♥ WINNIEL & THE LAUGHING HOUSE ♥

I'm Home

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:58:00 +0000

Once again, I'll be featuring beautiful treasuries on Etsy which I'm honored to be a part of. Thank you ayşe öz from mylamp

Here, "I'm Home" features all things "home-y, comfy..." that promises a warm welcome, & a well deserved rest & time with your loved ones & family after a hard day out at work or school.

Where your heart is, there your treasure will be. Home is heaven here on earth :)

* Featured here is The Laughing House's Bedroom/Home Slippers for Kids, Size XS in Japanese fabric: Prairie Girl.

13" Macbook Sleeve (Delicate Duet in Plum)

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Fri, 18 May 2012 03:14:00 +0000

These pictures shows a recently completed custom made Laptop Sleeve for a 13" Macbook, in Pat Bravo's fabric from her POETICA collection: Delicate Duet in Plum.

I have it paired with an aqua/turquoise solid for the interior. And, since long zipper comes in very limited colours, I chose a dark brown to go along with this fabric.

The result is such a charming, exotic looking Macbook Sleeve!

I'm so proud of it, & I'm sure my customer (as well as Pat Bravo herself!) will be pleased to see this beauty going around places! :D

* Want a laptop sleeve custom made to FIT, in YOUR choice of fabric? Pls visit me at The Laughing House http://thelaughinghouse.etsy.com for a quote :)

Mini Home Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Mon, 14 May 2012 02:56:00 +0000

My NEW fabric storage/show-case shelves & cabinets with glass doors.

It's been almost 3 years since we moved to this "new" place, & we've renovated/re-painted the whole house to make it look brand new.

What remains "undone", was my dream of making a custom built shelves/cabinets in my work station area. All my fabrics were stored in a temporary shelves & drawers, which simply cant stay neat & tidy for long.

My husband, seeing that my "precious" (fabrics) has multiplied so much (with no chance of decreasing in quantity), decided to go ahead & sponsor me with this custom built beauty. THANK YOU SO MUCH ^^

I'm so happy with how everything turned out, & can proudly invite local customers to my home now, if they wish to see the fabric selection or ready made purses in person :D

All the ready stock items are neatly displayed in a corner of my work station.

Now that everything is neatly organized in a pretty corner of my house, I'm determined to maintain it looking simple & clutter free. In a way, it significantly decreases the stress level too when your work area is well put together. :)

*PS: everything you see here are on sale on my ETSY shops:
1. The Laughing House (Organizer Purses/Bible Covers & other sewn items)
http://thelaughinghouse.etsy.com

2. Laughing House Fabric (imported designer fabrics, sold in half yards or more with tiered pricing discounts)
http://laughinghousefabric.etsy.com

NEW Art Gallery Fabric: SUMMER LOVE

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:20:00 +0000

Check out Art Gallery's latest fabric, SUMMER LOVE, by Pat Bravo.

Prints that capture beauty & innocence. A palette that mixes sun-kissed warm tones with a splash of aqua. Get swept away by SUMMER LOVE, a collection that evokes the spirit of young & carefree romantic adventures.

I had BIG dreams when these fabrics finally arrived. I'd wanted to make new cushion covers, curtains, bench covers for the home, scarves for myself, & little dresses for my Natalie.

However, I'm continuously swamped with work, be it new orders, minding the kids (& helping out with their school work) or household chores (that's never ending).

Now that I've just met the last date-line, I finally can have some breathing space... blog about this, & select a fabric for my new scarf :)

What will you dream of making with these line of lovelies?

* Photos courtesy of Art Gallery Fabric.

* SUMMER LOVE is now available in Fat Quarters, Yardage, Mix & Match Bundled Savings at Laughing House Fabric.

A Nice Surprise!

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 02:17:00 +0000

Two evenings ago, I was upset with my husband over something (trivial really). However I was being quite sensitive about it, & made me feel sad even till the next day.

I was washing the dishes when he came back home from work, & he presented me with this pretty bouquet!

No words were spoken, but smiles were exchanged, & the hurt was eased a little.

I appreciate this effort made by my husband to cheer me up. When something like this (coming home with flowers were unthinkable during our newly wed years!)

