Author Archives: Gizelle Faye Creative Studio

Hi, my name is Gizelle Faye. I am an artist, florist, stylist, calligrapher, letterer, mum, and wife to Harry. I am a bohemian risk-taker who fell in love with an old soul. Three months before our wedding in 2012, I went cuckoo and left my corporate job to pursue my dreams and founded Cuckoo Cloud Concepts. For about a decade, I was the creative director of Cuckoo Cloud Concepts, dreaming up unforgettable and picture-perfect moments from a tropical island called Cebu. I specialized and honed my skills in photo shoot styling, product styling, floristry, calligraphy, and lettering. During the pandemic, I rediscovered my love for painting amidst the dark times. The universe proved a lot more cuckoo than me and sent me and my family on a journey that will find us in Camden, New South Wales. But I vow to always bloom where I am planted. Today, in this new city, I host art workshops and offer social media content styling and creation, and other creative services for small businesses. Here, you will find an archive of my paintings and other works of art inspired by nature, scenes, architecture, and BTS, as well as art events I run in different venues in Sydney.

happy polka new year!

 
 
  
my polka dots may seem cliche for new year’s but not for the superstitious and those who love polka. they say that polka dots or round things on new year mean you get more cash for the year…*crossing my fingers* it’s my 3rd year wearing polka for new year’s eve (see photos below)…and so far, i’m loving it.
it’s the first new year’s eve not spent with my family and although i’m crushed as are all my agents, we did try to make the most out of it. we brought food to the office and i bought them all horns to toot when the clock strikes 12. so we stood under the drizzle and screamed and tooted outside the building, looked at the fireworks from our windows when we got back to our floor and ate as much as we could. and now i’m home, eating chocolate cake while everyone is asleep. *sigh*
here are my past polka new year’s:
new year at vudu (2008)

new year at waterfront hotel (2009)
polka shift dress – thrifted
black tights – hanes
black peep-toe booties – celine (a gift from harry)
long necklace – a gift from ivy
rings – props

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

clouds in the sky

 
 
after days of scorching hot weather, we finally got some clouds. i love clouds not because i love gloom but it’s a break from the heat. the only time i love the heat is when i’m at the beach. it’s not a complete beach experience if i can’t get a tan.
so my sister, mom and i went thrifting this morning. i scored around 5 dresses and 2 tops. i’ll soon be wearing them on future posts. on the thrift store though, there was this woman who was always asking people there if what she’s choosing is stylish. what ticked me off was when she approached me and asked me to fit what she chose because she’d like to see if it looks good. and pathetic me cannot say no even when i wanted to. ugggh! it looked good though — a black top with pleated details. and i wish i could have grabbed it from her.
aside from thrifting, we went to the market to buy some veggies and horns for tonight. it’s my first new year not spent with my family — i’m going to be at work! hmmmm… so many changes this year. might do a recap post this weekend. we’ll see. anyway, i have to sleep. so tired. good night!
striped top – thrifted
white tank top – kid’s section
skinny jeans – chillypapa
maryjanes – a gift from my sis
long necklace (reindeer in gun metal) – bubble bee gift shop
gun metal cuffs – props
sterling silver howlite ring – dane’s giveaway

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

laid back

 

got exhausted after bringing my puppy to the vet yesterday that i wasn’t able to prepare my outfit. welp, what can i say, there are laid back days. days when we cannot be all glamorized. on days like these, i pile on the accessories, as much as i can. and what better accessory to wear than the ring i won from dane’s christmas giveaway. it arrived yesterday and i just love it! the shoes i’m wearing here is my ever-worn out metallic flats that i grab when i’m in a hurry, other than my black flats with the bow tie. it’s just so comfortable.  a co-worker even commented, “hey, you’re wearing flats today…”
i had a really good day at work. i was able to do four one-on-one sessions with my group and had the chance to hear their thoughts and feelings. i have to say, i was a bit hesitant and scared because i didn’t really know what they’re thinking besides the caucus that’s going on. and with the drama that happened, who wouldn’t be nervous. but the day was really productive, except maybe for the trouble we got when another supervisor found some people sleeping (it’s because they were done with their work!). nevertheless, i have to be the middle man…and had to again give them the rationale of focusing at work. it’s so funny and ironic that while other groups worry about customer satisfaction and average handle time, our group worry about ‘sleeping issues…’ can anyone give me suggestions on fun activities to do at work? just so people can avoid falling asleep…or can anyone suggest ways not to fall asleep at work at all??? haha!
plaid mini-dress – thrifted
brown leggings – bought from mom’s friend
metallic flats – unlisted
blue ring – props
orange howlite ring – dane’s giveaway

