::in the Wonderland::(July2011-2009)

Blog Moved

2011-09-24T18:35:00.002+08:00

July2011-2009

I have moved to a new blog as I want to have some changes and a new start, and somehow don't like "the past".

Website of the new blog: bykoey.blogspot.com
Apologize for any inconvenience.

[Hong Kong] hot

2011-07-28T13:11:00.000+08:00

It's hot outside. I need some ice cream.

[Handmade] create my own life

2011-07-20T14:31:00.004+08:00

To create my own unique life by my own hands with my demanding eyes.

geometrical, regular, parallel, perpendicular

This is a therapy, a process of healing , thinking and being completely immersed.
This is an adventure, an experiment, an experience, a learning process, a training or a practice.

p.s. Ugly is now sharing his journey to North Europe here. Come and have a look!

[Life] baking a volcano

2011-07-18T21:03:00.000+08:00

feeling 1: hopeful and looked forward to the cake.

WOW, looked so nice.

feeling 2: no eyes saw

sweating...

Although this experience has successfully made me sick of baking cakes, my learn-baking journey will never stop.
I will probably try baking some eggs, cookies, potatoes and etc. Or, I can try make some puddings, mousses and some cold dessert instead.

[Life] Inspiration of Life

2011-07-17T21:51:00.003+08:00

unknown source

Love this.

What is the meaning of Life?

[Handmade] wearing color

2011-07-12T23:29:00.009+08:00

Try something new--felting wool on T-shirt.
Both the color and wool make me happy. Like wool and color! Absolutely the T-shirt for summer.

The T-shirt was Premium Cotton Men's Underwear from Uniqlo. 2 pieces in 1 pack.

It is a bit see-through but still acceptable.

p.s. Song of the week: Mad World: soundtrack of a confusing but great movie, Donnie Darko.

[Handmade] Ugly mushroom in LBE

2011-07-09T13:24:00.003+08:00

la Belle Epoque located in Tai Hang is a beautiful shop where you can find and buy my creations.
I think I've never taken photos for my creations inside the shop formally.

In front of the window.

This necklace was made a long time ago. I like the rainbow color.

A Small House in a big world but eyed greedily by a special-looking mushroom.

A little wine box which belongs to my creations only. My territory.
It is also the home of this red-lid mushroom. But, it is a bit messy right now.
There is also another wine box carrying the body and facial soaps: here.

By the way, I know some of you may think he is really handsome. You can be interested in the above all but not this mushroom. Hehe...
He has a huge responsibility to look after my creations when I am not in the shop.

p.s. Busy busy busy. Time for crafting is reducing. This upsets me but I have to because I am a stuffed duck living in the reality.
Now, I need to establish a way to the Wonderland when I am free.

[Soap] new collection, part 2

2011-07-07T09:41:00.002+08:00

Little things about the new series of soaps:

1. They arrived la Belle Epoque safely on Tuesday(but my hands' muscles are now in pain).

2. I made 2 sizes: medium and small.

[Soap] new collection, part 1

2011-07-05T16:00:00.001+08:00

Sorry for my late update due to my hands.
I have made a new revolution for the new collection of soaps, in terms of formula, soap size and packing. Revolution to perfection will never stop.[:-P]
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Body & Facial Soap

The old french formula of 72% olive oil used is adopted to produce these gentle and moisturizing bars which are suitable for face and body washing. Different precious plant oils/butters are also introduced into different soaps. Besides, I increased the curing stage into 90-days long for higher mildness of soaps.
I am a lazy person so I would prefer a bar of soap which can wash face and body at the same time.

This collection of soaps can now be found at la Belle Epoque. Just come to the shop if you are interested.

Body & Facial Soap: Mint & Charcoal
a refreshing and dirt absorbing summer soap

Body & Facial Soap: 100%Olive
pure, unscented and extra mild

Body & Facial Soap: Calendula
unscented, gentle and skin-soothing

Body & Facial Soap: Patchouli
earthy scent & patchouli is known to treat skin complaints

Body & Facial Soap: Lavender & Alkanet Root
flora scent & alkanet root is said to improve eczema suffering skin

Body & Facial Soap: Seaweed
refreshing and mildly exfoilating

[Hong Kong] marine life in aquariums

2011-07-02T15:29:00.004+08:00

Marine life@Ocean Park海洋公園

(The stripe reflection on those glasses belongs to my T-shirt.)

Wonderful and inspiring.
I'm so lucky to have a camera to capture the lovely and beautiful movement of these marine life.
It seems so quiet, weightless and burden-free to swim in water.
I have a moment to think that all of these organism should be freed, rather than staying in such a limited area. But, such a big and quality aquarium gives all of us a chance to admire and learn about the beauty of the ocean and the nature.

[Hong Kong] Buildings

2011-07-01T22:43:00.014+08:00

1. Mongkok

2. Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market
3&4. Tai Hang
5. Mongkok

p.s. I want to do lots of things, go to many places, watch a lot movies and visit some exhibitions but the time table is crammed with [:-(] .
June ended and July comes. Hope this can be a better month with more achievements and[:-)].

[handmade] namecards arrive

2011-06-22T10:28:00.005+08:00

(a lot of Ugly)

Before these name cards, I used "name sheets"( sheets of paper stamped with my e-mail, blog address and name) instead. My original intention is to be environmentally friendly. But I found it inconvenient and difficult to keep such fragile paper and hence decided to use cards.

Making this name card is a challenge to me, a computer idiot, and made me caused trouble to a family. Thanks for their help.

p.s.
There was a little incident occured during the production of the name card.

This story teaches you: "Don't eat chocolate before you are going to take passport photo."

p.s.2. Song for today: Stuck on the Puzzle by Alex Turner.

p.s.3. Where do your inspirations come from? Here is mine.

[Movie] Submarine

2011-06-21T21:45:00.005+08:00

I love this movie, Submarine. I just watched it today.

I like its color, its shooting, its frame, its story, its soundtrack, its trailer, its English version posters, its editing, its characters, Oliver tate, Oliver's way of thinking, places where he went with Jordana, Oliver's black coat and Jordana's red coat. The movie is interesting, beautiful, delightful, inspiring, funny and thought provoking.

This is not an ordinary love story, and has an interesting way of presenting and a special story.

I have listened to this movie's soundtrack before watching the movie. I like the soundtrack much more after listening to it in the movie ending in the cinema.
It's really a pity that there are only less than 3 movie centres broadcasting such a good movie in Hong Kong. It is probably because there is no very well-known actors and actress inside, or it isn't a blockbuster.

Highly recommend this, Submarine.

[Small Houses] before the beginging...

2011-06-14T16:24:00.002+08:00

I am small and nothing.

I'm looking for a wonderful place where people call it "Wonderland".

p.s. Staring to feel depressed again...

[Soap] new collection coming soon...

2011-06-12T09:25:00.009+08:00

the new collection of Soap::in the Wonderland::, coming soon.

p.s. I need some time to take photos, design the packing and do packing for the soaps.

[Illustration] drawing on Science

2011-06-11T00:20:00.001+08:00

1. drawing a Hot Air Ballon on Biology
2. drawing a House on Chemistry
3. drawing a Ship on Chemistry

I'm fasinated by the messiness and the special pattern of my drafts.
Drawing something randomly on such messy paper is really fun. I can draw as freely as writing on the drafts messily.

p.s. Start counting down. There are so many things that I need to stop and put down for a while, even if I don't want to. (But, I will not give them up. Perseverant!)

[Music] before I sleep

2011-06-08T17:53:00.000+08:00

Here is the list of songs that I usually listen before I sleep.
I've listened to them for many years and my affection for them hasn't reduced. Thursday by Asobi Seksu, Closer by Travis, What's a Girl To Do by Bat For Lashes and Bad Dream by Keane are four of my favorite songs.

Bruises by Chairlift

Thursday by Asobi Seksu

Closer by Travis

What's a Girl To Do by Bat For Lashes

Bad Dream by Keane

When I was small, I didn't like listening to music because I thought listening music was meaningless.
But in the recent 5 years, I have found that music adds color to life, and gives me inspiration and different sensations, particularly after learning Gu-zheng, a kind of Chinese instrument. I understand how to feel the rhythm and melody of songs.

