New Prints

 

The Wonderland Estate

All things castle and palace. Hot air balloons in the air.

This illustration contents almost all of the colours I like.

Very different from my usual style.

Love You To The Moon And Back

This is a custom order for one of my customer.

She saw my "Love You Long Time" print and loving the style and colours.

She contacted me and wanting me to make her

a custom print with "Love You To The Moon and Back".

It's a gift for her daughter. I bet it looks good in her room.

What a lucky girl!

Dance In The Rain

A combination of my 2 illustrations. It looks good I thought.

Mucking around with inspirational quote with my illustration.

Some looks great some just looks meh {at times} :P

After creating so many illustration and/or prints...

I think Missy Minzy's style should remains bright and colourful.

I have tried pastel colour and mute pallette's colours but it just doesn't gel.

I have been itching to go back to water colouring.

So strange that how a new bub can change how you see things differently.

My personal experience : Surface Pattern Design E-course

I get asked a lot how was the Surface Pattern Design e-course which I have studied recently. So I have dedicated this post writing about my personal experience.

Here's a brief idea for you getting to know my background ..just so you get the feel if too the e-course suits you, or maybe not? I was a full time graphic designer with more than 10 years professional experience. My background has always been a mixture across graphic design, packaging design, illustration and advertising. As for illustration, I've learn to draw and create at a very young age. My illustration style and skills has seen developed especially when I was studying commercial design & advertising at The One Academy, Malaysia (that's where I came from). From there, I've learn fast visual illustration & strong storyboard illustration (come in handy in advertising agencies).

I feel comfortable with media like water colouring as well as marker rendering. Love seeing people smile when they receive/looking at my art. That will ultimately my permanent goal. It is very important to me. Being able to do so means the world to me.

After being asked to design numerous kids' camping gear for some big retail chain. I thought "hey, this is fun but I want to create and know more but where and how?" My first proper experience with repeat pattern was when I took a short course - Textile Design at CAE. I love it and wanting to do more. Since then, I'm always looking for similar course to do. Unfortunately there's not many courses where you get to study repeat pattern design (which I then learned people from the other side of the world called her - Surface Pattern Design). That's how I found Rachael Taylor's course.

Personally think one has to be super organise to be able to absorb the e-course as the content was so detail and informative. There's always lots of details throughout the course. The only down side for me which is a big deal since I'm a working at home mum (I only had a toddler to deal with back then) the information was so full on, there's always assignment after a lecture on daily basis. I personally would prefer the course to run a bit slower and lesser assignments. Probably just so I don't have to feel I have to catch up with the lecture thinking "what if I missed out....". I have to say I was always on the rush. So a well time management person will suits.

I have to admit that I was one of the bad student who did not do every single assignments. I can only imagine one will learn a lot more and quick if you are super organise and well time management. I did not study Module 1 simply cuz I have some basic studies about repeat design. My honest point of view is that Module 3 suits me more versus Module 2. Module 3 has lots of information and strong resources tips which are very handy for me. In short, Module 1 would be ideal to those who are newbie and wants to have a feel on what surface pattern design is like. Module 3 would definitely suits those who have some years (or basic really) of experience in terms of textile, surface pattern design. In my honest opinion, it would definitely help you to get a hang of this module if you also have your own business. Think about having trade show, how you prepare and etc.

Alternatively, there's another site which also has similar course teaching Surface Pattern Design which might interests you? Have a look at Pikaland's site for more detail. Print & Pattern is by far the good resource for any surface pattern design from all over the world. Last but not least, Pinterest is another great resource where everyone is pinning (more like pinching? ;) lovely find.

These are just my personal opinion and experience. Sorry I couldn't share with you any of the course study notes as it would against the course's criteria. Do send Rachael an email or 2 if you have any question. I believe she would be more than happy to help you. If you are still indecisive to go ahead or not. The only comment from me to you for now is that you have nothing to loose. The greatest thing in life is to keep learning and stays young! :)

Will sum up this post with this fabulous magazine which I found last night. 

original resource from here

If you found yourself scroll to this end of the post ..well, all the best on finding your path as I have found mine! :) Irene xx

Recap of Year 2012 for us :)

Hello and welcome everyone!

