13 October 2024

A Tin Box Decorated with Decoupage

It's so nice to see you today!

Indian enamelware, enamel home goods from India, Union Square Market NYC, floral crafts, handmade, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

There is a stall at the Union Square Holiday Market that I always love to visit. They sell all these gift items from India and I'm particularly attracted to the enamelware decorated with flowers. They are vibrant and remind me of folk art.

Kashmiri paper mâché crafts,Indian enamelware, enamel home goods from India, Union Square Market NYC, floral crafts, handmade, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

One of the things I bought from them is this lovely bangle.

Indian enamelware, enamel home goods from India, Union Square Market NYC, floral crafts, handmade, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

If I'm not mistaken, this style of decorating is called Kashmiri paper mâché.

I'm using this design as a launching point for today's craft.

tin container, how to recycle a tin container, decoupage, gift wrap, gift wrapping ideas, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

This used to be filled with chocolate covered coffee beans. It's now empty but I saved the tin container.
 
paint, paintbrush, tin container, Malagos chocolate covered cocoa beans, crafts, upcycle, recycle, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

After cleaning it inside and out, I painted it with several coats of plum-colored paint.

Once the paint was dry, I decorated the tin box this way:

decoupage, scissors, gift wrapper, floral paper, paper crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I found some floral gift wrap remnants that I cut into smaller shapes. 

glue, paint brush, decoupage, scissors, gift wrapper, floral paper, paper crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

With a paintbrush, I applied white glue on the backs of the gift wrap cutouts. The paintbrush helps spread the glue in an even layer and covers the surface until the very edges. 

how to recycle a tin container, decoupage, scissors, gift wrapper, floral paper, paper crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I attached the floral cutouts onto the tin container, a crafting style called decoupage

decoupage, scissors, gift wrapper, floral paper, paper crafts, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, how to reuse a tin container

Here's what the tin box looks like after attaching the floral cutouts...TADA! 

We can leave it like this or add more flowers:



This is just one of the ways I turned a tin container from "blah to TADA!" 

If you like this idea, maybe you'll like this recipe box, paint palette, storage bin, trinket box or twine canister...all made from empty tin boxes.

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06 October 2024

Five Things for October

Autumn rites and spooky vibes...that's one way to define October energy!

pumpkins, pumpkin picking, nature, autumn traditions, fall traditions, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Plan a trip to the farm to pick some apples or pumpkins.

pumpkins, decorating pumpkins, skeletons, Halloween decorations, New York City, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Then paint the pumpkins and make them part of your Halloween decor...TADA!

Goldilocks, teddy bear, Halloween, Halloween costume, costume ideas, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

How cute is this Goldilocks and the Three Bears costume for a little girl? No need to buy...you can D.I.Y.! Find something similar in your girl's closet, make an easy apron, and add three teddy bears...TADA!

Trick or treat, Blow Pop, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, KitKat Chocolate, pumpkin, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Halloween candy isn't just for kids! Which one is your favorite? I'd pick Reese's Peanut Butter Cups and KitKats first...TADA!

Mari Andrew, fall, autumn, blah to TADA

Before October ends, I'll definitely spend time outdoors to marvel at the colorful autumn leaves. The way Mari Andrew describes fall is true poetry!

May October bring you lots of treats!

29 September 2024

A Sketchbook Practice: Line Drawing

Hey, hey!

Today, we're going back to our sketchbook to explore how we can turn a blank page from "blah to TADA!"

sketchbook, sketchbook practice, black and white, line drawing, perspective drawing, black pens, black markers, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Every blank page is waiting to become a piece that we can be proud of. It only takes a few materials such as black pens, whatever you have -- Sharpie markers, fine liners or brush pens

daffodils, flowers,sketchbook, sketchbook practice, black and white, line drawing, perspective drawing, black pens, black markers, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Here I created a simple sketch of daffodils. I used different sized pen tips for a subtle background and more pronounced petals...TADA!

flowers,sketchbook, sketchbook practice, black and white, line drawing, perspective drawing, black pens, black markers, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

This is another flower accentuated with shading, dashes, lines, and crosshatches to give it dimension...TADA!

