Transitioning to Cindy Ho Designs

For the last 4 years, I’ve been in complete denial.  Refused to face the reality that I have to move on from West Coast Origami.  For those who’ve been following, you may already know that I’ve had to expand my business as my passions has migrated to graphic design and I need to include that as part of my small business.  As with any growth, my name needed to also reflect my changing passions.  Now that I’m trying to reactivate my blog, I realize that I can no longer maintain two. 

I’m not going away!  If you are still interested in following my thoughts and ramblings, please become a reader of

cindyhodesigns.blogspot.ca

This West Coast Origami blog will no longer be maintained, but will keep it open as many are still finding this blog and reading the posts.

Love Getting Handmade Cards!

I have a pretty bad habit of not opening up my Christmas cards attached to gifts until Christmas day.  I received two beautiful handmade cards last year and it was much too late for me to rave about them. 

This is the 2012 hot cocoa card made by our dear friend Twyla.  Check out the one she made for us in 2011.

The second card we received was this snowflake diecut card from my sister in law from Lucky Charms Card Collection.  This is one of the simpler cards she’s made.  I like minimalist designs so this one is my favourite so far. 

Looking at last year’s card, makes me look forward to what we’ll get this year!

In a Treasury: Thank you Brenda

Thank you Brenda from Bstudio for featuring me in your Treasury Shades of Pink   

Origami Crane Tri-fold Greeting Card - Garden Flower Pattern

More Christmas Cards from Aunty Toy

Every year Twyla makes this wonderful Christmas cards for our family.  She improves her skill and technique every year.  These are two she made for my family and my in-laws last year.  Yes, I should have posted around the holidays last year, but we were so busy preparing our move so we can build my new studio…err…I meant home.

She always say she doesn't’ want to make a business from her card making, but I really think she should. I’m sure people would invest in her cards.

What do you think?

The Return of West Coast Origami

Back in November 2011, I had to put my Etsy and Cargoh store on hiatus for a year.  It was a tough year as not only the store was put on hold, but also our lives as we were building our new work space. 

Now I’m easing back into handmade cards and loving every minute of it.  My favourite ones are back, my origami flower and Kimono cards.  I will be slowly building up more inventory in the next few days and will post updates on my Facebook Fanpage or Twitter

Origami Heart Box

Recently, I was asked to fold a jewellery box.  However, a plan square box wouldn’t do.  It wasn’t long to find the perfect design!  This is the Heart Box designed by Robin Glynn. 

This box is folded by one standard North American letter sized paper (8.5 x 11 inches).   The lid and base are made from making only one lengthwise cut. 

The magnitude of this fact is important.  Most of us have readily available in offices, school and at home.   Sometimes handmade or high end quality paper and sampling is often cut to 8.5 by 11. 

If you are looking for high quality handmade paper with beautiful designs, try The Paper Place, most of their paper designs will offer this size.

The original instructions was based on A4 sized paper (210mm x 297mm).  You can do a web search for more examples, but these are the ones I found for my project

• Instructions for A4 Paper
• Instructions for North American Size Letter Paper

The final size of this box ends up to be 3 inches lengthwise on the lid and 3 inches @ the widest part.  Perfect to gift a ring or earrings.

This heart box had to house a necklace so needed a sheet twice as large and I needed it in a hurry.  Lucky for me, there was Deserres!  They carry large format sheets that I cut to size.  As you see here, I put in adders so the necklace would be displayed nicely. 

This was the first origami project I invested time in since temporarily closing shop.  It was very enjoyable folding experience, and it’s a useful item to make!

Product Review: Photobook Creater by Unibind

This past weekend, I went to a event hosted by the Scrapbook Warehouse.  It was the Photobook Creater Make-N-Take in store demo.  There was a new letter announcement and my sister-in-law really wanted to go.  So said, sure!  I haven’t been doing anything creative since we started our house building project.  This is what I ended up taking home with me:

The demonstrator Ken Oliver, is a great guy. He told me my book was beautiful, when I know he’s just being nice. I had trouble using the supplied distresser ink.  I still don’t know what distresser ink does.  And certainly you can’t tell I used it on my book I made!  I’m a origami enthusiast and novice Graphic Designer, not a hard core paper crafter or stamper like Ken and my sister-in-law.  Still, I enjoyed myself, he made it fun!

The Photobook Creator is a neat product.  You can bind your own books.  You buy the special book covers that has a resin embedded in it’s spine.  You print photos on any paper, organize them and then heat the spine and the resin binds the paper into your customized book.

The photo books covers themselves aren’t un-reasonable priced either, they range from $5.00 to $20.00 for covers ranging from 4 x 6 inch size to 12 x 12 inches sizes. 

** Note: I received no compensation for this review.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

My Nephew Turned One Year Old

My nephew turned one and this the card he got for this first birthday from Aunty Twyla!  I love the dinosaurs!  Love how she made the body suit.

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?