Monday, March 30, 2015

Get To Know : The Face Behind The Artsy Craftsy Blog (Shia Lynn Toh, Creative Blogger)

We are sure you've seen her blog. 

She plays a big role in our creative, craft and handmade scene in Malaysia after all.

Meet Shia Lynn Toh, the face behind The Artsy Craftsy Blog.

Shia Lynn Toh, the founder of the blog - The Artsy Craftsy.

When I contacted Shia Lynn asking if she'd like to be a part of our creative project, I didn't know what to expect. However, as soon as I received a reply, we click almost instantly.

Thrilled by her humility and her passion for creativity, we wasted no time and got down to scheduling for a photoshoot & interview session at our new studio. And when the day finally arrived, I was greeted by a cheerful hello and everything else just fall into place, naturally.

We got to know each other, the Malaysia handmade & craft scene and even gotten to Shia Lynn's story, how she started and where she'd be heading towards.


Now, before I jot down about the interview itself, let me just describe to you what I feel around Shia Lynn and what do I see in this budding friendship I just build.

Prior to our session, I know of Shia Lynn & I know of her blog, The Artsy Craftsy.

I also know that she is a self-taught artist and she have a great knowledge on colors. From a quick check on our FB chat, we did talk years before we finally converse with each other in person. I remember her being a friendly and sweet lady, very kind too. 

When we met, those traits I mention earlier indeed are all apart of her, but I also got to know much more, and I got so fond of her (and her supportive boyfriend, Justin) even before we got to our interview. If there is one word for me to describe Shia Lynn, the word would be real. 

Real.

Judging by the short amount of time we got to know one another, I felt no pretense as she talks, laugh and share about herself, her background and everything else we got to chat about. She's open to all topics and she talks about the sweet stuff, but also the...well, not-so-sweet stuff.

But we'll get to that part later..

Shia Lynn and her self portrait painting.
During our shoot, I got the honor to view one of her painting, a self portrait of her outer and inner self. The outer glamorous, the inner spiritual. The colors and details are simply beautiful.

The self portrait, in my view, did reflect her as a person. 

On the outside, everyone see her as the creative blogger, the person behind the well known The Artsy Craftsy Blog, which have an active traffic of 200k plus, selected as Top 10 blog for content category at the DiGi Wwwow awards 2014. 

While those are all true, what she truly enjoy at the end of the day, is the little things in life. As we converse, she reveals her love for nature and art, to express herself through yoga, handmade creations, and discovering beauty in everyday life.


During our interview session, we talk about how she got into the creative scene in Malaysia.

 I came to know that Shia Lynn started as a self-taught designer and soon got her name around, landing herself with many clients that engage her for her drawings and painting - mostly on gowns. She was growing well as a budding artist, until one of her major client decided to tell her otherwise. 

Shia Lynn mention this major client for a couple of times throughout the session and my curiosity rise as I carefully ask if she could share the details, to which Shia Lynn smiles and shares openly. 

She talks about how she got introduced to the client, a lady who owns a boutique and engages Shia Lynn for hand paintings on gowns, and how everything went well in the beginning until a day came that the client changes attitude and start insulting and talking down of her paintings and price. (At that time, around year 2005, Shia Lynn earns about RM800 and more for each gown.)

Things start going downhill between them, and soon young Shia Lynn decided to call their work relation off, putting down everything she build up till then along with it and stop creating for a long period of time.

Shia Lynn smile after the story and then continue 'But you know what is funny? The same lady contacted me again recently. Asking me to design for her once again.' 

She never went back, because now Shia Lynn understands her own value and that no one can ever put her down.

When I ask her what she would share to the individuals that wish to start up in the creative scene and she answers without a doubt ;

 'Never sell yourself short. If there is a customer that is demotivating, it is just that one person view. Continue believing what you believe. Never stop including creativity into your life. My mentor once told me to do what you love, the money will come eventually.'

However, Shia Lynn also believe that whatever happened was meant to happen, and that is how she came around to starting the blog we are all familiar with now, The Artsy Craftsy.


 The Artsy Craftsy was born because Shia Lynn could not find a creative & art lifestyle blog in Malaysia at that time. And going through what she have went through, she was determined to become a platform that can assist creative individuals to further promote themselves and the whole craft community. 

'I've talked to many crafters and designers, and I feel what they feel when they share with me their challenges in this field. I want to be a platform for them.'

