Quirky Bits

Hiatus News

2007-02-08T02:11:00.000-08:00

To those who ordered cards from me, I hope you enjoyed your purchase. Valentine's Day is a very special occasion, be it for lovely attached couples or among BFFS. I am not one who shower friends with such attention on Feb 14th (I like making cards to sell more) but I am trying to learn. It has been a great time working with everyone and making cards has kept me busy for the entire 2 weeks. Sufficiently busy to the point I kept away from shops.

Nutshell Designs will take a break from Feb 15th onwards till the next major opportunity to make cards, possibly Mother's Day. I will be returning to Melbourne to finish up my final semester and will graduate in July. For those who are wondering what is my future profession, I'll be a landscape architect with National Parks. Yep.. not a professional card maker. But I surely will be watching and creating fresher and more unique designs in future.
I welcome requests for customized cards - Birthday, MOther's Day, Father's Day, monthly bf/gf anniversary and even wedding cards! I do indulge in hand-stitching my cards as well. Electronic cards has become very popular these days, esp invitations to 21st birthdays etc. So if you would like something electronic designed or just one-off customizations, feel free to drop me an email.

With that, all the best and take care!

Free giveaway - All Snapped up

2007-02-08T01:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who have supported Nutshell Designs in one way or another. It has been a great pleasure (and tiring) making all the cards ordered. Both the Valentine's and Friendship Day series were very successful and I made as many cards as I could possibly make without compromising on the quality. It is a hobby ( I like to collect paper anyway) which I indulge in when I have the time.
8 free leaf tags were up for grabs to those who have purchased something for me, just a way for me to say a little thank you. As I continue packing up my craft space, I would surely come across more things that I made but FORGOT to put it up online. So keep a lookout and fastest fingers first!
With that, I wish all of you a Happy Valentine's Day.
Till we meet again.

2007-02-05T10:42:00.000-08:00

Please note that the last day to order is WEDNESDAY by 8PM. This is to make sure that I mail your items out by Thursday 2pm so that it will get to you by MONDAY or Tuesday latest. You don't want to be late to give your friends their gifts, do you? Especially since Singpost isn't very reliable nowadays.
If you wish to order after Wednesday, it is at your own risk if your package does not reach you by Feb 14th. I will not be responsible if your purchase does not reach you if you order AFTER wednesday.

2007-02-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

The last week has been spent fulfilling orders, working on new ideas for the Friendship Series and exploring new materials. I must say, this card business really takes up a lot of my time. From sourcing out materials to making samples (and dumping those that are not up to my standard), taking pictures of it to post online, making matching envelopes and answering emails, it really takes up a good part of my day.
I am really grateful to those who has bought my cards and supported me on this venture. I really appreciate it. The orders I received kept me busy enough but not enough to compromise on the standard of it. However I do realise that there are many areas to improve upon so I welcome your feedback which you can forward to me through my email.

Any orders placed from now (05/02/07 to 08/02/07) will receive a 10% discount for orders above $10. For customers who have placed order with me before, be it Valentine's Series or Christmas Series or Friendship Series are entitled to 10% discount for orders above $10 as well.

Head over heels - SOLD

2007-02-03T23:34:00.000-08:00

Most of us would have wondered what Love at first sight really feels like. I wonder too although my rational mind tells me that it won't work for me. -winks- Hands up to those who find their partners still very good looking after being together for so long! or seeing him/her after a long day at work always puts that smile on your face. This creation is to celebrate that moment. I was rumaging through my craft box when I came across this wooden round that I just had to use, even though i said [a heart + a message] would tentatively be my last creation for the Valentine's Series.This is a one-off creation, as usual, because I only have one of the wooden round.

Very simple and lovely. Centre-piece is a wooden round
0.5cm thick and 4cm across.
card is 12x12cm with slight Victorian corners.
Comes with a Light pink or cream coloured envelope.

