Friday Updates: After the flu

Some of you guys may have heard, the head elf of florspace was down with a bout of stomach flu. It eventually turn out to be a full-fledged flu, fever, nose, throat & all, sans the canker sores. It was quite bad actually. I had an inkling (this is the 3rd time) I'm 'allergic' to vegetarian (asian variety) food since they tend to load up on certain types of oil which is really bad for me. I throw up when my body has to process too much oil, sugar & fat. Why am I still on the heavy side, I'll never know. But thank heavens I'm still able to run and jump. Anyhoo, this 'flu' had me sitting on the can while holding a bucket. Suffice to say, I was clearing out the gunk both ways. It was horribly painful, mind-bending & hellish. I was down for 3 days + fever etc. before I thought things took a turn for the better. I threw up & sat on the can again while my tummy decide to give me a numb pain for 2 nights. Somehow, I got much better today - tummyache gone, weakness in my limbs cease & i'm able to sew & type quite normally now. Thanks to mom's everyday porridge & loads of care!



So I wasted no time to do up the reversible messenger hobos (quite a mouthful!), which are rather complicated & time-consuming but are so fun to do up! The final product always makes me wanna do it all over again right away! I know, I know, you guys love the redness, so here's one of the ever ever popular Stroll print from Shinzi Katoh! I'm in love with both the large gingham & red polkadots & somehow in some strange manner, it just quirkily came together! Hmm...must be the little cotton lace that speaks volumes. I love these little pretty cotton laces. They bring almost anything together! 2 more 'red' hobos a-comin'! Before we got 3 more cute ones coming! + we got vegan leather handles from Japan! This means a lot more of your favorite classic everyday totes coming along too! Hope I can get to do that much before heading off to Sydney to join my other half (who's stuck there) for Christmas & the big NYE fireworks! I'm really looking forward to that since I missed it for a handful of years now.



A bunch of our new paper goods also came in! We're changing our card inserts in our purses to these cute ones above! You'll see them with the new purses we do up! And the extra paper goods mean cute postcards, stickers, magnets for all you awesome peeps who buy from us! You know your package always comes with extra love, but this time, the love gets more & more! Because at florspace, we love you & want you to be extra happy! ;+)

Have a great weekend you guys!! ♥♥♥

Updates + Pre-Black Friday Sneaks!

Thanksgiving / Turkey Day is coming! How's everyones' gonna be? There's no Thanksgiving here, but I love the tradition so I'm gonna do a little non-turkey version by ourselves here coz there's prolly no turkey til december. I can get turkey sandwiches though. Yum! Its still hot as ever here in singapore. dang, I hate the equater zone. I know I can't complain coz I've got AC and people feel awful being cold all the time in the north & south zones, especially having to take a shower! I wish I could pass on the heat to you guys! Hang in there, you guys!

Boy, I'm still sick. I have one of these every year and after the chocolates & incessant snacking during the exams, throat infection came. My throat problems are recurring, its always very dry, itchy & painful. Bouts of coughing streaks leave me gasping for breath. The people on the bus I took to get home from the concert last Thursday thought I needed the hospital. Pray it'll go away soon!

Anyhoo, down to business. We're having the Black Friday-Weekend BIG SALE! 3 whole days of shopping in case you miss Friday's! Everything's gonna be 20% off, even the new stuff, so if you've been eyeing something in our store, mark your calendars! You don't wanna miss this one! Isn't it much nicer to sit home & shop than to jostle with the crowd out there? hehe Oh well, but we know you'll need to run to the toy store to get that elusive doll for little Nancy before it gets sold out! But we got your purses stocking stuffing covered! Yaaaay!

.....
Black Friday-Weekend Sale Conditions:
1) Reserved, preorders, customs not included in the sale
2) Sale items are not included
3) Payment is expected immediately at the time of order for international paying by paypal.
4) Payment is expected within a day for local orders, ie, payment has to be received in our bank account within a day.

