MY TAKE ON ART

2012-01-30T23:22:00.001+08:00

Who has not fallen in love with doilies and banners in a layout? Guess no one. Head on to Sketchabilities and be ready for a treat. Sketch 64 is all about banners and doilies.

Sketch # 64

My take:

Cant wait to see your version.

TNT!

Something Old and Something New at Scrap Your Crap

2012-01-20T00:44:00.001+08:00

A new challenge is up at Scrap Your Crap. Create a project that uses 50% of your old stash and 50% of your newly acquired scrapbook materials. I am so glad to be part of the DT of SYC. The challenges never fail to inspire me to dig in to my stash and find the need to use them. I have been holding on to DCWV Alphabet Stack for years. I have scrimped on using them for that perfect layout until I could not use them anymore for being outdated. This month's challenge at SYC compelled me to utilize them. I mixed it with patterned papers from EP Victoria Garden, Webster's Pages Western Romance Line Dance, stamp by La Blanche Stamp Item 1225, stickers from The Girls Paperie Vintage Whimsy and a template by Crafter's Workshop. The combination turned out fine (I like it!) and the pictures of my Godchild Julia is perfect for the layout.

Thanks for dropping by.

Love is All We Need at Paper Issues

2012-01-17T14:59:00.000+08:00

Since Valentine's Day is nearing, the air of love is already felt at Paper Issues. I have compiled LOs previously done that exude love.

Please do join us at Paper Issues. You can link any layout or any paper altered projects that you think will fit the theme. You have until February 14 to link up.

Sketch 63 at Sketchabilities

2012-01-17T11:10:00.003+08:00

As the start of the year kicked in, I could not seem to find any inspiration to scrap. Sketch 63 of Karan came in to my rescue.

My Sketch:

This is inspired by Sketch # 63 at Sketchabilities:

How could you go wrong with this lovely Sketch? The cute pictures of my Godchild Julia afforded some inspiration as well. The brick background is a current favorite. I bought a brick template by Crafter's Workshop from Lasting Impression (LSS).

The mini flowers are from a friend, karen Ngo, who bought it from Bangkok.

Please do drop by at Sketchabilities for some inspiration.

Thank you.

Sketch 62 at Sketchabilities

2011-12-30T22:59:00.000+08:00

My second term at Sketchabilities begins now with Sketch 62. As usual, I am so excited with Karan's Sketch so despite the hectic schedule of the yuletide season, I still got my mojos working. Head on to Sketchabilities and you will know why.

Sketch 62

My take:

I have to apologize though for failure to take a list of the materials used. As far as I remember, I used Fancy Pants and Echo Park for my patterned papers, Lily Bee Designs for the rub-ons, Little Yellow Bicycle for the overlays, among others.

Thanks again for dropping.

Buttons Up at Scrap Your Crap

2011-12-19T23:50:00.002+08:00

I believe that most, if not all, scrappers consider buttons as staple in every scrapper's stash. These are one of those we hoard first when trying to build up our stash. But for some reason, they are often forgotten owing probably to the never ending releases of new embellies in the market. In fact, I have seemed to have abandoned them, thus, the dust accumulating on jars upon jars of buttons.

It just an excellent idea that Scrap Your Crap came up with a challenge to find creative ways to use buttons in a layout or project.

This is what I came up with:

I used yellow buttons to create the rays of the sun. I used lesser embellishments than usual to highlight how buttons can themselves be used as the highlight of a layout. I love how the LO turned out. The colors are so vibrant (loving my own, of course!)

Please head on to Scrap Your Crap and you will be glad you have now the reason to use those buttons which are just sitting in the containers begging to be used.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sketch 61 at Sketchabilities

2011-12-17T22:59:00.000+08:00

I am excited once again to share with you my take on Karan's Sketch # 61 for Sketchabilities. As usual, the challenge sketch provides ample inspiration to come up with a well-made layout as the sketch itself provides guidance on where to put just the right amount of embellishments.

Sketch 61

My take:

I did some misting here using a Prima mask. Stamped on musical notes stamp (the info on manufacturer will follow) and embossed with fine glittery embossing powder. The overlay which says "sweetest day" is from Pink Paislee. Made some fussy cutting also to add to my Prima flowers. Owing to my messy work area, I could not recall anymore the pp used. It was taken from a kit prepared by our LSS.

Thanks for looking and hope to see your take at Sketchabilities.

I Am Part of Sketchabilities Again!!!

2011-12-16T09:37:00.000+08:00

Yay! I am privileged to be invited again to be part of the DT at Sketchabilities. This is my second term, which is the maximum term a member can stay as DT.

Meet the members who will attempt to inspire you from January1-March 30th 2012

Aki Iinuma - Japan

Debbie Sherman-USA

Ginny Hughes-USA

Helen Tilbury-South Africa-returning

Debbie Standard-USA

Julie Comeau-Canada

Kim Kendell-Austrailia-returning

Kimberly Arledge-USA

Leah Cameron-Austrailia

Linda Eggleton-Austrailia

Marcia Dehn-Nix-USA

Marilyn Rivera-Puerto Rico

Nicole Doiron-Canada

Raissa Costa-Brazil

Nina Stenzel-Germany

Victoria Freze-Ukraine

Regina Castillo-Philippines-returning (this is me!)

Leila Cassimira-Brazil
Valerie Charlot-France-returning

Please visit us at Sketchabilities and be inspired by the sketches of Karan Gerber and the interpretations of her team.

Thanks for dropping by.

Trying my Luck with Imaginarium

2011-12-05T07:19:00.002+08:00

Owing to the versatility of chipboards, most of my layouts are never complete without them. They provide the needed dimension without much effort. When I heard of the DT call for Imaginarium Designs, a designer and manufacturer of chipboards with unique designs, I summoned all my luck to be picked as one of the DT.

I have chosen few of my favorite layouts which used chipboards as one of if not the main embellishment.

Title: You Complete Me

A layout is surely given a lift with the use of the clock chipboard.

Title: Adoration

Chipboard is likewise a great way to use as title to a layout.

Title: My Baby is Now a Lady

For some natural feel, chipboard can be used unaltered.

Title: Precious Memories Shared

Or you can paint and mist chipboards to match your color motiff.

Title: I will Guide Your Through

Chipboard will never overdo your layout but will always provide lift to what may be an "overdesigned" page.

Title: The Look of Love

Title: You Make us Proud

I can never have enough of those butterflies. Their possibilities are endless.

Title: A Star is Born

Love the effect of crackled paint on the bird and the cage.

Title: Because of You

Need I say more about my love for chipboards. Lady luck, please, please, smile my way. :D

Thanks for dropping by.

Trust at Bird is the Word!

2011-12-04T21:09:00.002+08:00

Jeannie, one of the November celebrants, prepared a canvass kit for the Wednesday Group to channel our inner talent in painting . . . at least in painting the base where we would put our scrapbook layout on. :D

We applied gesso on the canvass before applying paint. I used Making Memories paint in lagoon and yellow as my background (courtesy of Sharon Chua). I stamped on Tattered Angels stop watch and applied medium gel to set in the paint and stamp.

My project:

Journalling: Trust that your love will guide you through life's struggles.

Since I intended to enter this to the next challenge at Bird is the Word, I deliberately used the word Trust in my journalling. I always love to join challenges at BITW because my layout always end up more meaningful with my heartfelt journalling inspired by the challenge word at BITW.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sketch No. 60 at Sketchabilities

2011-12-01T15:14:00.000+08:00

Another great sketch is up at Sketchabilities. Please join us and be inspired by the versatility of the sketch.

The Sketch:

My take:

Title: My Girl Forever

I used again the feminine line of Echo Park Victoria Garden.

I used the clear tag of Tim Holtz to stamp on and emboss "Life is Good" by Technique Tuesday.

Thank you for dropping by. Hope to see you at Sketchabilities.

Birthday Layouts

2011-12-01T11:16:00.000+08:00

Everytime a scrapper of the Wednesday Group celebrates her birthday, she has to prepare a project for the group. As I turned a year younger, I prepared layouts for the group using a Crate Paper's Kit (I just need to get back on the name of the Kit). I generously used the paper so I was able to create four (4) layouts which I think could be stretched for one more layout or two.

Title: Home is Where You Are

I created a brick using a gesso and a paint, although I didn't get the desired color (I must have done something wrong). I glued on mica flakes on the house, tree and flowers for some shimmer.

The flowers were from Karen. I used them sparingly to extend its usage (you know how expensive prima flowers are). It would be nice though to put more flowers to make a frame out of them.

The strip of chipboard with butterflies was copied from Iris' class. I painted the chipboard with pearl dabber. I melted 2 layers of UTEE and while it was still soft, I stamped on the butterflies by Tim Holtz. I brushed on some gold perfect pearl and set it with water with the same color of perfect pearl.

This layout is basically about layering, nothing much. I just used the Pink Paislee mistables and misted it with Maya Road Mist on pink (I think).

Thanks for looking.

Scrapathon

2011-11-26T08:38:00.001+08:00

One of my favorite LSS, Lasting Impression, is having a month long anniversary celebration. They are offering a kit per week for just P800 each (about $18) with lots and lots of PP and some embellies. The challenge is to come up with at least eight (8) layouts to be eligible for a prize. Not being a fast scrapbooker, naturally I didn't get to pick a prize. But since I owe it to my depleting financial resources to at least make the most of the kit so I made as many LOs as possible. I made nine (9) so far, the other one will be my submission for SYC so I have deferred its posting. I still have few papers left. I think I can still stretch it to two (2) more. In the meantime, I want to share with you my layouts.

Sketch 59 is on at Sketchabilities

2011-11-17T00:41:00.001+08:00

There is a kind of excitement I feel whenever I do my layout based on Karan's sketches (at Sketchabilities). It somehow suits my current style of making clustered embellishments in 2 equally-weighted sides (almost at least).

Also, I especially like her sketches because of its multi photo use, an opportunity for me to use up the photos piling up.

Sketch # 59

My take:

Title: The Many Faces of Joachim

While I cannot seem to make a layout without flowers, I did go easy on my floral embellishments to fit my boy layout.

Supplies: CS: AC; PP: Echo Park Victoria Gardens Picket Fence, Botanical Ballad, Sunshine; Sticker: Crate Paper Phrases and Thrift Shop; Alpha: Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type; Rubon: Lily Bee Design Three Little Bird Accent; Border: Crate Paper Portrait Collection; Die: Sizzix TH Alterations Mini Paper Rosette.

Please visit the site and be inspired by the different interpretations of the DT. Do not forget to link up your take.

Thank you for dropping by.

Scrap Your Crap Mist Challenge

2011-11-17T00:33:00.001+08:00

I am happy to share with you my first submission for Scrap Your Crap. The November challenge is for those who built up an array of mists among their stash but do not get to use them up. I know, many of us are guilty as charged. Its time to bring them out and spray them to your heart's content. This month's challenge requires you to make use of at least THREE different mists or color sprays. For those who do not have much mists, you can use paint instead.