Just one look, thats all it took

Beautifully embossed corners that adds a touch of elegance to the entire creation

[Head over Heels] in love

Box of Surprises

2007-02-03T08:21:00.000-08:00

Most of us give little trinklets or candy to our friends on Friendship Day. But usually it is a hazzle trying to fill up the little box of goodies AND writing a message. And it always cost more to buy both. So this creation is a ingenious combination of BOTH - a box AND a card.
[Box of Surprises] works both as a box and a card which is a playful surprise to your friend. You can just write your message, fold up your box and hand it just like that to your friend. You can even customize a message (look at Unscramble the words) and place it the box for her to piece it together.

the in-famous [Box of Surprises]
comes with a gold ribbon handle
and a gold ribbon sash for the box
it is a 6x6x6cm cube

What it looks like when opened up
for you to write your message in many different ways

What the pretty ribbon looks like

The box comes with every piece of the above and will be delivered by post unassembled.
Sizes can be customized for whatever gifts that you might be thinking of, be it a muffin or a mini soft toy.

customization list with 20 alphabets limit
each alphabet comes in a 1.5x 1.5cm square mounted cardboard
6-9cm cube: $4.50
10-12cm: $5.30
13-15cm: $5.80
Normal postage is included

Type of prints available

the last red polka dot print is not available

If you want it on plain coloured cardstock

Unscramble the Words

2007-02-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

[Unscramble the words] is a miniature version of the Collection of Hearts in my Valentine Series. However only the 3d part is the same. The rest is completely different! The top lid can be lifted up to reveal pieces of a scrambled up message. For this one, the message is "Friends Forever". The tags will be on a printed sheet mounted on cardboard so it will be like a mini jigsaw puzzle.
The message can be customized but limited to 25 alphabets max, of which after it will be charged at 15cents per alphabet.
Refer to above post for the type of paper patterns that are available.

Mounted on dark Yellow paper for a cheerful touch
measures 9cm x 9cm.

Held together by a gold ribbon.
Lifted up to reveal the space that contains the alphabets.

selling at just $3.50 shipped.

2007-02-02T06:55:00.000-08:00

The first series of the Friendship Cards, 9 x 9, has been released. With these cards, it is a little more playful, just like how good friends are when they are together. I always love to play with layers and add dimension to my cards so with this series, you will always expect a play with this series. 3 of these cards are one-off creations and you will not find any remakes or any duplicates around simply because I bought of the wooden rounds overseas. So surprise your friend with a unique creation on Feb 14th and see her brighten up.

Terms and Conditions:
As usual, the price is non-negotiable and no trades are allowed. Postage has been included in the price.Deals are confirmed through email and payment will be expected within 48 hours once the deal is confirmed.

Forever Friends - SOLD

2007-02-02T06:47:00.000-08:00

What is a Friendship Card without a declaration of Friends Forever - Forever Friends? This is a sweet next door girl creation, featuring a dark pink magnet that says Forever Friends on a cream coloured cardstock. The little flower on the top almost reminds me of the flower girls used to wear in their hairs. This is a one-off creation because I bought the magnet in the USA. So grab it while you can!

9cm x 9cm
Comes with a dark purple tissue envelope.
Very lady-like. Very sweet

You and me
Friends Forever
Forever friends
Its a promise.

Selling at $3.50 shipped

My dearest Friend

2007-02-02T06:41:00.000-08:00

An elegant creation featuring gold stenciled words and a beautifully embossed rose. Perfect for your friend who always appears calm and collected, the one who lends you her shoulder to cry on and the one who dishes out sound advice. The little rounded corners of the card adds the Victorian Look to it.

Set on light cream-coloured cardstock like [Friend in the heart]
blank on the inside.
comes with purple tissue envelope.

Stenciled words
pardon my dirty camera lens :(

selling at $3 shipped

you are my sunshin - one off - SOLD

2007-02-02T06:30:00.000-08:00

[You are my sunshine] is a one off creation. No remakes possible. I bought these wooden rounds in the USA. It has a jazzy retro feeling to this card. Cheerful and laid back, almost as if one is going off to the beach for the day.