Crazy week, vintage find, blog mentions + new wristlets

Jez louise! Is time running like the water at my tap these days or is it just me?! I'm not kidding, life has been very brisk for me these days! Tons of mail to send, tons of purses to make, tons of email to answer and school to go. But I do really enjoy what I'm doing (even the lecturers are better than the acca ones imo, no judgment!) so I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but this is like I've never lived before! At least I now know I'm gonna die happy.
Look at the bag of packages there! I've been going to the PO with 2 bags full each time (Baa Baa yellow sheep? heh heh). The nice PO lady has been putting up with me! Oh and she even ordered a purse from me yesterday!
I'm glad I have dad to take me there and back recently. He's been really nice when I request for transport. Taking public transport with these packages laden bags invite loads of curious stares, not to mention I look like a bag lady. I'm not a fan of stares & unfortunately, its like that here. I was happier in Sydney when people left you alone, even when I was wearing a girl's dress (Lolita syndrome, courtesy of Japan's EGL wave!). I'm still a big fan of those uber adorable lolita dresses (Baby SSB esp!) but I think I had one too many Reece's so I can't fit into them right now, not to mention I look ridiculous among the tees & berms clad Singaporeans becoz they're gonna stare & its freakin hot. Sigh.

Oh, and I threw my neck out. I think it was my sleeping position but its been bad since Friday. I can't move my neck much and it hurts quite a bit. I hope it goes away soon. The weather has been unforgiving too. :+( I heard the summer's been horrible to people in Europe and the torrential rains around the world. Take care and drink loads of liquids, friends. Oh and your pets too! And, take care of the earth. Seems like the theory of Day After Tomorrow's true? I hope its not too late to save the earth. This young and very pompous girl I came across while grocery shopping this evening exclaimed loudly that its "a waste of money buying groceries on Wednesday" coz its the day when we have to pay for plastic bags. Isn't that appalling? I always bring my own bags when grocery shopping, all shopping actually. I've been refusing plastic bags. Let's all try to do that? (Yeah, I'm a tree hugger. *shrug*)



I couldn't resist taking a pic! Its a super cute package going out to a big fan of my purses. I'm not gonna say who coz it'll spoil the surprise! Hope she likes... I miss wrapping things like that. Don't get me wrong, all your packages are painstakingly wrapped and noted, not to mention they take up loads of time to! I guess I just miss making the bigger totes & sets and really wrapping them up nicely. People who are waiting for my larger bags & wallets, please be a tiny bit more patient with me! They are coming, I promise. But since we're not a faceless company-type-factory, its takes more time to insert love and care in the creations. I don't create shabby things for money because I want you guys to really use the stuff I make! They're better in action. ;+) So just a bit longer! a bit a bit a bit........loooooooonger........ *sweat*



An awaited package from Melissa Michael came today! I made her a bag for the bag swap on flickr so she sent me these 2 clutches. I wanted something classy to bring out at night. I love these, perfect for my 101 black dresses I own. She wants me to alter it a bit so when I get to do that, I'll take a pic again. :+) Thanks Melissa! I love the cute flower fabric inside! And the Reece's! You really spoil me! And I'm gonna frame the cupcake card. Its got such cute sentiments! "Heaven is a cupcake with vanilla icing." YUM...



I think most people know by now, I'm a big fan of vintage! I've been looking for these red Kromex canisters forever. I finally found them recently and they're enroute to me! I'm not gonna say when or how or where I got them coz then you'll get to things before I do! :P Yeah, I'm bad. Anyways, a kitchen's not a kitchen without pretty canisters. It'll be an early b'day pressie for myself! Still a pity I couldn't find the whole set. These are the 2 smaller ones only. Oh well.



Mentioned in HandmadeCrafts!



Mentioned by J! I love the picture! It means so much to me that my MiniZ is pictured in action being useful! (instead of lazing around. heh heh)



2 new wristlet pouches! They are slightly bit different from each other but both fabulous. I scored some really cute clips so I decided to use them here. Japanese quilt cotton fabrics with Japanese zakka-style linen. I think I'm too affected by the Japanese magazines. LOL

Go look!

Singapore is hot and lumpy

I'm back. Or not. I'm a bit confused actually. The turbulences of the BA pilots continues to rock my boat. Actually I've just got off the plane a couple of hours ago. Dad managed to pick up his new car so he picked me up.