My take:

Title: Because of You

Supplies: CS: AC; PP: Echo Park Victoria Gardens Sunshine, Botanical Ballad, and Delightful Doilies: Journalling Cards and Element Stiickers: EP Victoria Gardens; Chipboard: Dusty Attic Picket Fence, Bird Cage by Prima item 551247, Clock by Heidi Swapp; Flowers: Prima Arcadian Collection Rosy/Eminence Collection; Stamps: Technique Tuesday Favorite Memories by Ali Edwards and Stampers Anonymous Stuff to Say; Canvass: Prima Resistant Canvass item 551612; Alpha: Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type; Mists: Memories Mists in Mango Lemonade, MR Maya Mists in Charcoal, and Tattered Angels Pineapple; Paint: Dabber Paint in Pearl White; Others: Glimmer Glaze in Mellow Yellow.

Please visit SYC and be inspired by the submissions of the DT. Hope to see your project.

Thank you for dropping by.

New Word at Bird is the Word

2011-11-11T21:47:00.002+08:00

Bird is the Word has a new challenge word - Adore. This perfectly fits the title of one of my favorite layouts previously done for an ebook. I am just glad to share it at BITW.

My take:

Title: Adoration (I have so much for you)

Supplies: Patterned Paper: Webster's Pages A Sweet Life (Miracles Occur); Flowers: Prima Symphony Blend Blue and Symphony Amoroso Pink; Chipboard: Maya Road; Die: Sizzix TH Alterations Dress Form; Bling: Prima Say It in Crystals; Rub-on: Fancy Pants Key Lime Pie; Medium: TH Distressing Ink Broken China; TH Alcohol Ink in Lettuce and Bottle, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Pineapple, Memories Mists in Blue Martini; Sticker; Stamps: HA Manuscript; Sticker: My Big Ideas Childhood Slang Sticker; Others: TH Idea-ology Fragment Charms; Pink Paislee Butterfly Collection.

Thanks for visiting.

My Last For Little Shop of Sketches

2011-11-08T09:34:00.000+08:00

Some good things had to end. Sadly, Little Shop of Sketches has to close down. This means one forum out from where inspiration can be obtained. I guess everything happens for a reason. I just wish the challenge owner, Tanya Leigh, the best of luck.

Now for the last Sketch:

My take:

Title: A Star is Born

Pardon my inability to include the materials used. I made this a long time ago and I could not find the paper where I listed all the suppliers. At any rate, the patterned papers are from Webster's Pages; the bird cage, bird, butterfly and flowers are dies from Sizzix; alphas are from AC; stamp is from Technique Tuesday.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sketch # 58 at Sketchabilities

2011-11-03T20:48:00.001+08:00

Is it just me or the sketches at Sketchabilities really exude a great aura of femininity. I could not help myself but embellish my layouts with tons of flowers that my daughter had to stop me for overdoing it. But isn't art about self-expression? Is there really "too much" in art? Well, you be the judge. :D

With this lovely sketch, can you fault me?

My take:

Title: My Fair Lady

I used here Victoria Garden by Echo Park. I so love the softness of this line. Everything is about femininity. I hope to do more girly layouts using this line very soon.

Thank you for dropping by. Please join us and link your project at Sketchabilities.

Yay! Another Good News!

2011-10-27T00:50:00.002+08:00

Life is really good. Around the same time I got news that I was accepted to be part of the DT of Scrap your Crap, I got email from Joy's Life that I got in also as part of the DT of Joy's Life, an international scrapbook store that specializes in stamps. Woo hoo. . . lots of opportunities to inspire (in my own little way) fellow scrappers around the globe and to be inspired by the enormous talents of the other DTs.

Please meet the members of the DT of Joy's Life. Please do visit their pages and be amazed by their talents.

Anne: http://anniebeescraftroom.blogspot.com

Annette: http://www.aspoonfullofsugarcrafts.blogspot.com
Christine: http://www.stampynwifesspace.blogspot.com
Jennie: http://earthyscrap.blogspot.com
Maria: http://joyfulstamper.blogspot.com
Martha: http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com
Melisa: http://melisascraftycreations.blogspot.com
Regina: http://reginastakeonart.blogspot.com
Stacey: http://staceyscreativecorner.blogspot.com
Susie: http://www.thedieshaveit.com
Amanda http://www.whiteruffles.blogspot.com (Design Team Leader)
Tracy http://www.thepickledowl.blogspot.com (Design Team Leader)

Please tune in for incoming challenges.

I am part of SYC DT!!!!

2011-10-24T00:45:00.000+08:00

Yay! I was chosen to be part of Scrap Your Crap DT. When I chanced upon SYC's DT call, the qualifications appealed to me. They were looking for hoarders who surround oneself with pretty papers, chipboard, embellishments, etc. It was like they were specifically describing me so I tried my luck and applied. I was fortunate to be chosen among the applicants. May this be the opportunity for me to use up some of my hoard rather than a justification for me to shop. . . oh no! How come the last option sounds more appealing?! :D

Meet the rest of DT members:

Natt Smith:

http://tinynatt.blogspot.com/

Regina Castillo

http://reginastakeonart.blogspot.com/

Renee Zieglmeier

http://reneez-mnmommy2.blogspot.com/

Caryn Kidwell

http://thescorpiancrafter.blogspot.com/

Martine Labelle

http://www.scrapcatslove.blogspot.com/

Norine Borys

http://www.thevelvetlemon.blogspot.com/

Nitisha Griffin-Johunkin

http://www.myeyesandheart.blogspot.com/

Jenifer Evans

http://heldscraptive.blogspot.com/

Dana Tatar

http://datatar.blogspot.com/

Kate Vickers

http://www.scrapsation.com/

Greta Adams

(SYC Founder)

http://meocracy.blogspot.com/

Kim Sonksen

(Blog Admin and DT Coordinator)

http://kimsonksen.blogspot.com/

Hope you will join the challenges that we will be posting soon.

Ashley Horton's Sketches

2011-10-20T15:19:00.002+08:00

A co-DT at Sassy Lil' Sketches, Ashley Horton, has unleashed her other talent - to make scrapbooking sketches and she made quite awesome sketches. Head on to her PAGE and be ready to be inspired.

While I attempt to interpret her other sketches, I would like to share a layout with the same pattern as Ashley's Sketch No. 7. Hope it will give her followers some idea on how to tweak the sketch.

Sketch 57

My take:

Title: Ride Along

Supplies: PP: American Crafts CS While and Yellow; Echo Park Dots and Stripes Navy Large Dot and Navy Small Dot; Mask: Tim Holtz Idea-ology Timeworks; Stamps: Technique Tuesday Get it in Gear; Technique Tuesday Life in Pictures by Ali Edwards; Mists: Maya Road Hydrangea Blue; Memories Mists Mango Lemonade; Rub-ons: Scenic Route Vacation; Dies: Sizzix Gear and Sizzix Loops and Rik Raks ; Alphas: AC Nutmeg; Lily Bee Designs ABS Stickers; Others: Versa Fine Onyx Black.

Thanks for looking.

31 Days of Halloween at Paper Issues

2011-10-16T08:57:00.002+08:00

Halloween is not much here in the Philippines except for the trick or treat where kids are dressed up in costumes. Apart from that, we do not decorate our houses with halloween stuff.

The theme at Paper Issues, 31 Days of Halloween, and the submissions of the DTs got the better of me. I was so inspired that I needed to come up with my own take. I bought my son his costume this early and I had him tried it on for the pictorial.

This is my take:

Title: The Last of the Triceratops

I resurrected my DCWV Fall Collection and my Little Yellow Bicycle Halloween transparency. I used foam tape to have some lift on my photos.

After months of non-use, I had reunion with my MM Slice. I used Basic Elements for my title.

Paper Issues is having this theme for the entire month of October. You still have time to link your take.

Thanks for dropping by.

My First Ever at Sketchabilities

2011-10-16T01:44:00.002+08:00

Yay! I am so excited, Sketch 57 is up at Sketchabilities. I am so happy to see my first ever submission as DT along with the rest of the talented DTs. My first sketch with Sketchabilities came as a breeze. I did not have a hard time coming up with my own interpretation. The sketch was so inspiring and it fits perfectly my style (at the moment). :D

Here is Sketch 57:

My take:

Title: The Look of Love

Did some paper rolling here:

I love how the color of my butterfly matched the page's motif. I put pearl powder around the edge of the butterfly for some shimmer.

Supplies: PP by Webster's Pages Country Estate Serenity; CS by AC; Mask by Prima; Alphas by AC and Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type; Butterfly by Pink Paislee Butterfly Garden Collection; Flowers by Prima; Doilies from Gourdos (local store); Journal strips from Little Yellow Bicycle; Die leaves by Sizzix; Stamp by Technique Tuesday (one of Ali Edward's); Others: washi tape, ribbons; pearl powder; pearls.

Head on to the site to get some inspiration and do not forget to link your take.

Thanks for dropping by.

Another Challenge at Little Shop of Sketches

2011-10-09T16:10:00.001+08:00

Another challenge is up at LSS. For those who love squares, Sketch 95 is a treat for you. This is your chance to load your page with squares. The lovely sketch is again by talented Ashley Van Etten. I know you will be inspired by this Sketch as I was.

Sketch 95

My take:

Title: Puzzle (Each is a Puzzle that completes this Family)

I used the crossword puzzle of Crate Paper's Emma Shoppe to mimic the squares. This page also showcased my first ever flowers using TH Tattered Floral by Sizzix. Love it! This die offers great alternate for those expensive ready made flowers.

Supplies: PP Emma Crate by Crate Paper and Blue Cardigan Designs by Imagination Project ; Die: TH Tattered Floral; Alphas: AC Thickers Poolside and Tiny Type Cosmo Cricket; Stickers: Fresh Verse by Little Yellow Bicycle: Others: Say it in Pearls Siip Mixed Crystals Black by Prima: Glimmer Mists in Pearl and Pineapple by Tattered Angels

Thanks for looking. Mr. Linky is waiting for your take.

October Week 2 Challenge at Sassy Lil' Sketches

2011-10-04T21:02:00.000+08:00

I love all the DT stints I am currently in. I am allowed to think out of my box while allowing me to be attuned with my personal style. The October Week 2 Challenge at Sassy Lil' Sketches initially put me off as I am not one to use big pictures in LOs. Nonetheless, I was inspired by the sketch and surprisingly, my creative juices flowed naturally. As I was indeed challenged by the Week 2's sketch, I summoned some inspiration from Webster's Pages.

The sketch:

My take:

Title: I will Guide You Through

Somehow, this layout turned out to be one of my favorites. The simple pictures of my DH and DS provided the drama I wanted to create, one that my son will treasure in his growing years.

