About Cafes - Jimmy Monkey

One of my favourite things to do is to visit new cafes in town. Honestly, I’m not a coffee drinker. I visit these places really to check out the interior aesthetics. Even before I check out the menu, I’m busy gawking around (not at peeps, mind you). A lot of these cafes now put together some slick new tables and chairs or those that have have been deliberately made to look aged. It doesn’t always work and the effect instead screams contrived. I can’t quite pinpoint what it is that makes some tick and conjure the right ambience. I look to the many lovely cafes in Japan and Taipei that I swoon over. Often, the owners are very involved in the construction of the cafe itself and to them, it’s about creating a space for like-minded individuals. It’s not a mere money making venture. Maybe it has to do with the whole spirit behind it?

I visited Jimmy Monkey in the west yesterday and thought it rather cozy. If you’re looking for Aussie style cafes, this might just be what you are looking for. At one point, the smell of vegemite permeated the air. Mmm... Oh, they serve alcohol too :)

Jimmy Monkey

9 One-North Gateway

#01-51 One-North Residences

Singapore 138643

Twentsevennames

Realised I haven’t done a fashion post for a long time. Here’s something I think you may like-- Twentysevennames, from New Zealand. Clean and simple but with an playful touch.

[images: Twentysevennames]

New in Shop + Features

Every time I complete a crafty project, I feel happy knowing that I’ve made something with my own hands. It gives me even more joy when I receive a sale order, knowing that my creations can bring joy to others too. I think that’s the greater meaning to what I do. It’s not simply about making money (there are easier ways to do this). To all my customers, thank you for your support!

I’ve listed 2 new products in my etsy shop over the week and I thought I’ll share them with you here too. The first is an addition to the zipper pouch line. It’s this sneaky fellow which I decided is a skunk. I love that I gave it floral prints on its face!

The second is a baby pillow/ plush. It’s a sweet little fox which you would find hard not wanting to hug.

Click on the links above and they’ll you to my etsy page for more details on these cute animal friends.

I’m also happy to say that my work has been featured on two websites this week-- Cuteable and The Frisky!

Friday’s finally here. Have a good weekend, lovelies!

Seeing the beauty in the Everyday - Jonsi

I came across the work of Japanese photographer, Jonsi and couldn’t help being drawn to them. Perhaps it’s the fact that he’s in Toyama prefecture, also part the Hokuriku region which I used to reside in. I found some of the sights familiar because I used to go on road trips during the holidays. Oh what fun those were! But undisputedly. what’s stands out in his photos are how he makes everyday Japanese life scenes look extraordinary.

[images: Jonsi]

Boy Cushion with Spectacles - Nick

Hi there, I’m guessing you want to know how Public Garden went on Saturday? It was great! The turnout was good and I got to chat with friends I knew only online previously, blog readers, friends I haven’t seen for a while, friends’ friends, other creative/entrepreneurial folks. One of the highlights was having people coming over and saying that they came specially after seeing my feature in the papers yesterday!

[image source: Public Garden]

My Run of Mill zine sold out yesterday and I was berating myself for not taking more copies with me! If you missed out on it, I have it in my online shop here. Oh, if you came to this blog after our meeting at Public Garden/MAAD, welcome! I hope you like it here :)

After 2 markets, things are a little more back to normal this week. I’ve just listed a new cushion in the shop. I think you’ll like this boy cushion with spectacles, Nick! Click on over to see more of Nick!

Happy Monday, everyone!

In the News! + Public Garden

Today, the air is fresher, the birds are singing more beautifully. Why? It’s because Cookie Cutter’s creations are in the papers! That’s right, Moustache George (my current bestseller) and friends are featured in the local paper, My Paper (我报), today (click to enlarge).

For the full article check out the paper online! So, those of you who own Moustache George, you can be proud. Haha. I want to take this opportunity to thank you for your support whether it’s reading this blog, buying from my Etsy shop, liking my facebook page, following me on Twitter, or coming to the markets I’m at. I think it’s important to celebrate milestones regardless of big or small. So lovelies, it’s my pleasure to share this joy with you.