[Life] dark chocolate

2011-06-05T00:14:00.003+08:00

Top: (left)MOVENPICK 72%COCOA ， (right)1848 76%COCOA

Down: (left)Lindt 70%COCOA ，(right)FREY DARK78%

I used to eat Lindt 70%COCOA drak chocolate only.
But after, receving that bar of MOVENPICK 72%COCOA from i女工 in April, I decided to try as much 7X% dark chocolate of different brands as I could. The above 4 bars are the brands of chocolate I have tried so far.

In fact, I'm unable to clearly distinguish the differences between these 4 bars of chocolate of different brands, and have already forgotten the detail of their taste.
Therefore, I want but dare not make a comparison for them. Hope there are some classes and books for me to learn more about tasting dark chocolate and learn the story behind it!

p.s. ♥ (taken in March)

[Life] Chocoholic

2011-06-02T21:37:00.003+08:00

Well. I am not a chocoholic actually.
I am just the kind of person who eats dark chocolate everyday, and choose dessert and snacks of chocolate flavor if I have choices.
p.s. The wonderful scent with texture of dark chocolate really makes me feel good.

[Life] I want to do...

2011-05-28T17:38:00.004+08:00

so many things...

1. draw more.

2. practice my Chinese handwriting. I think I have an urgent need to do this as my handwriting is really terrible (, particulary after I received the "encouragemant" from someone...).

3. I used to like reading very much. Few years ago, when I was practicing Guzheng, what I looked at was not a music score but was instead a novel.
Thanks Dakiki for the books (the right 5). This is my second and third steps to read again.
I have read the book, 西班牙手作人, for many times and liked it very much. I borrowed this book again because I want to read the book more thoroughly and see how differently I feel between the present Koey and the Koey of two years ago. The conclusion is that I don't really like the book as much as I used to.
4.......
5.......
.............

There are so many things I wanna do, particularly in the coming long holiday.
In terms of crafting, I need to learn more new skills, try more new things and practice more before I produce. And, this is what I plan to do.
Actually, I want to learn as much new things as I could when I still have time (and am still young).

p.s. I found a book with an interesting cover last month.

[Illustration] Copy the cat

2011-05-19T21:37:00.000+08:00

Hope all of us can understand the importance and neccessity of respecting and protecting the original cats and the cat owners' effort. You may be able to copy the cats but definitely unable to design the cats.
I always feel bad to see people feeling nothing wrong to infringe and disrepect intellectual property...

p.s. Don't always criticize others or gossip about others. You are not living for talking behind people and this will make you ugly. I indeed quite enjoy listening reasonable gossips and gossiping. But, no obsession.
Think the good things before thinking about the bad things.

[Handmade] RedWhiteBlue

2011-05-16T21:48:00.000+08:00

"RedWhiteBlue" for May, a month of a year.

"Home"

"Castle"

"Deer"

"宅", "Castle", "House" and "Deer"
-The badge of "宅" is for 宅 people.-

I like May, a month of a year, that makes me want to make something for the month. So, here is the collection of badges, "RedWhiteBlue".

The three colors, "red", "white" and "blue" are warm, neutral and cold colors respectively, and represent different sensations. I like the contrast of these colors and sensations.
Also, I have recently been obsessed with the shiny silvery and golden threads.
That draft is actually the draft for these badges.

These badges will be delivered to la Belle Epoque soon, probably this weekend?

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p.s. Wool and fabric are my drawing paper; threads are my colors; needles are my painting brushes. My embroidery is indeed a kind of painting. My handwriting is terrible but I hope my drawing can make up for it.

[Music] Noah And The Whale

2011-05-10T18:51:00.000+08:00

I listen to music according to my mood, the weather and season. May has arrived and this also means the coming of summer.
Today, I listened to Noah and the Whale, and their songs are definitely the songs of summer to me. The melodies and the matching of music instrument make me feel relaxing and make my heart feel cool.

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But, as usual, not all songs of this band are my cup of tea.
The following are some of the songs I like:

Blue Skies

'L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N.'

Our Window

Some other songs I like:

Shape Of My Heart

My Broken Heart

Love Of An Orchestra

Stranger

They have recently released the third album, "Last night on Earth". But, I still haven't tried listening to this new album.
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p.s. Wait! Summer has arrived but where is the Spring? This year's Spring seems to be skipped. I hardly felt it. Or, it might have arrived for few days.

p.s.Life goes on!

[Handmade] 2010 retrospection

2011-05-06T20:34:00.001+08:00

The below photos are some of my most satisfying/favourite creations made in 2010.
2010 has already passed for 5 months but it's never to late to make a retrospection.This looking back is hoped to make a conclusion for my 2010 handmade artist career, and remind and inspire myself.

2D Leafy Trees!

The Badge of Ugly Mushroom!

Stitching on Wool!

Mini version of 2D Leafy Trees.

This is the 1st shoulder bag made by myself.

handmade soap

My own and unique soap stamp made by myself!

The 3rd badge of Ugly!!!

The colour of the these bags makes me feel comfortable.

Little cat heads!

I always hope to do these again!

handmade soap

My first attempt to embroider on wool. After that, I couldn't stop.

Wonderfruit necklaces-colourful and cheerful!

Ugly Mushroom-1st generation!

3D Leafy Tree

Simple (but difficult to me) wood carving-brooches

I called them wooden tofu.

What I did:

-Kept improving.

-My creations started to be consigned in la Belle Epoque. This gives me chances to see more, meet more and learn more.

-Discovered my style.

-Started to fall in love with felt, wool and embroidery.

-Started to fall in love with badge making.

-Designed the Leafy Tree collections.

-Make the Tree logo for my handmade soaps.

-Experienced to be a vendor in a handmade mart.

[Handmade] tutorial-thread cards (fast fast hand!)

2011-05-04T20:57:00.002+08:00

I designed these thread cards when I was in urgent need of something to hold threads properly.
Making one thread card spends less than a minute. This card is perfect for urgent use and lazy people like me who want to be tidy but don't want to spend time.

Simple, tidy and fast!

Materials&Tools:
a) Scissors
b) Paper board
(I don't use and even recommend the use of corrugated paper as cutting a piece of smooth and beautiful corrugated paper is difficult and consumes time. Not fast enough!)

1. Cut out the thread card from a paper board.
Trick: A "H" shaped card can hold threads more firmly.
(you may make a sketch of the shape of the thread card you want. But I won't do so as this consumes time. Not fast enough!)

2. Make a cut on the side of the card.
The cut is to clip the thread end so that the thread will not get loosened easily.

3. Decorate it as you like. Simply draw some pictures or stick some Japanese masking tapes. Please remember, "be fast"!

4. Roll up threads. Finish!
(Other than threads, the thread card can be used to roll up laces, yarns...)

[Hong Kong] new Polka Dot Dot, II

2011-05-02T01:28:00.006+08:00

2. The window. Feel like a home.
3. Many books and inspirations.
4. An artist was preparing for her stiching workshop so neatly.
5&6. Displays of some handmade artists' creations.

I try to keep witnessing the forming and growing of the brand-new Polka Dot Dot, and to make some records for it. In my eyes, this PDD is a new-born baby with many hopes.
( Silly me sometimes have an impulse in heart that makes me want to tidy up and arrange this space in my own way but this is not my place.)

p.s. Today is the second day of May 2011. Although there will not be many great things happening in this month, May is my favourite months among the twelve months. It is simply because I like the number, "5", the word, "May" and it means something to me. May is a line.

p.s. Hi, I am a greedy fool. Nice to meet you.

[handmade] capture the unnoticeable

2011-04-30T23:23:00.005+08:00

the Badge of "Mushroom"

1. Making the hidden and unnoticeable Mushroom becomes more noticeable.
Keeping our eyes on the beautiful and unnoticeable details can make our life more beautiful. That is also the reason that I like taking photos.
The making of the badge: here
2. Random and draft

p.s. Have to keep improving, finding new inspirations of life, recalling the forgotten important ideas and overcoming challenges.

