15 Malaysia

15 Malaysia is a short film project produced by Pete Teo focusing on Malaysian socio-political issues. A series of 15 short films by Malaysian film-makers portray issues close to our heart in a funny, irreverant, thought-provoking way. Through their lens we perceive, for better or for worse, the things that make us Malaysian.

A couple of my favorites below.

This is my country

To mark Malaysia's Independance Day today, I'll take a break from criticizing my country's broken institutions and feature a few design/handmade sites which are run by Malaysians.

Pikaland is a blog about "living the illustrated life", and its cute, quirky site illustrations do just that! Pikaland Mayor Amy Ng, a born and bred Malaysian, was formerly an editor at a regional architecture and design magazine. The site is also the birthplace of the amazing Good to Know Project which brings together artists/illustrators/designers to share advice and inspiration on creativity, business and life.

Bloesem is run by Dutch-born expatriate Irene, currently residing in Kuala Lumpur with her husband & 2 sons. She features mostly interior design products with some papergoods and other well-designed products. I find the designs to be simple, clean and unfussy minimalism with original content.

Technically, Feed My Lamb is not a design site. It sells wall graphics i.e decals for glass, walls and other surfaces. The designs are so cute and the prices affordable, I'm smitten!

Pipit is a Malaysian online handmade community complete with a forum, events, competitions, and tons of links to talented local artists/artisans.

Although the site is mainly in Mandarin, I adore the gorgeous dolls and dollhouses made by Evangelione, which i daresay are on par with international offerings.

She recently started her own Etsy shop selling her handmade purses and bags, Mer's definitely got a good thing going!

thread carefully

Loving this photo of spools of colorful thread on a feature wall in Douglas Coupland's house

sky play

Find your days dull and happiness slipping through the cracks? Look at the clouds for inspiration. Fun and lightheartedness is around us, if we care to look.

Photos by SKYplay

Muggmaker

From the very old to the very new. Muggmaker on Facebook is a cute application that lets you create really nice avatars.

Back in the sixties..

I was astonished by this 1965 Ikea catalog spotted over at ikke tikke theo ... sure, the styling is dated, but you could spot that unmistakeable brand identity a mile away. Talk about consistent and succesful marketing.

weekly web round-up

Hey guys, how's your week going? Monday is a national holiday where I live, so i'm looking forward to the long weekend. Shadow and I will be house-sitting, that is if we dont travel outstation.

Some sites for your perusal:

Don't visit Terrible Yellow Eyes until you've seen Where All The Wild Things Are, the page is full of artwork inspired by said movie.

A Love Letter for You is a public art project.

Typedia is the Wikepedia for Typefaces.
All fashionistas, take note! Join ShoeDazzle for $39 a month and get a pair of shoes... picked by the experts to suit your style.

Spoonflower lets you print your own fabric.

Tired of traditional wedding ceremonies? Someone came up with a Box, Letter & Wine ceremony

Do drop by over the weekend, i'll be posting something special in honor of my country's independance day celebrations.

Til then, have a good one!

love,
the girl who loved Up!

Illustration Friday

In honor of Illustration Friday I am posting some of my favorites. Do check it out!

Bela Borsodi

Alphabets by Bela Borsodi.

flamma

You wont find any matches in IKEA.

But, there's always FLAMMA. Helmut Smits chose 8 different IKEA products and shows you how to start a fire with them.

first trip round the sun

Cute time lapse which can only be reproduced by the most devoted photographer

outstanding in the field

In Malaysia, where I live in, 9 out of 10 dinners/parties are with round tables. Typically, a wedding would have 20 - 100 round tables, each able to sit 10 guests. As a result, social interaction is usually restricted to those on your table.

That's probably why I love dinners with long tables. Not only is it visually stunning, everyone feels like a part of the entire group. I spotted this completely remarkable site about a company specializing in long tables set in a field.

Taken from the Outstanding in the Field site:

"Culinary celebrations at the source. Set between the soil and the sky, Outstanding in the Field's long, linen-draped table beckons adventurous diners to celebrate food at the source. Bringing together local farmers and food artisans, chefs and winemakers, we explore the connection between the earth and the food on your plate. Join us as we feast on the gifts of the land."