Eiffel Tower, Paris, France, David Drazil, Workshop Week,sketchbook, sketchbook practice, black and white, line drawing, perspective drawing, black pens, black markers, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I learned how to draw in perspective from David Drazil during Workshop Week a few years back. I'll keep practicing so that I can use this for future entries in my travel journal.

one-line art, continuous line drawing,sketchbook, sketchbook practice, black and white, line drawing, perspective drawing, black pens, black markers, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Have you ever tried one-line art or continuous line drawings? Pablo Picasso used this style where he didn't lift the pen until the drawing was finished. It's quite exciting not knowing what it will look like, while being mindful to keep the line going. 

dresses, fashion, accessories, coloring book,sketchbook, sketchbook practice, black and white, line drawing, perspective drawing, black pens, black markers, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I was tapping into my memories when I made this piece. These are two of my favorite dresses when I was about 8 years old. I also added some fashion accessories that I liked to wear at that age.  Maybe this can be a page of a coloring book one day?

calligraphy, lettering, brush lettering, love,sketchbook, sketchbook practice, black and white, line drawing, perspective drawing, black pens, black markers, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

And finally, instead of drawing, why not write a favorite word or name? Use different pens to get different sizes, experiment with shading and fonts, too.  

sketchbook, sketchbook practice, black and white, line drawing, perspective drawing, black pens, black markers, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, Urby Hotel

I saw this artwork at a hotel and I thought it fit our theme. I love how you can tell a story with just some lines and shading made with a black pen. 

Feeling stuck with what to draw? Try out some line drawing! 

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22 September 2024

A Field Trip: Parcel Gift Shop

Hello everyone, let's go on a field trip!

blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

We are going to a destination in New Jersey, U.S.A. called Montclair. It has both the charm of a small town and the modernity of city living. 

blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

Welcome to PARCEL! The word "parcel" means: a package, a present, a collection of things. This shop is all that. They describe themselves as a "purveyor of fine paper goods and curious objects." You can check out their items online and read more about the creative geniuses behind it, here. 

blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

I love this place because of the vintage display cases like wooden bookshelves and antique desks, boxes, and baskets. 

blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

They have a huge assortment of paper and crafting supplies.

blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

One side of Parcel looks like a workshop! This is where purchases are rung up and packaged, but I wouldn't be surprised if this is where new ideas begin to take shape.

gift wrapping paper,blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

Look at this wall of paper lanterns and gift wrapping paper {swoon!}

vintage ornaments,blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

All around the store are vintage embellishments like tinsel and twine that can be used to dress up a package or for other crafting purposes.

notebooks,blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

There is no shortage of handmade stationery either.

pens,blah to TADA, gift shop, gifts, crafts, stationery, stationery store, cute shops in New Jersey, Montclair New Jersey, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, stationery

Writing utensils like pens, nibs, and wax seals. {I'm in love with this little desk!}


It feels like going inside a cabinet of curiosities where I can stay forever. 


Inspired by all the lovely things I saw at Parcel, I'm super stoked to make my own notebooks, like these ones up here.

recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, Cath Kidston catalog, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I made these notebooks using recycled materials: printed cardboard for the covers, the spiral wire and unused pages from old notebooks...TADA!

Let me show you how:

TheoPhilo, recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, Cath Kidston catalog, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

This was packaging for some delicious artisan chocolates. It's now empty but I saved the box. 

TheoPhilo artisan chocolate, TheoPhilo packaging, graphic design, recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I trimmed the box to make it into a notebook cover...TADA! If you are interested, I followed these steps.

