Leather Notebook Project

Remember  the leather scraps I bought from Marikina a while back? Well, I’m happy to report that I was finally able to make a notebook from one big scrap.

The project was really meant to save the unused paper from this old notebook.

I just removed the cover and used it as the pattern for the new leather cover.

For closure, I used a lighter colored leather string and voila!

I’m so happy with how my little project turned out.  All I need now are proper tools and more leather scraps. Oh, and I need more time, too!

Food for Thought:

A part of my kind of design and inspiration ethos is that I carry around a leather notebook and I sketch in it, doodle in it, write notes in it, and I put pictures in it.

-John Varvatos

contemporary men’s wear designer

Light Rain

I hardly post videos but you’ll understand why I’m posting this one.  It’s a wonderful short film about a mom, a little girl, a group of people and a  little rain.

“This film was based on a true story (written by Bob Perks) and the premise of it is very simple. We are reminded of the need to avoid becoming weighed down by the trivial hindrances that soak our paths on a daily basis. There are always people in worse situations with real troubles and that should put our small daily problems in to perspective. Perhaps things aren’t as bad as they first seem.”  Source.

Enjoy!

Food for Thought:

“Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.”

― Roger Miller

House Envy: A Renovated Farmhouse in Workum

I am in love with this farmhouse. I mean, if I were to marry a renovated farmhouse, I would marry this one. Meet the home of Maamke and Rob in Workum, Friesland in the Netherlands. It’s bright and spacious and have baskets as lighting fixtures / shades. Have a look around and tell me what you like best.

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All phots are from VTWONEN February 2015 issue.  Photography by James Stokes | Styling by Femke Dekker-ter Meulen.  See source.

Food for Thought:

“A little happy house is the strongest castle in this whole universe!”

― Mehmet Murat ildan

New Header by Lyra

If you’re one of the 5 followers of this blog (just kidding, there are at least 10 of you now haha) you may have noticed that it’s sporting a spanking new header. Isn’t it beautiful? It was made by my lovely cousin-in-law Lyra Vega-Pandy who Instagrams (yes, that’s a verb now) over at @lee_ly. Check out her feed!  Here’s a sampling of her beautiful calligraphy work:

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Incidentally, Lyra will be holding a workshop this coming Saturday, September 5.  So if you’re thinking of getting your hands into calligraphy, why not sign up and give it a try?  See details below.

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Food for Thought:

I never did calligraphy… But handwriting is an entirely different kind of thing. It’s part of the syndrome of modernism… It’s part of that asceticism.

-Paul Rand

American art director and graphic designer

The Weekend List: Marikina Jaunt

I’ve come out of my blogging hibernation to tell you about my recent exploration trip in Marikina. You see, I’ve been looking for leather scraps because I want  to go back to notebook and jewelry-making.  And since Marikina used to be the Shoe Capital of the Philippines, it’s the best place to explore because there are still a lot of  leather shops and suppliers in the area.

My friends who live in Marikina suggested that I go straight to Dela Paz Street near the Public Market. And they were right! I went crazy inside the first leather shop I saw!

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Aren’t these rolls of leather just beautiful? And the smell inside the shop was just pure bliss. I was so tempted to buy a couple of rolls but had to remind myself that I only needed leather scraps because I have to re-learn cutting and stitching first.

Eventually, I went home with a kilo and a half of assorted scraps which sold at 200/kilo. Not bad considering how great they look!

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After buying a couple of tools and some leather strings, I decided to go around the market and do a little shopping. One of the things I love about Marikina is its wonderful public market which is one of the cleanest (if not the cleanest) in Metro Manila. It also has so many quaint stalls that sell unexpected items like this inabel iloko mat I found in a shop near the market entrance.

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Imagine my happiness when I saw it!  It’s very rare to find inabel iloko in Manila, and at a very cheap price, too!  (Just as a background, I really love local, handwoven fabrics. I think they’re an excellent indicator of the richness of our culture, not to mention our exceptional craftsmanship. So if I have given you an inabel iloko or some other Filipino fabric, then I must really like you.:) )

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The shop owner, a pretty girl from Mountain Province, told me that she also sold blankets and rattan-weaved walis tambo!   I promised to come back when my wallet is more prepared. Haha.

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So these are my great finds over the weekend. Meanwhile, I can’t wait to get my hands on these scraps!


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Food for Thought:

I’ve got to stop being a snob about  leather-bound books,

he reminded himself.

E-books do have their moments.

-Dan Brown