Jade’s Diary: Finished Books

Hi there! Jade is back! Well, you could say that.

I was busy these past few weeks, with back to school stuffs and all that. I also got engrossed with reading that i completely forgot about my two blogs! Talk about being engrossed!

I know it’s too late for a May wrap up blog post but indulge me for a while okay? I just wanted to share with you some of the books I’ve read and what I’ve been up to lately.

I’ve finished reading 15 books last May! That was a record breaker. Most of the books I’ve read are books by Sidney Sheldon, Agatha Christie. I;ve also read George R. R. Martin’s and Rick Riordan’s.

Out of all the books I’ve read, Sidney Sheldon’s Tell Me Your Dreams was my favorite. It was my first time reading a book that tackles issues about multiple personality disorder and the ending wasn’t the cliff hanger that I expected but it was great nonetheless. I’m actually crossing my fingers and hoping that someone from Hollywood would actually turn the book into a movie.

I’m starting to get the hang of reading crime fiction novels from Agatha Christie’s era. It was hard for me at first. The story plots were great but the way it was written was too old fashioned for me and I was used to reaidng fast paced crime fiction and thriller books like the ones Robert Ross, Sidney Sheldon and Paul Johnstons wrote. But the longer you read it, you get addicted that you can’t let go of the book until you finish it. Sometimes I even found myself going back to some of my favorite parts of the book and read it again.

Here’s my reading list last May. Most of these books are crime fiction but you’ll find somethings that’s not of that genre.

> Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
> A Feast of Crows by George R. R. Martin
> A Dance with Dragons by George R. R. Martin
> The Hedge Knight by George R. R. Martin
> The Mystery Knight by George R. R. Martin
> The Sworn Sword by George R. R. Martin
> Mistress of the Game by Sidney Sheldon
> Tell Me Your Dreams by Sidney Sheldon
> Rage of Angels by Sidney Sheldon
> The Stars Shine Down by Sidney Sheldon
> Sands of Time by Sidney Sheldon
> And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
> A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie
> Black Coffee by Agatha Christie
> Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie

So far, that’s the list of the books I’ve finished reading. I’ve just started reading Jonathan Kellerman’s Murder Book and A Cold Heart as well as Sidney Sheldon’s After the Darkness.

Not only that, I’m kicking off my wedges for now and focus on sewing new clothes for my blog and writing new poems for my wattpad account.

Classes had just started so I’ll definitely be busy this year. Not only that, I don’t have a decent internet connection at the moment so forgive me if I’m not updating this blog frequently.

Jade

DIY Applique Tattoo Tights

Tattoo tights and printed stockings are all the rage. From polka dotted stockings to tights with unicorn prints, there’s too many designs to mention that the list wouldn’t seem to end.

As much as I want a pair of these printed tights for my self, its hard to find one that I like and one within my budget, so I decided to save money and make my own instead.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I made an applique tattoo tights out of nude colored stockings and appliques.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Appliques | Beads | Sequins | Needle | Thread | Scissors | Nude Stockings

After gathering all the materials, the first thing that you need to do is to cut out the shapes and pattern from laces and appliques. Try to vary the way you cut out the patterns so you will have different size and shapes.

Before sewing the appliques into the tights or stockings, sew the beads attached to the appliques to make sure you won’t lose any embellishments.

Wear the tights or stocking and sew the appliques on. Position the trims as far apart as you want. depending on the placement that you want. Sew other embellishments such as sequins and beads.

Here’s the finished tights. I kept mine as simple as possible. I didn’t want to draw too much attention when wearing these tights and I’m also not into too detailed clothing and apparel anyway.

Ode to Porcelain

When we hear the word porcelain the first thing that usually comes to our mind are vases, antique teapots and teacups. Who would have thought that porcelain would go well with jewelry and fashion?

Apart from the unique design and appearance that sets it apart from other jewelries, jewelries made out of exudes an elegant and sophisticated touch that we all though would belong only to those who are rich, of royal blood or those for which stars are named for.

But this is the 20th century and we don’t live in fairy tales or dwell in the shadows of the past. We all have a touch of royalty and richness in our dreams and personality. We choose for ourselves, make dreams come true and stand out from a sea of black and white.

Much can be said of porcelain. It no longer belong solely to antique collectors, museum or displayed on glass cabinets used only once in a year. Porcelain can now be part of our everyday routine, have a share in our memories and be part of special occasion in our lives.

That was part of what Monika envisioned for MaaPStudio. She owns a jewelry shop that not only specializes in unique porcelain jewelry pieces but sells jewelries that will hold special memories.

Most of her designs are inspired by floral patterns, translucent forms, clean lines and couture from 1920s. The jewelry pieces are designed for special occasions like weddings and anniversaries, special gifts for a special lady.

The jewelries are made from Parian porcelain which, left unglazed, which gives a soft feel to the ceramic pieces. Here’s a glimpse of jewelries that can be found in Monika’s shop.

Exquisite right? For more of this unique pieces visit Monika’s shop on Etsy

{Note: This is not a sponsored post. I am in no way affiliated to Monika or MaaPStudio.}.

The Mirror Lied

Let’s be honest. How many times have you looked at yourself in the mirror and gazed at your reflection, noticing the smallest details that made you imperfect and wondering why God created you the way you look? Or have you looked at yourself in the mirror only to realize that you did not fit in the beauty standard that the media and society set?

But did you also notice that when you looked in the mirror all it shows is your physical appearance, not your personality and not your heart? Well, let me tell you something, beauty is skin-deep and the mirror lied.