You are my sunshine features a round wooden tag on a dark yellow card stock.
Strips of paper, printed with orange and yellow bubbles, add to the cheery feeling of this creation.
9cm x 9cm
comes with either purple or dark green "tissue" envelope.
tissue is firm, not flimsy.

Sunshine of my life
perfect for the cheerful friend who brightens up your day when you are down.

selling at $3.50 shipped

Friend of the heart - one piece only SOLD

2007-02-02T06:16:00.000-08:00

First in the 9x9 series is [Friend of the Heart]. It is a one-off creation. No remakes at all. It is simple and a little retro. The card stock is light cream-coloured with a little metallic look. It appears a very very light yellow on first look. Perfect for the person who has been with you through lousy exam grades, a bad sprain and other good and bad times.

Card measures 9cm x 9cm. Features a rounded corner for extra jazz.
comes with a handmade purple "tissue" envelope that is very classy

Centre-piece is a wooden round tag. It is approximately 0.5cm thick and 4cm in diameter.

Overall look. The tiny little brads at the 4 corners spice up the entire look of the card.

Selling at just $3.50 shipped.

2007-02-02T04:50:00.000-08:00

I have been alerted to some problems regarding the [Love in a pocket] and [The Bookcard]. It seems that the paint i used is causing the cards to stick together and when it is finally opened, some bits of the card is torn off and got stuck to the paint. Not every card under these two series has this problem. Some of my customers said their cards were in perfect condition.
I just want to clarify that I have been using the paint for at least 8 years and it has never given me such a problem before. So it is new to me. I made sure the paint was dry before packing it up into the envelopes. I usually test it by placing a heavyweight book over it just to check that it won't stick together. But alas, things still went wrong.
For those who have bought the above two cards, please let me know if you encounter the same problem of the cards sticking together. If the cards get damaged in the process of opening, I will be willing to replace them and send it to you. It is important to me that your requests are fulfilled and your purchase reaches you in excellent condition. I put a lot of effort into making the cards and it doesn't give me any pleasure in seeing them in poor condition.
To ensure that the same problem does not arise, I will be changing a method of "writing" the words. Instead I will be stenciling them with poster colours. Please note that the overall design will not be changed. Everything will remain the same, except you won't find 3d pop-up paint.
Thank you for your support up till now. I apologise for any disappointment and dissatisfaction caused.

a heart + a message - SOLD

2007-01-30T21:55:00.000-08:00

This is the last creation for the lovers Valentine's Day cards. A heart + a message is a simple yet elegant creation. A silver heart charm hangs from a silver chain, layered over a felt heart shape. This can be detached to be used as a bookmark in future. A little envelop consist of a small tag that can be personalised with a short surprise message. Card is blank on the inside.
Card measures 16cm x 12cm.

Comes with a cream coloured envelope.
Only 2 are available.

selling at $4.00
normal postage cost another $0.80.

2007-01-30T16:41:00.000-08:00

Please note that [Collection of Hearts] is sold out!
Materials I used are limited and they finally ran out after extensive use.
thank you for your support.

Love Amour - SOLD

2007-01-30T06:19:00.000-08:00

This card is a one-off creation. There will be NO remakes of this card.

Amour: a secret love affair
Love is conveyed as a sense of tender affection, an intense attraction, the foundation of intimacy and a willing self-sacrifice on behalf of another.
A secret love affair is nothing wrong, nothing sinful. It is a love relationship with another which you keep close to your heart, sometimes not wanting to rant on and on about it but expressed as a burst of elation through your expressions. Amour Love is one that displays such emotions, a sweet tenderness shared only by the two in the love affair.

On a puffy heart sits a gold plated couple. A symbol of a love relationship. A bond held together by a reciprocated love.

A gorgeous paper flower decorates the card.
Red: a passionate colour

The centre-piece of the card. Layered hearts that carry the words Amour Love.
Two words that are synonymous in meaning yet also representing different things.
A solid silver heart dangles from a silver chain that swings around, adding another dimension to the card.

The card is blank inside for a personal message. It is set on bronze cardstock. Extremely elegant and understated. Comes with a cream coloured envelope.