On how she got back up after she stop creating, she shares that 'I came to realize that I left art, but art never left me.' Pressing on her point, she further talk about how she believes that creativity is similar to life itself. 'Love yourself first, so people love you.'.

Asking the passionate blogger what she have plan in store for us for the year 2015, her eyes lit up as she shares some of her handmade merchandise and talks about how she will be providing them in The Artsy Craftsy. Some of which includes self design tees, creative muse cards and unique handmade jewelries. Now we know what to look forward to ;)


Coming back to the craft scene, we talk about how she find Supplies Surprise! Bazaar and what the bazaar could improve on. Having visited the bazaar once herself, she recalls how excited she felt when she know a craft supplies bazaar is going to be held in Malaysia.

'I remember being very excited' she said, 

'I remember thinking to myself how it is the first craft supplies bazaar in Malaysia, it is a great idea because these are materials that we can utilize and to make our imagination come to life. When I came, the vendors are all very helpful and friendly and it is definitely a great experience to be able to touch and feels the materials and to get to know the faces behind the shops.'

When being asked to describe herself in three traits, she ponder before she laughs and mention it's a hard question because no one ask her that before.Still thinking, she decided ;

'Intuitive, Intricate & Passionate.'

Shia Lynn, a creative individual, a kind soul, a beautiful person inside out. Always holding her hands out to help, always open to people, always humble and learning.

Meet Shia Lynn Toh, someone more than just a creative blogger.


Links :

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

SSB 10 Sneak Peek 3

It's Wednesday!

And it's our final sneak peek for SSB10! I surely hope you're all as excited as we are about this Saturday!
So here are the final gems of vendors we have this round:

 Who doesn't love washi tape?! It's so much fun and possibilities are endless! 
 Come get your supply of washi tape from Maeday Art Market this Supplies Surprise! Bazaar 10!
 Check out her special mini washi tape rolls that come in a mini bobbin <3

 Dwikraft will be showcasing their variety of add on accessories to bling up your DIY projects! 
With supplies such as metal studs, charms and leather cords, it's up to your own creativity to 
come up with your personalized piece of handmade!

Fancy up your gadgets with bling from Morra crafts supplies.
She's also bringing her stash of fun 'perler' fusible beads!

 Joining us for the first time is Eiffelz crafts, offering you cool handmade jewelry 
featuring eclectic and unique charms and trinkets!

 Life and Craft will be joining us for the first time too, with all kinds of craft supplies
 ranging from washi and deco tapes, crafting tools and other miscellaneous notions and embellishments! 
Come discover the handmade lifestyle, this Supplies Surprise! Bazaar 10

 Get all your stamping supplies in all the cutest and beautiful designs Kawaii Stations has to offer!
 

 FLOS designs is also another newcomer, that will definitely charm those who love 
all things feminine and girly. She also makes bridal pieces! So do come and check it out!

  Make your own personalized jewelry with pretty vintage style charms and matching findings 
from Partz and Puzzle this Supplies Surprise! Bazaar 10! 
Make sure you catch them at SSB10 as they are normally a wholesale business.

Come visit Lullabelle and try out her all natural handmade soaps, balms and lotions! 
 Don't miss out on her bestselling mozzie repellents and ointments. Nothing beats handmade body-care!

 Last but not least, our earth-loving vendor team of 2 sisters from CooCooCrafts provide 
all the pretty salvaged leather, PU goodies and scrap fabrics! 
Who says recycling can't be classy and pretty!
 Come check out their awesome recycled supplies and you'll be inspired!
So COME! =)
Support our local vendors, and splurge a little on yourself, restock your supplies (you can never have enough..ahemm) and meet our friendly vendors, and make new crafty friends!

at Bfree Studio, Dataran Mentari, Sunway
See you soon,
Sungting =)

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

SSB 10 Sneak Peek 2

Good morning!
SSB 10 is just round the corner, and is happening this Saturday, 6th of July at BFree from 12 to 6pm. Here are more sneak peeks of the vendors joining us this time =)

Bubuwa is back with her adorable socks plushie diy kits! 
If you are looking to start some sewing craft yourself or even with your children,
Bubuwa is ready to assist you in making your very own one!