Supplies: PP: Webster's Pages; Emma Shoppes Playhouse by Crate Paper; CS by American Craft; Stamps: Technique Tuesday Loving Words by Ali Edwards; Hero Arts Old Letter Writing; Die: Mini Branch and Leaf Set by Sizzix; Alphas: AC Thickers; Tiny Type by Cosmo Cricket; Others: Pink Paislee Butterfly Garden Collection Wood Shapes; Emma Shoppe Accent Cuts by Crate Paper; Heidi Swapp Clock Chipboard.

Thanks for dropping by and hope to see you at SLS.

Sketch 94 is Up at Little Shop of Sketches

2011-09-26T10:17:00.001+08:00

Sketch 94 is Up at Little Shop of Sketches. Head on to the site for some inspiration. The lovely sketch is provided again by our very own Ashley Van Etten. Don't you love this sketch with its great possibilities waiting to be explored.

My take:

I was so inspired by the sweet, soft and feminine touch of Prima's Celebrate Jack and Jill collection. It was just sad that I discovered this line from our LSS (Lasting Impression) quite late already so I was just able to catch few PPs. I particularly used the Be Mine and Sweet Valentine. They perfectly matched the sweet photo of my daughter.

Had some stickles overload to put some sparkle on my layout. I so love the paper that I used the excess paper as a ribbon.

Thanks for dropping by. Please do visit LSS and upload your take on the ning site.

Tree Hugger at Paper Issues

2011-09-25T07:11:00.001+08:00

Paper Issues' tree hugger theme is up. You can interpret the theme in whatever way you want. As long as you use paper and you are good to go. Link up as many projects as you want. You have until September 30 to link up.

For this theme, I submitted the DIY invitation I made for my son's 1st birthday jungle party. I just love this invitation. It was indeed a product of love.

Supplies: PP by DCWV Jungle; CS by AC; Dies: Sizzix 3d tree and MM Slice Animal crackers.

Thanks for dropping by. Hope to see you at Paper Issues.

September 15th Challenge at Once Upon a Sketch

2011-09-20T07:15:00.001+08:00

Another challenge is posed at Once Upon A Sketch. This time, one needs to journal at least 2 lines directly on the photo. It can be handwritten, print on the photo, use journalling strips on the photo and other ideas that you can think of. They are putting a twist on this challenge. Anyone can vote on her favorite page on the 30th of September. The top 5 layouts which will get the highest votes will win. So I am begging you, please show some love please. :D

My take:

I love this photo of myself and my daughter. She is simply adorable and her smile just exudes her zest for life. I need to apologize though for the background nuisance, need to work on my photoshop asap.

I got the chance to use my newly acquired masking tape by Marks (?) purchased from Lasting Impressions (LSS). Oh! And they have hundreds of designs. Couldn't decide which to buy first. For a closer look:

Supplies will follow . . .

If you like this (I dear hope so), please head on to OUAS and vote for it on September 30. Thank you for your generosity.

Sketchabilities DT

2011-09-14T22:24:00.000+08:00

Yehey! I made it!

The Color Room Palette # 75

2011-09-14T14:44:00.000+08:00

The Color Room Palette # 75 had me ravaging on my stash to look for the subdued color requirement. Since I do not have patterned papers that matched exactly with the same color palette, I made use of some misting instead.

I dressed up the die dress form with tool. I just mist on the tool to match the color palette.

I used my lace supplies which have been lying on my stash for years already. Need to use it to have a reason to replenish.

Supplies: PP: Sassafras Life is Beautiful Felicity; CS by AC; Transparency by Hambly; Alpha: Tiny Tape by Cosmo Cricket; Twine by Pink Paislee; Stamp: Its About Time by Inque Boutique and Old Writing by Hero Arts; Clock by Dusty Attic; Butterfly Garden Pink; Ink: Versafine in Vintage Sepia; Glimmer Mists by Tattered Angels in Autumn Leaves and Rum Raisin. Chipboard Clock by Heidi Swapp.

Thanks for dropping by.

New Challenge Word at Bird is the Word - Share

2011-09-14T10:06:00.001+08:00

Have I told you that I am addicted to sketches and challenges? :D If you breathe, dream and live to scrap, your brain doesn't stop to wonder the next layout to work on. And what better way to start than to seek inspiration from challenge blogs that provide sketches or challenges, especially those which I visit time and again.

Bird is the Word has a new challenge word - SHARE! The page should use the word SHARE on a layout as a title or include in the journalling.

Title: Precious Memories Shared

Obviously, I could not get enough of the challenge word so I used both in my title and journal.

Journal: May your countless childhood memories shared together be the strong foundation to cherish and maintain a lifetime of incomparable sibling love for each other.

I used a technique taught in one of Iris Uy's classes. I put alcohol inks in the fragment charm and stamped on the other side using Staz-on.

Supplies: PP: Emma Shoppe Collection (Sweets and Dresses); Echo Park Metropolitan Dots & Stripes: CS: AC; Chipboard: Heidi Swapp Clock and Dusty Attic Small Lamp Post; Die Cut: October Afternoon Night Light Shapes; Mask: Crafter's Workshop 6x6 Brick Template; Flowers by Prima; Alphas: AC Thickers in Emerald and Cosmo Cricket Tiny Alphas; Stamps: Technique Tuesday Life in Pictures by Ali Edwards, Hero Arts Old Writing and Heidi Grace Designs; Transparency: New Laced with Grace Peek-a-boos by Glitz; Dies: Sizzix TH Fence and Mini Bird Cage Set; Mists/Inks: Maya Mists, Versafine in Onyx Black, Stazon in Black, TH Distress Ink, Ranger Alcohol Ink; Others: Butterfly by Pink Paislee.

Thanks for dropping by.

September Week 2 Challenge is Up at Sassy Lil' Sketches

2011-09-13T13:09:00.001+08:00

There are a lot of challenge blogs you will find in the net and you will notice that there are just few blogs that you often come back for some inspiration. This is true for me at Sassy Lil' Sketches. Before my DT stint at SLS, I always get inspiration from SLS because the sketches are so simple and yet provide for enough stimulation to explore.

The September Week 2 Challenge:

Since I am still into my OCness with Echo Park Metropolitan Dots and Stripes, I used the combination of the Ruby small dot and Tuxedo small dot patterned papers and their coordinated paper back to create this page. I used rub-ons from different manufacturers to complete the "Family" theme. The flowers are one of those DIY using also the pp of EP.

Hope you can join us and link up your take at SLS.

Sketch # 93 is Up at Little Shop of Sketches

2011-09-12T16:44:00.000+08:00

Hey friends! Sketch 93 is up at Little Shop of Sketches. You will surely be inspired as I was. With the simplicity of the sketch, your imagination is left with so much room to explore. And who wouldn't be inspired with those circle patterns (yay, again!).

Sketch 93 (by our very own Ashley Van Etten):

My take:

Title: Father & Son Bonding

Did again Iris Uy's mix media brick element to match the brick mask. :D I used Kaiser paints and dipped bottle cover of 2 sizes and stamped on the page.

Supplies: Echo Park Metropolitan Dots & Stripes; Stamps: Technique Tuesday Kids are Cool and Favorite Memories, both by Ali Edwards; Twine: Pink Paislee Soiree; Alphas: AC Thickers Nutmeg; Paint: Kaiser Colour in Line & Sea Breeze; Mask: Mini Bricks by Crafter's Workshop; Ink: Brilliance in Graphite Black; Embossing Powder: Holographic by Ranger; Transparency Clock by Maya Road; Imagination Circles in Fire & Ocean.

Please join and upload your take at our Ning site.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sketchabilities No. 54

2011-09-09T21:47:00.002+08:00

I was looking for some inspiration to finish the remaining sheets of EP Dots and Stripes. I searched for some sketch challenges that were up. The current sketch at Sketchabilities caught my fancy. I think, I have mentioned quite a number of times how I get so much inspiration from sketches with circular patterns and Sketch 54 is not an exception.

Here is the sketch:

My take:

And my love affair with twine started (late bloomer eh). Thanks for Cassie Box of Paper Issues for getting me those lovely twines by Pink Paislee.

I finished this in speed as my adrenalin was still high because of the Scraplifting game played at Pinoyscrapbookers (local scrapbook group). To cut a long story short, I failed to take note of the supplies used, the particular lines and manufacturers. As best as my memory will serve me, the PP are of course, from EP Metropolitan Dots & Stripes; CS is from AC; flowers are from Prima and Maya Road; Bird Cage, Stamps and Twine are from Pink Paislee; Transparency and Mists from Maya Road; Weathered Clock from Sizzix.

Thanks for looking.

September 1st Challenge is Up at Once Upon a Sketch

2011-09-03T16:28:00.001+08:00

One of my favorite sketch challenge blogs, Once Upon a Sketch, has a new challenge. This time, the journalling criteria is to have a year which is memorable to you as the title, and there must be a journal at least 2 lines discussing why.

As an additional inspiration, a lovely sketch is provided:

My take:

Title: 2011

I used the sketch in 2's using small pictures of my son.

Did some stamping of Prima musical notes on the buttons using Stazon.

Journal: Since the first few signs of developed motor skills, you have been thumping on any object you can reach to create a sound. So on your second birthday, we couldn’t think of anything but to give you a drum set. Boy! You were so happy and excited! You played like a pro . . . Ooops! You’ve got here a stage parent in the making.

Supplies: Echo Park Metropolitan Dots and Stripes; Cuttlebug Musical Note Die; Technique Tuesday Stamp by Ali Edwards; Prima Stamp; Tickets.

Thanks for looking.

New Challenge Word at Bird is the Word - Memory

2011-08-31T07:58:00.001+08:00

I just finished a layout using my Echo Park Metropolitan Dots and Stripes that I chanced upon the Bird is the Word Challenge Blog. The next challenge word is Memory. It was a very welcome coincidence that I got to use the Technique Tuesday Favorite Memories by Ali Edwards stamps for this particular LO. Since the stamp I used specifically made mentioned of the word memory, I got myself an entry for Bird is the Word, my first ever.

My take:

Title: Your Are My Most Favorite Memory

Since I made some booboo in not pressing the stamp evenly, I kinda messed up the most important word for this challenge. To remedy, I made use of Glitz Teeny Alpha to sort of highlight the word "memory" (wink).

Its been a while since I used my Cuttlebug embossing folders. Thought of using it in this page and did some distressing. I guess it helped in adding some dimension to my page. :D

Supplies: PP: Echo Park Metropolitan Dots and Stripes; Stickers: EP Dots and Stripes: Dies: Sizzix TH Alterations Filmstrips Frames, Mini Paper Rosettes, Cuttlebug Allegro Embossing Folder, Quickutz Vine; Transparency Clock by Maya Road; Stamps: Technique Tuesday Favorite Memories by Ali Edwards, Hero Arts Old Letter Writing, Inque Boutique Travel, Inque Boutique Story Boards, Tattered Angels Tattered Traveler Clear Stamps; Prima Bling and Flowers; TH Distressing Ink in Fired Brick; Versa Fine in Onyx Black.

