsana is taken from the word Manzana in Spanish, apparently, the mis-spelled one. But it sounds catchy and the dear lady decide to go with the name. I really love talking to her, as she seems to have many things to share (and indeed she does), so I chat her a little more..but if you really really want to know here, just visit her lovely blog, or you just want to skip our chitchat and start ordering those high quality letterpress for yourself ? Head to her website for more info. If you're here for the coversation, here it is...

What's your main source of inspiration?
Anything that opens my eyes to the new experience.

When and how did you decide to sell handmade stuffs?
When I was in college. I wanted to use my free time to make some extra money, which turned out to be a huge success and later had become my serious business for a while until I decided to pursue my other dreams. I think part of the success was because I was young and bold and willing to take a risk.

I noticed that you do some design works as well, how to balance those two acts; designing and making handmades?
Design is one thing, craftsmanship is another. Although I wanted to have it all but in reality it's impossible. I used to make everything by myself but later got burned out that I felt drained of creativity. At a.angkana, I positioned myself as a creator, I design, select the right materials, and have my team made it. My secret is to have great teamwork.

In designing, which comes first; the clients' satisfaction or your creative idealism?
I have to say clients' need come first. The clients know their business better than anyone else. Besides, it's their budget they're spending. I won't abuse their money to fulfill my creative idealism. I do that to my own brand. :) Brand Applique shop is my creative outlet. I get to do anything I wanted to do without having to concern about demographics, target audience, and trend. Although the sales're not skyrocketing but so far, I'm enjoying it.

Do you have any works that you can call your "masterpiece" so far?
I loved every piece I created, yet won't call them 'masterpiece'. I'm looking for a way to put my skills to good use... you know.. like designing something that improves our society and people's lives. I would call that my masterpiece.



On the contrary, any works you wish people wouldn't find out about?
Yes I do. But if I told you then people would find out about them. ;) Let's keep the skeleton in the closet.

What new skills you wish to master right now?
Networking skills. I'm always envious of people who know how to build and keep up their social networking.

If you're not a designer, what would you do now?
If I weren't a designer, I would do what I'm doing now. I've been living my life. The sky has no limit and I LOVE exploring new territories. Currently, I'm into marketing and branding. I'm also looking into MBA program.

What's the best tips/suggestions/ words of wisdom you have ever received as a designer?
I'm not sure I can call it the tip or suggestion, it's more like a hint. And it came from a design legend who was one of the greatest designer in the 20th century. I got to sit down and had a meeting with him, back in Chicago. At that time, I had already been doing great in my career. My work had been recognized but I was looking to have more exposure. So I was excited to meet the guy. We talked about work, trend, his work ethic, and his life. He gave me a hint as to what I was about to get myself into if my desire was to become a design legend. It's going to be long hours of work, no days off, no vacation, and no life. If that's my goal, he asked me to go back and see him.

And that's my turning point.

I spent a few days contemplating his words. Then decided that's not how I see myself living it. My priority's not my work, it's the people I love. I can live without fame. So I stopped working long hours and started paid attention to people around me. These days I'm doing well with my work-life balance. I've been living my life and enjoyed every moment of it. had I not met up with him then, I won't be where I am now.


Any tips for new designers/ Etsy sellers?
Etsy folks, you're doing good already. We're in the same boat though as I'm new to Etsy as well. As long as we stay optimistic and work hard (don't go extreme on that, would you?) good things will happen to us.

Design folks, I may not be in a position to give you any tip as I'm a rebel one :) Ok.. one thing I can say from my experience. Ever since, I stopped and smelled the roses, I've been doing even better than before!. The secret is I spend more time being out and scouting new territories than sitting at my desk flipping through design magazines. New experiences're great sources of my inspiration for creating great work.


Lastly, thanks Babalisme for having me here today!
(well, your welcome, Monsana! My pleaseure to have you here! )

Cuteness Invasion!

I love dolls. I am not ashamed to say it and I say it again: I love dolls. I grew up with lots of Barbies (No, I didn't cut their hair or pull their legs off, not that I'm not "creative" or simply mean, I just hate to see my toys ruined, I used to save my allowance buying them, why would I want to wreck them?) Carebears, and MyLittlePonies, but now I'm more into limited handmade dolls. They have more unique design and the whole look you won't find on the racks of mega toyshops everywhere.

Of course, as a kid, there's a stiff competition of "Have you had the latest Transformer/Barbie/Ben10/etc toys?" in the playground, and I swear by my pants, it's not easy not to be carried away. Suddenly your own esthetic is determined by your so-called playmates, and not having the latest trendiest toys is automatically getting wipe out of their friend list. Not to mention the daily advertisements intake and cartoon networks alike.

So, if I had the chance to be a kid again today, I'll invest on handmade, down to earth, friendly looking kind of dolls. Heck, even if I were a granny today, I buy one to keep me company. And talk about handmade dolls, meet my new friend beecah! Crafter extraordinaire and *drumroll* excellent doll maker! C'mon look at these lovelies! You don't have to be a kid to fall in love with these beauties aren't you? Interested? Read more to find out about beecah!

Hello, beecah!

When was the first time you interested in making dolls?
I only started making dolls last year, before that I was sewing anything else I could get my hands on, especially quilts and bags, making toys and dolls seemed to be a natural progression. Ever since I was a little kid, I have always been making, drawing, inventing, rearranging… always using my hands and my imagination.

What inspires you the most?
Everything and anything, but I really love children’s illustrations, especially Golden Books from the 1950s and 60s… I love the style of illustration!



Got a personal favorite and least favorite among your creations?
I seem to fall in love with each of the toys as I’m finishing them off, I’m quite fussy, so if I don’t like them, I generally pull them apart and change whatever it is that I don’t like about them, and if they can’t be salvaged, I cut them up and reuse the fabric. I really hate looking at ugly creations!
Two of my favourites are Ginger, a 7-eyed monster that I made at the beginning of the year, and Wendy, a squishy, red t-shirt material girl that I just gave away as part of The Toy Society project.
I love Ginger because she’s one of the first dolls that I really let my imagination run wild with, she has tiger stripped legs, and I think she’s a bit of a cutie for a monster. I love Wendy because she’s so simple, cuddly and loveable looking, and she was made in an excited flurry of imagination late at night.

If you're not making dolls, what would you do now?
I have no idea. I am trained as a photographer, but I seem to have lost my passion there…

Did you play with dolls as a child? What doll was it?
Yes! I was obsessed… my favourites were my Baby Alive, which I got for my 5th birthday, and a porcelain doll named Sanya that I still have at my parents house.

Do you have a doll that you carry along from childhood days?
I gave up most of my dolls when I was 11, in a bid to be a little more grown up! But I gave them to a little girl in my street and she loved them just as much as I did, so I don’t regret doing that. I still have a very special old teddy-bear named Jessica—who was my Mum’s, and who hangs out in the craft room with me.

What is your current dream doll?
Anything by Hillary at Wee Wonderfuls… her dolls are amazing!
Anything by Louise Bagnall, I love her style so much!
Anything by Allison Berry, she has a simple, funky style that makes me so jealous!

Do you suffer from occasional artist's block? Any tips for conquering it?
Sometimes. But I just try to go with the flow, and not force anything. Sometimes just sitting down and drawing gives me a bunch of new ideas, and the internet is great for inspiration, I spend hours on Flickr looking at other people’s amazing creations and styles! It fills me with positivity about my own ideas.

Thank you beecah!! All the best wishes for you and your little guys/girls!

Can't get enough of beecah? Visit her blog BlinkingFlights!