Selling at $6, inclusive of postage.

2007-01-28T23:23:00.000-08:00

The new series of Valentine's Day cards has been released. Completely hand-made so quantities are limited. My photography skills gave up on me suddenly. Realised that I am better at taking pictures of the landscape than of objects.
Do email me if you see anything you would like to purchase. In another day or two, friendship tags will be put up so keep a lookout for them. As always, do not let a normal dull card dampen the gift you have bought for your significant other. It is equally important to give a special card of meaning and significance.
Prices do not include postage yet. Add $0.80 for normal postage. It will be sent in an envelope and the card will be nicely wrapped in plastic in order to prevent it from getting wet, just in case the postman gets caught in the rain.

Love in a pocket

2007-01-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

This creation titled Love in a pocket, features 3 tags and a message card.
, and , something that every couple wishes to exist in a relationship. The pocket, which doubles up as an envelope, has been handstitched and includes a little heart shape to seal the pocket.The message card is held together by a pretty heart shaped eyelet.
Get this card to top off the wonderful present you have got for your partner.

Selling at $4

simply because I love you

2007-01-28T23:04:00.000-08:00

Simply because I love you.
That is the reason why Valentine's Day exist. For lovers to pamper each other. To say I love you because they want to.
Set on a transparent film, this card features textured paper as the main highlight, with "I love You" written with dimensional glaze on orange bits. A puffy red heart tops it off.
Card is blank inside. A cream coloured paper is included for you to write your message.
comes with a dark chocolate envelope.
dimensions 14.5cm x 10.5cm

selling at $3

The book card

2007-01-28T22:55:00.000-08:00

A large puffy heart is the centre-piece for the bookcard on bronze cardstock. Initials can be written on the heart at no cost.
"Love" holds the bookcard close and open to reveal "You" inside.
An eyelet holds the bookcard close.
Size of the card: 21cm x 15cm
can be made into a square shape upon request.
Selling at $4
comes with a handmade cream colour envelope.

collection of hearts - SOLD OUT

2007-01-28T22:50:00.000-08:00

A 3d box frame set on orange cardstock with a collection of hearts of various sizes. Perfect for showing your love on Valentines' Day. Card is blank on the inside.
Dimensions 13cm by 13cm.
Selling at $3.

Valentine's Day

2007-01-25T09:24:00.000-08:00

Just a while more. 4 new card designs for Valentine's Day will be up by Saturday.

Cover Pages

2006-12-17T11:17:00.000-08:00

#1 Icey Blue

#2 The Orangey Mood

These are the 2 covers which I have come up with for you. Please look back for more updates tomorrow.
Note:
When you are placing an order, please state the cover number. eg #___

Customization:
For the cover page, you are able to put your name and also a quote or some writing or icon you desire. Send them in with your order by stating
Quote on cover page:
I will choose the best location and font sizes for your cover page.

Colours:
If there is a specific colour you want the cover page, like Red theme or green theme, just indicate it and I will see what I can do.

Vintage styled diary or calendar

2006-12-17T10:54:00.000-08:00

Most of us sometimes have the memory of a goldfish, only remembering things for 10 seconds and then forgetting about it. Personal diaries are so much more fun. It gives you the chance to put your own pictures, space to doddle on and pen down your thoughts. And best of all, they are small enough to carry around all day!

sample page

specifications
1. Diary is in A5 size . what you are looking at now is when you open the pages.
2. Printed on textured paper, as thick as cardstock so you can write on it easily.
3. Each "month page" is separate from the others, so you have space at the back to doddle on and for your own writing.
4. Front and back covers are made up of cardboard. (note the next section regarding front and back covers)
5. Wire bound

Front and back covers
Option 1: Choose an illustration which will be printed and mounted on the cardboard, which prior to it will be decorated with paper
Option 2: Fabric covered y. Refer to Fabric Options Post.

Requirements:
1. 12 pictures which you want to use for the customization
2. Label the pictures according to the month
3. Zip the folder with the pictures and email me with them

Price:
1. $18 for the fabric ones and $15 for the printed ones
2. Add $2 for normal postage and $3 for registered post. Each come in a padded envelope.

