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Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Creating Success Around the World

Creating Success Around the World - Michelle  from Dubai

Welcome to


Creating Success Around the World. The worldwide blog hop tour, that introduces you to creative people from all corners of the globe.  










Every Wednesday our hosts will introduce some inspiring creativity from their corner of the world.  
Here's the hosts. Click on the buttons to visit them and see who they are featuring this week.







Jill in Australasia
Jill in Australasia
Daffy in Asia
Daffy in Asia
Introducing this week's guest from Dubai - Michelle 






Tell us something about you and your country?

My name is Michelle from Misala Handmade! I was originally from Hong Kong but I am currently based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates to follow my husband's job. The UAE is in the Middle East and is extremely hot in the summer. Currently we are experiencing highs of up to 47 degrees during the day! Luckily there is air conditioning almost everywhere but still it can get fairly bad getting in and out of the car!












 What do you create?

I design and handmake coin purses and larger bags with kisslocks. I make them in all sorts of shapes and styles imaginable.

Why do you create?
It started out as an experiment for myself to understand what I would really want to do with my life. Three years ago, I quit my job as an engineer and moved to Dubai with my husband without actually lived outside my home country before. Being an expat housewife, there is only a limited amount of things you can do at home, especially in this climate. I was almost depressed but my husband persuaded me to follow my heart and pursue my own interest, so I started making bags at home.





Do you sell your creations? If so, how? Where? And is it profitable?

Yes. You can buy my creations at my Etsy online store: misala.etsy.com 
Despite having started this project a bit more than two years ago, it is still more of a personal project than a truly profitable business. I focus on bringing joy and happiness to my customers, and I would go all the way regardless of the cost to do so. I wish to bring the best shopping experience to anyone buying from my shop and that, I believe, is the core value of Misala Handmade.



What mistakes have you made or lessons you have learned in your crafting?
Before starting my Etsy store, I was trying to sell my crafts at a local craft fair. Although I did not make much of a success selling my crafts, there was so much to learn in the few times I've been there and it was the inspiration for me to sell my crafts online. It is through this experience that I learned that people, when they were shopping, will judge not only on the quality of the product but also the presentation. They are looking for a full shopping experience from the moment they discover the shop up until many years after their purchase. It the craft seller's job to make sure the customer is happy for the entire duration of this experience.

What, to you is success? Have you achieved it yet, or are you on your way towards success?
I work to build Misala Handmade as a name that people will think of when they are looking for high quality handmade bags and purses with unique designs, and I truly hope I am on my way towards this! One customer at a time, I hope to convert those who buys my creations into a true believer of Misala Handmade!



So what's next?
Summer is a really good time to grow a brand and to get better prepared for the crazy Winter months! I am working hard to build up my portfolio of designs so my customers can have their most desired items when they are doing holiday shopping!



Thanks for your lovely answers Michelle - and for sharing your beautiful work with us!
Do go and visit shop and check out more of her wonderful creations!
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If you would like to be featured in an interview - then please contact us!





Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Vintage sheet




You know what; I always have multiple projects going on at once. My tunic top is almost done just requires few final touch.  I remembered about the vintage sheet I bought other day. It is a  very pretty peach fabric matching my wall paint.  



I don't have enough of this fabric to make a large quilt so I used matching  fabric for ruffle around.   My little boy's turtle is having a snap. 




Monday, June 25, 2012

Large Bag organizer

Happy Monday! Hope you had wonderful weekend.

I love Monday; a brand new day to start with new projects.  I set aside the bag and purse for today.  Yeah, today my heart and hand are working on some tunic tops for myself.   I will share the photos with you all soon.

Large Bag organizer for lovely customer; upgraded design peek.... 




Now available in my Shop...




Saturday, June 23, 2012

Classic Tote bag

A perfect classic tote bag to throws all your stuff in for a trip to park or anywhere you want to go for this summer.  This bag is made from a lovely soft cotton fabric and matching suiting fabric with poplin lining.




Special about the bag
*************************
Stylish & Big Enough to carry all your for a day out.
Multiple pockets - Zipper compartment and mobile pocket & pen slip
Excellent finish with spun cotton fabric
Zipper closure to secure things
Double Handle to carry weight.




Dimension
***********
· Strap 19.5”
· Height 17”
· Width 17”
· Depth 6”






Check out my Shop for more details....




Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Creating Success Around the World

Creating Success Around the World - Madeline  from Malaysia

Welcome to


Creating Success Around the World. The worldwide blog hop tour, that introduces you to creative people from all corners of the globe.  







Every Wednesday our hosts will introduce some inspiring creativity from their corner of the world.  
Here's the hosts. Click on the buttons to visit them and see who they are featuring this week.




Jill in Australasia
Jill in Australasia
Daffy in Asia
Daffy in Asia
Introducing this week's guest from Malaysia - Madeline 






Tell us something about you and your country?

My name is Madeline Kuan and I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur which is the capital of Malaysia. As a child, handicraft has always been a huge interest for me. I enjoy creating various forms of arts including polymer clay which I discovered several years ago.






What do you create? 



I create polymer clay flower beads and and transform them into exquisite jewelry such as bracelet, necklace, earrings, brooch, ring and bag charm.



 

Why do you create?


I enjoy creating each piece of delicate flower - petal by petal with a mixture of unlimited colors. Each piece is original and unique on its own.

 

Do you sell your creations, if so how and where? is it profitable?