[Ugly] Looking at Ugly,

2011-04-23T13:35:00.000+08:00

Ugly has recently made a conclusion:

"Being ugly is much terrible than looking ugly.

So, an ugly face is much better than an ugly heart."

(photo taken by Ki)
I indeed think that Ugly is cute...
Do I need to change his name into "Cute"? Of course not!

Wish you all a happy Easter!

[handmade] the basic of an ideal: handmade Mart

2011-04-21T17:24:00.007+08:00

Little Winter from anja verdugo on Vimeo.

One of the main reason that I start making handmade stuffs is to join a handmade mart as I was fascinated by feeling of sharing people's own work and the communication among handmade artists and customers. But, I didn't immediately find one to join because I thought I wasn't good enough and wanted to show the best of mine to others, and now I am looking for a good one to join.

Last year, I discover Little Winter. It is a beautiful handmade market from Portland. I hope I was able to visit it.
more about little winter: here, here and here

The following are some of the basic characteristic of my ideal handmade mart:

1.Location
Light is the most important because it allows customers to see artists' creations clearly. Sunlight is the best among all sorts of light because it's natural, cozy and comfortable.
Secondly, the venue shouldn't be too small because it isn't convenient for the customers and particularly vendors. But, it couldn't be too large because the long distance doesn't encourage good communication between artists.
Thirdly, playing some music can make the atmosphere more comfortable. Of course, I am not taking about punk, rock or heavy metal.
Fourthly, it's much better if there are some small restaurants or cafe next to the market so that people can take a rest there.
Fifthly, beautiful decoration of the mart is necessary as it attracts people and makes people happy.
Sixthly, it's okay whether the location is indoor or outdoor

2.Organisers-

They are very important to the mart. Even though they don't need to make anything to sell, they have to organize the whole thing in a proper way, including finding a good location, decorating the mart such that vendor and customers could feel comfortable, publicize the event and etc.

Besides, they have the responsibility to choose vendors who are able to make quality work and kick out those who plagiarize others' creations. Handmade mart is a place to share handmade artists' creativity, not a place to show off your plagiarizing skills. The organizers shouldn't only find a place randomly and wait for the rental from vendors, but also be responsible to protect others' effort.

3.Vendors
First of all, the top requirement for a handmade artist to be a vendor is surely the quality of his/her works. As all these creations are the main character of the handmade mart. What I want is a handmade mart with quality and something special. If I were a customer, I would expect to see something unique, surprising and wonderful in a good handmade mart but not something I can always see in anywhere, particularly something looks like made by an ordinary primary school children.

Of course, there should be no plagiarism. I'm now legally a child in fact. I believe adults should know more about what is right or wrong than me. Plagiarism is obviously a wrong thing. I don't really understand why some people can see it as normal and publicize their plagiaries as they are the plagiarists' own work. But, it's a pity that the fact is disappointing.
Moreover, we should understand how to respect others. Joining a handmade mart isn't a competition. Everyone has his/her own style. When we see someone's works similar to ours, we should learn from them, not doing something improper with bad intention.

4.Customers
This is not a place for bargaining. Handmade works are always expensive in some people's eyes. But, we need to understand the time and creativity that artists spent on each work. Handmade is precious because it is one-of-a-kind, not mass produced.
I enjoy using handmade because I can feel the existence of the maker and it is more realistic than something without spirit.
However, there're some customers who really disappoint me. They don't care about plagiarism. What they care most is the price. The lower the price is, the better buy the product is. Of course, plagiary is always much cheaper than the original work.
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Actually, all these are basic but we're just complicating them in a bad way.
The above can be applied to shops that sell handmade stuff and workshops that teach people doing handmade stuff.

But, I'm worried if there is really such a good handmade mart, I am not good enough to join.
And, I'm worried if I can find one in Hong Kong.

Perhaps I am too serious but I think joining/visiting a handmade mart should be a kind of happy thing and we should be careful to make it perfect.

I enjoy selling my handmade creations because it gives me a sense of existence and acceptance. Earning money is NOT my reason to sell my creations isn't my handmade creations, especially it's time consuming and I can't earn much. Of course, it is very encouraging when I know people are willing to pay for them and means they worth the price.
So, it is a kind of INSULT to me if you say I sell my creations simply because I want to earn money. This kind of words is disappointing and even heartbreaking.

At last, I need to say think you to you because you're patient enough to read all this boring words.

[Music] Mentronomy

2011-04-18T14:33:00.015+08:00

Metronomy is an English band newly found. I like this band and have kept listening to their songs again and again for a week. They really fit my recent mood. My heartbeat seems following the rythm of the songs.
It is the best to listen to them at the full volume.

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Trick of Treatz

She wants

The Look

I particularly like the music viedo of "The Look" and "She wants".

There're some other songs I also like very much: Everything Goes My Ways, Heartbreaker, How Say, "Blazk Eye/Burnt Thumb" and "On Dancefloors".
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Genre: Electro pop, Dance
Members: Joseph Mount, Oscar Cash, Anna Prior, Gbenga Adelekan

p.s. Life is a mixed-blessing. I am always bad-tempered and lose self-control. But, life still keeps on. Hope I can keep improving, overcome all the challenges and get rid of those bad habit.
I feel released to talk and tell the true feeling, and glad to understand how lucky I am and how poor the gossip maker is.

[Hong Kong] Mong Kok

2011-04-12T21:34:00.000+08:00

(The above photos were taken in Mong Kok.)

Yesterday, I went to Mong Kok with friends.

To be frank, I don't really like this place as it's always crammed with many cars and people, and the air there annoys my nose.
But, it's still a good and convenient place for shopping, eating good food and some of the specialty of Hong Kong.

[Handmade] Random II

2011-04-12T00:47:00.000+08:00

1. These are what I'm now doing. (It seems Ugly don't want you to know. Haha.)
There are many ideas in my mind. But, I'm now being challenged by a Leafy Tree as well.
2. I deeply like these two colors.
3. Consequence of being reckless: "Wastage". I want to buy more and more yarn but just can't.
4. Calendula infusion oil is harvested after being infused for over a half year. I can feel the essen in the oil.

p.s.
I like looking at the structure up on the hill. But, in fact, I don't know what's that.

[handmade] random

2011-04-02T11:20:00.002+08:00

Today's weather is good but my stuffy nose doesn't allow me to smell the good weather.

I'm throwing some expired materials away and trying to tidy up.
I want some changes and want to make more new attempt. I need to be more perseverant and courageous.
It's time to start and ready for my plans and another new changes.

Time keeps flying.

[handmade] Pins, "Boats"

2011-03-26T10:44:00.002+08:00

I like Boat and color.

la Belle Epoque will be their first destination and they will arrive the shop today. You may come and find them.
I couldn't imagine how the Boats' next destination and future journey will be but just hope they will be great. Good luck.

p.s.Where are the sun and the blue sky?

[Hong Kong] new Polka Dot Dot

2011-03-21T21:23:00.002+08:00

1&2. Inside the toilet
3. Inside the kitchen
4. A stitching workshop was held there. Students were concentrated in threading the needles.

Due to the crazy increase of rent, Polka Dot Dot in Wun Sha Street will soon close down but a new Polka Dot Dot is now forming. The new space is more comfortable than the old one. I think... the arrangement and decoration of the new shop should have not been finished.

But, it may not be opened for public anymore only if appointment is made. Of course, everything is still underway. The future planning of the shop depends on the decisions of the bosses. What I know is just little.

There is now 20% off discount on the materials in old Polka Dot Dot in Wun Sha Street.

For more update news of the shop, you may check out here, here and here.
(But, the bosses seldom update the blogs...wei...!)

[Ugly] We're monster.

2011-03-20T13:30:00.004+08:00

Yesterday, Ugly went to Tai Hang and made some new friends. They are:

＊1st: 2 middle-size mushrooms (made by Billie): Like ordinary mushroons, they hided in a dark corner.

