Where have all my weekends gone?

Staying away for 1 year and 8 months from this was something I felt I had to do.

I always had excuses why I should keep it and why I shouldn't.

Right now it felt like this was the right time to post again.

This is the window to my life and I feel bolder

maybe in a calmer and more quiet way.

Where have all my weekends gone?

The past year and 8 months have been a roller-coaster ride.

I was blessed to be able to travel to places and be with my family.

It was a moment for us to be together, to laugh, to smile and to heal.

Los Angeles was my first stop. 

It will always be special to me because 

it feels like home away from home.

My mom moved to LA to be with my sisters

(back and forth between there and Boston)

I visited them two months after she left Manila.

There I was able to visit the Getty Museum 

and immerse myself in art and culture of their country.

My sister who is a 'native' there actually enjoyed it.

New York was a different experience altogether!

The city feels alive! Breakfast was something to look forward to.

Bagels, coffee, waffles... with my whole family was priceless.

I would love to go back there and fully be immersed in the city!

I was suppose to visit Parsons and meet up with 

our aunt-godmother but unfortunately she was out-of-town.

and then there is Boston...

It feels great to be back to the place where my youngest sister resides.

I love Boston because I really feel like I am in another country(duh!).

My sister moved to a new house so it was fun seeing them build and decorate their new nest.

It was my first snow experience as well. 

I was planning on making snow angels, castles, and snow mans.

But after a night of shoveling I had to give up my idea altogether.

I know I didn't post anything related to art.

I just had to share what the peaks of my weekends were for the past year or so.

I consider myself lucky to be able to spend my days with my family.

I said at the start of this post that I visited my family in the US because it was a time for us to 'heal'.

Our dear dad my dear dad passed away 1 year and 2 months ago.

I dedicate this post to him as way for me to show that I am ok.

We will all be ok.

I know he is in a happier place and he will always be cherished 

and remembered by all os us he left behind.

So here I am looking forward to more reasons 

to celebrate weekends with families, friends and art.

Happy week to all!

-the weekend artist-

The Weekend Artist Series #3-02: Wedding DIYs

Oh how I love doing DIYs specially when I had my wedding!

Even the ones we coordinate we try to put in some DIY 

or personal touch into making it feel more special.

Here are my fave DIYs because they are all from my wedding!

For the 1st Photo above we used some of our favorite paintings 

by Masters as the table numbers. 

It symbolizes both our passion for the arts 

and where we met which is while studying Fine Arts in a University.

This is a packaging I made for the entourage Save-the Dates. 

It's made of craft envelopes which i tied with twines and beads. 

I printed out labels with the logo 'The Secret Garden Party' 

which I found on the internet and added the 'keys' logo with our initials on it.

Here is my DIY project Save-The-Date for our wedding entourage. 

It's a mini corkboard which you can hang on your desk. 

I made different versions of this for the entourage

and mini versions for the rest of the guests I often see 

while others got cards in the mail. 

The ones who live really far got an e-invite version of this.

Here are the menu cards DIY.

One side contains images which we also used for our actual invites.

Last but not the least I designed the gowns for my wedding.

I'll probably just save that for another post. =)

But before I say have a great weekend 

I wanna leave you with a last photo 

from my cousin's wedding in Hawaii.

This photo just shows you a glimpse of the back design.

It looks really great specially because my aunt made it for her.

I'm specially proud of this eventhough I didn't design it 

because I helped source all the materials with my aunt. 

She brought all the sourced materials back to the US.

It's a special family DIY you can say!

P.S. I was also the one who designed the invite for this wedding.

See the photo of the invite here(white invite)

Have a great weekend!

-the weekend artist-

The Weekend Artist Series #3-01: Two Weddings and a Fashion Show

Reception Venue: Philippine Army Officers Club is all set!
A wedding reception I helped organize for a couple close to my heart.

For 3 months I stayed away from writing about my creative projects and my life. I finally found my need to write again.

What kept me away for three months?