I hope you've all had a lovely Christmas and New Year.

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Our first trade show - Baby & Toddler Show
via Mini Me and You recently last September

Our newest stockist - Mini Me and You's exhibition booth
at the recent Baby and Toddler Show in Sydney.
Did you spotted our illustration art prints? :) 

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Collaborated with Bookoola Ink - "Learning Childhood" poster series

We were very blessed being invited to collaborate with one of the publisher in QLD.
An opportunity to being part of their poster series named "Learning Childhood".
Best part of this great opportunity is Debra was lovely to deal with.
The whole experience working side by side with her was amazing! :)

One of my dear friend spotted our poster at her son's kindy :)

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So our first press appearance was in late Y2011. Click here for more detail

1 year later.....We did it again but this time is on print!

Tickle The Imagination's Magazine

The Gallery Wall's Spread

 2 of our illustration art prints are amongst the author's favourite artworks

I say.."sweeeeeet!" :)

In the Wood Series No.4 (Mushroom World Series)


Feather (Happiness Series)

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Working experience at the Ink & Spindle end February 2012.

These, has to be one of my highlights for the year!

I waited for almost 3 years to make it happen.

I blogged about it over here :)

 With Lara and Teegs' help..tada!

My 1st cushion utilising my own screenprinted fabric

at the Ink & Spindle.

and I made this cute little tote bag! :)

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It has been very silent for the past 3 months and here's why....

Photo of my eldest and my latest addition :)

An absolutely big news! A fruitful production after our recent miscarriage 1.5 years ago.

Life was miserable during the silent grief. I have also lost my creative mojo back then until bub #2 came along last November. How am I feeling now? I'm feeling complete and life is somehow more content..a feeling which I can't quite explain how but yeah :)

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Y2013 is going to be big

1. Am moving on from drawing not just the quirky mushroom and Minzy Girl. Yes, am heading different direction and new mission for how I want to run Missy Minzy. So stay tuned if you like to know more :)

2. Different material. New range. New style.

3. Thinking of entering homeware & textile or probably jewellery area. Something very different from what you have seen me working on :)

4. Spend more quality time with my young family. I have came to realize that anything can wait but my family will always come first. My 2 girls are only be this little once so I really want to enjoy being their mum as much as possible!

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3 big reason why you should check our massive sale!
a) 40% off on the entire range (existing stocks).
b) Great chance to snap up our large size (12x16"). There are only available at our downthatlittlelane's online store.
c) Am moving on from drawing mushroom and Minzy Girl (most likely). So there will only be a selection of illustration art prints made available by limited edition run once sold out.

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This year am going to spend MORE time enjoy creating

instead of sweating what others are doing and how come not me :)

Here wishing you an amazing fabulous Year 2013 in advance and

remember to slow down and smell the roses. Irene xx

Diary form: Post Working Experience with Ink & Spindle

This is a post working experience which had happened early February/March this year.

So I was mucking around with hand screen printing after my short course with CAE sometime in Year 2009. It all went well when I was in the class. But it went all wrong when I was trying to do mine few weeks after the short course. I couldn't figure out what went wrong.

Read my old blog posts here

Few months later, I visited this fabulous local hand screen textile printing company - Ink & Spindle in Kensington. I chat about my experience with my own project and wanting to learn more. I was being offered a working experience opportunity with Ink & Spindle when I was pregnant with Peanut (way back in Y2009). But I had to turn the offer down due to the belly was growing bigger and the massive road trip traveling from VIC to WA and oversea.

I caught up with Teeg (one of the founder of Ink & Spindle) asking for another opportunity 3 years later (almost). She was lovely and offered me to come into their studio. To learn how to work on fabrics, printing etc. Due to the changes of current life arrangement (Mr Minzy has gone FT on studying in uni and PT working). We were very blessed to have one of our family gf whom we knew from church looking after Peanut while both of us busy achieving our dreams. I thought, Oh-Great!

