A Day in the Life of a Girl for Memory Lane

If you haven't noticed, I have a single secret ingredient for these 2 layouts I did for Memory Lane. Haven't figured it out yet? It's Simply Scrappy's circle templates. I simply traced the circular elements in the base pps and inserted a second pps underneath it. In effect, the base pps blended in beautifully with the second pps leaving one thinking, "so where did the second pps starts and end again?" It's really a very simple technique and yet the effect is intriguing. I so love my Simply Scrappy circle templates! :D

Materials Used: Sandylion pps (Kelly Panacci 3 Ring Circus; Funtastik Turquoise; Around the Corner & ); Kelly Pannacci chipboard medley; American Craft thickers Glitter Sprinkles (cucumber); Crystal alpha stickers; Brad; Eyelet; Bling.

Others: Simply Scrappy circle templates; Crop-a-dile.

Cheeseball for Memory Lane

There must be something favorable in my stars lately because I got another invite from Helen Chua of Memory Lane as Guest DT for October. She gave me these lovely Kelly Pannacci pps and chipboard embellishment to work on. I had such a good time doing these layouts. In fact, these are the easiest and quickest pages I ever did. I started out with no sketch whatsoever and just went with the flow. Lovely materials, really! Thank you very much, Helen! :D

Materials Used: Sandylion pps (Kelly Panacci Gypsy Garden & 3 Ring Circus); DCWV red polka-dot pps; Kelly Pannacci chipboard medley; 7 Gypsies journaling card; American Craft thickers Glitter Sprinkles (cucumber); Artline acid-free pen; flower eyelet.

Others: Simply Scrappy circle templates; Crop-a-dile.

Journaling Reads: It has always been difficult to make you stand still and look at the camera. When you do cooperate, you always had to do this corny pose with cheesy smile. You are such a cheeseball, you crack me up! I love you, baby.

Truly a Blessing

After doing all those layouts for Scrapbukan, I felt drained. So I decided to just take it easy for awhile and do what I love doing from time to time, which is to scraplift :D Scraplifting is so refreshing. You get to do a layout which you already have an idea what the outcome would be. Plus, you get to change and twist that idea in such a manner that it would suit your taste. So what started out as a scraplift eventually became a layout which now only vaguely resembles the original idea :D

Scraplifted from: 601 Great Scrapbook Ideas.

Altered Cigar Box for Scrapbukan

First of all, let me tell you that I am not good at altering stuff. So this last project for Scrapbukan was really a challenge for me. This left me stumped for the longest time, I tell you. Secondly, I am very poor when it comes to collage-work. In fact, it terrifies me to even think of attempting it. But since this was the last project holding me from submitting my materials to Scrapbukan, I took one deep breath and dove into unchartered territories, so to speak. Boy, am I glad I took that dive or else I wouldn't have discovered how much fun it is to do collage-work and alter stuff. Thank you, Cabbie for giving me a push in the right direction and thank you, Cookie for the inspiration on that scroll chipboard :D

Materials Used: Noteworthy Delaney Stripe pps; NW spiral journaling book (Delaney); NW pebble brads (Audrey); NW glittered die-cuts; MM acrylic paint (Burgundy; Manila; Funky Vintage; Black; Gold); American Crafts chipboard letter stickers (Platform); Fancy Pants Soho swirls; K&Co chipboard; Prima Say It with Crystals; Assorted rubber stamps; Assorted rub-ons; Mulberry paper; Assorted brass embellishments; Buttons; Ribbons; Crackle paint medium; Crocheted ribbons; Plastic hook; Wall hanger; Cigar box.

Adhesive Used: UHU Glue; Vellum Glue Dots.

The Process:
1. Cover the hinges and lock of the cigar box with masking tape and start prepping the box by sanding. Then paint all sides with beige acrylic paint as base coat.
2. After the base coat had dried, paint the sides with burgundy acrylic paint and let dry. Next, paint over the Burgundy portion with crackle medium, leaving it to almost dry yet slightly tacky to the touch. Then immediately paint over the crackle medium with Manila acrylic paint and within seconds, you’ll see the beige paint crackle exposing the burgundy underneath.
3. Cut the NW Delaney stripe pps for the cover and inner faces of the cigar box. Apply liberal amount of UHU glue and adhere to the box. Since there will be insufficient pps for the back of the cover, you may use a 2-1/2” crocheted ribbon for the uncovered portion of the box.
4. Paint the swirl chipboard with a base coat of Funky Vintage acrylic paint then distress using a toothbrush dipped in black paint. Do the same distressing process with the Platform chipboard alphas this time using gold acrylic paint with the toothbrush as distressing medium. Set aside both items to dry.
5. Cut 4”x4” pcs. of mulberry paper and stamp with assorted rubber stamp design. Then wet the edges of the mulberry paper with tap water and pull-off the wet portion giving the edge a soft, feathery effect. Adhere to random portions of the box using vellum glue dots.
6. Continue collage-work by randomly applying various rub-ons, buttons and brass embellise to the cigar box. Finish off by adhering the swirl, ribbon and title.
7. Attach the plastic hook inside the box, then the wall hanger on the other side and your altered key holder is done.

You & Me for Scrapbukan

Due to the intense color of the pps, I didn't really know which pictures or embellishment would match it. Luckily, I found this set of vellum stickers amongst my stash which matches the pps perfectly. From then on, my inspiration was sparked and I was able to finish this page in one sitting. Now, this is the first time I ever distressed the pictures in this manner and you can just imagine I was praying to high heavens that I would not mess up - hehehe.

Materials Used: Noteworthy Delaney DieCutScallop pps; Cathy B. Vellum Stickers; Brenda Walton die-cut cardstock; 2mm Darys foamies; MM acrylic paint (Dusk); Rub-on alpha.

Adhesive Used: UHU Glue.

