Tutorial: Snowman Magnets

 

More Snowman Crafts! This Time…Magnets!

Another tutorial generously offered by Eyeballs by Day, Crafts by Night.

The Paper Place: The 2nd Great Chiyogami Giveaway!

Yay!  The Paper Place is hosting another paper pack giveaway!

The prize this year is one 8.5 x 11 inch sample sheet each of over 700 patterns they carry online!  Of course I entered in hopes to win!  I have such a paper addiction. 

If you haven’t heard of The Paper Place, check them out! It’s a Canadian based store based out of Ontario, Canada.  They have such variety of paper and designs on their online store.  One day I’ll be visiting the East Coast and definitely be visiting

Cards of Christmas Past: Aunty Toy’s Treasures

One of the great things of handmade cards is that you tend to keep them because you know the card giver put his or her heart in making it just for you.  I was sorting through this year’s Christmas decorations and found the cards Twyla made for the past four years.

She started stamping at least 4 or 5 years ago.  She gave started to give out her cards pretty much when she started this hobby.  Because I keep them, I just noticed how much she has improved each year.  My favourite is the one she gave me in 2009, the snowman is actually in it’s own snow globe. 

I can’t wait to see what card she decides to bless me with this year.

2007	2008
2009	2010

West Coast Origami on Hiatus

If you’ve been following me or my Cindy Ho Designs Blog for a while, you’ll recall that my family decided to rebuilt our house and in a year, I’ll get my new studio!  We just moved out and the reality check is sinking in.  I have to give up crafts.  He knows this is painful.

My brother and sister in laws were very generous to allow our family move into their house to avoid renting.  It has been made clear that space is limited and clearly defined space allocated for our things.  I have many boxes of supplies, books and paper and unable to bring any of them.

It was a difficult decision but West Coast Origami shop is on hiatus.  It wouldn’t be so bad because I’d craft for fun.  I’m sad because I have to stop entirely.

My new focus secondary to my family are on any projects that don’t require a lot of workspace.  Anything involving my laptop, my sketch book and my cross stitching.

However, have no fear, I will be back and hope you support me in this decision!

Have you ever had to stop doing what you love in order to grow that passion in the future?

Origami Caravan Project–Auction Oct 25 to Nov 10

Origami Caravan is a volunteer humanitarian effort geared toward children affected by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami.  Read more about the Origami Caravan project here

To raise funds, top origami artists in the world are donating personally folded origami and auctioning them off on Ebay!

If you not an enthusiast but still want to help, you can still donate to the cause!  Please click here and look for the PayPal button.

I could fold some of the models they are auctioning, but it’s different when you own something folded by a world famous artist.

For me, I got my eye on this one, Ren-Jishi (Kabuki Lion Dancers) & Makoto Rose folded by Makoto Yamaguchi

Being Canadian, I also have a liking to Bernie Peyton’s Polar Bear as well.

Thanks for reading.  Please let me know if you donate!

Today, I’m going to a Wedding!

I have another wedding to go to!  And of course gave me another excuse to be creative with another personal project!

Norman and Tracy have been together for a few years now and great friends of ours.  It’s an honour to make something just for them for their special day.

Initially, wanted to have a personally designed graphic like the one I made for my cousins last year.  After all, I’m focusing on my graphics and really want to show potential clients what I can do! However, my laser eye surgery I had last month prevented me to complete that design.  It took me over a month to allow myself to look at a computer outside of work.  So, fell back on my first love, origami!

The doves were my idea, but the ribbon, heart and photo were my husband’s ideas.  I love how it turned out.

Lesson’s Learned

You can’t simply create a bow with two different ribbon that small.  I had to use a needle and thread.  Took me three tries!  The gem in the middle was actually my cop out so I wouldn’t have to sew a centre.  However, I think the gem actually enhanced the photo.

Some creative projects take two people.  My husband had to hold the ribbon so I can put adhesive on the back

Earl52 Thousand Crane Instagram Project - Around the World

A few months ago, I posted a review raving about Instagram.  The past few months I’ve been following a feed from a particular user whose user name is earl52.

