My 2017 Year-End Post

Shangri-la Plaza Christmas tree. Forever camera shy!

Hello!

Happy holidays everybody! I hope you enjoyed the year 2017.

December is a very busy month for us and for sure yours is too. I didn't have time to catch up with the holiday orders for my leather work business. I had to refuse some of the potential clients so I could sacrifice a huge chunk of time assisting with the household preparation for the holidays... Phew.

I'm trying my best to catch with my personal hobbies like drawing, journal writing and creating a set-up for my BuJo 2018. Hopefully I could squeeze all the things I need to do before the new year starts. One day more to go! Time flies so faaaast.. huhu.

My almost full journal pages. Time to make a new journal this coming 2018.

A custom leather laptop sleeve for a client. I did this the entire day! I looked like a zombie the next day. LOL

I haven't made a much thorough plan for the year 2018. But I know what my new year resolution would be... RESPONSIBILITY.

"Start being more responsible: A big part of growing up into a mature adult is the ability to think before making a decision. It is important to take responsibility for ones actions and avoid blaming everything on someone else, just as it is important to protect your family and provide for them."
- IVAN DIMITRIJEVIC

I've made a lot of mess and have been ignorant too many times these past few years. I will try my best to be responsible adult.

I don't want to go into details with my 2017. If I look back, it's just a huge splatter.

How 'bout you, how's life going on for you?

P.S.
I'm not the kind of person who takes photos a lot... haha.


CHEERS!
Daisy Lopez

My Leather Craft Projects and a GIVEAWAY

Hello!

After countless of workshops, I just bought more leather craft tools for my projects. I've been practicing my stitching and cutting skills tirelessly. You just have to be ready to spend a fortune to master the craft. But I know it will be all worth it.

I didn't have time to go to Marikina for my supplies so I just patiently searched for websites who sell locally. I'm a bit scared to buy the cheap toolkits made in China because of negative reviews. Also, I followed the advice of professionals that I should dive in and buy top quality tools right from the start. Luckily, I found PICKandGRAB who sells quality imported tools. I'll have my adventure in Marikina next time I have a looser schedule.

I'm very excited for my handicraft business to grow. Currently, I'm working on simple laptop sleeves, wallets, coin purses and traveler's notebook for my customers. If you'd like to purchase a custom leather craft, send me an e-mail at lopezdaisyd14 (at) gmail (dot) com.

Soon, I'll be launching my website and I'll tell you guys all about it.

============
GIVEAWAY
============

Oh, did I mention a giveaway? It's the holiday season and business is going smoothly. What better way to celebrate than with an AWESOME giveaway on the blog this week! If you have read my previous post, there's a tote bag that I've made during a workshop. It's the very first bag I've made. It's a 10" x 16" x 4" in size with only a single large space. Great for holding your everyday essentials, laptops, tablets, lunch, water bottle, coffee traveler, journals, long documents, wallet, phone -- I COULD GO ON. The cuts aren't perfect but it's sturdy enough to carry all your stuffs.

Aside from tote bag, I'll throw in a:
- Pen and pencil holder. It's made out of full-grain leather. Size: 15cm x 7 cm * 0.3cm. Color: Burgundy Red
- Aaaand a journal notebook! Woohooo! I'm currently working on that one so I couldn't take a picture just yet.

You can win this by following the steps below. Isn't that nice?

NOTE

• This giveaway is open internationally!
• Read the instructions carefully!
• You'll be disqualified if you used dummy accounts. I will be checking your entries one by one.
• Make sure to set your account on public duringosen at random. the giveaway period.
• Participants will be chosen at random.
• Winner will be notified via e-mail. S/he must respond within 10 days. Failure to respond will result to another random selection.
• The items will be delivered via EMS (international), LBC (local).
• Pens on the picture are not included. 

HOW TO ENTER

It is required for you to subscribe in my e-mail newsletter. You can subscribe at the top-right section of this blog.  However, if you want to up your chances significantly, then there are lots of ways to get bonus entries! Subscription is equivalent to 10 points.