Thanks for looking.

Sketch # 92 is Up at Little Shop of Sketches

2011-08-24T00:42:00.029+08:00

Another inspiration, this time from equally talented Ashley Van Etten of Little Shop of Sketches, is already up at LSS.

Sketch # 92

Don't you just love those circles? I am biased with layouts dominated with circles. They evinced enough accent on the page and it gives that feeling of lightness or bubbliness. . . or is it just me because I associate circles with bubbles (lol).

For this sketch I used the funny picture of my son who seemed to have been shocked for whatever reason and the coordinating pattern back from October Afternoon, which has been sitting around in my stash for quite a long time already. I guess those cute monsters perfectly matched with the oh-so-scared face of my son and provided the needed story.

My take:

I love those plastic pair of eyes which I purchased from one of those cheap Japan stores.

Rolled the paper to make those extra snooping monsters be seen.

Supplies: PP: Echo Park Metropolitan Dots and Stripes in Navy Small Dot, Teal Large Dot, Teal Small Dot; CS: AC; Border: EP Dots and Stripes sticker elements; Alpha: Glitz Design Black Round Teeny Alpha and Jillibean Soup Alpha Beans; Stamp: Technique Tuesday Life in Pictures by Ali Edwards; Ink: Versa Fine in Onyx Black, TH Distressing Ink in Weathered Wood; Rub-on: Scenic Route; Others: October Afternoon Coordinating Pattern Back Night Light Shapes.

I am sure you can come up with the cutest interpretation. Please upload your take at LSS' ning site.

Thanks for dropping by.

1st Sketch Challenge at Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge

2011-08-21T01:23:00.003+08:00

The talented Anne Pennington, co-DT at Little Shop of Sketches, created another challenge blog, Another Freaking Scrappy Challenge (AFSC). Challenge blogs are always welcome by scrappers as they never fail to provide inspirations when none seems to work.

The first challenge at AFSC is up. You have to create something fun or humorous. A sketch is also provided for those who are up for the fun.

My take:

Title: One Fun Day

I cut out the pictures of my son (the kite series) to create a 3D effect (just trying). I made kites and clouds for that light and fun day feel.

I used the Sizzix Alpha Graffiti for the title. Run a running stitch and distressed with Distressing Inks in Mustard Seed .

Supplies: PP: Webster's Pages A Sweet Life (Home Sweet Home); Echo Park Sweet Summertime; Flower: Prima Via Flaminia Collection; Stamp: Technique Tuesday Favorite Memories by Ali Edwards; Inks & Mists: MR Maya Mists in Green; TH Distress Ink in Mustard Seed and Broken China; Ranger Superfine Embossing Powder (Clear), Versafine Onyx Black; Alphas: Sizzix Graffiti; Others: American Crafts Fieldhouse Fleece Blue Skies.

Thanks for dropping by.

Echo Park "Fresh Face" Monthly Designer Call

2011-08-18T15:42:00.002+08:00

My love for Echo Park ("EP") cannot be doubted as gleaned from the various layouts I have created using EP collections. With its kit packed with coordinated patterned papers, alphas and sticker elements, one is surely saved from cracking her brains out and ravaging the entire stash just to come up with a perfectly matching page. Since I discovered EP's Kit, I have fallen in love with any line that comes out. Except for the limitations imposed by the availability of EP in LSS, I am always on the look out for EP's new releases. I swear you can consumed everything in the kit up to the last layout possible.

When I heard of the search for EP "Fresh Face" Monthly Designer Call, I was so thrilled. Imagine if I get to be accepted, I will not only get to enjoy what I love doing but I will get to showcase my EP projects and inspire EP lovers such as myself. This is not to mention the free kit I will get from it, yay! It's like getting my cake and eating it too. There is nothing wrong about dreaming, right?

Below are some of the projects I created using EP's Dots and Stripes and For the Record lines.

Title: Ride Along

In this layout, I stamped on Technique Tuesday Let's Get in the Gear stamp in the four (4) corners of the page and embossed using a clear embossing powder to resist the distressing.

Title: Summer Fun & Beyond

As usually seen in my other projects, I love to mist using a mask with combination of colors that match the motif of the page. Also, the manuscript background is likewise a recent style fave.

I made use of a Cuttlebug Design border frills, rolled and pasted them around to create the flowers. I put them over prima flowers to match the color motif.

Supplies: PP: Echo Park for the Record; Screen Prints: Hambly Mod Circles & Scrapbooker's Sonata; Ink: Brilliance Olive; Versa Fine Onyx Black; Flowers: Prima and Cuttlebug, Inc. Paper Frills; Rub-ons: AC Spring & Summer Book One; Border Stickers: Crate Paper; Stamps: Hero Arts Old Manuscript: Technique Tuesday The Family Circle by Ali Edwards; Mask: Prima.

Title: Time Well Spent

Supplies: Patterned paper: Echo Park For the Record; Maya Road Sheer Clock; Maya Road B/W Tickets; Quickutz Die Vine; Prima flowers; Prima clock stencil; Glimmer Mist and Memories Mist; Buttons; Ribbons (from local store); 7 Gypsies tape; Stamps: Cloud 9 Design Simple Memories; Inque Boutique; Hero Arts Manuscript

Thank you for dropping by.

Sassy Lil' Sketches Ebook is for grab!!!!

2011-08-17T14:00:00.005+08:00

Few days back, I already posted here about the release of the Sassy Lil' Sketches Ebook containing no less than 70 sketches for layouts using one, two or multiple photos designed by the very talented Cherie Averill of SLS. The Ebook also contains sample layouts based on these sketches.

Good news! SLS is generous enough to provide me with one (1) copy for give-away. Hence, I am coming up with a challenge to provide a layout based on any of the August 2011 Sketches at Sassy Lil' Sketches. Winner will have the Ebook as a prize. Entries must be emailed at regina1124@yahoo.com not later than September 1, 2011. Please indicate the specific sketch used in the subject portion. You can enter as many layouts as you want. I tell you, the Ebook is fully packed with inspiration, hence, worth spending some eyebrow burning time to create that awesome layout.

You will find in the Ebook two layouts done by yours truly, one of which is herein posted. I love this layout. I was truly inspired by the assigned sketch and I am quite sure you will too.

I hope you find time to join this fun challenge.

Let's Ride at Paper Issues

2011-08-16T06:55:00.000+08:00

Paper Issues' next theme is "Let's Ride". Interpretation is always up to you. The challenge is up from August 14 until August 27, 2011. You can link as many projects as you want.

As for my interpretation, if you can call it that way because I just followed the theme to the letter, I made use of my son's picture taken during the time he was trying on his second bike given by his Ninang Connie (Godparent) on his second birthday.

Title: My 2nd Bike (on my 2nd birthday)

I tried on stamping and embossing using a clear embossing powder to resist the distressing. It's been a long time since I first tried this technique and it's nice to get the chance to try it again. Oh! I love how it turned out (again, based on my standards). I guess this technique will be seen more in my next layouts. :D

The strips of patterned paper saved what could have been a booboo on my LO. Since I tried to distress directly at the mid portion of the page, the distressing ink spread unevenly. I guess there is indeed a wisdom to the advise to always start distressing from the edges to control the volume of the distressing ink. Nonetheless, the remedy somehow fitted my style - cluttering of coordinated elements (lol).

Thank you for dropping by. Hope to see you at Paper Issues.

Sketch # 91 is Up at Little Shop of Sketches

2011-08-15T23:33:00.001+08:00

Loving all these DT duties. Not only do they push me to go outside my comfort zone in creating layouts I never thought I could but they likewise force me (in a good way) to make use of my scrap materials I have been accumulating endlessly.

Little Shop of Sketches posed another challenge for fellow scrappers. . . another inspiration from Anne Wride Pennington:

and my take:

Title: My Precious (you mean the world to me)

For a closer look at some elements used: corrugated paper cut into strips, lace formed into a flower.

Supplies: PP: Bo Bunny (still looking for the strip of paper where the specific line is written); Prima Flowers Eminence Collection; Alphas: Lily Bee Designs ABC Stickers: Dies: Sizzix TH Alterations Weathered Clock, Umbrella Man, Mini Bird and Cage Set; Technique Tuesday (By Ali Edwards).

Please do upload your take at LSS ning site for chance to win some rak. :D

Thanks for dropping by.

Sassy Lil' Sketches Ebook

2011-08-14T08:58:00.001+08:00

At Sassy Lil' Sketches, we are happy to announce the first Sassy Lil' Sketches Ebook has been released!

The Sassy Lil' Sketches Ebook features about 70 brand new sketches designed by Cherie Averill!

You'll find sketches for layouts with one, two, three & multiple photos! You'll even find double page sketches! Plus, sample layouts from talented designers that will spark your creativity!

Most of the sketches use standard photo sizes (4x6, 5x7, 8x10). To get extra mileage out of the sketches, switch it up! Use the sketches to create cards, double pagers, etc.! If you need ideas for "switching it up", check out the cards in the Sample Layouts section or stop by the Sassy Lil' Sketch blog on Saturdays.

The Sassy Lil' Sketches Ebook is available for online viewing or you can easily download and print it. It's your choice!

Visit www.sassylilsketches.com to get the Sassy Lil' Sketches Ebook & get scrapping!

I'm so proud that Sassy Lil' Sketches found my two (2) submissions worthy enough to be included in this Ebook. We hope this will give you enough inspiration you needed to start and continue on with this craft we all love.

Cheery Lynn Designs

2011-08-13T19:22:00.003+08:00

While browsing the net I chanced upon a design team call at Cheery Lynn Designs which is up until tomorrow only, August 14, 2011. I got very excited because of the benefits that await those who will be chosen. I checked their dies and they are truly and really to die for. I love working on dies, thus, my generous collections of Sizzix dies. It was only recently that I discovered the other available dies apart from Sizzix. Unfortunately, our LSS do not carry dies by Cheery Lynn Designs. If ever I get lucky, I can introduce these dies locally and I am sure fanatics will drool over the collections.

I made a layout using some of my Sizzix dies showcasing my style. Hopefully, it will be considered sans the use of Cheery Lynn Designs (crossing my fingers) and despite the last minute submission of this layout.

Title: Living Life to the Fullest

Supplies: PP: Webster's Pages Life's Portrait; Prima; Flower: Prima Eminence Collection; Sizzix Dies: TH Alterations Movers and Shapers Mini Birds and Cage Set, Mini Branch and Leaf Set, Umbrella Man, Weathered Clock; Stamps: HA Old Letter Writing, Technique Tuesday Favorite Memories by Ali Edwards; Alpha: Lily bee design ABC Stickers.

Thanks for visiting.

Week 2 at Sassy Lil' Sketches

2011-08-10T22:41:00.003+08:00

For all those challenge seekers, Week 2 Challenge at Sassy Lil' Sketches is revealed today. As for me, I couldn't be more excited as this is my first ever submission as DT for SLS. I sure hope I was able to do justice to the sketch. You can visit the site for some inspiration. I am sure you will be inspired as I was.

