Happy Mail + November Craft Haul: Happy Me!

Thank heavens for Manilenya friends, and more thankful for this Manilenya "Crafter" friend who understands my craziness with craft stuff!

A few weeks ago, we were planning to shop online at AliExpress with washi tapes, clear stamps, and die cuts (for her). However, it didn't push through because of the payment option - we still prefer PayPal. *wink*

Until one day, she told me that Landmark has washi tapes, stickers, and tin cans; just like the ones found in AliExpress. And the rest, my dear friends, is history. *happy dance*

Let's take a look at my haul slash happy mail I got yesterday.

This is what's in the parcel - a mix of stickers, washi tapes, and tin cans. I just love everything about them, things like these make me happy! ^_^

Craft Haul and Happy Mail from Metro Manila

⇢ The Happy Mail ⇠

Hurray for the Happy Mail!!!

Let's start off with the goodies that made this parcel extra special. This amazing Happy Mail from my Manilenya friend, Tracy, made my heart beat so fast that I almost forgot about the Landmark items, instead, I gushed over those items coming from her.

She also included those from her online shop, Scrap Stash, which are the iron-on vinyl and a mini kit that can be used for a scrapbook, card-making, or planner. She also included a tin can, clear stamp, stickers, washi sampler, postcard, and watercolor tube. See, you know why it's called a Happy Mail! ^_^

Items from Scrap Stash

"Love to Blog" Iron-On Vinyl Sticker | Scrap Stash

Cats and Dogs Mini Kit | Scrap Stash

More goodies from Tracy! Yay!

⇢ My November Craft Haul ⇠

Craft Haul for November

Now, in this corner, let's talk about this cuteness overload craft haul. First off, I want to thank Tracy for purchasing these for me. If only I still live in Manila, you know we will definitely frequent Landmark together just for stuff like this! And thank you, Landmark, for having these in your Department Store, you just made our life easier! Right, Tracy?! Lol!

So, what's included in my November Haul? Well, aside from the stickers that will be used for my Planner, I also bought Washi tapes! Take note, it's just only now that I hoarded washi tapes because they're very affordable! And not to mention those shabby and vintage tin cans; looks like my love for tin cans is back!

Oh, let's not forget about the nibs from The Crafters Marketplace for my calligraphy and the mini vase that will be used for watercolors too. Love 'em all!

Molang Sticker at Php44.75 and Vanilla Days Sticker at Php39.75 | Landmark

(each contains 6 sticker sheet)

Shabby Round Tin Cans at Php29.75 each | Landmark

Vintage Mini Tin Can at Php24.75 | Landmark

Washi Tapes at Php69.75 each | Landmark

(1 box has 2 different designs of washi tapes)

Washi Tapes at Php14.75 each | Landmark

Hiro Leonard No.41 Calligraphy Nib at Php90.00 each | The Crafters Marketplace

Mini Vase at Php35.00 | Alturas

There you go!

Thanks again, Tracy! Love everything you sent me! *wink*

Discovering Colleen Poster Color in Gold and Silver

Never have I thought that I will work with Colleen again. But time came and we're here doing artworks together. If you're a 90s kid like me, you probably know who or what I'm talking about.

 Colleen is a well-known brand of colored pencil; my mom's favorite actually. Whenever we buy school supplies she would always want me to get Colleen colored pencils. And if I remember correctly, I had those with dual color, like a twin tip. Nostalgic! That's why I'm glad that after several years, I'm using Colleen once again through these poster colors.

So why did I bought these?

Well, I got these poster colors as an alternative for shimmering watercolors for my calligraphy. Instead of buying Kuretake Gansai Tambi STARRY PEARL Colors Set and the likes, I bought these poster colors to see if I'm going to be comfortable working with glittery or shimmering paints for my lettering. And since I'm not familiar with using such paints, I don't want to spend that much and regret buying expensive shimmering paints in the end.

Thankfully and surprised, I stumbled upon these amazing poster colors from Colleen - gold and silver. I thought they were all just about colored pencils! However, knowing it's from Colleen, I thought these poster colors were expensive; but they're not! Would you believe that this 20mL poster color costs Php38.50 only? Yes, happy pocket indeed! *grin*

Now let's talk about the poster color.

Since this is my first time to work with metallic paints, I really have no standard for comparison. But as expected, coming from a known and established brand, the gold and silver are bright and luminous. The pigment dries smoothly and catches the light when you move the paper. The opacity can be easily adjusted by controlling the use of water.

This can also give a luminous effect when mixed with your choice of watercolor before using it and it could also be used as an accent on your watercolor artwork. If you're going to use it with a dip pen for calligraphy, I suggest that you add more water so the paint will flow smoothly from the nib down to the paper.

Just a little reminder though to shake well or mix well before use because the gold and silver pigment settles at the bottom when not in use; it's about 30% liquid and 70% pigment.

Overall, I love how it performs. I'm good with them and have no plans of buying a shiny watercolor as of the moment. I will play with these for now and see how far I can go with these poster colors.

In addition to my collection, looks like I'm going to look for the white poster color too. Hopefully, I could find one ASAP!  *grin*