KBCC #06 - Handmade Paper Journal

It's the time of the month again! KBCC had yet another very fun afternoon @Pauseability last Saturday! This time, Teacher EeWei taught us how to make handmade paper journal. It felt like cooking lesson at some point! haha... we all had fun :D

See how Teacher EeWei is sternly checking on everyone, making sure we are using our toothbrush properly? Nobody dared to mess around. Everyone was diligently brushing our paper in full concentration...

Next, we had an extremely therapeutic paper-tearing session. Ivan was violently & aggressively shredding the paper to ventilate, while Jullie was almost into meditation mode! :P Check out how Rita dressed to match our colourful scrap paper! :P

After cutting up the ingredients, Teacher EeWei showed us how to mesh them all up with a blender to make into paper pulp. Cooking time! We all got a little weary when we saw smoke coming out of the blender after awhile! Luckily Engineer Jullie was there to rectify the problem! Otherwise we'll all be poisoned by the rubber burning smell & the smoke from the burning incense paper outside Moses' shop! :P

Finally, our "Soup of the Day"! hehe....

Next, we learnt how to sift for gold to make our pretty handmade paper. Everyone had a shot, except baby Isabelle, our Little Princess @KBCC, who was obviously shocked by the look of our chocolate fondue! haha... :D

Now it's time to leave out our paper pulp to dry, while we work on our journal with some ready made paper Teacher EeWei had prepared in advance. Everyone was working intensely on our own journal. We can't wait to have our very own journal made...

Yay...!!!! Finally!!! Check out the fruits of our labour! Aren't they all amazing? Cool, ya? Everyone agreed that we probably won't buy any notebook ever again after last Saturday! Coz it's so easy to make & we can even decorate it just the way we like it! Wow!

Thank you so much, Teacher EeWei!

ps: Here's wishing all teachers in the world a very happy Happy Teachers' Day! :D

Meet KBCC Enthusiast - Laura

"Thank you for your patience and your cheerful personality which have helped made my crafting process enjoyable.  It's also great that your explanations are clear and precise. As you know I love to show-off my handiwork even though it may not be perfrect.  I just did that today and I feel so Shiok!!!!! Thanks dear." - Laura, 31st August 2008

Customized Order from Wei Shien

These are 5 cardholders Wei Shien has asked me to make for her friends. Sure hope they will like it as much as I do! In fact, I made one for myself too! ;P

Meet Crochet Craze - Shireen

"Thanks for the patience and clear instructions given. And also for the cosy studio for the lessons. It helped to make Ginger possible... YEH..." - Shireen, 25th August

Another Customized Order

Customized booties for Sarina's friend :)

I'm the BIGGEST Knotty Fan!

Meet the 3 winners of "I'm the BIGGEST Knotty Fan" Competition!

"When i first got the kit to make these fluffy creations, i thought they looked like some ninja weapons when fully open. Hence the inspiration behind this photo. :) I really love making my poms poms and i make them everywhere when i get some time to sit down - be it on the mrt or waiting for a friend. Personally, my favourite part of making these little balls of fluff is when i get to slice into the yarn and see it spread into a ball of nice poof!" - Ee Wei, 15th August 2008

"There's so much creativity and vibes going on wiring up these knots of love! I never owned a pair of knitted shoes before and my son's just so fortunate to have his first pair of knitted shoes from his auntie as a gift! Hopefully, i can also learn this wonderful skill from bicsie and create more naughty shoes! A proud owner of knotty bicsie!" - Angelia, 13th August 2008

"I like the colour combination of your products. The prices of the products are just right and they are of good quality... Also, you are very efficient in sending the goods to us as soon as possible!" - ChenYen, 8th August 2008

Booties for my Footie Contest

Remember the "Bootie for my Footie" Contest organized by Junior & U, which Knotty Bicsie is sponsoring the prizes? Well, the results are out! Here are some of the very pretty entries submitted by the very creative Mummies out there.