＊2nd: 2 monsters (made by Mary) : They may look crazy but are indeed gentle because they have no hands and legs to beat or bear hug Ugly. But, we should be careful of their sharp teeth.

＊3rd: a monster (or probably an alien) (made by Billie): He has 2 very strong arms. His collar makes him look more "special". I like it.

I have to amit that Ugly is actually a monster and almost all of his friends are also monster. This is because rabbit should normally walk with 4 feet and has no pimpels and thick red lips on its face. Besides, mushroom should have no eyes, nose, lips and hands. Ummm...hope he could not only make friends with monsters but also something normal.
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Yann Tiersen - Dust Lane

Yann Tiersen - Till The End

[Life] light up

2011-03-15T17:55:00.000+08:00

Lately, I have been filled with negative energy and felt unhappy.
I like making delightful things. But, in fact, I am not an optimistic person, and feel unhappy and depressed easily.
I can't let myself to become a pessimist and have to have a more positive mind. I need to train my mind to accommodate only the positive side of things.
Wonders of the nature are all around us, and I have to explore them all and be a part of them.

p.s. It's sad to see and know the tragedy in Japan. That really makes me feel uncomfortable.
Hope everything can turn good as soon as possible. This beautiful place and people there can be strong enough to tolerate all the difficult challenges.
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newly found: The Temper Trap - Love Lost

[Handmade] tool boxes

2011-03-06T01:15:00.001+08:00

1st photo: I really like that tiny scissors. Portable and helpful to cut threads. Thanks, Bao.

The above two little boxes were bought from Muji.

They've been with me for the recent several weeks. I use them as tool boxes to carry some materials and tools. They really help to separate things I'm doing from a mess of materials and tool.
At home, I don't have a specific place to make things but just take them with me wherever I want to be. They are portable that I can even make stuff outside conveniently and orderly.

With them, I find the black hole has been smaller as well.

[Soap] random

2011-02-26T15:08:00.000+08:00

They are the new-born soaps waiting for stamping.
There're some cracks on the soaps but the cracks simply make them more special, and make me like them more.

A donut-shaped soap made in the last year.

I don't have much time to make soaps and improve the natural moisturizing cream.
I've promised a person to make her some cream. I'm sorry that I haven't fulfilled the promise but I will fulfill it... later...

[Handmade] Crochetting!

2011-02-24T19:55:00.005+08:00

Pleased to learn a new skill.
I need to keep practising and improving but I'm now in the mood of badge making and wool-felting again.

Time always runs out and I have so many things wanted to do. I want to learn more and more new things and overcome all the challenges, particularly baking.

Thank Arsa for the yarn and cherry for the book!
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Sigur Rós-Glósóli

Sigur Rós-Hoppipolla

Two beautiful song by Sigur Rós. The 2nd one is a very happy music video. Hope I can be such energetic after I get old.

[Hong Kong] Tai Hang

2011-02-19T15:47:00.005+08:00

Tai Hang 大坑

It is a small and quiet area, just next to Causeway Bay which is always crammed with people, cars and skyscrapers. But, in here, what you can see are mostly some old and short buildings, local and western restaurants, and a sense of local old Hong Kong.
I like Tai Hang because there are shops I like, not much people and I simply feel good.

la Belle Epoque- a small but absolutely beautiful shop which sells handmade creations made by over 30 handmade artisans. My creations can be found here as well.
I enjoy to be surrounded by all those beautful stuffs there.

Papabubble- Recently, Papabubble has its 10th store opened in Tai Hang. I'm very excited. Papabubble is a hand-made candies brand from Barcelona. I really like its candies' colors and the happiness from the candies.
I only went inside once on its opening on 30th Janauary but I'll definitely go there again and again.

On the street...

Now, I find myself getting more and more reasons to go there.

But, Tai Hang is now being developing in a way that worries me.
Rent is crazily increased which has made owners of some independent and local shops can no longer afford to run a shop here. Polka Dot Dot, a branch of la Belle Epoque which mainly sells materials and holds workshop, has already been one of them. Also, currently, a chain supermarket has been opened here.

Development makes things conveient but meanwhile destroys the uniqueness of the area. Can it happen in a better way?
I'm ~~afraid(←sorried for the wrong expression)~~ worried that shops I like in here will all disappear soon and will become chain store, chain resturant, chain fast food shop, chain...

My first time to go to Tai Hang was on 25thMay2010.

[Handmade] the Badges of Wonderland

2011-02-10T00:31:00.004+08:00

Boat, Hot Airballon, Tree and House are 4 of my favourite patterns.

They are representing the basic elements of my handcrafted works.
Combination of Boat, Hot Airballoon, Tree and House is the Wonderland in my imagination. Freedom allows me to work them out.
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the Badge of "House"
House represents our shelter.

the Badge of "Boat"
Boat represents the Ocean.

the Badge of "Balloon"
Hot Airballon represents the Sky.

the Badge of "Tree"
Tree represents the Land.

the Badge of "Freedom"
Flying Bird represents Freedom.

The House, Boat, Balloon, Tree and Bird on the badges are three-D. When you can see them in the reality, just touch it. The touching is interesting.

I made this from the late November2010.
I admit that I do handmade extremely slowly but it is important for me to spend some time to cultivate a mood for doing handmade...(reason or a kind of excuse...) As these are the badges of ::the Wonderland::, I even did it more carefully, did "mood cultivating" whenever I added a new detail on the badge, and eventually spent more time.

This's also the reason that I've recently created and will create less new things.

They can now be found @ la Belle Epoque(consignment shop).

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Modern Drift by Efterklang
a song filled with hope and life

[Handmade] Wine Red

2011-02-03T23:30:00.008+08:00

The new neckwarmer is finished. The color and the little balls on it make me like the neckwarmer more and more.

Sometimes, I think crafting is a kind of magic. It can change something completely into a new thing. Fortunately, I'm able to do this magic.

Today is the first day of Lunar New Year. Wish you all a healthy, happy and wonderful year of Rabbit!
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Efterklang - Monopolist

[Handmade] something Red

2011-01-29T15:38:00.001+08:00

Brooth, "Flying Bird"

Tried some new skills and some new golden threads.
I made a similar brooch before but that is white in colour.
Wool is going to be my favourite material. It's a warm and natural material with a wonderful texture.

newly got but aged shiny threads

Knitting a scarf/neckwarmer for myself.
I'm using the yarn made of 100% pure Merino Wool. It's really soft and comfortable. There are many 3D polka dots on the scarf/neckwarmer. Liking it!
I need to work more faster. Lunar new year is coming very soon.

[Hong Kong] blue

2011-01-23T17:17:00.003+08:00

Shek O 14th January, 2011

Having a barbecue, sitting on the sand, listening to the sound of wave and walking in the cold seawater under the cozy sunshine.
Urbanite, may you stop your hustle and bustle life awhile, and find a quiet "place" to think.

MGMT - Metanoia

[Hong Kong] eat- Australia Dairy Company

2011-01-18T17:40:00.006+08:00

On the last Thursday, I had a super full and wonderful lunch at Australia Dairy Company.

The restaurant was crammed, and all the waiters were busy but still nice.
I ordered the toast, macaroni soup, scrambled egg, and a cup of milk tea. All of these were simply tasty.

The first arrival is Macaroni. To me, the soup taste good and was salty enough.

The toast was good as well. It's fresh and crispy.
Among all these, I like the scrambled egg the most. It was tender, fragrant, slightly moist with some egg juice, and left a really strong taste of egg in my mouth. This is probably the best egg I've ever eaten.

Before having the lunch, I ate a big cup of frozen yogurt such that the volume of my stomach was seriously exceeded. Next time, I need to prepare an empty stomach.

