A Little About Me

I have been neglecting my blog for quite some time so I promised myself to write posts more often. And what better time than to do it on the first day of May. Today I've decided to write a little something about myself for the sake of those who've just joined my facebook page or followed my blog. 

50s Inspired Hobo Bags, 2011

My name is Monique and I'm the one-woman-show behind Kikay Designs. I started making bags (by accident!) 5 years ago. I have no formal training in design and have never had A lesson in sewing bags. So, I'm basically self taught. Most of my designs are random and inspiration comes from just about anywhere. I love colours and you may have noticed that I've got so much variety of styles and designs. It's because I get bored making the same bag over and over again. 

 Kikay in acrylic, 2004 

I love to paint using both oil and acrylic but I have not done this in a very long time. I hope to go back to painting one day. 

 Mexican Pot in Oil, 2003

When I get the time I play around with my camera just because I'm a "wannabe photographer" :) 

Vivid Sydney, 2010

Magic Hour, 2009

When I'm not sewing, taking photos or painting,  I tend to my succulents. I just love these plants. So crisp and colourful!

Last year, I was so surprised when the editor of Australian Homespun asked me to create an exclusive bag project for the magazine.So if you want to try out making your own bag, check out the my project in the February 2012 issue of the magazine.

Bowlicious Bag Project, 2012

Well, I guess that's all for now. Hope I didn't bore you!

Super Sale on NOw

http://kikaydesigns.com

Kikay Club Newsletter

We're staying true to our promise, that is, not sending you spam emails. The last newsletter we had was launched on the 20th of January. Wow, that was just the beginning of 2011. How time flies, we are now half way through the year so I guess it's time for the mid-year newsletter.

If you haven't join Kikay Club yet, sign up now. You have to be in it to win it! (*hint*hint*)

I want to hear about KIKAY cool updates and exclusive offers!

Bag Workshops

 
When was the last time you did something for the first time?

Have you thought about taking up something new in 2011, to discover and explore your "hidden" artistic talent and creativity?

In 2011, Kikay Designs will be offering practical Bag Workshops to anyone who would love to learn how to make unique and individual handmade bags.

The concept behind the workshop is based on the idea that every now and then, you need to step back and spend some "me time".

We envisage these workshops to be something to look forward to and where you can have fun, enjoy time by yourself or with a friend, and come home with your very own bag.

The workshop will be a way to relax your mind, pamper yourself, an opportunity to try something new or simply to enjoy a day to discover and explore your "hidden talents" and creativity, while socialising with like-minded people.

Designing and making your own bag is not only fun but also satisfying because you did it all yourself. Imagine wearing something you made that no one else will have!

These workshops will be held in a small studio located in a quiet, leafy Sydney suburb, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, which guarantees a relaxed atmosphere.

If you would like to learn more about upcoming workshops, register your interest by sending an email to: kikaydesign@gmail.com

Colors of Mexico

My love for bold and bright Mexican colors found in Talaveras and other Mexican crafts have extended to my fabrics. Yesterday, I received these beautiful works of art. These are new additions to my collection of Mexican print fabrics.   

I am so excited, I have so many ideas in my mind on what bags to make out of these. But I'm thinking, shall I just keep it? I'm a hoarder you know ... 

Can you guess the designer of these fabrics? I'm not telling! :-)

KikayDesigns.com - Now Open for Business

We're so excited to announce that our very own online shop is finally live ... kikaydesigns.com is now open for business!

To celebrate this milestone, we are offering a massive 15% OFF everything in store until August 15th. This offer is exclusive to all our valued Kikay Club Members ONLY. Please enter Discount Code: 082010KC at the checkout to get the discounted price. Not a member yet? Join now!

I want to hear about KIKAY cool updates and exclusive offers!

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But of course, if you are also a Facebook Fan, you get an extra 5% OFF! To avail of this extra discount, please enter Discount Code: 082010FB to get 20% OFF everything in store.  

