marj

My Room

2010-06-08T15:17:00.004-05:00

The other day, I saw a sign that said, "HUGE GARAGE SALE" then below that: "crafts"...What do u think I did? Of course I had to go there! I've never seen anything like that before in a garage sale. Boxes and boxes of unfinished wood crafts. Containers of paint (used and sealed), ribbons, beads, etc..With the limited time I had (hubby was calling me on my cell asking if I bought what he needed already), I did a quick sweep of the items and zoomed in on a few items. This one, was one of them.. I got it for a quarter.

I painted it first with pink paint then coated with crackling medium. Last step was to topcoat it with white paint for the cracks to show. After that, I was ready to decorate. I have this ballerina ornament for our Christmas tree and she is so dainty. I knew I needed that more for this than for our tree. I used mini-roses from prima to decorate the waist part of her skirt then outlined the bottom part of the skirt with stickles.

I felt that it needed more so I decided to have flowers hanging from it. I sewed buttons, flower and the ribbon for strength then I used glossy accents to adhere the other end to the fence. The back part of the flowers were covered with buttons too.

Francine was really excited when she saw what I did for her last night. I'm glad I used these colors because they go really well with the paint color in her room.

Time For An Altered Project

2010-06-05T12:39:00.009-05:00

I love going to garage sales and thrift shops to look for items to alter. I have a shelf full of alterable and was bored last night so I browsed that shelf and was immediately drawn to this "lamp" I got for 2 dollars at Salvation Army Thrift Store. Luckily, I didn't forget to take a before photo of it.

Before I keep on blabbing about the process, here is the finished project...I think it is perfect on that table in our living room. What do u think?

Now for those who are interested on the process, please keep on reading.

I used gold paint dabber and dabbed (that's why it's called paint dabber right? :D ) along the columns to give it a rough look. I tried golden gold acrylic paint and smooch but I didn't like how the gold turned out so I turned to that paint dabber from Ranger. Then I used my paint brush to paint the bottom and top parts. I have this acetate (forgot the brand, but the Prima flocked acetate would've been perfect for this) that I used to cover the glass parts. One of the glass opens up so it was easy to use that as a guide on how big I should cut the acetate.

I also have this gorgeous trim from Lee and her sister Tita Marissa (they gave me tons! wohooo!) and knew it would be perfect for this project. Of course, my projects wouldn't be complete if I don't use Prima flowers but I was careful not to use too much because I still want the light from the tea light candle to shine through.

Opening at the back part. The glass part slides upward so you have full access to light up the candle. Would've been nice if I didn't forget to light up the candle when I took this photo.

A few more shots..I love taking photos from different angles so sorry for the heavy photo posts in my blog.

A "BEFORE and AFTER" shot to end my long post. Thanks for looking!!! Until next time!

A Simple Layout

2010-06-04T18:34:00.007-05:00

I printed a lot of photos the other night before my photo printer runs out of ink :) ...After lunch this afternoon, I sat down and scrapped before taking our afternoon naps. I managed to finish one simple layout. The intricate cutting took quite a while. I used a combination of x-acto knife and scissors. I wanted a muted look so I refrained from using vibrant colors. I can't remember the last time I used plain cardstocks as my main background but I wanted the focus on the oval frame I cut from a Recollections pp.

Of course, the whole page won't be completed without prima flowers. Such beauty!

Thank you so much for looking!!!

Playing With Colored Pencils

2010-06-03T00:57:00.004-05:00

I've been hoarding my prismacolor pencils for years now. Not because I didn't want to use them but because I didn't know how. Or maybe, just didn't care enough to find out. Last night, I saw a few cards using prismacolor pencils and I was really surprised. At first, I thought COPICS were used. So I googled and googled and tried to find out the "secret" on the smooth blending ----> stumps and gamsol (odorless mineral solution)...Of course, I had to try it. Let me just say that using copics gives you a smoother blend AND save your wrist in a way. Here it is, my first attempt at using prismacolor colored pencils.

I only used 2 shades of brown here. With copics, I would've used at least 4 shades. For the apples, I used 2 colors, cinnamon red and apple green. You really can't see it in this photo, but the upper part of the image was colored with sky blue prismacolor then blended with OMS. It took me longer to finish this image though but it was ok. Besides, coloring is one of my most favorite part.

Thanks for looking!!!

2010-05-31T10:03:00.003-05:00

These photos were taken in the car with the sun coming in from the window. We were waiting to pick up Francine from school and Bea and I were fooling around with the camera.

I stamped and embossed the birdcage then just cut around it. The cardstock is a little reflective and would sometimes look lighter and/or darker depending on the lighting.

The title is a rub-on and it gave me muscle cramps AND I was really scared that I would mess it up. Swirls and bird were painted with smooch.

