Scrabble Tile Pendants + Magnet

As mentioned in my previous post, here are the scrabble tiles which I just learnt to make! :) 

Handmade Scrabble Tiles

Oh just to add, these simple, yet beautiful tiles were made into pendants and/or magnet. 

Here! Have a look :)

Scrabble tile pendants with added words of inspiration - Faith, Joy, Hope :)

With the scrabble tile bail (the hook on it), I tried to attach itt with different chains - necklace chain, phone strap or even keychain for multi-uses. *haha* 
Oh ya, not forgetting the magnet too! :)

Scrabble tile pendants and magnets (*click the photo to enlarge)

The process of making these scrabble tile pendants are rather easy! Just that the time to get all materials is not as easy... It took me quite some time to get all that I need :3. The materials for scrabble tile pendants, thankfully I'm still able to get them  in Singapore :) Whereas, the glass tiles which I'm using to make earrings and pendants too, aren't available (correct me if I'm wrong :). So, alternatively, I got them imported. *phew* :)

Stay tune for the Scrabble Tile Tutorial in my next post....!
Oh, and the earrings and pendants which I made from glass tiles too! :)

God bless,

Buzz...Where's my honey???

Here are the some miniature Honey Bee Cupcakes! Though they were not a whole miniature ''cake'' that I mentioned in my previous post, yet, looking at these cute little buzzing creatures I thought that it could be a good idea to start making them first! :D

Having more spare time now, I tend to drop by the library more frequently and browse books on baking (if I didn't mntion before, I do like to bake! *haha*). Recently I got to learn more about the techniques of using ready-to-roll icing (sugar) to sculpt beautiful flowers and to decorate cakes that makes you 'wow!' at the finished product! 

One of the books that I like is the 'Planet Cake' by Paris Cutler'. This book shows extremely gorgeous cupcakes (edible) mainly from (RTR) icing. :)

I was so fascinated with their cakes- wonderfully designed and made! However since currently I am not able to bake at home (no baking oven :X) , I decided to make a down-scale replica of the cupcakes from air dry clay *hee* :D 

Here are the honey bees, busy buzzing looking for some honey! Do you have any?? :)

Mini Honey Bee Cupcakes: ''Spot me among the giants...!''

For a closer look: Mini Honey Bee Cupcake

However being the first time making miniature bee cupcakes from clay, I was not very satisfied with the final product. I had some difficulty rolling the clay manually with a rolling pin to a standard thickness. Moreover, the eyes were so small than usual that I tend to mix the black and white colour together, which resulted in grey colour pair of eyes. *haha* 

Hence I prepared the second batch to try again til I get them in better colour and 'shape'! :)

Second Batch: 'Bare' Mini Honey Bee Cupcakes

To add on, for the past weeks, I'd made some Heart Macarons rhodium earrings of different colours and sizes - Sunshine Yellow & Zesty Green. They are now available in my online shop! :)

Dessert Earrings: Sunshine Yellow

Dessert Earrings: Zesty Green

Have a great week ahead! :)

Showing up soon: Scrabble Tiles Pendant :)

My First Online Shop is OPEN! :)

Hello People! 

This week is indeed a good start for me! Yesterday I was so happy when I found that I actually won a gift through a gift-away contest (MyMemories - a Scrapbook Software) hosted by Stephanie from PetitPlat. :) 

It was my first time joining this type of contest online and so I was surprised and overjoyed to see my name on the list as the gift-away winner! *haha* Thanks Stephanie! 

Leaving that aside, if you could remember, I mentioned something about my opening my first online shop this week! :) Yes! Today, Valentine's Day, I joyfully announce that the Maison de la Miniature online shop at Etsy is now OPEN! =D

Oh, I also realised that my Etsy account was created last year Nov but *haha* only got it ready just today... Well, at least it's still open, isn't it? *hee* 

I gladly welcome you to stop by my little online shop! and if you do have feedback, please feel free to inform me! :)

Did I mention before that I like Swarovski crystal alot? I enjoy twirling the bright, fresh colouring Swarovski crystals on my hand and see them sparkling so brilliantly! So for most of my jewelry creations, you will probably see Swarovski crystals in it *hee*:)

This is my lastest necklace creation that I designed with Swarovski Crystal Helios Pendant. This exquisite pendant shimmers in lovely pastel sparkles with every movement due to its iridescent coating on the back of it. It's now available in my online shop! :)

Twinkle Necklace:  Featuring a dazzling Swarovski Crystal Helios Pendant.

