Thursday, December 22, 2011

Sending You a Christmas Angel

Want to send out many blessings at Xmas in a happy and less costly way? You can cheer up many people with a Christmas angel. The DIY steps are simple.

The Christmas angel is 2-7/8” tall. This is the front view.

This is the rear side.

Materials for the DIY:

1. A cardboard with one side gold or silver in color (Choose whatever colors you like)
2. A die cut pattern
3. A pair of scissors or cutter
4. A string (optional, for hanging purpose)



If you want a bigger angel to carry more blessings, prepare the die cut pattern according to the measurement stated in the above photo and use photocopying to enlarge it. Of course, you can do some calculations and enlarge the angel directly while drawing out its die cut pattern.

DIY Steps of the Christmas angel:

1.    Draw out the die cut pattern.
2.    Apply the die cut pattern on a cardboard.
3.    Cut out the angel accordingly.
4.    Write your blessings at the rear side.
5.    Fold the sheet to form a standing angel. (Or let it stay flat for the mailing to the distant acquaintances)
6.    Add a string if you like.



Write your unique blessings in words or drawings and send out the Christmas angels to your beloved. It’s a good piece of holiday decorative item at home and at office.

When Christmas is over, don’t throw away the angels. Unfold them and store well. The flat sheet makes storage easier. You can also use the flat angel sheet as a bookmark. It’s always heart-warming to read blessings at the back, a handy remainder on having love and warmth always.

It’s worthwhile to invest on this inexpensive and easy-to-make gift. Don’t miss the golden opportunity to send love to others and yourself. Wish you all a Merry Christmas and happy always!

Author’s note:

The Christmas angel is easy to make. If you want to offer others DIY items that are more sophisticated but have a limited budget only, bead jewelry in a unique gift box showcase may be a good option. Read the three articles below and learn the simple DIY processes.

Eight Reasons to Make Bead Ring and How to Diy

How to DIY Bead Necklaces, Bracelets and Earrings

DIY Christmas Gift Box Showcase



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Old Hong Kong in the 46th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo

A dynamic city keeps changing; old styles become history. Want to see the old Hong Kong? Don’t miss the 46th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo then.
Old Expo (miniature)

A brief history of Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo
 
Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo started in 1938. It aimed at promoting the Hong Kong industries and brands, and trading. Due to the Japanese invasion, the expo was canceled in 1941 and restarted in 1948.

Owing to the lack of venue, the 2nd cancellation happened in 1974. The expo came back in 1994, but just for that year to celebrate the 60th anniversary of its organizer. A solid return took place until 1998.

From 2004 to 2011, all the Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo were held in the Victoria Park, Causeway Bay. Nowadays the expo looks more like an annual big marketplace. It attracts many locals coming here to do their shopping at a discounted price. Tourists may find the special-themed exhibition more appealing.



Hong Kong Memories Miniature Exhibition

Not every expo has a special-themed exhibition, but this year there is the Hong Kong Memories Miniature Exhibition. Visitors could see over 50 miniatures made by 11 Hong Kong Artists. Those miniatures show the 1960s to 1970s life in Hong Kong and the look of the old expo. Though the exhibition occupies very little space, the miniatures tell a lot about the old cultures of Hong Kong. Many visitors enjoy touring around and taking photos. Some elders take this golden opportunity to tell their grand children the earlier life. Below are the photos I took for some miniatures.
Chinese herbal shop
Chinese furniture shop
Chinese wedding accessory shop
A rickshaw
Public housing for low income residents
Old style buildings
Grocery store

The 46th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo will last for 24 days, from Dec. 10, 2011 to the 2nd of January, 2012. If you are staying in Hong Kong within the period, welcome to come for this event. The entry fee is HKD10 and there is no additional fee for the special-themed exhibition that locates in the midst of the venue.

When you tour around, don’t forget to enjoy the free trials of foods and drinks offered by some stalls. Discount coupons are available in the shopping guide. Keep the guide and the entry ticket for the “See and Guess”. Participants need to guess the total retail price of the products in a showcase at the Lucky Draw Station. Pick the correct answer and enjoy the lucky draw. The prize, big or small, would serve as a nice souvenir.

Tourist could try many local side dishes in the food plaza. There are also stalls selling different kinds of products, a good place to shop for souvenirs.


Egg custard tart (chestnut flavor)

The opening hours are 11:00am – 10:00pm (Monday to Sunday) except the 12th of December, 2011 (to 1:00am) and the 2nd of January, 2012 (to 8:00pm). There will be no ticket selling and admission one hour before the exact closing time. Welcome to visit this expo. Enjoy yourself.

Author’s note:

For the days without any special event, Hong Kong has many places worthy of visiting. The three articles below will give you some ideas on what to add in your itinerary for your Hong Kong tour.

Hong Kong Travel Guide: A Relaxing Day in Mui Wo

Hong Kong Travel Guide: Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence

Hong Kong Travel Guide: Nan Lian Garden