You can see how the cardstock looks darker here. It is actually the back of a G.C.D. pp..The front part with the pattern looks so gorgeous! Here are a few close-ups.

Thank you so much for looking!

Card Frenzy

2010-05-30T08:12:00.007-05:00

I had a major burst of "card-making mojo" the past 2 days. It's nice to just pull a card out of my drawer when needed and not go to the store. So I made a few blank cards which I can personalize depending on the occasion.

A fan of flowers, ribbons, bling, and girly embellishments, I didn't have any idea how to make a boy card. But these stamps from The Greeting Farm are so cute that they inspired me just by looking at them.

Also my first attempt at using the airbrush system from copics. I should've masked the edges of the tag by not removing the template I used to cut and emboss the cardstock. I used gold metallic brush pen for the helmet, number on the shirt and trims on his clothes. Rest were colored with copic markers..

Next are the "girly" cards..I am so in love with the Twinkle Tots collection from the same company. So adorable!

The chocolate frosting on the strawberry is brown liquid applique. For those not familiar with this, it is like a puffy paint in a pen but thinner and so much easier to apply. But it takes a lot of patience to use because you need a whole day (12-24 hours) to dry. You can leave it smooth and shiny (like what I did here) or you can use a heat gun and it will puff.

I'm pretty sure that by now, you noticed that I used a LOT of faux stitching. I was like under the influence and didn't know what came over me. Maybe because I'm getting impatient waiting for the spare part I ordered for my sewing machine. Here's another one with the faux stitching. I also used tons of foam dots in every card to give a few elements dimension.

Last card is a very simple one. Nothing fancy.

Thanks for looking!

EveryDay

2010-05-24T18:23:00.003-05:00

I was trying to re-organize my stuff and saw the big chipboard flourishes from fancy pants..I embossed it with gold UTEE and did my journaling around it. A few spritz of glimmer mist (tattered leather, electric blue and tuscan sun) here and there. I forgot the name of that product from glitz, which I used as a mask with gold and green paint dabbers.

A few close-ups..I wanted to take pictures of these again but it is really hot outside.. :) I put the layout on top of the windshield of our car and it was really easy to take close-up shots but the problem was, there was direct sunlight..You can't have them all! lol..

I dabbed gold smooch paint along the edges of the blue flower

My Sister, The Bride..

2010-05-20T17:53:00.007-05:00

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to join the family during one of the most important moment in my sister's life...She understands..I've only seen a few photos from the wedding and I could tell it was indeed a very special day. The venue was in a secluded farm, very serene and low-key. Perfect for my sister and her husband.

I saw this photo from the website of her make-up artist and I knew, I couldn't wait for the official photos. She is so LOVELY! I couldn't stop looking at the photos. I'm so happy for them!

As much as possible, I like to crop my photos so the you can only see the page and not the space around it. But I wanted the whole bow to be seen, so I just forget about cropping it in the way I always do.

The lovely lace was given to me by my good friends Lee and her sister tita Marissa...It is perfect..

I tried staying close to colors of nature and her motif which is green.

Thank you Jeng for giving me permission to use the photos.

Credits:

Photographer: Ferdie Flores of Megapixels

Make up: Carlan Teng (Bride) and Jeng Sy Flores (entourage)

A Quick Thank You Card

2010-05-19T16:56:00.004-05:00

My husband told me he needs a thank you card this afternoon. I didn't have time to use stamped images and color them with copics so I made a very simple one...

Prima BAP (May)

2010-05-19T10:17:00.004-05:00

Love, love, love the flowers from Prima...How can you not love them?

Distressed Floral Tags

2010-05-16T10:16:00.006-05:00

I was feeling a little sad last night so I sat down on my scrap table and decided to try altering tags. I've always wanted to make one and I thought, why not make a set. Hope you like them!

A few close-up shots...

"Untitled Layout"

2010-05-14T12:17:00.002-05:00

Finished another layout last night. :) I am really hoping Mr. Mojo stays longer this time.

2010-05-13T18:57:00.002-05:00

Two of my latest layouts.

I used pearl paint dabbers on the edges of the photos. Francine said she looks like she has snow on her hair. The wood trimmed was unfinished and i had a great time giving it a shabby look using glimmer mists, paint, distress ink pads.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2010-05-09T21:54:00.001-05:00

More Projects!

2010-04-28T14:44:00.002-05:00

First time joining 2 challenges! First one is the Prima Marketing Build a Page. Here's my take on the sketch. The heart i used is made of wood then i just painted it cranberry red then glazed with glossy accents from ranger.

Next project is for "THE COLOR ROOM" challenge #3... The top part (lid) was painted with acrylic paint then I used delta's crackle medium. Silly me, i was waiting for the cracks to appear and was getting frustrated when i remembered that i need to apply a topcoat! The diamond pattern took about 2 hours to finish.

