New Old Books and Happy New Year!

I got a couple of new old books for myself and I'd like to share some of the beautiful illustrations from the books with you guys. The first 3 is a set called "The Bible Speaks" by Hella Taubes and illustrated by Dan Bar-Giora, first published in 1971 by The Soncino Press. They are bible stories from the Old Testaments for kids with beautiful artworks. These are big books, too, with hard covers. I got my copies directly from The Soncino Press, but seems like they are out of stock right now.

















And the second book I actually bought a couple of months ago. It's "Love and Joy About Letters" by Ben Shahn, published in 1963 by Grossman Publishers, with gorgeous lettering and illustrations inside. You can find old copies at Amazon or Ebay.











Hope you've enjoyed them all. And as the last image said, Happy New Year! I wish you all a blessed and healthy 2012! Xx

What makes you happy today?

This makes me so happy! ^__^

YouTube Find: Music Painting

This is too good not to share it with you. Pure genius. :)

I just have to share this!

This video made me so happy! What a cool dad! ^-^

Merry Christmas and Happy New year

Remember these two from last year? They are back again singing us Jingle Bell. They really crack me up! Hopefully they bring a smile on your face during this crazy busy time. I hope you're all having a joyful Christmas time with family and friends, travel safe, and come back rested and renewed for the brand new year. Merry Christmas! xx



(Thanks Jeanee for letting me about the video! :P)

Aflac Japan Commercial

This is too cute! Thank you Natascha for sharing this on Facebook. I have to post it here again. So adorable!!!

Check this out!!!

I am so thrilled to let you know that one of my bestest friend, Donna Van Hooser, has just opened her Etsy shop! Donna is a consultant designer in my company (meaning she is at the highest level a designer can ever be). Being one of the most generous person I've ever known, she is MEGA talented, really fast and her attention to detail is just unmatched. She creates beautiful mosaic works, and she will make a custom pet portrait mosaic for you if you give her the photo.

Here are some of Donna's past works just to show you how good she is. This first one is Virgin of Guadalupe; it's HUGE, about 8.5 feet tall. And then there are some smaller pieces she has done throughout the years. Enjoy!

My Pikaland Interview

I have an interview on Pikaland today. I am so honored. Thank you so much, Amy!!!

There are some photos of my studios (when it was still clean...) if you have never seen it. Read the whole interview here.

Workshop with Tim Biskup

Mr. Tim Biskup came to our work yesterday and gave a great presentation. I was so looking forward to it but totally missed it (want to slap myself real hard!!!) because I slept until 10:30 and the presentation started at 10 (well, I hadn't slept for more than 36 hours the night before due to a flooded basement; that's why.) Fortunately, I was one of the few lucky designers who get to do an hour-long sketching workshop with Tim in the afternoon. We all sat in a meeting room with our sketchbooks and drew, while Tim was up front talking about his process and sketching on a giant paper pad at the same time. After awhile, he walked around the room, looked at our sketchbooks while we drew and talked to each of us. Tim is definitely one of the most approachable artists. One thing he told us to do is to just keep drawing the things/shapes that you are naturally drawn to. It's ok. And at the same time, try to use different mediums while you are doing so.

At the end, I was lucky enough to be able to take one of his quick sketch home, and here it is. : )

Kure Kure Takora

I was speechless when I saw this... (Thanks, Stephan!) Don't get me wrong, I can't believe this was actually a show made for kids in 1973 since it's pretty violent, but at the same time it is so awesome, I can't stop watching it! Here is the blog dedicated to the show where you can watch more episodes.

What a great music video!

Just watch! :)

70 Million by Hold Your Horses ! from L'Ogre on Vimeo.

Sweet craft by a sweet girl

I've known Alely and her family for many years, back in the days when I was still a student in San Francisco. During the years, every holiday and celebration, her family has always welcomed me as one of their own whenever I visit; really just one of the sweetest and closest family you can imagine. Alely is a wife, a mom of three, and most of all, a sweet, strong woman of faith. She just recently started her Etsy shop, Sweet Lee Designed, offering personalized handstamped jewelry, sewing goodness, and fine art photos. I love this little sweet necklace in the photo (and also one of my favorite Bible phrase). She can put anything you like on it, and that makes the perfect personalized gift. She also runs a blog called "1 Random Girl" where she writes about her family, her craft and the journey in life. So why don't you take a look and say hi to her? I know she'll love it!