Well, it may have taken 10 years... but I'm glad there's "progress" in the "surprise" department after all :D

JAPANESE Fabric Bundle: Tiny Dots Restocked

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:27:00 +0000

Tiny Dots in 5 Colours

Tiny Elephants in Baby Pink & Dusty Beidge

Tiny Stars in Dark Blue, Grey & Lavender

Announcing the arrival of new JAPANESE fabrics in little "tinies" :)

Tiny Dots, this time in 5 colours instead of 7, & I've brought in the Black with Grey Dots, which I feel looks really cool!

And, the "lighter" cousin of DAIWABO Tip Top Canvas, Elephants, which I'll be naming them Tiny Elephants, (in line with my "Tiny" range) & I've brought in 2 of the sweetest colours available, Baby Pink & Dusty Beidge. They are super-kawaii... & totally irresistable! :D

Finally, it's the charming little stars that has a magical & surreal feel: Tiny Stars, in 3 colours.

Check them out at Laughing House Fabric for more details. More yardage is available upon request, & they're also available individually. Simply ask! :)

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:20:00 +0000

Summer Love

Poetica in Rose Ballad & Seafoam Symphony Palettes

Just arrived in the house are these delightful ART GALLERY FABRIC from Patricia Bravo's latest Februrary & March 2012 collections, SUMMER LOVE & POETICA in 2 colour palettes (Rose Ballad & Seafoam Symphony).

I've listed POETICA in Laughing House Fabric, & will soon be adding SUMMER LOVE as well.

I have big plans for these fabrics (for my own house): Curtains, new cushion covers, bench covers & perhaps a table runner to name a few. I promised myself, that I'll definitely work on one of these once I'm able to take a "break" from all the custom orders.

What's your dream projects with these lovelies? :)

* Available in fat quarters, half yards & more yardage on individual prints or bundled sets. Pls contact me at Laughing House Fabric, or email me at pingsping@yahoo.com for any enquiries.

Happy Lunar New Year!!! Gongxi Gongxi... :D

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 02:13:00 +0000

I hope this is not too late... but here's wishing EVERYONE a Happy, Prosperous, & BLESSED Lunar New Year!!!

This picture was taken on the 1st day of CNY (23rd Jan 2012), but I only managed to sort through my pictures this morning, hehe...

Natalie was wearing a pretty traditional "princess" dress which I bought during my last trip to Taiwan. And Hans, was wearing (an almost) traditional Chinese costume which I bought 1 or 2 days before CNY. It was actually meant for him to wear to school, as he said his friends will be wearing traditional costumes, & he wants it as well.

Well, I couldnt find one his size, & eventually found this "acceptable" piece from Kiddy Palace. However, he actually refuses to wear this to school, as it's not a matching "set" with the pants... *sigh*... This is not something I'd have naturally bought for him in the first place.

Anyways, he wore it during the 1st day of CNY, & that's good enough for me :)

Here, Hans was posing in front of his "calligraphy" written red papers done in school. It has the words "Fu: Blessing", "Chun: Spring", & "Ji: Luck".

He should have written them diagonally, so that they can be put up in a "diamond" shape facing up... but nevertheless, I pasted them up on the wall. And, he was really proud that his work is on display at a prominent place in our home :)

Hope this blog post finds you all well, fed, & all geared up to receive all the blessings 2012 has in store for you ^^

*Gongxi Gongxi!!!*

NEW Fabrics by Patrcia Bravo: POETICA

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:21:00 +0000

Seafoam Symphony

Rose Ballad

To all my customers out there awaiting new fabrics at the Laughing House Fabric, here's a sneak preview of what's coming our way this February.

POETICA by Patricia Bravo, where sweet verses & an ocean of symphonies create the perfect harmony in this collection. Free yourself in melodic tones of pink serenades, passionate purples, cascading blues & serene greens.

To receive notice when this collection becomes available, or pre-orders of bulk purchase, pls contact me at Laughing House Fabric, or email me at pingsping@yahoo.com

Souvenir in Ivory

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 03:28:00 +0000

Laptop Sleeve custom made for a Toshiba Satellite measuring 15.1 x 10.2 x 1.40 inches in Amy Butler's Souvenir (Ivory) fabric.

Usually, we dont make one with a front zippered pocket, but this was a request by the customer, who wanted it to store her power cords.

Once again, it was a satisfying piece of custom order. We were proud, & the customer was extremely pleased with her new Laptop Sleeve.