Bonus entries:

1) Follow me on facebook: Leather Crafts by Daisy Lopez = 2 entries

2) Tweet this post including hashtags: #leathercraftbydaisy #giveawaybydaisy #totebaggiveaway = 2 entries

3) Share this post on facebook including hashtags: #leathercraftbydaisylopez #giveawaybydaisylopez #totebaggiveaway= 2 entries

4) Follow me on Instagram: LeatherCraftsxDL = 2 entries

4) Blog about this post and giveaway. = 5 entries

5) Comment below answering "Why do I deserve to win this items?". = 5 entries

Your entries would be void if you don't comment your e-mail you used for subscribing. If you did the bonus entries, please include in your comment the IG handle, FB name, link to your twitter post, and link to your blog post.

DEADLINE: December 22, 2017, 11:59PM (GMT +8)

Good luck!

Let's be creative, Daisy.

Leather Tote Bag - Workshop

Hello, everyone!

I've attended my 2nd workshop for leather making yesterday. It's hosted by Cindel and Abby of HolyCraft! Studios. Venue: Builtable Co-Working, Mandaluyong City.

This is me try out the stitching pony.

This was a 5-hour workshop. But most of us had to extend our stay so we could finish the project. I think I've finished mine for almost 9 hours. I didn't have time to stop for a break thinking I might go home early but I was wrong... haha!

The stitching took most of my time. I had to make it straight and tight, avoiding a loose work. Teacher Cindel praised me for my nice stitching but told me that I should improve my cutting the leather and hammering of rivets. I was a  bit sloppy with it because I was tired and hungry.

Everyone is so focused in their leatherwork.

This workshop has more participants than the previous one. About 14-16 participants! There was even another group who are learning how to make leather shoes.

Attending the previous workshop has its perks. The participants are given free basic tool kits plus your work while the Leather Tote Bag making... well, you'll JUST get to take home the bag you made.

Holy Craft! Jam-packed workshop

I felt more relaxed unlike before. I guess it's more crowded and everyone is enjoying themselves. Aside from extending my creative skills, one of my purpose in attending workshops is learning to be sociable.

I'm really excited to do more projects and attending events like this!

After a thousand needle pricks, I present to you
my finished leather tote bag. **Tears of Joy**

Teacher Abby assisting one of the participants.

One of the few dudes who attended. Good
improvising!  Using the chair instead of
a stitching pony.

Ms. Nicole stitching her leather.

Middle: The first participant to finish her bag.
Left: Cindel (main host) and; Right: Abby (co-host)

If you are interested in joining one of their workshops, just check out their website at www.holycraftstudios.com. Their next one has a different topic. But if you'd like to learn leather bag making, there's a different host who will be teaching this coming weekend (November 25-26, 2017). Check it out at www.soulflower.co. I would like to attend but other plans forced me to push aside my personal activities for a short time. Enjoy!


Let's Get Creative, Daisy

Experiencing the Basic Leather Workshop

I've attended the Basic Leather Crafting Everyday Essentials hosted by Cindel and Abbey from HolyCraft Studios. It was held at the Builtable CoWorking space yesterday (November 11). HolyCraft is based in Alabang and good thing they're hosting an event here at Mandaluyong city which was an easy commute for me.

I love arts and crafts since I was child but I haven't been serious about it for almost 5 years until yesterday. I've been a busy-bee with my work as a web and software developer. Going to the office and back at home was becoming monotonous. I don't spend a lot of time outside but I pushed myself to do something different.... hooray!

At the workshop, I learned about the different kinds of leather, surface difference, leather crafting tools, and the shops where we can purchase supplies. The hosts taught us how to attach buttons snaps, make a magic braid, wallets, monogrammed bag tag, key chain and cord organizer. I gave them to my dad and he was so stoked to use them.

It was very challenging for me to build along with the others. I'm socially awkward and I'm a bit shy when asking for help. It's a good thing the hosts come to me often and offer assistance. Usually, the other participants gets their attention.. haha. 

I thought at first that paying Php2990.00 was too hefty but I was surprised that we get to bring home some free kit and I absorbed a lot of knowledge afterwards. I really like the workshop venue too.

Left: Ms. Abbey (Co-host); Middle: Tricia (Participant); Right: Cindel (Main Host)

They raffled a leather tote bag which is won by a participant named Tricia. Another one is a purse won by my seatmate... I think her name is Marie. Too bad I didn't win. I really wanted that bag so I could give it to my mom. Well, I guess I could make one for her. At least I could level up my skills by making one.