Wow. But it wouldnt work in a tropical country, due to the rain/heat/unpredictable weather.

upside down

What a strange and terrible sight! Upside down plants.. what will the world come to next?

Feels like it isn't the only thing that has been upside down lately.

Image via the Style-Files

brass drops

brass drops made by For me, for you are magnificently simple, no wonder they sold out in one day!

luggage

The most impossibly cool luggage ever. How much do you love that vespa? Battered vintage cool is the best kind of cool as far as luggage is concerned, me thinks.

tilt

No, it's not your screen.

Tilt is very nice series of photos by Romain Laurent, the premise being, normal people walking down a seemingly tilted street.

missed connections

Saturday, March 28, 2009- m4w - 19 (Uptown 3 Train)If not for your noisy Tambourine, I would not have seen you.Your green skirt looked terrible, but that leather jacket makes you look just right.I was the attractive guy sitting to your left just before you got off.

Sunday, April 26, 2009– m4w – 24You wore an awesome color changing dress to the BBQ on Skillman Ave in Williamsburg, but someone spilled wine on it.You left too quickly...I'd like to see you again.

Thursday, May 14, 2009- m4w - 20 (Williamsburg)Well, whatever the case, it was cute. Do you live on N7th too? We could hang out.

Missed Connections is premised on such a simple, yet dreamy concept - sketches of random events, fictitious people, and the connections they never made.

As Sophie says, "Every day hundreds of strangers reach out to other strangers on the strength of a glance, a smile or a blue hat. Their messages have the lifespan of a butterfly. I'm trying to pin a few of them down."

Good job!

fold me now

onlabs did an incredible job designing domus magazine into a 24-page foldable miracle transformed into the face of a man and woman. Fittingly, it's named "intersections"

books

A stylized photo of Ms Havisham (character from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens) which I came across on tumblr. Not quite what I imagined her to look like, then again books brought to screen always tend to disappoint.

What's your favorite character from classic literature, and why?

Mine is Scout from To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. (okay, a modern classic) Because of everything she stands for, and the dialogue.

weekly web round-up

Hullo, Friday! It's been a challenging week and i'm more than looking forward to a restful weekend, if that is possible. Here's a few things that I came across this week:

“Keep calm and have lunch”

Vintage signage flickr group

"Admits one cat" ticket charm pendant from Buster and Boo.

Beata Boucht makes cut-out dolls like you've never seen before!

It rained this week, reminding me that I need Japan’s Umbrella Shoulder Holder

Vintage clothing store on Etsy called 13 bees

Hope you'll have something nice to do this weekend!

i have awesome friends

"Like, wow!" was my reaction to this drawing. Maybe it's the girl's awesome glasses, or that perfect incline of the cats head, everything about this really 'gets' me.

I have awesome friends, originally uploaded by kate / for me, for you.

erica shires

Loving emotion conveyed in every photo by erica shires .

Canary

This canary mug is by Laura Walls Taylor and of course I am a sucker for the yellow bird! Adorable and completely whimsical. It would add a spot of fun to your afternoon tea.

pillowcases

Some years ago, I bought Mr. J a bed linen set for his birthday. Granted, it was in his favorite color, he needed those, and he was hinting to me about getting "practical" gifts... but he was still semi-disappointed about it. Being the good sport he was, he took it in his stride and now it's a standing joke among us when we don't know what to get the other person for an occasion, we'll threaten, "bedspread"...

Lo, and behold, i've spotted the most entirely wondrous pillow cases from branch handmade which would lead you into extroadinary dreams.. and I'm sure, if there was one with a Nikon D70 printed on it, even Mr. J wouldnt mind getting it as a gift!

Hello

The beauty of this everyday necklace is the curves of the font, which I absolutely adore! To gild the lily, you could have it made in a word of your choice.

chad wys

Chad Wys's artwork is nothing short of breathtaking. Utterly charming scenery and I do love how the styling matches the effortless ease pictured. Something I would buy.

last supper

Fascinating portfolio that James Reynolds has compiled. This is part of a series of photographs documenting the last meal of death row inmates. Morbid, yet strangely appealing to the voyeur in me.

