Tag Archives: DIY

DIY Project #28

21 Mar

Soon after completing DIY number 27, I debated which miniature to work on because I had been hoarding a mountain of choices. I opted for the latest purchase – the Happy House because it looked so cute and fun to do. However, the minute I started it, I wondered if it was the right decision.

The latest project

The house is minuscule, and the parts, oh my goodness, tinier than my pinky nails! There was even a nozzle head replacement for the glue applicator. Doesn’t this show you how minuscule the set is? Deft fingers are not enough, but a fine nozzle is a must!

A fine nozzle applicator for the glue

I wouldn’t say it was a regrettable decision because I have never had a set unfinished. It’s the duration that irks me sometimes, taking so long. But I always complete what I start.

Tiny, mini, puny, can’t get any smaller!

My thoughts were bordering on the timeline to complete it. It could rival project number 25, which took six months and collected some dust. I hope this negativity of incompletion is just a passing-by thought and should not derail me. I will stay positive and get it done!

DIY Project #27, Part 3

20 Mar

Last week, I completed DIY project number 27. It took me three weeks because I took a week off from working on it. Thus, a two-week job, and not longer, being such a small set.

I found this set to be very different from the past ones that I’ve worked on. The pieces were smaller, and there were more paper-based props. Man, it was tough. But all in all, I think it was a good challenge.

With a dust cover provided, DIY project number 27 now sits outside and not in the Ikea display cabinet! Yay, this was a bonus because the cabinet has so many of the completed sets. I jumped right into number 28 immediately. On a roll here!

DIY project #27

A New Game

27 Feb

Lately, I find myself playing a lot more games again on my iPad Mini. It’s not good because it’s very unhealthy, especially for my eyes and time management. Being obsessed with my games, reading the news, and watching YouTube or Netflix derails me on more important matters, like house chores or crafting my miniatures.

So at times, I have to put the iPad aside to focus on those things because I tend to forget the time amid a game challenge. I am distracted by the latest game downloaded recently. These things happen when free ads promoting new games appear amidst my regular ones.

Piqued, I would check them out, and the next thing I know, the game is downloaded. And before I know it, I am playing a new game. Sometimes, the interest would wane, but the appeal is quite lasting for this latest download, Brick Out.

I find myself playing it until the wee hours of the night. Even Gudetama, the Netflix series I am watching now, cannot hold my interest as much! I should detach myself from my games and be more disciplined in putting down my iPad Mini when it’s time to sleep.

DIY Project #27, Part 2

24 Feb

The latest miniature project, number 27, has kicked off! I opted for the Elegant Studio set. So far, it’s going well. However, the challenge lies in understanding the manual, which is in Chinese and not English. But with the Google Translate app, this minor challenge is hardly one with the phone in hand to do the job!

The bonus of this set is the dust cover that came with it. So upon completion, I don’t have to worry about crowding my Ikea display cabinet. I can decide where to place this Elegant Studio anywhere in the house. Nice!

DIY Project #27

21 Feb

I am undecided about which set to work on for DIY project number 27 – so many choices, so little time. Recently, I bought another two sets from my favorite online shopping site. It was an impulse purchase, but also for a sense of security.

When I started project number 26, there was this sense that my mountain of miniatures had reduced, so I had to replenish it quickly. Hahaha. Of late, I noticed my DIY purchases are getting smaller and smaller in scale compared to my earlier sets.

Subconsciously, I think I am mindful of my Ikea display cabinet – it is running out of space. I really should buy another cabinet to resolve this issue. Then again, it is fun to work on tiny sets, although it can also be trying at times. I love the challenge, I guess.

So DIY project number 27 is a toss-up between the new tiny purchases over the other sets that are much bigger. And as the two new choices have books, my preferred theme for miniatures these days, I will close my eyes and pick one.

Which one to work on? Hmm

DIY Project #26, Part 2

13 Feb

Once the momentum kicks in to stay focused to work on the miniature, it’s a breeze all the way, a situation I had forgotten the past year when I derailed from crafting to do other things instead. It is nice when there are no hiccups or lengthy pauses to hinder the pace.

So, in less than two weeks, minus a few days of non-crafting, DIY project number 26 is now a complete piece and ready to join the others in the Ikea display cabinet. I hope I can find a place for it!

DIY project number 26
With the light on!

Number 26 is another bookshop that I seem to like; there are now three books-related sets that I have done – two bookshops and a study. There were challenges, of course, but they are nothing when one stays focused.

I will take a break for a few days before deciding which miniature to work on next for DIY project number 27.

A Sleep-in Day

6 Feb

It’s a Monday, a public holiday, and a rainy day. The weekend has stretched yet again to a three-day, with today being a replacement public holiday.

It is perfect for a sleep-in with the cool weather and doing nothing, and the thought of working on my miniature pales to the lure of the sofa. The Weather app is showing a rainy day until this evening. Going out feels like a hassle with the wet condition. So it looks like staying put is best.

DIY Project #26

31 Jan

Feeling inspired that I finally completed the last miniature, I started on the next one immediately, project number 26. It should not take so long since I have to be home to continue my road to recovery from my medical issues.

DIY project #26!

I have yet to play golf, so it’s a matter of allocating enough time to the project daily. Then there will be progress. I find these DIY miniature sizes more enjoyable to do. Also, the completed set does not take up much space in the IKEA display cabinet. Nice!

DIY Project #25, Part 3

30 Jan

Finally, DIY project number 25 is a wrap! It took me six months, the longest ever, to complete a miniature set. And I had forgotten the sense of satisfaction and achievement upon completion because I had neglected my craft work for so long. So it’s nice to feel this positivity and accomplishment.

I should get back into doing my miniatures more this year. Last year, I was so busy with other activities and travel, and there was hardly any time for my hobbies. I did no carving, minimal felting, and only occasional miniature work.

My sweet little Jam Shop
Details of the shop

Perhaps this year, the priority is to focus on these activities again and have an enjoyable time.

Non-festive Weather

24 Jan

The weather has not been festive; it’s gloomy and raining, unlike the typically hot and humid weather during Chinese New Year. But it suits my mood.

My Jam Shop, DIY project #25, has been my bright thing so far. There are a few more steps to go before it is complete.

However, I am skipping a few things because I do not want to stress myself or add to the non-festive mood.