Look forward to the next meal there.
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澳洲牛奶公司 Australia Dairy Company
*Address: 47, Parkles Street, Jordan, Kowloon
佐敦白加士街47號地下
*Opening hours: (Mon-Sun) 07:30-23:00

[Handmade] tutorial- Mushroom Pincushions

2011-01-04T17:43:00.002+08:00

Meanwhile, I was fascinated by 2 pieces of wine corks on the table, and hence "brought" them home.
Now, I've decided to use a wine cork and the new wool to make some pincushions, and would like to share the procedures here.
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Tools & Materials:
‧felting needle & brush
‧wool (this wonderful colours are bought from Polka Dot Dot)
‧wine cork
‧cutter
‧glue
‧something heavy

1. Felt a wool ball and decorate it a bit as you like.
(You may either use wet-felting. Or, you may make a fabric ball other than a wool ball but I'd prefer the texture of wool.)

2. Cut a wine cork into slices.

3. Glue the wool ball and wine cork slice together.

4. Use something heavy to press them until the glue is dry.

Mushroom pincushion is finsihed!

Happy2011!

Really can't wait to learn something new, beautiful and cheerful!

[Ugly]materials

2010-12-31T11:26:00.002+08:00

Ugly: Long time no see! How have you been?

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Wool－3 wonderful new colours

Hand-dyed ramie string with plant (pomegranate) from Taiwan－like it very much!

I've found, bought and received some new materials. Some of them are for doing my new attempt.
Can't wait for the coming mid-January as I could have a bit more time to do handmade.

Today is the last day of 2010.
2011 must be a better year. I've already written my plans for 2011. It's always good to live with some goals.
Happy New Year!

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Paris, the Saint Honoré－Yum!

[Handmade] late Merry Christmas...Tree

2010-12-29T17:47:00.001+08:00

I decided to make another Christmas Tree which was much more bigger and 3D. But, with limited time and lacking of materials, it couldn't be finished before Christmas.

Christmas passed quickly.
Wish next year's Christmas can be a better Christmas and everyday can be a better day.

[Soap] winter time

2010-12-26T12:16:00.000+08:00

left: Milk & Palmarosa right: Honey & Ginger

These're the Soaps for winter
I've no time to pack and stamp them all.

Apart from the above two, I've made Soap "Baby".
This soap is Baby Dusting Powder fragrance-added and my fist batch of soap which is fragrance-added but the outcome is disappointing. That isn't the smell I used to smell when I was little.

Hope I can find that smell one day.

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Jamie Cullum - Don't Stop the Music

p.s.Happy Holiday!

[Hong Kong] field trip

2010-12-14T13:44:00.005+08:00

Exploring and admiring the nature:
-scrubland
-star watching ( a chance to see Jupiter directly through a big telescope)
-freshwater stream
-laboratory

This is a really nice and meaningful experience which allowed me to breathe in clean air and escape from the jungle of skyscrapers.
On the second night, I lost my T-shirt after showering. Then, I surprisingly found it hanged on a plastic cone on the stair. Thanks to the one who helped me put my shirt properly.
It was quite scary to walk in a big and cold building alone at night.
@8-10th Dec, 2010
﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣﹣

Chemical Brothers - Saturate

p.s.We should care both the nature and community.
Helping those in need is our responsibility and escaping from flag sale is not something we should be proud of.

a sunny walk

2010-12-05T14:07:00.006+08:00

A sunny walk in Saturaday morning. The sun was really hot.
Hope there is a forest near my home.

I've bought a new pair of gloves. So excited that I can find the type I want.
Want to make some Christmas Trees. Thinking...

Glósóli-Sigur Ros

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A space where I put my inspiraton: here

it's another new day

2010-12-03T19:27:00.003+08:00

1.Hi!
2.Recently, I've been in the mood of wool-felting.
That "Eastman Laundry Brush" were found in a grocery store near my home a week ago. I like it much bigger than my previous tiny brush and the interesting pattern on the wooden base.

December has come!
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Little Winter from anja verdugo on Vimeo.

Little Winter, a little and beautiful handmade market from Portland. Hope I was there.

carry on

2010-11-20T23:27:00.007+08:00

1a. plan achieved: "Leafy Trees with leaves of different green colours"
They look similar but different and "unique". They are not anything/one else.
1b. "a Spring Leafy Tree" - for the Spring.
(Postmen will help me carry the trees to the shop next week.)
2. simple packing is an important part of my works as it allows me to draw and write something about each of them. I'm thinking about writing dwon their own ID number on the tags.
3. Leafy Tree on Ugly!

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Le Fabuleux Destin d'Amélie Poulain

Clint Mansell - Death is the Road to Awe.

Yann Tiersen - Chapter 19

p.s.
Music is sometimes a kind of drug.
I like the smell of the Spring air.
-Craft/Crap

miosturizing the autumn skin

2010-11-13T23:20:00.001+08:00

The skin of my legs is always dry and the arrival of autumn has even made it worse.

Today, I tried a new way to make moisturising cream.
In this receipe, no synthetic emulsifier nor preservative is required and this is alsolutely natural. Of course, it has a relatively shorter self-life and more difficuit to be made.
The outcome is just good for the use in autumn and winter, but there're still many needed to be improved.

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Till the End by Yann Tiersen

Palestine by Yann Tiersen

Yann Tiersen, a newly found today
I particularly like the song, Palestine, very much.

stress relieving...?

2010-11-10T18:31:00.069+08:00

1) Drawing gives my brain a moment of peaceful to think.
2) I'm trying leaves of different colors and color gradient to make the 2D Leafy Trees.

Sometimes, I don't know what I'm dong this for. After the holiday, I usually do handmade staff in the midnight and they have even made me feel more tired. But, at least, I know the completion of one satifying me gives me fulfillment.

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The pills won't help you now by the Chemical Brothers & the Midlake
(I like this song very much.)

The sunshine underground by the Chemical Brothers

p.s. I always think that I couldn't see things clearly unless there is sunshine.

still living

2010-10-31T18:30:00.036+08:00

Visit to a local college yesterday

On the same day, I got these three little acorn caps from Billie. I'm so excited to have some natural materials for doing handcraft and figuring out what to do with them.

This is the bag I made for myself in the summer holiday.

What a pity. I couldn't find dark chooclate at IKEA. Really wanna have a try of it. By the way, the IKEA swedish meatball tasted really nice.

p.s. The weather is getting colder and my fingers are going on strike as I can only move them slowly. A pair of good gloves is necessarily needed in the Winter.

Vanished by Crystal Castles

Celestica by Crystal Castles

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The photographs, video annd music of Ödland are fascinating. I like them very much.
It was quite surprising that this fabulous video is simply about the concert Ödland going to give.

fine tuning

2010-10-25T13:36:00.000+08:00

random photos taken before 25th May, 2010

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These few days and weeks, my mind is in a mess. It's time to retrace, adjust and clean up.
Some entries is going to be deleted.

Alley Cats by Hot Chip

crap kraft dinner by Hot Chip

hustle and bustle

2010-10-22T18:26:00.004+08:00

the 4th Ugly Badge: Mushroom (can be found here soon)

There is a mistake. The previous Ugly Badge should be the 3rd Ugly Badge and this one would be the 4th. I almost forget the 2nd one and should probably take a photo for it.

I'm still not used to the hectic life and consequently don't have much time to do what I like to do. (In fact, the main reason of lacking of time is my laziness.)
But, that's really difficult for me to stop making new things. Simply tempted.
"50 Pins" is still continuoing. Hope I can be patient enough to finish it.

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Hand Me Down Your Love by Hot Chip

One Life Stand by Hot Chip

Capterpillars

2010-10-20T21:07:00.004+08:00

Two caterpoillars newly found!

The longer time I looked at them, the more lovely they looked in my eyes (even though I was scared by them at first).

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Some boys used "something" to disturb them and made marks on their body (sounds quite scientific and feels like a biology lesson) while some girls was almost driven mad, and standed around them and Screamed.

But, I think these 2 little caterpillars have been horribly scared by their act.

They remind me of a song: The Caterpillar by Ödland

glad to be there

2010-10-09T22:34:00.004+08:00

Went to the shop again.
Every time I am there, I find that time flies much faster and wish I can have more time to sit, to talk and to see.

Stitching on Wool no.1-4

"Tree" is always my first choice of theme of my handmade stuff.
(In this city, trees will never be too many.)