To the fabulous bunch of people who were concerned about me and my bad experiences, Thank you so much you all. If the internet allowed hugs, I'll hug each one of you. Those sentiments mean so much to me, even just on screen. After that bad experience, everything went up from there. I met really nice people and visited suburbs, went to the great Jenolan Caves up in the Blue Mountains (DH insisted) and shopped a lot more. I'm actually having cargo sent back to me. How bad is that?! If anyone wants to know, my luggage on the plane was 27.4Kg. :P

The day before I was back, I came down with diarrhea and a bit of fever. It was kinda bad coz I wanted to spend time with DH and stuff. Anyways, I managed to get better and everything pretty much went well after. Its funny to say but I do miss Sydney a lot and to go on without DH for 5 months from now feels nothing but dread. However, he's got a post lecturing at the uni, our uni anyways, and for the 1st time in history, a BAhons is lecturing MA students. How cool is that?! Yeah, he's always the smart one. He's got 1st class hons and the school medal. p/s: I got nothing. LOL

I'm kinda tired from typing and crying all day so I'm gonna crash now and we'll see what happens from now. I hope I'll get better.....

What's in the bag?

Here it is...The pinnacle of crafting....the ultimae decadence! LOL I can't seem to rave enough about this one. I made it last week before um, I got dizzy spells again. It took 3 days but I had fun! Fabric placing was a bit tough but at least I got some decent placements out of it. I think the Mini Zippereds are kinda like those swedish circular prints which I totally love as well.

Me thinks this makes a great bag starter set! All you need is well, your stuff! All descriptions are available at the listing. I know its short and all but I'm totally beat from crafting all day. I had to finish Tisha's Doll wallet coz I've been sick & slacking off and she needs it for someone's birthday this weekend! Yikes, Its totally horrid of me but I've gotten it all done, thrown in some real good goodies so hopefully, it'll make up for the lateness. Whew! I've also gotten recent packages all packed and ready so it'll be dropped off tomorrow when I accompany my mom for the colon check. I'm gonna have to sleep early tonight, my biological clock's all screwed up and I've done too much shopping. I blame PMS, migraines and procrastination.



So I leave with one last look at this bag of decadence.

B back soon.

Helluva start to week

So, I found copies of my mini zippereds on etsy and I've received both nice and reality checks feedback from you people. I don't feel bad about the reality checks comments even though they do hurt initially, I do recognize facts so instead of sitting and whining, I'm going to focus on the good sides, like what Jill said, I sold a lot and am thankful esp when Martina convo-ed me on etsy telling me my stuff looks better than others even though they may use similar fabrics. She bought 3 minis from me that very day! So so so...instead of wrecking myself with negative thoughts (which I'm used to doing for most of my childhood), I'm going to continue creating more fabulous things for you people who love my stuff!

Very soon, I'll be launching a "Private Reserve Collection", already seen as a section at my etsy shop, containing all the most fabulous fabrics I have in my collection. Full of the cutest and most coveted Japanese imports! :+) Still at affordable prices, I promise. Not revealing too much yet so keep your eyes peeled!

I'm still struggling with my very naughty throat who still refuses to behave, annoying me every 5 minutes, causing my head to go into convulsions and hurt. :+( Custom orders will still be worked on so not to worry, they are coming. Doctor's medicine didn't help. Big sighs.

I'm also having a bad swap week, receiving not-so-nice things and people not bothering to say thanks for my package. I guess I shouldn't say too much but I do appreciate enormously people who read my preferences and send things put together with an effort. Or maybe that was already effort to them. Oh well, at least I got something. I know I'm picky but at least I am proud to say I make efforts to send people things they want and thank people when they send me stuff. I think I'll be more careful with my swaps in future.

I'm still not figured out in my course thing. Its mighty confusing, mind boggling and thoroughly boring. I would choose to do a BA in Fine Arts if I had the choice. My Financial Management & Control lecturer says we should sleep 4 hours in order not to "waste" our lives away. I can't decide if he's being smart or plain crazy. I do agree its his choice, his life to do a lot before he turns to dust. But unfortunately, I don't function well with 4 hours. I prefer to have more functional hours than a lot of half-ass work in my day. Besides, the best things happen when I sleep. Dream, rest and egyption cotton sheets. I won't regret even if I was to be dead because I did what I really want to do. Since when did you let your heart lead you?

