A little more about me =)

These are 2 of the artworks which I have designed for the Singapore Gifts Shows last month at Suntec City.

You can click to enlarge the images to read more about me =)

New name cards arrived! A story to share =)

 

I have just received my new name cards few days ago. This time, I have added an image of my latest creation, Squeak on the back of the card.

Very often, when collectors take your card, they tend to forget what type of bears / service your company makes / provides. If you could add a little icon or an image of your item, the receiver is more likely to remember you without entering your website to see what you do. This helps when they have pile of name cards on their hand. I am saying this from my personal experience as I collect name cards as well.

I want to share this story with you today.  

This happened a few years ago when I was still a design student in a Polytechnic. Students from my class are having our Final Year Project design exhibition at the School's Auditorium. Many visitors came from all walks of life. There were potential bosses who came down searching for graduates to join their company. I observed many people taking name cards from different booths upon glancing at their portfolios.

I could remember vividly, one gentlemen came to my booth and talked to me. He showed interest to employ me as a designer for their company. It was a shame that I had to turn down the offer as I had to serve the army immediately after my graduation; it was a lost opportunity. The gentlemen gave me advise and said I should have added an icon of my project on my card. He wanted to remember me and wrote my project title on my name card.

Surprisingly 2 years later, he wrote me an email asking if I was still looking for a job. On his email, he even wrote my project title. I felt touched and happy that someone could still remember me and my work.

I see name cards as a first impression to the receiver. I consider it as a little souvenir and want people to keep it, not just throw it away or put aside.

So, if you are planning to design a logo or name card for your company, do remember to add an identity or an item that represents you. Who knows, an opportunity might come your way someday!

Hugs, Wayne

The Art of Pricing for Profit

I always questioned myself if I am getting anywhere. I have been very lazy lately and hasn’t been motivated L Today I checked my email and came across an email from Etsy, subject titled “How to Price for Profit Workbook”. Most of the time I would delete mails from Etsy however this subject had triggered me to read what’s in the content. I was right… this is a really good stuff!

I am not trained to do proper accounting for my bear business, however I made an excel profit and loss sheet 3 years ago to keep track of my expenses and income. My goal was to keep this hobby self sustain, meaning that I need not fork out excess personal income to keep this expensive hobby. If I really do, my mum would scream…

This email from Etsy links you to a PDF page called “The Art of Pricing for Profit”. I found this topic very interesting so I continued reading and clicking on several links on the pages. It bought me to one of the website which makes me excited; this website is called “Outright”. Outright is a website which helps you organize and generates reports on your income and expenses, this way you know what items are you over spending and is generating income.

One of the links which I came across while reading was "Designing an MBA" . After you joined their mailing list, you will receive a PDF ebook titled "The Best of Skill Price + Profit". It's a hundred pages ebook, I have received much information on ways to improve this hobby business and do it right. I am inspired, I hope this would continue to keep me motivated.

I hope that the information on this blog has been useful, have a creative day!

Hugs,

Wayne

Goodies for my Hatch Day

Alright I am offically a year older by now, sad to accept that I am already in the late 20s :( I applied half day off from work yesterday to watched "The Hunger Game" movie yesterday with a friend, it was a 2.5 hours show and I am glad it was really nice, enjoyed every minute of it. This show is highly recommended, if you want to catch this better do it fast before it's no longer aired in the cinemas.

Every year I would buy myself a gift, as usual I order a bear but it was not ready in time. Hence, I bought myself another gift - A Fountain Pen.

Sailor PROCOLOR 500 Wisteria Violet Fountain Pen

I was introduced to join the Singapore Fountain Pen Lovers (Facebook Group) last month by my design lecturer. This is a group for Singaporeans who love to use and collect fountain pens. I am impressed with the writing style, asthetics and the manufacturing process of these pens. Surprisingly, this group were young in their 20s - 50s. Some of them are gurus, they have even gone to the stage of grinding the pen nibs, mixing their ink and mastering Copperplate Calligraphy.

