Inspiration No.4

A collection of caricatures

placed on historic streets of

George Town...

These sculptures depicts

the history and characteristic

of selected streets in George Town

using steel rod caricatures

of local cartoonists.

This is my final posting
on inspiration series from the Penang Island...

Next postings
will be back to more sewing projects... till then
have a wonderful week!

Inspiration No.3

A collection of beautiful wall paintings

of children all across

historical George Town;
painted by a Lithuanian artist,
Ernest Zacharevic.

These artworks are fascinating

and very much open to everyone's interpretations...

Hope you enjoy these wall paintings!

Inspiration No.2

Another inspiration from the Penang Island...

this is at the jetty area;

called "Chew Jetty"
a water village built on stilts,
and comprises of row houses 
joined by wooden walkway over the water.

Penang Chew Jetty 
is the biggest of the waterfront settlements
in George Town...
It was built by some pioneer Chinese immigrants
in the middle of 19th century.

Inspirations No.1

During my trip to Penang Island,
which is located at the north of Malaysia...

and as I was walking along the old streets of Georgetown,

this particular shop

captured my attention!

Many huge pieces of patchworks
were hung at the entrance of the shop...

vibrant colours and patterns.

This shop sells many variety

of handmade gifts and souvenirs.

It was a great inspiration for me...
 and I would like to share with all of you too!

Have a wonderful day...

A Weekend Escape

A wonderful weekend treat
about four weeks ago...
It was great to be away from my usual routine;
a break from

my sewing and crocheting...

A weekend for family time...

and for inspiration from nature!

This is a tropical holiday destination;
Golden Palm Tree Resort.
It features a fusion of tradition & modernity
in its luxurious sea villas...

In my next post, more new projects...
in progress!

Hope you do make time for short breaks too!

A Crafty Trip to Seoul - Bojagi Sewing Class

I have been quite fascinated

with the traditional Korean patchwork...

Therefore, during my trip in Seoul,

I took the opportunity to immerse myself
in a traditional cultural hands-on experience.

I participated a bojagi sewing class 

 at one of the Traditional Craft Centre.

There are many other traditional craft classes 

such as hanji paper crafts, knot making, fan illustrations,
traditional mask making and etc...

are being offered around Seoul.

The popularity of do-it-yourself culture
is spreading over to traditional Korean crafts.
Tourist and foreigners living in Korea
are becoming more interested not just in sightseeing,
but actually participating in hands-on activities.

A Crafty Trip to Seoul - Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market

is one of South Korea's oldest traditional markets

with over 100 years of history.

It was first established in 1905.

It is a heaven for fabrics!

A great place to look for fabrics...

they are plenty of shop selling fabrics;

This market is renowned for its quality silk goods, beddings
blankets, handmade goods & sewing accessories.

On the other hand, Gwangjang Market

is also famous for it's food stalls.

Like any other markets, it is busy and crowded...
but a great attraction!

A Crafty Trip to Seoul - Traditional Pincushion

This is a traditional Korean pincushion

made from silk fabric

and stitched by hand using silk thread.

This pincushion is sewn using

the traditional Korean patchwork technique.

Bright and contrasting fabric colours!

Contrasting colour thread is also used!

It is from one of the shops
in Ssamziegil Mall.

Ssamziegil Mall has an unique architectural design;
each level is connected in the form
of a spiral-like stairway.

This mall has over 70 shops including handicraft stores,
souvenir shops, art galleries,
restaurants and more...

This is my most favourite place...
which is located in the heart of Insadong.

A Crafty Trip to Seoul - Handmade Souvenir

 I love this handmade brooch!

A beautiful traditional craft from

one of the shops in Insadong,
which is located in the heart of Seoul city.

Insadong Street is one of the most memorable attractions
with many stores specialising in a wide variety of goods...
traditional clothings - Hanbok, traditional paper - Hanji,
traditional teas, pottery & folk crafts.

It is hand embroidered

with a mungung-hwa flower on it...

I was told by the shop assisstant that this flower,
also known as the Rose of Sharon - Hibiscus Syriacus

is the national flower of South Korea.

This handmade brooch is beautifully made!