In the last 3 days, we've been ...

Really really busy ... as usual.

Soap Batch # 2 - April 25

On Saturday, we've cut soap batch # 2. This will hopefully be ready in 8 weeks. The flavour is Tea Tree, Mandarin and Lemon. Good for teenagers!

After putting aside the soaps for curing, I ran to the post office to pick up a parcel. I was hoping it was the metal purse frames I ordered and I wasn't disappointed. I could not wait to get home so I could start making a purse.

My First Attempt on a Purse with Metal Frame

As soon as we got home I got working on the purse. It looked so easy but little did I know that I was going to struggle with attaching the purse to the metal frame. It was a mess, the glue was all over the place. Here's what I've made. Noticed the glue all over the lining. This requires more practice. Hopefully I can do better next time.

Momsi's (long overdue) Makeup Bag

I've finally finished Momsi's make up bag. I am giving this to her on Mother's Day. I hope she will like it.

This has a dark brown canvas cotton flap and the main bag fabric is linen in shades of brown. Do you like the retro button? Nice.

A Surprise from DaWanda

I woke up on Sunday to find a surprise in my inbox. I just had my first sale at DaWanda, yay!

I knew this beauty was going soon. It was so popular. I've posted it today. I hope Bettina will like it.

A new Maria Tote in progress ...

Yesterday, I started making another Maria Tote. It's almost done and I hope to finish this tomorrow.

5 days to go...

5 more days before I go back to work. By the way, I decided to back out from that permanent job and decided on this contract work. The agent from the other job was not impressed. I feel bad but what to do??? I hope I made the right choice.

So many things to do, so little time ...

Busy as a bee, that's me!

A lot of things are coming up soon.

First, I will be starting work on May 5. Yes back to my day job! I'm afraid Kikay will (again!) be living in the shadow of my full time job. I wish I didn't have to go back to work but bills will have to be paid.

Second, we may be getting the keys to the house very very soon. It's good because then I can have more space and finally have my own "studio cum office" but it's bad because we will be moving and it's not going to be fun. Yuck, looking at all our stuff and thinking about moving all of it to the new house ... not excited!

That's the house right there, it's almost done!

Third, Mother's Day is coming up and I really want to make the makeup bag I promised my Mother dear. I told her I was going to make it for her birthday last November but it never happened so I said I'll make it just in time for Christmas (yes, you guessed it right!). I promised myself it will be done by Mother's Day (hopefully!).

I planned to make the "Jolly" makeup bag a little bit bigger than this laurel burch tapestry wristlet. It will have a zipper closure and a flap over as requested!

And lastly, the weather is getting colder and for me, this is the best time to make handmade soaps because it always comes up perfect. So yes, I am multi-tasking. I have started to make soaps since April 23. One 2kg batch at a time. These should be ready by winter and very well cured by Spring. The longer curing time, the better.

This is Lavender and Orange Sweet.

If you noticed it's looks slightly oily. But I'm not bothered by this. Trust me, by the time it is cured it will be hard and dry.

My Other "Craft Personality" - Soapmaking

Pssst .... I have a secret to tell you.

Aside from making handbags, I do have another "craft personality" and that is, making handmade soaps. What are the benefits of a handmade soap? What's so special about it you may asked.

Handmade soap has no chemicals that can strip away natural oils and vital amino acids from your hair and skin protein. It has no petroleum based detergents, sodium laurel sulfate or DEA, or other typical toxic shampoo/soap ingredients.

All my soaps contain 100% goatsmilk (absolutely no water added!) and 50% Olive Oil. I also add coconut oil, castor oil and palm oil. Plus a touch of Jojoba or Avocado Oils, Natural Clays, dried Calendula or Rose Petals or Lavender Buds.

But wait there's more ... I also add 100% pure essential oils. My favourites are Lavender, Grapefruit, Tea Tree, Mandarin, Rose Geranium, Lemon, Palmarosa, Orange sweet and Patchouli essential oils. Now that's luxury!

Why do I like using these ingredients?

Goatsmilk - goatsmilk protein contains essential amino acids as well as vitamins A and B and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. The low pH level of goat milk is close to our skin’s own pH, making it a very gentle cleanser.
Olive Oil - I believe this oil is central to the quality of handmade soap than any other oil used. Olive oil has superior penetrating power. It is not only a great moisturizer; it also protects and nurtures your skin. A superb moisturizer suitable for all skin types.
Coconut Oil - coconut oil is moisturizing and absorbs readily into skin. It produces hard soap with lovely, fluffy lather. In the tropical regions, it has always been used as a hair and scalp conditioner.

Castor Oil - castor oil is a very moisturizing and lubricating oil, high in fatty acids. It attracts and holds moisture in the skin. It is also suitable for shampoo bars.
Palm Oil - palm oil produces a nice, hard soap that doesn't dissolve quickly in water, cleans well and is also mild. It is also high in fatty acids and a rich source of beta-carotene.
Avocado Oil - is my favourite luxury oil. This oil is easily absorbed into deep tissue. It yields a rich and extremely deep penetrating oil, rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, as well as potassium - known as the youth mineral. It is wonderful for all skin types.

Jojoba Oil - another one of my favourite luxury oil. It is non-oily or greasy and contains high levels of tocopherols, which have an antioxidant effect on the skin. It is an excellent emollient, and has a chemical composition very close to the skin's own sebum. It restores and conditions hair. It is suitable for all skin types.