The 1st Monday

There were butterflies in the tummy the night before I went in on 27th February. It was Mr Minzy's first day to uni. 1st day for Peanut staying at our family gf's place. I tell you, it wasn't easy to being apart from your child when you have been the key person looking after her! Weather was gloomy on that day. Heaps of rain and all that jazz. There was an intern at the studio working away when I arrived. Great! I wasn't alone! :) Brought in a homemade yogurt peach almond cake for the girls. That Monday was about to get to know each other better, familiarize everything as much as possible, planning some project, concepts.... Enjoying my lunch quietly. Having decent companion with proper adult conversations. Well needed as you can tell ;) I went home with head up high that evening. It was great to be out and about. Peanut ran towards me and gave me a big hug when I arrived home. Looks like she misses me too ;) That night 3 of us celebrated my 36th years old birthday. It was very meaningful. It feels great and a complete birthday :)

The 2nd Monday

Back to basic. Heaps of tracing and tracing.

I have been drawing heaps illustration of feather for my Happiness range. This is just one of them. It would only make sense for me to tie in these happy feathers as part of the project while I'm fulfilling this awesome working experience with I&S.

Met a new intern from France - Justine. A very lovely lady. We somehow click pretty much straightaway. It was small world. You know, she lived just up the road where I am living. Aha!

  

Justine (far left) and Lara are concentrating on their own projects at the Ink & Spindle's studio.

The 3rd Monday

Took me ages to cut all of those feathers. Finger tips are sore and not to forget, my neck! Ouch ;|

The 4th Monday

 Stencil is all carved and cut perfectly. Ready to go on the screen.

 Tada! First run hand pulled screen printing on the fabric!

More Happiness Feather's screen printing!

Hello Lara! Visit her personal blog here if desired.

The 4th & 5th Monday

Me holding my very first DIY cushion using my own hand screen printed fabric!

Sewing is not my skill but I've managed to pull it off with the girls' helps
for my first DIY cushion and the very first DIY tote bag! :) How cool is that? :)

My very first DIY tote bag using my own hand screen printed fabric of course! 

I have learn so much from both Teegs and Lara. They were great mentors and willing to help and teach.

Definitely looking forward to combine my refresh hand screen printing skill with my current work. So watch out guys! ;)

Some Changes + Need more likers

There are now available in ACEO size!

You ever feel SO excited that you really want to share the good news but you had to hold back your horses and wait for the right time to unveil what the good news are?? I am ALL that at the moment!

There have been quite a few things happening at Missy Minzy. That had given me the force to expand my existing range. Because of that, I had to change my previous Facebook's fan page to suit my biz's name. It's a pity that I will loose all of my wall history and etc. I supposed it is worth doing it now that it's less than 50 people. So, be prepare to see some changes here and my Fan Page. Whatever the changes are, let's hope for the best! :)

I have missed out my 1st anniversary celebrating my journey of blogging away when Peanuts was born. I reckon I might throw some giveaway very soon. Or should I wait for MORE Facebook's followers say up to 100, or more? What you reckon? Am consider a newbie doing all this. Any tips on how to attract more likers liking my page? Thanks in advance for any suggestion! X

My Creative Space: Tippy Toe Bird + thoughts

First up, please ignore the sub-header for time being as am still mucking around doing some rearrangement in my blog.

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Anyways, it's My Creative Space once again!

Still remember I have set myself a daily challenge early this year. That was to create an art a day, multiply my day. Hmm, there should be about 128 days. So, you can imagine I have more than 100 pieces of masterpieces and they are waiting for me to execute them, to share it with you. Well, hopefully they are ready to be purchased very soon. Hopefully it can landed in some lovely buyers' house too! :D

I have shared a colorful sneak peek shot via here yesterday. I thought why not, share it all.

So this is the concept drawing I had done...

and again...this shot...;)

Please meet Tippy Toe Bird..

It is now available to be purchased on my Etsy's store :)

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I have been sneaking in and out from the studio doing some creative works while juggling taking care of my 7 wks old girl (I relate her as Peanut in my blog).