TheoPhilo artisan chocolate, TheoPhilo packaging, graphic design, recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias,

You can't really see it here but the cardboard cover has some gold foil making it look extra fancy!

recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, Cath Kidston catalog, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I used the same process to make this notebook.

recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, Cath Kidston catalog, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

The cover is from an old Cath Kidston catalog, showcasing an equestrian print.  

recycling cardboard to make notebooks, notebooks, cardboard packaging, recycle old notebooks, scrapbook paper, Cath Kidston catalog, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I now have these pretty notebooks that I can fill with new ideas...TADA!

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15 September 2024

Sending You A Piece of My Heart

In 2017, I did a small scale art project called "Art in the Heart." I used watercolor paper cut into 4" x 6" rectangles. Then I made hearts by tracing a heart-shaped cookie cutter. With watercolor, I decorated each heart in many different ways:

hearts, painted hearts, watercolor, watercolor paper, sketchbook practice, greeting card, scrapbook paper, rubber stamps, ink pad, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Some were abstract and some had little things I love: flowers, popsicles, and colorful fish. 

It was a very therapeutic exercise and I have a body of work that I can be proud of. Over the years, however, they remained in a drawer, forgotten until I accidentally found them en route to retrieving something else. I looked at the stack of hand-painted hearts and told them, "I have to give you away."

hearts, painted hearts, watercolor, watercolor paper, sketchbook practice, greeting card, scrapbook paper, rubber stamps, ink pad, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Let me show you how I provided them with a new look.

glue, scissors,hearts, painted hearts, watercolor, watercolor paper, sketchbook practice, greeting card, scrapbook paper, rubber stamps, ink pad, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I trimmed the paper to emphasize the heart shape.

hearts, painted hearts, watercolor, watercolor paper, sketchbook practice, greeting card, scrapbook paper, rubber stamps, ink pad, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I added floral elements (cut out from printed scrapbooking paper) and hand-stamped birthday greetings. I attached these to the heart with white glue. The layering of paper is so much fun!

hearts, painted hearts, watercolor, watercolor paper, sketchbook practice, greeting card, scrapbook paper, rubber stamps, ink pad, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Before sending it off, I'll write a personalized message at the back of the heart. Then I'll put it inside this reusable plastic sleeve together with other goodies like heart-shaped stickers and handmade bookmarks...TADA!

hearts, painted hearts, watercolor, watercolor paper, sketchbook practice, greeting card, scrapbook paper, rubber stamps, ink pad, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

These hearts have a new purpose...they are now birthday cards that I can send to my dearest friends.

hearts, painted hearts, watercolor, watercolor paper, sketchbook practice, greeting card, scrapbook paper, rubber stamps, ink pad, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I feel these hearts are appropriate for birthdays because every time I send a greeting card, a piece of my art and a piece of my heart always goes along with it. I hope it will turn my friends' special days from "blah to TADA!"

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08 September 2024

Magnetic Bookmarks

Hey there!

I love books and that is why I love bookmarks, too. I like to make my own bookmarks out of ribbon remnants and paper clips, brown paper bags, old magazines, clothing tags, collage, and watercolor.

I spotted these magnetic bookmarks at a bookstore

Barnes and Noble,crafts for book lovers, book mark, magnets, adhesive magnets, washi tape, scrapbook paper, DIY bookmarks, handmade bookmarks, crafting with washi tape, crafting with magnets, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

These are a nice souvenir or gift to take home from a vacation.

Barnes and Noble,crafts for book lovers, book mark, magnets, adhesive magnets, washi tape, scrapbook paper, DIY bookmarks, handmade bookmarks, crafting with washi tape, crafting with magnets, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

These ones are adorable! I can see myself using them to mark cookbooks, craft books or a daily devotional. 

bookmark, magnetic markers, Daiso, books, DIY bookmark, magnets, washi tape, scrapbook paper, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

There are so many kinds. But I thought, "Why buy when we can D-I-Y (do-it-yourself)?"