The Process:
1. Print out one (1) 5”x7” colored photo and two (2) 4”x3-1/2” black & white photos.
2. Group all three (3) photos together and place on top of the NW Delaney DieCutScallop pps leaving 1” space to the left and 2” on the right. Lightly pencil mark the edges of the photos and set aside for the meantime.
3. Stick some paisley vellum stickers on the right side and lower portion slightly overlapping the penciled area but make sure to leave an empty space on the right corner.
4. Glue all three (3) photos on top of the vellum stickers using UHU glue and matt the grouped photos by painting all sides with blue acrylic paint.
5. Once dried, stick more paisley vellum stickers on the left side and right corner of the photos.
6. Give dimension to the ready-made die-cut cardstock “You & Me” by gluing 2mm Darys foamies at the back. Then ink the edges with blue ink pad and adhere on the upper left corner of the grouped photos.
7. Using the maroon-colored rub-on alpha, spell out the sub-title “Together” on top of the focal picture, slightly spilling over the secondary black & white picture and your page is done.

Good Time for Scrapbukan

I know, by professional standard, this picture would have been considered as a bad shot. But I just love the interaction going on between my husband and our daughter that despite my poor framing, I just have to scrap it. In fact, if you ask me, this is one of my favorite pictures of them together :D

Journaling Reads:
Ingredients:
1 - doting father who always misses his daughter every minute of the day.
1 - funny little girl who loves to laugh at the drop of a hat.
1 - ordinary afternoon together.
Instruction:
Mix all ingredients thoroughly and add a pinch of a silly joke. Allow to sit in a corner and take liberal amount of snapshots. Cook to perfection and serve with love. What you will have is a tender moment of a father and daughter having a good time together.

Technique Used: Paper piercing; Distressing.

Materials Used: Noteworthy Addie Pattern Stripe pps; NW Delaney Ledger Circle pps; NW Addie DieCut Circle pps; K&Co chipboard; Cardstock (black; white); Craft cardstock; Flowers; Brads; Rub-ons.

Others: Sizzlits alpha die (Monkey Tails); Mouse pad; Corkboard pin; Simply Scrappy circle template; Coluzzle knife and cutting pad; MM paper scraper.

Adhesive Used: Adhesive Tech.

Computer Font: Love Letter TW.

The Process:
1. Matt the 5”x7” colored photo with black cardstock. Distress all edges of the cardstock using MM paper scraper.
2. Using the mouse pad as a base, place the NW Delaney Ledger Circle pps on top of it and start piercing around the circle design using a pin (Top Tip: Use a corkboard pin so you will have a handle. It will be easier for you to control where you are going and it would not be too tiresome for your fingers). After completing the piercing process, tear out the circles along the dotted lines. Repeat the same process with the NW Addie Pattern Stripe pps to create a faux ½” ribbon.
Designer’s Note: Paper Piercing is a good technique to use by scrappers who have difficulty in using cutting blade to cut out intricate designs. Not only will it be easier to cut and tear around the design, it will also give your pps added texture.
3. Cut NW Addie DieCut Circle pps to size. Then with Corel Draw, type out the journaling using the font, Love Letter TW and print onto the pps.
4. Using the Sizzlits alpha die, Monkey Tails, cut 3 sets of the spelled out title “Good Times” with white cardstock. Then cut a 4th set using the orange portion of the NW Delaney Ledger Circle pps. Glue the four (4) layers of each letter together with the orange pps on top thereby creating dimensional letters.
5. For the sub-title, cut and matt two pps together and distress all sides using MM paper scraper. Then spell out “recipe for a” using black rub-on letters on each tiny matted rectangles.
6. Glue all components as shown on the layout using Adhesive Tech glue with a craft cardstock as base.
7. Embellish the page with rub-on, chipboard, flowers and mini-brads.
8. As a finishing touch, cut the inner portion of 2 pierced circles using a circle template, coluzzle knife and cutting pad. Add to the page forming an imaginary triangle to frame the focal picture and journaling.

Inner Beauty for Scrapbukan

Last September, I was fortunate to have been invited by Ms. Sahrie as her Guest DT in Scrapbukan. I felt so happy when I saw the materials she sent over, they were all lovely! I didn't know where to start so I chose my favorite amongst the pps and prayed I would not disappoint her :D Again, thank you, Ms. Sahrie for this wonderful opportunity.

Sub-title Reads: There is no question about it, you are a beautiful child.
Journaling Reads: But there is more to you than meets the eye. You are smart, funny, sensitive, adorable, charming, caring and kind. And these are the qualities which makes me fall in love with you all the more each passing day.

Materials Used: Noteworthy Addie Brocade Dot pps; NW Addie Pattern Stripe pps; NW Self-adhesive Glitter Clears; Prima Say It with Crystals; Brenda Walton embossed stickers; MM acrylic paint (Capri & Blueberry); Ancient Page ink pad (Chocolate); Craft Express chipboard letters; Mulberry paper; Laces.

Adhesive Used: Adhesive Tech; Vellum Glue Dots.

Others: Hero Arts Stamp (Manuscript Background); Cuttlebug alpha die (Olivia); Simply Scrappy circle template; Coluzzle knife and cutting pad .

Computer Font: Susie’s Hand.

The Process:
1. Cut Noteworthy Addie Pattern Stripe pps to size. Then with Corel Draw, type out the sub-title and journaling using the font, Susie’s Hand and print onto the pps. After which, create large scallops on the right edge of the pps using Simply Scrappy circle template with Coluzzle knife and cutting pad.
2. Paint the cut-out alpha letters and chipboard titles with MM acrylic paint and set aside to dry.
3. Cut a 4”x4” pc. of mulberry paper and stamp on the manuscript background using brown dye ink. Then wet the edges of the mulberry paper with tap water and pull-off the wet portion giving the edge a soft, feathery effect. Adhere to the upper left portion of the page using vellum glue dots.
4. Cut out portions of the floral design on the base pps and tuck the picture, journaling pps and light green lace underneath the design, then adhere to the page using Adhesive Tech glue.
5. Using the same fine tipped liquid glue dispenser on the chipboard and cut-out alpha, stick the title to the page.
6. Embellish the page with self-adhesive glitter clears, embossed photo corners, glittered floral stickers and self-adhesive crystal blings.
7. Glue lace on the entire left back portion of the base pps using Adhesive Tech which is also a fabric glue, leaving a small part of the lace peeking in front. Then you may step back and admire your finished layout.