1. Work happened...it was Fashion Week season last October. My job eats so much of my time specially with all the details we wanted to put into our SS13 show.

2. I accepted new projects for wedding coordinating for special friends and of course together with my dear friends/partners.

3. FAMILY. My sister from LA and my nephew arrived for a 3 week vacation!

Plus our grandmother got sick. She has been in and out of the hospital for the past 2 months. It has been hard seeing my mom and her siblings worry about her.

I had to really prioritize all things. Now that everything has settled into a somewhat semi-normal lull that is my life, I have this need again to try to express myself artistically. This blog has somewhat been instrumental for me to pursue again my love for traditional art and well at least practice or rather somewhat discipline me to share on any creative insights I have.

Not bothering to go through the long route of explaining everything that happened I will just be sharing more of what I'm doing with the Two Weddings and maybe slip in some Fashion Show tidbits(or not). Here are some more photos from previous weddings I have organized with my dear friends. Hope I won't bore you with sharing these creative treats from all my organizing events =)

Have a great day ahead!

Registration Pads all adorned with graphics specially made for the bride and groom.
I simply did a re-layout for the registration to tie-in with all the elements.

Scented Vials for Guests and Drinks from Singapore
were treats given out during one of the weddings we organized.
(My dear friend/partner did the Vials packaging for the couple)
-photos courtesy of the bride and groom-

Moodboard I helped pick for one of the weddings I am currently organizing.
(Photos from Pinterest)

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #12: The Happiness Project

How has your week been so far? Mine has started out stressful at work and with me ending up all day at home the day after sleeping from fever-like symptoms. So here I am still wide awake since I slept almost the whole day in. 

Im currently reading 'The Happiness Project' in my quest to find true happiness though I think I am a fairly happy person I just need to find answers to my life questionsI don't make sense right?!!). One of my life questions is how far do I want to pursue art in my career? Whether I put in more hours to learning? Learning what?

I'm planning to start on my 'Happiness Project' in august so I bought this Little Prince organizer specifically to keep track on my progress.

I started doodling on it already along with some quotes from the book that I don't want to forget. Again another notebook/organizer to add to my growing collection.

Before I end this post I just wanna share to all that Graphika Manila 2012 is here again on August 11, 2012 at the SMX. I am a big fan of digital art since I started my career out in that field. I'm planning to go if my schedule will accommodate it. 

For more info on Graphika Manila 2012 just visit their link here http://www.graphikamanila.com/

goodnight

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist series: Paper Art #1: Wedding Invitations Designs

Who doesn't love weddings? I so love them I organize them as a sideline. 

What's funny is I still always get teary-eyed whenever the Dad walks her daughter 

down the aisle, whenever the couple say their vows, 

as well as during the couples first dance!

 So that is what I have been busy with during my time away from my blog 

for almost 2 months now apart from my job.

Actually I was at a family gathering recently when one of my aunts 

asked me about my blog and why I haven't been updating.

I told her that I haven't been working on it because 

I have been too busy with my day job 

and coordinating weddings during my free time.

 I haven't been painting lately or even finish my old projects. 

She suggested that I just share what I have been working on right now.

So here I am sharing a bit of what I am doing 

and for the coming weeks I will keep on sharing more.

Aside from wedding coordinating I have been accepting commission work

 for wedding invitation designs as well for a couple of years already. 

I think my love for paper is evident on why I still keep on accepting invites designing.

With weddings I still get to exercise my creative side from coordinating, 

selecting flowers, wedding gown designs and specially the invitations. 

I would be more than willing to share my experiences about starting a wedding coordinating business of your own here for those who want to ask. 

You can just drop me a note.

(All pictures included here are invites designed by me)

How about you wanna share what's been keeping you busy?

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #10 Saying Goodbye

I say goodbye to Boston with a heavy heart... I'll miss Boston because it showed me a different view of America. Life there was simpler(though I think more expensive compared to other states). It's like a retreat from the modern and busy lifestyle I was so used to in Manila.

