A Bit Late But...

Dear Family & Friends,
I just wanted to take the time to say Happy Holidays to all of you. I know I'm just about a few days too late, but the holiday spirit is still alive in most of us, so what the heck! I had a wonderful time with my family this year. We didn't make our Atlanta trip, however, we had an amazing time at home, eating, drinking and being merry together. It has been a long time since we've all been home together, so it was pretty great getting to spend that quality time together.
This past year has been quite the experience for me. I've lost a few people who were close to me, dealt with the loss of a life I love dearly. I've had many adversities this year but somehow, I've managed to survive it. As it comes to a close, I've come to realise that I need to start investing more time in me and as a friend of mine constantly reminds me, I need to start doing more for myself. 2009 is my year for me.
Though I plan on spending a lot of time focusing on myself, I don't plan on forgetting those who gave me the support I needed to get to this point. A special few of you have stood by my side and gave me the encouragement I needed to keep on track and I'd like to say thank you for that. Above all, a extra, stupendous special thank you goes out to Mae & Myron Tupa. The two of you are the most wonderful, kindhearted people I have ever come across, and I owe you guys immensely for everything you've done for me this year. Honestly, if it weren't for these two, I probably would have given up on my LilyNotes project. I must say, a stranger's kindness has got to be the most sincerest of all.
As for everyone else, my mum & my brothers, though I don't express this much, I do actually love you guys. My dad, though you piss me off and drive me up a freakin' wall, I somehow manage to still love you. My friends, Terrance, Kimberly, Exodus and Patrick, I like you guys! To my best friend and love sponge, Elphin, you are my homie for life - death do us part mofo! And for Mr. Daniel, you aiight! You've been through a lot this year but you always find a way to land on your feet and I admire that diligence in you. And yes, I do love that you are a monster!
All in all, I love you all and I wish for you nothing but the best for the new year and many yet to come.

Most Sincerely,
From Kiki,
With Lots O' Love!

Gown of a Feather...

Using feathers as embellishments has been a relentless trend that dates back centuries. Unlike leather and fur, feathers are used as either overwhelmingly flamboyant or stylishly subtle touches of opulence, without the nude campaigns. I can honestly say that I have never been a fan of feather - much too tacky in my opinion. Though I love the gorgeous shape and colour palette of the ever famous peacock feather, I have always considered feathers as a sure way to make anything look cheap. However, lately my opinion has been constantly challenged by designers like Carolina Herrera and Etsy shop designer, Erin of Coco Boudoir. But the ultimate arm twister is Monique Lhuillier with this positively divine twist on a wedding gown. This ivory coloured, feathered frock is simply stunning in every way possible. Might I add, it is in no way tacky. It takes nothing short of a genious crazy to sculpt this gown. The simple A-line structure exudes subtle oppulence in the best way. I was completely blown away when I first saw the picture of the dress. I love how the feathers fan at the bust to create a soft neckline. The added detail of the embellished belly band and simple veil was just enough to polish off this unexpectedly, elegant look. I'm officially won over.

Time to Get to Work

I got paper samples in a few days ago and I'm finally going to have some time, to scan stuff in and play around with the papers. I have to come up with five designs to actually create and post on my e-commerce page on Etsy.com by the year's end. Not much time left to meet this deadline, but I'm sure as hell going to try to.
The papers I got are all handmade and quite different from the mass produced stuff. I really took a liking to handmade papers a couple of months ago, when I began my research for my project. The low-impact method used in creating these papers, give each sheet its own unique characteristics, which I hope can lend itself to my invitation designs. For now, most of my designs are going to be based on layering/mixing these papers rather than graphic work, which I won't get into until maybe late Spring or early Summer.
Most of my colour palettes and use of patterns are derived from fashion trends of 2009 runway shows. Inspiration driven by wild prints, vibrant colours and play on shapes, fashion designers have opened up a pandora's box filled with infinite possibilities. I think my biggest task would be editing my samples and keeping them clean and classy, while on the edge of trendy creativity. I'll be harassing a bunch of my friends to help with this.
I'm no expert. I'm no graphic designer either. I just want to try to create something a little different. I want to be able to give these papers a modern flair. There is so much more to handmade papers than just the floral, deckle edged looks, and I think I can portray that. I know I can.

Updated - My Christmas List!!!

Holiday Wishlist continued...

• Envelopements Mini Deck @ Envelopements.com
• Past and Present Desk @ PastandPresentDesk.etsy.com
• Gift Certificate to Card-Blanc @ CardBlanc.etsy.com
• Gift Certificate to The Ribbon Jar @ Ribbonjar.com
  

That's all I could think of for now. Will add more as soon as something else catches my eye!
PS: The desk is a bit of wishful thinking, but feel free to splurge on me if you want to ;)

I'm So Excited!!!

More and more everyday, the whole idea of me starting my own business, gets more real. I've been collecting paper samples, creating design samples, meeting many interesting, helpful people, etc... and I'm getting a bit more nervous, a bit more proud of myself. After 'purchasing' my press, I believe starting this blog was the next best thing I could have done to benefit my endeavors. Though it's a slow build - I don't have as much time as I'd like to dedicate to it - it allows me the opportunity to reach out to others and express my ideas out loud. I've gotten a lot of wonderful emails and comments thus far, and when I get the time, I will dedicate a blog toward thanking those individuals. Also, in the next couple of days, I will start posting some of the invites I created to get your opinions. I hope that you will be as brutal and critical as I would be ;)

My Christmas List!!!

Holiday Wishlist:

• Swingline SmartCut 12" Dial-A-Blade® Plus Rotary Trimmer @ MyBinding.com
• Akiles Diamond 1 corner rounder @ MyBinding.com
• Gift Certificate @ Handmade-Papers.us
• PANTONE® FORMULA GUIDE coated, uncoated, matte @ Pantone.com

Will keep adding to it as it gets closer to Christmas ;)