And these are the pretty booties that the winners have received! Sure hope they will keep those little footies warm & clean :)

I'm the BIGGEST Knotty Fan!

GOOD NEWS!!!

"I'm the BIGGEST Knotty Fan!" Competition

To show my appreciation to all my Knotty Fans, Knotty Bicsie is giving away special prizes this month! Take a beautiful photo of yourself with any Knotty Bicsie product, add a little creative caption to show what a proud owner of Knotty Bicsie creation(s) you are, & email to bicsie@gmail.com by next Friday, 15th August 2008, Singapore time 2359hr.

Prizes:

• A pair of tickets to Fireworks Carnival on 23rd August 2008 for the BEST ENTRY
  
• $10-voucher 

Our Crafting Studio

Our Crafting Studio is getting crowded these days! Check out our busy Funky Knitters & Crochet Craze! This is how our studio looks like almost everyday! As recent as a month ago, we have workshops EVERYDAY, from Mon-Sun! Then a few sweet students asked me, "Then when's your off-day? You mean you don't have a rest day??" Hmm... then it struck me that I SHOULD declare at least 1 off-day for myself! :P So now, Monday is my official off-day, but from crafting studio only la :P I usually use Monday to update this blog (like what I'm doing now), do some paper work, plus some house chores. My mum usually comes by every Monday to hang out too. So we'll spend a day together, sometimes knitting/crocheting in my studio, sometimes out shopping :)

Many students have told me that they are envious of my life, or rather lifestyle now, doing what I like in my home environment & making a living at the same time :) well, I must agree I feel very grateful for this blissful life indeed. I truly appreciate all the TLC (tender love & care) given by my hubby & family, & also the generous support given by my wonderful, enthusiastic Knotty Fans like yourself! Thank you all, you made this ideal lifestyle possible for me! :D

Meet Funky Knitter - Seline

"When i first learn knitting from Betsy in the MAAD, I knew it was different. Compare to the other places that you learn, it's a remarkable experience. Betsy is very attentive and patient. She not only teaches you the basic and right method of it, she also explains every details that you are unsure of, & she also always makes sure that we have no problem in our project. 
Knitting in Betsy's home studio is also another amazing experience. A comfortable and soothing place for knitting. Check out her baby booties, & your heart will definitely melt when you see them!
Betsy, thank you for teaching me the techniques, it was a great knowing you for the one month. If I could stay, I will definitely learn more. See ya again when I'm back... keep in contact!!!! muack muack..." - Seline, 2nd August 2008

Meet Knotty Fan - Sarina & Keiflie

Mummy Sarina LOVES our Knotty Baby Booties sooo... much, she keeps coming back for more! Lucky Little Prince Keiflie, at only 4months old,  is already a proud owner of 4pairs of our limited edition Knotty Baby Booties!
Here's what Mummy Sarina says about our Knotty Bicsie Baby Booties...

"The first time I set eyes on the unique booties, I went crazy coz there were many beautiful ones especially for baby girls!!! That's the reason why I bought the Mary Jane despite the pearl button!! (Told myself: well the colour is bold...so ok for boys what!! hehehe).
Anyway, many complimented them and asked where I got them. When I told my frens and relatives that I got them from internet, they thought I got it from overseas!!! However, I proudly told them, it's a local brand and has forwarded your site to them.:))
Thanks Betsy for making my baby look nice, cute and different!! Will be in touch soon for my customised orderssss." - Sarina, 30th July 2008

Long Awaited KBCC Friendship Swap!

Finally it was time to do our KBCC Friendship Swap! Everyone was eager to give & also receive their handmade gifts to & from their respective partners. & o boy, we were all sooo.... thrilled by the amazing work of Art & Craft created by each & every KBCC member! I must say I was REALLY VERY IMPRESSED by the high standards of work created! The gifts were all so wonderful, Jullie & I were so jealous & regretted not being part of the swap this time! :(

Before the swap began, we had a little "visit back into memory lane" & had a good time talking about the joyous moments at previous KBCC sessions. Time flies.... KBCC is already 5 months old! Really grateful to all the support given by our enthusiastic KBCC members. I'm now secretly looking forward to celebrating KBCC's 1st Birthday with everyone! :P

Now, it's showtime! Check out our incredible handmade gifts! 