Shadow Box

2010-04-22T10:22:00.005-05:00

I was rummaging through my stuff and noticed the wooden boxes containing prima flowers. I suddenly felt motivated and just went for it.

The outside of the box was distressed using gesso, strips of paper, distress inks and smooch.

A Layout and 2 Cards..

2010-04-21T08:27:00.005-05:00

I finished another layout, this time a page for Francine.

Then 2 more cards... Wohooo! My mojo is back..I think.

Isabella Turned 3

2010-04-16T10:10:00.003-05:00

Yikes, how time flies! It was only yesterday when my bag of water broke and we had to rush to the hospital. It was only yesterday when Bea couldn't even crawl. Sigh, if only i can slow down time. I bet most of us feel the same.

Been ages since i last scrapped. Last night, i sat down and look at my beautiful pp and i couldn't help but be inspired.

Hello Blog...

2010-04-13T00:24:00.003-05:00

Yes, i forgot that i have a blog. Honestly, i don't even know how to blog anymore. But I'm hoping that i will be back to scrapping again. I did some cards last month. They are very simple compared to my "usual" style.

Embellished Idol Week 6

2009-09-05T22:11:00.002-05:00

I made it to week 6!!! wohooo! For week 6, the requirements are:

1. at least 4 photos

2. circle/s

3. flower/s

4. handstitching

5. staples

6. rub-on

Here's my layout:

Embellished Idol 2009 Week 4 and 5

2009-08-28T07:55:00.005-05:00

I made it to round 5!!! I forgot to post my week 4 layout right away... For week 4, we were asked to use the following:

1. painting

2. distressing

3. stitching

4. chipboard (raw or pre finished)

5. layering

ROUND 5:

I got lucky and made it to round 5. All the entries were amazing!!! We were asked to make a layout about:

1. 5 places we want to go to.

2. 5 things we want to do before we die. I chose the second one. Here's my bucket list.

A BIRTHDAY CARD:

I got my first copic pens about 2 years ago. But I wasn't motivated enough to really play with them. Then i saw all the wonderful creations by the copic artists. I can spend hours coloring with copics and not get bored. I need to practice my blending though...heehee..

I hope you can look past the word "happy". I should have used a sticker or a rub-on..uggh!

Embellished Idol Week 3

2009-08-12T21:08:00.002-05:00

Thanks Lee for reminding me to post my layout here. lol..I finished my entry Monday night expecting i wouldn't have time to do it since Francine's procedure was scheduled Tuesday, August 11. She was her usual bubbly self 2 hours after the procedure! Even with her eyelids swollen with a patch on one eye, she was playing like nothing happened! Enough with my babbling..LOL..

So here's my layout. We were asked to make a monochromatic layout using black and white to balance our chosen color.

Week 2 Of Embellished Idol 2009

2009-08-03T18:29:00.003-05:00

We all made it to 2ND round! wohooo... For week 2, we were asked to make a circular layout and to choose one of a few themes given. I glanced at my stack of corrugated cardboard and just like that, i knew what to do. Here it is:

Another Altered Project

2009-08-01T21:34:00.004-05:00

I used to be intimidated of altered stuff. I was content with looking and admiring galleries of altered projects. Now, not so much. I love how an unfinished wood comes to life with paint, embellishments, pp, etc...

I finished this birdhouse this morning. I was looking for something to pass the week while waiting for the result of the first week of Embellished Idol 2009.

Presenting, my first birdhouse:

Embellished Idol 2009

2009-07-26T20:02:00.003-05:00

Ha! Now i'm convinced that i love getting stressed and pressured... Once again, i joined an online challenge at Embellished.com.au. Finished my week one entry and now i'm starting to second guess myself for submitting first. Oh well... Here is the layout:

There's something wrong with my camera. The pictures i took looked hazy. Ehem, ehem...I hope my sister reads this..

A Little Fairy Door

2009-07-23T12:39:00.004-05:00

I was browsing the gallery at scrapbook.com when i saw this fairy door that Jennifer Mattot made.

I saved it as favorite because i love to look at it whenever i want to. Not because i wanted to make one too. Until i saw the miniature wooden door that she used in a store. I ENJOYED working on this. Took me about 4 hours to finish the whole thing. I might make a few more...:)

10 Things I Love About You

2009-07-07T10:27:00.004-05:00

I finished 3 pages within a week, two were given to friends visiting from Canada. I forgot to take a photo of those two and that makes me sad. sigh...

Here's the third layout:

I've always wanted to try using a wide ribbon across the whole page. But i wasn't sure how or if it will look ok. Then i saw Stephanie Howell's layout. I'm too lazy to link the said page, sorry...

2009-06-13T12:46:00.004-05:00

The past few weeks passed in a blur. We were so busy with so much stuff that i was able to finish 2 layouts only. So much for my 1 layout a week plan.