Lazy Days and Sundays

I had the fortune to scrap at my leisure last Monday because it was a holiday. I took a sketch from Becky Fleck’s Pagemaps book and used it for the base design. With the difficult part out of the way, I decided to play, and try my hand at collage and layering. I was having so much fun I thought, “heck, why not layer the title as well.”

I must admit, my Clip It Up really came in handy in this simple exercise. Since I have all my embellishments within reach, it was a breeze mixing and matching assorted brands for my collage work. All I had to do was think of a color that would suit a spot, flip through the revolving rack and presto! In fact, when I counted the number of embellishments I used for this layout, there were at least eleven different lines of various brands and I am so happy how well they came together.

Journaling Reads:
Me, lounging in the lanai with my feet up.
My eyeglasses perched almost at the tip of my nose.
A good book nested comfortably on my hands.
And you, sitting on my lap doing your own thing.

Materials Used: Bazill black cs; BG Periphery pps (Blanc); K&Co. Blue Awning pps; BG Urban Couture pps (Ratine); AAS bookplate; AAS chipboards; Tim Holtz game spinners; Imaginations alpha stickers (Estate Sale Cranberry); assorted rub-ons (Hambly; 7 Gypsies); assorted embellishments; brass embellise; red brad; navy blue pigment ink.
Others: Cuttlebug alpha die (Hippie Chick); script typewriter; date stamp.

Possibility

With the tons of pictures I have of my daughter and my turtle-pace scrapping habit, I have long given up attempting to scrap chronologically. I just go ahead and pick whatever pictures that appeals to me or triggered a memory at the moment. In this case, I have printed this series of pictures over a year ago with the intention to scrap it. Somehow I never got around to it till last Monday. Since it was a special holiday and my printer is in the office, I decided to rummage around for something to scrap. The minute I looked at these pictures, the first thought that came to me was "she has so much possibilities". Then it struck me that I recently bought some rub-ons from Memory Lane which would be perfect for it. Not wanting to stress myself over the sketch, I picked up my handy-dandy Pagemaps book and just selected from the insterpreted ideas (I am so tamad, I didn't even bother to look at the sketch. I just decided to scraplift na lang - hehehe). Hey, my idea was to finish a page and it worked! So sue me :D

Journaling Reads: What I see when I look at you... possibility.

Quote: "As a mother, my job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible." - Ruth Bell Graham

Materials Used: K&Co Amy Butler pps; Primas Baby Girl collection pps (Delight); American Crafts Ala Carte Asiago pps; Daisy D's rub-ons; BG chip stickers (Two Scoops); MM pebble brads; Prima flower; Mulberry paper; NW spiral journaling notebook (Delaney); NW self-adhesive glitter clears.

Others: Inkadinkado rubber stamp (Tin Can Mail); Fiskars decorative scissors.

Moments to Cherish

During the last PS EB on November 2007, Cookie had captivated all of us with her altered clock tutorial. Almost all the members who attended that day herded their way to the mall within days to hoard on wall clocks – LOL. I was one of those who immediately bought two just in case I ran out of stock due to the frenzy she had created, which isn’t far fetched considering the track record we have as scrappers J

Sadly though, those wall clocks remained untouched for months till I had gathered enough courage to even attempt altering one for my sister-in-law. Like most of us who braved to follow Cookie’s footsteps, it seems the greatest thrill we encountered was to discover that the clock was still functioning after we had put it back together – hehehe. In fact, the joy of creating the layout for it only came in a close second. Well, at least it was for me.

So now I am down to one last clock. Thank God Cookie called on this challenge for Kaya or else it would have remained doomed in storage for more months to come. Thank you, Cookie, for this brilliant spark of inspiration. You truly are a gem to our scrapping community.

Journaling Reads: Never a moment goes by that I don’t thank God for the gift of YOU.
Materials Used: BG Perhaps pps (Beatrice & Julia); K&Co pps; Hero Arts rubber stamp (Manuscript Background); K&Co Brenda Walton embossed stickers; MM tiny alphas (Pink Ledger); American Craft glittered letter stickers (Sprinkles); Mulberry paper; Crystal blings; Cotton lace; Wall clock.

Stone Collector

The original title for this layout was actually "My Daughter is a Penguin" but I got a ribbing from my bestfriend (her laughing voice still actually rings in my ears: "nobody knows penguins pick up stones except you!"). Well, in a way it is a good thing she stopped me or else this layout would've turned out to be a bomb - LOL. It is really good to have friends around you who would stop you from making a fool out of yourself - hehehe.

Now, if you think this sketch seems familiar to you, it is simply because this layout was supposed to be an entry for Tin Yao's Kaya sketch challenge. Being the notorious delinquent scrapper that I am, I was "again" too late for the deadline. Still, it is the effort that counts, right?

Journaling Reads: I never knew how fascinating rock-picking can be till I saw you meticulously collecting such an ordinary object. One would’ve thought you discovered precious gems in your front yard what with your exclamations of joy. I have to admit, my initial reaction was to grab your hands and say: “NO… that’s dirty”. But seeing your keen excitement, I lost the heart to do so. Damn the dirt and the germs… pick-up all the rocks you want my dear baby girl. Have the time of your life! Just don’t forget to wash your hands afterwards.