Week 2 Challenge:

My take:

Title: Kite

I have been relying much on Webster's Pages lately, if all else fails. So far, I have not been disappointed.

Please do visit us at SLS and play along with us. You have until September 5 to submit your take. Other pointers for joining are found in this link.

Thanks for visiting.

August 1st Challenge at Once Upon a Sketch

2011-08-07T21:14:00.001+08:00

Been away from my scrapbook room for quite some time because of some missing mojos. To address my lag, I went back to one of the few usual sites I frequent for some artistic boost, Once upon a Sketch, not only for the great sketches but for the love I get from the people there.

August 1st Challenge is up. The sketch provided great potentials and my right brain got the simulation it needed.

August 1st Sketch:

My take:

I am currently in love with the use of mix media to make the brick-like element as introduced by Ms. Iris Uy. This was made by mixing gesso, pumice gel and paint of chosen color. Spread it based on the desired shape. Scrape the excess mixture to form parallel lines and vertical lines in alternate spacing for that brick-like look. Special thanks to Ms. Karen Ngo for supplying my gesso and pumice gel.

Journal: You Measure Up to a perfect day. We thank God for your for every single day.

Supplies: PP: Webster's Pages Your Life Beautiful; Border: Crate Paper School Spirit Collection; Sassafras arrow; Alphas: Lilybee Design ABC Stickers; AC Nutmeg; Stickers: Bella Blvd. Super Stud; MM Big Ideas Photo Slang; October Afternoon School House; Mask: TH Idealogy Time Works; TH Distressing Ink; Memories Mists in Mango Lemonade and Blue Martini; Gesso; Pumice Gel; Kaisercolour in Yellow; Imagination Project Coasters Circles Ocean; Stamp: Technique Tuesday Loving Words by Ali Edwards.

Thank for looking.

Make a Splash Project is Up at Paper Issues

2011-08-02T12:54:00.000+08:00

Paper Issues' next theme "Make a Splash" is on. Interpretation is up to you. You can link as many submissions as you want.

Here are some of my layouts which would fit the theme.

1. Soar High. This is my submissions to one of the OUAS's challenges. This is one of my favorites.

2. My Boys, Having Fun!

3. Time: Grateful Time. I submitted this to Little Shop of Sketches. Since the theme at Paper Issues matches with this page, I decided to submit this as well.

Thanks for visiting.

Sketch # 90 is Up at Little Shop of Sketches

2011-07-31T23:38:00.002+08:00

Another source of inspiration is revealed at Little Shop of Sketches. I just love the challenges at LSS. It always drives me to do layouts I usually not dare try. For this layout, I used the pictures of my little patootie flying his first kite (courtesy of Daddy). The vibrant pictures matched perfectly with the lightness of the sketch. Incidentally, I took a lot of pictures of my son trying to hold on to the string of the kite, so expect more layout using similar photos. :D

Hope you take time to play along with us. You can upload your interpretation at LSS' ning site.

Sketch 90 courtesy of very talented Lindsey Krauss:

Head on to LSS for some variation on the Sketch.

My take:

Supplies: PP: Echo Park Little Girl; October Afternoon Night Light Louie; CS: AC white; Alpha: Jillibean Soup Alphabeans black; Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type; Stamp: Technique Tuesday Life in Pictures by Ali Edwards; Distressing Ink: TH in Mustard Seed and Broken China; Chipboard: Cosmo Cricket Togetherness; Others: Imagination Project Coaster.

Thanks for the visit.

Its Official!

2011-07-20T23:07:00.001+08:00

Yehey! Happy to announce that I got in as one of Sassy Lil' Sketches DT. I am one of Week 2's Sassies. Can't wait to create and share with you some inspiration along with the other talented sassies. Head on to the blog and play along with us.

Sketch # 89 is Up at Little Shop of Sketches

2011-07-19T14:23:00.001+08:00

Sketch # 89 is up at Little Shop of Sketches. The challenge sketch may give you some eyebrow raising moment but it's worth making a try. It gave me sometime to compose a page but I still love how my interpretation turned out (just loving my own).

Sketch # 89

My take:

I substitute some of the square patterns with stamps as my available pictures would have clogged my page if I followed the sketch by the letter.

Title: A Day to Remember

Supplies: Patterned Paper: Echo Park Summertime; Stamps: TH; Pink Paislee Butterfly Garden; Teresa Collins Discovery; Alpha: Cosmo Cricket; Die: Sizzix TH Gears; Mists: Maya Mists in Pink and Green; Other Embellishments: Maya Road Sheer Calendar/Event; Pink Paislee Butterfly.

Please play along with us. You can upload your submissions at http://littleshopofsketches.ning.com/

Yummy Embellies Give Away

2011-07-13T06:39:00.001+08:00

I chanced upon this information from a friend's facebook shout out. Very talented Gabrielle is giving away those yummy embellies. I dont want to pass this lovely opportunity. Those Dusty Attics are irresistable as well as the rest of the embellishments. I hope lady luck will smile my way.

Life is Sweet at Paper Issues

2011-07-12T16:26:00.002+08:00

Its time for a new theme at Paper Issues, "Life is Sweet" Please do join us as the members of the creative team give their own interpretation of the theme. You can submit your creation, whether it be a card, layout, or any altered item. As lovely Cassie puts it, "If you used paper, you are in."

This is my interpretation:

Title: Life is Sweet With You In It!

I would like to give recognition here to the talent of Iris Uy in coming up with an idea for this brick like element and for sharing this idea with us. For lack of materials, I merely used here hard gel, fine pumice gel and Kaiser paint in Sea Breeze. I hope I was able to make a general appearance of a brick. :D

Supplies: PP: Webster's Pages Spring Market Simple Pleasures, Good Living, and Fresh Market; Country Estate Calm Moments; Chipboard: Crate Paper Restoration; Flowers: Symphony Blend Blue and Pink; Dies: Sizzix TH Alterations Weathered Clock, Film Strip Frames; Alpha: Thickers Emerald; Medium: Hard Gel, Fine Pumice Gel, Kaisercolor Sea Breeze, TH Distressing Ink Broken China

I hope you play along with us. You can link as many projects as you want. Link to your post, not to the main URL of your blog. Try to link back to Paper Issues in your post if possible.

Thanks for looking.

July 7th Reveal at Sassy Lil' Sketches

2011-07-12T15:14:00.001+08:00

Sassy Lil' Sketches ("SLS") July 7th Reveal is up. For those who are looking for some source of inspiration for their layouts, you will surely have your mojos working with the weekly reveal at SLS.

This is the July 7th Reveal:

And my take:

Title: My Precious

Actually, I have this made few months back and have entered in as one of the challenges in the net (I hope SLS wont mind). Since it fits this week's challenge at SLS, I submitted it in. I just added some distressing to match the misting and some border elements.

Thanks for visiting.

Housewarming Invitations

2011-07-07T17:19:00.001+08:00

I did some quick invitations for a friend's housewarming event. Since I was just informed of it few days from the event, I had to think of something that wouldn't take so much time to create. I just typed the details of the event in a cardstock ("cs") that matched the motif of the house. I cut the cs using the upper half portion of the Kaisercraft arrow album as template. I likewise used the Martha Stewart border punch fence. Do they look like a house with a fence?! Fairly, right?! :D

NIkki Sivils NEW CHA Releases

2011-07-07T06:36:00.001+08:00

I am excited for the new lines of Nikki Sivils. I am always been a fan of Nikki Sivils. The lines are so workable and versatile that you do not have to crack your brain out to look for other embellishments that will match with the line. The pages themselves afford various elements that can already be used as embellishments themselves.

I cannot wait to have all of these lines to play with. Head on to Nikki Sivils' blog to have some peek of these new releases.

Sketch # 88 is Up at Little Shop of Sketches

2011-07-03T07:54:00.005+08:00

It's time for another reveal at Little Shop of Sketches. Another wonderful Sketch this time from Anne Pennington to inspire fellow scrappers who are looking for some mojo boost. I hope you will be inspired as I was with this sketch. You may upload your take at LSS' ning site.

Sketch # 88

My take:

I used here the Dusty Attic Skeleton Clock. Don't you just love it?! I know, right? But considering its price, I have to use it sparingly. :D

I used the every reliable Sizzix TH dies (Townscape and Movers and Shapers mini butterflies set). Did some dabbing, stamping, and distressing and they're good to go.

Title: Undeniable Bonding

Supplies: Patterned Paper: MME Jus Dreaming and EP Summertime; Borders: Crate Paper Portrait Collection; Alphas: AC Thickers Emerald and Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type; Dies: Sizzix TH Alterations Townscape and Movers and Shapers Mini Butterflies set; Paint: Adirondack Dabbers - Pearl, Sunshine Yellow, Aqua; TH Distress Ink Broken China; Stamp: HA Manuscript and Autumn Leaves Talking in Circles; Rub-ons: Prima Cavalier Collection; Maya Mists Blue; Dusty Attic Skeleton Clock Faces.

Again, my insecurity got the best in me so I was able to make 2 layouts for the sketch so I have options which one to submit:

This is the LO that did not make it.

Title: Little Lade at Play

Made some DIY flowers here.

I cut out a part of the patterned paper to mimic the flow of bubbles.

Hope to see your lovely take at LSS ning site.

Thank you for visiting.

June 14th Sketch Reveal at Sassy Lil' Sketches

2011-07-01T09:45:00.001+08:00

It's my first time to join the challenge at Sassy Lil's Sketches as I was just recently introduced to the site by a fellow scrapper here in the Philippines, Dinah Maningat, who is a DT member. I like the challenge posed by June 14th Sketch with linear square pattern.

Here is the Sketch:

My take:

Title: Mom's Day Out

I did some rolling of papers here as base to put my butterflies on.

Thanks for visiting.

Still EP For the Record

2011-06-25T00:03:00.003+08:00

Pardon my apparent love for one line presently. Its not actually a blind infatuation but more of my "OCness" to complete a line before I head on to do something else. Here are more layouts created out of the remaining EP For the Record.

This LO was inspired again by June 15th Challenge at Once Upon a Sketch. Actually, I made more than one LO and chose the one which got the most votes cast by my small fans club which is composed of basically my household members. While this one didn't make it to the final submission, I still love the clean effect of the color combo, but then again who can go wrong with a single color paired with black.

Title: Picture Perfect (except for a sleeping boy)

Journal: I love how my family is one with me in dressing up in coordinated colors (or they just have no choice). I convinced them that dressing up alike is a way of stamping a mark of being part of the Castillo family. They have no regrets since most of the pictures always turn out to be lovely and scrapbook friendly. While my kids are still young and can still be manipulated, I take advantage of every opportunity to dress us up alike.