It may be a geographical location thing, but its my personal opinion that people here could learn how not to shove their own ideas of life and personal preferences down others' throats. We are different. Can't stress that enough. "You should do this to get this", "do this and you will get this result" etc. Don't wanna hear that anymore. My life is the way it is because I like it. I like working through the night and sleeping in the day. I hate corporate high flyers and corner offices because I've been there and I wasn't happy. Even though my office was on a high tower with spectacular views and beautiful surrounds, I never had time to appreciate anything. Because I was working, just plain working. When I had money, I spent more, waiting for my next paycheck became a painful routine. At the end of the day, the fact that I could be replaced simply allude to the fact that I wasn't working for anything, not for myself, but for an organisation that I felt nothing for. I had to ask myself that painful question that when I'm on my deathbed, could I go knowing I had done what I wanted to or did I wait and waited and never got the chance to do what I actually wanted to? Parents here would tell their kids, study hard and you'll get a good job, good pay and that usually equates to good life. But they never did realise that this path is never the only one, nor is it the right formula for everyone. They would tell us, you can do what you want when you have money. Yes, corporate high flying pays well but do we really have the time to do what we want outside of the job? People here work 12-14 hours on a standard basis. I want no part of that unfortunately. My life is not about spending my days in a box working for something I don't care for. I'd much prefer to bake cookies and make stuff for people who appreciates them. To me, its much more meaningful to actually make someone's life better than to be rich and never have enough of time and money to actually be happy.

But that's just me.

Japanese Collection + sick (again...*yawn*)

I'm feeling a little wonky tonight, coz I'm sick, yes, again. Throat infection from Thursday, fever Friday, Doc on Saturday, blah blah blah. I'm basically coughing my lungs out right now and each time I do that, my head goes banging and blacks out for seconds. I knew something was wrong on Thursday coz I didn't eat much, felt cold and my head was burning in the night. I didn't have a good night and I knew I was in a lot of trouble coz I have classes on friday. Nonetheless, I survived on painkillers and wrestled through 8 hours of classes on Friday and stumbled home at 11. I woke with a really bad throat, so swollen and hurt, I couldn't talk. Mum dragged me to the Doc's. I got some medication which gave me some rashes by now, warranting another trip to the Doc's tomorrow. :P Anyways, regardless of the Doc's orders to rest, I made my usual mail trip to the PO as scheduled, mailed stuff and collected my only salvage of the day - cute fabrics. I spent all Sunday sewing again, oblivious to the fact that I'm sick. I think I can't sit around, or I'll feel sicker than I need. It'll be so much more productive to be active. Not to mention the amount of work waiting. Maybe this is it. The job I won't feel repulsive to wake to on Monday morning and the job I'll continue pouring my heart and soul into even when I'm sick. Medication made me a tad weak-ish but, "meh!".

I got some big orders after launching my Japanese Collection. I had those fabrics for a couple of months before really bringing them out. I'm such a hogger and I know if I don't at least use a bit of them, I'll have to rent a warehouse soon right before the folks kick me out! Anyways, I love them and really enjoyed making them though I had them scheduled to launch in January but you know, DH was here and he'll be so mad at me if I didn't spend time with him before he goes back to Sydney. So now he's gone, I'm back to sewing up a storm, listing everyday and stuff. I'm also secretly planning to pull out a bit of my neo-japanese fabrics for minis. So look out for them.

Painful things to note - I wonder if its ethical to be using another's product names? I ran a search on etsy and realised people have been using "Mini Zippered" to sell their pouches. Before I started selling them on etsy, no one really put both these words together for the description of their pouches. I'm thoroughly hurt and annoyed. Its horrible to me since I was the one who came up with the name and the idea to make these pouches only with fabulous materials. I didn't go on etsy and observe popular products before merely copying my own. I took time to think, design and experiment before I dared to sell them. Though I recognize that copies are inevitable in current markets, I feel horrendous when it happens on etsy, a place for indie designers and originals. I don't deny the idea of a zippered pouch is that avant garde but do people have to even stoop so low to steal a name? I wish they were nicer which is why I totally support people who make real originals. :+)

Anyways, for people who have been supporting me so much, HUGE thanks & warm hugs! You know I love you guys and will continue to create the best because I know you deserve it. ^___^

Mag tote

Mag tote
Originally uploaded by florspace.

Ugh! Sick again! I'm allergic to my medication and the sudden surging heat over here. That's one big reason why I hate being on the equater, its hot all year round. The crowd out there is horrible too. Staying home beats going out anyday. Sorry guys, I'm a tad late in posting stuff coz I can't get out of my house without fainting and breaking out in a sweat and itch. No worries about your stuff though. They have an enclosed area which is clean, cold, dry and pet-free.