If you're not a facebook liker yet, head over to Kikay Facebook Page and hit "Like".

Why not do your christmas shopping early and take advantage of this special offer. Remember this offer ends this Friday, August 15th. 

Exclusive to Kikay Club Members

It's been sometime since I had the chance to tell Kikay Club members about what's been happening at Kikay Designs and I am so sorry that I have not been getting in touch lately.

Hobo Brown Paisley - AU$56.00

Available at Dawanda

Things have been really busy in my small studio but I am determine to make sure that from now on all members will get regular updates. So today, I've sent out a newsletter which contains details on a very generous special discounted price offer exclusive to Kikay Club members only. This generous offer is valid till August 15 only but this is not the end of it. In fact, it is just the beginning. Members will enjoy exclusive offers and special discounted prices regularly from now on.

 Small Tote in Brown - AU$45.00

Available at MadeIt

Are you a Kikay Club member yet? If not, join now to find out what the offer is about and enjoy the benefits of being a member in future offers. Joining is free and easy. Just click on the 'Join now' button in the lime green box found below or on the left side bar of this blog. 

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How to Create Facebook Fan Page Welcome Tab

Do you have a Facebook Fan Page? Have you ever wondered how they make those fancy welcome page? Let me tell you how ...

From your facebook page, click on 'Edit Page' (found below your avatar) then scroll down to 'More Applications' and look for FBML application. Add the application and update with your welcome message. Then create a Tab with your Welcome info. 

Finally, in Page Manager set that Tab as the default landing Tab (found under Wall Settings). Voila! you now have a welcome message just like below.

New Look Blog

If you haven't noticed, we have a new look blog.

Just below the header, you will find quick links to the most commonly viewed pages ... just click on the tabs!

Wondering where to shop?

It's easy, there's a tab for each shop. What are you waiting for, click it on!

For cool updates and exclusive offers, don't forget to check out the 'News' page.

And last but not the least, we are currently working on our very own website - KikayDesigns.com so watch this space (there's a tab, too!).

Blue Screen

As I turned on my laptop last Wednesday night, the dreaded "blue screen of death" appeared in front of me. So I tried to resuscitate my dear pc, but it was just too late.

In the past few weeks, it's been giving signs but I couldn't be bothered to take notice. I should have made sure I backed up everyday. But no, I was just too busy!

I just hope that I'd be able to recover my files ... fingers crossed the hard disk is okay.

So if you don't hear from me in the next few days, you know why I'm missing in action!

We have a logo!

So what do you think? I never thought it would be so difficult to decide on a logo design. There were several concepts but in the end, I ended up with what I originally had in mind ... something simple. I think it's cute and it really reflects my style!

Miss Kikay

Miss Kikay has arrived, look at her she is so cute. She's made of wrought iron in vintage brown. She's got a pretty "dress" and even has a ribbon.

She is such a pretty ornamental mannequin and looks stunning in my studio.

Here she is modelling her very own bags.

The Brothers

It all started with the "Lil Bro" which I originally bought for my daughter who asked me to buy her one because she wanted to make her own dresses. Well, that was the plan. This lasted a little less than a month. So while it was gathering dust, I decided to sit down and give it a go. 

Then things got a little too serious that it was time to get something, well, more serious! So the "Indie Bro" was adopted. 

For a little while, Indie Bro and Lil Bro were doing well but as things got too hectic, it was time to add a new addition to the family, so "Lock Bro" came on board.  

So now there are 3 members in the "Bro" family and they all work together as a team to create handmade Kikay bags!

Far Yet So Close

Far from the city yet so close, that's where I live. On weekdays, a 40 minute train ride will get you to the city and and a cruising 30 minute drive on the weekends. Not bad, considering that even if you live only 20 minutes away from the city, to get there, it will still take you more than half an hour because of the traffic.

Macquarie Links Drive © 2009 Peek into My World

Living at Macquarie Links takes you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. When you're tired from work, sometimes the trip home seems forever and I must admit that sometimes I wished it would only take me 10 mins to get home. But as soon as I arrived, the travel time makes it worth it.

