Besides baking treats, occasionally I like to make presents for family and close friends so they can have something more personal and so I can have the opportunity to dabble with something outside drawing to keep me sane! I grew up making things all the time - sculptures, toys, little outfits for my Barbie.....because I had no interest in actually playing with it but liked to design and make clothes for it, hehe. I'm a bit of a nerd for the whole process of planning all the parts and thinking of how to put it all together 'cause it gives my mind a different, more hands-on kinda workout.

A present to my boyfriend for our first anniversary.......it's an in-joke. :P Excuse the poor photo quality - I'll update it when I get back to his place.

A little graduation present for my friend Ben. I made a pocket-sized Japanese-bound sketchbook with assorted paper and a stamp of his Chinese name on the front cover.

This was for my nephew's first birthday a few weeks ago. He was born in the year of the bull and the design is based on the one I drew on the baby book I made for my sister last Christmas.

I made some masala chai for my best friend one time and she loved it, so I made a tea set for her so she can make it at home. I designed stickers for each pot that contained spices so she'd know what they're called and how much to use per serving. I also designed and constructed the greeting card and instructions.