2D small Leafy Trees

Geelee was modelling for the Leafy Tree "Hat". This little lady has really enchanting eyes.
Fasinated!
Get well soon.

I've given myself a new mission, "50 Pins".
No other types of handmade accessories will be made until the mission finished, or, unless inspiration comes to me "actively".
And, I need to give myself some time to get used to the busy life again.

The Leafy Trees: further development

2010-10-06T20:51:00.000+08:00

Making more and more Leafy Trees, I'm looking for more ideas of making more challenging Leafy Trees.
The following two are my latest Leafy challenges.

branched 2D Leafy Trees

3D blackened Leafy Tree hairclip (hat-shaped)

Making this hat-shaped hairclip is much more challenging and it took me a week to finish it. The outcome is satisfactory.

I'm so glad to see my tree leaves cutting and stitching skills and some other details in making the trees have improved. Of course, there's still much room for improvement.

p.s. I'm worrying how to keep warm in the coming colder Winter.

Bruises by CHAIRLIFT

Autumn Body & Face Soap @ la Belle Epoque

2010-09-28T18:50:00.004+08:00

These four new Body and Face Soaps are made with the recipe especially for Actumn.
You are now available at la Belle Epoque.

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face soap: Tea Tree & Alkanet
‧Tea Tree is anti-bacterial
‧Alkanet Root is known to reduce inflammation
※good for acne and eczema skin
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face soap: 100% Olive Oil
‧100% olive oil content makes this soap very mosturising to the skin.
※without any additives, this saop is suitable for all skin types,
including sensitive skin and even baby skin

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face soap: Oatmeal & Honey
‧Oatmeal added gently exfoliates dead skin cells
‧bee's honey is a natural humectant

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body & face soap: Patchouli & Honey
‧Patchouli is known to treat skin complaints, e.g.acne and eczema,
and its scent is said to be calming and soothing
‧bee's honey is a natural humectant

Geelee Geelee Geelee & QBiLL QBiLL QBiLL

2010-09-26T16:21:00.006+08:00

These few days, Geelee(left) and QBiLL(right) of Mary would go to work together at la Belle Epouqe.

Yesterday, I'd a chance to see them and been fasinated by these two little and friendly guys with big big eyes!
This's my first time to be so close with dogs, to be licked by dogs and to "massage" a dog.
I am not so good at communicating with dogs but this experience is Wonderful.

I've decided not to wash the clothes until I see them again next time. Wish they still remember the smell they left on the clothes. Hehehehehe......

This is the scene I saw once Mary went out the shop. So sweet and touching.

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p.s. You can now find Face & Body Soap::in the Wonderland:: at la Belle Epoque.

Life- autumn comes

2010-09-20T20:35:00.005+08:00

There're some problems with the usb which stores my 3 recent years memories. That's terrible.
Does it mean "this past" would forever become a past?

Mid-Autumn festival is coming. To me, this is a festival of full moon, that allows me enjoying the tasty mooncake.
Other than doing handmae some stuffs and eating with my families, I think I won't have any other special way to celebrate it.

I've already started to write my 2011 plans. It's always good to live with some ambitions.

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House of Cards by Radiohead

the Leafy U...

2010-09-13T17:57:00.004+08:00

(Come! I'm here~ I'm here~)

Can you guess what these are?

I know! These're leaves and...

a face!?

Smile!

Have a wonderful life!

p.s. Thank you, Mary!

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Now, I want to eat mooncake, potato chips and a lot...a lot...a lot of dark chocolate!

fall winter soaps- coming soon......

2010-09-11T15:29:00.013+08:00

Fall winter soap ::in the Wonderland:: is coming soon...

Summer is leaving and spring are coming. It's time to have saops for the coming fall and winter.
p.s.
In the previous August, I made a "Tree" soap stamp for myself as you can see in the above photo. That tree would be the own unique sign of my soap.

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Kodak 1922 Kodachrome Film Test

A sample of some of the earliest color motion picture film you will see.

That's beautiful.

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Where is the end of the Black Hole? I keep losing things.
The life with sour and tiredness have to be repeated. I'ill be less productive in the coming one and a half years.
"Future" is a mystery. Wish the future can be much brighter.
Wish you all a wondreful weekend!

Badge of Ugly

2010-09-03T14:50:00.003+08:00

I call this badge as "the Badge of Ugly".

It is used to remind those handsome and beautiful they aren't that good or are even ugly indeed.

See. After looking at this badge, a cat suddenly realises that there is an ugly him inside his heart and is then "uglylized".

However, I want to be more beautiful, not uglier!

p.s. stitched by my own hands

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Compared with this new badge, the new one looks much better than the old badge of Ugly. But, if I didn't make my first step in making badges of Ugly, I wouldn't have any chance to make a better one.

I've decided to make more badges of Ugly because "practice makes perfet".
Let see how will the badges of Ugly I'll make look. And, let see the differences between different badges of Ugly made in different mood, age and period.

p.s.Rita!!(18NOV2010)

Ugly: Make some friends

2010-09-01T21:42:00.006+08:00

After staying home for a long long time, Ugly was thirsty to go out having a walk.
Yesterday, Ugly went to la Belle Epoque again and met the mushrooms again.

Ugly surprisingly came across a pug.

"Cheers!"

Wonderful moment!
31th August, 2010@ la Belle Epoque

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pp.s.
Without the past, we can't grow up and progress.
Future makes me curious and worried.
p.s.
In this holiday, I've seen a lot and made a lot of new attempts. That's really eye-opening. And, I found the world is much more complicated than I expect.
I wish the holiday can be longer, longer and longer.
Thanks to those who give me chances and tolerate my innocence.

the Tote Bag thing

2010-08-23T12:00:00.014+08:00

The Bag thing:
the Tote Bag Boat & the Tote Bag Balloon

There are 11 boats and 11 balloons in total on these two tote bag. Although they look quite simple, I spent almost a week to finish stitching on one bag.

I need to be faster.

I've improved these two bag such that they would be more able to bear a heavier burden.

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Shelter by The xx
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At today's midnight, ideas came suddenly. Hope I'll be patient enough to carry them out.

But, I have to finish the project on hand first. I'm getting bored...

My Soap period ends. I won't make soap anymore at least until the end of September.

looking for a component

2010-08-21T09:11:00.011+08:00

A lift in an industrial building, which is controlled by human-hand.

The "elevator-man" asked me why I'd take photos for "such an elevator". A worker answered him that "such an elevator" controlled by human-hand was rare in Hong Kong.
(This is my first time to ride "such an industrial elevator".)

@20th August, 2010

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Island by The xx

Teardrops by The xx

p.s. Almost forget:
Koey in the Wonderland @ La Belle Epoque by Billie
I will try.

Life

2010-08-18T18:46:00.008+08:00

The Sunshine Underground by Chemical Brothers

Crystalised by The xx

Basic Space by The xx

Before the holiday came, I expected I could be more productive, take more photos and update here regularly during the holiday. I also expected my holiday life could be more exciting and healthy. But, the fact is indeed disappointing.
Luckily, at least, I've achieved few 2010 plans and made some new attempts in this short holiday.

p.s. I enjoy STITCHING.

Where is the Boat going to?

2010-08-13T09:46:00.001+08:00

Where is the Boat going to?

This isn't the destination.

Where is the Boat?

It's hiding in a secret place.

You may know where it is later. But, I may not able to know where it will be in the future.

This boat will belong to the lucky one.

Harvest Time: WonderFruit

2010-08-11T16:14:00.004+08:00

(*new 3D Leafy Tree brooch*)

Auctum is coming and Summer is leaving.

It's time to harvest the WonderFruit on the Leafy Trees. Ugly Farmer needs to work again.

Firstly, collect the Wonderfruit.

Then, put the fruit in a container to store them well and use them when you need.
※Caution: WonderFruit is NOT eatable but cheerful.
-------------------------
p.s.1
The trace of my Leafy Trees: here&here
Thanks for loving Trees!
p.s.2

VJ Bandit's- Alice in Wonderland

a vedio/story with a gloomy atmosphere.

the Bag thing

2010-07-22T16:02:00.002+08:00

The Bag thing:
the Bag Boat & the Bag Balloon

I like stitching Boats and Balloons on my creations, and they start to be two of the iconic patterns ::in the Wonderland::.
In my imagination, Boat and Balloon are the only transport which can bring us to the Wonderland.