Most of the time, we get so concerned about our physical appearance that eventually, we forget that we should be conscious about our personality as well. Let’s face it, society’s opinion on what beautiful is will not change. Tall, skinny, white girls will be the in thing and if you’re on the curvy side, well good luck to you then. If you have a flat nose, eyes that are too small or too round, a hair that is so curly that it’s so unmanageable, good luck to you (and me) too.

Unfortunately for us girls who fall in the not so beautiful or pretty category that the society created, we can’t help but feel insecure and chase after that beautiful look that altogether we recreate ourselves and forget who we really are.

I’ve been there, experimenting on what clothes I should wear, painting my face with layers and layers of make up that when I look at myself I can’t even recognize who I am.

But then, I realize that no matter how you try to fit in, how you try to turn yourself in the objectified beauty that the media and society believes in, you’ll never be perfect. You’ll never be pretty enough to other people. We have different eyes and mind and we look at things differently. It’s only evident that people will see you in a different angle and perspective.

The mirror will always lie. Maybe it will say that you’re too fat or too thin when in reality you already look great. But it’s never enough isn’t it? It’s never enough for most of us.

Think about it. Do you want to spend the rest of your life trying to fit in with the so called “beautiful girls” or creating your own definition of beauty. It’s up to you. But always remember, mirrors don’t always say the truth, the heart does.

 

A Different Kind of TOMS

From literary inspired t-shirts to resin and miniature jewelries, here comes a one of a kind fashion statement that I would love to see on the runway and fashion magazines — TOMS designed with artistic illustrations.

I usually see t-shirts and other fashion apparel sporting illustrated designs, but this is the first time I’ve seen it on a pair of TOMS when I stumbled upon Michael Braaksma‘s etsy shop called Lamaland.

I was blown away by his designs that I couldn’t help but to share it here on my blog. From movies to romantic places, you’ll find a variety of designs that will make a pair of TOMS stand out from the sea of shoes. And what’s more? Michael is also open for customized orders.

Here’s glimpse of Lamaland’s products (creative, right?)

For more information about these TOMS, please visit Lamaland or contact Michael Braaksma on Etsy.

 

{Note: This is not a sponsored post. I am in no way affiliated to Lamaland or Michael Braaksma.}

P.S. I really love these TOMS that I’m actually saving up money so I can buy a pair for myself.

Spotlight on Galley EMW

I’m always searching for artists and shop owners in Etsy to feature. Etsy is filled with talented artists and designers as well as shops that sells fashion apparels and jewelries designed by the owner themselves.

One of the stores in Etsy that caught my attention was Galley EMW by Melissa Wells. She owns a jewelry shop and sells wall decors too.

I had the opportunity to learn more about Melissa and here’s her story.

My shop began as basically my own online art gallery, something I had been working towards for some time. I have always loved art and design, and I have been fortunate enough to have studied with some amazing instructors. I began doing custom artwork in high school. I continued doing the occasional painting over the past several years, but never seemed to have time to make any more of it. 

I am lucky enough to be a stay-at-home mother of two. Over the last 6 1/2 years I got married, moved (my husband was in the military), moved again, had my daughter, went through a deployment (all while finishing my BA), moved again after my husband got out of the military, had my son, and moved one last time. Somewhere in all that I lost that individual part of me, through no ones’ fault but my own. My husband has always encouraged me to pursue something more with my art and design, but until recently I just didn’t allow myself the time. After more than two years of considering it, I decided to open my Etsy shop. I guess it’s kind of my therapy, as well as my passion, and I get to be home with my children which is the best part. My daughter loves painting with me, and I love that she wants to be there with me. In fact the name, GalleryEMW, is for my kids (E is my daughter’s first initial, M is mine, and W is my son’s first initial).

The shop began with my artwork. I love to paint and draw. Abstract art is my new obsession, although I am still figuring it out. I started painting/drawing while my kids are napping, which is where the nickname “nap-time artist” comes from. The problem is I get bored and burnt out on just the art part, so after a month or so I decided to give jewelry-making a try. I absolutely love designing and creating jewelry. Knowing I can create a unique design, in almost any color, is a lot of fun. And who doesn’t love jewelry?

The home decor being included in my shop is something I owe to my good friend, Victoria. I have always made these wall panels, or “wall quilts”, for rooms in my own home, switching them out with new styles/seasons. My friend asked me to help her make some, and suggested that I consider selling them in my shop. I absolutely love putting styles and colors together to come up with these panel sets, so I jump anytime I get a chance to design a set. They are just a lot of fun, and I have received a lot of positive feedback about them. I kind of consider them pieces of original artwork, but for a fraction of the price.

Here are some of my favorite items from her shop.

Her designs are exquisite and elegant right? I hope you’ll look into her shop and indulge in her fashionable jewelries.

Jade’s Diary: I’ll Be Strong

Hi my dear readers!

Here’s another scheduled post. I’m still staying at my uncle’s house and we don’t have any internet connection at the moment.

I only have four weeks before classes start again and it’ll be a hard school year. I’m way behind the required units to be considered a junior college student. I failed some subjects along the way and well, I’m not really happy studying at my current school.

But this year, my parents promised me that they would let me choose and decide for myself. I know I have to finish what I started and I will. I’ll finish my current course but I also promised myself I will study fashion design at SoFa in a couple of years.

It’ll be another hard year but I will be strong. I’m sure heartbreaks and frustrations are just around the corner but I’ll persevere through it all.

And I hope you do the same too.

Love, Jade

P.S. Here’s some of my last pictures at the province.