This is a gift from my Cousin who just came back from Japan. It's a kit to make needle felted lambs. Isn't this cute? Guess what? The write up were all in Japanese and I couldn't undertand a single word! LOL. Anyway, I could still make them with my regular needle felting techniques when I have more time after the Melbourne Bear Show.

A very special present arrived yesterday! It was from my special friend, Joanne. It was a piece of beautiful Grey Faux Fur (My favourite colour!), a vintage book on making stuffed toys and a funny, lovely birthday card. Thank you Joanne for making my birthday extra special! =)

I want to thank everyone for the Birthday Wishes and the lovely comments =)
Have a great day!

Hugs, Wayne

Preparing for my Melbourne Trip

Hi everyone, just an update on my latest activity. I CAN GO TO MY MELBOURNE TRIP!!!! YEAH! It has been approved by the management =)
It's just 5 weeks to the show, I am really excited. I have started cutting out some new designs and sewing, planning to bring some of our new creations to the Melbourne Teddy Bear Fair on 5th May @ Berwick Leisure Centre. I have finished a new English Bulldog and a dragon, this coming weeks will be working on a few new brightly coloured dragons with the hand dyed mohair you have seen on the previous post.
A preview of the new show bears will be shared here in May before the show =)
I am wondering how many people that is reading this blog will be attending the show. If you are going please drop a comment or say Hi to me at the show. I am really happy as this is our first time travelling to Australia and meeting some online bear friends!

Have a great week ahead! =)
Hugs,
Wayne

An English Bull Dog waiting to be accessorise and Dragon waiting for felted lids and clawsto be attached. :)

Bear Making Sunday ^.^

Sunday is my favourite day of the week because I can spend almost the whole day drawing a new bear design, cutting patterns and sewing. Look at what I have done today! =)

Drawn a new design today! Finish cutting all the pieces and now ready to sew!

Weekdays are the hectic days that I did minimal sewing and cutting because of my long working hours in the day. Spending the whole day in office staring at computer to do graphic designs are extremely mental draining and my eyes got tried very easily :(

It's a shame that why can't just have 4 working days a week? We should spend more time with our family and doing the things we love to do. Sadly ever since my first job, I have to work on alternate Saturdays as well... Anyway, remember to spend your time wisely and spend some time with your love ones as well. We wish you a wonderful day =)

Above is what is on my work table today, gosh... so much to sew :x

Hugs, Wayne

Thanks! :)

I want to thanks everyone for the lovely comments on my blog post "My Journey - Changing the way people thinks". Thanks for the listening ears and your comments make me feels very heartening :)

Thanks for the encouragement and I will continue to write more about my Journey, I am sure I have still lots to share :) In fact, writing these records down on my blog serve as a self motivational tool for myself too!

What have I been doing this week? I have been busy with my office work - rushing artworks for magazines and annual reports :X  Despite the stressful hours spent in office, I am still enjoying my peaceful sewing night as usual and tonight I have completed making a new critter.

I seems to be flooding my blog with lots of words lately.(Is this really me?) Blogging has become a platform for me to express my feelings and thoughts. Sometimes thoughts trigger and at that moment I just want to type them here without a second though. They might sounds serious but after re-visiting my blog and reading the post a few days later, most of the time I had a good laugh :)

I tried to keep my blog positive and happy, I believe everyone enjoys reading happy things, don't they?

Great news for all! I am planning to do another give-away soon, so stay tune :)

Hugs,
Wayne

My Journey - Changing the way how others think (Part 1)

After making my first bear on April 2009, I proudly showed my very first bear to my family, colleagues and relatives, at that time none of them were impress at all.

Sadly the level of appreciation for art, design and handicrafts in Singapore isn't there yet, it would take a few more years to grow. Upon completing my first bear named Rosy, I told my parents that I really love this art and wanted to make more, sadly at that time they disapprove because they feel that this is a waste of time and money, I should focus my time on my work and have more rest time. I know that they are looking after my best interest, but I have persisted and told them that this is what I want.

