SUMMER DIY PROJECTS

Hey. :)
Sorry 'bout my short hiatus.
Just came back from a much needed vacation...
I'll tell you more about it in the next post.
For now though, I'm just dropping by to let all of you know that I'm okay. :)

I was supposed to post these DIY projects before I escape to the wonderful island of Batanes...
But unfortunately, I needed more time to pack.. :)
Hope this entry makes up for my one week of absence.

For most of us, going on a vacation means going on a shopping spree for new summer outfits as well.
I used to have monthly paychecks.
I had luxury then to splurge once in a while...
Now that I'm self-employed, my limited resources are best left for more important endeavors which definitely, do not include shopping spree money for the summer.
Instead of moping, I just put on my creative hat and looked for old clothes I can upcycle.
If I can't BUY my dream summer outfits...I'll just MAKE them. :)

For my first project, I transformed an old sheer skirt into a short dress.
I just removed the waist garter and replaced it with a rope. This served as straps for the dress.
I used a similar rope as belt so it wouldn't look like a maternity dress.

Unfortunately, it's really windy in Batanes so I was advised not to wear super short flowy dresses.
Using the same concept though, this is what a wore.

My 2nd project involved a dress that I bought for myself back when I was still working.
I never got the chance to wear it though because it's hideous on me.
It's too big. It's too long. It has...not just sleeves...It has LONG sleeves!
Instead of trying to figure out why I bought it in the first place, I grabbed a pair of scissors and started cutting!

I removed the sleeves and twirled what's left. 

The dress has a cotton belt which I cut into 3 strips. 

I braided them so they would complement the dress's twirled straps. :)

For my 3rd ensemble, I wanted something nautical...so I got an old tee and painted it with red stripes.

I cut it to half to make the shirt more comfy and summer ready. 

I used the excess fabric to make a matching DIY t-shirt bracelet.

I toned down the shirt's rocker chic vibe by pairing it with a long flowy skirt.

I wanted another short top...this time...in striking color.

Anticipating my change in complexion, I wanted a top that will highlight my tan.

...and highlight it did... :)

That's all for now.

Hope you're able to get some tips here on how to have a splurge-free-but-still-stylish summer! :)

I wish I could go back to paradise,

HOPEFUL PROBLEMATIC

Hope...

It's such a powerful feeling...

Even just a small dose...can turn any cynic into a believer...

This is what God gave me when He showed me the Bible passage on the night my Dad gave me "the ultimatum".

And let us not grow weary while doing good, 

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 

(Galatians 6:9 NKJV)

And lucky for me, God continued to make his presence felt on the days that followed.

In the day when I cried out, 

You answered me and  made me bold  with  strength in my soul. 

(Psalm 138:3 NKJV)

I am Miss-Know-It-All especially when it comes to things that I want.

I have plans. I have goals. I have targets.

But after my slump, I just gave it all up to Him.

But I am also the type who doesn't feel comfortable leaving anything to chance...
I am a doer. I like feeling in control.

Making His presence felt once more, He sent me passages that reassured me that I am on the right track even if I don't have proof yet.

And for that, I am grateful.

"End Your Day Right", Joyce Meyer 

So I followed...

I kept myself busy...and I moved forward.

I didn't turn my back on my businesses.

Iskrambol day with Stephy

I Love Nuggets at the NUCC games

I continued to make crafts.

My 3rd guesting on GMA News Tv's "Good News"

I'm not really sure if my parents will remind me of their ultimatum soon...

Right now, I am just relishing the days that they haven't yet.

Focusing on the good stuff...

I am alive. 

I have a family.

I have a home.

I have friends.

I have my guy.

I have my faith.

I still have my dreams.
Lucky girl, indeed. :)

Some of our latest Popjunklove creations
Plushies inspired by Loki, "Avengers" and Toothless , "How to Train a Dragon"

Hopeful problematic, 

ULTIMATUM

Morning of April 22...

"Something good will happen today..."

This is what the 1st day of my 30 day Bible plan, "Start Your Day Right", tells me...

"You just need to believe in God's goodness..."