I managed to mail some stuff out only today (Sorry Dawn!) coz the temperature was slightly lower. More going out tomorrow. I'm also working on a big black cruise tote for Carolyn. Though I won't go too near it until I'm fit to do a good job. The material is super so touching it now might mean ruining it. :P Can't wait though. Lousy sickness.

yeap, Mag tote! This is the last of its kind. No more material of this anymore! Its horizontal stripes, very cool...super for lugging your newspapers or magazines around. Library tote, office tote, hell even groceries! Its sweet & chic. French seams, triple stitch on the cotton woven straps, ensure comfort & safety.

On etsy now! ;+)

The Ballerina Set & stuff.

Hey everyone, thanks for the lovely concern & everything, I'm kinda sick of feeling sick. I'm feeling a bit better so, I got to work and finished some of the custom orders. Yeah, I'm crazy about my sexy white machine & I'll die without caressing fabulous fabrics.

(Ouch...my head just jack-hammered me again!)

I listed some stuff yesterday anyways and they were gone in a day! I'm just glad people are happy with them. Jem in Canada got my Red Train mini for Christmas and was telling me how much use she actually got out of it! *jumps up and down happily*

Oh, I was bored of my old banner so I thought i'll make a new one (above). Its simpler, though slightly pathetic, I'll change it when I can. I'm not very good at it and I used paint. :P Its on etsy already I believe.

SO....finally decided to sit down and list my very lovely creation, the Ballerina set. I managed to get only one pathetic FQ of this gorgeous Japanese import fabric. Its like egyption cotton or something, so soft to hold. I know it coz I sleep on only 400thread count sheets and above. I decided to make it into one of those classic small totes & mini. Naturally, after hours of decision, I came to the Japanese denim. Somehow everything else just didn't look right. I used a slim strip of baby pink satin ribbon to bridge the gap of tough and soft. Sweet pink inside with a big patch pocket. Magnetic snap closure this time for added security. 12" double sewn handles means it goes from hand to arm, maybe to shoulder if you're blessed with slim arms. Mini Z included of course, matched with oatmeal zipper and a milk ivory inside. All in all, the perfect set for a little ballerina or keep for yourself! Great for gallavanting trips....

More cool stuff coming.

Enjoy!

Sick

What are the chances of getting sick thru New Years?
1 in a million.

Thats what I am. Sick. Throat infection, High Fever, nausea, flu, the whole shebang. BANG, on New Years eve, right through new year....
Its not funny, coz I'm still halluciating. My head hurts like crap, my body's not functioning, my throat's all clammed up....forget some countdown. I spent it in bed, people. Begging god not to take my pathetic life away as I writhe in pain.
Though, I'm glad my family's around me when I'm dying. I've seen the doc and she said admist her ringing cell phone (is that thing allowed in a clinic?! Not to mention from a doc?!), that I have a swollen throat. There, problem solved, as if I didn't know that. I had it like 3 times in 2006. Why oh why did I have to start 2007 with the same god damn sickness?!
The worst thing is, my custom orders are piling up through the roof, not to mention the very lovely Japanese mini Zs collection for Spring 07. All down the drain. I'm not letting myself near the machine until I'm well, for fear of throwing up all over it. My shaky hands isn't helping, either.

"New Years resolution No.2, eat & drink healthily."

So, guys, I apologise profusely if I sound awful, everything is late or emails don't get answered. Orders will still be shipped, though on Tuesday (Monday's a replacement hol for the Muslims who celebrated Haji on Sunday).

wet & beautiful

wet & beautiful
Originally uploaded by madkev.

This is THE most amazing rose I've come across in my lifetime!

In my life now....*sick* Down with flu, cough, breathing problems, headaches.....you name it. And I still have to attend classes. If not for the fact my sunday extra class lecturer is cute, i'd be sitting at home. :P

I'm so beat but I really wanna continue to sew up my cute wallet collection. They take up loads of time and energy, albeit simple. :P

The haze is the cause of all my problems. Lousy neighbors, they should know better to put a fireban like Australia. No offence to related people who are reading. My nose is ultra sensitive and I'm very very cranky.