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How do I and Ugly use these two Bag?

Koey: Put Ugly and some colors inside.

*****

Ugly: Put my friends inside so that they won't be stolen.

Pak Nai

2010-07-16T17:54:00.006+08:00

The next destination after Nam Sang Wai was Pak Nai.

We went there to watch the sunset.
"Beatiful!"
That was the most beautiful sunset I've ever seen. And, in my opinion, the scene of Pak Nai was more beautiful than that of Nam Sang Wai.

The temperature were just good and the breeze makes me feel wonderful.

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"Jón Þór Birgisson of Sigur Rós has released his solo album entitled Go."
I prefer Sigur Rós.

p.s.

Time flies. I wanna make good use with every minute of my life.

Now, I need some chances.

Nam Sang Wai

2010-07-16T17:35:00.003+08:00

On the previous Monday, I had an outing with Ki and friends.

In the morning time, we went to Nam Sang Wai.
To be frank, it wasn't very fun there (due to the hot weather and the too strong sunshine). But, after staying at home and being surrounded by the concrete jungle for a long time, I felt great to be in such a rare natural place in Hong Kong.

Nam Sang Wai is being polluted. Plastic bottle and waste can be found easily there. Hope people can be more self-disciplined. I believe no one would like to see Nam Sang Wai becoming a landfill.

Without Bodies But Daisies

2010-07-08T11:11:00.003+08:00

Kitty, a friend of Ugly, found some cat heads on the street. Blood was everywhere and the scene looked scary.

How come there would be such terrible people in world. Those cats are innocent.

Once you get the reliance of these little creatures, you can destroy them very easily as if they were those tiny daisies.
There are still numerous poor cats that need our immediate help in world.

I have put these heads in La Belle Epoque and you can now find them there.

"The Perfect Symmetry"

2010-07-05T15:06:00.001+08:00

They look quite simple but I've actually spent over a day to finish one...

I like geometrical patterns and am always touched by their smooth line and regular shape. Each of these brooches is representing one geometrical patterns: circle, triangle, square and rhombus.

These four broches also remind me of the Perfect Symmetry of Keane. I like Keane's songs and Keane also used to be my favourite band.

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Keane- Perfect Symmetry

p.s. Sometimes, I may not be able to update here. You can find my lastest news in my Facebook Page.:-)

The Leafy Trees

2010-06-29T18:48:00.004+08:00

I'm going to show you the development of the leafy trees.

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This is so-called two-dimensional.

................

Yes! This is three-dimensional!

And, more three-dimensional!

Conclusion:

2D→3D

I'm now designing the newer version of The Leafy Trees, the 4D version!

---------------------------

Remark:
●"The Leafy Trees" is a collection of green trees with plenty of leaves made of felt. Every leaf is cut piece-by-piece an stitched piece-by-piece

●The Leafy Tree in the 3rd photo is a hairclip.

first needle felt attempt

2010-06-08T10:07:00.004+08:00

I'm looking for a mushroom.

Oh! I see one here! It seems to be quite beautiful and delicious.

No! How come there would be such a Ugly thing in world! Terrible!!

By the way, I'm hungry.

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Every time I look at this Ugly mushroom, I feel sad. Because he looks so lonely, shy and poor. He needs a place where there are lots of mushrooms willing to be his friends.
Bought a felting needle at La Belle Epoque on the previous Friday.
These few days, I kept felting wool and was nearly addicted. It's so fun to simply use a needle to create different shape of things(Of course. This requires our experience and skill.)

with heart

2010-05-31T15:43:00.000+08:00

My new facebook page→ click here
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Heart-an organ which is responsible to bump blood.

We have a heart.

I make things with heart wholeheartedly.
These few days, I burnt things again. My right thumb is painful.
Lately, I have thought about plagiarism. What would I do if Ugly is plagiarized by others? Luckily, my Ugly is too ugly. There shouldn't be anyone who is interested in copying him.

la Belle Epoque

2010-05-26T09:40:00.003+08:00

La Belle Epoque-a shop that I wanna go for long. Yesterday, my birthday, I finally went there with Ki.

I was nervous and only dared to take photos. The shop and handmade stuffs inside are really wonderful and very beautiful. Initially, I decided to buy some materials for myself . But, the thought was then abandoned since those pretty things'd already caught my eyes and mind.

When I arrived at Polka dot dot(workshop), Billie was teaching wool felting. She's so nice and very concentrated. I think the little creature inside her is very lucky.

I felt strange and excited that I could see all things and people, which I could only saw in photos before, in the reality.

Though it took a long time from home to the shops, it's worth.

525: Today 524:The Hong Kong Museum of History

2010-05-25T11:25:00.005+08:00

Yesterday, I went out and passed by the Hong Kong Museum of History. Then, I paid HKD5 to have a look in the exhibition, the Hong Kong story.

I really want a typing machine. If I had a typing machine, I would use it to write letters, intead of my terrible handwriting.
***** *************************
Today is the twenty-fifth of May, my Birthday.
Sitting in of the computer, eating chips and writing my soap notes. This is my Birthday.
Happy Bithday to me!
525 is a beautiful number.

reading

2010-05-22T17:01:00.002+08:00

In order to encourage me to read book, I made two bookmarks for myself.
Today morning, I started and finished reading the chinese version of "The Tales of Beedle the Bard". Wish I can keep on reading and never give up, even though I spend lots of time in doing handmade.

I like technology but, at the same time, I am afriad that humans' inventions would reversely detroy humans themselves.
I have a feeling. The end of the World is not far away from us. But, it seems I can do nothing for this. Disappointing.

I don't have much to show you, but something I made before:
-Two spoons and a "?".
I made them simply for fun and don't know what to do with them. I've thouht about making good use with their holes to make necklaces. But, that'd be very "outstanding".

Cheers,
Koey

p.s.

"Fat always thunder. So, we should eat less and avoid eating fatty food.

But, fact always thunder. Fatty food is always tasty."

-by bored Koey

Jamie Livingston

2010-05-15T10:45:00.001+08:00

25th October, 1997 (The last photo)

Jamie Livingston (October 25, 1956 - October 25, 1997)
A New York-based photographer, film-maker and circus performer. Between March 31, 1979 and October 25, 1997, the day of his death, he took a single picture nearly every day with a Polaroid camera.

Livingston's 'Polaroid a Day' photographic diary started at Bard College and though some photos have gone missing from the collection, 6,697 Polaroids remain. The collection, dated in sequence, has been organized by his friends Hugh Crawford and Betsy Reid into an exhibit at the Bertelsmann Campus Center at Bard College called "JAMIE LIVINGSTON. PHOTO OF THE DAY: 1979-1997", which opened in 2007.

Livingston's Polaroid a Day charted his experiences with cancer, and his subsequent engagement and marriage. His photographs in and out of hospital continued up until the day of his death.

http://photooftheday.hughcrawford.com/

25th May, 1993

4th July, 1997

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A set of life-recording photos. Words aren't necessary and we can explore his life by our own eyes through some moment in his photos.
To me, he is a stranger. To him, I'm a stranger. Though he's dead, I still can "see" his days.
I really like the feeling of his photos.
To me, taking a photo every day seems to be another good way to substitute writing way as I'm too lazy too write a diary. I want a Pokaroid camera as well and I like the way of taking a Pokaroid photo, "No REGRET".
I've found the photo he took on my birthday. You may find yours too.

the birth of soap

2010-05-13T11:30:00.006+08:00

A newborn soap but still not complete the first month of its life.

Alkanet Cocoa Lavender

The purple color naturally comes from alkanet root infused oil. And, the soap is scented with lavender essential oil and lavender infused oil. The sweet, balsamic, and floral aroma of lavender has a great relaxation power that I feel so relaxed and pleased when I took photos for the soap.
This soap contains 25%cocoa butters which is known to have a good softening and skin-healing properties.
-------------------
※Share you my making soap process.
I use cold-process to make soap. This is different from melt-and-pour soap. This later takes less time and is relatively simpler.