(Photos above and from the last 2 previous post were all taken from my visit to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts)

photo from pinterest

As you read this I'm already back to my busy life in Manila... I say goodbye one last time to my Boston experience and the lessons it has taught me...goodbye for now!

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #9 Museum Eye Candy

I start off with a painting I adore specially the play of colors.

If I remember right this is a Renoir!

My visit to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts opened a lot of new insights for me on

how my taste for certain paintings have evolved through the years.

Another painting which I love specially the stroke/style of painting with colors.

Another piece in a similar style which I think came as a series.

Last but not the least one of my favorites again from a series.

I guess this shows my gravitation towards colors and a certain painting style.

Though nowadays I am also drawn to subdued and saturated style of painting.

It might be a reflection of my current state of mind or as they say 'Art imitates Life'.

I tend to be so serious lately it kind of feels so dramatic.

A better...happier post maybe next time.

goodbye for now...from my boston files

-the weekend artist-

an invitation

Since I started blogging I've been getting invitation to events, places and have lately been turning them down since I've really been busy or it just coincides with dates which I have set plans beforehand. I really feel bad turning invites down since am quite flattered they even invited me in the first place =).

Recently I got invited by Ms Pache Paredes to their event entitled SIGLO. I'm all for supporting young talent most specially CSB students since am quite close to some of them through my work mentorship program. See more details below...

-the weekend artist-

1 night

100 years

in 100 minutes

Sinag Productions, the AB Arts Management Program and the Performing Arts major in Dance program of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde School of Design and Arts will premiere a dance production entitled “Siglo” on November 29, 2011 at the 5th floor theater of De La Salle-College of St. Benilde School of Design and Arts, 950 Ocampo Street, Malate, Manila.

Siglo”, or “One Hundred Years”, narrates and highlights a century’s worth of struggles and triumphs of the La Sallian presence in the Philippines. Directed and choreographed by the graduating students of the Dance program, selected dancers from CCP’s Ballet Philippines will participate and perform in the said show. The show not only aims to display the artistic interpretation of our institution’s history, but it also allows us to celebrate and have our fellow students witness and appreciate the beauty of our Alma Mater

This production is a joint collaboration with School of Design and Arts’ Music Production, Production Design, and Technical Theater programs. Show times are at 10:00 am, 3:00pm, and 7:00pm.

For ticketing and other related inquiries, please contact Marketing Production Manager, Merril Cledera at 09175290256 or our Head Production Manager, Patricia Paredes at 09175981104 or e-mail us atsinagproductions@gmail.com for more details as well as ticket reservations.

Tickets are also available upon entrance.

http://www.facebook.com/100siglo

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=209219095816428

http://vimeo.com/31320751

the weekend artist inspiration #5: my blogging hiatus

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I've been on a blogging hiatus for almost a month! So my day job kept me away for the whole time. I was busy with Fashion Week since we mount a big show almost every year. From selecting models, selecting clothes, meetings w directors, stylists, etc. To mentoring and assigning tasks to designers and assistants. And aside from that I needed to go to Hongkong to source for the next season and meet up with suppliers. We also had to visit China for a short buying trip(the picture from my hotel bedroom is the one above) and cross back to HK on the way back.

I had to go home by myself so I can make it on-time for a mtg the next day. My flight was postponed TWICE! So I had to stay in the airport for more than 6 hours doing nothing!

I ended up buying another journal and a photography book to pass the time!

Oh did I mention that I finally got a DSLR camera!

So that's what kept me away from blogging. Clearly my work demands so much time from me but I just can't say I don't love what I'm doing even the stressful part I have come to love!

It is one of my greatest inspiration and source of happiness as well... to do what i'm doing and to sharing what I know to others.

-the weekend artist-

Am back!

the weekend artist big idea #3: sketchbook and planner DIY

I realized that my grubby hands(when working) 

has been doing damage on my sketchbook and planner(particularly my 'it will be' pair)

and noticed that my newest sketchbook acquisition is of the same cover material.