First one is a layout of Francine. Lately, she's been asking me a lot why i don't scrap her photos anymore. She doesn't understand that i haven't been scrapping at all...

I was so excited scrapping our family photo. It is very rare that we have one that we are together. It's always me taking their pictures, or hubby behind the camera. This is my 30 minute layout but I'm planning to scrap this photo again.

It's {a} Sweet Life

2009-04-20T11:22:00.002-05:00

Finished this one Saturday night. I'm now doing invitations for a very good friend's son. I also have a few photos lined up to be scrapped. Oh please, let this continue..LOL..

At Last...3 Pages and a Project

2009-04-17T16:11:00.004-05:00

Hellooooooooo...remember me? First of all, i know you understand and know that a scrapper goes through a stage. Or at least i do. Last night, i had a rush when i was looking at an online gallery and i felt a sudden urge to scrap. Finished one page:

About two months ago, Badgirls Kits had a design team call. Looked at it as a way to bring back my long, long, long, lost mojo. 4 new projects were required (3 scrapbook pages and 1 altered project)...That darn mojo left me again after finishing 3 of those 4 requirements. Well, here they are:

Nothing Complicated

2008-10-28T14:33:00.002-05:00

I was getting bored last night and a little stressful (still waiting for the announcement of who won at badgirls). Just to pass time, i went back to my desk and scrapped! Finished this one in 20 minutes (more or less). It is very simple but i like it. Maybe tonight, i will scrap again.

FINAL ROUND ENTRY!

2008-10-25T14:21:00.005-05:00

Been working like crazy on this project. I started on this Monday and been putting in a couple of hours each day. I finished the cover this morning and gratefully, the sun came out. I ran outside then took pics of the project. This an altered canvas that i made into an album, shadow box/frames.

Lots of painting involved here using a couple of mediums like gesso, gel medium, oil paints, watercolor paste (i didn't mix it with water), acrylic paints, etc.

I would like to thank my friend Cookie for being extremely patient the past days and not being afraid to voice her suggestion when i asked for her opinion. Also my friends Donna and Lee and my sister Monet!

2008-10-23T23:10:00.002-05:00

Just taking a break from my projects. I've bee working on it since Monday and i am nowhere near finishing it. They were right, the final challenge is CREATIVE ALTERING. If you know me, i am not an altering girlie. Will share it with you when i finish it (rather them! *wink*).

Wonderful News!

2008-10-19T23:09:00.003-05:00

The announcement has been made! I am one of the final 11 (Wendy likes odd numbers..lol..) who would be competing for the honor to be the TOP DESIGNER OF BADGIRLSKITS 2008. I will find out tomorrow what the final assignment would be. I am guessing it's a double pager..Others think it would be an altered item. I don't know, but to be in the final round means a lot to me. I already feel like a winner!!! Last year, there were only 6 rounds, i didn't make it to the final one. So i am uber excited making it to the final round.

Everyone did a marvelous job that i believe it was hard for the BADGIRLS TEAM to choose who would move on and who wouldn't. You wouldn't believe how amazing the rest of the finalists are and with that said, i am not expecting AT ALL to win it. Besides, i fared better this year than last year.

I know i'm rambling but...

Here It Goes!!!

2008-10-14T15:08:00.005-05:00

Maybe because of nervousness or maybe i am really just a dork, i thought that the layout we have to make this week is a shaped layout. And i was stressing and drafting the shape i would wanna do. Then this morning, i re-read the lecture and lo and behold, the word shape became "size"!!! lol.. oh well, so after really understanding it, i knew i wanted to make a 6x12 page. This is my first time with this size. So with the other requirements in mind, i finished this page this afternoon:

the requirements are:

1. do a layout with any size that we want but no cards or altered projects
2. break the rules the we have learned the past weeks but still make the page our own.

ROUND 6!!!

2008-10-12T15:39:00.002-05:00

Yep, i made it to round 6. If i still make it past this round, then i will be in the final round. That for me is enough. From around 300 who registered, we are down to 25 challengers. To make it this far is unbelievable. THANK YOU to those who's been giving me words of encouragement.

Sharing..

2008-10-08T22:16:00.003-05:00

After me being sick, Isabella followed suit. We took her to the doctor this morning and no need to worry. It is just your regular virus thingie. The kids have been sleeping with us for a week now. When i got sick, it was easier for me to take care their needs at night. Well, they liked it so much that they don't want to move back to their rooms.

This afternoon, i finished my layout for TD (week 5). Francine just turned four here. And she looked much older. It worries me that she's growing up too fast.

A Very Short Post

2008-10-05T23:00:00.002-05:00

Couldn't sit still tonight. I was stalking the mb at badgirls waiting for the announcement of who made it to round 5. Then a new post. And my name is there! From 96 participants, they eliminated about 40 challengers. 1 more before the final round. Tomorrow, will stalk the board again for this week's challenge.

night.