Our class photo (2nd batch). The first batch was a hit so they had to make another workshop. By the way, that's me wearing a striped white shirt and jeans (2nd from the left) and my seatmate wearing a denim jacket and pants (middle). She's really nice and warm which makes me feel a little less awkward. 

Taking part at the workshop was an amazing and freeing experience because you get to use raw material in many ways. Even my seatmate was excited and awed by everything.

So, yay for a new skill learned! I'm excited to make more so I could sell them this coming holiday season! Woohoo!

Good to know stuffs:

Instagram Pages: HolyCraft Studio / Builtable

Where to buy leather supplies? (applicable to Philippine residents)

- Marikina Public Market / Nation Shoppe / Sangra Leather Access / Lazada

I want to attend a workshop too! Where can I sign up?

-  Just visit HolyCraft Studio's website and click on the Workshops tab for future events. There's also another company that also offer leather workshops too. It's called SoulFlower and they're based on Quezon city. 

Inktober 2017

Hello!

Today is the first day of INKTOBER. For those who doesn't know about it, watch this:

Here is the official prompt list for this year's Inktober. It's not really required to follow this. You could invent your own or follow another list.

I've joined last year's Inktober. I almost didn't finish it because we took a sudden vacation at the last week of October, 2016. But I forced myself to draw pieces in a hurried manner just to meet the deadline. I haven't been drawing ever since that event. So, my drawing skill is a bit rusty. Hopefully my drawing habit would be a daily thing.

*****

My tools for INKTOBER 2017:

Uni Pin Pens (0.1, 0.3 and 0.5mm)

I've been using this brand for almost 12 years. I haven't tried others. Maybe I'm to comfortable with this. I might try Copic Multiliner next time.

Pentel Pocket Brush Pen

I bought this one at @pennarr's IG page. It's a sweet deal. It's really cheap and it comes with 3 refills. Most shops only offer 2 refills and very expensive.

I've been practicing with this brush for the last 2 days because I find it frustrating to use. The bristles are too soft and long... making it too hard to control. Good thing I asked for advice from the veterans at the Inktober FB group page. Last year, I used a Platinum brush pen. it was easy to use because it has shorter and medium bristles. The only downside of it is it's not refillable. Definitely, I would like to try other brush pens in the future.

*****

Basically, that's the only inking tools that I have on hand right now. If I have the chance to pass by the art supply store, I'd get myself these babies:

1) Kuretake Cartoonist Sumi Ink

2) Angelo Red Sable (#1, #2, and #6, Round)

3) Zebra G Nib

4) Fountain Pen (I'm still thinking of what brand I'll be buying. Ugh, so many to choose from!)

Well, that's that. Write down your comment below and share your plans this Inktober. 

I'm gonna leave some Inktober related links for you to check out:

Jake Parker (creator of Inktober) - website / Instagram / Facebook / Youtube

Inktober Facebook Group Page

Inktober IG Page

My Instagram Handle (I will be making one later). Link TBA

First Day: 30 Day Self-Discipline Challenge and Self-Study

Inspired from Victor Pride's "30 Days of Discipline - For Men". I modified it  to suit me and my lifestyle. If you'd like to see the original list, go visit: Reddit.

This is not my first time "habit tracking". I am progressively building and breaking a few habits since June 2017. Would like to continue monitoring those habits in this kind of method.

Watercolor Pencils and Pen with a little touch of digital painting.

I've been working on my Art and Web Development studies. I watched a lot of great video tutorials and produced some artworks. Right now, I'm all about the basics.... the fundamentals.

I will be creating an Instagram account solely for my works. I'll be posting the link in my next blog post.

A Guide to OJT for UE Manila College Students

This is a step by step guide OJT process for dummies. This is especially made for University of the East, Manila students.

**I am only sharing this based on my experience. I strongly advise you to coordinate with the OJT office staff for clarifications and concerns you have.**

Step 1

Visit the following online sites:

a.  On www.ue.edu.ph: Go to the UE student Portal using your Student Account; or

b. On Facebook: Join “UE Ojt Manila” group page. You may add the current OJT Coordinator as a friend. Note: Group name and coordinator may change yearly. Make sure to check and clarify at the OJT office.

