Chained Paintings: The Art of Accessory Making

It takes a certain genius to be a qualified accessory-designer. One has to be a meticulous engineer, a passionate artist, and a style maverick all rolled into one creative being.

Kira Ramirez, 26, has been creating hand painted accessories under the name EarthlyDelights since last year. “I started tinkering with beads, precious stones, buttons, chains and ribbons and making them into necklaces and rings during the summer of 2006. At that time, I knew I wanted to have a business of my own – something that I was passionate about and at the same time was fun to do. I am an accessory aficionado so I decided to make them myself and just hoped that people would appreciate and buy them,” she states.

She began with some self-study – relying on fashion magazines, online research, some trial and error. After six months, Kira took a class on beading and wiring techniques under Em Mariano. Armed with sharper skills and a head full of ideas just waiting to take form, she began to venture into the accessory business in April of 2007.

Her initial concerns had to do with the leap from a beloved hobby into becoming part of the accessory industry. She remembers, “At first I only made eight pieces because I didn’t know how people would react to it.”

It took only a short time to allay those concerns. Kira enthuses, “I posted them online and I was so overwhelmed with the response! Then a few weeks after that, Isa Alvarez of Make Love Not War boutique asked if I would be willing to consign my hand painted necklaces there. And three more stores followed suit.”

Kira discovered there was a huge demand for that certain inimitable and exquisitely designed accessory that could put a mark on fashion statements anywhere - and she was was more than happy to fill it.

What is the creative process behind accessory making? Kira reveals, “The theme is the first thing I am concerned with when making necklaces. Right now, I am preparing for my summer collection, which means bright colors, beach-inspired images, florals, etc.The pendants and other raw materials (beads, stones, wires, etc.) are sourced several months in advance which entails having to scour a lot of bead shops."

Kira shares the experience, “I also consult fashion magazines or books, look for fabrics with interesting colors and patterns for design inspiration. The actual painting [of the accessory] is done a few weeks before the target launch date. I must say that I am very fortunate to be able to work with a very good and talented painter whom I share my ideas with. Finally, the finished pendants are attached to either gold or silver chains with minimal beading as the pendants themselves should be the main attraction of the neckpiece.”

As much as possible, Kira tries to make just one piece per design. She also, under certain circumstances, accepts accessory customization. Who does Kira want to see wearing an EarthlyDelight necklace?

“I would like to see someone who is creative and playful wear my necklaces. [Socialite and celebrity] Tessa Prieto-Valdes is a good example—she’s fun, fearless and doesn’t take fashion too seriously,” Kira answers, “My necklaces are so versatile that you can wear them with anything! I initially presented it as an accessory you can wear to the beach – it’s pretty, colorful and waterproof! But I’ve seen customers wear it with the basic tee and jeans ensemble, others with a flattering low-cut dress and some even wear it to work.”

With a luxe line coming out soon, a bag collection and other delightful surprises on its way, EarthlyDelights will continue to flourish its gift of charm and artistry that paradoxically, is quite heavenly. Romina Tobias

A Child’s World through the Hands of an Artist

There is something about Beth Parrocha-Doctolero’s work that makes you want to go back to childhood. It could be its fairy tale-like persona with its soft colors and carefree air. But it could also be the soothing warmth one feels upon looking at it. More than precious works of art, Beth’s illustrations are like a journey to a wonderland, experienced through the heart of a child. In her works, the world looks vibrant and colorful yet innocent and serene.

Beth Parrocha-Doctolero is a well-known artist/illustrator who has displayed her caliber in various children’s books and art exhibits. Her career started when she was still a college student at the University of the Philippines Diliman – College of Fine Arts when her professor recommended her to Cacho Hermanos, a publishing firm then looking for an artist for a children’s book.

Ever since she was young, Beth knew she wanted to be an artist. She has always shown zeal in her craft; her illustrations’ relaxed and playful air masks the discipline and amount of concentration she has invested in creating them. Yet, for someone who understands art, Beth’s passion for her work need not be explained. Her harmonious relationship with her chosen medium is evident in the way she presents her material.

“Watercolor is not an easy medium to use but somehow I've made friends with it and blessed me with its secrets,” she explains her selection.