 Pretty die cut butterflies and shapes in a rainbow of colors, 
prepacked beads and trinkets in small quantities, scalloped labels and paper doilies
are just a glimpse of what Personally Yours has in store for you. 
You might just find all the perfect little bits to complete your craft and make it 'personally yours' ;p
  
Yew Art and Craft Studio will be joining us for the first time, 
bringing together with them their DIY clay kits , materials and all the tools
 and supplies to make your own colorful and personalized clay crafts.
  
 CNC provides a full range of homemade skin products especially 
made for sensitive and allergy-prone skin-types! 
She will also be bringing some soap making supplies for your own DIY projects.

 EmiKaz Designs will WOW you with their awesome concept of lace trimmings that can be used for
 transforming shawls/tudung's into elegant pieces of fashion wear. 
Come see for yourselves the wonderful and colorful selections of their trimmings and supplies

 Come find little trinkets, charms and fabric from MM souvenirs, you're sure to
find something interesting for your DIY projects from her little stall of unique supplies!

 Visit Sasha n Myra this SSB10 where you will find all things girly, pink, and old-skool. 
 From girly fabrics and stationary to old-skool toys for the 
young and old alike Make sure you stop by and pay a visit to this novelty shop!

 OneCraftMaya will be bringing her rainbow collection of felt supplies and 
colorful buttons in cute shapes like hearts, stars and many more! 
She will also be bringing some brand new handmade felt accessories 
that are sure to put a smile on your face!

We are proud to say that we are privileged to have 
Greenie Clover joining us once again, this SSB10 with her wide selection of Clover Brand products. 
From supplies such as yarns, to crafting kits and gadgets, 
you might find all you need in her one-stop haberdashery tools and supplies stall!
  
Find all sorts of versatile embelishments for card making or scrap booking 
 such as clay cabochons and elegant foam die cuts as well as crafting twine in a variety of colors! 
All from Crafty Corner Liew!

Hearts and Crafts is bringing it on this SSB10, 
with her new arrivals of awesome *happy washi tape* as she calls it!
 As well as other stationary and novelty office supplies that will 
definitely inject a lot of happy into your life! Come get some "happy" this SSB10!
 

MayMay shop is another one of our popular fabric vendors 
with something different and new to offer every time! 
Make sure you come and check out her tweed cotton collections as well as other 
sewing notions and supplies such as super wide bias binding in different colors and fabric designs!
So don't forget to save the date! You can RSVP HERE
See you at 
Supplies Surprise Bazaar 10!
6th July 2013 (this coming Saturday)
12-6pm
at Bfree Studio, Dataran Mentari, Sunway

That's all for today, but stay tuned for our last bit of sneaky peeks tomorrow! 
Peace out!
Sungting

Thursday, June 20, 2013

SSB10 Sneak Peek 1

Hello and Good Morning!

Supplies Surprise Bazaar 10 is just round the corner and we are excited to introduce some of our vendors to you this time round =) Here's a list of our 30 hand-picked fabulous Vendors for SSB10!

Our first promo will be on a new vendor with us, Adam Toys And Crafts. If you like crafting for your toddler and children, you are most likely to fall in love here! Gets your ABC-s and 123-s here and sew them up to form a very safe and unique learning time for your children! 
 

Next up, Ani Wasabi will be providing many adorable supplies from her booth. Look out for cute buttons, ribbons, crochet embellishments and much more!
 
 Aifel Craft Cottage is back with us again with their wide array of quilling and scrapbook tools and even fancy machines to help in making your final pieces perfect! If you like paper crafting, drop over their booth and see how can their supplies could help in your craft!

How many ways can you look good with ribbons? Come check out what Ribbands has in store for you! From elegant to chic, find the perfect handmade accessory for your crowning beauty =)

Love Beads? Come and visit beads for keep and their wide array of beads and jewelries collection to make your own unique diy!
 
For those of you who are lovers of bag-making, you'll be familiar with Jane's Handmadeand the awesome supplies she provides! Come and get everything you need to make a bag and more!

  Joining us for the first time, The Craft Society will be bringing their own share of crafting goodies! Check out those cute hot air balloon fabrics!

 Stay tuned for more sneak peeks coming your way! 
Happy Thursday folks!

Sungting
SSBteam

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

SSB 10 Vendor Registration is OPEN !

Happy Wednesday!

We have good news for interested Vendors for our Supplies Surprise Bazaar 10
Vendor Registration form is out and you can fill in your application by clicking the link below! 



We look forward to hearing from you! Have a great Day,

Sungting
SSBteam