With iridescent coating, the crystal reflects light in lovely pastel sparkles.

So glad that I've cleared some of my 'to-do list'. And now it's time to get back to making more miniatures! Umm... this time I shall challenge myself to making miniature cakes! I've never sculpt this before *haha* Hopefully the result will be desirable...! :)

Stay tune...! :)

Have a sweet and lovely Valentine's Day with your loved ones! :)

Cheers,

Setting Up My First Online Shop :)

Dear readers,

Valentine's Day is just near the corner! :) Are you busy baking cookies or making gifts for your loved ones? haha... Well, other than making macarons, I've been setting up my online shop on Etsy since last week, and is still progressing... :) Being my first online shop, I've to do some read up; the set-up procedure, terms and conditions,etc., take ''visible'' miniature photos. Given my photography skills, my pictures either turn out under/over exposed or can't get the focus right. So I've to take a little more time to get pictures which are along the 'OK' quality, *haha*.

Many ideas on miniature designs are in my mind...! but as I hope to finish setting up my online shop by this week, handcrafting has to be put on hold first. :X

By the way, I've added a Page in Facebook! You may want to take some time to have a looK. :)

The link is: [ http://www.facebook.com/ShanniePetiteHandicraft ]

Blessed week to you ahead! :)

P.S: Come back soon for new miniature creations! :)

Indulge in Macarons this Valentine!

Macarons, macarons and macarons...! I've been making down-sized macarons (not round, but heart shape) for Valentine's day since it's near the corner :)
However being the first time making miniature macarons, I actually took many days to make them; doing experiments with different clays, getting the correct colour tone before they became desirable :X

Here it is, an overview of the many macarons laying around; the colorful macarons on the top left were the first and second batches, followed by the third batch of macarons (pink and purple color) on the bottom right, which were more desirable, waiting to be filled with buttercream... :) 

Overview of heart-shape macarons to be filled with buttercream

Close-up view of the 'passed' macarons

After some degree of  'quality checks', these were the failed macarons with undesirable texture and tone of color... Haven't thought of what to do about them but the effect of putting them together like this,

Overview of the 'failed' macarons

Close-up view of the 'failed' macarons

has put on a smile on my face :) I like the combination which gave a rainbow color effect! *Hee*

At different angles, the macarons filled with buttercream look like that:

Pink and purple macarons (front view)

Pink and purple macarons (top view)

Pink and purple macarons (side view)

I also decorated a mini box to put these lovely macarons in it!

Self-decorated transparent box for macarons

Self-decorated transparent box for macarons (front view)

Last but not least... In the world of miniatures, I think crafted items will be better if it's useful! Hence I've transformed the heart-shape macarons to something wearable - earrings! :)

Dessert earrings: A pair of sweet macaron earrings

Dessert earrings: A pair of sweet macaron earrings (front view)

Well this isn't all... *haha* I'm making more macarons of different colors and flavours! 
Hope you like what I've made so far! :)

Bon appétit!

My first attempt to Paper Quilling Art :)

During one of my random visits to the library, a book which was about Paper Quilling caught my attention :) I was fascinated by the idea of using paper folding technique to create decorative designs! So I decided to make my first attempt to this type of art on a card specially for my boyfriend =)

Ta da..!! Here is part of the end-product! :) 

Card decorated with quilled paper flowers

Seriously, I'm quite amazed that paper can do such wonders!

Why not try this yourself someday and you will probably be amazed like I do? :)

Have a blessed week ahead! =)

Twinkle Ring and Earrings :)

Hello readers!

It has been one year since I last updated my blog :X Apologies for that as I was away for my final year studies.

Anyway, ever since I've graduated ( *Hooray!*), more time is spent in making jewelries and miniatures! 

Here it is, my newly created ring that adds a touch of soft femininity to any outfit! I called it the ring of 'Love, Peace & Joy'! Hidden within the flowers is a little silver dove and mini Swarovski butterfly-shape crystal :)

Twinkle ring: Love, Peace and Joy (view 1)

Twinkle ring: Love, Peace and Joy (view 2)

Not forgetting to thank my friend, Gabriel, for his wonderful DSLR camera! *haha* such that I could take such a clear photograph! hmm... but taking a look at the picture again.. Despite having a good camera, as I mentioned I'm a poor photographer, the photograph was still abit blurish... Guess it's better for me to learn how to use a camera well!