Supplies: EP For the Record; Sizzix TH Butterfly; Cuttlebug Paper Frills; EK Punch; Heidi Swapp Clock; Buttons; Stamp: Hero Arts Manuscript; Rub on: Scenic Route

Title: Just Happy Together

Supplies: EP For the Record: Flower: Prima; Stamp: Jenny Bowlin Discover

Thanks for the visit.

More of Echo Park For the Record

2011-06-23T18:27:00.000+08:00

My OC on the use of a kit until the last element is used up is again getting the best in me (or worse). I am trying with all my might to limit its use only up to the extent that I can come up with a decent layout. Otherwise, the entire exercise will be reduced to a mere quantity.

So far, I am still quite satisfied with the layout I have been creating with EP For the Record. But the versatility of the kit is running thin with my available pictures.

Sharing with you the LOs I made using the kit.

This LO was inspired by the June 15th Challenge at Once Upon a Sketch.

Title: I Adore You (everyday)

Journal: You are one of my favorite subjects, be it in photography or scrapbooking. You always have that ready warm smile that I know is especially meant for me. Its a smile that is deep with love and affection. I just hope you will not change even if you are already at age when guys will be fighting over to win that smile.

Title: You Give Us So Much Happiness

Thanks for visiting.

Once Upon A Sketch June 15th Challenge

2011-06-21T17:48:00.000+08:00

While I am completing my Echo Park For the Record, I thought it would be more inspiring to create layouts based on sketches posed by some sketch challenge blogs. Once Upon a Sketch is one of the few challenges I often join in because the blog has one of the nicest people who are ever ready to give inspiring words to fellow scrappers.

This is the June 15th Challenge:

And my take:

Title: Move Over Bieber

As part of the challenge, I provided journalling apt for my son's pictures:

I am amazed with how you love to wear any sun glasses you can grab. Unlike other babies your age who get easily irritated with anything that may block their sense of sight or even weigh them down, you exude some aura of confidence in wearing a pair. Somehow, you know that your looks get some booze when you wear sun glasses. That's vanity in its early workings.

Sketchabilities No. 49

2011-06-20T23:24:00.002+08:00

I was working on my Echo Park For the Record and I searched the net for some inspiration. I was awed by the potentials of Sketch 49 of Sketchabilities and I decided to give it a try.

I used again my photos with my two lovely kids at Tagaytay Highlands taken summer of last year. While I've used these photos in various occasions, they once again graced my page to match the vintage colors of For the Record. Since the theme is about summer, I added up some yellow touches to brighten my layout.

Here is Sketch 49:

Title: Bonding Time (Tagaytay Highlands)

Supplies: PP: Echo Park For the Record; Stamp: Teresa Collins Discover; Maya Road Sheer Clock; Alpha: Cosmo Cricket Tine Type; Flowers: Prima, Cuttlebug Design Paper Frills; Crystals: Prima; Mask: TH Ideology

Thanks for the visit.

Little Shop of Sketches # 87

2011-06-19T23:07:00.001+08:00

This is my first sketch from Little Shop of Sketches (LSS) as a DT. As soon as Tanya Leigh sent us the Sketch, I didn't waste time to crack my brain out on how to execute the sketch. Started with the pictures on hand, base cardstock, some coordinating embellishments, a little toss around, up and down. . . and voila, I got my first sketch with LSS!

I have been staring and examining my creation for days thinking if I got everything right. I suddenly was unsure of my scrapping potentials. I wanted my first LO to be perfect and I was uncertain if it already passed the DT standards, if there is such a thing. Call it beginner's paranoia or something. To stretch my paranoia a little further, I even made a second LO so I would have something to compare my first LO with. Unfortunately, things just got worse. I was even more uncertain which LO would I submit that would best pass for a DT work. Hay! When my exhaustion got the better of me, I just went with my instinct and submitted my LO.

This is Sketch 87

My take:

Title: Always Grateful to Spend Time Together

I just love the October Afternoon Country Fair pages, it provided the cheapest floral embellies. I did some rolling of ribbon over a raffled orange ribbon.

Supplies: CS Scenic route; October Afternoon Country Fair; Maya Road Sheer Calendar; Maya Road Sheer Journal; AC Thickers; My Little Shoe Box Mini Alpha Sticker; Hambly Studios Kraft Stickers; TH Distress Ink Spiced Marmalade and Broken China; Maya Road Maya Mists Hydrangea Blue; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists Harvest Orange and Pineapple; Kaiserkraft metal key; Tattered Anges Glimmer Glass Regal; Ribbons

And this is my LO that didn't make it:

Please head on to LSS and join us with this wonderful sketch. Go to LSS ning site to upload your layout with mention on the sketch # you used. Thank you.

Iris' Pink Paislee and Crate Class

2011-06-18T20:31:00.000+08:00

I had tiring but fun-filled scrapbooking activity today courtesy of Iris Uy's Pink Paislee and Crate class. As usual, we were treated to a mix media class of misting, painting, stamping, embossing, and the use of gesso, clear gel, pearl mica, opal dust, etc.

No one will go wrong scraplifting Iris' creation.

Looking forward to Iris' next class.

My LO was featured at Scrapbooking Whimsy

2011-06-16T13:15:00.002+08:00

What makes scrapbooking addicting? Every scrapbooker may have different reasons for finding the craft as addicting as caffeine. One common reason may be to create the stories behind what simple pictures depict and to preserve such stories even beyond the scrapbooker's lifetime. This is particularly true to yours truly. I want to share who I am, what I value in life and how I appreciate persons and things around me through the pages I create.

On a lighter note, scrapbooking may be addicting with the thought that every page is an opportunity to create the best art ever, and so the quest is never ending. The appreciation and inspiring words from fellow scrapbookers are the icing on the cake which give you assurances that you may be really cut for this craft. One of this inspirations may come in the opportunity to be featured in one of the scrapbooking sites available in the net.

Scrapbooking Whimsy was sweet enough to feature my take on Once Upon a Sketch May 15th Challenge. This is one of the simple joys that make scrapbooking addicting.

Please head on to Scrapbooking Whimsy for some inspiration.

Thanks for your time.

Color Combos Galore #196

2011-06-14T10:26:00.003+08:00

I particularly love sketches which require a particular color combination. It provides that added challenge to create a page that would use colors that usually are not my cup of tea. As a matter of experience, if I follow the color combinations to the letter, my LO will not be a disaster.

Color Combos Galore is another site I usually visit for some inspiration. The inspiration board for this week is a focus on what one loves about summer. What appears as more inspiring about the challenge is the color combination of subtle blue with earthly colors.

The Inspiration Board # 196

My take:

Title: Summer Fun & Beyond

As seen in my recent works, I love misting using combination of colors which usually are the required palette. Also, the manuscript background is likewise a recent style fave.

I made use of a Cuttlebug Design border frills, rolled and pasted them around to create the flowers. I put them over prima flowers to match the color motif.

The Color Room Palette # 61

2011-06-12T16:34:00.002+08:00

Another palette is up at The Color Room. Since I never doubted the potentials of every palette at TCR, I always make it a point to join, if I can. This week's challenge is whitewashed. You have to use color orange in different shades. I always associate orange with something vintage. So I attempted to make one with some tearing, distressing, inking, stamping and crampling. While not so "vintagee", I still like what I made out of it.

Palette # 61

Title: My Precious

Supplies: Paper: We R Memory Keepers Frenzy Burst; AC Blue Skies; Journal: October Afternoon Cherry Hill Journal Cards; Aplha: Sizzix Twang; Flowers: Prima Swaney Collecton; Others: Heidi Swapp Clocks; Maya Road Antique Mini Chipboard Set; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists

Thanks for visiting.

June Challenge at Once Upon a Sketch

2011-06-03T07:28:00.003+08:00

Headed on to Once Upon a Sketch to get some inspiration. The June Challenge requires one to create an LO with female as a subject. The journalling has to be at least 2 lines that say something about the female subject. I found pictures of my daughter which are perfect for this sketch. I just love how it turned out.

The Sketch:

My take:

Title: SOAR HIGH

Saw this style from Iris Uy's blog to mimic a flying butterfly, flapping its wings.

Journal: Reality Check, Believe in yourself. Be you (that is the best thing you can be).

I stamped here a Stampin Up Sweet Serendipity to match my theme.

Supplies: CS - October Afternoon Country Fair; Webster's Page; Journal - Maya Road; Alphas - Sassafras My Dream; Tapes - Heidi Swapp Theme Tapes; TH Distress Ink, Spiced Marmalade; Tattered Angels, Glimmer Mist, Harvest Orange; Tattered Angels Glimmer Class, Regal; Stamps - Stampin Up! Sweet Serendipity; Hero Arts Old Letter Writing; Prima Mask; Punch - Marvy Uchida Butterfly; buttons.

My DT Stint at Little Shop of Sketches

2011-06-01T23:09:00.001+08:00

Yehey! I am so excited to have received news from Ms. Tanya Leigh of Little Shop of Sketches (LSS) that I made it to the Design Team (DT) of LSS for 2011-2012. This is my first time to apply for a DT call and I am so blessed to have been chosen along with talented scrappers around the world. Now I will not be a mere passive scrapper but will attempt to inspire fellow scrappers who usually browse the net to get their mojos going.

Little Shop of Sketches is a sketch blog that releases a sketch once week which can be very useful for those needing some inspiration.

I am posting again my submission for the DT call.

Hope you visit the site and play along with us.

Nikki Sivils It's Raining, It's Pouring

2011-05-29T21:05:00.003+08:00

My fondness over Nikki Sivils latest lines continues. I made two (2) LOs using It's Raining, It's Pouring collection. The line has pages that provide the cheapest embellishments. What else would fit the cute collection but the pictures of my cute son. :D

Title: You Smile Cheers Me Up!

Title: You Are My Sunshine Under the Rain

Color Room Palette # 59

2011-05-25T10:21:00.019+08:00

The Color Room is one of the sites I often visit for some inspiration. The challenges posed at Color Room always push a scrapper to go out of her comfort zone. They provide color combinations one wouldn't initially find possible. I have joined their challenges twice already and so far I am always awed with how the color combinations turned out to be such an eye candy.

My take on TCR Palette # 59:

I cut out curves upon curves of Cosmo Cricket Earth Love and distress the edges to mimic a hill. I also cut the trees and houses from My Little Shoe Box Whoo Loves You? - You Hoo line.

I used Prima air balloon stencil in misting using the color requirements.

Title: You Are One of Life's Miracles

Supplies: Patterned Paper: My Little Shoe Box Flying High Street; Whoo Loves You? - You Hoo; Cosmo Cricket Earth Love; AC cardstock; Alphas: AC Thickers Platforms; My Little Shoe Box Mini Alphabet Sticker Quicksand; Stickers: Hambly Studios Kraft Cardstock Stickers; Stamp: Hero Arts; Stencil: Prima; Glimmer Mists, Memories Mists.

Thanks for looking.