Materials Used: Daisy D's pps (Salt Water Taffy); MM Noteworthy pps (Addie Ledger Floral & Delaney Ledger Circle); Daisy D's cardstock stickers (Sassy Girl); MM tiny alpha stickers (black on white); American Craft Greenhouse felt flowers; MM pebble brad (Flower Funky); American Craft thickers (Daiquiri); Darys 2mm foamies; MM foam stamps (Jersey lower case); Terese Collins foam stamps (Diamonds & Paisley); Gel-a-tins clear stamp (Wallpaper Series #1); MM acrylic paint (Apricot & Meadow).

Others: Ribbon; crochetted ribbon; brads; photo turn; corkboard pin; mouse pad; MM paper scraper.

Computer font: Arial

Techniques Used: Distressing; paper-piercing; foam stamping.

The Process:

1. Adhere the blue pps on the base then estimate the location of the pictures on top.

2. Just before adhering the focal photo, stamp behind it with Teresa Collins foam stamps using acrylic paint. Then stamp the Gel-a-tins damask clear stamp using white pigment ink on the lower left of the supporting photo. After the paint and inks have dried up, glue the photos on top of these designs.

3. Using the mouse pad as a base, place your pps on top of it and start piercing around the designs you want to cut out using a pin. (top tip: use a corkboard pin so you will have a handle. It will be easier for you to control where you are going and it would not be too tiresome for your fingers). After completing the piercing process, tear out the excess design along the dotted lines. (designer's note: this will be a great technique to use for those scrappers who have difficulty using Xacto knives. Not only will it be easier for you to cut around the design, it will give your pps added texture as well).

4. Sandwich the pierced design between 2 ribbons and glue on the page. Place photo turns on both ends to make it seem like it is holding the ribbon down on the page.

5. Using the lower case of the MM Jersey foam stamp, spell the main title and cut around the letters leaving a small space around it. Then adhere 2mm Darys foamies at the back of the letters to give it added dimension. After which, glue the title to the page.

6. Spell out the second word of the title using American Craft thickers.

7. Print out the journaling on a yellow pps, cut the lines in strips and adhere to the lower part of the page.

8. Using the same yellow pps, use it to frame the Daisy D's cardstock sticker and distress around it using the MM paper scraper. Then add dimension to it by using Darys foamies and glue to the page.

9. Using the MM tiny alpha stickers, spell out the date and sub-title on the page.

10. Finish off by embellishing with the felt flower on one side of the focal pic and attaching it with a pebble brad.

Comfort Food

My daughter, Sam, is a finicky eater. In fact, if it were not for the bribes of dessert, I doubt if she will be able to finish a decent meal. She has a soft spot though for dairy products, which I shamelessly abuse to my advantage - hehehe. So, to pay tribute to this wonderful concoction called Milk, I have decided to do this layout of Sam with her favorite food.

Journaling Reads: Be it chocolate, cheese, yogurt or ice cream... your favored comfort food has to have one essential ingredient - "Dede".
Materials Used: BG Sultry pps (Posh & Swell); BG Sultry chip stickers; American Craft thickers (Gift Box & Rootbeer Float); Prima Say It In Crystals; American Craft slick writer (brown); Crochetted flower; Checkered ribbon.
Other Materials: Simply Scrappy circle template; EK Success corner punch.

To Sam, age 2, to be read upon the loss of a pet.

Last April, Lee Imao called for a challenge at Kaya but I was unable to submit an entry. Still, I thought it was a brilliant challenge which is too wonderful to pass up. So despite the fact that my entry is 2 months too late, here is my take of Kaya 12's "Read This When..."

Journaling Reads: You are such a sensitive and highly inventive child at 2. Some children may have imaginary friends. But you, on the other hand, have imaginary pets. You would show them to me from time to time saying, “Mama, cat oh…” or “Mama, Bruno… pet” After I have pet and returned them to you, you would carefully put them all back in your pocket. Other than Bruno and the cat, you also have a fish and vari-colored butterflies tucked safely on your side. So being a budding animal-lover that you are, I can see that you will one day need to read a letter like this.

Enclosed Letter Reads:
Everdearest Sam,

I know you feel awfully sad right now and there is nothing more you wish for than to have your beloved friend back by your side. I, myself, wish that he is still alive if only to spare you from this pain. But you have to realize, we humans live longer than our little friends and will always outlive them. So I guess, it is our fate to be always left behind to mourn their loss. When I was a child, I too, have lost a lot of pets. I cried really hard for each and every one of them. I always felt I will never love another more than the last. But it seems one more would creep into my life and I will love it for a different reason.

Why then, do you ask, if I know I will outlive all of them do I continue to have another pet? Because looking back when they were alive, I remembered how much good times we had. How I was thankful they came into my life and made it so much happier. In the same way, I am sure they are happy that they met me, too. With the care and attention I gave them, they surely love me the same way right back, if not even more. Most of all, given a choice I would rather feel the pain of their loss rather than imagine not having any one of them at all.

Do you realize why you feel so awful right now? It is because you will miss him oh so much. Because you two had so many good times together you cannot imagine a day without him. Because he is no longer just a pet, but a dear friend and companion. If you ask me, I still miss all of my long-lost friends even now that I am older. In fact, as I am writing this letter, I am suddenly reminded of the pain of their loss and I am missing all of them once more. This just goes to show, the love once we gave it never really goes away.

Every time I would start to miss them like I do right now, I comfort myself with the thought that they are also God’s creatures so He is sure to look after them. Moreover, since God also knows how much we love them, He will surely have a special place for them. A place where they will no longer be old or feel any pain. A place where they can play and jump and will never be hungry. Other people who had also lost a pet they loved dearly have a name for this special place. They call it the ‘rainbow bridge’. It is where all the pets we will ever have in our lifetime stay while we are still alive. They say it is the bridge right before heaven’s door. And when it is our time to join them, our little friends will know ahead of time and will be waiting for us at the foot of the bridge. Can you imagine how happy we will all be as we walk through heaven’s door together?