Need one custom made for yourself? Contact me at The Laughing House, or email me at pingsping@yahoo.com

Bringing in old designs back

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:09:00 +0000

Cosmetic Pouch made with Japanese fabric: My Folklore

The base (interior), was lined with another layer of contrasting interface for added support & "body".

With its wide end-to-end zipper, it provides a spacious & easy storage of my basic cosmetics of compact powder, blusher, lipstick & a fold-in hair brush.

This was actually one of The Laughing House's "oldest" purse design. And, after the first batch sold, we never reproduced it again, nor did I think of selling it as a custom order, as we started getting caught up with the popular 3in1 Purse, & Organizer Wristlets.

Until recently a customer "dug" out my older pieces, & requested a custom order.

She picked one of my Japanese fabric (My Folklore) for this pouch.

It turned out so beautifully, that I think many women would simply love to have a piece of this simple, fuss-free, no-nonsense pouch for their cosmetics in their handbags.

Thus, here's a "re-born" Cosmetic Pouch to be made in YOUR choice of fabric :D

Check it out at The Laughing House for a custom made pouch for yourself ^^

HOME SWEET HOME

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 01:41:00 +0000

It seems that I've been "missing in action" for the entire month of December, with all the "whirlwind" activities of school holidays, year end travels, getting "re-charged" all over again after the holidays.... catching up with all the orders that piled up.

Before I knew it, it's NEW YEAR!

Our church believes that 2012 will be a year of RESTORATION, FRUITFULNESS, & FAVOUR!

I say "AMEN!" to that ^^

Embrace it, be rooted in the house of God, & I believe this is what 2012 has in store for me & my family :D

And, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Sibel of Sesideco, for including my Bedroom/House Slippers in this pretty & colourful treasury, Home Sweet Home.

Indeed, there's no better place than HOME ^^

I'm glad to be home, to be busy working again... & am so excited with all the projects & plans in the pipeline for The Laughing House, & Laughing House Fabric this year.

Stay tuned, & have a BLESSED 2012 to everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 13:47:00 +0000

1 year ago, we wished that we'd decorated our home for the Christmas & holiday season.

However, the weeks towards Christmas saw us going back to Indonesia, followed by a busy preparation for a 2 week vacation to Taiwan.

Back in Singapore on 13 Dec, I'm swamped with all the orders I need to work on... plus the "resting" I need after the vacation (you understand right?) ^^

Before I knew it, 23rd Dec has silently came upon us, & my husband's bugging me to buy or work on the decoration. Seeing that I'm procrastinating (under the pile of work), & unable to quite shake off the vacation mood, he decided to take things into his hands.

And, he came home with the lightings & some tiny ornaments, & get right to work that night itself.

Hm.... *not quite my taste*... * I'd have done it differently*.... were thoughts swirling through my mind.

But, despite all that, when the decor lights were switched on & "dancing" merrily, it does have that magical Christmas holiday mood that transformed our living room (or windows, hehe...).

I'm so glad he "took things into his own hands" instead of waiting for me to work on it (which probably wouldnt happen again this year)... as I really take a long time to "warm up" to an idea ^^

On the 24th, I decided to shake my laziness, & get right out to get Christmas gifts for the whole family.

That night after dinner, my husband switched on the movie "Passion of Christ" (which was really too graphic/violent for the kids). But we watched it right till the end anyway...& it reminded us, of the reason He came into this earth, & what He went through for us, so that we can be saved.

The movie set us in the right "mood" & thoughtfulness indeed.

A log cake was prepared, & we laughed sheepishly as each other, as we contemplated what to sing... "happy birthday to Jesus" ??? ... hehe...

We ended up with "We wished you a Merry Christmas...." b4 cutting the log cake, & enjoying some Christmas carols sang by Andrea Bocelli on TV.

Then, suddenly remembering that I've prepared gifts for everyone, I took it out & (although they knew, they too like me, has forgotten about it)... & they were pleasantly "surprised" with this nice "ending" :D

It was nice, cozy, warm... as a family.

I'm really grateful. And, really determined to put in more effort at Christmas decor from 1st Dec onwards in year 2012.

I hope your Christmas is filled with warmth, & laughter with your loved ones... family especially :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS! ^^

POLKADOTs ...

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 03:44:00 +0000

It's been 10 days since we came back from our 2 week's year end vacation, but the tiredness has not quite worn off yet.

Perhaps, it's due to the "catching up" I'm trying to do, with all the orders made during my absence, & the incoming orders as well.

