Leather Crafting Workshop - MANILA

Hello!

I am planning to host a workshop in Leather Crafting this entire year of 2018. If you are here somewhere in Metro Manila and wish to learn a new crafting skill, you may be interested in booking a private workshop with me.

The workshop is for beginners who has no experience of working with leather. You will learn the process of handmade leather work: making a mock design, pattern, cutting, punching holes, sewing and attaching hardware.


How much is the workshop fee?

One-on-one: Php3500 inclusive of snacks and drinks
Group (maximum of 5 participants) : Php3200 per person inclusive of snacks and drinks


How do I book a workshop?

Please notify me 15 days in advance before the actual date you want to set a workshop.
You may contact me thru e-mail: lopezdaisyd14 (at) gmail (dot) com

DATE: Saturday and Sunday
TIME: Morning or afternoon. Time interval depends on project chosen.
VENUE: You may choose a venue of your chose (living room, garden, or any public space where we can't bother too much people because we'll be making a lot of noise by hammering hardware).
Can't decide a place? It's alright. I'll book a co-working space within Metro Manila.


What will I learn?

You can choose a project...

• Simple Tote Bag
• Leather Sleeves for your gadgets (phones, laptops, tablets, etc.)
• Traveler's Notebook / Journal Cover
• Everyday Essentials 
• Cord Organizer
• Coin Purse
• Braided Bracelet
• Hand Stamped bag tag
• Have a certain leather project in mind? Feel free to discuss it with me.

Comment down below to ask for a brochure complete details) for each project I offered. 

Let's get creative,
DAISY

Instagram // Facebook

Goodbye 2017, Welcome 2018!

Hi guys, Welcome to 2018! I’ve been so excited to get rid of 2017, for me personally it was a rough year but also a year of accomplishment. Did I hit my goals for 2017? Lets recap shall we!


2017 GOALS

• Go out and mingle with new people. - I have been a homebody for the longest time. I have reached the point where I forgot how to socialize. Haha! I've pushed myself to attend arts & craft workshops. I was able to talk with participants and instructors with a bit of awkwardness. Although I didn't make new friends, attending the workshops is a huge achievement for me.
• Start a home-based business. - I have 8 siblings who already living their own lives. Either raising a family or working abroad. My parents asked me if I could stay with them at their home because they are feeling lonely and getting tired due to old age. It was a tough decision for me but yeah.... guess what, I agreed! Now I'm a part-time leather worker and freelance web developer/graphic artist.
• Finish internship and graduate from college. No words to describe I feel. Just happy... very happy.

2018 GOALS

"When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump, otherwise you end up staying in the same place your whole life." - Abel Morales

1. Speak your mind often.
2. Be responsible in your actions and decisions.
3. Write more in your journal.
4. Don't forget to take a me-time even just for a few minutes.
5. Host a workshop
6. Learn how to advertise business better

I keep my list limited because I don't want to overwhelm and stress myself too much. I want to enjoy things that I do. 2017 was a very difficult year, but it’s made me stronger and better.  To everyone reading this - have a happy and blessed new year!

Let's Get Creative,

DAISY 

Instagram // Facebook

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