But for now, they will have to wait… and we will have to miss them. Do not worry, we will never love them any less in time and I am sure they will never forget us either. For now, you can cry all you want. It only meant that they have touched your life deeply and they will be happy to know that they mattered to you that much. And whenever you sorely miss your little friend, you can go ahead and tell me about it. I would love to hear you share your stories about the special times you had spent together.

Big warm hugs,
Mama

Materials Used: Fancy Pants PPS (Adorned & Newfangled); Black CS; Autumn Leaves transparency layers (Romantic Notions); MM 5th Ave. spiral journaling pad; K&Co. chipboard; Hampton Arts sealing wax.
Others: Brass brads; Fibers; Simply Scrappy scallop template; Quickutz Lemonade skinnimini dies; MM magnetic stamp (Rummage); Brown ink pads.
Computer Font: Calisto MT

Christmas in June

I am not much of a holidays scrapper. In fact, I try to veer away from seasonal pages if I can help it. You wouldn't believe this, but I have yet to scrap Sam's very first trick or treat event. Piles of pictures awaits but I am dilly-dallying as usual. But having a fast-growing daughter somehow dictates that I document as much as I could about her life and that includes the dreaded traditional holiday pages. It took me so long to finally gather the guts to do this layout that it is now June and I am just starting to do her Christmas LO. I am such a slow scrapper - aaarrgh.

These series of pictures you see here are actually bad shots. The poor lighting somewhat made them all blurry. But I loved the fact that they captured my daughter's excitement about the season and the blurred hands made it seem like she is waving her arms to create a snow angel. So I decided, why not convert them into black and white. Somehow, the change unintentionally made the pictures look timeless and classical which I loved.

Journaling Reads: Your reaction was so spontaneous. The minute you saw the 14' tree, you started dancing around it like an angel. (Actually, the tree was only 9', but you sure made it seem taller) - Simoun '07.

Materials Used: Scrapworks Season of Joy PPS (Trim a Tree & Mistletoe); Scrapworks shimmer shapes (Season of Joy assortment); American Crafts Roller Rink glitter letter stickers; WRMK Comstock Collection PPS (Ginger); K& Co. chipboard; Brilliance dew drop ink pad (Moonlight White); Reeves glitter glue.

Others: Quickutz Magnolia cookie cutter dies; Inque Boutique rubber stamps (Boutique Grunge & Narrative Elements); sewing machine; Making Memories edge scraper; EK Success corner punch.

Stampin' Up Items For Sale

Bloomin' Beautiful Stamp Set - P1,299.80












Friendship Blooms Stamp Set - Php520.00

Upside Down

I was pretty lucky to have my camera on-hand when my daughter started to do her stunt. As I was reviewing the digital shots on my laptop, I was struck with the thought of the complete turnaround our lives took because of having her. Difficult though it may seem at times, but as the journaling said: “we wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The Process:
1. Adhere Danny O pps to an orange Bazzill cs.
2. Cut a small rectangular piece of blue punchinella and adhere to the page using vellum glue dots.
3. Place the focal picture on top of the punchinella. Cut the top photo in circular shape using Simply Scrappy’s ultimate circle template and matt the bottom photo in black cs.
4. Cut out 2 circular frames using the circle template and adhere on top of the small pictures. Then cut-out 2 curved arrows on black cs using the same circle template and paste on top of the circular frame.
5. Place Scenic Route die-cut arrow on top of the focal picture to frame it.
6. Estimate the coverage of the journaling space using the clear ultimate circle and mark the edge of the space by placing masking tape on the acrylic template. Using the clear template as a guide, cut the orange pps and adhere to the page. Next, use the template to cut out a black ¼” margin using black cs and paste on top of the journaling space.
7. Cut out the sub-title using Quickutz skinnimini alphas on black cs and the main title using Cuttlebug Red Tag alpha on various remnants of pps.
8. To add dimension to the page, pop up the main title using 2mm Darys foamies and glue to the top portion of the layout.
9. Cut-out airplane drawing from the pps and adhere upside down below the title.
10. Reverse print the journaling on white cs and cut in strips. Next, cut the letters piece by piece to spell out the journaling.
11. As a final touch, glue 2 pieces of orange pps on top of the punchinella and punch through 2 black metal eyelets using crop-a-dile.
12. Stamp in the date using ordinary office dater and you are done.

Journaling Reads: Talk about lifestyle change. It was surely a complete turnaround ever since you came to our lives. But we don’t even mind at all because having you was the best thing that ever happened to us. And we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Materials Used: K&Co. Danny O pps; Bazzill cs (orange, white and black); Scraps of Kaleidoscope, Danny O and Rusty Pickle pps (for the titling); Scenic Route Die Cut (Savannah Arrows); Darys 2mm foamies; Simply Scrappy Ultimate Circle template; Cuttle Bug Red Tag Sale alpha dies; Quickutz Lemonade SkinniMini cookie cutter dies.
Others: Punchinella; Eyelets.
Font: Adler

Small Hands

Initially, I joined the Webster’s Pages challenge last January 2008 due to the incessant bidding of my best friend, Au. She kept brain-washing me practically every time we talk on the phone. She was saying: “Vivian is giving out three prizes. Not one, but THREE. So you’ll have more chances of landing at least one of them”. Au didn’t have to twist my arm too tight because as we all know, Lasting Impression is one of the foremost and biggest local store we have here in the Philippines. I mean, who wouldn’t want a free ticket to shop in Vivian’s store?!

I have to admit, I felt I was shooting for the moon when I was aiming for the third place. But I was desperate. I have been eyeing one of Vivian’s merchandise for the longest time, the “Page In Progress”. I felt with the third place voucher in the bag, I only need to shell out half the price. That was motivation enough for me to give it a try.