Terms:
Please allow approximately 3-5 days for the completion of these diaries. They require time to customize, bind and make into calendars or fabric bound diaries. I don't do mass productions so quality requires time as these will be handmade by me.

You will never find someone with the same diary as you. With your pictures and your thoughts. In the end, this diary becomes a personal collection which you can keep for memory. It is a perfect birthday gift, especially for those who are close to you and you would want them to know you are always thinking of them.

Retro Calendar - desktop or hanging

2006-12-17T09:21:00.000-08:00

for even months

design for odd months

For calenders

Calendars are customized with personal pictures. Those shown above are for samples only.
I would require 12 pictures for customization, in good resolution.
Ways to send them: please put them in one folder and send it to my as a zipped folder.
Label carefully what picture do you want for each month.

specifications
1. size is A5, half of an A4 paper.
2. Printed on cardstock, so it wont be flimsy
3. the wire binding will allow the calendar to be hung on the wall.
4. the back of the calendar will be made of printed cardboard and be able to stand as a desktop calendar
5. Front cover of the calendar will also be mounted on printed cardboard.

Choosing front cover
In the post titled Cover Page, please choose a cover, in which when you send me your order please state the colour coding.

Price:
$13 per calendar
Add $2 for normal postage or $3 for registered post.
All items will come bubble wrapped

Finished product

2006-12-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

My holiday christmas card project has come to a temporary end. For 2 reasons.
1. i ran out of envelopes.
2. I ran out of time because I am going home.
Making these cards were fun and i really enjoyed the entire process. The aim wasn't to make any money but to have a little fun, pass the time and just do what I like. I sold 36 cards, not a lot i know but i think its a good start. And I realise that trying to do a mini-business in craft work isn't as simple as it seemed. It started out with designing the cards, then moving on to finding the cardstock and rightsize envelopes and printing the designs on them. THEN it was cutting the cards into the correct size - 26cm x 13cm AND modifying the envelopes to the right size. So it was two nights of cutting and glueing.
Of course i could just pass on the cards but keeping in mind i always appreciate it if my handmade items i bought were packaged nicely, i included a ribbon. I thought there were things i could have improved upon, which is finding nice crepe paper to package it up and including ribbons for those who customized cards. However I realised as well that I was limited financially so these ideas had to be put on whole until i slowly accumulated the inventory.

So this is the final product, all tied up with a pretty gold ribbon I managed to buy at A.C Moore and off it goes to the new owners.

Here, I would like to thank Joseph, Cindy, Huiping, Wendy, Peixian, Yuanxiang, keith, Angelia and friend, my brother and a few others for supporting me on this venture. Do leave me your comments so that i can improve on my work. Thank you very much!

*update: 70 cards sold!

new project

2006-12-11T10:10:00.000-08:00

Two years ago, the white headphones became the IN thing. Apple did a great job at marketing their Ipods and when the Ipod Nano came out, it changed the way we listened to music and commute daily.
However, the type of ipod casing in the market currently are either FAR TOO EXPENSIVE or just plain boring, so my next project will be making IPOD nano/Ipod cases. It will be great fun to see these casings have a feminine edge over the silicon or metal cases. Watch this space for more fun things!

series of 3

2006-12-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

This comes as a series of 3 - Love, Joy and Peace, moods that the Christmas season embodies. All the specifications are the same as other cards, except that these come in a set and you can't purchase them separately. Technically you cannot separate as well, so there you go.
Price: $5 for 6 cards or $3 for 3 cards

This is the last design I will be doing for tonight. Coincidentally, also the last series I will be doing for this Christmas Season. Have to go and customize some cards for now. Which is a good thing for me!
I would like to thank those who have supported me on this project and I hope that this Christmas will be as special to you as I know it will be to me. Please peep in sometime to look up the new projects I will be doing, which I will post up in a bit.

one for the kids

2006-12-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

back/front respectively

God always said to have child-like faith. I liked this little prayer the moment I read it. I don't actually think its only for children. Sometimes we get so caught up with what we have to do that we forget that we are still God's children and in all things, to have faith and trust that He will hold our hands and walk with us. So on Christmas Day, let us renew our child-like faith in Him. To unconditionally have faith in his promises and the tomorrow that He will bring.