An Afternoon With Francine

2008-10-03T22:41:00.008-05:00

ti's the season for apples, pumpkins and raspberries. We took Francine to her first apple picking 2 years ago at Edward's Orchard and man, we enjoyed it immensely! Our friends decided to go there last week and invited us to go with them. Oliver and Bea weren't able to go with us. Francine was soooo excited to have our special time that day. It was different, she got my full attention the whole time unlike at home when i had to give only a half to her and half to her sister.

Francine had apple pie with vanilla ice cream and i had apple cider donuts (or if you like, doughnuts) with coffee. I wanted to take home a box of them but the line was unbelievably long.
*sigh* Maybe next year.

Oh , i forgot to mention that Edward's Orchard was hit by a tornado in January. Normally, it would take about 2 years to re-build everything but a lot volunteered so it only took about 7 or 8 months i think. So they were able to re-opened this season. We had a few fond memories there, so we like Bea to share those too.

Remembering...(warning: very boring post. i just didn't want to forget the sentiments behind each creation)

2008-10-03T21:53:00.010-05:00

How i used to love cake decorating. I used to spend countless hours browsing cakecentral for tips and articles. (i did not take any class but learned by reading books and articles) and i used to get giddy when the wilson's annual tent sale is approaching. It's different now. Can't blame myself if i turned my back and fell in-love with scrapbooking. With cake decorating, i always make a mess in the kitchen, with scrapbooking, my table is the only space that gets messy. I can finish a page in an hour, but with c.d., one hour is just for prepping.

One afternoon, i received a call from a friend's friend asking me if I was the one who did the "wonderful" (according to her) cakes she saw in the photos. She wanted to order one from me for her daughter's bday and sister's bridal shower. Now, the cakes i made were not for sale. They were given as gifts to our friends and relatives. I never accepted any order until now.

Here are a few of a few cakes that i made. You have probably seen them in my slideshow but here they are anyway. I considered the first two as really special. The first one was my 2nd attempt at fondant. I practiced on a very small round cake for my first attempt. (first attempt at preparing fondant too). Then i got ambitious with this and did a 2 tier. It was my first time using shimmer dust..i made the roses out of fondant and also dusted with shimmer dust.

This castle cake was my daughter's 3rd birthday cake. (as obvious with the candle loll!). I used to order sheet cakes for her bday that when i learned how, i promised her i would make one for her. The turrets are ice cream cones covered with fondant. I also made the mushrooms, small flowers, vines and stones.

I probably made a total of around 6 cakes only. So maybe you understand my apprehension with selling them. I am not good enough. This next cake gave me nightmares. This was my biggest project so far. I started making the decorations a week earlier to allot time for them to dry. The shoe, the number 1, the flowers, the bees are made out of fondant too. I used a doll mold pan for the gown part then just covered with fondant. The bodice was also fondant (what else) colored with americolor gel.

NOW THIS, is the nightmare of all my nightmares. I didn't know what came to me and attempted A LOT of elements only done by the experts. I carved a 2 square cakes in shape of a pillow (nightmare), then used a scoring tool to give the impression of quilting (another nightmare) on the fondant. then hand painted each square or diamond if you want with 2 different colors (again, nightmare!) It cannot be seen in the photos but the daisies' petals are scored ONE BY ONE to make it look lifelike.

The following are my "decorate as you go cakes."Didn't make any sketches nor any decorations in advance. Just didn't have the time for it.

Class 4 wootwoot*

2008-10-03T09:51:00.004-05:00

I made it to round 4 at badgirls! there are about 96 participants left now. there are 7 rounds all in all. If last week was a breeze for me, this week is a little hellish. I've been sick since monday and had to take vicodin and augmentin. Last night, i started to look at photos and was able to finish a page for the contest even i was under the influence (of my meds oi!). For this week, we need to use accessories to focus on:

unity
balance
harmony
texture

I will share a few photos on my next post.

Sharing A Few Of My Thoughts

2008-09-25T20:10:00.005-05:00

I've been taking it easy for the last few days...Having submitted my entry for class III at badgirls, no reason for me to stress now.

I went back to reading!!! Just a backgrounder, i've been reading since i was 8 i think. My mother used to borrow children's books from the library and she also bought a few Sweet Valley Twins books. That started my addiction with reading. I devoured every book in my mother's stash and more. From Mill's & Boon to John Grisham, from Sherlock Holmes to Johanna Lindsey. I remember reading with my sister using flashlights under our blanket because our nanay didn't want us reading until the wee hours of the morning.

The past years, i've only read a few, including Angels and Demon,"trashy" *wink*wink* ones (not that trash hey!) and the majority were children's books. The drawback for me when i read is that i don't let the book down until i finish it. We are talking reading until 5am-6am here that when the kids get up, i would only get 2-3 hours of bedtime.