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

zipper statement

 
i always have hard time dressing up for work on mondays — we have to wear something formal for business. good thing i saw this old skirt of my sister hanging in her closet. that’s the best thing about having 2 sisters — i can go through all of their closets..even my mom’s too! i can’t find any good high-waisted pencil skirts at the malls and have been planning to have one made instead. a good seamstress asks only P300 – P350 for labor anyway. but maybe i’ll find something when my mom and i go thrifting this thursday…CAN’T WAIT!
floral top – thrifted
pencil skirt with zipper detail – sis’ closet
suede booties – a gift from harry
metallic blue belt – props
grey tights – sm dept store
red bag – mongkok ladies market
rings – props
blue headband – sm dept store
glasses – thrifted

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

the people i grew up with

 
 
 nothing beats the company of true friends. had our yearly christmas dinner with my elementary and high school friends — the friends i’ve grown up with. we call ourselves ‘thugs’ because we used to love bone thugs and harmony so much back in high school. it means, “trues humbly united gathering souls…” i know, i know our name sounds so gangsta and corny in a way…hahaha! but we stuck to it because that’s how we came together.  we had our dinner at this cool tea house called “bubble bee” and they serve every tea flavor and asian dishes. their interiors are really cool too — with mis-matched sofas and lounges.
after some margarita with my ‘thugs’, harry and i went to vudu (one of cebu’s top bars) and partied with my sisters.  vudu has this annual ‘invierno’ party where everyone should wear white. some friends there were teasing us about having a family day but what can we say, we do party together and we love our vodka too. welp, i don’t really remember what happened after the vodka so i’m stopping here…haha!
ps. my blue / polka tights is inspired by tieka in this post.
i really love this girl and always enjoy not just looking at her outfit posts but also reading her thoughts.
white dress – maek 
blue tights – kate torralba
polka tights – macua street market
black peep toe booties – celine (a gift from harry!)
long chained watch / polka bangle – elegant tang dynasty
moose long necklace in gun metal – bubble bee gift shop
rings / teal / gun-metal bangles – props
black bag – mongkok ladies market
on my sisters:
white jumpsuit – props
white strappy heels – care
spaghetti strapped top – extra material from a long skirt (we had redone as a top)
beige belt – props
striped skirt – thrifted
cut-out heels – rosanna peña
bangles – props

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

got everything i wanted

 
 
i’ll soon post a photo of all the presents i received for christmas. one thing i can tell you, it’s spelled S-H-O-E-S. *wink* i got all that i wanted. and don’t think i’ll be buying any in 2 months…(oh except i am still coveting those black sandals in celine with gold studs…
i hope all of you had a great christmas! i’m sure i did.
peasant top with red polka – thrifted
denim shorts – borrowed from sis
red flats with gold chain – celine
suede boho bag – bangkok
rings – props
long chained necklace – elegant tang dynasty
angel wing necklace – sm dept store
teal bangle – props
beaded gold bangles – gifts from tita
glasses – thrifted

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

merry christmas!

 

 
merry christmas everyone!
it was a very different christmas for me this year. not only is it my 2nd time spending christmas eve at work but harry went home to bohol so i had to technically spend it alone. i’ve only been in my new company for 5 months so i haven’t made really good friends. all smiles, laughs and greetings were there..but not so much the comfort i have with real friends. (makes me miss my barkada and the dark angels)…
polka dress – thrifted
grey cardigan – anna sui (thrifted!)
strappy black heels – so fab!
long chained watch (peacock) – elegant tang dynasty
angel wing long necklace – sm dept store
rings – props
pearls necklaces used as bracelets – mom’s
puppy – snickers!

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

running out of gas

 
 
all these trips to the mall has me running low on gas but it’s christmas anyway. the decorations and displays does lift up my mood. and it gives me a chance to spend time with harry — despite our busy and different schedules. i’m surely going to miss him over the weekend.
i finished reading ‘her fearful symmetry’ a week ago and i’m now looking for another book to read.  i’d really rather read a book than watch tv — or maybe i’m saying this because we lost our satellite connection 2 months ago and that our house is not accessible for the cable connection. haha! but still, reading has always been my pastime — even when i was kid. i remember collecting sweet dreams, sweet valley, rl stine, love stories and christopher pike books. although reading those gave me high expectations of love and unfortunately gave me a hard time meeting someone…LOL. it was still one of the best days of my life — being couped up in my room and being immersed in another world i’m reading. i’m trying to catch up on that world now and buying books whenever i can. who can suggest a good book to me?
tunic with puffed sleeves – thrifted
brown leggings – my mom’s friend
brown sandals – prima donna
brown leather bag – thrifted
braided belt – props
gold belt – props
earrings – a gift
black and gold square ring – props
leopard print ring – props
glasses – thrifted