An onion? Who on earth wants to eat an onion as their last meal? I wonder... what meal would you order, if you knew it was your last?

Boy Obsolete

Next time you host a party, instead of writing guest's names on cups, try to emulate this impressive set of styrofoam cup line drawings by Boy Obsolete.

I would love to use this cups in the office as a paperclip holder.

we make words

Typography takes a backs seat as innovative methods of presenting a message are explored.

Check out this cool project: We Make Words

Next time you're bored, try to look for words in the unlikeliest places!

500 pencils

I thought of getting my art teacher father a set of 500 pencils as his retirement present. Then again, look at the price, maybe not. I love the site and the styling though.

The names are what gets me the most - what kind of shade is "down home sun"? I think the full set looks absolutely amazing!

A very special birthday

Besides being my dad's birthday, today is also Mr. J's birthday. (Although, since he's in Canada right now, it wont officially be his birthday til tomorrow.) I thought I would share a little bit about him.

He is the reason why I began this blog. Although, i've never told him that. It all started when I had waaay too many links and photos to show him.. finally I decided another outlet was due, and so this blog was born.

He inspires me in so many different ways everyday. Creativity comes naturally to him, best expressed through his photos and drawings.

Six years ago, when we first met, I was fascinated by his mind. We still have the most engaging coversations. He is still as wise as he is kind. Four months ago, he left Malaysia for Canada, leaving behind his career as a TV producer for an entirely different profession. Although it's hard to be apart, I admire his courage and the daily trials he faces.

So here's to the guy who puts balloons on bicycles for me. This is the first year since we've known each other that I wont be celebrating your birthday with you in person. But you're such a rock star, you know we'll have many more birthdays ahead to share. And that's why I love you. We'll take a rain check on the party, I promise we'll make up for it!

p.s the photo is what your wall will look like with a floor to ceiling map. You like?

Day of Reckoning

Howdy, peeps! Today i'm blogging from Johor Bahru, the home of my parents, also where I grew up. (If you don't know where that is, it's the city in Malaysia closest in proximity to Singapore). My parents' home is in the suburbs half-an-hour away from the bustling coastal city, and less than an hour from Singapore.

My dad retires today, after serving 33 years as an art teacher (21 of which were spent teaching in my high school). All his life, he's put his family and others before himself. He went to teacher's training college instead of university, because his family couldn't afford to pay the university fees. When the kids came along, he traded in his beloved BSA for a practical Vespa. But all along, his quest for knowledge and learning never stopped.

At the ripe old age of 51, he took a part time diploma in architecture, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Last year, he decided to pick up playing the cello. As he retires today, he's planning of studying printmaking next year. He never stopped being curious and trying to learn more about the world around him.

For the past 6 years, i've not had a chance to celebrate my dad's birthday with him in person. Not that he's a big believer in celebrations. You see, my dad shares a birthday with Mr. J. Naturally, since I live 5 hours away from Johor Bahru, no prizes for guessing which one of the two men's birthday parties' i've been physically present for. But this year, Mr. J is in Canada. So I finally am with my dad, fittingly, at his retirement party.

So here's to you, dad. I'm proud of you, and you made me who I am today. Happy birthday, happy retirement, and now it's time for you to do whatever you want. I love you.

today I saw

Today I saw is a cute little project about taking time to notice the simple things that make up our days. Jill draws little sketches of something interesting she saw that day, and sends the little cards to somebody she likes.

The list includes her family, friends, and even other bloggers she admires. What a great way to reach out and connect.

I ate the queen!

If you like your food elaborate, you'll be completely bowled over by these fabulous cookies from Etsy seller, SweetAmbs .

Personally, I think they're a little too pretty to eat. Wouldnt you say so?

weekly web round-up

Top of the day, my dear readers! I'm on leave these 2 days to visit my family, ain't freedom sweet? Aside from wishing you a good weekend, i've got some personal stories to share tomorrow, so do stop by if you like.

On with some link love:

Possibly the loveliest clouds ever.