I have a few must reads on my list now. And #1 on my list is P.S. I Love You. It's one of my most fave movie ever. It's my wallpaper, my screensaver and I couldn't stop BAWLING LIKE A BABY while watching the movie over and over again. Let me share with you a clip. Watching this with a pumpkin spice latte in my hand is pure bliss for me right now.

Hope you enjoyed it!

BG Top Designer Contest Class III

2008-09-23T09:59:00.002-05:00

Fortunately, I made it to class III! Our teacher for this week taught us about:

1. less is more
2. unity
3. balance
4. white space

I was actually excited to start on this right away. I used asymmetrical balance here. To unify the look of the page, i used the color scheme, the rule of 3, repetition, etc.

Top Designer Contest At Badgirls Class II

2008-09-18T20:03:00.004-05:00

I passed class I at the top designer contest at BG. there are 190 participants left. For Class II, we need to use at least 2 pp while applying the principle: Gallon, quart, pint for the distribution of all the color in our page. We also need to get our colors from the photo itself.

Yesterday, i took the kids outside so they can enjoy the few remaining fair weather here. Bea was scheduled to wear braces for her weak ankles, which according to her therapist, is the reason she's not really walking yet. So, while outside, she was sitting on the grass watching her sister playing when she suddenly got up and walked about 20 feet towards her sister. I am now considering not to use braces for her if she keeps on walking, and maybe, running.

Top Designer Contest at Bad Girls

2008-09-10T11:19:00.004-05:00

So, i have been out of the loop lately. I don't know what's wrong with me. I would make a layout or two then disappear.. It became a cycle.. Whew! So, to get my mojo flowing again, i joined a contest that tortured me for weeks last year. For those who are not familiar with it, the contest that runs for 6 weeks with an elimination at the end of each week. The layouts (which) we call our assignments are based on Design Principles. For this week, we are asked to make a page with at least 2 types of layering...

I took this photo without any intention of scrapping it. I just needed something for her emergency form for her school. Maybe because of all that "photo shoots" she wouldn't look straight at me..it was either looking sideways, looking outside or with her head tilted. FINALLY, she looked REALLY STRAIGHT at me.

Update

2008-07-29T21:21:00.014-05:00

I do not have any layouts to share right now. Life has been so hectic and it will probably remain that way for a few more weeks. Less I hope. We celebrated my 32nd year last July 17 by having lunch with the kiddos and Oliver. When Oliver was about to take my photo with the kids, our dinner was served, so i didn't get any photo with any of them.

Oliver with his girls.. He was on-call that day and luckily, was called a few hours after our lunch..

Francine with her new haircut. NO, she didn't try to find out how sharp my cutterbees are but Oliver convinced me *again* to have her hair short.

Even i didn't have any pic of myself that day, i took a photo of what i ordered, a few shrimps too late. The pasta was very, very, very good. A little on the al dente side but just perfect. I was planning on ordering coffeeand dessert but my tightening waistline wouldn't let me. And it's not good because i am really trying hard to gain weight... I was so full that i got sleepy on our way home! lol!

I received three bottles of perfume from three different people! among other gifts.. I love perfume more than handbags! yes, that's the truth..Here they are:

2nd Layout For July

2008-07-14T13:18:00.006-05:00

I've been meaning to scrap this photo of my sister with our nephew taken during his 2nd birthday celebration. My brother and his wife lives in Canada and weren't around during the celebration so it was nanay and Monet who acted as his parents that day.

I finished this last week but went away for the weekend so i wasn't able to post this right away. Journaling to follow.

Guess What? Another Layout!!!

2008-07-04T00:52:00.007-05:00

I was surprised with myself for being "productive" last month...I really hope that my mojo will stay longer this time. After my very simple layout, i took it up a few notches and came up with this. Lots of paper tearing and chalking..There is a journaling but it is a little personal.

A Very Simple Layout

2008-06-30T12:01:00.004-05:00

Once in a while, i like creating simple pages. After finishing the mini album, i felt that a simple one is the best way to go. I took this photo the other day when Bea was sitting on her high chair facing the window.

journaling:

When I saw you looking out the window, i knew i had to take your photo. The innocence took my breath away. You noticed the world around you. But you are blissfully unaware of the troubles and sufferings. As long as I can, i will shelter you and will continuously protect your INNOCENCE.

(that uneven corner on the right top side is driving me crazy..can u say OC?)

A MINI...

2008-06-27T13:43:00.011-05:00

I told myself i want to make a mini after the last layout i did. I didn't know what photos to use though. We received a very sad news the other day and i planned on making a card but decided to do a mini instead. The photos i used were from friendster.. I didn't not want to impose on the family during a very difficult time so i just used the photos i have. Although tito Emi's SIL, Peter helped me with the wedding pic. I did this as if i was doing it for my tatay. Tito Emi was a nurturing father to his children and he will be sorely missed!