Work of Art, Work from the Heart

When it comes to her most memorable illustrations, Beth names Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel published by Adarna House and Pista y ang Kageban by Infolink Palawan, as both books have challenged her resources as an artist. Ang Pambihirang Buhok ni Raquel tells of a story of Raquel, a girl who is envied because of her long and flowing hair. Yet, underneath her beautiful hair lies a sad secret. On the other hand, Pista y ang Kageban (Feast of the Forest) is about the annual tree-planting festival in Palawan.

While Pambihirang Buhok put her creativity and sense of play into test, Pista required her to prepare emotionally and mentally. She shares, “(With Pista,) it’s the first time that I had to draw so many people and trees. I believe that an artist can be able to draw anything if he puts his mind into it. Before Pista, I had never drawn people realistically, and had trouble doing trees. But somehow I was able to overcome it, well enough to be proud of the outcome of the book.”

Her experience in doing illustrations for Pista drove her to realize that “the only thing I had to do (to be able to overcome the challenge) was to accept the fact that I can do it. It was as simple as that.”

Beth’s emotional involvement in her art is perhaps what made her admire famous American author and children’s book illustrator Lane Smith. Lane is best known for his collaborations with author Jon Scieszka. They have teamed up on books such as The Stinky Cheese Man, which was considered a New York Times "Best Illustrated Book."

The Filipina illustrator admits that Lane influenced her on the way he presented his subject matter. “He allows the viewer to participate emotionally in his pictures. When you look at a Lane Smith illustration, something about it will trigger an emotional response. And somehow, that's what I would like to impart on my work as well,” she says.

Through the years of being an artist, Beth follows one simple principle: to enjoy what she is doing. And Beth definitely feels good working for children. Her works of arts are works from her heart, which mesmerize not only the children but also the children at heart. Willeth Laus

See more of Beth Parrocha-Doctolero’s works and contact information here.

A Lot Like Clown

Sixteen years – and counting. Rocio Matute has been hosting children’s parties for this long – and has never grown tired of doing it.

“I enjoy my work so much. Maybe because I love kids, and I feel happy when I see them enjoying the party,” says Rocio who started in 1992 as a member of Clowning Around, one of the pioneering party planning companies in the country and also one of the first to introduce female hosts.

Rocio’s brother introduced her to Clowning Around. That time, she was a full-time pre-school teacher and not thinking of doing party hosting as a career - or in her case, a part-time career. She currently teaches at Kidz Academy in Katipunan, Quezon City on weekdays and hosts parties on weekends.

She relates, the first time she hosted a party she wore a Power Ranger costume. “I was the Pink one. At first, I felt kind of weird wearing the costume…not really worrying about the kids but the adult guests who were watching. But then (I realized) it was fun – and because you’re doing it for the kids.”

Even her mom wonders when she will ever stop hosting kiddie parties. But it appears, she has not yet pondered on giving up being Minnie Mouse, Cat Woman, Dora the Explorer, or even one of the valiant Ninja Turtles. One of these days, don’t be surprised if you see her dressed as Hannah Montana. She could be anyone a child or a teener loves to watch on TV or have as a friend; and that probably what thrills her.

Rocio is thankful for having such an exciting job. She willingly showed her photos taken as early as 1992, and gladly shared the different experiences she had, including the one party she hosted a few years back, where kids were really rowdy. Good thing, she knew how to handle such situation.

She only has kind words for Clowning Around. She attributed her being adaptable to the trainings she had with the party company. “We were trained every month. Professionals taught us how to approach situations and handle different behaviors of children. We would also meet regularly to update our games or improve our story-telling skills.”

She shares, “We found out most kids get scared of clowns because of the white make-up. What we did…we made a revised clown – no white make-up but instead, we paint shapes on the cheek and then we just put on glitter. It worked!”

Although Rocio now works as freelancer (she just started this 2008), she is still very much in touch with her former colleagues in Clowning Around. Her decision to shift from being an exclusive member of Clowning to becoming a freelancer can be considered a career move, since she can now be booked by other party companies. Perhaps, it is time for her to move on; anyway, she’s been loyal to Clowning for quite a long time. Willeth Laus

Get Rocio's contact information here.