I also made a pair of earrings using Swarovski tear-drop crystals with jagged sides :)

Twinkle earrings: Made of Swarovski tear-drop crystal

Wow... Facing the computer almost a whole day has made my shoulder & eyes sore... :X 

I'd better turn in now... *looking at the clock, it's 2.30am..!!* Good night everyone! :)

Necklace, Ring and Keychains :)

Hello all!

After my examination recently, I've attempted to make accessories! But... that doesn't mean I've forsaken my miniature clay art...! *keke* Just that mini clay art needs more time and due to the commitment for school in this two years, the time that I can spare isn't as much as before...

Anyway I've made Angel keychain and earring from Swarovski crystals for my family and close friends! Additionally I've also made a simple necklace with a snowflake pendant, The  chain that I chose to use was a black color cloth-liked material attached with a heart shape loop closure together with a silver chain that allows adjustment of the neckalce length depending on individual's preference. I like it when the crystals sparkle :) Thus when making accessories, I prefer to use Swarovski crystals as they tend to out-sparkle beads made of normal cystal glass :)

Swarovski angel pendent

Swarovski angel keychain

Swarovski snowflake pendent necklace (view 1)

Swarovski snowflake pendant necklace (view 2)

This key chain was specially designed to hang onto my ordinary, all-black color bag which will glisten with little gleams of light and enhance the appearance of my simple bag *Hee* :)

Keychain: Hidden Star (view 1)

Keychain: Hidden Star (view 2)

Keychain: Hidden Star (view 3)

This is the first ring that I made which was decorated with clay flowers, white beads and pink Swarovski crystals that brought forth elegance to it. I'm still a beginner to jewelry making but hope its still pleasing to your eye! *Hee* :)

Twinkle ring: Pinkish Delight (view 1)

Twinkle ring: Pinkish Delight (view 2)

Sweet pointers to determine if the crystals are made of genuine Swarovski crystals as some shop tends to sell beads that mimic Swarovski crystals:

1. Normal glass beads are dull and does Not capture the light, thus does glister very well.

2. Fake crystal beads have tiny bubles present in it.

3. Swarovski® crystals are perfectly uniform. Since they are machine cut, each crystal is the same. Thus the height, width and slope are consistent. However normal glass beads will Not have such uniform cut.

 4. Look for the original Swarovski® packaging. Dependant on size, the bulk packages will range from 10 gross to 1/2 gross, in well-branded, sealed envelopes. The newest Swarovski® bulk packaging is sealed with an authenticated silver toned hologram saying "CRYSTALIZED."

 5. Generally, Swarovski® crystals are not strung when offered for sale.

Hope this informations is helpful! Turning in soon... Nitez everyone~! :)

 

Mooncake and Baker's Loaves of Bread

Dear readers, 

As I just started my second semester for University, I'll probably update my blog less often til the start of my vacation in August this year. Apologies for that as my course of studies has a tight schdule and there're loads of reports and assignments weekly for me to finish! :X
I'll try to spare some time to update my blog at least once a month =)

Before I get busier, let me show you some miniatures that I've yet to post.

Baked mooncakes

A mistake was made while making the eggs....The undried molded egg pieces were laid on the table (untouched) till it dried. Guess what, sadly, the bottom side of the eggs got flattened abit :( *Brggh...*

Basket of fresh eggs (view 1)

Basket of fresh eggs (view 2)

Here's an overview of different types of bread including loaves of baguette, artisan breads, hotdog buns, chocolate teddy breads etc.! *Drooling...*

An overview of baked goods

Tray of breads and buns

Basket of artisan breads

Berries Hopping Waffles!

Dear readers,

I just bought a rabbit waffle mold which got from online! Like it so much as I didn't see this type of waffle shape :D Anyway I thought of making a series of mini waffles of different shapes (already did the heart shape waffles). I'm using Hearty air dry clay this time round which doesn't stick to the mold as much than the Resin air dry clay I used previously.

However the coloring process really requires that extra patience... As I mentioned before, I think Hearty was quite difficult to be painted especially after the clay has dried. I wasted my first rabbit waffle as the color became too dark=failed product.  Initially I thought the coloring process would be similar to that of how I painted other types of clay. But I was wrong... The color became darker and was difficult to be wiped off for repaint; even if I used moist towel to wipe away the coat, it was still unsuitable to be repainted. Thus for my second attempt I tried to paint it in a different way, though the result was still not to satisfactory, yet still better than the first *hehe*. 