My friends and relatives weren't supportive as well, they won't even take a second look at my bears and I was deeply hurt. The only one that have trust and believe in me is my Teddy Bear teacher Emen Chen. Emen is an art teacher and has been coaching children art and bear making for many years. I met him 3 years ago at my old work place, I told him about my passion and interest to become a toy designer. That time was the happiest moment of my life when he agreed to be my mentor and I studied under him for a few months. Do you believe in fate? 8 years ago when I am a secondary school student, I chanced upon a website with bear making course (I did not manage to sign up because my parents disapprove) and much to my surprise later I found out that the teacher coaching that class was Emen. Isn't that funny how fate brought us together and I finally learn under his guidance :) Miracles do happen!

I told Emen that I want to be a bear artist and want to participate in the Singapore Teddy Bear Show just like the rest of the senior bear artists. Remembering the first time I went to the bear show, my jaws dropped and this came to my mind - "WOW I want to be one of them!" It was a great challenge because I started learning in April and the next show was in November, I have to be extremely hard  working to prepare for the show in just 6 months! Mission Impossible?

This is my work schedule everyday (for 6 months) - I woke up at 6am to start sewing, left house at 9am to work, back home from work at 7pm, start sewing at 8pm and slept at 2am. For the 6 months I slept only 4 hours everyday... my parents think I am insane but I know I AM NOT!

True enough my hard work paid off, I took just 6 months to learn bear making from scratch and participate in the Singapore Teddy Bear Show with an approximately 20+ bears on my table. On that big day, there were many visitors coming to look at my work I am so proud of myself. My family were at my table too. One guest came to my table and asked how long have I been making bears, I told her 6 months, she looked with an unbelievable expression on her face and said my work look as if I have been making for many years... I am so touched.

Emen on the other hand is a very kind man, he helped me sold my first bear at the show, this really give me a boost in confident on my work. Few hours before the show ends, my relatives came to the show. They looked at my table and the first question that popped was - how many bears were sold? Just at that same moment, a lady came to my table to purchase a bear, she is a savior? My relatives went speechless and disappeared from the hall. On that first bear show in 2009, I have 6 bears adopted :)

I always believe that if you know what you want in life, embrace it. It might not be easily, but if you persist in believing then it will come to you one day. My parents are now very supportive and will appear on every bear shows I attend. My relatives also now looked at my bears with respect.
If we don't let others influence your path, they might just decide to follow along too.

I hope you enjoy my story :)
(Thank you Joanne for helping me vetting through this post :)

My first bear show in Singapore

My brother, mum and me

Singapore Teddy Bear Show in 2010

Hugs,
Wayne

Happy March!

Time flies quickly, don't you think so? Today I already the first day of March and there are so many things that I am looking forward to in the next few months.

I have just finished a birthday swap bear last week, and all the swap bears are ready to travel to Canada, South Africa and United States respectively. I am so excited and about my birthday swap which will fall in April. (Yes, sadly I am getting old)

The next event I am looking forward to would be the Melbourne show in May (even though I am not sure if I can attend yet). I have already planned my work schedule and time table on the list of critters to make for the show and the number of hours to work on my bears per day (I have to kick my butt and getting things done :)

I have also done a count on the number of Wayneston Bears I have made so far and till today I made a total of 148 bears! I realised that I have been working much slower pace than what I have been 2 years ago... Am I getting more lazy? Erm... time to reflect...

Do you know that the first Wayneston Bear is born on the same day as Wayne's Birthday? This also means that Wayneston Bears' 3rd Anniversary would be on the same week as well :) This morning, I happily saw 119 blog followers and I think should do another give-away soon :)

So, what's your plans in March? =)

Staying Positive

Thank you so much for the encouragement and suggestions on yesterday's post. I am feeling much better today, the news yesterday makes me really worried that I wanted to write in on my blog of my thoughts at that moment.  I have received emails, comments and messages from friends on facebook and whatsapp, it's really feels comforting. The outcome of whether I can attend the show or not will have to wait till mid-march when the date of the major event is confirm.

