1, 2, 3 of ABCs

Who hasn't taken a piece of paper and mindlessly doodled on it? While on hold, while daydreaming, while waiting for something. In high school, I was the girl with the bursting pencil case filled with every kind of gel pen: metallic, neon, chalky pastel. My filofax (LOL) was filled with colorful notes of the day's events. My classmates and friends would ask me to letter the dividers on their own organizers. So when the opportunity presented itself, I was more than happy to be involved in creating the very first local hand lettering book—made by such a young talented Filipina at that.

I remember meeting Abbey Sy at a craft gathering at Hey Kessy. When Koko suggested we make a book about lettering, Abbey was the first person I thought of who could write it. Koko and I were scared she wouldn't say yes, but little did we know, she had already been toying with the idea—even consulting with Mansy of Hey Kessy, who was my co-crafter on the Candy DIY Book. You can read more about Abbey's Road to ABC on her blog.

We met on a holiday—when Pope Francis was in the country—and went home with a complete outline of what the book would be all about. Five months later, here we are. (:

Proofs from The ABCs of Hand Lettering

Just a few of the art Abbey created especially for this book.

Making sure everything is in order! Art direction of the book by Jaykee Evangelista (who I also got to work with on The Friendship Bracelet Book a few years back).

This is personally my favorite page. (:

Putting it all together.

Abbey worked really hard on creating the guide for hand lettering. Whether you're a beginner or already a fan of lettering, you'll learn something new from this book. Hope you can grab a copy (for just P295—what a steal) as soon as you visit the book store nearest you. Then you'll always be creating, too. (:

The ABCs of Hand Lettering by Abbey Sy, P295

Hello, I'm still here.

I can't believe my last post was four months ago. And this after a promise to take my camera out more so I could actually post more. Ah well, life happens.

I'm back because it's a holiday and I'm on what they call a staycation. Aside from the unbearable heat, I really don't mind staying home. Been able to catch up some shows, which is always a great way to spend a free day!

So what have I been busy with lately? Well, apart from the regular work I do, I've also been working on a couple of books since late last year. And this is how incredibly long ago my last post was: both books are done and out in bookstores!

I actually worked on this early this year with Alessa, Mansy, and Mikko. We shot all the projects in two days with Pat and Stephie, ever the speedy Gonzales, finished the layout so fast that we were done in a little over a month! It was a super fun project to do because the people I worked with were friends.

At first, it felt like a daunting task to come up with so many projects and shoot them all individually. But it can be done!

The second book, which was actually the first project I worked on, took a little longer to produce. It's Mikko's second bracelet book, but our first time working with our AD Tracy. I'm not sure if it was the logistics or if the steps for this project were a little more complicated than The Friendship Bracelet Book, but I'll admit I had a bit of difficulty working on this. It was always a wrong photo or a typo I missed. We couldn't get the packaging right. I could go on and on. But I guess good things come to those who wait (and well, edit to death. Haha!), because I still felt super excited when they finally handed me the final product.

I'm so happy that I get to work on books like these. I get even more excited when I see people actually buy them on try the projects. Here's hoping we never run out of ideas and that people will continue to appreciate what we make. (:

The Candy DIY Book (P175) and Knot About Cords (P250) are available at bookstores and magazine stands nationwide! Hope you can grab a copy when you can. (:

Shot Through the Heart and You're to Blame

Music Monday

My brother tweeted a link to this video last week. Hilarious!

Tasty Tuesday

Treats at last week's book launch for One Crazy Summer and Fan Girl, both written by absolutely brilliant people who I'm honored to call my friends (also my bosses, hahaha). Can't wait to try the recipes in the book!

Wishful Wednesday

A dress to wear to a beach wedding in March. Where can I find one?

Thoughtful Thursday

Hair inspiration for short 'dos. I don't know what to do with my hair for my best friend's wedding this weekend!

{ via Once Wed, 100 Layer Cake 1 2, The Glamourai }

Fashion Friday

I haven't been doodling my outfits this year, but I've consistently been Pose-ing. Har har. I don't know what is it with my fascination for chronicling what I wear every day. It's not like my outfits are anything special, haha!