Monday, February 28, 2011

Dot...Dot...Dot


Monday is here! Happy new week, everyone!

Something else is also new. Say hello to the new cuties at Fika's Art Box. They are handmade from layered textured cardstock and measure 1.5 inch each. Trying to cut circles yourself can and WILL drive you crazy so let these guys help you in making greeting cards, scrapbook pages, gift tags, party decorations, paper mobiles, and whatever else...the possibility is endless. On top of that, the colours are bright and crisp!

The full details had been posted in the shop so please come by anytime. Very soon though! The price is beyond great so these guys won't last very long. As usual, if you must go straight to the order page without browsing the shop, simply click on the image above. 

Peace, love, pretty colours,
Rafika

Sunday, February 27, 2011

New Printables!

Hi everyone!

It's a snowy day here in Vancouver area so I am going out in just a little bit to see the city in its all-white theme (Some rain and big puddles here and there but hey...the rest is perfection!)

Before I get too excited and forget why I even turned this computer on, here is your update on the newest items from FAB shop. I had added these mod digital sheets that you can print at home. There are note pages, journaling spots, speech bubbles, and others in very cool colours. Availability might vary at FAB Etsy shop and Artfire studio, but you can always let me know if you can't find what you are looking for at either of those outlets. To go to the individual listing, simply click on the images above. Details on how to purchase and download -plus more colour choices and project ideas- had been posted in the shop. Please come by and feel free to leave me a message there if you need custom colours. I'd be happy to start working with you so you can get crafting as soon as possible! :)

Peace, love, and pretty colours,
Rafika

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Paper Beads Galore!




Hi everyone!

Here are some of the new paper beads that had hit FAB shop this week.

These beads are tightly handrolled from various kinds of paper I wanted to recycle - from designer craft papers to piano sheet music I no longer need. They are coated with nontoxic lacquer which gives them some shine and protection from moisture.

More details are already posted in the shop. Please come by and check back often for new addition. To go straight to the individual listings, simply click on the pictures above.    
 
Peace, love, and pretty colours,
Rafika

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Seven Servings of Music

"Musicaholic" paper beads by FAB

Hi everyone!

Here goes a list of beautiful songs you should hear at least once in your lifetime. I hope it adds something new to your playlists and inspiration bins. If you have never heard of Beethoven or Elvis, well, we might have to spend a little more time before jumping into this. For today, I am assuming we don't need any introduction to something as famous as the happy birthday song or Beyonce's Single Ladies :)

Are you ready? Let's roll the list!  

1. Gumption - Hans Zimmer
This inspiring instrumental tune was used as the soundtrack for the movie "The Holiday" starring Kate Winslet, Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, and Jack Black. When you see a movie and the music is subtle yet moving, there is a good chance that the name "Hans Zimmers" will appear during the credits.

2. Golliwog's Cakewalk - The Swingle Singers
This is proof that musical instruments don't always mean large cases of gears! Your voice is a powerful musical instrument. This amazing group sings a capella and as you listen to them, you would forget that they are not singing to any backing music. If you like this one, treat yourself some more with their version of Moon River or Danny Boy.

3. Czardas - Paul Mauriat and orchestra
There are countless recordings of this piece by musicians from all over the world, including well-known ones, such as Richard Clayderman. I liked it best when it is played on string instruments, but this piece always sounds beautiful to me regardless of the instrument or arrangement.

4. There Is No Night - Máiréad Nesbitt
You might have seen her in action as one of the members of Celtic Woman. Not sure which one? She is very easy to spot in the group. At the moment, she is the only one with a fiddle while the rest of the girls perform as vocalists. I used "at the moment" because Celtic Woman changes its members over time so this arrangement might change in the future. This song is performed by Nesbitt as a solo artist, not as a part of Celtic Woman. It comes from her own album titled Raining Up

5. Testify to Love - Wynonna
One of the best voices in the music industry. The voice of her generation, as they said. Many of you might be familiar with her number-one hits already so here goes the semi-hidden gem for a change.

6. Sundial Dreams - Kevin Kern
This is the first song I heard from his album In the Enchanted Garden. After that four minutes was up, I just had to go check and listen to all of his other works.

7. Seasons of Love - Jonathan Larson
I would probably owe something really big to the performing arts as a whole if nothing from the Broadway stage makes this list. This is my tribute to Jonathan Larson, the man behind the Broadway hit musical Rent. Larson passed away unexpectedly just moments before his new show Rent opened on Broadway. His legacy lives on, thanks to the collection of wonderful music he had written. Very few things in life, if any, can fight with such lyrics like "measure your life in love."

Song choice ideas comes from my personal playlist and the many hours of being inspired by great musicians and their incredible works - from world-renowned singers to random street drummers.

Seven sounds lucky so I'll end the list here today. Feel free to send in yours! And don't forget to come over to FAB shop. See the paper beads featured above? They are in the shop now! :)

Peace, love, and pretty colours,
Rafika

Friday, February 4, 2011

Valentine's Day Gift Guide


Hi everyone!

As you might have expected (and yet managed to get freaked out by it every two hours or so), our dear month February is in the building! I had put together this list of inspiring gift items that might help you with planning an unforgettable Valentine's day this year. On the side note, a few of these creative artisans had ever featured Fika's Art Box in the past -for which I am forever thankful. Click away and indulge in this big love fest! :)

Peace, love, and pretty colours,
Rafika

 Lovebird bowl duo by Prince Design UK

Little surprise owl love notes by kraze4paper

 Love garland by renna deluxe

 Heart to heart crochet scarf by Ayca

 Red rose pillow by BedBuggs Boutique

 Sorbet crochet dishcloth by Sweetbriers

 Mini Hearts cookies by Fancy Lady Gourmet

 2011 planner by Sande's Handmade Books