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

boho biker

 
 
i’ve worn this dress so many times and have paired it with ballet flats, havaianas and boots. i just love that it fits me no matter how my weight fluctuates –because it’s a tent dress..all i need to do is adjust the ribbon on the waist. i can pair it with all my bangles too because of the mix of colors on the dress. 
harry and i visited banilad town center to buy a gift for his manito (secret santa). i was craving for some sashimi so i took harry to his first japanese lunch — but all he ordered was the noodles. coward! haha! when i first met him, all he ate were normal food –just some basic pinoy fried food. some chinese too. being the adventurous foodies that my family and i are, i force fed him italian, vietnamese and thai food — which he now loves! just sad that he doesn’t love japanese and will never learn to do so.
dress – thrifted
boots – mongkok ladies market, hk
black bag – mongkok ladies market, hk
multi-colored beaded bangles – a gift
bronze bangle – props
wooded purple bangle – props
long chained necklace – elegant tang dynasty
black square ring – props
purple headband – sm dept store
glasses – thrifted

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

the pirate eye

 
 
 i was supposed to go out saturday night to have dinner with karen but my right eye got swollen that it’s pathetic to even go out with it. i don’t know what caused it. so i stayed in — again! i’m supposed to have regained my social life..haha! my little sister, who was my partner in crime years ago, says i’ve lost my place in the social scene because i always stay in. i guess it comes with age and the “been there, done that” state of mind. i just can’t find drinking and loud music blasting appealing anymore. i’d rather have long massages, peaceful dinners, movies and the occasional road trips.
this is what i wore when we hit the mall yesterday to shop for the gifts i needed to buy. we checked out celine so we can buy the sequined flats i was talking about in the previous post but they no longer had my size… uggghhh! they were supposed to be my mom’s christmas gift for me. i just chose these suede wedge round toe pumps with rhinestone accents. i love it! anyway, it was so funny when i was trying out the shoe because the sales lady looked at my tights and said, “Are you a ballerina?”
i said, “No.”
sales lady: “Oh…but did you come from dance practice?”
i said, “No”
sales lady: “Ahhh… just a trip then.”
striped top with lace detail – thrifted
white shorts – props, sm planet exchange
polka tights – kate torralba, sm dept store
black bow-tie flats – leaveland
long chained necklace – elegant tang dynasty
thin gold belt – props, sm planet exchange
beaded bangle – props, custom made
black bag – mongkok ladies market, hk
glasses – thrifted

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

turqoise and coral

 

it’s the weekend! the malls will be jam-packed for sure…with people hurrying to buy christmas gifts. i’m almost done with my shopping. just have to buy the puma el rey’s for harry. and the electrolux refrigerator for mom and dad (hush!) i found these great sandals in celine that looks like belly dancers. i can’t describe it. have to purchase it tonight when i go out for dinner with some friends. i’ll show them in future posts.
i love the mix of turqoise and red. and i love this top. it’s my mom’s as we both love boho fashion. it’s so comfortable. i know i might be somewhat matchy-matchy but i can’t resist piling on my turqoise-colored and coral bangle (literally made from corals) and my red flats and bag. i love the back of this top too. i remember the drawings i used to scribble on my notebooks back when i get bored in class.

boho top – florence (thrifted)
tank top – thrifted  
black leggings – bought from my mom’s friend
red flats with gold chain detail – celine
beaded necklace – props
turqoise colored bangle – props
coral bangle with carving – boracay
gun metal bangle – props
red bag – mongkok ladies market
glasses – thrifted

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;

feelin’ the holidays!

 
 
i cannot wait for christmas! even when i have to work on the eve of th 25th…bummer… at least it would still be spent with a lot of people. we work by mountain standard time so technically, it’s still a business day in canada by the 24th (which is the night of the 24th here)…it’s my 2nd year working on christmas and i can’t say i’m really loving it. here in the philippines, we have what we call “noche buena”… we attend church at 9 or 10pm…finish preparing our food — which in our family is one kind of pasta, bread, ham (my aunt’s most delicious and awaited ham!), another kind of meat that we try to experiment from a recipe we just found, and cake! right after eating, we always open gifts together. there’s just 5 of us — my mom, dad and my 2 sisters! of course, christmas is not complete without dressing up. we always do!
in this post is another version of the chained watch that i feature yesterday. this one is silver with a small aztec-like design on the front. i regret to have only bought 2 from hong kong. i so wanted the other designs. good thing i have my sisters — we always share accessories. the only thing we can’t share is shoes. we have different sizes — my little sister wears a size 5 and my big sister wears a 9…haha!
navy shirt dress – thrifted
black blazer – thrifted
sheer grey tights (underneath the polka) – sm dept store
polka tights – sm dept store
studded flats – mongkok ladies market
long chained necklace – elegant tang dynasty
square white stone ring – props

nuffnang_bid = “dae8b0aeeb14e83dca1061c56558b3e3”;