handmade lace crowns

We were having such a headache searching for the crowns to suit our theme (for Grad's night this year), Ruby Royalty. Those available online are mostly meant for parties-- plastic, cheap-looking, rip-off. 

Since the event was pulling near, I took matters to my hand and went to the cloth shop nearby. Here is a list of what you need;

- lace, preferably white ones

- gold spray paint

- gold glitter

- cloth glue

- gold wire (as support if you don't want to use fabric stiffener)

- gold embellishment of any kind

- jewels (optional)

Start off by shaping the crowns, glue em at the ends. 

Some prefer to shape it on a cylinder cardboard. Do that if it is easier for you.

Spray paint the whole thing inside and out. Allow to dry before spraying another layer. For the second layer, before it even gets dry, sprinkle glitter all over it. You can also dilute fabric glue and mix it with the glitter before painting it on with a brush.

Depending on the type of paint used, it does get stiff without fabric stiffener. Weave the gold wire at the bottom of the crown and twist to secure. (it is silly of me not to take a photo of that bit)

Attach embellishments and jewels to the crown according to your liking. 

Viola!

For the final product I actually added jewels, which again I fail to photograph.

The whole thing costed only a third of what we can purchase online and the coolest part is that it is one of a kind! 

1st of May

(i know it has been awhile but read on..)

First of May in Czech Republic marks the Labour's day or what they call Svátek práce. 

Since it is a Thursday, we had a day off from uni..and what a waste it is had I not go out.

The weather was superb and flowers were blooming everywhere. Even the magistrate hall bus stop was  decorated with fresh tulips! We don't need to go to Amsterdam for these :)

I was curious about the music playing at the square (my house is just next door) since 8-9am. 

I thought it was some band performing the anthem but I found out google-d it and turns out they have a spring fest there with concerts and mini markets. 

These sightings are always filled with intrigue. Beer cart? Wood oven grilling ham? Home-brewed honey wine? :D

There are even ladies dressed to promote their traditional delicacies!

Unfortunately I was too occupied (in both my brain and stomach) to test-taste the food. We celebrated a friend's birthday earlier that day that's why..

But yeah, perks of living near the new square. :)

case in point

No, I have not been the diligent blogger you were hoping for. I was occupied with grad's night stuff and exams. Says who 4th year is honeymoon year? Yes, it is definitely not as stressful as 3rd year but heck, there is no sunbathing in Maldives or flower-admiring in Amsterdam so far. Life has been meh, except for some...lets just call them "issues".

I failed miserably at being zen this year. Being the indecisive person I am, it was rather difficult for me to decide whether or not to forgive people. Imagine someone stabbing you with a knife and go all "aww...that must really hurt.." or "I am so sorry! I feel so bad for you now." Knives; they hurt. See my point? (no pun intended)

The other issue I had is with the summer practice. We have to complete them for both surgery and internal medicine, and chasing after the doctors has been giving me headaches all month! Even some rather atas doctors (I rather not name names) said they are not involved in practicals so we had to hop from one department to another to sort the dates out-- which means I can't just randomly book my flight back yet, despite completing all the major exams. Seniors, however, told me that the practice was a breeze and they got it all sorted early. Was I complicating things then? Idk. Probably I ran out of luck. That's all.

Anyways, what has to be done has to be done. I'll get crackin and update abit once I get more photos (am currently relying heavily on my ipad mini's lame camera). On the upside, the deco bit for grad's night is coming along just fine -- the perks of not involving more brains- and I am genuinely excited to see the puzzle pieces fall into place.

Wish me luck.

april (thus far..)

Field trip to Nechanice 3.4.2013

Our group was privileged to be part of the learning group at the Anti-Alcoholic centre (or Drunk Tank as they call it here in Czech). As early as 8am, we gathered at the hospital entrance and boarded a bus.

It feels awesome to be on some sort of 'field trip' with the class even though the journey was a short one. Nechanice is just 15 minutes away from Hradec, and I have been there twice (the second being a visit to the Children's Home- Detske Dum). 

Waiting to be briefed in a room

Tepo being mischievous and throwing plushies at others :X

Juuli looking all posh with her sunnies~

We had the bus all to ourselves! I'm looking forward to the next trip in May. We will be leaving at 7am this time to some mountain village. Should be interesting :)

ISU Cultural day 13.4.2013

ISU is a student's union in our faculty. They have been organizing many events for the international students all year round. I have not had any time to fully contribute physically, but I made it there (yesterday, actually) and kepo-ed around.

Team Malaysia!

Beauties from Taiwan

Got some other internationals into our national costumes

Don't they look gorgeous!

Other booth lineup

Malaysia is indeed truly Asia. I think we went overboard in a good way with our booth- it was interactive, informative and so much fun! Kudos to all those involved for the day.

*sigh*

I think I've exhausted myself with a week worth of social interaction *sinks back to dormancy*.

Won't be updating as frequent now. Apologies.