Step 2

Enroll your OJT and ask your College Evaluator to print out an evaluation list. Photocopy it.
Accomplish the forms from your portal and ask for a Pre-OJT Deployment Interview from your respective Department Chairpersons, Associate Dean, Dean or any authorized OJT interviewer (inquire with your Department Chair)

These documents came from my Student Portal. You may also download them from your own Portal. TIP: All forms are easy to fill out if you are already accepted by your preferred company beforehand. 

OJT Form 1

Fill up this form and click "Save". Click "Print" button located at the top right.
Have this signed by your Faculty in Charge and OJT Coordinator
You will be given an "Acceptance Letter" by the office. Have it filled out by your company supervisor.

OJT Form 2

Tip: It would be great if the basic information is typewritten. The table and remarks will be filled out be the interviewer (that would be your Faculty-in-charge).

OJT Form 3

Tip: Fill this form out. Picture MUST be computerized. Personal info and OJT info must be typewritten, also the name of your Faculty-in-Charge and OJT Coordinator (Same goes to all OJT Forms)
Have this signed by Facutly-In-Charge then OJT Coordinator.

OJT Feedback Form

This form is to be submitted at the last day of OJT.
Tip: Left margin should be set to 1.25 inches and Right margin is 1 inch 

OJT Professional Development Activities

This form is to be submitted to the adviser at the last day of OJT.
The office told us all items are 2 points each... not 5. Clarify it to them.
Gather certificates for proof.
In our case, we weren't actually interviewed during the "Exit Interview" by OJT Office. We were just given a survey form.

OJT Pictures at Work

This form is to be submitted to the adviser at the last day of OJT.
The office asked us to print 3R colored pictures. At least 4 pictures. But my adviser said we just have to print it out directly on the paper. Fit it all in one paper.

OJT Waiver

Parent/Guardian, OJT Coordinator and College Dean must have it signed before notarizing it. Notary Public will ask you 50 Pesos.
Attach a photocopy of a government issued ID of your parent/guardian along with a photocopy of your evaluation list.

OJT Certification

You are the one who will be listing down the subjects, units, semester taken and grade. TYPEWRITTEN as well. If you are a CS student, the subjects you have taken in your 3rd year, 2nd semester. If you're an IT/EMC/IS student, please clarify it from the College office.

Step 3

Edit and print your download soft copy of the Letter of Recommendation (LOR). Here is a sample of LOR for a solo applicant. For group applicants, the LOR is posted at the OJT bulletin board.

Step 4

PHOTOCOPY all your forms! 2 copies each.

Submit these documents to the OJT Office:

☐ OJT Orientation certificate - PHOTOCOPY
☐ OJT Form 1 - PHOTOCOPY
☐ Certificate of Pre-Requisite (aka OJT Certification) - PHOTOCOPY
☐ OJT Form 2 - PHOTOCOPY
☐ Notarized Waiver - ORIGINAL

• Evaluation List - PHOTOCOPY

• Gov't-issued ID of parent / guardian - PHOTOCOPY

☐ Issued LOR - PHOTOCOPY
☐ Received LOR - PHOTOCOPY
☐ Acceptance Letter - PHOTOCOPY
☐ OJT Form 3 - PHOTOCOPY

You will be given 2 copies of a checklist for the required documents.
Fill it out and an officer will verify each item completed.

Step 5

OJT Office will release a Daily Time Record. For the OJT Exemption Card, acquire a Pink slip from the office, fill up the logbook and go ahead to the Student's Affair Office. Submit a photocopy of: OJT Form 1, Letter of Recommendation, Letter of Acceptance and 1x1 picture. 

Go back to the OJT Office, present your exemption ID and the copy of the checklist to the officer to have it signed.

**GREAT! You're done for now. You may start your first day at your company. The whole process was very tiring in my experience. 

Step 6

Once you have reached 100 hours, go back to the OJT office to acquire Form 5: Evaluation form. You will give this to your company supervisor including a plain letter envelope. Ask your supervisor to make a draft on a scratch paper before finalizing them on the original form. No Erasures! This may not be done in a rush. You can ask for it back at the last day of your OJT with the company.