It's a blessing really :) & I'm trying to catch my breath... wished I can go out shopping... hehe... (I've yet gone out to shop for the Christmas gifts, & my husband's birthday present).

The kids has been really rowdy & out of control this morning, it's really stretching my limits.

I'm taking a short breather as I type this out now, & praying to God, "pls help me... patience... grace... strength... sanity... wisdom..." So that I wont "lose it" as well.

Thank you for reading :) It's as though, you're "listening" to me ^^

Here's a pretty treasury by beebeesworkshop. Thank you for including my Tiny Dots! :D

Bible Cover w Zipper & Spine Handle

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 08:20:00 +0000

Newly completed custom order: Bible Cover w Zipper & Spine Handle in Joel Dewberry's Napsack in Lake (exterior), & Dogwood Bloom in Lake (interior).

My customer was not able to find a fabric she likes from amongst my fabric selection, & thus decided to send her own.

She chose Joel Dewberry's Napsack in Lake for the exterior fabric, & Dogwood Bloom in Lake for the interior.

Initially, I was a bit unsure of this "arrangement", & wondered if there's a mistake somewhere? As, most people would prefer the prettier floral design to be on the outside, whilst saving the "tile-like" fabric for the interior.

However, that was her decision alright... as she meant it to be a gift for her mother (or mother in law), & thought that the older woman may prefer something that's more "sedate". :D

And, very thoughtful of her was, to choose these pretty flowers for the interior, which was meant as a nice little surprise when opening up this Bible Cover.

I'm impressed! Indeed, it's the thought that count!

And, when it was completed, once again... I found myself in love ^^

This little gesture from my customer has inspired me to treat my mom, & mother in law better. They deserve the best! :D

* Want a custom order Bible Cover for yourself or loved one? Check this out: Bible Cover w Zipper & Spine Handle

Triple JOY!

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 02:38:00 +0000

Funky Newborn Munchkin Hat

I came across this picture on ETSY, & finds it such a joy simply looking at the triplets. It makes me wish that I can have 3 at the same time too! lol...

Well, actually I'd be really happy with having twins, especially now that my 2 kids are 8 & 5yrs... :)

Definitely, the pregnancy, labour, & pain will be tripled... but so will the JOY! ^^

It's really such a blessing (which we may not feel, whilst going through those "suffering" simultaneously) to go through them (3) at one shot... & see them grow up together.

* This photo is courtesy of MadAboutColour that sells all baby-related handmade items. Check it! :D

Go Dotty with Tiny Dots!

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 04:42:00 +0000

I love polka dots, & simply couldn't resist a good dose of these Tiny Dots in assorted colours.

Personally, I feel they'll make a good co-ordinating fabric & will make the interior of a purse/bag & bible cover so much sweeter with these dots peeking out at you.

Feel free to contact me @ The Laughing House if you'd like your Organizer Purses or Bible Covers paired with these sweet dots :D

And for those of you itching to get your hands on these, they are available in my fabric shop, Laughing House Fabric, at Fat Quarter Bundle including all 7 of the assortment you see here :D

Peppermint & Candy Canes

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 07:25:00 +0000

I saw this lovely treasury on the ETSY front page minutes ago, & was attracted by its bright RED theme.

Now, what does looking at this treasury reminds you of?

For me, it (not very) subtly reminds me, that the Holiday Season & Christmas is coming up soon! :D

Yes! And, I'd like to take this opportunity to let all my customers know of my upcoming travel/vacation plans ^^

Pls note that I'll be away from 17-22 Nov, & 1-13 Dec.

So, if you're planning to get a custom order, pls place your orders early, as our estimated turnaround time is easily at 2-3 weeks during "normal" days/months. And, year ends are notorious for retail peak-period :D

Enjoy your busy period, as you prepare to enter into the year end festivities ^^

JUST IN: NEW Fabrics from Amy Butler & Patricia Bravo

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:12:00 +0000

I'm excited to receive these NEW fabrics from Amy Butler's latest LARK collection together with Patricia Bravo's MODERNOLOGY collection. This time round, I'm trying to do things a little bit differently, & ordered some of their co-ordinating fabrics as well.

Below are some "pairings" that I've done with Pat Bravo's fabrics. This will help my customers decide which of the co-ordinating fabrics to choose from for their custom orders.