*Warning! Following content may make you drool &/or hiss with jealousy! ^@^

Our Origami Guru, Kelvin, made a special Magic Cube (sorry, forgot the proper term :P), which can be transformed into a bouquet of ROSE for lucky Deborah....

Ee Wei made a really PRETTY journal from scratch for Ariana! Including the binding, cover, backing, paper, everything from scratch! We were sooo... fascinated, especially by her handmade paper. Now by popular demand, Ee Wei will be teaching all of us how to make our own handmade paper journal at our next KBCC!!! Yay!!! Sign up for our next KBCC (bicsie@bigfoot.com) on 30th August (Sat), 2-5pm @Pauseability now! Limited seats only! :)

What a coincidence. Great minds think alike. Ariana made a crystal angel hp charm for Shireen, while Shireen made one for her partner, Valerie, too! So we had 2 happy angels at KBCC last Saturday!

Our Peranakan Master, Richard, made the most beautiful mini beaded clogs for Moses. These beauties were hand-painted & beaded by this amazing uncle! Even the tangs-studio-look-alike box is intricately handmade by Richard! Everyone was sooo.... envious by then, we were all screaming out our birthdays to everyone!

Our origami enthusiast, Rita, made these cute little sail boats in a magic box for Kelvin. How appropriate!

MCC Laura (don't ask what MCC stands for, it's our little secret code only for KBCC. Join KBCC to find out lo! hehe...) took up "Crochet Craze - Amigurumi" with me, especially to make this adorable owl for Richard. This little guy made everyone smile :)

Mastermind behind Pauseability, Moses, made his signature handmade journal for Adrian. He even made a little drawstring bag for the journal. I'm sure Adrian will love it!

Edward made a beautiful Merry-go-Round fro Ee Wei. This magical toy is just so EeWei! We could see EeWei's beautiful eyes lit up with excitement when she saw what Edward whipped out from a box! How nice... Well, as usual, Edward prefers to hide behind the camera lens. Edward, thanx for taking all these unforgettable shots @KBCC!

Finally, even though Adrian & Jasmine were not able to make it to KBCC last Saturday, they made special arrangements to make sure their partners will not go home disappointed & empty-handed. How sweet & thoughtful :)

So Rita got her handmade card & shark (special request by Rita) from Jasmine,

& Laura got her BIG flower brooch hand-knitted by Adrian. Everyone agreed that the brooch is sooo... Laura!

Well, well, so glad everyone went home happy & satisfied. Everyone agreed that it was fun & therapeutic while making their special gifts. The fact that it was for someone specific, made it even more meaningful & exciting. Crafting is indeed a modern way of life for everyone!

More Customized Orders This Month

These 2 Knotty Eles are especially for YingChern. 2 others are for Yumin & LiSha. Not only have these gals been wonderful Funky Knitters, they have been a great help @Hougang Central Hub Singapore Arts Street too! They are coming over for lunch next Tuesday, I'm gonna make pasta for them. Yay! I'm sure it'll be fun!

This Coral Lee is for Yumin.

Sundae is for LiSha.

This is a customized bag for EeLing. It is actually a bigger version of my Evening Bag Moulein Rouge. Just mailed it out to her yesterday. She should get it by today, or latest by tomorrow la. :) Sure hope she likes it as much as I do :)

Our VERY SPECIAL GUEST Today!