There are hidden journaling tag on a few pages to let the kids express how they feel.

(Tito Emi was the husband of my MIL's sister.)

Another Layout

2008-06-25T11:36:00.003-05:00

It is cloudy here today, still, i decided to take a photo of the layout i made the other night...I am planning on making a mini next time.

I Want You To Meet Nicoleen

2008-06-02T13:37:00.006-05:00

Her name is NICOLEEN DUCI...We call here Nici (ni-chi), sometimes Chubi...She is my step-daughter..Although i hate the term "step" because i treat her like my own... If only i can think of another term for it. Looking at her is like looking at Oliver, they look exactly the same.

Tagged

2008-05-26T23:04:00.006-05:00

by Donna and Cosette

Guidelines:Link back to the person that tagged you.Post these rules in your blog.Share six unimportant things about yourself.Tag six (6) people at the end of your entry.

* i have a diverse taste in music (fergie, rihanna, jlo, eagles, eminem, etc..)
* i love caramel
* i need to eat breakfast right away or else i get cranky
* i do not wear nail polish
* i take naps in the afternoon
* i am TERRIFIED of rats
* i cry when i watch a sad movie

A New Beginning

2008-05-23T23:05:00.014-05:00

It is exactly a year since the first time I learned about acid and lignin free stuff..the first time i found out that there is another world that is scrapbooking. When i started, i felt relaxed while cutting up pp or figuring out what colors i want to use. I didn't realize that it was starting to take over my life. Most of my time were spent scrapping and if i wasn't scrapping, i was thinking of ideas for my next page. While giving my kids a bath, my mind was on what photo to use. Stressing about challenges and how to organize my stuff which took over our bedroom wasn't my vision when i started this hobby. I guess it was my fault.. I joined a lot of challenges and it literally burned me out. I had to scrap a few pages a week just to meet deadlines and it was too much for me. It became the center of my days and nights too.

My stuff are now in a closet, out of sight. But it was hard to forget the lovely flowers, chipboards and the smell of a package of pp hiding inside the linen closet. I couldn't resist it, so a few days later, i peeked and felt the familiar tingling whenever i look at them..And i realized that i should scrap again but this time, i will be in control...I made 1 measly layout that night, or rather started on it... it took me 1 whole week to finish the page..ugggh! here it is:

It felt good to do it again. When i found out about the "the gauntlet" contest at scrapperie, i knew i needed it to bring back my mojo. But this time, i am trying to be careful not to stress myself about it..Before, if i join a contest, i wanted to win. Who doesn't right? This time, i joined to have fun and enjoy the process. Win or loose, it's ok baby!

FIRST WEEK: scrap something about us. Our thoughts, what makes us sad, happy, or complete. Anything about us as long as it is not about being a mother or a spouse. Journaling is a must in all of the entries throughout the competition.

SECOND WEEK: make a card that is not a square, rectangle or circle.

THIRD WEEK: use a photo of a non-living thing in our pages.

And most important of all, I AM SORRY FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART TO ALL OF YOU WHO SENT ME EMAILS, MESSAGES AND I DIDN'T REPLY. THERE WAS NO EXCUSE FOR THAT. I KNOW I LOST A FRIEND OR TWO BECAUSE OF IT. AGAIN, MY APOLOGIES.

SWTS (Scrapping With The Stars)

2008-03-06T23:57:00.007-06:00

i already posted my first 2 layouts here...and for the succeeding round, i did 2 layouts based on Elsie Flannigan's and Mimi Schramm's (of the dt member at cc) style.

Mimi's style is classic with minimal embellishment. Her journaling is handwritten usually done on one of the background or layered paper.

Elsie Flannigan: ribbons, stitiching, paint, buttons, doodling, handwritten journaling..i decided to challenge myself further by making my own background paper with elsie's style in mind...with a punched out 1 inch in diameter circle taped to a bottle, i stamped the images using paint. then i made small circles around it using a sharpie pen paint.

ROUND 3:

Tim Holtz and Jen Dubbs

When i found out the stars for that round, i immediately tried looking for tim holtz's layout but couldnt..i only found 3 and i noticed that his pages are simple compared to his projects. i tried to incorporate his projects on my layout so i made a tag..i applied crackle paint then embossed with clear utee to protect the cracks...did a lot of inking and used metal embellishments, vintage image and an embossed key.

Jen Dubbs: like some of the previous stars, her style is also a simple one. she layers pp in a classic and linear way. always with handwritten journaling..i tried to imitate the colors in some of her layouts too..

* there were i think more or less 30 participants at the beginning..not sure though..i made it to top 6, but wasn't able to move on to the final round...

I Am Still Alive (i think)...