So I decided to do a little 'protective DIY' on my sketchbooks.

How to add a protective layer to your papercovered notebooks:

1. apply a thin layer of glue on the covers(the thicker the shinier it will get).

I used the clear glue but Elmer's glue(white) will also do.

2. let it air dry 

3. you can opt to apply a thin layer of clear varnish on top to make it last longer.

I used to like using the colored varnish which makes it look a bit vintage

but i didn't use any varnish this time because I wanted it to stay matte finish

bye!

-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #3 Sketchbooks Collection

As I have shared in my previous blogpost Im in love with sketchbooks

and planners so I'm sharing here some of my faves from my collection.

This is my 'it will be' sketchbook it also comes with a planner of the same size.

I use it for my art projects and mini-doodles and sketches.

It's been with me for 3 years already but only started using it this year.

I bought it at LCX harbour city in HK.

I use this Berkeley sketchpad for sketches I transfer on another paper/canvass etc.

I've had it for almost a year already.

This sketchbook is still blank and it's been with me for a year already.

I bought it as a replacement for a sketchbook which my nephew

ended up bringing with him to the US.

I made a couple of sketches on it for him so he asked me for it.

The replacement sketchbook I bought is wuite big in size
I'm keeping it for preliminary sketches for bigger canvass artworks.
I bought it at NBS I can't remember the price.
 

 

 This is my Montval sketchpad which I use for my watercolor creations.

I've featured this before here in my first few posts.

  

Last but not the least is my 'Sketchbook Project' sketchpad 
which you can see in previous posts.

I think it's important that you like the materials you work with.
Whether recycled or new. It keeps me excited and makes me not waste the paper
I'm working on thinking it's just one page of the whole pad.
I'll post my planners next time!

Paalam!
-the weekend artist-

the weekend artist inspiration #2 Sketchbooks: The Fashion Sketchpad

Im in love with paper! I may say I'm addicted to it

and I have mentioned this over and over again here.

My love is visible in my collection of sketchbooks and diaries/planners.

When I am working on a new project I'm always excited to start on a new notebook.

I specially love the feel of the paper and the crispness of it. 

I go through a lot of sketchbooks and planners in a year. 

It feels nostalgic when I browse through old pages. 

So you could imagine my excitement when over the weekend I found this 

'Fashion Sketchpad' for half the price($18.95 US) and 

double the size of  'Fashionary'(which is still on my wishlist).

I found it on display at NBS Rockwell. 

 Like 'Fashionary' it has an illustrated garment encyclopedia.

A recommended reading section is also included. 

 It's not that clear here but all pages contains different figure templates 

which make it easier for me to sketch.

Plus the templates disappear when scanned or photocopied! 

Am so excited to use this on another future project 

so help me cross my fingers that it will push through! 

That's it for now! 

Ciao!

-the weekend artist- 

What is 'the weekend artist' all about?

Hello artworld! This is a personal art blog which I started to help me search and find my personal artistic stamp in this world. my current work though in the related field has in a way hindered me from doing what I initially loved to do which is paint, sketch and do crafts project. I'll aim to post at least 1 project done weekly or bi-monthly if it's a bigger project.

I'll be posting by categories as well...

1. the weekend artist series- I plan to post artworks pieces inspired in series with a big umbrella theme.

2. the weekend artist big idea- a one-shot artwork which may or may not evolve to a series

3. the weekend artist crafty case- craft ideas or projects that solves or answers a certain dilemma(in my own personal craft world)

4. the weekend artist daily inspiration- may also be weekly or whenever I please...these cover postings of other artists works, daily photographic inspiration, people i look up to, gadgets or whatever under the sun that inspires me.

hope this blog will at least inspire 1 person to eventually pursue their artistic inclinations to a higher level like I am aiming to push myself to do.---the artist

before i go to sleep i leave you with this tipsy sunset photo of me on the waikiki beach. this photo certainly inpires me to pursue my love for the arts wherever it leads me.