Once Upon A Sketch

2011-05-21T00:24:00.003+08:00

Mr. Mojo has been generous to me lately that I have been so inspired to create one LO after the other. I saw a challenge at Once Upon a Sketch and decided to play along.

This is the sketch:

and my take:

I made my title using a combination of a "time" stamp by Inque Boutique and those ready to use alphas. I needed to add some typed journalling as required by the challenge.

Title: Time spent with you is time well spent.
Journalling: If circumstance would permit, there is nowhere I want to be but with you every single minute of the day.

Materials used: Patterned paper: Echo Park For the Record; Maya Road Sheer Clock; Maya Road B/W Tickets; Quickutz Die Vine; Prima flowers; Prima clock stencil; Glimmer Mist and Memories Mist; Buttons; Ribbons (from local store); 7 Gypsies tape; Stamps: Cloud 9 Design Simple Memories; Inque Boutique; Hero Arts Manuscript

I chanced upon a challenge posed at Harmonieloisirscreatifs which requires the use of only 2 colors (but can be combined with black or white). I thought this will qualify for the June Challenge and so I submitted it.

Echo Park Little Girl

2011-05-20T01:07:00.002+08:00

I purchased the Echo Park Little Girl at Lasting Impression more than a month already and it took me a while to play with it. The colors are so girly that I thought it would be perfect for pictures of my daughter in pastel attire. While waiting for perfect pictures to match, I tried to make an LO with few remaining pictures from one of the family's summer activities. Since the colors of the pictures are not as vibrant as the line, I went light on combining the papers.

Want to share with you what I made so far from the line.

I will be coming up with more as soon as I get the pictures to match.

Thanks for dropping by.

Sketchabilities No. 47

2011-05-18T10:10:00.002+08:00

I chanced upon this beautiful sketch at Sketchabilities. From an initial glance, I already felt the great possibilities of this Sketch. It exudes lightness and merriment that I was so excited to create an LO out of it.

Based from my previous LOs, my style is more geared towards subtle and understated colors. In this particular Sketch, I was inspired to put some colors in my LO to complement the verve of the Sketch.

Here is my take:

Title: Walk in the Park

Materials used: Patterned paper: Echo Park Summertime; We R Memory Keepers Write Out; Sizzix dies; Stamp: Cloud 9 Design; Inque Botique

Pencil Lines Sketch 236

2011-05-16T11:07:00.004+08:00

I am so inspired lately with how good life has been that my inspiration to create LOs is overflowing. To make good use of it, I created an LO for Pencil Lines Sketch No. 236. Love how it turned out (of course, based on my standards).

Here is my take:

Title: Baby Snuggle (enjoying every sec)

Materials used: CS: Scenic Route and AC; Patterned Papers: WRMK Write Out, Echo Park Little Girl: Rub-ons: Scenic Route Sweet Baby; Embellishments: Maya Road Sheer Journal; Flowers: Prima; Sizzix die; Maya Road Bird Cage; Puncher: MS.

Thank you for looking.

Little Shop of Sketches DT Call

2011-05-16T07:51:00.004+08:00

I have been scrapping since 2008. During the three (3) years that I have been crazy about the craft it never entered my mind to apply for any DT call. I was just contended self-admiring the work I created in my little red scrapbook room.

I have been visiting Little Shop of Sketches for some time now to get some inspiration. As a thought bubble, I guess it would be nice to turn tables and be the source of inspiration for fellow scrapbookers who browse the net to get Mr. Mojos flowing. Little Shop of Sketches is currently looking for DTs for 2011 to 2012. You just have to create a new layout based on their Little Shop of Sketches - Sketch No. 82. Below is my submission to try my luck on the DT call (crossing my finger). Who knows my thought bubble may be a reality.

My take:

Title: Time Beauty

Materials used: Patterned Paper: Echo Park Little Girl; We Are Memory Keepers Write Out; Stamp: Hero Arts Manuscript; Flowers and Bling: Prima; Other Embellishments: Maya Road Sheer Clock; Sizzix Die Doll; Doilies from Guardos (local store); MS Monarch Butterflies; Letters: Echo Park.

Thanks for looking.

Summer LOs

2011-05-12T07:49:00.000+08:00

I still have few of Nikki Sivils We are Family and more Sofitel pictures that I needed to finish, lest the OC in me wouldn't be appeased. Since the remaining stuff from the kit were not enough, I resurrected old stash to compliment my summer photos.

I used here Sizzix rub-ons (Splish Splash), which has been purchased years and years ago, to mimic the bubbles created from splashing the water.

Please bear with me, I still have few summer photos to make. :)

More of Nikki Sivils We Are Family

2011-05-06T17:40:00.003+08:00

To continue on with the inspiration created by Ria and Pia's class last Saturday, I bought two (2) more of the Nikki Sivils cs with design elements and borders to complete the pictures taken in one of the family's summer activities. I was able to make few more LOs.

I was taught that one of the basics in scrapbooking is try to make the color of the picture as base color of an LO or make the LO as coordinating as possible with the colors of the pictures. Was I glad that the colors of my pictures perfectly matched that of the Nikki Sivils line? Made these LOs in a breeze.

Most of the layouts here are seen with the use of negative side of the alphas because I run out of letters from the kit. Not bad at all. :D

Title: Try'n the Urban Sand

Title: Summer Fun

Title: Bonding Time

Title: Together Time

Title: Let Me Sleep & (still looking for an ampersand that will match) No One Gets Hurt

Title: Just Another Day at Sofitel, April 23, 2011

Thanks for looking.

Nikki Sivils We are Family

2011-04-30T21:48:00.006+08:00

Oh I loved the class of Ria and Pia today. We played with Nikki Sivils We are Family kit. I love the colors and the designs of each paper, as well as the stickers, borders and other elements that can be cut out from the paper as embellishments (in other words everything in the kit is so appealing). Ria and Pia prepared the best LOs that can be made out of the kit. The sample LO's and the colors of the kit perfectly matched the pictures of my family weekend stay at Sofitel last Holy Week (April 23-24).

I am so excited to show my take on the sample LOs that I had to take pictures of them without the benefit of a morning light (talk about my low EQ).

This is my favorite among the four (4) LOs. The pictures of my son are just right for the playfulness of the color and the LO design. And to prove how inspired I was with the sample LO, I won the best LO for this design. Yehey! Won some 6x6 paper from Nikki Sivils and some flowers.

I just love the clean lines of this design. Despite the use of 4 pictures, the LO still looked uncluttered but very nice.

Thanks Ria and Pia for sharing your talents with us. Looking forward to another class with you.

To Complete My Echo Park Springtime

2011-04-27T12:54:00.004+08:00

I made four (4) more LOs using the Echo Park Springtime, the last ones since I have used up all the papers already. The kit is so versatile and the colors are so adoptive to the pictures that I didn't find it hard to stretch the kit with few more pages.

Title: Universal Studios (oops forgot the "s" in the Title)

In this LO, I copied one of Karen's LOs depicting series of butterflies in flight.

Title: Explore Quay

Title: Discover Singapore

Title: Sentosa, the Great Escape.

For the Echo Park Springtime, I was able to make 15 LOs., not bad at all.
Thanks for looking.

Another LOs from Echo Park Springtime

2011-04-25T17:29:00.007+08:00

I made two (2) more LOs using the Echo Park Springtime. I am so happy that I get to maximize a kit. It somehow appeases my guilt feeling from acquiring and spending blindly for some really "necessary" scrapbook stuff.

Title: Blooming Affair

This is my favorite, so far, from my Echo Park Springtime LOs. I used a script stamp over a misted part of the paper as a background. Then I layered over the cut out flowers from one of the cs in the kit. I love how it went, based on my standards of course :).

Journal: You shine even at night.

Echo Park Springtime

2011-04-22T09:54:00.003+08:00

Echo Park did it again! Another iresistable line with soft-hued and sweet colors. Perfect for those light kid moments. The colors fit right for my kids' photos and for adults' as well who unconsciously displayed their "child at heart" moments.

In these layouts, I used some of my old-stocked stash to complement the pastel colors of springtime and some embellishments to go with the travel theme. I used here obviously, a lot of times my newly acquired Technique Tuesday stamps (I forgot what stamp set was it).

So far, I have made nine (9) LOs and pushing to do more as the Wednesday Group has set as goal for every kit. With a cup of Serenitea, you'll be surprised how much LOs we can make in few hours.

Echo Park Little Boy 2

2011-04-03T08:03:00.006+08:00

I have never been a believer of kits. I thought of it as something so limiting to someone's sense of art. But I cannot resist Echo Park lines, with their inviting and vivid colors. They just match the youthfulness and spirited energy of my kids as depicted in their pictures. It was my first time to work on a kit and so far I've been loving it. It saves me the energy and time to crack my brain out to think of stuff that would work harmoniously together in an LO. Result - 15 LOs in just 3 days!

To complete the list of LOs made from Echo Park Little Boy line . . .

Thanks for looking.

Echo Park Little Boy

2011-04-01T11:21:00.005+08:00

It was unfortunate that my son caught one of the viruses (hopefully, it was just that) and had to be brought to the doctor for a check up. Being a doting mother than I am, I took a leave of absence to make time for the doctor's visit. When the mommy duties were done and my son was taking his afternoon nap, I sneaked out to have some scrapping time, taking advantage of this once in a while leave from work.

Was I glad I joined the Wednesday Club session last March 30, 2011! The group has been into kits. They take it upon themselves the challenge to come up with as many LOs as possible using the kit and few/some elements from other lines. The challenge somehow rubbed in me, thus, I have been sleeping late for the past 2 days to consume the entire kit with maximum LOs.

I am happy with Echo Park Little Boy kit. It perfectly matches the color theme of my son's b-day pictures which have been laying on my table waiting to be scrapped. I scraplifted some of the friends LOs and did some on my own. Now with this challenge, looks like I'll be needing more pictures to come up with more LOs.

Sharing you some of my works.

I still have some stash left from the same kit so I think I will coming up with an LO or two, then off to do the next kit - Echo Park Little Girl. Yehey!

A Visit to Made with Love

2011-03-31T14:35:00.002+08:00

My family and I went to Singapore for the first time on the 25th of March, 2011. The itinerary was arranged by our tourist head, my Hubby. Expectedly, it was squeezed in with schedules for the usual scenic or tourists spots to make the best of a 3-day stay. At the back of my mind, I was schemingly trying to think of a way to visit at least a scrapbook store or 2 to devour on newly released stash which may have not reached LSS here. So I let myself be a slave to the entire 2 days of our stay by volunteering as the yaya for my kids (as if I had a choice) and allowing myself to be toured with a minimum, if not nay, opposition from my part. Successfully, when I requested to visit a scrapbook store, which I already searched for in the net before leaving, Hubby gladly gave in.