Keeping Christ in Christmas

2006-12-09T18:49:00.000-08:00

(back/front respectively)

the inside

To many, Christmas is just a day to exchange gifts or just another holiday leading up to the New Year. However, Christmas is the birthday of Christ. It is the day that Christ's time on Earth began, signifying a journey to free mankind from our sins. Let us not forget this day that changed our lives forever. Instead, let us share a bit of the goodness that Christ has given us. Let us not forget the love He showered. Let us, share this wonderful love.

Picture Perfect for Christmas

2006-12-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

the card laid flat
(back/front cover respectively)

The second best way to wish your loved ones Merry Christmas is to include your picture. A smile that lights up the whole day and a blessing for the wonderful day. This range of customization comes at no extra cost! Its a holiday special.
However, if you wish to include your picture on the inside of the card on top of the pre-made designs, i do charge an extra $0.30. Thats to cover the printing, not labour costs.

ooo.. in case you ask, the best way is to wish someone Merry Christmas face to face, sealed with a kiss (for lovers) or a huge (for friends). No slaps on Christmas as its a day of blessing. Don't be a Grinch!

Missing presents

2006-12-09T14:59:00.000-08:00

I must be one of those people who believe that Santa really exists, even though i have never personally seen him climb down the chimney. Then again, I don't have a chimney and I don't suppose he will bang on my window. It is really, quite unglamorous for Santa. Even so, being Santa is probably the best job around. You only work once a year, on Christmas Eve. How great is that!

Where have all the presents gone??
(the front cover)

Right under your christmas tree.

(the inside of the card)

Candy Cane Christmas

2006-12-09T14:16:00.000-08:00

Not that type of candy cane -winks- but the famous striped candycane we all used to get our hands all sticky with when we were kids.

Imagine being surrounded in the cold winter with loads of candy cane! It really is a one of the best childhood memories of mine. Although I didn't get to experience the snow until i was 22, i still pictured myself in snow during those hot christmas in Singapore.

waiting for santa to come

2006-12-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

looking at the card laid out
(back/front)looking at the inside of the cards

The card measures 13cm x 13cm. Other specifications are the same. Let santa come this year bearing gifts for you! Your greetings could be the best gift for someone.

Christmas cards

2006-12-08T21:25:00.000-08:00

Santa Sled Swings

Starry Christmas

Silent Night

Merry Christmas Sings

Caroling in the Snow

Prices for these cards are
$1 for each card
and $5 for 6 cards

Postage:
it cost $0.50 regardless the number of cards purchased. However, postage is free if the purchase is above $10.

Specifications:
1. The card measures 13cm x 13cm. What you are seeing now is when it is laid out, with the front and the back shown.
2. The card is blank inside. If you want a message typed, it can be done. However it will cost an additional $0.20 as it cost more to print.
3. Each card comes with an envelope and is printed on hard paper, not those thin bond paper in the photocopy machine.

Terms and conditions (for Singapore orders):
1. Cards will be shipped out on the 19th December before 2pm, not any earlier or later. If you need it earlier, please specify.
2. Meet ups are possible. Locations to be confirmed at a later date. Mass meet ups only for convenience and are most likely in town.
3. Non-negotiable, non-refundable.
4. Payments to be made by ibank or atm transfers. Once purchase is made, the order is confirmed. Payment to be made in the full amount. I will give you my msn for communication.

Terms and conditions for orders in USA:
1. All orders will be shipped out by Wednesday latest, 12/13/06. I leave on the 14th Dec morning.
2. Prices do not include postage is not fixed. I will bill you accordingly. If you do not specify I will ship out by USPS air mail. IF you want Fedex or other services, do specify.
3. For orders $20 and above, priority mail by USPS is free.
4. I accept paypal only.