The possibilities are endless really... :)

Coming up in the next post will be Amy Butler's LARK collection's "pairings". Check back again in 2 days time! ^^

Sick Day

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 03:05:00 +0000

My Bedroom/Home Slippers are featured in this lovely treasury titled "Sick Day" by Karen from HollowGlen.

Keep the flu bugs away! hehe...

I'm not sure if it's age that's creeping slowly upon me, but I realized that each time I fell ill, each episode seems more painful & torturous compared to when I was much younger. So, having lots of love around (accompanied by pretty items) will definitely be more comforting to tide us over the "down" period.

Thank you Karen for the ♥ here's wishing you & everyone good health for the upcoming holiday season ^^

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Featuring 3 of our recently completed custom order Bible Covers.

Ornate Floral in Amethyst

Picnic Bouquet in Cream

Sandalwood in Turquoise paired with Laurel Dots in Periwinkle interior & trimming.

Need a custom order Bible/Journal Cover, made to fit, in YOUR choice of fabric? Pls visit me at The Laughing House for a quote. :)

PREMIUM Organizer Purses (Just Stay Little)

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:10:00 +0000

PREMIUM Organizer Wristlet

PREMIUM Cash Budgeting Purse

PREMIUM iPhone Case/Mini Purse

Introducing the newly made PREMIUM Organizer Purse range with co-ordinating printed fabrics (by the same designer) for the interior & trimming. It just looks so cool & much sweeter compared to interiors with plain solid fabric ^^

Those featured here are from Sarah Jane's Children at Play collection: Just Stay Little, paired with School Gingham in Red.

* For more Organizer Purses, please visit me @ The Laughing House :)

Mirror Image Prints Japanese Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 02:59:00 +0000

Doggie Stroll in Mustard

NEW in Laughing House Fabric are these cotton-linen canvas blend Japanese fabric. They're printed in a "story-telling" like pattern, with the above print of a poodle taking a morning stroll along the town lined with quaint small buildings, with pretty flowers & cheerful birds.

On the "down-side"mirror image, the doggie featured is a happy dachshund bounding off the same street for his afternoon stroll!

Can't help falling in love with them, can you? :)

Here's an Easygoing Kitty in pink, brown & blue.

They measures slightly more than half a yard, & is actually a good size for my coffee table :D So, it can be used for this purpose as well, by simply sewing on the edges to prevent fraying. Or, if you wish to extend it's length/width, simply sew on a matching/co-ordinating print or solid.

With its cheerful designs, I think it looks great as a piano cover too!

Doggie Stroll in Brown

Perfect for tote/bag/purse making & home decor purposes, this cotton-linen canvas blend is a joy to work with for these projects.

Now on sale in Laughing House Fabric. Check them out :)

Laughing House Fabric

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:42:00 +0000

I've accumulated tons of fabrics over the 4 years that I've been running The Laughing House. However, due to the nature of the business, I have to keep sourcing for new prints & designs in order to keep the variety & choices fresh for my customer's selection.

With that, some fabric prints proved much more popular than some others. Thus, I may end up re-stocking several times over for the fabrics that my customers kept asking for.

Now, I'm laden with a cupboard full of fabric, & still finding the necessity to yet purchase more.

Seeing these fabrics seen better days during their "hey-day", I felt a sense of "pity" towards them, & wish for them to be quickly used up again soon.

That's when I decide that I'll de-stash them on Etsy, & hope that they'll find themselves in the hands of enthusiastic crafters, & be made into something beautiful & precious.

I was reluctant to set up another shop on Etsy, as it'll distract me (somewhat) from the main shop, The Laughing House. However, I've used up all 10 sections there, & cant compromise on removing any of them.

That's when I decide that I'll simply set up a 2nd shop, yet naming it with the same "theme". Thus Laughing House Fabric was born :)

Pls drop by there if you're looking for some fabric destash for your crafting/sewing needs.

I'm simply selling them at cost just to "turn it around" again, instead of letting them waste their "youth" in my cupboard ^^

Thank you once again for your kind support, & hope to see you there soon! :D

Pride & Prejudice

noreply@blogger.com (Winniel) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 01:59:00 +0000

I'm enjoying putting together a list for the treasury now, that it's getting quite "addictive" hehe...

Through this, I can also get to see items/shops on Etsy that I would otherwise never notice before.

Presently, I'm reading Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. And, I'm enjoying it as much as I did the first book by the same author (Persuasion).

So, here's a tribute to Austen & her fans. :)