Due to time constraint, I was able to visit MADE WITH LOVE only, at Plaza Singapura. I find the store very cozy with its relatively small space but packed with scrapbook goodies neatly arranged in sliding cabinets. They had nice and new stuff which I haven't seen here. So despite the fact that prices are more expensive than prices here, I bought few to bring home. I got the Echo Park Springtime and few sticker elements from Echo Park Playground and some Maya journal stuffs. That made my Singapore trip worthwhile and memorable, among others. :)

Cut Out Design from Webster's Pages

2011-03-12T06:46:00.003+08:00

I have always been a fan of scrapbookers who can make use of papers as the main source of embellishments. I find it cumbersome and very time consuming to cut out designs from a paper instead of just using the ready-made embellishments available in the market. But nothing beats the details of a cut out paper design. For this LO, I took time out to cut the remaining designs left from Iris Uy's Webster's Pages Class. I guess I'll be doing more of these if my time permits.

I used white ink to emboss a journal stamp on a black cs.

Thanks friends for looking.

MY DIY Invitation

2011-03-10T06:58:00.002+08:00

There was another family event and I was challenged again to create invitations. It was a surprise party for our dear father who turned 70 last March 3, 2011. Browsed the net and found a sample invitation. I patterned it to the party motifs, which were blue and silver. I used AAC cs and cut it to 6x12 and folded it to half. I cut out a silver DCWV cs to make the big exclamation mark. I cut the front page of the folded AAC cs to display the exclamation point upfront. I used Sizzix slim alphas to create the word "Surprise". I stamped on the word "shh" (a way to hush the guests) to a circle cut-out and embossed with sparkling embossing powder. I used the cut-out to close two ends of blue and silver ribbons for the parchment paper, which served as my envelope.

Want to share with your pics of the invitations.

It was all worth it since the party turned out to be a success.

Breaking the Silence

2011-02-06T08:40:00.002+08:00

Not being able to join scrap classes for quite a long time always gives me that not-so-into-scrapping mood. Coupled this with a messy and chaotic scrap room where you'll sure to spend minutes and minutes to look for every piece you have initially set aside for use. My scrap table with a 10ft size is reduced to a measly space which would rarely fit a 12x12 LO. I have yet to master the equally artful way of packing up.

But lo and behold, i have braved the jungle scrap room and finished 2 LOs that turned out nice to my liking (he he he, loving my own).

Never Busy to Shop

2011-01-27T22:58:00.002+08:00

It's sad that I haven't had the time to scrap and blog lately, blame it on the extraordinary load at work. :( But I'm sure fellow scrappers would understand that there is no such busy time to do some scrap shopping. :)

Posting pictures of what I acquired has always been helpful in reminding me what stash I have available on hand.

Now, I just realized I still don't have the Tattered Flowers Die by Tim Holtz, among others. :(

More LO for 2011

2011-01-13T00:00:00.004+08:00

While I am still at it, and before the lull happens again, I made another LO for tonight. If my schedule and the seeming cooperative sleeping time of my kids will still allow, It appears my target for Jan. 2011 to finish an album of my son's 1st bday might be possible.

(Materials used: AC cardstock; AC Thickers; AC Rub-ons, Twirl Accents; TH Distress Ink; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist)

My First LOs for 2011

2011-01-11T23:48:00.008+08:00

These two (2) LOs were my very first creations for 2011. Although I made three (3) during the Webster's Class last Saturday, they were copied from Iris'. Admittedly, it is always easy to make an LO which is either scraplifted or where a pattern and/or color scheme is provided. Otherwise, you have to grill your brain out to come up with a worthy LO that follows all the basics of "layouting".

These particular LOs were not scraplifted nor were they based from any sketches, at least not that i know of. I just gathered inspiration from the pictures of my liliputs and from my stash which were (and still are) scattered all over the place.

Sharing to you my LOs made after 2-eyebrow-burning-late-nights.

TFL.

My Take on Webster's Class by Iris Uy

2011-01-09T20:16:00.004+08:00

When Iris Uy holds scrapbook classes, I always attempt to free my sched to attend because, for sure, it will be a treat of various techniques you wouldn’t thought possible and not dare try. Yesterday’s class was no exception. We were thought the use of distress inks with mix media materials, - clear granular gel, golden mica, heavy clear gel, etc. While they looked intimidating to me, they were demonstrated by Iris with so much ease. It was an afternoon of inking, distressing, misting, stamping, painting and, of course, Iris' class wouldn't be complete without all the hand-cutting.

I made the following layouts through my outmost attempt to copy Iris’ to the letter. I guess you wouldn’t go wrong with a “kodigo” in front of you when making the LO. I love how they turned out. I hope I could incorporate at least one or two of Iris’ styles in mine.

This was the LO where I conquered my fear of distressing inks. In fact, you could see my fumbling when I quite held the distressing brush a little heavier than it should be. Good thing, Iris was there to remedy what could have been a messy LO. I guess I need to practice more.

This is the LO where we used a heavy clear gel to hold the tool and other knick-knacks.

In this LO, we used a granular gel to put texture on a painted house roof. We likewise used gold mica for the bird's wing.

Big thanks to Iris for sharing, once again, her talent to us.

My First Christmas LO

2011-01-07T23:01:00.005+08:00

I never find Christmas album fancy as I am not one to buy stash that can be used only for a particular season. But during the Christmas party of Wednesday Group, Bessie thought us to make a Christmas LO. While it seemed easy (since all the materials were already prepared for the brats), its kinda complicated with all the layerings. I didn't have a prepared Christmas picture but my ready hand pictures were just right for the LO. I love the finished product. I guess I'll start doing more Christmas LOs from now on.

Thanks Bessie for tirelessly sharing your talent and patience. :)

A Special Gift for a Special Friend

2011-01-04T21:57:00.002+08:00

During our annual birthday bash for the November celebrants, who included yours truly, our meticulous and generous friend (another November celebrant), Sharon Chua, taught us a very complicated mini album project, one that could be braved only by a full-time scrapper. . . so our praises go to Sharon who made time to make a sample for everyone despite her juggling career as a medical practitioner and a new Mom to her second.

The mini album contained various compartments for pictures, mementos, tags, etc. made out of a versatile and cute colored paper bags purchased from National Bookstore. Judging from the finished product, you would understand why most of us, naturally, didn't finish the album on that day, with the exception of Bessie, who is a renowned fast scrapper. Challenged by the promise of an unfinished mini-album, I found the time to finish it at home, at least based on my standards.

With the efforts put out in finishing the project, I thought of only one to whom I can give it to where all my efforts would be worthwhile. I have a friend who lost his daughter from giving birth to her fourth child. Until now, she is still devastated and could not still fathom the reason for the untimely death. I have been encouraging her to reduce all her emotions through scrapbooking but still could not find the time and inspiration to do so. I put the name of her daughter in the cover. Hopefully, she finds enough inspiration to start confiding with the papers where she could journal all her emotions and memories of her daughter which, in turn, will provide as keepsake for her grandchildren to remember their mother.

I just hope she will like this.

Thanks again Sharon for sharing your time and talent in making this album.

Cheap Finds

2010-12-26T22:25:00.002+08:00

It's been a while since I posted something here. I have been busy with the Christmas preparations, which started 2 months ago and still, the fuss is far from over. Taking a break from the season's rush, I just thought of sharing some art form I am equally crazy about.

Since I started with this blog in 2008, I have been sharing only my passion with scrapbooking. Unknown to most of my friends from scrapbook world, I also adore fashion. Since I was in school, I already displayed some bent in fashion by providing advices to my peers on what to wear and what not to. Even now, I still find myself giving fashion suggestions, solicited or otherwise. While most of the items offered by branded lines are sure hits, I especially like the challenge of finding hits from not so expensive sources. I intend to devote some pages to display these cheap finds. . . I just hope I can sustain it.

For a start, I want to share with you these lovely shoes and a matching dress bag I sourced from one of the reasonable shops in the Metro. For the drama this set provides, the prices are just a bargain. They really got them all for you!

Sketch # 33

2010-11-06T00:50:00.004+08:00

I have never been sick more than 2 days after religiously taking paracetamol every 4 hours. But since Saturday to date, I have been down with cough, colds and muscle pains. But nothing stopped me from sneaking in to get at least one LO done for Sketch # 33 of Sketchabilities.

Here is my take:

I used here another DIY paper flower made by rolling a paper cut in spirals. If I remember it right, this was taught by Bessie during one of our Wednesday meets. I just had to refresh my memory on how to do it through tutorial offered in the net. For some closer look:

Are you up for a challenge . . .

2010-11-03T13:03:00.006+08:00

Just so I will not forget the challenges which are still up for the sake of my skill's further improvement, I want to post them here for my reference. For those who may have time to visit my site, you may check out the following links to join. Before I was disinclined to join challenges for fear that I may be ridiculed for having the nerve to join. But I have realized that people in this craft are very respectful of each other's individual style and creativity.

This is Sketch 211 from Pencil Lines. Deadline is on November 6, 2010.

These are Sketch Nos. 33 and 34 from Sketchabilities. Deadline is on November 10, 2010.

There is another one at The Color Room. You can find the sketch at this link http://thecolorroom.ning.com/forum/topics/palette-release-30-his-room. Deadline is on November 5, 2010.

I hope I have the time to submit at least an entry in any of these challeges.

Recent Loot

2010-10-31T21:01:00.002+08:00

While I intended to go to Lasting Impression just to get a puncher and few stuff to get my mojo flowing, I left Lasting with Unity Stamps, Tattered Angels Garden Blossom Trees, rub-ons from October Afternoon, Hambly stickers, Martha Steward chick family punch, and stickles. The bill was a disaster. There goes my Christmas bonus . . .

On hindsight, it is nice to take a picture of what you have acquired so you wont forget what you have accumulated so far. The picture will provide easy reference so you dont have to ravage your stash to look for something to use in your LO.

DIY Paper Flower

2010-10-31T17:04:00.001+08:00

I was searching for online tutorial on how to make paper flowers since the ones available in the LSS are quite expensive for a one LO use. I chanced upon one tutorial which was quite easy to follow. I made some using a double sided cs.

I put stickles and pearls. For some closer look:

Thanks for looking.

My Take on Creative Scrappers Sketch # 127

2010-10-31T00:26:00.004+08:00

I saw a perfect paper for Creative Scrappers Sketch no. 127 from among my stash. I just added some flowers, rub-ons, Fancy Pants felt, and stickles for some drama. Other than those, I felt the paper and the picture provided for all the adornments I needed to come up with this entry.

Thanks for looking.

The Color Room Palette # 29

2010-10-26T22:01:00.005+08:00

I've been loving the inspiration which The Color Room provides. It introduces me to color combinations which I never thought would blend well together. This is the Palette # 29:

And here is my take:

I used some misting here in this LO. I painted on and glittered the diecut bird from Sizzix by Tim Holtz. I sprayed on some glimmermist to the alphas to match the color requirement. The flowers are from Prima and the doilies are from Gourdo's.

Thanks for looking