DIY: Charm Bracelets ♡

Here's a quick tutorial on how I (Nina) make charm bracelets. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below and we'll get back to you ASAP!

You can buy the materials listed in this video at any craft store such as National Bookstore (Philippines). You can also try going to flea markets/bazaars for cheaper prices. :) The bracelet takes around less than 30 minutes to make, but it all depends on how you create it.

Don't forget to send us photos of your finished product if you tried this tutorial out! You can comment the links below or e-mail it to us as an attachment. :) We sincerely hope you enjoy this little tutorial and share it with your friends!

FEATURED: Jennifer Young ☮

This is the lovely Jennifer Young, lifestyle photographer and owner of the whimsical I Art U blog. Taken from her about me page, she started IAU at around August of 2009. She obssessed over "...natural light, authentic moments, understanding and appreciating the process of creating, travel, cafe hopping, dinner with friends, creative details, and finding beauty in simplicity." With this description, there's no doubt that this woman is artistically brilliant, which is why we wanted to feature her.

 Her photographs are aesthetically thought of. They reflect a sense of contentment, and the subject is highlighted in such a way that the audience admires the beauty of the art. It celebrates life, love, and all the feelings you could think of. For me, that is a mark of a truly gifted photographer.

We were ecstatic to have her write back to our email (Thank you, Jennifer!), so here are some of the questions she answered!

1. Tell us about yourself and your blog. How long have you been blogging?
I'm Jennifer Young, lifestyle photographer and blogger over at I ART U. I started IAU as an inspiration blog but it has become a place where I share my personal photography work or collaborations I host with other artists. I've been blogging for almost three years coming up in September!

2. Where do you get inspiration for the things you post?
My posts are inspired by a lot of my travels. I'm on the road frequently and I love documenting my steps along the way.

3. Which post of yours is your favorite so far? Tell us more about it!
Favorite? I don't know if I have one! Here are a few of my favorites: 1, 2, & 3.

4. Tell us something quirky about you that your readers probably don't know.

I like the smell of chlorine...weird, right?

5. How were you able to get your blog's name out there?

I'm don't know if my blog name is "out there", but I enjoy connecting with others by reading their blogs and commenting...comments are always a good way of reaching out. 

6. What are, in your opinion, the pros and cons of blogging?

The pros? Meeting a bunch of creatives that I wouldn't have met otherwise. Cons? It's super time consuming and keeps me in front of the computer for too many hours of the day. 

7. If you could have a playlist that defines your blog/photographs, what songs would be in it?
Lately, I've been so outside of the music scene...I don't think I can answer this!

8. What are your favorite things to photograph? Point out a constant/similarity in your photos.
I think my favorite thing to photograph is everyday life. I love capturing uncontrived moments or things of everyday living.

9. What made you get into photography?
It's been a passion of mine since I was young. Not sure what made me get into photography but I find capturing moments and light fascinating and beautiful. 

10. Do you have any tips for aspiring bloggers that have the same theme as your blog or bloggers in general?

I say connect with those who inspire you and post consistently (i'm the worst at this)! 

Please check out Jennifer's blog and support her here and here!

Follow her on Pinterest as well!

FEATURED: Malia Carter ♡

Meet Malia Carter, owner of the quirkily named Deep Fried Freckles blog and an artist extraordinaire. An advertisement and graphic design student at the Columbus College of Art and Design , Malia was previously a fashion major before switching. Being a lover of watercolors and intentionally messy sketches, I was hooked into Malia's works the moment I laid my eyes on them. It was only right for us to feature her here, and Bea and I were more than happy when she responded to our e-mail.
Her illustrations are all brilliantly drawn, down to the very last detail. Whatever or whoever the subject is, Malia finds a way to still give off happy vibes through the bright colors. I could only dream of painting and drawing as well as she does. Her style in painting is very unique (much like the person she is) and full of texture. If you guys need any art-spiration (a ridiculous term I coined), I suggest you drop by her blog (click here).
Before I leave you guys with the interview, I'd like to point out that Malia does take requests for illustration, for a sum of $60.00 (approx. php2,513). Send her an e-mail if you're interested! She also has a society6 shop where she sells her prints that could either be framed, written on, put on an iPhone/iPad/laptop case among other things. Check it out here! Oh, and if you're feeling artsy/want to practice your painting, you can print some of her works here!
1. Tell us about yourself and what it is that you do.
I am a 22 year old artist exploring the world around me and inside of my head. I spend most of my time painting, searching for inspiration and daydreaming about snacks.

2. Who/what is/are your inspiration/s?
I love anything quirky that sticks out.

3. How did you come up with your blog name?
I came up with Deep Fried Freckles a year ago when I was combining words that described myself. The first thing I thought of was freckles, and while doing so I was eating french fries. I have a 12 year old palette.

4. When did you realize you had passion for art and wanted to pursue it?
I have been creating art since I was a toddler. I always knew I would choose a career involving art and I am lucky enough to have supportive people in my life that believe in me and helped me be where I am today.
5. Do you prefer digital or traditional art?
I really can't choose. I am still learning so much about both and each day I grow a stronger appreciation for different mediums.

6. What are your other hobbies aside from art?
I love spending time with animals. I'm the girl who sneaks off to play with a roommates dog at a college party. I dog walk and pet sit 3-4 times a week and also volunteer at my local animal shelter.

7. Which of your many brilliant artworks is your favorite?
Thank you for the compliment! And I would have to say my favorite so far is my mermaid mural for Illusions Salon. It was my first mural so It took me weeks of repainting, loving and loathing. I really feel like I put my whole heart into that mural.
8. Any tips/advice for young artists like you?
I would say to just find your passion and never stop creating. If you truly love something others will see that and appreciate your work.
If you like Malia and her illustrations, please do check out her links and show your support by commenting on her posts and whatnot! :)

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FEATURED: Arielle Guevara ♡

Meet our very good friend, Arielle Guevara. A thirteen-year-old blogger with incredible drawing skills, we're convinced she's got quite a future as an animator. Her drawings (both digital and traditional) remind me a lot of the kind of illustrations you see on Intermediate Readers/Young Adult book covers such as Amelia's Notebook by Marissa Moss or The Sleepover Squad by P.J. Denton - both of which I read when I was in grade school (around third or fourth grade). Her artworks hold a kind of innocent vibe - the kind that only the youth of today hold. It is reminiscent of watching cartoons during the morning, playing games outside with friends, and just being a kid in general. It holds the kind of innocence only kids have.

The bright colors and expressions of her characters are enough to make anyone's day and I'm not even exaggerating. When I'm feeling creative, I almost always check Arielle's blog to get inspiration. I don't tell her, but I suppose she knows now! Hahaha. Anyway, we conducted a small interview of some sort with her, but with a twist. Being an artist and all, we asked her to draw out her answers. What we got back has got to be the cutest thing ever! Check it out below with the guide questions. :)

1. Tell us about yourself and what it is that you do.
2. Who/what is/are your inspiration/s?
3. What would you like to be when you're slightly older? Does it have something to do with art?
4. When did you realize you had passion for art and wanted to pursue it?
5. Do you prefer digital or traditional art?
6. What are your other hobbies aside from art?
7. Which of your many brilliant artworks is your favorite?
8. Any tips/advice for young artists like you?

Isn't that just the cutest thing ever? Arielle was also nice enough to send us a fan sign! It's a kind of thing we try to 'collect' from our interviewees. This is our very first so massive thanks to you, Arielle! We wish her all the best in her future creative endeavors (commissions maybe?) and everything else. Thanks Arielle!