The most incredible Giant Dollhouse that every little girl should have.

Spotted and hearted: Squiggly Swatch Watches over at Hey Susy!

The new Menswear collection from J Crew for A/W 09 is drool-worthy.... I'm imagining Mr. J wearing something like this a month from now?

Speaking of Mr. J, he just bought this cute polar bear print on Etsy, isn't it the bees knees?

I realize this means i'm posting Sunday Suppers two weeks in a row, but I have always adored the visual beauty of lemons, how could I resist this recipe?

Aside from a clever name and a leg that swings out when you lean back, the Attitude Chair has loads of attitude!

See you soon!

The Hidden Seed

The Hidden Seed is a blog about personal self-expression through styling.

I love how Elsita has figured out exactly what fashion style suits her, and sticks to it. She's not afraid to repeat her favorite silhoettes, and has a bold, self-assured ease.

Feminine and unique personal style that recalls old world glamour and flamenco dancers.

hangerpak

Talk about sustainable living. This clever packaging-cum-hanger aptly named hangerpak by graphic designer Steve Haslip employs a waste-not philosophy that is admirable.

It's basically a cardboard box that your clothes come in. Instructions are given on how to fold the packaging into a completely functional hanger! Brilliant indeed.

Design for Shadow

Designer Leo Kempf made his cat a designer house complete with scratching porch, plexiglass window, sheepskin carpeting and even little paintings. While I appreciate the minimalistic beauty, I don't know if my cat would.

If you didn't already know, Mr. J and I own a 2 year old Russian Blue-Persian cat which we've aptly named Shadow -his fur is grey. I've posted about him before here, here, and here .

I can't find a current photo of him, so i'm settling for this one which was taken about half a year back. He looks so peaceful when he's asleep.

Sekeping Serendah

Sekeping Serendah is a private retreat attempting to "tread lightly on the land". Tucked away in the idyllic but sleepy town of Serendah, Kuala Lumpur, its name literally means "A piece of Serendah".

If the pool, minimalistic decor and glass houses are not reason enough for me to want to make a trip there, the nearby waterfall and tropical forest are a tempting locale to get away from the smog of city living.

fairy tales

The Princess and the Pea

Hansel and Gretel

Snow white.

Pictured above - several modern renditions of classic fairytales.

I've always been fascinated by Rapunzel - I couldnt imagine how it was possible to grow hair that long. Plus, a man pulling on your hair to climb up a tower - wouldnt that pull the hair off your scalp?

I suppose, in the fairytale world, everything is possible.

What's your favorite Fairytale, and why?

cassandra jones

Flowers? Think again.. These are actually flamingos!
Geometric pattern? Look closely..

It's people!

Interesing body of work by Cassandra C. Jones .

bicycle

So this striped handlebar bag from Poppy Talk which I spotted on Random Inspiration totally made my day.

Not that I actually own a bike right now, but bicycles have been close to my heart since I was young. Growing up, I was a bit of a tomboy and used to cycle for hours around the neighbourhood, the wind billowing my hair. Back then, my parents had pretty strict rules on where I was allowed to cycle - which I of course broke more than once.

I have distinct memories of the day I first learnt to ride a bike - my dad taught me in our front yard. When I was confident enough, I took a shot at going once around the block, him following me from behind in the Vespa. Of course, I hadn't learn how to turn a corner properly, so when I swerved frantically, momentum sent me flying into the neighbor's stucco wall spreadeagled...

Still, cycling soon became my favorite pastime. It remained so even after I was chased by a pack of dogs down a steep hill slope, or the time I took a sandy corner too quickly and created that ugly scar on my right knee. In fact, i've had bicycle accidents even well in adulthood. But still, the love remains...

Do you love cycling?

skinned knees

Lola from deerlings had this most adorable photo that I couldnt help but share.

Reminds me of the lyrics "...skinned our hearts and skinned our knees" - wait a minute, did I just quote Westlife?

scrapbooking

Some very pretty scrapbook designs by Amanda Jones .

I always liked scrapbooking, it's a very tangible way to preserve a personal memory that would otherwise fade with time. If I had all the time in the world, I would make scrapbooks for all my friends.

