Currently inspired by...

1. Norwegian Wood

Cage skirt, $125

Fringe necklace, $65

2. Glamourai

This New Yorker stylist, designer and DIYer is so cool. She blogs, posts gratuitous outfit photos, Does-It-Herself, and has an online shop. Sounds like someone you know? Trying my best to invite a comparison here! :)

DIY bib necklace

I CAN DO THAT! And it's gonna feel like Christmas every day, minus the calories! :)

DIY studded gloves

OH SHE'S SO COOL. Butterfly sunnies, check. Miniature self, check. Personalitude, CHECK!!!

3. Crepe paper

Polish women happen to be very good in making paper chandeliers called "Pajaki" which is Polish for "spiders of straw". Ok, not sure how credible my web translator is, but it seems just about right as these fancy crepe paper cut outs are crafted into beautiful web-like patterns. I LOVE NON-MAINSTREAM CRAFT and I'm so turned on by paper right now. (Believe me, it's possible. I used to lust over those scrap booking kits with 100+++ printed paper.) I totally see my future (Future Kids Room, Future Foyer, Future Backyard) with these festive beauties!!! I'm gonna be such a Cool Mom. HAH!

Americans too are trying their hand at it. This one was made by textile designer and illustrator, Lena Corwin.

And check this one out by the Small Object.

The pioneer: Polish Art Center

4. Simply Hue Photography

Soft, dewy and romantic, with tons of vintage charm. Visit her Etsy shop!

5. Cruel Intentions

Ok, incest, plotting and teensploitation aren't the next inspiration of Bend & Snap. I just caught the movie yesterday and loved the soundtrack. Fun and sexy, it's one of the best reasons to see the movie. And the ending is genius. But did Ryan Philippe really have to die? :( I mean, can a cab (at mild speed, mind you) really kill a fit, healthy teenager?

Before texting, it was Xerox and ring binders that helped young, rich Upper East Siders spread scandal.

Cue the violin riffs of yesteryear's anthem "Bittersweet Symphony".

Tun-tun-tun. Tun-tun-tun. Tun-tun-tun. Tun-tun-tun.

"Mean Girls" totally ripped this idea off!

Tun-tun-tun. Tun-tun-tun. Tun-tun-tun. Tun-tun-tun.

The headteacher of their prepschool shakes his head while the Verve sings the line "No. no. no. no. no. no. no..."

...And the bad girl gets served.

(She plays the super super tramp role very well!!! I must admit, it was hard to hate her.)

While the good girl drives off with HIS black jaguar and shades, looking all self-assured, dignified and cute. Justice exists!

Cause it's a bittersweet symphony, this LIIIIIFE!

Wishin' and hopin' and thinkin' and prayin' plannin' and dreamin'

This week, I will try:

1. Waking up early.

2. Making bib necklaces.

3. Menswear.

4. Fixing my finances.

5. The Ab-swing. (As seen on TV!)

This year, I will improve on:

1. Waking up early. Or at least I'm up by 9AM.

2. Being organized.

3. Being patient.

4. EQ.

5. Selling myself.

This year, I will continue to experiment with:

(Can't wait for next month, heehee!)

2. Photography.

3. Literature.

4. Food.

5. Parallel Parking.

Bring it, 2010.

XOX, Risa

Photo credits: weheartit.com, ffffound.com

Hire me!

So, here’s some of the shoulder jewelry which I made for Preview Magazine. I don’t know when (or if) they will get published, but I’m glad I had a reason to go back to my makeshift workroom (the downstairs den which lately has been off-limits to guests) and design something new.

I love this job. I get to do something creative, fight boredom, express myself and work from home. Dorothy was right. There’s no place like it.

However, the more time I devote myself on Bend&Snap, the more opportunities I get (not complaining here!), and the less compelling it is to find a “real job”. Arts and fashion have always been a big part of my life. But what about the other dream?

No, not the one which involved becoming an Olympic athlete. Or writing a self-help book for teens. Or dancing for a pop star.

The dream which I was trained to do and worked hard to be credible at. The one that included a great future --- A salary, a car, and functioning brain cells. At this point, I can hear an angry mob (or, two of my artsy friends) rallying, “ART JOBS ARE REAL JOBS! ART JOBS ARE REAL JOBS!”

I’m waiting for the day Natalie Portman leaves Hollywood and becomes a full-fledged psychologist. That’s the day when I put down the pliers, sport my glasses and become Ms. Business Executive.

On second thought, having her as a benchmark might not be a good idea for both career and self-esteem. ;)

P.S. And who would want her to stop making movies? Torrrrn…!!!

Frost Yourself - SOLD OUT!

IN STORE TODAY

I couldn't help but think of the line "Frost Yourself..." from the movie "How to lose a guy in 10 days" while making these accessories. Well, they're not diamonds, but they're still amazing bling!

"Drapes" silver chain necklace, P200.00

"Swing swing" silver chain necklace with tassels, P300.00

"Fringe Benefits" silver and black chain necklace, P450.00

one piece only

"Chain of Command" chain necklace, P450.00

"Knot Likely" multi-chain (gold, black, silver) necklace, P450

You can wear it so many ways!

"Gunmetal" silver chain necklace, P250.00

one piece only!

Everything is limited, so better hurry and order! Contact me at risadesagun@gmail.com.

I'll be out of the country a week from now, so email me your orders as soon as possible. I'll be posting instructions on how to order while I'm gone very soon!

BACK UP AND RUNNING!!!

So after a long sabbatical in Midterm Metropolis, and sore hands later --- BABY, I'M BACK! I finally got rid of school, so now I'm hoping to get back into the swing of things. The swing of Bend & Snap things, that is. :)

It's been a really long time, hasn't it?

In recovery of celebrations, and one too many meals and drinks taken, here's some stuff i made:

"Seraphim"

bronze angel wing chain necklace

P350.00

"Leafy Golds"

yellow and green leaf pendants on gold chain

P300.00

"Pocahontas"

silver chain necklace with dangling leaves

P300.00

I'm freshly stocked, but I suggest you ORDER NOW BEFORE THEY'RE GONE!

Check back for more stuff this week! There's more merriment to come. :)

DIY: Chain of Cool

Enlightened by the gods of rock, heavy metal abides by the code of conduct --- that indeed, more is more. So stop being the weakest link and become battle-ready with the layered chain look!

K D' Angelo Designs, $120

Danijo "Lennon", $420

(from tamisonline.com)

(from Staaldesign.com)

Since I can't afford those I figured it's best to DIY. Just pile some old links (or chain belts) and you’re ready to toughen up your basic tee. Look, I joined the chain gang too!

TADA! :)

XOXO, Risa