It's official!!!

From the moment Candidly Pretty was born, it has been my dream to become its full-time Craft Specialist. I have spent far too many days dreaming about this - it felt good, it felt right. However, when I wake up and I'm back to reality, the thought of leaving my comfort zone scared me so much. Being an employee has been my way of life for many years. Working for someone else is comfortable and rewarding. It has given me so much and I am very thankful. But since I found my passion in crafting handmade events, it opened my eyes to the possibility of working for myself and developing my own brand and business. This eureka moment felt so liberating but so frightening at the same time.

As inspired and as hopeful as I am, negative thoughts never leave my side. So many questions keep popping in my head. What if I fail? What if I make a lot of mistakes? Will this be a waste of time? But when I'm feeling low, God always asks me one question that is enough to make me feel stronger than before. What if you succeed? Failing and making mistakes are part of our everyday lives. It's part of a process that helps us grow and become better persons. It is through our hardships that we learn. So why should I let my fear get in the way of the possibility of achieving my goal and fulfilling my dream?

Yes, I am scared as I start to journey a new and uncharted territory. But I will let my fear inspire me to push forward and discover more beautiful things life has to offer. And as I go, I will pray to God that He will give me a clear vision and undivided heart to finish what I've started and reach my dreams.

It's official, I am a full time Craft Specialist!!! Feels so great to say that!

{DIY Love} Fabric Flower Garter

Hi lovelies! It's been quite a while since my last DIY tutorial post. Work and crafting has been extra challenging to balance lately. But I'm back and very excited to teach you how to make a fabric flower garter for your wedding day. Let’s get our hands busy shall we?

  

There are the materials you will need:

- strip of satin fabric

- elastic lace ribbon

- embellishment such as old buttons, rhinestones or gems

- scissors

- glue gun

- needle and thread

- felt cloth

Step 1: Sew a basic running stitch along the edge of the satin fabric strip.

Step 2: Pull the thread and bring both ends of the fabric strip together. This will create ruffles forming
the flower. Secure by stitching a knot.

Step 3: Hot glue the rhinestone on the fabric flower.

 Step 4: With a small piece of felt cloth, hot glue both ends of the elastic lace ribbon as such.

Step 5: Secure the fabric flower on the felt cloth and elastic lace ribbon using a glue gun.

There you have it – an easy and pretty project to bring out the crafty bride in you! Until the next tutorial,
ciao!

Trade School Manila here I come!

Having been a freelance academic tutor for almost 7 years, that I miss teaching is an understatement. I miss my students, the fun and the challenges that goes with it. Teaching brings back memories of my childhood, misadventures with old friends and wonderful mentors who have contributed to the person that I am now. If I had not been a hotelier and staff analyst, I most probably be an Art, Creative Writing or Home Economics teacher. I love sharing what I know to those who seek to learn and the challenge to influence young hearts and minds. When a good friend, Geli of Hello Gelibee invited me to teach at Trade School Manila, I know that it will only be a matter of time before I sign up. "Barter for Knowledge" is Trade School Manila's battle cry. Students barter an item in the teacher's wish list in exchange of instruction and learning. There is no monetary fee to register!

I will be hosting a workshop that is close to my heart - Paper Crafts for your DIY/handmade Intimate Event. It is no secret how I love crafting paper pretties. This workshop will be very helpful to future brides wanting to add a touch of handmade in their wedding, to mommies planning for their kid's Christening or birthday party, to Maids of Honor who want to spruce up a bridal shower they are planning, or to anyone who loves to DIY.

 I will be sharing how to make buntings and pompoms on April 13, 2013, Saturday, 3:00pm - 5:00 pm at Chemworld Training Room, 1F Executive Center Bldg., Makati Avenue corner  Jupiter Street, Makati City. Hover on this link to register. 

Trade School Manila here I come! Hope to see there!!! =)