The Link Pick Up Point © 2009 Peek into My World

I love taking the train although I hate the old carriages where it is so hot when you want it cold and so cold when you want it hot. It can be uncomfortable at times but the good thing about it is that I get to relax. I can sit down and enjoy the trip and think of nothing if I want to. I can close my eyes and listen to music. I can get a power nap. It's funny how it can be relaxing.

Horizon (Houses) © 2009 Peek into My World

The train ride is MY time. This is the only time when there are no unwashed dishes staring at me, no vacuum cleaner calling me and no poor succulent plant begging to be freed from the weeds. This is the time when I get to do what I want. Thanks to my Blackberry, I can send tweets, I can check out my friends on facebook, I can read, and get on top of news (and celebrity gossip!) and can even chat. And when you can do all these, the 40 minute ride seems like 10 minutes.

Boundary Sign © 2009 Peek into My World

When you live in the city, space is always a problem. You'd be lucky to hear the birds in the morning or enjoy the view of the bush. The trees that line along the streets are a rare sight. And the noise from everywhere, it will make you nuts (or am I just getting old??). Weekends are precious to me and I love to enjoy peace and quiet.

The Pond © 2009 Peek into My World

As they say, you can't have it all. So I'd rather have my space, travel to work everyday and go home in my own little paradise. Yes, it's far, yet it is so close.

5 Best Kept Secrets

In the past few weeks, I've thought about a few projects and I think it's time to make it public and make a commitment. So here's my 5 best kept secrets:

1) New Look Blog - In the last couple of weeks I've been looking around for a new (free) blog template. My current template is kinda getting boring and it's time for change. I have yet to find what I like. If you have any suggestions or ideas on where I could find free templates, please share! Can't wait to get a fresh new look!

2) Handmade Sightings - My daughter once told me that looking for stuff at Dawanda or Etsy is like looking for a needle in a haystack. It can be frustrating especially if you lose track of what you found. It instantly hit me - how about I make a site that is dedicated to keeping all our favorite "handmade sightings" in one place. Instead of putting them in our 'favorites' or 'hearts' in every online selling venue, we'll put them all in "one basket". And so 'Handmade Sightings' was born. There are so many beautiful stuff out there just waiting to be discovered. Keeping them in one place makes it easy to find and we're sharing it with you. Check it out and don't forget to follow so you don't miss out. And most of all enjoy browsing with us!

3) One Bag a Week Self-Campaign - with christmas just around the corner, it's time to gear up for the crazy shopping season. But how do I do it? Make 1 bag a day? but that would asking for trouble. 3 bags a week? achievable, but that is if I don't go to work 5 days a week. 1 bag a month? now that's a bit slack! How about 2 bags a week? Hmmmmm ... or 1 bag a week? sounds reasonable! So yes, expect to see 1 new bag every week from Kikay! Good luck to me!

4) Peek into my World - not quite a secret anymore. I've previously blogged about this and I've since been trying to post regularly as time permits. So please drop by Peek into my world. If you feel like browsing an art gallery, visit my Photoart Gallery.

Winter Wildflowers © 2009 Peek into My World

5) Newsletter - I recently got an email from a subscriber wondering if she's been missing out on Kikay newsletter. Well, actually no! In the last few weeks I've been working on a fresh new look kikay e-zine which is coming out soon. Are you a subscriber yet? This elite group of subscriber's are special and just like our facebook fans, they get pampered with discounts and giveaways too! What are you waiting for? Join now and keep an eye on your inbox!

I want to hear about KIKAY cool updates and exclusive offers!

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So there! The secret is out.

Now where have all my elves gone? Yoohoo ... I need some help here ...

Peek into My World

I have always been an artist (in my own little way!). Although I have no professional training, I've always managed to teach myself all sorts of art.