I am staying positive and pray hard that I can still attend the Melbourne show. I have already planned what to make for the show and started making new bears/animals since January, I want to show my collectors some of my latest creations. As I always say that shows/exhibitions are very important to me, they are just like a graduation display for final year project in school, it brings me back to the good old days. A bear show/exhibition is just the moment that I always look forward to show my work to the world and within that few hours; I feel proud of myself and my family feels that too. That few hours makes all my hard work worth while.

I doesn't want to say negative things about my ex-company, because I love my job as a designer and I love toys. It's sad that how things had changed over the years and how people's attitude have changed. I want to say that my love and passion for toy design will never change and I will continue to design, innovate and create till the moment I stop breathing; nothing's going to stop me.

What should I do?

Today I went to my manager's room to inform her of my one week trip to Melbourne in May. To my surprise, she disapprove my trip... She told me that will be a major event which requires ALL STAFFS to come back to work in May and she cannot confirm which date as instructions have not been given by the upper management yet.

I told her I have already purchased 4 adult tickets and tickets for an exhibition (I didn't let anyone know that I am participating in a bear show). She asked me to call the agent to ask for a refund or change the trip to another date. I am really disappointed, my main aim of visiting Melbourne is to participate in a bear show, I don't find any point of visiting there if there isn't a show and what is worst is that I even paid the table fee for the show last week. I purchased the flight tickets online and not through an agent so refund for the tickets and table fee is uncertain, this makes me really mad...

What comes to my head immediately was to submit my resignation letter if my leave has been disapproved. I know that most people would say that I am crazy, but I am really serious in this matter. Sadly I have to say, I left my first job (I love the job and have been working for 3yrs) last year because one of my colleages backstabbed and told my boss about my bears and online shop etc... we had an agruement over this, he disagree of me spending time making bears and earning extras... so I decided to leave the company and continue to pursue my dream and passion.

I am hoping and praying that I can still go to the Melbourne trip. My manager says if the event does not fall on the same dates I can go for my trip, but when will I know? I am worried :( If you were on my shoes what would you do?

Hugs,
Wayne

Who do I spend my V'day with?

Seriously it's nothing special for me, it's just another normal day. I went back home after work in the evening, have my dinner with my mum and siblings after that...SEWING.

Sometimes I wonder if girls would really appreciate/like a guy that do sewing... most girls I knew would like to have a more sporty boyfriend. I am just too homey *_*

How wonderful..... I drawn a new puppy design 2days ago and started sewing the inner legs. It's going to be another OPD, I am hoping that he will turn out well.

Thank you for all the lovely comments on Jiro, they mean a lot to me.

One of my friend told me today that her boyfriend took her for dinner at a coffee shop for V'day. She is disappointed that there are no roses and she has to pay for her own bill... what a joke...
I might not be a romantic guy but all this sounds wrong to me. If you want to have a more economical way to spend on this special occasion, why not cook a homemade dinner specially for her perhaps with 2 candle lights?

When you Happy, everyday is just like a V'day! The happiest moment which I have weekly is the moment when a new critter is born and reading the comments from facebook friends, followers from blogs and the hive. These small little actions makes me very contented.

The sewing is almost complete yesterday and I'll be stuffing tonight.
Cya later :)

Hugs,
Wayne

A Lost Opportunity

In life, there are many opportunities waiting for you only when you are prepare for it. So when the right moment comes CATCH IT!

Last week, I checked my spam mail inbox and realised that I have missed an interview by one of the Singapore Magazine. The email was sent about 3 weeks ago and they found me from one of the design website. Lesson learnt... always check your junk/spam mailbox.