A few weeks back earl52 started a project to give 1000 personally folded cranes to anyone worldwide.  He never stated it, but I think he just wants to share peace and friendship around the world.  I’ve always thought about doing a project like this, but it’s nice to see someone actually doing it and recording the process through the Instagram feed

If you are a “Instagrammer”, all you need to do is email him and he’ll mail you one.  Please don’t forget to give him thanks for this generosity. 

One thing you notice is that he loves his Starbucks!

Oh if you are looking for me, my user name is CindyHoDesigns.

Free Origami Paper from Everything in Paper Crafting

I stumbled upon this through random surfing to feed my origami addiction.  Everything In Paper Crafting is offering free origami paper!  This company is offering 50 sheets free to anyone in the US (Sorry my fellow Canadians)

I’d get some myself but I’m up to my ears in origami paper.  I should give some away, (no seriously, I really need to get rid of some…)  maybe I should offer a similar promotion one day!

Everything in Paper Crafting specializes in origami supplies and literature.  Click here to directly to the form for your request!

Give A Way Contest *Closed*: My Memories Suite Digital Scrapbooking Software

Update August 24, 2011: Announcing the Winner: Gustosa Giveaways

There were many of readers but a humble number of entries.  Even so, it was a great learning experience hosting my first giveaway.

Congratulations, I’ll be connecting you to My Memories today!

Original Post Cont..

One of my pastimes that I had to give up when ‘life happened’ was traditional scrapbooking. In the midst of advancing my career at my day job, getting married, having children and started both my businesses, scrapbooking was something I just stopped doing. 

So imagine my delight when Liz from My Memories asked me to do a review and giveaway on their digital scrapbooking software and offer you $10 Promo Code off My Memories Suite Version 2.0. 

I was looking forward in trying it out.  I was surprised how user friendly this program is, but if you need help, there’s tutorials on their blog. 

My Memories Suite Version 2 

It comes with a great variety of predesigned templates and there’s many free kits offered on their online store.  I spent a couple of hours just looking at their add-ons, nevertheless the software itself!

Of course must dedicate a page just for my children.  The longest part of the process was selecting the photos and thinking up the caption.  Creating this layout took less than 5 minutes.  After exporting it to a JPEG, it’s ready to be emailed or print!

It’s not just for scrapbooking too.  I realized you can also use it to create layout of your products. 

After trying this program out, I absolutely can say that it’s worth buying this software.  It’s easy to learn and you can be as creative as you imagination allows.  My two examples above were just using pre-made templates.  You can make your page as simple or elaborate as you desire.

You have a chance to win your own  copy of My Memories Suite Version 2!

Rules for the Giveaway:

Leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry.  In your comments leave me a way to contact you when you win, otherwise, I may need to select another winner.

Giveaway ends Friday, August 23rd at 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time.  For each entry below, please leave a comment stating each entry.  When I choose the winner, I will be checking to validate the win! 

1. Visit My Memories website.  Tell me which digital kit is your favourite!
2. Follow my blog West Coast Origami.
3. Visit and like my Facebook fan page.
4. Follow me on Twitter. 
5. Blog about or Tweet about this giveaway, linking to this post

Three Bonus entries:

• Like my Cindy Ho Designs Facebook Fanpage 
• Follow my other blog Cindy Ho Designs 
• Follow me on my other Twitter Account, CindyHoDesigns

Leave a comment on THIS blog for each bonus entries that you liked and followed me. 

Good luck everyone!  

Do you want the software now? 

If you don’t want to wait for this give-away or didn’t win, you can still get it for $10 off!  The regular price is $39.97.  You can get the software for $29.97.  Ensure you enter this code upon checkout:

My Memories Suite v2 PROMO CODE:

STMMMS36954

This is only good for US and Canadian customers.

Check them out:

• Blog- http://blog.mymemories.com/
• Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/mymemoriessuite
• Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite

Thank you for stopping by.  This is my first give-a-away, please help me make it a success!

Happy First Anniversary!