Why not keep an ongoing scrapbook project? Make a page to mark every milestone you share with your family or that special someone. Looking back at the way things were is always sweeter when you have captured your exact frame of mind at that time - on paper.

Happy Scrapbooking!

garland love

Oh so charming garlands I spotted over at Lobster and Swan .

I love garlands because they lend a festive yet casual air to any party. Plus, the hand sewn fabric garland is such an easy and customizable way to transform any given space.

free encouragement

booooooom and designformankind joined forces to create this project called "Free Encouragement".

Which is great. There's so much negativity in this world already without realising it we can very easily get pulled down.

UO tree

I dont even know what I would do with it, but the moment I laid eyes on this from Urban Outfitters , I was gone..

Gasp. The tree... the loveliness of that tree...

Sole Gin Fizz

SoleGinFizz by Nicole Ray - lovely!

visit her at her shop or blog

weekly web round-up

Hello, everyone, here's some blog love for Friday.

The Little Glowing Lights store is now officially re-stocked.

I'll Seen I'll Said blogs about the Humanoid collection.

You would love to stay in Story Hotel.

Last week's Sunday Supper was a Moroccan theme, in conjunction with Thoughtful Day and the legendary Amy Atlas.

My latest favorite daydream.

An adorable hot air balloon card.

Feeling the summer heat? Here's 100 salads for the season.

Happy weekend!

photo hangers

I am officially in love with these photo hangers posted on Black Eiffel by guest Suann

A new leaf

Dear readers,

I just want to say a big "Thank You" to all of you who have been faithfully following, reading, commenting, and even lurking on my blog. It's been an amazing experience so far, and i've really enjoyed sharing the fruits from my exploration of the blogosphere with all of you.

Recent events have taken place and i'm about to embark on a new direction. So, i've decided to slowly reveal my identity. Due to the situation I am in right now, I cant directly reveal myself yet. But i'm gradually going to be talking a little bit more about my personal life, perhaps even showing some photos of the events which I organize, the papergoods and wall art I make, and some fabric/fashion projects I have up my sleeve.

So, if that's okay with you, I hope you'll still keep reading. This space is changing, do check back for the new content and *drumroll please* the new site design, which is coming up!

Aran Goyoaga

Aran Goyoaga elevates food to an art form. View her portfolio and swoon. I could spend hours ogling at those images.

Absolutely perfect.

polaroid collage

Nice polaroid photo collages by sicoactiva .

Julie Rothman

The awesomeness of Julia Rothman's illustrations cannot be underestimated... I'm head over heels!

stacey earl

Exquisite tea-cup prints by Stacey Earl are just my cup of tea.

handprinted bag

Lookie what I saw on Inchmark , a lovely handprinted bag. I can imagine it carrying groceries from the store, books from the library, leftovers from a picnic, just about anything.

I really want to make one of these.

moo

Moo is having a promotion. Already, their namecards are out-of-this-world awesome, with many fantastic custom designs as well as the option of customizing your own photos into namecards, postcards, mini cards, stickers, and more. Go here for the link showing my favorite designs above.

I am going to buy this!

polaroids

+ polaroids to love

Mr. J, when you get a studio I know there will be a corner just for polaroids.

ruche

I may have mentioned this label before, but these Ruche dresses really bring out the girly and flirty summer vibe.. yummy indeed!

graph paper napkins

Ever had a brilliant idea when sitting in the restaurant, and no paper handy to jot it down?

Well, I think Colin O'Dowd may have just solved your problem with these graph paper napkins.

If I didnt already have an affinity for graph paper, this would be a good reason to start.

breadou

Breadou buns and bread look really yummy! Except - none of these 'baked' goodies can be eaten... it's all made from foam! I kid you not..

These deceivingly delicious looking stress relievers and wrist rests are made from NASA developed memory foam! Quite a rocket science indeed.. Sure fooled me!

what i saw today

Sartorialist, Face Hunter, all those street style blogs - seen them all. But this guy is something else altogether. He posts sketches instead of photos. For your perusal right over here .