Today I have received another enquiry from someone in Canada wanting to distribute of one of my product design but it wouldn't work. That product was a a Baby Milk Maker which was designed for my school final year project in 2005, it was a concept and prototype that was never actualise. I could remember that someone approaching me about manufacturing it when I am having my final year exhibition in our school Atrium. That time I wasn't interested and turn down because I am serving the army after graduation, now come to think of it, I might have lost a great opportunity.

There is no point crying over spilt milk. I am consistantly preparing myself for the next opportunity to come.
Now right, this year I hope to spend more time creating new designs, improving my skills and learn new techniques, participating in more overseas Teddy Bear Shows. I know that if I work hard, I will get there - to become a great Toy Designer :)

Start inspiring the young ones today!

I have never thought of a day being in a position to inspire someone or anyone. I just do what I love and want to do. I got my inspirations from my many artists and sometimes I will pop by their blog's comment box or facebook chat box to thank them for inspiring me even though I am just a stranger or passer-by. I just feel that this is the right way to show my appreciation towards them. I want to thank these people for being generous to share knowledge with us.

Few days ago, a young girl (new bear artist) send me a private facebook message. She told me that I am the reason for her to start making bears and how she feel inspired after viewing my work. I am touched by her words and wanted to tears. I told her that this comes in cycle, her mum (a very famous bear artist) inspired me when I started bear making and I never know today, I am here in return to inspire her daughter! "I believed that one day you will inspire others too, just keep trying and do your best!"

When that day comes you will feel "WOW, I have done a great job and I am proud of myself" :)

Start inspiring others today! Pass it on!

My New Year Resolution!

Yeah! The date today is 1 January 2012! Time to set some new goals this year and better fulfil them!
Goal setting is very important for me, this keeps me motivated and improving! I can say about 90% of the goals set last year were fulfilled, the remaining 10% will have to bring forward to year 2012! Wayne just got to have more self-discipline!

Some of the goals set this year (Not in order):
1) Make at least 3 new animals to Wayneston Collection
2) Learn to hand dye mohair
3) Needle felt a bear's face
4) Make a few more bears/animals with wings
5) Make another bear on fours
6) Make another open-close mouth bear
7) Make another bear with loc-line joints
8) Make another realistic bear with claws
9) Revise and experiment with various stuffing techniques
10) Join a few more teddy bear competitions
11) Participate in one more overseas teddy bear show
12) Airbrush another bear/animal
13) Do a re-make up for a Ball Jointed Doll
14) Learn to make a doll wig
15) Revempt my website, learn a new software

I CAN DO IT! JUST DO IT!

Happy New Year Everyone! ^.^

Xmas Dinner with my Gfs

I had a wonderful time with my friends last night, we chat like the good old days in school. We had gift exchange and I've gotten myself a ear piece!
It's really nice to meet old friends again, ever since we starting working, most of the time we couldn't find time to meet up. I hope we can meet up soon again, thanks ladies for inviting me to the dinner & Merry Christmas! ^.^

P.S They said that they would come to read my blog post about yesterday's dinner :)

Xiao Yun and Jean

Cookie baked by Justy, very yummy :)

Justy and Xiao Yun

Tingle and me

Xmas Xchange at Group Theraphy Cafe

Justy got a Mp3 player!

I have gotten a ear piece

Xiao Yun got a beautiful water bottle and voucher

Jean is happy to receive a pen and note book

 

Tingle got a cosmetic box from Muji



What's your Favourite Christmas Song?

Yeah!  It's just 12 days to Xmas, I am excited... not because of the gifts I am receiving (I only receive less than 3 every year) but happy because I will have a few days to rest at home and celebrate with my family.

I have been listening to Xmas songs all day long, they makes me feel good. Here are some of the favourite songs ranked by me. How about you? Do you have any favourite songs that you would like to recommend? =)

Xmas Songs Ranked by Me ^.^
1) All I want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey)
2) Last Christmas
3) I saw Mummy Kissing Santa Claus (Jackson 5)
4) Ruldolph the Red Nose Reindeer
5) Mary did you know (Clay Aiken)
6)Santa Claus is Coming to Town
7) Jingle Bells Rock
8) Frosty the Snowman

Are you in the Mood for Christmas?