This was made for a special lady as a gift from her husband for their first year anniversary. 

This rose was made with delicate handmade paper.  I chose this paper because of the boldness of the red and green make the rose realistic.

It was short notice so didn’t get the time I usually get to ‘tweak’ this project.  Being my own worse critic, I wasn’t sure it was up to standards.  However, my client was pleased with it.  I hope his wife like his present to her.

What I learned from this project

It’s more challenging folding with handmade paper.   Working with it for a rush project was a first for me. 

Don’t doubt.  In the end, the client was happy, even though I wasn’t sure.

** UPDATE – Aug 11**

My client’s wife didn’t like it.  I’m not happy because she wasn’t.  Overall it was the price.  I listed an old rose on my Cargoh store which is much smaller @ $10 and looks like she felt ‘ripped off’.  I don’t blame her reaction.  The photo doesn’t represent how small it really is.

I had to write an explanation on how I price, materials and the fact the rose on my store I’m just trying to destash it prior to my move next year.  Even if satisfies them, it’s disheartening because this is my first unsatisfied customer.  However, what I learned is I should always explain my pricing.  Her husband was in a rush and though he had every opportunity to ask, I should have taken that step.

Origami Money Ring

Originally my client requested an origami ring.  He wanted to re-propose to his wife.  (Isn’t that romantic?).  The rings I offered wasn’t to his liking.  He did his own internet search and brought attention a common one.

It’s a pretty simple ring so I couldn’t charge him for one without letting him know he could make her one himself.  In the end he asked me.  Since he purchased the rose, I just made him the ring no charge.  If you want to make one yourself, please click here. There’s easy step by step instructions and even a video!

Origami Rabbits and Bunnies: My Treasury Was Featured

I was poking around the net and discovered someone featured a treasury I built for Easter this year by Frills and Bil’s Blog

Thank You!

DIY Crane and Heart Cards with Doily Envelopes

Don’t you love to find out something you did inspired someone else’s creativity?

For some reason, I randomly “Googled” West Coast Origami to see where I ranked and saw this link on the very first page:

DIY Crane and Heart Cards with Doily Envelopes

Gave me such a warm feeling   Olga also talked about making the doily envelopes, which is very brave.  I don’t work with paper doilies due to the reason the lacing is difficult to work with, especially with adhesive. 

Beautiful isn’t yet?  It’s worth the effort if you have the patience.

Have you inspired anyone lately?

Money Rose in Full Bloom!

This is an order for a wedding that is taking place in August.  It was more difficult to make than expected.  I wanted to make the bloom as realistic as possible but cannot cut or pierce the bills.  The bloom is held together by floral wire.  The calyx and leaves are of course origami!

I’m particularly proud how this rose turned out. 

** Update August 24, 2011 **

I just got a quick email from my client and complimented the rose and presentation.  Their wedding was held on a beach.  It’s a great boost as my last client didn’t like the rose I made for his wife on their first year anniversary I made in this blog post. 

She even included a picture of the bride and groom with it.  I forgot to ask if it was okay to post it so unfortunately I can’t share how happy they were

Original Post Cont…What I Learned

Use crisp new bills.  Using new bills makes the rose much nicer

Folding with money is more challenging.  They are made with cotton so it’s thicker then what I’m accustomed. 

Have the right tools at hand.  I don’t have wire cutters so it interrupted my craft bliss when I had to hunt for a pair.

There’s downsides to crafts too – I don’t like using floral tape.  When you stretch the tape, the adhesive comes out so it adheres against itself when you wrap.  It makes your hands sticky and took a while to wash off.

New Polymer Bills

It saddens me too.  The day I finished making this rose, Canada Mint announced they are introducing Polymer bills.  They are introducing the $100 and $50 in the next 12 months and the rest of $5, $10 and $20 in 2013.  I don’t know if it’s possible making a money rose is possible with this material. 

Graphics: Canada’s New Money Is Polymer In Your Pocket

I don’t disagree with the move though.  It’s all to fight the counterfeiters and it improves the life cycle while it’s in circulation.  Maybe I’ll be lucky, maybe the rose will look better made with these notes. 