crafts for book lovers, book mark, magnets, adhesive magnets, washi tape, scrapbook paper, DIY bookmarks, handmade bookmarks, crafting with washi tape, crafting with magnets, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I started off with thin sheets of adhesive magnets

scissors,crafts for book lovers, book mark, magnets, adhesive magnets, washi tape, scrapbook paper, DIY bookmarks, handmade bookmarks, crafting with washi tape, crafting with magnets, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I'm using washi tape and printed scrapbook paper as the design for my magnetic bookmarks. I trimmed the adhesive magnets so that they are the same size as the washi tape. Make sure to leave a 1/4 inch margin on the washi tape so that it can easily fold at the center.

crafts for book lovers, book mark, magnets, adhesive magnets, washi tape, scrapbook paper, DIY bookmarks, handmade bookmarks, crafting with washi tape, crafting with magnets, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

I carefully attached the washi tape (or scrapbook paper) to the adhesive magnets. Try your best to align the edges but don't sweat it because the tape peels off easily and can be repositioned. Leave a small gap at the center of the magnets to allow the washi tape part to fold.

crafts for book lovers, book mark, magnets, adhesive magnets, washi tape, scrapbook paper, DIY bookmarks, handmade bookmarks, crafting with washi tape, crafting with magnets, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Here's what the magnetic bookmarks look like on the reverse side...TADA!

books,crafts for book lovers, book mark, magnets, adhesive magnets, washi tape, scrapbook paper, DIY bookmarks, handmade bookmarks, crafting with washi tape, crafting with magnets, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

To use the magnetic bookmark, put one side on the page you want to mark, fold it at the center looping over the page until both sides of the magnet attract each other.  

books,crafts for book lovers, book mark, magnets, adhesive magnets, washi tape, scrapbook paper, DIY bookmarks, handmade bookmarks, crafting with washi tape, crafting with magnets, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

Make several magnetic bookmarks because don't we read more than one book simultaneously? It's also a nice surprise to mail to a friend. 

crafts for book lovers, book mark, magnets, adhesive magnets, washi tape, scrapbook paper, DIY bookmarks, handmade bookmarks, crafting with washi tape, crafting with magnets, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

The cute prints peeking out just brings me joy!

blah to TADA, Bookmarks, magnetic sheets, Books, crafts, crafts for book lovers, handmade, magnetic bookmark, magnets, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias, scissors, scrap paper, Washi tape

With very simple materials, I was able to turn blah to TADA!

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01 September 2024

Five Things for September

Hello there September! Summer is winding down and slowly, we transition to a new season.

World Trade Center, New York City, US flag, Manhattan skyline, September 11, 9/11, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

In September, we remember. We remember all the lives lost during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This Tribute in Light, done every year, shines brightly where the World Trade Towers used to stand.  It honors the brave heroes of that day and symbolizes New York's unbreakable spirit.  

Bic ballpens, Elmers glue, Elmers glue stick, Up and up glue,  colored pencils, craft supplies, office supplies, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

September also means back to school. While I've not been a student in many, many years, I love the feeling of new beginnings. I also love back to school shopping! I avail of the bargains at the shops to replenish frequently-used supplies my home office and craft stash...TADA!


Outdoor brunches during the cooler temperatures of September are a lovely luxury. Of course, sausage and eggs, pancakes or French Toast, and coffee are my top choices on the menu...TADA! 

clothing swap, recycle clothes, textile recycling, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias
PopUp Swap photo from last year (2023)

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be dedicated to spring. We can do it all year round! When I switch out my summer clothes to autumn dressing, I put aside clothes and accessories that I no longer use. I usually donate them at the thrift store but I found about clothing swaps like this one from PopUp Swap. Maybe there's something similar in your city? You'll never know who might find use for what you no longer need. Plus, we all get to save clothes from the landfill...TADA!

normal day, ordinary day, simple joys, count your blessings, blah to TADA, photo by Claire Mercado-Obias

And finally, sharing this piece that I found serendipitously but truly resonate with. Let's all cherish ordinary, normal days!

Have a sweet, sweet September!