Yes, I am!!! Definitely, in fact I have already started my shopping last week :p
Erm what are the things i gotta get?? Lemme see... clothes, shoes, watch, bag and maybe more BEARS! LOL...

I am not a big spender, every day after work I will go back home to start sewing bears, blogging and watching dramas... just a very home person. But Christmas is the time that I would really spend for myself, it's the time that I think that I should get what I deserve for working so hard for the year.

Clothes? Yeah, definitely need to get a few of them. I am wearing the same old pattern everyday... I think my colleages are getting bored looking at me wearing the same thing for a year! Hahaha!!!

Shoes? I really need to spend more to get a better pair of shoes. The average costing ones have poor quality soles which wears off easily, it could only last me less than a year! Some are even worst, the skin starts peeling off over time due to rain and shine... I think having a good pair of shoes that can last is very important. I don't really mind spending more than a hundred bucks to get one.

Watch? Yeah... it has been for years since I last have a proper watch which lasted me for 8 years! Too bad it has already RIP, so i gotta get another one soon. The one right now i m wearing cost less than 10 bucks which I bought from bazaar in Thailand, it's cheap and good. I shall keep this wishlist optional.

Bears? Again? Hahaha.... as I have always told my friends, ~ the more the merrier :)
Lately I am kinda crazy over BJD dolls, my favourite ones are Lati and Fairyland dolls... they are just too cute to resist, but the price seems too beautiful for me to afford too... This is optional as well

The Lati, in my wish list, I wish Santa give me this as present =)
http://www.latidoll.com/2007_en/index.htm?mode=product_view&big=2&mid=3&num=7521

Last week, I fulfilled another childhood dream! That is to take picture with Santa! Here's the pic!



Me and Mr Santa, Hohoho!



We are Carollers



I am wearing an outstanding green shirt and shorts, LOL

Last Saturday was fun, I am one of the carollers singing Christmas Songs to club members. It's my first time learning to sing so many Christmas songs! We sang about 10 songs in total, even though the group is small but we manage to make everyone indulge into the feeling of Xmas.

Thanks for reading this today, Do you have any wishlist this Christmas? ^.^



Eeeek! Something bad happened this morning!

Preparing to go out to work today, I removed my old spectacles to change a new one, it broke into 2 pieces! It was just a gentle touch!.... This is really bad, I need to go back for army reservice next month and it is broken! Could this be a bad omen?

Even though I have 2 more working spectacles with me, I can't use them for Army training... cos they are expensive... I guess I have to remake another cheaper one for the training because I will still need to serve for another 9 cycles :(



RIP my 7 years old army buddy :(

I have finished making a new Wayneston Critter yesterday night, he is really cute! Can't wait to show him to you. Any guesses what is he? Giving you a hint... he has a tail! =)

I will share his pictures with you this week, do come back and visit us again.

Hugs,

Wayne

Some iPhone apps that I love!

I enjoy sharing some of my teddy bear making pictures on Instagram then it will linked to my facebook account. If you are a iPhone user and would like to follow me on Instagram, you can find me @
User name: waynestonbears

A picture took with Instagram effects

Lately I have also found some interesting apps that you can use to beautify your iphone photos.

1) Leme Camera
Leme Camera allows u to take 4 shots of yourself, just pose within the few seconds and poom! waits for your collage of photos with different effects! It never fails to surprise me =)

2) iLockScreen Maker
This is an interesting app, you can insert calendar onto your wallpaper and add borders.

3) PhotoShake
My favourite! You may choose any pictures from your Camera Roll then SHAKE! Each time you shake your phone it creates a different layout collage of your selected pictures! It's really fun!

Have fun with your iPhone! ^.^