Tutorial: 3D Spring Flowers Card

I absolutely love this card idea.  I’m not into the sewing part of it but maybe it’s because my machine is bulky and hate pulling it out.  It’s so beautiful!

Found this on The Creative Place, my newest favourite craft blog!

DIY Tuesday: 3D Spring Flowers Card

Latest Projects: Origami Mini Cards

I have excess of tiny origami paper and didn’t know what to do with them.  I saw my stamps, had excess cardstock and it came to me.  Mini cards!  I always need tags for something and who doesn’t like a handmade card versus a store bought one? 

The peace crane birthday were the first ones I started making:

The tulip thank you card I started making last year. I’m thinking of discontinuing them.  I love them but they are time consuming for the prices I have to charge.  I’ll just start making them for myself to give away after they sell my last ones on Cargoh and Etsy.

I made these origami heart cards last year and mentioned in this post way back in October.  I never got around listing these.  I ended up using them!  I been meaning to restock these but new project ideas got in the way.  

These are my latest mini card.  I found inspirational stamps in a dollar store and had to figure out a way to use them.  These are so popular, I’ve listed them only a couple of weeks ago on Etsy and they already received over a dozen hearts and listed is several treasuries.

Making these cards were so much fun! I’m trying to figure out how to make more!

What projects have you been working on lately?

Origami Audi A7 created completely from paper

Origami Audi A7 by Taras Lesko

Carrot Placeholder for Easter Tutorial

 

Carrot Place Card Tutorial by mammafelice

One of my posts of my clothespin crafts gave one of my readers an idea for this simple but provoking place card!  I’m honoured that something I wrote inspired the creativity of fellow blogger

Okay, it’s in Italian, but it’s straight forward

Message in A Egg Tutorial

This is a chain tutorial –> Charlottesfancy to Poppytalk to PresentandCorrect to my blog . 

Message in a Egg Tutorial by PresentandCorrect

It’s like a Fortune Cookie but with an egg shell. 

Latest Projects: Thanks and Luv U Clothespin Tags

 

I’m addicted to cute clothespins.  I have more then I’ll ever need so I needed to make room for new cute clothespin. 

The flower and heart clothespins themselves were originally in my Artfire Shop as supplies.  I’d list them on Etsy when it made sense to closer to Easter and Valentines. Though lots of views, they weren’t selling outside the holidays.  I knew it was due to the photography.  Since I wanted to retake the photos anyways,  and needed to take a small break from origami, I crafted these tags.

These “luv u!” tags were added in an Etsy Treasury curated by AngelaDesign the day i listed. 

Love it!  I hope you like them too!

Feature Etsy Shop: Benagami

I saw this listing not too long ago and I cannot get over how beautiful this chess set is.  Benjamin Coleman, the artist of this beautiful piece of work is amazing.

Origami Bonsai Chess Set IV

Folding an origami chess set is advanced however, took it a step further with miniture bonsai flowers.  A level of skill and technique that very few can master.  I will definitely attempt to make one of my own one day, with a few more years of practice honing my own skills!

TEDxPhoenix 2010 Goran Konjevod - Organic Origami

This is a live speaker video of Garan Konjevod who explains that though origami has basic rules and techniques, new organic designs can still be made.

Organic Origami

Embroidered Eggs –Tutorial

Embroidered Egg Tutorial by Brett Bara

I saw this tutorial last year just after Easter.  I was completely blown away as I’ve never seen embroidered eggs before.

West Coast Origami in Etsy’s Treasuries!

The last couple of weeks I’ve been busy crafting and listing on Etsy.  It was a great week because three of the crane cards I’ve folded were curated in three different treasuries. 

An Etsy treasury are curated by Etsy members.  Etsy’s Administration will often take an exceptional treasuring list and post it on the front page, the landing page when you first log on.

These three are the ones that made it.  It’s really an honour because anyone who curates a treasury is doing it because they want to make one. 

Having three items picked by three different members in a week has been such a motivator to focus.  Thank you!