I snapshot process of making the decorated waffles different stages in case I might ruin the whole plate of waffles at any point of time; especially during the process of doing the 'strawberry topping which I usually don't get a nice natural flow *Ooops*...

Here they are! :)

1. I decorated the white plate with slices of orange and lemon

2. Whipped the cream and placed slices of strawberries at the side of the dish

Wow! Lastly,

3. Topped the waffles with strawberry sauce to sweeten the plate of hopping waffles!!

Ta da...! There you go...

100% Non-Fat Dessert for the day! *Sweeeet*!

Hope this plate of Berries Hopping Waffles sweeten your day ahead..!! :D

Resin (Taiwan) Vs. Hearty Air Dry Clay

Have you ever wonder what's the difference between clay of different brands? I've been figuring this when I started to use the Hearty air dry clay to sculpt my miniatures when my Resin (Taiwan) air dry clay was about to finish.

The following points are the differences which I'd found when comparing the miniatures made with these two brands of air dry clays. :) Hope it's helpful to you!

- Weight: Dried Hearty is lighter than Resin clay,

- Coloring: Color application using oil paint is much difficult on dried Hearty clay; the surface is rather rough to use brush to paint the clay and once the color is applied, it's hard to wipe it away. Whereas dried Resin clay is easier to coat oil paint onto it and the paint can be wiped off easier as well.

Dried resin clay is glossier than dried Hearty clay

Hearty clay shinks much more when dried (3rd donut from left) as compared to the undried Hearty (first uncolored donut). The middle donut is made from Resin clay.

 P.S: The differences between both clays were just my personal thoughts & may differ among individuals. Why not experience it yourself, it's interesting & the results may be out of your expectation :)

Arrival of Miniatures & Recollection of Good Old Days!

Hello all!

I've been waiting for the news of the arrival of my purchased miniatures since umm... mid of January this year. I was thrilled at the thought of receiving bags of miniature from my friend who came back from overseas yesterday! =D

This is also the week of my start of holiday since my last day of industrial attachment ended last Friday (26 Feb). So my mood is like ‘high up to the sky’ now! *hahaha*

Woke up around noon time (well...I know I sleep a lot :X), and started to unpack the bags of miniature, check the stocks, arrange them accordingly, and at the same time, admiring those miniatures!

Wow..Looking at these items just put a big grin on my face! :D

 The sewing machine is my favourite! It’s so small and when put next to a real one, doesn’t it look like a giant vs. dwarf? I remember my house used to have this similar model of sewing machine but was thrown away, kind of an antique to me...

Purchased miniature kitchen wares (view 1)

Purchased miniature kitchen wares (view 2)

Purchased miniature kitchen wares (view 3)

Mini antique sewing machine

While taking pictures of the miniature kitchen wares, I realised I had a wooden dollhouse furnished with furnitures which were keptat a corner of my house for a long time (about one or two years ago?) Anyway that was fixed by my best friend and I. First handmade dollhouse! :D We bought the pack of premeasured wooden pieces to build the dollhouse (photos as shown below). We polished the uneven parts, organised (as there were plenty of them laying messily in the pack) and glue the wooden pieces accordingly :) I remember that day we immediately unwrapped the package when we reached home and enthusiastically spent the whole night fixing the dollhouse! *thumbs up!* :D

 

Since the dollhouse was kept at a corner for some time, the plastic bag wrapped around the dollhouse and furnitures was kind of dusty =M.

I took them out of the plastic bag and found yellow stains/spots on some parts, =( not a good sign ya... Nevertheless, I wiped it and arranged the wooden furnitures around, trying to decorate the inadequately furnished house. Of cause, without the paint and decoration, this little house doesn't look that cozy. So I tried to furnish it with remaining handmade wooden furnitures, to make it as attractive as possible :)

Hopefully it has gone up a little higher level of standard..! Hee..

Front view of my handmade dollhouse

Back view of my handmade dollhouse

Kitchen on the right side of the dollhouse

Overview of the furnished handmade dollhouse

Living room of the dollhouse

Furnished kitchen of the dollhouse with plates of waffles and icy drink

Tea cozy corner with mini wooden high chair