20 May 2014

Crafting with Washi Tape

Yesterday, I had shared with you an on-going pop-up called "Taped" at three Anthropologie shops in New York City: Rockefeller Center, Chelsea Market and SOHO. If you're in town, try to stop by to see a showcase of how washi tape is used and even purchase a few rolls. It runs until May 26. 

On the day the event opened, there was a craft station set-up at the Chelsea Market store. I just love creative sessions like these!

There were cute cupcakes.

And mini water bottles appropriately dressed in washi tape.

There was a generous supply of washi tape and plain white boxes in different shapes.

All we had to do was pick a box.

Then choose the tape we wanted to use. 

I really went wild with the colors!

I based my design decisions on the patterns I was drawn to: floral and stripes.

Here is my box all assembled...TADA!

Here are a few more that my fellow crafters made:




And here's another shot of my gift box:

An ordinary box turns from blah to TADA! with tape!

19 May 2014

The Wonderful World of Washi Tape

Hello there! I know that a lot of you are smitten by Japanese masking tape. Also known as "washi tape", it's named after the strong yet thin washi paper it is made of.

The designs are irresistible and offer a lot of versatility in its application. Just seeing them on display already brings joy!

I was practically doing cartwheels when I heard of this washi tape event at Anthropologie.


It was cool to learn its history: 

Since long ago, paper masking tape has been used industrially in all kinds of ways. Kamoi Kakoshi in Japan has been making specialty paper adhesives for almost 100 years. In 2006, the company received an email from 3 women in Tokyo who were using their industrial tapes in beautiful craft projects. Amazed by this surprising and wonderful usage, Kamoi Kakoshi invited the women to visit their factory. This visit inspired the development of an entirely new and original category of tape, MT brand washi tape, colorful tape which is easy to tear by hand and reposition on nearly any surface. MT washi masking tape is now sold throughout the world in hundreds of colors and patterns. MT has become a part of daily life, adding a little color everywhere.

Here is just a sampling of washi tape's many uses.

It can turn anything from blah to TADA!

The event was also a pop-up shop with washi tape for sale.

Plus a few special edition ones like this one of Central Park.

A new member of the family was also introduced: MT Casa. These are bigger sheets that can be used to decorate interiors. 

From large areas like stairs...

And walls, and even smaller surfaces like lamp shades and furniture. Just imagine the possibilities!

In case you're in the neighborhood, the event is called "Taped" and is on-going in three Manhattan branches of Anthropologie until the 26th.

Tomorrow, I'll share with you a craft we made using washi tape.

12 May 2014

Basking Under Cherry Blossoms

Happy new week, everyone! I hope you had a restful weekend and if you're a mom -- a very pampered one, too.

Today, let me tell you about a little adventure.

I thought I'd go on one because the sun was out, the breeze was cool, and spring's presence is finally legit.

I took the subway to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden -- it's that time of year when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. And after a really harsh winter, I was impatiently anticipating this day.

Pink trees! What's not to love?

Just like in Japan or Washington, DC people flock here to admire the miracles of Mother Nature. 

A stroll under a floral canopy.

Many taking pictures for posterity.

A beautiful place to chat and catch up.

Perfect for playtime and a picnic.

And that's exactly what I did...only to find out later that eating is prohibited and sprawling blankets are not allowed {because these inhibit grass growth}. Ooops. 

The view of my picnic spot. I can certainly stay here all day!

I brought along some artsy stuff. Then I began to sketch.

I tried to learn the nuances of these cherry blossoms -- how the flowers appear in clusters, that some branches dangle or crisscross each other; some even trying to reach the sky. Or when there's a gust of wind, petals detach and get carried away like they really intended to -- maybe to go off on their own adventure.

Oh yeah, I took along my watercolor palette. {Gotta keep practicing my technique}.

Here's what I made. TADA!

What do you think? Do they look like cherry blossoms? 

This painting and these pictures are my souvenirs of this fleeting season. I'm always hopeful that I'll see them again for many years to come, while welcoming the possibilities of a new page in life's chapter.

Have a good week, everyone!

05 May 2014

A Tie Dye Tutorial

Hello there! Over the weekend, I taught a crafting class to a few preteens and teenagers. The craft we worked on was tie dye t-shirts. If you haven't heard of or tried your hand at "tie dye", the name is a dead giveaway. 

The "tie" part of the process is folding a t-shirt in different patterns, then tying rubber bands around it to secure the pattern. Dye {in different colors} is then added to produce another layer to the design. The result is a handmade, one-of-kind t-shirt that will surely impress friends when you say, "I made this!"   

If you're curious, here's what we did:

There are many tie dye techniques available, but a tie dye kit makes the process a breeze.

Here's what you'll find inside: plastic gloves, squeeze bottles filled with pre-measured powdered dye, rubber bands, and an instruction manual.

The ideal t-shirt to use are the light colored ones with natural fibers. But go ahead and experiment with old t-shirts {blah to TADA!} or fabrics to give them a new look. 

It's also suggested that the t-shirt be washed beforehand to remove sizing. Also, don't apply any fabric conditioner or dryer sheet on it. These may prevent the dye from adhering to the t-shirt.

Now it's time to tie! There are many ways to fold and create patterns on the shirt. Here are some of the ones I used:

Here is the bulls eye

This is the stripe.

Here is the swirl.

And this is the crumple.


There are many more folding techniques that you can look up. Just make sure to tie the bands tightly.

And now the messy part.


Cover your work space with a plastic tablecloth or an inexpensive/old shower curtain because a lot of tinted splatter is expected. 

As an extra precautionary layer, I used a plastic tub {ex. basin or shoe box} or large bowl that I lined with a big plastic bag {ex. garbage or shopping bag}.

Put the tied-up t-shirt inside the tub.

Then, wear the plastic gloves. 

Open the squeeze bottles carefully and add lukewarm water. The more water added will yield a lighter color, the less water used produces a more intense shade.

Replace the cap tightly and shake until the dye is dissolved.

Carefully remove the cap covering the spout of the bottle. Then apply the dye to the t-shirt. Make sure the dye has penetrated into the folds. Turn the t-shirt every so often to get color on all sides. 

Add the colors randomly or add a different color per section. Also, it's not necessary to dye the entire shirt. The dye will eventually spread and it's also alright to have the original color of the shirt appear in some parts.

Once satisfied, wrap the shirt in the plastic bag lining the tub/bowl. Roll it up and let it sit in a secure area {away from pets, kids or food}. Leave this alone for 6 to 8 hours {or overnight}. Allow the t-shirt to absorb the dye.

After 6 to 8 hours, you can now rinse the t-shirt under running water. You'll have to pick-up the shirt to move it around and wring it so keep you gloves handy.

You'll notice that dye will flow from the shirt. You have to rinse the shirt until no dye is present and the water runs clear.

Once the water is clear, wring the t-shirt and remove the rubber bands with scissors {these can be untied so that they can be used again}.

An important note on laundry: wash and dry tie dye projects separately from other clothes. Make sure to wash separately for the first few washes.

And now I present, a tie dye t-shirt!

Here's another one. 

Each one unique, each one TADA!