My Art Stash

While other ladies go gaga over make-up, I go loco over arts and crafts supplies (and bags! LOL!) I just love arts and crafts. I always tell myself I am seriously in the wrong profession. I should be in Graphic Design, Art Museum as a curator, an Interior Decorator, an Architect or an Arts teacher or have my own fashion line where I am the designer. In short, anything related to creative pursuits is my forte.

I have been buying arts and crafts supplies lately. I stopped for a while when I got so busy with my online studies. Since, I decided to give my online studies a break, I always end up to where I started - arts and crafts.

Funny thing, I wasn't even going to buy any craft supplies. I was actually looking on some beauty products when I suddenly decided to check another site I have always visited in the past. And guess what, I emptied my beauty products cart and decided to buy arts and craft supplies. I am happier with my decision and choice!

I get my stuff from Michael's Arts in the US but when I am back in Dubai, I only shop at Blitsy. It's my favourite go-to arts and craft supplies online shop. They have regular sales and deals that are so hard to resist. In a span on 1 month, I have ordered thrice already! That's not wise for my budget but because they have deals that I cannot resist, I end up buying more in separate dates. I will be wiser in my next purchase to save on the shipping cost. I will just do the shopping in one go.

Here are my stash and I am waiting for 1 package to be delivered next week. Oh, I can't wait to get my hands on those stuff!!!

If you want to get your own lovely stash like these, you can visit Blitsy!

Be creative! Keep creating!

Losing My Creative Streak

It's been a while since I last created a card or scrapbook project. I just stare at my numerous patterned papers, paper flowers, various glues, embellishments, ribbons, art pens, electronic cutter and so much more. They are gathering dust and I cannot bring myself to use any of them nor sell them.

I think and feel that my creative streak is slowly seeping out of my system. I am just too preoccupied with many pressing matters that I don't have time to sit on my desk and really think hard on what I can create out of my passion. And speaking of passion, it's one thing that also scares me right now. I don't have the urge to create anything.

I am already contemplating of selling my unused and barely used craft items to some people who deserves them. I feel bad to put them in a box and label "craft items" only to be put into oblivion later on. I'm really sad that this is happening to me but I can't explain what it is nor have an iota of a doubt why it's happening. All I know is that, I don't have the time, the energy and the creative mojo to make something. If this is a phase, I don't know how long I will be in this hiatus. I'm concerned and a bit worried because it's not me. I always have the drive and energy to commit to something I am deeply passionate about. If this is the case, does this mean, I no longer have the passion to be creative? Bummer...

Why I love Shopping From Etsy

Do you buy your arts and craft stuff online or you drive to the nearest Michael's Art or other craft supplies? Well, I do most of my craft buying online because Dubai has limited craft suppliers. There are quite a handful here but they're expensive and almost double the price of the ones I buy in the US.

I got hooked ever since I bought my first arts and craft supplies from a seller on Etsy. There are plenty of reasons why I love buying at Etsy. Here are some reasons why:

• I like the fact that I can message the seller directly through their shop in Etsy and the response time is rather quick. I contacted another craft supplier's website but it took more than 2 days before I got a response. In Etsy, I think the sellers are almost (always) online which is good.

• I made some comparison and most of the sellers' prices are similar to the ones I have seen in the website but the shipping costs of most Etsy sellers are very competitive; oftentimes, much lower than the websites I have visited.

• I have encountered several Etsy sellers and they are very accommodating and nice. They are willing to give a customized quote for all your purchases so you don't have to pay additional shipping for each item and get clubbed together resulting to a higher shipping rate.

• They offer fabulous discounts and coupon codes for repeat customers. 

• Some of the sellers even have "bloggers" incentives and they will give you several items for free in exchange of a review. Isn't that nice? I managed to get $30 worth of free flat back gems and pearls because of this. 

• Most of the items sold in Etsy (not just the arts and crafts category) are HANDMADE! I am a staunch supporter of "buying handmade" stuff because I am a handmade card maker. I know the love and passion that goes in every stuff they make and the time they spent to create it.

• Most Etsy sellers are micro-businesses which I love to support because some of them are stay-at-home-moms who try to sell their creations and supplies to augment their household income. If I have my way, I will also sell my handmade cards via Etsy but not just now.

Etsy is a community of 15 million sellers and business coming together to provide distinct items to sell and showcase to the world. I love Etsy and I encourage you to support handmade, thriving small/micro business and budding artists.