For the first time, I initiated a crafting session with friends. It was just a spur of the moment, when I realized I’ll be going to GenSan and I know a friend who also makes invitations and has tons of craft tools.

Days before I contacted Sunny, the girl behind Ms. Sunny Cards and Crafts if we can do a little craft session while I’m there. Gladly, she was also happy to play with us. Then I invited Joanne, a first time crafter and the set director of Green Tomato Weddings. Naks! We sounded so legit and formal, but seriously, we’re just like little girls who wanted to play with paper, lol.

We don’t really know what to do but I know I want to try Sunny’s Cricut and other tools, haha. At least that’s a start. Then Sunny suggested we do some vinyl appliques. So I brought some craft papers, punchers and cloth for the applique. And its time to get our hands dirty…

The time run so fast. Sunny had so many templates. Joanne and I couldn’t decide which design to use. I ended up monogramming the pouch I bought from Lorra.

Joanne and I made a postcard, while Sunny made a card. Here’s what I did… would you believe, this took me 3hours, hahaha. Yes of course, a lot of chatting and seriously overwhelmed with all the designs.

Joanne enjoyed her first crafting session and made this postcard.

This one is from Sunny… a cupcake card.

Goodie! Another set of craft buddies… will be doing another round next week. Yup! We had so much fun, that we have to have another round. This time, I’ll make a little plan and print a template to follow so we can create a lot.

I’m planning a crafting session in Yellow Hauz soon, would you join me? I’ll plan the idea first then I’ll give out the details. You can email me at designsofartisan(at)gmail(dot)com if you’re interested. Do let me know what craft do you want.

If you were able to follow my posts, do you remember my trip to Manila for the craft soiree? Well, actually I scheduled to meet a lot of crafter friends that time. So yes, it was totally a craft week for me and boy I miss this day.

Rochelle from Let’s Make Greeting Card organized a card making afternoon for all her design team here in the Philippines. Although we’ve been chatting online but it was great to finally meet Aileen and Kathleen for the first time.

Sunshine was kind enough to lend her workspace and let us used all her materials. As in literally alllll her craft materials. My eyes got big when I saw her workspace all the more when I found out she had BigShot, Cricut, and more. Tell me who wouldn’t if you saw this?

We don’t know where or how to start, we were just so overwhelmed with all the tools. But then we finally got busy and started working or should I say started talking, lol.

That’s me, Aileen, Kathleen and Rochelle.

The three of us was so busy trying out the BigShot. So tempted to buy.

While Rochelle was busy with her cards, or was she? Lol.

Then we finally get to try Cricut, with the help of ate Lang-lang. Oh she knows all the tools.

After how many hours of chatting I meant crafting, haha, we’re finally done with our cards. We were supposed to make 3 designs but only Kathleen who got to finish all 3. Not to mention she came in late, haha. Here we are posing proud for our cards.

These are the cards I made…

This one from Aileen.

Kathleen with her 3 cards. She worked so fast, or perhaps we just talked so much, lol.

 And from Rochelle, the card master, lol and you would know why with her pretty cards… 

When we were almost done, Sunshine came back and joined us for more chatting. Too bad she had to do some errands and couldn’t join us that time. {Kathleen, Me, Sunshine, Rochelle and Aileen}.

I missed these girls and our crafting session. Thank you Rochelle for organizing this, I had so much fun. I hope there’s another one soon.

I know this is a bit late but I just I have to share what I gave and got from the craft soiree2.

Last time, I gave a stationery set. A folder with stamped stationery and notecards with envelopes, vintage notepads and gift tags. This time around, I tried to change my craft other than paper. So I made a polymer clay magnet and handmade bracelets and cellphone charms instead. With the help of the clay master of course, whom I call Mrs. Fanlo, hahaha but her real name is Kay. “Thank you for helping me Kay… I miss our craft nights…”

Then I packed them in a box which I designed and printed. Wrapped it with floral paper {I used Martha Stewart edge punch} and tied it with yarn and lastly added some metal charm to embellished the whole packaging.

Since I came down from Davao, I just have to bring 30 pieces. I gave everyone a box even if they are not from my team. I really hope they liked it though.

These are the goodies I got from my group. Lorra, Mikko and Beam from the first craft soiree gave me their goodies even we were not on the same group, how sweet was that right?

The event won’t be complete without exchanging business cards. These were only few from the crafters. You can check all of the creative girls’ profile from Alessa’s blog.

Last May, I went to Manila and joined Alessa’s craft soiree. Where 15 crafters meet, chat, eat and made something crafty in one afternoon. It was totally a fun day! Quite expensive on my part though, since I have to book my plane ticket and hotel, but it’s all worth it, specially having new crafter friends.

And it’s happening again, woohoo! And it got bigger, 30 crafters will be meeting, chatting and making bracelets after the show and tell.

Illustration from Alessa’s blog

Oh I can’t wait. My goodies are all ready and packed, my luggage is not though, haha. I’ll definitely keep you posted once I’ve set my photos.

And another oh! My trip to Manila is full of crafting activities. I’ll be meeting with Rochelle and few crafter friends and make some greeting cards.

Just the thought of it makes me want to fly to Manila right away. In the meantime, I have to finish all of the deadlines first since I’ll be gone for almost a week. My shop will still continue to accept orders so just keep your inquiries coming.