Doodling in the first quarter of the year

January was the busiest time I ever hand for a while. Racing with time to complete my dissertation. Finally it's done and over with. Phew.

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February came and went. I spent most of my time in my beloved home country. Malaysia. I've visited places I've never been before. There is so much to offer. This trip I've visited Kuching in East Malaysia. The Semenggoh Wildlife Sanctuary - where the forest is preserved for the habitat of orang utans. Amazing creatures.



Another reason for being excited - that is if you are a reptilian fan, Crocodiles! Jong's crocodile farm houses dozens of crocodiles of all shapes and sizes. I've been in love with these creatures all my life, visiting the farm is definitely in my to do list.

What I like about this is that there is an area where crocodiles were kept in an open enclosure - similar to their natural habitat and we (I mean visitors) can walk on the bridge up above and view them in their magnificence. Never the less, this is not for the faint hearted for Mr. Croc may be just right below you!

This guy is just right by the bridge we were walking on.

Ever seen a crocodile smile at you? I bet all of you have not. I have never thought that one could but this put my skeptical thoughts to rest. It looks as if it IS smiling. I was alone at the area at that time. It was an eerie feeling as I recall local stories of how Mr Croc tricked Mr Buffalo to help him and in return, it bit Mr Buffalo's leg, refused to let go and smile. Along came the mousedeer with sheer cunning and wits to save the day. Sum it up. It was creepy as the pupils of the eye seem to focus on one spot. Probably I look like food?

Now you have seen the smilling crocodile, let's move on the core of the post.
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Henna!
I generally haven't done much hennaing in the first two months as you know. I enjoy doing hennaing and of course one day I would definitely love to be proficient at this. But never the less, this is a chance for me to put my progress into words. I believe in the saying that practice makes perfect.

Gillter is an interesting medium for body art decorating but it does not last. It's excellent for enhancing a design or probably for chldren events. They'll love it.

The day before working on the wedding show, I decided to give myself a little warm up before drawing on dozens of people. The simple floral strip is the easiest to draw due to the flexible and repeatitive design.

Another warm up with designs which I've taken off a book. Similar structure but definitely different motifs.

I tried to do a little traditional bridal henna practise but I was in a little hurry and was anxious to finish the design. The end was a little to simple to match the design feature but oh well, I've learnt my lesson. Some designs just don't match.

This is a more arabic approach where designs are bold and striking.

Merdeka Carnival 2010

Finally, sorted out the photos from the past Merdeka Carnival 2010 held on 25 September 2010 at the Tun Abdul Razak Research Center, Brickendonbury, Hartford.

The photos of the VIPs attending the event. This year, the Agong and Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia dropped by to visit. I manage to get a short glimpse of the royal couple when they went for a short stroll to visit all the exhibitors.


Most of my customers of the day were children and teenagers who loves glittery designs to be added to the basic henna designs.


Lovely little girls, although one tried really hard keeping her henna on.


Glitters and henna. *hearts*


I really enjoyed henna painting for this lady. She's full of energy, bubbly and a quirky sense of humour. She even apologized for her wrinkled skin. I was like *sweat*


It was a little quiet in the morning when it was cold and windy. I had to keep my trenchcoat on the whole morning!

Nevertheless more people started showing up in the afternoon, showing more interest in henna painting.

More photos from the event can be viewed in my photo album, Merdeka Carnival 2010.

Mayhew International Day 2010

Another henna day. *hearts*

Mayhew International Day aims to promote the work of Mayhew International in countries such as Russia, India, Afghanistan and Peru and help fund raise for their cause. They have lovely and dedicated staff working across the globe fighting for the rights and welfare of man's best friends'. Keep up the good work, you did an amazing job!

Amazing origami by Nuriko. She says making them helps her relax. I think making them makes me more tense then ever, trying to figure out the steps and folds *glups* She's an amazing life portrait artist too. Love your handicraft and artwork Nuriko!


We also have Debbie doing Indian Head Massage, really sweet lady with skillfull yet delicate hands. :)

Here are some of the henna done on the day.

A simple floral design from my party template, slightly modified.


This lovely lady wants cat paws print on her henna so we've changed the designs to accomodate little paw prints in the heart shape. She also wants her beloved cats' names to be in the design so we've included Claude and Hari's name by the heart, where they remain, always close to her heart.


This on the other hand is to accomodate a request to put an animal in the design so I've chosen a peacock which is a graceful and magnificent bird surrounded by flowers sealing it's eternal grace.


More henna photos were uploaded in the photo album, Mayhew International Day 2010.

Half of the profit from henna painting on the day was donated to Mayhew to help fund their work globally.

Charity Fair in memory of the late Terry Turner

Another fun day full of henna and colours!

This charity fair is organized in memory of the late Terry Turner who passed away last year aged 45 after suffering from heart disease for 4 years and this is a fund raising event for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). The fair was held in Langford Primary School, Fulham last Saturday (31 July 2010).
Me and a friend of mine, Sukhi from Design4Divas set a henna painting booth, adding colours and sparkles to our henna clients.
Great job Sukhi! *Sukhi's the lady in green*
I've uploaded some of the photos from the charity fair in the photo gallery.

green freshness

This design is done entirely using green glitter from the upper arm travelling down south.

the skies are blue

Another floral henna design on I-Fen which was done yesterday morning. This time, it is on the back of the hand, adorned with blue and green glitter.
Glitters looks great when the henna is applied but it has a minimal temporary effect (i.e. it looks great for the first few hours before it drops off).

a day of fun, dogs and henna

10.00am on a Sunday morning, stock check. henna, glitter, extra tissue rolls, water. check, check, check and check. set and ready to go.
The Mayhew Open Day started at 11.30am but by 11am, visitors are already strolling down the stalls while I am still waiting for my table to be set up. I was really lucky this time to get a spot in the shade, so no direct sunlight which makes me very very happy. There's lots of henna painting and glitters. Glitters are mostly for children though. I love the glittery henna. I'll definitely get one done myself for a special occasion. Not to forget there are many beautiful dogs strolling up and down the street. Everything I am passionate about; all can be found in the very same street.
The dogs at the Mayhew Animal Home were introduced to the visitors and are ready to be given up for adoption.
More photos have been uploaded in the photo gallery so feel free to go over and have a look at them.

For more information on the Mayhew Animal Home, please visit their website at http://www.mayhewanimalhome.org.