Color Career Counselor

Jeanee at Dirty Laundry posted about this quiz from careerpath.com. I thought it's interestingm and the result it gave me seems pretty accurate in my situation. Looks like I am on the right career path. Here is my result; what is yours? :)

Best Occupational Category
You're a CREATOR
Keywords: Nonconforming, Impulsive, Expressive, Romantic, Intuitive, Sensitive, and Emotional

These original types place a high value on aesthetic qualities and have a great need for self-expression. They enjoy working independently, being creative, using their imagination, and constantly learning something new. Fields of interest are art, drama, music, and writing or places where they can express, assemble, or implement creative ideas.

CREATOR OCCUPATIONS
Suggested careers are Advertising Executive, Architect, Web Designer, Creative Director, Public Relations, Fine or Commercial Artist, Interior Decorator, Lawyer, Librarian, Musician, Reporter, Art Teacher, Broadcaster, Technical Writer, English Teacher, Architect, Photographer, Medical Illustrator, Corporate Trainer, Author, Editor, Landscape Architect, Exhibit Builder, and Package Designer.

CREATOR WORKPLACES
Consider workplaces where you can create and improve beauty and aesthetic qualities. Unstructured, flexible organizations that allow self-expression work best with your free-spirited nature.

Suggested Creator workplaces are advertising, public relations, and interior decorating firms; artistic studios, theaters and concert halls; institutions that teach crafts, universities, music, and dance schools. Other workplaces to consider are art institutes, museums, libraries, and galleries.

2nd Best Occupational Category
You're a ORGANIZER
Keywords: Self-Control, Practical, Self-Contained, Orderly, Systematic, Precise, and Accurate

These conservative appearing, plotting-types enjoy organizing, data systems, accounting, detail, and accuracy. They often enjoy mathematics and data management activities such as accounting and investment management. Persistence and patience allows them to do detailed paperwork, operate office machines, write business reports, and make charts and graphs.

Check this out!!!

My good pal Sarah and her daughter Michel have opened their Etsy shop "Petit Reve". Sarah is a designer/illustrator in my company and also the vocal/bass player in our band "Softee". She is super talented, and I've introduced her book to you guys before. Come on and take a look! I am sure she will stock up her shop with more and more yummy goodness as time goes by.

From Petit Reve, artwork by Sarah Anderson

From Petit Reve, artwork by Michel Anderson

Mr. Friendly from Japan

(photo from Mr. Friendly Cafe Blog)

I can't believe that I ran into Mr. Friendly again. I remember when I was still a teenager, I loved Mr. Friendly and I owned a couple of Mr. Friendly goodies, but as years go by and I moved to a different country, I forgot about him. I am so happy to see that he is still around. Check out the website and blog (in Japanese); the blog has more photos to look at.

PS: I just found Mr. Friendly's English site! (Part of it still under construction and in Japanese.)

Worms In Love

So adorable!!! Found via Rainbow Box

Great Clasp Purse Tutorial Found

I love clasp purses and have always wanted to make one. I found a really good tutorial here. You can also download the PDF file too.

Blog Features... Thank you!

My pal Kelly emailed me and let me know that my "Hat Peeps" print has been featured on the beautiful Creature Comforts blog as one of their Valentine's Day picks. What a nice surprise! Also, yesterday my blog was featured on Print and Pattern, one of my favorite source for inspiration. I am very flattered... : )

Interview at Dirty Laundry

My buddy Jeanee from Dirty Laundry has written an interview about me and the blog. She recently starts to do weekly interview of crafty girls on her blog; I am sure she will continue bringing inspirations to all her readers. Thank you, Jeanee! Click here to read the interview.

Note:
You have to check out Jeanee's adorable website, not because of the interview, but because of what she does. This girl does a million things... She is a full-time designer. She teaches Zumba at a local gym. She makes the cutest cupcake-shaped "Bath Fizzies" by hand; they are so unique and looks so good that you would want to eat them (but don't)! She also sews beautiful reversible aprons by order. On top of that, she is one of the funnies girl! Here is a photo of her Bath Fizzies; isn't it just so yummy?!

Super Cute Animation

Super cute animation from NHK Educational TV. You don't need to understand Japanese to enjoy it! :D
Found via Rainbowbox69's Blog.