What I did not expect though was that I would overshoot my mark, let alone hit anything. I mean, after seeing the roster of talent who submitted for the challenge PLUS the awesome entries - it was anybody’s game. The judge could as well pull out a name from the hat and she could not go wrong. The entries are all fabulous! See for yourself: http://lastingimpressionph.com/gallery2/thumbnails.php?album=9

So it really came as a huge surprise for me when Lee called up last March 21, 2008 which was a Good Friday to tell me I won in the challenge - and FIRST PLACE at that! I honestly thought she was pulling my leg. Half my mind was wishing desperately she was not but the other half would not believe it is true either. Talk about feeling confused. LOL!

Then as if the prize money was not enough, the gracious judge Ms. Brandin O’ Neill who is the Co-Owner and Executive Designer of Webster’s Pages has this to say about my entry: “It’s not always easy incorporating all muted colors to make a visual impact. This designer did just that. The layering and positioning of the papers balanced with the image shows off the pureness of the design with the perfect innocence of the photo. The sweet message that the photo speaks is how we would like our papers to talk…if they had a voice! We love this layout. Bravo!” Now THAT totally blew my mind. I was in sheer heaven! I mean, wouldn’t you?

Thank you very much Vivian for calling this challenge and THANK YOU Ms. O’ Neill for the wonderful comment. I am deeply moved.

Hidden journaling reads: These small hands will one day grow into a useful instrument capable in aiding you to achieve great things in your life. But inasmuch as it can do you a lot of good, it is also capable of hurting a lot of people. A simple wave of a hand can dismiss another human being seeking for help. It can also stop somebody from expressing their sincere sentiments with just an open palm raised to their face. So you see, my dear, you are borne with a grave responsibility along with the privilege of its use.

Please also remember, your hands do not have a mind of their own but instead carry on your will. Use them well. Let your conscience guide you. May you always use these hands as God intended: to aide your fellow men and to comfort those whom you cannot help with a simple touch that says: “I care”.

Materials used: Webster’s Pages Sweet Charity Collection PPS (Bouquet; Primrose Garden; Baby’s Breath); Webster’s Pages Vintage Home Collection letter stickers; Tres Jolie Tres Bien play cards; Prima Flower; MM Noteworthy Flower & Buttons; MM Floral/Dings foam stamp; White acrylic paint; Darys 2mm foamies; Crochetted ribbons; Simply Scrappy circle template.

So Cool

There are simply some pages when everything seems to be working with you. Perhaps to start off with, you may really like your picture. Or the paper came together nicely. But mostly in my case, it happens when I have a very good foundation which is the layout for the base papers. Once I have that, everything follows because embellishing now is a breeze. I just have to make sure that the colors and mood of the embellishment works with the base and I am guaranteed a page I am going to be pleased with.

This is an example of an easy layout. It is mostly cut and paste. I did not do any inking on it to maintain the fresh and crisp look to match the casual picture. I really had fun in embellishing this page. Even ruining the first set of chipboards I attempted to use for the titling did not dampen my mood. When I discovered that I am out of the letter “o” for the alternative font, I simply followed the common trick of replacing some letters with large, circular brads.

Journaling reads: Nothing beats the summer heat better than going bare top and having a tall, cool drink in your hands. - Summer 2008

Materials used: DCWV cs; BG Romani pps (Pooro; Amber); Romani tag; American Craft thickers (Gift Box); Prima flower; Scenic Route cardstock stickers; Daisy D’s cardstock die-cuts; K&Co. Kimberly Hodges grand adhesion; Foof-A-La epoxy stickers; Artline acid-free pen; Simply Scrappy deckler and stitching guide.
Others: Button; Brads; Rick rack; Various ribbons; gold staple wire; Needle and thread.

Relax

You know how we sometimes get terrified with using new and beautiful papers? Well, I found a technique for it: I let it stay long enough in my stash and when it gets old, it is not so daunting to use after all. Bad suggestion, I know – hehehe.

Now for the longest time, I didn’t know what to do with these papers. I kept staring at the big butterfly-looking frond and I’m stuck. Eventually I said: “What the heck, let’s cut it and see what I can do with it afterwards.” Midway through my cutting, I suddenly had a stroke of inspiration to turn it into a lotus and put my daughter’s picture smack right in the middle. To achieve this, I cut of the right top-most petal since it is going to be covered with the focal picture anyway and moved the petal at the bottom to fill-in the space there.

I then used a decorative shear to cut the aqua blue Chi-chi pps to give the base some semblance of texture. After all, it would be just too boring if all the pps are lined up horizontally with nothing to break the straight lines. After adhering all the base pps, I thought I’d raise the ready-made title using Darys 2mm foamies in order to create dimension.

The cluster of buttons you see on this page, was actually a collaboration with my artistic husband, Alain. I was looking for matching buttons and simply dumped a fistful of it on top of the page. My husband who was standing beside me said: “Hey wait, what if you do this” then he grabbed the buttons and dumped them as well to the top right portion of the page. He then said “Don’t move that… just glue them where they are”. You know what? I must agree, he was right! :D

Journaling reads: Your picture here said it all: you looked so at ease in these Crocs. For what it lacked in looks, it totally made up in comfort. In fact, the minute you put on your first pair, you were in flight. Being the over-indulgent mother that I am, I immediately bought you several pairs which would probably last you throughout your toddler years. -
Your very first pair of Crocs – April 2007

Materials used: Fancy Pants Chi-chi PPS; Kaleidoscope PPS (“Memories” Dots/Orange Paper); K& Co. Brenda Walton die-cut cardstock for the title; K&Co. Brenda Walton chipboard; Prima flowers; Me & My Big Ideas designer chipboard alpha; Beyond Postmarks metal art; Darys 2mm Foamies; Studio Azul Jan’08 kit buttons; Brad with bling.
Computer Font: Maiandra GD

Small Talk

Whenever I am stuck with my ideas, but still needs to practice on this craft (and you would have to agree practice and experience are actually all we need to be better at this) I find it takes a lot of pressure off if I decide to do a direct scraplifting. For example, this layout right here is a direct scraplift from Sarah Winnick’s “Photoshoot” (Simple Scrapbook Mar/Apr 2008 issue).

