How much is that doggie in the window?

By Sha-Lene (YSK)

 How much is that doggie in the window (arf, arf) 

The one with the waggley tail. 

How much is that doggie in the window (arf, arf) 

I do hope that doggie's for sale.

One of our absolute favourite things about the online shopping scene in Malaysia is the infinite amount of things we can buy - if you dream it, you can purchase it! Gone are the days where "you want that jellyfish keychain from the seller in Johore, but you live in Penang, so you'd have to drive all the way across the country to buy it". Now, there are blogshops, e-mail, Facebook pages, and so much more to connect buyers and sellers together.

Mmmmm - gifts that are made possible through online stores like BoxOfHobbies!

So, for my best friend's birthday this past December, I wanted to get her something really unique - something that had to be thought of, and then made into existence. She has four dogs she absolutely adores, so it was such a dream gift to be able to give her miniature clay versions of her doggies. But I didn't know where to buy such an item - so I turned to the Internet! I found out there were indeed an array of local stores, some online and some offline, who could make clay miniatures of your pets (or friends!).

However, the prices of offline stores were just insane - and they didn't really offer me the option of customizing exactly what I wanted, or adjusting to my budget. That's why quirky little online stores are my favorites - the flexibility of your customizations, and how personable the sellers are. I started looking at the work of several clay artists in the online shopping scene, and decided on Jolene Lew of Walk In The Closet | BoxOfHobbies.

The customized clay artwork by Jolene, which my best friend loves! :)

I love the work and service Jolene provided, and figured it would be a great store to recommend to our readers. :) She basically runs an online store called Walk In The Closet, which is like your go-to store for affordable jewellery and accessories. I'd say prices range between RM15-RM30, and there are a variety of unique designs and accessories not commonly seen in Malaysia. :P We're talking punk rock rings, intricate necklaces, elvish hairbands, dreamcatcher necklaces - yay!

Walk In The Closet - jewellery, display items, customized goods, etc

Within the umbrella store of Walk In The Closet, Jolene built BoxOfHobbies - which provides a wide range of handmade crafts. Customized or personalized orders are more than welcome - of course, being handmade goods, we have to bear in mind that not *all* items can be remade and not all orders can be accepted. But Jolene does try her best. ;)

The things she can do embody the work of a creative artist, homegrown and eager to learn. She embarks on sewing projects, "tiny jar" gifts, button craft, hand-drawn charms, handmade earrings, paintings, wire work, eggshell projects, paper craft, notebooks, and clay art. Like I said, Jolene is a great go-to person to bounce off your gift ideas - one-of-a-kind, affordable, and fun! :)

Whether it's in a larger quantity, such as badges for your team or group of friends or classmates,

or only-one-of-such-a-thing-exists-in-the-world type of creations, your ideas are welcome!

Another really cool gift idea, if you're a lil dry on ideas, is her new line of personalized black-and-white portrait keychains. Get a picture of your boyfriend, girlfriend, grandmother, or favourite Pokemon to dangle with your keys - or even wear it as a pendant!

RM12 pendant itself + hp strap (free) | RM14 to add keychain | RM16 for necklace

We hope you're feeling inspired, and may the gift-giving begin! :P All YSK readers will receive a 10% discount off their total bill at Walk In The Closet (code: YSK) until the 28th of February 2013. This discount is not applicable for customized orders via BoxOfHobbies, as handmade work does take up a lot more time and effort - and Jolene already charges affordably. :)

Start your shopping today! :)

Walk In The Closet | BoxOfHobbies

Happy Shopping!
Your Shopping Kaki :)