Remember, I’ll be at Public Garden tomorrow (yes, Moustache George will be there). So will my friend, Marie, and many others! Come visit :)

Menswear - Moustache

Limited edition underwear by Hong Kong menswear brand Moustache and design firm Konzepp. I adore the little moustache logo! Click on the link and you will see that the shop itself is full of character!

[images: Konzepp]

MAAD + Public Garden + Feature

Yeehaa, it's a new week again! I had a good weekend. The fun started Friday late afternoon at MAAD (Market for Artists & Designers) where I had a little stall. It was a fun night with lots of creative folks from various fields under one roof. I thought the energy and creativity was palpable! We even had president elects Dr Tony Tan and Mr Tan Jee Say drop by. The latter bought something from me!! I want to say a big thank you to those of you who came by to say hi. It's such a joy getting to meet you in person and your support means a lot. Here are a few photos of my stall taken by my sweet friend, Marie, who had a stall next to mine. She makes the prettiest pouches and bags!

If you've missed this market, not to worry, I'll be taking my plushie family, totes, pouches etc. with me this Saturday, 20 Aug 2011 to the Public Garden flea. Come visit!

The other highlight of my weekend is being featured on the wonderful Mr Yen's blog. Click here to read the post, and while you are at it, check out the awesome papercuts that Jonathan does!

See u at MAAD + blog feature

Hi folks, come visit me at MAAD later today (more details here)! And if you are a reader of Cookie Cutter blog, let me know so I can get to know you too. I'll tweet my exact location once it's confirmed. It's going to be a fun night with lots of peeps from various creative fields!

In other news, I'm delighted to have Moustache George featured in Imaginative Bloom, a really lovely blog. He is with great company in a blog post on cushions and pillows. Thanks Irene!

This is such a quick post but I need to get on with my last minute prep today. Hope to see you later :)

Hand crafted - Kayle Bean

Hello there, how are you? I had a short break yesterday as our little country celebrated her 46th birthday. Besides that, I’ve been prepping for the stall that I’ll be putting up at MAAD this Friday (see previous post). I’m looking forward to it.

But on to today’s post. Have you seen the work of Brighton based designer, Kyle Bean? You might have seen his pencil shavings portraits but I’m as blown away by his other creations! Here’s a sampling of them.

Yes, all hand crafted!

[images: source: Kayle Bean]

New Zipper Pouches + MAAD

During the weekend that just passed, I sent off my plushies at the post office. I was happy that they found a new home but at the same time, it was a surprising emotional goodbye. I realised that when you make something lovingly with your hands and see it take form, there is going to be some attachment involved. And it’s even more bittersweet when these plushies are one of a kind pieces. Nevertheless, I am joyful that I’m able to share my creations with others who appreciate them :)

I want to make sure I’m always doing that. So, last week, I launched a new line of pouches which you’ve not seen before in my Etsy shop. You’ll find that they keep to Cookie Cutter’s style of “happy and quirky”.

I used a fun mix of fabrics for the front, back and inner lining. These cheerful pouches are great for the young and young at heart!

The other piece of news which I’m excited to share with you is: Cookie Cutter is going to be at MAAD (Market for Artists & Designers) this Friday, 12 Aug, 5pm-12mn, at the Red Dot Museum. I’m having a little stall that night and I’ll love for you to come say hi!

While you mark it down in your calendar, I'm going to head back to sew :) Happy Monday, lovelies!

Rain

I should be sewing away, I know. It's raining outside and I'm feeling lazy. So I doodled instead.

[Shop Update] Dog Plush - Wolly

Eek! Are we already into August? (scans my mind quickly for what I’ve achieved so far this year) On the positive side, I can’t wait for these super warm months to be over. Sewing in my little work area, which comes with little windows, in the sweltering afternoon heat is no small feat. By the time I proudly hold my completed project in my hand, my face is glistening.

So here’s one plush I completed recently. Definitely felt warm but also happy! This is Wolly, who wears a top with Japanese prints. Some of you might have already met him on my Twitter on FB Page but I thought I’ll show him off to the non-followers over here :) Wolly’s available over here.