I have been selling my jewelry in Etsy shop (beadscraftz) since 2008. Occasionally, I also sell them at local bazaars which gives me an opportunity to expose to local market since most of my customers are from overseas. At the same time, I can also interact with other local crafters.




 
What mistakes have you made or lessons have you learned in your crafting?


I think we should never under price our work. Yes, it can be very competitive but we just have to wait for the right buyer, someone who admire and appreciate our work and will certainly take good care of our creation.

What to you is success? Have you achieved it yet or are you on your way towards success?


Since I am from the other part of the world, success to me is when I am able to break into the international market and my creations will be exposed to a wider range of people from all over the world. Yes, I have achieved that after my first year at Etsy.



 

So what's next?


These days, I'm looking into diversifying and venturing in natural based cold-process soaps which I started a few months ago. There's still a lot to learn and I'm enjoying every minute of it. Feel free to check out my soaps atwww.facebook.com/SoapyDeli 






Thanks for your lovely answers Madeline   - and for sharing your beautiful work with us!







Do go and visit  shop and check out more of her wonderful creations!

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If you would like to be featured in an interview - then please contact us!




Monday, June 18, 2012

Happy Father Day!

Hope wonderful Dad's out there had a Happy Father Day!!





 My boy made this for his wonderful dad.   I absolutely love this chalk paint made by little hands.




Friday, June 15, 2012

Men Bi-fold wallets

Custom order is ready to ship.  I love the way the wallet turnout.  This is made from a recycled jean, hope you remember one (Men wallet) i made for my husband.  Exterior is of sky blue jean with brown&navy lining. 

Bi-fold wallet measure 4.5" x 4" when closed and 9" x 4" when opened.



Exterior: Velcro pocket for coin


Inside : 8 credit card pockets


2 secret pocket underneath the credit card


2 separate pockets to keep money, bills, coupon etc



Stay tuned more to come............ Happy Weekend!

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Creating Success Around the World - Emeline from singapore

Welcome to


Creating Success Around the World. The worldwide blog hop tour, that introduces you to creative people from all corners of the globe.  







 
 
Every Wednesday our hosts will introduce some inspiring creativity from their corner of the world.


Here's the hosts. Click on the buttons to visit them and see who they are featuring this week.







Jill in Australasia
Jill in Australasia
Daffy in Asia
Daffy in Asia
Introducing this week's guest from Singapore - Emeline Seet











Hello Emeline, It's good to have you here with us today! Tell us something about you and your country

My name is Emeline a paper crafter and related craft educationist living in Singapore. A sunny island in South East Asia, where it is Summer all year round.
I have been crafting more than 8 years ago after the birth of our first child. Like most hobbyist who attempts scrapbooking, I started out documenting and celebrating milestones in pictures. I knew I needed something more colorful and interesting besides taking photos and 
writing important dates. I started out first dabbling with digital scrapbooking and progressed to paper and glue - I am totally hooked. 
I conduct workshops locally at my craft store (Made With Love, Singapore) and occasionally travel overseas for scrapbook workshop assignments. I have been blessed to have been invited to present workshops in Malaysia, Indonesia and had requests in Brazil, Brunei and the US. 
To date, I am privileged to have been part of several popular scrapbooking manufacturers like Prima, Melissa Frances, Webster Pages, Glitz Design and am happy to still remain as an 
ambassador for some of them. 

 What do you create? 
From scrapbook layouts, albums, mini tag books, tags, altered items, mixed media pieces etc. Anything under the sun, I like to be adventurous and create with and using new products
and mediums. 


 Why do you create?
It is easy to say I create because it is my hobby, I like to be surrounded by beautiful and appealing products. In a deeper sense, I create for a sense of "being". I use my creative time to unwind, to relax and to find myself. It is an essential part of being me :) 
Besides that, I create to promote my manufacturer's products and create for classes and workshops. 



 
Do you sell your creations? If so, how? Where? And is it profitable?
Yes I do. Occasionally, unpon request and availability of time, I accept local customized orders for weddings and other important events. Most of my corporate and individual clients get in touch with me via email (emelineseet@yahoo.com) , inform me their request and give me complete regin over the projects in hand. It could be for a wedding reception, wedding guest book, proposal, retirement gift etc. 
Is it profitable? Well, to be honest, not exactly. In the first place, you cannot truly quantify time and effort. 

What mistakes have you made or lessons you have learned in your crafting?
I am a firm believer there is no right and wrong in this craft. It is purely paper and glue ! :) If you really 'think' there is a mistake on your project, just take another element and cover it up. 
Just kidding. But seriously, I've learned not to sweat too much in this craft. It is supposed to help you make something meaningful and feel happy about it. 


What, to you is success? Have you achieved it yet, or are you on your way towards success?
Personally, I do not like to think success and paper crafting goes hand in hand. Unless one is a manufacturer , that is a different story.  As a paper crafter (a hobbyist to put it in a simplified form) my ultimate goal is to create something I like and something which will be treasured, cherished and put a smile on someone's face. 
Based on my own definition of success in this context, then yes, I think i am on my way to success.



So what's next?

A few classes in the pipe line and hopefully, continue to share my love for this craft near and far. 

Thanks for your lovely answers  Emeline   - and for sharing your beautiful work with us!

Do go and visit  http://scrapvilla.blogspot.in/ and check out more of her wonderful creations!

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If you would like to be featured in an interview - then please contact us!