So there, see how special handmade soaps are compared to commercial soaps you buy from the supermarkets? Let me tell you more ... this time about my favourite essential oils.

Lemon Essential Oil - is highly prized for its high anti-bacterial properties. It is recognized as being antiseptic, and as having refreshing and cooling properties.
Palmarosa Essential Oil - moisturizes the skin, while balancing the hydration levels and stimulating cell regeneration. Valuable for use with problem skin.

Lavender Essential Oil - is a natural antiseptic, controls the production of sebum, stimulates circulation in the skin, balances and soothes your skin. Assists in the healing of wounds and helps to rejuvenate the skin. Recommended for oily and sensitive skin, eczema, acne, and skin irritations.
Grapefruit Essential Oil - aside from its refreshing citrus aroma, it helps to clear congested oily skin and also assists with acne, while toning the skin and tissues. It is also said to promote hair growth.

Rose Geranium Essential Oil - this uplifting oil has a great all-over balancing effect on the skin and excellent conditioner. It create balance between oily and dry skin. Great for all skin types.

Patchouli Essential Oil - Antiseptic and deodorizing, it is recommended for relief of acne and eczema. It's said to assist in the regeneration of skin cells, and it soothes and smoothes dry, cracked skin. At the same time, it regulates the oiliness of skin and hair.

Tea Tree Essential Oil - is a natural astringent. It is best known as a very powerful immune stimulant. It can help to fight Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses. For skin and hair, Tea Tree has been used to combat acne and oily skin and and itchy-flaky-scalp conditions. It may also stimulate hair growth!

Mandarin Essential Oil - it is a great ingredient to help purify and re-balance the skin and for promoting a fine textured skin, while at the same time fighting minor infections and skin problems.

Have you thought about switching to handmade soaps yet? Think about it and start reaping its benefits. It is truly a gift for your skin!

And oh, I forgot to tell you that I used the cold processed method in my soapmaking. Next time I will show you how I do it. Okey dokey?

My Very First Blog

Ahoy there!

Since finishing work in March (after 10 years in my job), I decided that now is the best time to concentrate on sewing ... but of course, in between job hunting, soap making, etc etc.

As I am a very slow sewer and I can not stand imperfections, I only managed to make a few in the last few weeks. I really wish I could sew 2 to 3 bags in a day but not a chance! It takes me ages to make one and I have given up on sewing hastily because I just end up picking for the rest of the day. So yes, I have decided to take it slowly but surely.

Here's some of my latest creations (now on sale) ...

The 'Maria' Tote Bag - this was based on an original tote bag I gave to my sister Maria. I lot of people loved it so I decided to make one with a different fabric and design. This one's a bit shorter and a little wider compared to the original.



The 'Fabi' Carry-All Bag - tried and tested by my sister, Fabi. I gave her one just like this but of course, in a different fabric and design. The original had 2 outside open pockets but this one has a single open pocket and the straps are made of 100% cotton webbing! Sweet!



If you're interested in any of my handmade bags, check out the Kikay stockists.

That's all for now. Until my next ba-lag!

Here's your Cartoon Character Personality!

(10-16 points) You are Garfield:
You are very comfortable, easy going, and you definitely know how to have fun but sometimes you take it to an extreme. You always know what you are doing and you are always in control of your life. Others may not see things as you do, but that doesn't mean that you always have to do what is right. Try to remember, your happy spirit may hurt you or others.

(17-23 points) You are Snoopy:
You are fun; you are very cool and popular. You always know what's in and you ' re never out of style , you are good at knowing how to satisfy everyone else. You have probably disappeared for a few days more than once but you always come home with the family values that you learned Being married and having children are important to you, but only after you have had your share of fun times.

(24-28 points) You are Elmo:
You have lots of friends and you are also popular, always willing to give advice and help out a person in need. You are very optimistic and you always see the bright side of things. Some good advice:try not to be too much of a dreamer. Dreaming too big could cause many conflicts in your life.

(29-35 points) You are Sponge Bob Square Pants:
You are the classic person that everyone loves. You are the best friend that anyone could ever have and never wants to lose. You never cause harm to anyone and they would never not understand your feelings. Life is a journey, it's funny and calm for the most part Stay away from traitors and jealous people and you 2 will be stress free.

(36-43 points) You are Charlie Brown:
You are tender, you fall in love quickly but you are also very serious about all relationships. You are a family person. You call your Mom every Sunday. You have many friends and may occasionally forget a few Birthdays. Don't let your passion confuse you with reality.

(44-50 points ) You are Dexter:
You are smart and definitely a thinker... Every situation is fronted with a plan. You have a brilliant mind. You demonstrate very strong family principles. You maintain a stable routine but never ignore a bad situation when it comes. Try to do less over thinking every once in a while to spice things up a bit with spontaneity!

About Kikay

Kikay was established in 2007 in a small studio in Sydney, Australia.

Kikay was never planned. It all started when one day 2007, I sat on a sewing machine and taught myself how to sew. Since that day, I've lovingly made handbags, purses, wristlets and gadget holders with my own designs. I particularly like printed fabrics with bright and vivid colours.

I've learnt a lot since then, and I'm still learning new things everyday.

All my products are handmade me ... one at a time!