A few years ago, I took lessons in painting but that did not last long. I was so impatient and I just wanted to paint away! Photography, like painting, have always interest me but since I am busier than a bee, I could not find time to learn it.

Three months ago, my daughter broke my brand new point and shoot camera which gave me the chance (and excuse!) to buy a Digital SLR camera. As usual, I am teaching myself how to use it and hopefully learn to capture beautiful pictures. Again, all in my own time.

Since getting the camera, I haven't had the chance to really use it full on. In between my full time job and Kikay Designs, I am slowly learning at a snail's pace but so far it's been good. No pressure, no stress. Just pure enjoyment and satisfaction!

I have created a personal photo blog to record my progress but mainly to have a place to post snapshots of anything, from my "point of view". Join me in my journey as I learn photography on my own ... peek into my world!

5 Things I don't leave the house without!

1. Myself - duh!

2. My Blackberry Bold - I'll be lost without my best friend, my personal assistant, my entertainer, my info getter, my help desk, my daily paper, my personal weather forecaster, my navigator ... in short everything is in this nifty gadget!

3. My Super Obese Wallet - all-in-one container: from money (I wish there was more of it!), train tickets (current and expired!), lots and lots of receipts and dockets, paper of any kind, a missing button (?), stamps, notes from kids, pictures, fabric swatches, I wonder who invented the wallet ... must be a genius ?!!

4. My D&G Glasses - as they say, 'Eyes are the Window to the Soul'!

5. My Keys - gateway to the house, to car, to mailbox, the garage door, plus hanging keyrings of all sorts! ... i think you all know what it looks like so there's no pix!

So there ... A little more about me!

Top 100 Kikay Friends on Facebook

Just hit the Top 100 Funky Kikay Friends on Facebook. Yay!

But what now??? hahaha... well I guess I am assured I have claimed my username, which is of course, KikayDesigns, and I don't have to type a string of words, numbers and characters and most of all, I can simply tell everyone that they can visit Kikay on facebook.com/kikaydesigns.

Phew, that was a tough race. I almost did not make it to my self-imposed deadline which was this weekend.

Well, I'm thinking of rewarding this Top 100 Fans but I'm just not sure what, when, where and how...

About Me (Part 2)

'Kalachuchi' in Acrylic, 2003

Here's the second part of my 'About Me' ...

So aside from designing and making handbags, I also love to paint. I never had formal training but I went to Julian Ashton Art School in Sydney to study oil painting. But after one term, I quit. I thought the lessons were too dragging and I just wanted to paint away! So instead I read and bought a lot of books and basically taught myself to paint.

'Mexican Jar' in Oil, 2003

'The Fishing Boat' in Acrylic, 2002

When I first started, my medium was acrylic but I had problems catching up with my paintings. The paints just dried too quickly leaving me no time to manipulate my work. Being an amateur with no training at all, I found it frustrating so I shifted to oil. This time it allowed me more time to paint while I learn. And most of all, I had all the time to fix my mistakes by redoing the whole painting or even start from scratch. And yes, some of them even have layers and layers of overpainting.

'Morroccan Jar and Yucca' in Oil, 2004

Dracaena in Oil, 2003

It's been a while now since I last painted. I hope to open up my art and paint box one day and start painting away!

'Mexican Warrior Mask in Oil, 2004'

'Kikay' in Oil, 2003

About Me (Part 1)

I'm not a born writer and definitely not a natural blogger. So to say something about myself is going to be a struggle. But let me try ...

My name is Monique and I'm the indie artist behind Kikay Designs. I enjoy making handbags with my own designs. I particularly like printed fabrics with bright and vivid colours.

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

I also love to paint with oil and acrylic. Once again, I taught myself. I did attend painting lessons for one term but then I quit because the lessons were just too slow and dragging. I just wanted to be able to get my hands dirty and paint away!

Okay, I think this is all for now as I'm running out of things to say. Hmmmm, maybe I should just do this as a series (?). Until Part 2 of 'About me'.