I know of a couple of scrappers that may cringe at the thought of “direct scraplifting”. They may think that it is unoriginal and not challenging enough. But I beg to differ. Scraplifting, for me, takes skill to accomplish. It is not really easy to replicate another person’s technique let alone stay true to the original sketch. Also, more often than not, the embellishments they used are unavailable and that is where the challenge kicks in. You would have to be creative and find or sometimes even manufacture a replacement for it. In the end, it is very satisfying to see how close you can come to the original and yet give it your own flavor.

Journaling reads: Upon hearing the next-door neighbor’s dog barking: “Mama, dog. Bite you!” Complete with fierce grabbing gesture of both hands. “Also cat. The same-the same.” - Sam at 2 yrs. 2 mos.

Materials used: Beige & brown Bazzill CS; Kaleidoscope “School Days” Solid/Green Paper PPS; Bohemia Barefoot “Family” Small Stripe/ Torquise PPS; Bohemia “Play” Polka Dot/Red PPS; American Crafts “Platform” chipboard letter stickers; AAS chipboard embellishment; Simply Scrappy circle template; Stamp Art mini pop dots; Inque Boutique “Beautiful” rubber stamp; Colorbox stamp pad; Clear embossing powder; Buttons; Rick rack.
Computer font: Bookman Old Style

3 Wishes

For sure, I am not alone in stating that it terrifies me sometimes to share my layouts in public for fear of falling short of other people’s expectations. This is actually the main reason why for three months, I was immobilized and therefore went on a self-proclaimed hiatus. Just to sort myself and my priorities. Why and for whom I am scrapping in the first place. It happens sometimes, you know, when we are in the thick of the matter that we would look up and find ourselves lost.

In the end I realized, I am doing this for myself… because it makes me HAPPY. So it shouldn’t matter what people think. But I would have to admit, the fear of embarrassment is still at the back of my mind. It hasn’t really gone away. I just chose to ignore it as much as I could, focus on my main goal and also on the task at hand. Hopefully, as I gain more experience, my self-confidence would follow.

Journaling reads:
I wish I would not mind so much what other people think of my layouts and learn to trust my own instinct. That I would not be so easily intimidated by the hordes of talent surrounding me.
I wish I will learn to relax and not “live by the rules”. That I will learn to play and enjoy the process as it should be.
I wish to train my thoughts not to get distracted from the main purpose why I am scrapping in the first place. That is to document my family’s lives for posterity and to write down my thoughts and experiences so that my daughter may benefit from them in the future even when I am not around anymore. But most importantly, because it makes me HAPPY. Just about the only time I am made unhappy with scrapbooking is whenever I am riddled with the fear of judgment and expectations. I wish I can overcome these uncertainties and finally fulfill my 3 wishes.

Materials used: Perhaps CS (Firebird); Crate Paper “Samantha Collection” PPS; Fancy Pants rub-on; Brenda Walton Grand adhesions; 7 Gypsies photo anchor; Swarovski gem.
Others: Beige CS; Lace; Rick rack.
Computer Font: Bookman Old Style

Altered Clock

During the last Pinoyscrapbookers EB, Cookie Aguillar generously shared with us a tutorial for making a unique and personalized gift. Ever since then, I had been itching to try my hands on this altered clock project. It wasn’t till last January 2008 when sister-in-law visited us from China that I was given a reason to make one as a special gift for her.

Surprisingly, this was a pretty easy project to do. In fact, I finished it in one sitting. But if you ask me, my best accomplishment for this project was the fact that the clock was still working right after I put it back together. I was so overjoyed. So happy, I had to do a Dr. Frankenstein impersonation: “It is alive… Alive!” - LOL. Thank you Cookie for this wonderful idea :D

Materials used: Making Memories “Boho Chic” PPS; Hero Arts “Italian Poetry Background” rubber stamp; Brown Ancient Pages stamp pad; Fancy Pants rub-on; K&Co. Brenda Walton embossed stickers; Three Bugs in a Rug “Chitchat” cardstock die-cut stickers; Stampin’ Up tab punch; American Crafts “Remarks” thickers; Reeves glitter glue.
Others: Blings; Lace.

Favorite Words

My eldest brother Henry is completely bonkers over my daughter. He goes to my mother's house where my daughter is staying while I'm away at work. I mean, he goes there 3x a day just to see her! Anyway, he did this list of my daughter's favorite words and compiled drawings (some he lovingly did, himself in Corel Draw). I decided to use the materials he did and integrated it in my LO. For the title font and color scheme, I used a box of Have It All vitamin as my source of inspiration.

There is no actual journaling, but in case you are curious what this toddler-talk means, here it is: Ma-Do - Mc Do; Eber - Hippo; Bider - Spider; Wain - Rain; Nanana - any device that has an ear piece (Ipod, cellphone, etc.); Aufufu - Octopus; Da - Frog (don't ask me why...) ; Wai-O-Wai - Dragonfly; Dader - Turtle; Owait - Chocolate; and Mem - Worm.

Materials Used: Bazzill, Making Memories, DCWV cardstocks; Various scraps of PPS (Scenic Route, American Craft, Chatterbox, Cherry Arte, DCWV); Cotton Lace; Blings; Buttons; Eyelets; Flowers; White alphabet rub-ons.

Computer font: Impact

Round Robin

Thanks to Christine Villacarlos for spear-heading this delightful round robin wherein Pinoyscrapbookers joined in to scraplift fellow scrap members. Given the time constraint for each person, I was compelled to do a simple LO using ready-made products including the chipboard for my titling. As a subject, I used pictures of my youngest fur baby, Tobi Wan Kenobi who is an endearing pet.

It was Love at First Sight
Journaling reads: The first time we met, you sneezed at me and I am smitten – truly, madly, deeply.