Mix oil and sodium hydroxide solution together. Then, keep stirring the mixture.
I use hand instead of electrical blender because this allows me to witness the whole process of saponification and reduce the use of electricity. But, this spends me quite a lot of time and effort.

Next, pour the soap mixture into a mould.
Sometimes, I would reuse some useless containers or boxes as mould. This would be more environmentally friendly and allow me to make soap of differnt shape. Quite interesting.

Until the mixture becoming hard enough, cut it into smaller pieces.
I am not very productive and I only make few pieces every time. But, I can thus make soap more times.

p.s. I'm confused about which flea market should I join (Or, you may say I'm not brave enough to face so many people... this's really embarrassing...). The atmostphere and location strongly affect my mood.

Lately, I'm suffering from weariness and frustraion. I don't know what the reason is. But, I just feel not so good.

Labelling

2010-05-01T15:40:00.004+08:00

To me, labelling of soaps has become very important after I have had a careless and skin-drying experince.
About 1 or 2 months ago, I initially decided to take a 100% olive oil soap from my tub of soaps and used it. But, while I was using it, I found the texture and the scent of the soap strange. Then, I realised that I mistook a laundry soap which was of the same white color of the olive soap.
----------------------------------------
2 batches of the soaps lately made have just completed its fisrt month of lives.

Calendula Petitgrain Shea

Calendula petal and infused oil added give the yellowish color to the soap. Calendula infused oil is known for its regenerative and anti-inflammatory properties.
This soap is scented by petitgrain essential oil.

Tea Tree

Tea tree essential oil added is known for its antiseptic properties and commonly used in acne treatment.

Now, I have decided not to add too much decoration to my soaps, or embellish them and to keep them raw. I think, as handmade soaps, being natural and useful is more important than being beautiful. Sometimes, simple is beautiful.
Moreover, it seems I have to pack all the newborn soaps as soon as possible. The recent weather is quite extreme that may cause the soaps to sweat.

p.s. May, my favourite month among twelve months, has come.

Red

2010-04-26T16:21:00.003+08:00

I haven't read books for long and I have decided to read lots of books after the exam. I still remember that my mind was full of imagination during the period of crazy reading. I hope my brain can be moisurized by the text again.

《穿靴的貓》
This book is about a little cat who loses 2 feet and her master, Billie.
I've read some already. This book is touching but interesting and the cat is cute.
But, I can only keep on reading the book only after the exam. Really can't wait!

...handmade again...
This time
- wool&necklace
-2 brooches" WONDERFUL NO.1"(the word clearly tells my desire:-P)

Wonderdul!

p.s.她有穿靴的貓, 我有戴紅巾的貓。

go playing

2010-04-22T18:38:00.001+08:00

He is playing with some simple but colorful

toys(or brooches!?).

As a good student, I should 100%immerse myself in textbook and exercise. But, when inspiration comes, I'm just simply tempted.
This time, I'm tempted by a pack of carving knife which was bought many years ago and was then abandoned.
Without any training, I can only canrve very simple but this's enough for me.
Carving is really painful and tiring.

p.s. Good luck!!

燉冬菇

2010-04-16T21:01:00.003+08:00

Now, I'm going to teach you how to "燉冬菇"
Very simple. You just need the following ingredients and tools:

The longer time you 燉, the better 菇 the 菇 is. So, you have to be patient!

If you are uncarefully 燉冬菇 by other, be careful! If they use poisonous 菇 to 燉 you, that means they don't want you to 翻身!

Flower...Flora...Flower

2010-04-12T17:09:00.000+08:00

I like floral print, especially those printed with small little flowers.
I am looking for more floral printed stuff. But, it's still a challenge for me to find some suit my flavor. Beofore hunting down my prey, it's better for me to draw some for myself.
I want more.

in the playground alone

2010-04-09T10:11:00.000+08:00

Playground is a place full of color and laughter. In playground, we my have played thousands of games.
For the sake of adding color and flavour to Ugly's memory and life, I bring him to a playground.

Playground is really a great place There are lots of colorufl and beautiful toys and things.

Ugly is happy but lonely. He plays alone.

Life is just a game.
When we are born, the game starts. When we die, the game ends.

the cure stage

2010-04-07T15:03:00.003+08:00

Currently, I have made several batches of soaps. Now, the next step I need to do is to wait. After waiting for more than a month until their pH values drop to about 7-9, they will be suitable fo use.
Making soap is always so exciting and fun ,but sometimes depressing. Once I start, I can stop and nearly obsess in it.

painting

2010-04-05T11:20:00.001+08:00

Though I like floral print, this should be my first thing which is floral printed.

After this painting, I like this little wooden tray more .
p.s.Happy Easter!!
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Lost Things-a short stop-motion film
Written & Directed by - Angela Kohler

Cocoa Chamomile & Calendula Lavender

2010-04-03T11:10:00.003+08:00

These lip balms are very moisturizing but not greasy. I feel so satisified with them!
I've mainly used sweet almond oil(which can condition and soften the skin), cocoa buter (which has great emollient properties)and jojoba oil(which can highly penetrate and closely resembles human sebum). Futhermore, I've added wheat germ oil (which is rich in vit.E) for longer preservation

I don't like lip balm with very strong scent because this would definitely distract me from enjoying the excellent taste of dark chocolate.
So, in this lip balm receipe, I haven't added much chamomile infused oil and I struggled whether the lip balm should be named cocoa "CHAMOMILE". The scent is very weak as I could smell it when I almost put the lip blam inside my nose. Anyway, I've made a decision.

As I directly got the infused oil without filtering.
There are some chamomile petals in the lip balm.

At last, I added some calendula infused oil and 2 drops of lavender essential oil to the remain lip balm in the beaker to make a Calendula Lavender Balm.
I've decided to use it softening cuticles and apply to the rough or dry areas.
The mid lavender scent smells relaxing and great!
---------------------------------

Modern Drift

Efterklang

good song and beautifu deers

p.s.Das Leben der Anderen-

When he passes by you, you might think he is just one of the stranger in world and he is nothing to you. But, your thought might not be correct as he might be the one who knows the most about you, even more than your closest friends. And, you might have never thought he is indeed your greatest helper and saver in world.

Who know...

An amazing movie

with black hair

2010-04-01T09:51:00.003+08:00

They have been with me since I was about 3 and they sleep next to me every night. But, I have never noticed that they have grown such long black hair on their head.
So, it's obvious that the hair doesn't belong to them! It should belong to another one sleep next to them every night!!

Beautiful world

2010-03-09T14:34:00.003+08:00

Once upon a time, there was an Ugly brooch.

Others always told him that there was a very beautiful place called Earth.

One day, Ugly decided to leave his brooch and have an adventure in the place he always imagined about.

" This is really a great place. Beautiful clothes, beautiful buildings, beautiful places, beautiful scenery, beautiful animals and beautiful people are everywere. I find myself in love with the Earth."

However, he found that this planet was dying. People there were much uglier than himself and were terribly destructive indeed.

At last, he chose to go to a more wonderful place.

the trace of red flowers

2010-03-03T22:30:00.003+08:00

I like making felt red flowers as they can easily catch my sight and give color to my clothes.

Every morning, I like to raise my head, look at the trees and try to find the traces of the singing birds. They always make me feel a sense of freedom as they always seem to be very close to the sky.

p.s.I have to control myself using less computer and making less creations. Time is runing out and I have to concentrate on doing the most urgent thing (thought I don't enjoy it).

UGLY

2010-02-27T10:11:00.005+08:00

This is the brooth representing "Ugly"(not that ugly rabbit). The picture, quality, material, words and embriodery are ugly.

According to dictionary, "Ugly" maens " unoleasnat to look at or to hear"

p.s. Last night's blockbuster- The Green Mile, a fatastic movie with a great story. I almost cried when I was watching it....