An interesting question to ask:

Do you still/keep having dreams (and make it happen) even after having your own family?

I know I still do and I want to achieve what I have set for my dreams/goals ...even after giving birth. So yeah.. imagine multi-tasking one handed...typing away while having her sleeping on the shoulder or maybe nursing her while sitting in front of the computer or make a few clicks on the mouse while she is asleep like now or maybe either one of us having dinner while the other one taking care of the unsettle bub..... So, yeah....I may not be having as much freedom as I would like to have. To me, when there is a will there is a way. Everything is possible. I know am not alone cuz I know I can make it. It's just the matter of time, like how soon.

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Head over to the mother of My Creative Space to find out more inspiring stories, more creative inventions which I believed would truly inspired you to be one of them too. Enjoy your Thursday! :)

Peanut: Cut lunch: Missing U: Thank You card

So it's about a month since Peanut was born. I was practicing culture confinement and that was the main reason my mum flew in o/s to stay with us for approx. 1 month. Basically helping out with cooking and cleaning..of course, her main task was to take care of me. I get to eat lotsa nutrition foods.

Now that am back to old self, this is what I have (my baby step. at least I had some time to make lunch;)...taking care of myself while juggling with taking care of Peanut and Mr Minzy. Oh well....;)

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I was living with my parents before the big move to Melbourne for good. I realized how little I know about my mum when she was staying with us. Now that she is gone back to her home...I miss my mum so much. I missed having someone like her to talk to. I missed having someone to ask if I want to eat something just so she can make something for me. I miss my parents so much, especially my mum.

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I get the chance to have some time for MYSELF (how I miss that!!) today. I managed to get Peanut settle and I also bath her too :D It wasn't easy to bath her by myself since my mum was doing all that during her stay. Spoil Me! :D

We were blessed to have friends who helped us during this period of time. They are like angels who lift you up when you needed them the most. Here are some of the greeting cards ready to be sent..... Hopefully uphold his/her day when they receive my little token of love. :)

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It has been a full on 5 weeks or so since Peanut arrived...I have started to get the hang of being a mum (finger crossed no drama tonight). I am counting the day returning to my creative space. I believe it's going to happen soon. Anyhoo, I hope you get the chance to make fully use of your day in and out. Enjoy your Monday! =)

Challenge Day 120 onwards - Updates: Am still around

I miss being creative since my last post.

I miss doing the regular routine at my studio.

I am missing my personal space

even before Peanut is born, ALREADY!

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Today is Peanut's EDD. But, am still around! Hopefully not for too long!

There's a lot of rumors that I might be in the labour room by now. But NO! We have managed to negotiate extra few days before the planned inducement. I felt so blessed that the doctor listened to us. To give Peanut a chance to come out naturally and not with artificial drug out!

Anyways, just thought I should post this post and inform my lovely followers what have I been up to. So...yeah. I am still around but just not as often as how I love to cuz my parents are in town...and I am still waiting to pop! :D

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Come on, Peanut!

Everyone wants to see you now! Mummy's patient is running out!

Start contracting now!

Don't muck around inside mummy's tummy for too long

cuz mummy really don't want the hospital staffs to induce you!! ;)

Challenge Day 119 -Some Work + Dream Talk

I have managed to muck around with some work early morning today. It is something very different from what Missy Minzy's Mushy World series. They are all from my original illustration. They still have my style..especially Minzy's Ducky (yellow orange).

Lazy Sunday Art Prints

Cactus Me Art Prints

Minzy's Ducky Art Prints (My favorite)

So, what do you think about them? Will list them on Etsy for sales very soon.

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Today is the day..packing my studio away. As my parents be arriving early next week. And soon will be my lovely Peanut. Felt rather sad packing all the work I have achieved so far. As this is my 2nd time putting my dreams on hold. I do not know how soon will I be able to get back on track doing this again.

I was just telling Kylie from Chasing Purple Dream that it's quite amazing to know what others think what you can only do/achieve when you are going to have a bub real soon.