Always a good soldier, I left my house for another whole day of Ultimate with only one thought in mind...

"Something good will happen to me today..."

Afternoon of April 22...

"Find a job or there will never be peace in this house."

This was how my Dad greeted me when I came home from my games.

He kept going on and on about how I have not achieved anything yet.

"You're 29 years old", he said.

"By now, you should be financially stable already."

This is where we don't meet eye to eye...

For my dad, achievement is quantified by how much I earn.

For me though...it is defined by the experiences that I've had and lives that I've touched.

I've been a reporter for 5 years.

I've covered the president...

went to Typhoon-stricken provinces...

reported stories that made people think...and feel.

In Jordan, covering then Senate President Manny Villar's repatriation efforts

Helping one OFW meet
Former President Gloria Arroyo

While doing all that...my sister and I put up a small business...

A business that encourages people to creatively upcycle their junk as a way to help the environment.

I recently left my job as a reporter to manage our business full time and I AM HAPPY.

These...for me...are my achievements.

A handmade card from a Popjunklove fan

"While all these are great in theory..."

My dad insisted...

"Theory will not put food on the table..."

"Your aunt has a job offer for you..."

"Take it or we will never be okay again..."

Evening of April 22...

"Lord, what should I do?"

I cried...

"I didn't make the big jump just to go back to a life that made me unhappy..."

...and I cried some more.

Desperate to hear God, I opened the Bible and read the 1st day of my 30 day Bible plan, "End your Day Right"...

‎"And let us not grow weary while doing good, 

for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart." 

(Galatians 6:9 NKJV)

"Even though continuing to move forward is sometimes painful, it is far better than giving up and sliding backwards. God is doing a good work in you so He can do more for you and through you. So ask Him to fill you with holy determination tonight and keep moving in the right direction."

My tears of grief turned to tears of joy.

Still sobbing, I closed my eyes and went to sleep with only one thought in mind...

"God is real and He answers.

Something good happened to me today...

I NOW SINCERELY BELIEVE."

YOUR WILL BE DONE....

WHAT TO DO WHEN SALES GO DOWN

First, you need to believe that eventually, it will be okay again.

Only through faith can one forge ahead despite the down times.

Second, forge ahead.

Continue doing what you love to do.

This is NOT THE TIME to give up even though it may seem that way.

"Follow your yellow brick road and be happy."
Image from here

I just had a week off from my almost two months of daily plushie making.

At first, I was so excited for the break.

The past months were soooo busy...I think, one time, I found myself unconsciously talking to one of my plushies.

*Hayayay!*

Popjunklove's Limited Have Nots Summer Collection

I still stayed productive though...

This time, I channeled all my creative powers to making accessories that I, myself, would love to wear.

Popjunklove's Statement Pieces from Scraps

The new challenge made me happy...for a while...

I'm a dreamer, yes...but I still have REAL, financial obligations too.

The thought of not having orders for a week was scary.

My mind suddenly raced back to the time when I was still an employee...

Monthly Paychecks, Bonuses, Allowances...

I will be lying if I say that the thought of going back to work did not cross my mind.

To keep me sane, I kept repeating these three simple but powerful words --

 GOD WILL PROVIDE.

                                                                                                            Phil 4:19

There are times when it seems as if God doesn't answer...

Yes, I have my share of seeming unanswered prayers as well...

I do believe though that eventually, He will...when the time is right...

I was fortunate, I guess, because just when the voices of self-doubt started getting louder...I felt Him answer through the story of a boy and his DIY video arcade.

Before his fame, Caine only had one customer...
But did he give up?
NO.

I cried like crazy after watching this video.
He's just a child.
To have that much passion at such a young age and to be rewarded for that...
It's everyone's dream, right?

I appeared on "Good News" again over the weekend. My appearance on the show
helped me remember that is what I want to do.


So after moping...
I set aside my self doubts, went back to work and prayed that everything will be okay...

Captain America and Thor -inspired plushies
Popjunklove to release more Avengers -inspired dolls soon

PS:

After a week of slow sales...I got new orders.

Isn't God great? :)

In case your on a slump as well, here's a good article on "how to get people to view your items and purchase them".