Step 7
OJT Requirements to submit to your OJT Adviser at the FINAL day. S/he will set up a meeting date at the last day of school for you to submit these:

1. Form 1 - Original Application Form
2. Form 2 - Original Interview Form
3. Form 3 - Original Monitoring Form
4. Waiver - Photocopy
5. LOR/LOA - photocopy
6. PAW - Pictures @ Work - size: 3R scanned pics 3-4pcs.(no collage)
7. PDA - Prof. Dev. Activity (show original copy of Certificates)
8. Feedback - follow the pattern. Original
9. Form 5 - Evaluation Form. Enclosed in a letter envelope with your company supervisor's signature at the envelope flap. This is important!
10. COC - Certificate of Completion. 1 photocopy for the Exit interview at the OJT Office and 1 photocopy for the adviser. Keep the Original.

• Although the weekly journal isn't required by the OJT office, our adviser still asked us to do one. She told us that it doesn't have a format and it's up to us what our journal looks like. If I were you, search online for "OJT journals" for reference on what it looks like should be. 

Helpful tips:

• Send your resumes to companies a month before your actual OJT. Make sure to tell the hiring manager the exact date of your enrollment because that's the only time you should actually start working with them. If you're applying via e-mail, here's a sample of cover letter that I've written:

• I recommend visiting the OJT office 2-3 months before your OJT enrollment for more information. Regularly check the OJT bulletin board.
• Speak to your adviser OR an officer at the OJT office if you've got questions and clarifications.
• Are you a member at your college organization? It's a plus point for your OJT PDA grade.
• Attend a lot of seminars and activities in your college during your regular days of school. Keep those certificates for confirmation! If you haven't attended, sorry
• Attend job fairs and other OJT related activities.
• Overtimes, Night-Shifts and Saturday work: Make sure to make a letter of permission addressing to your OJT coordinator.



Example of Overtime Permission letter. If you won't be able to file this at the OJT office personally, you may e-mail this to your OJT coordinator. Make sure to print out a hard-copy. This will be filed with the documents to be passed at your final day of OJT.

• Need to switch company for some reason? Only if you have a valid reason like: your company harasses/takes advantage of you OR the company is too far away and you're tired of the long commute... talk to the OJT coordinator right away.

ATTENTION: The following is copied from our OJT coordinator's Facebook post:

Note: All Forms must be submitted to your respective OJT Advisers with a given deadline.

* Upon completion of your OJT hours, please inform your HR Office of the submission of your requirements for them to give your COC on time. If you cannot finish your OJT hours, at least 80% was accomplished to get a Certificate of Rendered Hours from your company. OJT Office will give a student a BLUE FORM (Commitment Form) that you still continue your training.

* If the release of your certificate of completion / rendered hours will be later than the final day of OJTkindly ask a letter form your immediate supervisor that the certificate will be given on a specific date.

*Students who will be getting an LFR grade, please return on June 2 for the signing of your PDA and Exit interview.

*For the Exit Interview, CASUAL ATTIRE is a requirement in the OJT Office. Bring a photocopy of your COC.

* Non-Graduating Students will no longer have an Exit Interview from the Guidance Office. You are advised to GO BACK in the Guidance Counselling Office, at least 1 month before your graduation for Exit Interview.

*Graduating Students will have 2 Exit Interviews.

* Non-compliance of OJT requirements will result to LFR grade. Students who did not submitted any forms/documents from their OJT Advisers and OJT Office will be given a "UW" - Drop grade.

*Students who will not finish their OJT hours after receiving a Certificate of Rendered Hours will be reported to SAO and GCO and for disciplinary action.

* Daily Time Record must be shown to your adviser for proper checking and verification. All students who violates OJT guidelines and rules will undergo process and disciplinary action.

Questions? E-mail me at daisydlopez@yahoo.com or lopezdaisyd14@gmail.com
I will try my best to answer your queries asap.

Free Comic Book Day on May 6, 2017 at Fully Booked, BGC (PHILIPPINES)

Join us as we celebrate FREE COMIC BOOK DAY on May 6, 2017!