Check out our very special guest at Knotty Bicsie Crafting Studio today - Princess Sarah! Our Little Princess was in her sweet dreamland as Mummy Florence & Aunty Jennifer were wriggling their fingers at their 1st crochet project. Guess what? Princess Sarah woke up & gave us a BIG SMILE just when our lesson ended! Cya at our studio again soon... :)

Meet Crochet Craze - Han

"Hi Betsy, I LOVE my new hp pouch!! Thank you for your patience & guidance. You're a wonderful teacher..Class was enjoyable & relaxing in your cosy studio. Will be looking forward to learning more projects from you.  

p/s: Crochet can be addictive." - Han, 21st July 2008

Customized Baby-&-Mum Set

Ling See loves our customization so much, she keeps asking for more! ;P This one's for a cat-loving Mum. Think the elegant cat looks pretty on this fuzzy bag? ;)

Ling See, thank you for loving Knotty Bicsie so much!

Origami Party @Pauseability by Rita

We had a very fun afternoon at Pauseability. Look at the TALL stack of boxes Edward & I went home with! Haha...!

Meet Funky Knitter - Ohan

Meet our record-holder - Ohan! Our "kai xin guo", Ohan, not only made everyone @Knotty Bicsie Crafting Studio laugh A LOT, she broke the record of completing her very 1st knitted project (scarf) in just 11days! Wow! Congrats, Ohan!

 "I had a great time learning knitting with Ms Toh (Betsy). Initially it was a lil complicated, but after her careful guidance, I got the hang of it in just one lesson. It was actually pretty easy & I had loads of fun in her warm & cosy studio!

  Ms Toh (Betsy) is a wonderful teacher with great amt of patience, & picking up knitting skills frm her is just as easy as abc. I had a great sense of satisfaction upon completing my scarf & it is definitely worth every ounce of my sweat & time! Now I have developed an interest in knitting & I will be coming back for more!"

- Ohan, 20th July 2008

Customized Order from Nor

Pretty little flower to go with this purplish little MaryJane.

Meet Funky Knitter - Li Sha

"Knitting proved to be easier and much much more fun than i thought with Betsy! The beautifully decorated studio and soft background music created the perfect relaxed atmosphere for knitting. Betsy further contributed to the comfortable mood by chit chatting with us! Knitting itself is also really relaxing and therapeutic. It not only calms you down but also trains your patience and perserverance (especially if you are knitting a looooong scarf). I can't believe how addicted to knitting I became! So a word of warning to wannabe knitters: Be careful. Once you start, you can't stop! hee. :)" - Li Sha, 6th July 2008

Meet Funky Knitter - Amy

"Learning knitting from Betsy was truly enjoyable! Having such a warm, friendly, approachable and encouraging teacher makes overcoming the initial intimidating learning curve a less frustrating experience. And once i got the hang of knitting, subsequent sessions for project completion were equally a joy to attend, as knitting while chatting with Betsy or basking in the company of other funky knitters students really breaks the stereotype of knitting as being monotonous and granny-like!! lol. In fact, the time it took to complete my scarf seems shorter than it is, and it certainly makes my holidays so much more fulfilling :)
A big THANK YOU to Betsy for helping me adequately grasp the foundations of this addictive craft, giving me confidence to try out other individual projects for more practice! (i'm almost done with the back of my sweather yay! :p) And when i'm ready to learn how to tackle more complicated patterns and projects, i'll definitely be back for more! XD 
Watch this space! hahahh... :)" - Amy, 12th July 2008

2 Special Customized Orders

This very lovely Mother-&-BabyGirl Set is specially customized for Ling See's friend, whose baby Amber is expected to see the world on 1st August. I couldn't stop admiring the set after I completed it! Wish I could see baby Amber & Mummy's happy face when they receive their gift! Ling See, you think U can take a picture of them with their pressie & email to me please? Thank you!

This pair of new friends found their home at Mei Hwa's. Piggy was pretty easy, but MooMoo was a real challenge! All the effort & hard work was definitely worthwhile. Don't u think they are simply adorable??? Personally, I especially like the way MooMoo turns out. I'm so proud of myself! heehee... :P