Materials used: Prima Aurora Collection pps; Me & My Big Ideas designer chipboard; Hambly Vintage Circle Frame; Hambly rub-ons; Fancy Pants rub-on; Prima Say It In Crystals; Pebeo; Reeves glitter glue; Swarovski crystals; punchinella; alphabet rub-ons.

My Hero

I made this LO as a going-away memento for a wonderful friend, Joanne Yap. She is one of the driving force behind the Scrappin’ Moms and the brains behind the Idol challenge. She is this passionate and very inspiring person who never scrimped on her scrapping know-how. She may not be aware of it, but she has changed the lives of a lot of Filipina scrappers (me, being one of them) and we are all forever grateful for her unrelenting support and infinite kindness.

Materials used: American Craft pps; K&Co chipboards; 7 Gypsies journaling card; Cuttlebug ornamental dies; Prima flowers; Colorbox inkpads; Black Staz-on; Simply Scrappy circle template.
Others: Acrylic paint; Brass metal eyelets; Brads; Various brass embellishments; Scallop lace; Blings.

GDT Stint

Right after the Scrappin’ Moms Idol Challenge, I was deeply honored to be asked by my very good friend, Mitch Sy Ong to do two layouts for her as Guest Design Team for Visual Creations. For these projects, I used American Craft pps and thickers which are delightful to use indeed. To see more of the wonderful materials she carries online, you can check out http://www.visualcreationsonline.net.

Lovely
The sketch for the base paper of this layout was actually a scraplift. It has been so long ago, I regret I was unable to take down the name of the designer so I can give her due credit. Now, if you think I am this good at making the sloping background, let me tell you one thing - I cheated. I used a flexible ruler to lightly pencil in the outline for the base paper and later hand-cut them.

Top trick: The secret to making a smooth-looking cut is to use long bladed scissors and keeping your cutting hand steady as you move the paper around. It is also important not to cut to the edge of the scissors and instead move forward when you get to more than half the blade length. That way, you can have more control of your cutting tool. Another word of advise, avoid using pigment inkpads to outline the edge of your paper like what I did here. As usual, I learned the hard way because I found out it takes ages for the pigment ink to dry up. Therefore, I ended up with smudges on the adjoining cs. It is a good thing I discovered that pigment ink smudges are sometimes reversible by using an ordinary eraser. Whew!

Glow
The secondary picture for this layout was actually a bad shot. It is a good thing I was able to zoom in really tight and cropped out the dark portions of the digital picture, therefore, preserving the wonderful expression of my daughter. The big scallop you see here is actually inspired by one of the beautiful LOs of Mia Caniza. Of course, my LOs cannot compare to her ingenious creations but I just could not resist being motivated by this talented lady.

The Finals

The Idol Finals... who would have thought that I would triumph over my personal challenge of finishing in time? Everything went so fast, all I remembered was putting on my music player earphones and the rest is a blur. The next thing I know, they were announcing there would be five minutes left. So I pasted the journaling, wrote on the index card and stood up. I was already infront when I realized, not only did I finish in time - I actually finished first! How is that for personal triumph? Alright!

These are three of the most talented ladies I know: Au, Cabbie and Tin. I mean, who would not be proud to have these down-to-earth ladies numbered amongst her closest scrapping buddies. Them, being no less than, the Top Three Finalists for the Scrappin' Moms Idol Challenge! Woo-hooo! That was six months ago, yet till now, I could not help smiling fondly as I look at this picture of their most triumphant moment.

Pre-Idol Finals

Au and I would be the first to admit, we are two of the slowest scrappers - ever - and so the thought of the 3-hours time limit for the Idol Finals really terrifies us. We were afraid we might not finish in time and embarass ourselves infront of other people. LOL.

It seems ages ago, in fact I can't even remember who suggested it, but one of the girls said why not make a trial run. That way, we can estimate if we can indeed finish in time. There were supposed to be six of us, but Lee and Cabbie couldn't make it to our weekly GNO meet. So it was up to Mia, Tin, Au and I to make the trial run. Mitch was such an angel, she provided us with the "free" secret uniformed kit so all of us would be in even standing when we see the papers. Thank you very much Mitch.

I then borrowed my sister's egg-timer (picture of the chicken-timer to follow). Now, I don't know if the chicken was such a good idea. It was ticking so loudly it felt like a time bomb was about to go off any minute. Finally, Mia had to blurt out: "take that chicken away from me!" She said she was at her wits end and is about to throw it against the wall. Needless to say, I moved very fast. I wouldn't want my sister to stop talking to me simply because I returned her chicken in pieces - hehehe

Despite the fact Cabbie couldn't make it that day, she still participated by doing a delayed run. I specifically instructed her not to open her kit and to buzz me via YM so I can time her. You wouldn't freakin' believe it... she did in less than half the time - which is I guess why she "is" the Scrappin' Moms Idol Champion!

The Idol Journey

It had been a long while since I have updated my blog. Let’s see now, why was it that I stopped? Aaahhh, yes… I remember, it was because I got so engrossed with the Scrappin Moms’ Idol Challenge last year. Now there’s an experience of a lifetime.

Funny where one picks-up opportunities to discover things about one’s self. I bet some people may see the Idol competition as just a two-months long scrapping challenge. But for me and the rest of the participants, it was nothing short of a scrapbooking booth camp. In fact, there was a running joke between us participants that whenever the Scrappin’ Moms would issue their weekly challenges, it is akin to them barking we jump into hoops (and oh boy, some of those hoops are so tight and really seem impossible to achieve). That, we should never ask “Why?” but instead “How high, drill sergeant SIR?!”

Now, majority of the participants whom I had spoken with initially got into the competition for the experience and the fun of it. As the challenges became more demanding, I would have to admit, my natural competitive and survival instinct started to kick it. Towards the end, when I felt I was ready to fold and throw in the towel, it was not about competition anymore. It somehow evolved into something more personal. It became a journey. And I am not embarrassed to admit, this Idol journey was one of the shining moment in my scrapping experience which I will never forget. Thank you Scrappin’ Moms!