To me, every woman should still chasing their dreams and goals before and after having your own family. It is important to be yourself even when circumstances have changed. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to being able to have our own child and all that jazz. It's just that the achievement of having something you own while you still enjoy doing what you love is something which money cannot buy... Now that is SOMETHING!

Challenge Day 99 - What you think?

I have to say I stole this pix from a gf's gf...

I hope she is ok with that.. :D

Weekend:: Sunny weather in Melbourne this weekend. Spent a lot of time indoor mainly cuz Mr Minzy is not feeling well. Quite bizarre to know that I have a lot of energy running around doing a lot of things given am 36 wks pg.

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What you think? ::

So this is the real scenario what happen to me at one of the social gathering I attended recently.

Somebody: What are you selling?

Me: Having a lot of ideas and at current, am focusing on selling my hand-drawn illustration and giclee print (and etc) for time being.

Somebody: There's a lot of people are doing that too.

Me: *smile*

Will that stop you from doing what you want to do/are doing just because you are ALSO another graphic designer and illustrator in the industry?

I have always believe that art is a very personal thing. Everyone has their own style. Some might like your work, some might not.

In conclusion: No. I don't. However, I strongly believe with my rather new involvement in this handmade market would definitely get some excitement in the industry so to speak. And based on my personal experience (back to the convo above), people who said that are usually lack of self esteem and still trying to find their feet to land somewhere...

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My favorite quotation

"Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go." - T.S. Eliot

Psss....Come back tomorrow for some announcement....

Challenge Day 93 - Sketches of the day

I just realized I have not hand-drawn any illustration for awhile ever since I started preparing all the listing at Etsy and redesigning the brand. The weekends have been a busy one..sometime had to reserve part of my time for Mr Minzy on his off day.
Today, I spent albeit of time doing things with one of my uni mate - Lucy at Journal Cafe while Mr Minzy wandering around at his favorite book shops in town. It was great catching up with her!
Oh, forgotten to mention that I made a visit to the art shop supplies before the meet with Lucy. Bought some essential art materials. Awesome!
Had a great lunch at Coconut House. Haven't had curry laksa for a very long time. So it was good! :D~

Been drawing heaps of weird whimsical character for some reason. Haha..

Anyways, these sketching you are looking at are some effort I thought I should invest some time to draw something during the evening (am more of an late night creator).

Thought came through my mind while doing all this:

Time flies very fast when you are doing things. Those old days where I used to sit and ponder were long gone. But who is the one looking back? Reflecting it right now. How silly I was. :)

Challenge Day 83 - Creative Writing: My Bio

I have a task to do today. To write a bio about myself.

To write an essay or an article for some can be quite easy. Given the pros and cons that I can speak 5 languages (can't you tell my grammar is everywhere at times?) and up to what I understood/acknowledged is that I cannot score all A's in each and every language I speak. However, I am always strike to learn new words (whenever I can) in my daily life. So, writing a bio about me is not an easy task for me. And am doing my best to find out words and ways to describe who am I and how I want others to get to know me.

Wish me luck! :)

Challenge Day 78 & 79 - Creative Updates

custom made envelope..night shot hence the odd lighting....

one of the baby shower's concept...

Here's some updates from my creative studio. I have been tied up with both creative adventure from my studio and my personal life. The busier I get, the more I felt as if I was back to workplace, just like old days. Quite a funny feeling isn't it? One thing I have learnt for the past few days was I have to step out from the studio and do something if I ever get bored. Note to self: Doing so is good for you!..... before you get bonkers! :D

I have been spending quite some time custom make my own envelope while building my portfolio up and running. The creative challenge seems never ending. My intuition was like telling me stop drawing and do more digital work please hey! You have to know that it is now Challenge Day 79 and imagine how many concept sketching I have drawn so far. They are all waiting for me to make them into another masterpiece of mine.

Meanwhile, I have noticed there has been some changes on how the way I draw. Not sure is that a good change or a bad change. Maybe needs to take a break and do something different. Maybe....