1. What is Free Comic Book Day?

Every first Saturday of May, comic book stores and publishers around the world give away comic singles for free to thank fans for their support and to introduce characters to new enthusiasts. This year, we are celebrating on May 6, 2017, together with Comic Odyssey and the rest of the world!

Watch this video for a better idea of how #FCBD is celebrated:

2. Can we get any comic book we want? Are manga titles included?

Comics are made and ordered especially for FCBD, and we will be setting up a table in each participating branch to showcase all the titles that are for free. A customer can choose any title from the designated free comics table. Manga titles, however, are not included in the give away.

3. How many free comics are we allowed to get?

In our Bonifacio High Street branch, together with Comic Odyssey, we will be giving away a total of three (3) free comics per customer. In other participating branches, we will be giving one (1) free comic per person.

4. What are the participating Fully Booked branches?

Our branches in Bonifacio High Street, Ayala Malls The 30th, Alabang Town Center, Century City Mall, S Maison at Conrad Hotel, Eastwood, Greenbelt 5, Glorietta, Greenhills, Gateway, Katipunan, SM Megamall, McKinley Grand Canal, SM Mall of Asia, SM North EDSA, Rockwell, Taft, Trinoma, and UP Town Center will be participating in this year’s Free Comic Book Day celebration.

Other Fully Booked branches (Cebu, CDO, and Davao) will not be giving away free comics but will have graphic novel titles on discounted sale (see number 9 for discount details).

5. Is there a purchase requirement for the free comics?

The comics that are made especially for Free Comic Book Day are absolutely free and we require no purchase for anyone who wants one. Please take note of the limit of three (3) free comics per customer at the Bonifacio High Street branch, and one (1) comic per customer at the rest of the participating branches.

6. Can I reserve a free comic?

Sorry, we will not be allowing reservations for free comics. Part of the fun is lining up, meeting fellow comic fans, and choosing a free single when you get to the table!

7. What comics will be available on the day itself?

Check out our poster in the Discussion tab to see the line up of titles for this year's FCBD.

8. What time does Free Comic Book Day start?

Comic giving starts during the opening times of each branch. You can check out our website for a full list of branches and the time they open: http://www.fullybookedonline.com/stores.

9. What items will be on discounted sale?*

Graphic novels and manga titles that are D-coded will be at 20% off in all Fully Booked branches nationwide on May 6-7, 2017 only. Other comics like Archie, Calvin & Hobbes, Garfield, Tintin, etc. and The Art Of books that are D-coded will also be at 20% off on those days.

Graphic novels at www.fullybookedonline.com will also be at 20% off on May 6-7, 2017. Use the promo code FCBD2017 to avail of the sale.

Pre-owned vinyl records at our Bonifacio High Street branch will also be on sale at 20% off on May 6-7, 2017.

If you’re not sure about whether a title is discounted or not, please feel free to ask any book specialist in our branches to help you find out.

10. I woke up late! Can I still get a free comic? What time does free comic giving end?

We give out free comics until supplies last. We will try to keep our social media channels as updated as possible, but since it's going to be such a busy day, there may be a bit of a lag in the information dissemination. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @_FullyBooked and facebook.com/fullybooked.

You can take note of the store contact numbers in this link: http://www.fullybookedonline.com/stores and call them on the day itself in case you aren’t able to line up in the morning.

See you on the 6th! #FullyBookedFCBD2017 #FCBD2017

Aside from free comics, we've got another treat for you: All graphic novels will be on sale at 20% off!

Sale will run on May 6-7, 2017, and applies to both cash and credit card purchases across all our branches, including Fully Booked Online. Use the promo code: FCBD2017 for online purchases.

And it doesn't stop there: Pre-owned vinyl records at our Bonifacio High Street branch will also be on sale at 20% off on May 6-7, 2017. So many things to look forward to – see you there!

Here are the free titles that will be available at this year's FCBD! Which one are you grabbing first?

Get three (3) free comic books at our Bonifacio High Street branch, and one (1) free comic book at our other Metro Manila branches. Check out the About tab for the full list of participating Fully Booked branches.

And don't forget – all graphic novels will be on sale at 20% off on May 6-7, 2017 at all Fully Booked branches and www.fullybookedonline.com.

See you there! #FullyBookedFCBD2017 #FCBD2017