Hope this is the answer your waiting for from above! :)




Happy to be busy again,

HOW TO LEARN FROM THE BEST

They say that for you to succeed...
...you have to learn from people who have already made it.
This explains my obsession for autobiographies of successful people.
I prefer the rags-to-riches stories...stories of people who had to go through hell for a dream that others may have described then as impossible...even foolish.
So far, I have learned a lot from these people and I try my best to apply their life's lessons in my own life and business.

Smiling through the journey

The reason why I dream
My family at Manila Ocean Park 

I also like reading self-help books like Marketing 101 or Business Tips for Dummies.
My undergraduate degree is Political Science and my masteral degree is Mass Communications.
Except for my minimal exposure to my parents' exporting business in the 90's... I really have no background to guide me in my journey towards building a sustainable business.
Reading these self-help books is my way of compensating.

Do not treat these books as bibles though.
"To each his own " is a good saying to remember every time you read books like these.
What worked for others may not work for you.
Their tips are guides, not laws.
This...I learned the hard way.

My mistake then was to spend as if my capital was as big as those of the business moguls I'm trying to emulate.
In any business, it's true that you've got to spend to earn.
However, you have to set your limit.
There are just some investment moves you've got to let go.
Big shot businessmen can afford to lose some for long term gain.
Small time entrepreneurs, however, often times can't.
Like me, some need the 'gains' shortly after they've spent.

So the key is to improvise.
Know when to spend and know when to be resourceful.
In my case, I don't have much financial capital.
What I'm rich though is creative resources.
I still can't hire help so if I can do it on my own, I'd do it.

Popjunklove's delivery boy

It takes up lots of my time but it's okay...
In return, I get to learn and challenge myself.

Took on another full body plushie order
From 2 days to 7 hours
I'm improving...yey! 

It's also a blessing, I guess, that we lack financial capital since our seeming sorry state has forced my sister and I to be resourceful.
We use materials we already have and sprinkle them with a bit of our imagination...
Then voila!!!!... a new collection just from scraps!

Bracelet from scraps of fabric

Hunger Games-inspired necklace for Luis from scrap felt

How about you guys?
Do you have lessons you'd like to share?

Sporting my new bracelet!

Can't wait to hear them,

I AM OKAY :)

I'm okay...don't worry.

I know some of you get worried when I go M.I.A :)
Really, I'm fine...Just been really busy... :)
Busy is good, right? :)

Here's a short post of what I have been up to for the past weeks.
Tried fighting the urge to write here since I have orders to finish but I can't ignore it any longer...
So this is me...giving in...
I miss you guys!

1. I appeared in "Good News", a local program that airs every Sunday, 830pm on GMA News TV. Appearing on TV to share good news instead of depressing news on local politics surely was a breath of fresh air! :) The program is in Tagalog so my non-Tagalog speaking friends here...don't worry...I think the videos say it all!

DIY bag and clock from old, unreadable books
(Click the play button now! Unfreeze that scary frozen face of mine!!! Haha *o* )





2. My sister helped decorate my cousin's first baby shower. My cousin had two miscarriages before so this is really a big deal for all of us. She is expecting anytime this week! Yay!!!

DIY Baby Shower Decors care of Popjunklove
Take note: All materials, upcycled! :D

Banderitas from scrap fabric

 

Cake and cupcake toppers from scrap felt

The future parents

DIY Photobooth
Our Minions were such hams!

3. I met new friends online...who turned out to be plushie-lovers like me!

Angeline of Wonder Woman Rises ordered this for her birthday!

First time Max's sister agreed to pose with us!

Luis and the rest of the Mcdonald's Kiddie Crew

Joyce with her Minion and Momo

4. I agreed to make a full body plushie for the first time! Whew! That was hard!

To growth and more learnings!

Doll clothes from old, forgotten clothes

5. I'll be appearing again in "Good News" this Sunday! :)

They described me as an "Upcyclist" :) *twinkle*

Upcycle...such a beautiful word, isn't it? :)

From here

Whew! That was fast!...

Hope all of you are okay! :)