2008-03-06T23:34:00.009-06:00

After weeks of hibernating away from by blog, it's time to take care of it again.This is winter holds the record on the most number of times we got sick...my youngest daughter, Isabella got sick so bad that she lost weight and is still recovering from it...I was still able to do a few layouts during that time but just couldn't get the energy to post and update.. here are some of the layouts i made...

(These are my parents when they got married..i made this for the february issue of scrapbytes)

Cards with flowers that are not plastic and plastic that is not a flower.the top of the dress looks blue but it is a satiny purple.

no photo layout (again).i will be putting a photo of oliver here.

Won't be listing the materials here..still too much for me...just sharing..tfl!

What Did I Get Myself Into...

2008-02-13T00:38:00.005-06:00

Besides taking care of the children the last few days, i was so busy working on layouts and other stuff for a few contests i joined...

I already posted my entry for Coordinates Collections' Scrapping With The Stars...From 20 participants in round 1, they chose 10 ladies to go on to round 2...Still have to work on my layouts for the second round though...2 layouts are due every round.

The Survivor challenge at Making Memories For You also started and for round 1, i made 3 cards using flowers that are not plastic and plastic that are not flowers. We still cannot post our entries anywhere so...We, (cookie, christine and pia) are able to move to round 2...The callenge is to do a layout without photo..Challenges are posted every 3 days with the entries due 2-3 days after challenges were posted...2-3 layouts or projects due every week.

So You Think You Can Scrap? no, it's not a question for you but it is the name of the challenge at Ittybittyscrapshack. They held an audition last week and was supposed to choose 20 participants to move on to round 1..But they decided to let everyone join the first round and do the elimination before round 2...For the first round, the challenge is to use the following on our layouts: 1 piece of cs, 2 pcs of pp, buttons, alphabet letters..no ink, paint, stamps, etc...We were given about 5 days to submit..I asked them if we can post our entries here and they said it's ok.. So here it is:

materials used: american crafts pp (play and the goods collection), bazzill bling cs, buttons, adornit carolee's creations foam alphas, the paper studio alphabet stickers, zig, cuttlebug, sizzix die, fiskars 1 inch squeeze punch, fiskars punch(very small circles), uhu

Lookie Here!

2008-02-12T23:47:00.006-06:00

I miss blogging but the last few days was spent taking care of the kids esp when we all got sick (*again*)!!! Sorry i wasn't able to reply to all the messages in my cbox, emails, and ym's...Having to meet a few deadlines doesn't help either...will be posting about it later..

I can't wait for spring so we can go out and play in the park...Anyway, last week my husband came in with the mail and when i saw he was holding a box and a large envelope, i held my breath until he handed them to me! Yup! I've been waiting for these: my prize from winning FesTeE december challenge at scrappinkids..Wati, one of the dt member chose my daughter's photo and made a layout for her and made a 6x6 for Isabella too..Francine couldn't believe that there was something for her too! I didn't tell her about it coz i am sure that she would be bugging me about it.

THANK YOU SCRAPPINKIDS!

I bought 2 packs of chipboard thickers (giftbox) at my lss a few months ago..I used them first week of december and i was so upset because i had to use glue to make them stick!...i called american crafts and told them about it...they got my add and told me they will send a replacement pack..Not really expecting something, more than a month after i called, i received these! I was surprised coz i was expecting only a pack..thank you American Crafts!

Scrapping With The Stars

2008-02-05T00:23:00.000-06:00

Coordinates Collections'version of Dancing With the Stars...Every round, we will be given two stars and do a layout based on their styles...One layout for each star...last week, our stars were Ali Edwards and Mahlin Anderson (DT member of the kit club)...Their style is sooo different from mine that i had to think carefully what to do even while doing household chores ...We need to show our versatility and come up with something original and creative.

(1)I noticed that Ali Edwards' style is a classic and simple one. She does multi-pic layout without matting them and positioning them with the photos touching...She loves handwriting journaling but she also does a lot of computer generated ones on her background paper...Very graphic, using minimal embellishments..She loves using circles and strips of paper too..Her color choices are more on the subdued side...

(materials used: crate paper pp, crate paper die-cut, k@co pp,the paper studio chipboard letters, chalk, metal rim tags (joann), thickers, zig pen, bazzil cs, rub-on(creative imaginations), dmc floss, computer font)

(2)Mahlin's style is the exact opposite of Ali's...She positions the elements on an angle and uses fun and vibrant colors...She also love ric rac ribbons and buttons. She outlines her titles and uses a simple font for them. Most of her layouts are 8x11's so i did one in that size for the first time.

(materials used: the paper studi cs, mme buttons, thickers, narratives, rhonna farrer journaling tag, heidi swapp bling, mme pp, zig, queen@co felt, ric rac ribbon(joann), the paper studio chipboard letters, paint, mm clear overlays)

A Night Of Scrapping

2008-02-04T21:05:00.000-06:00

Well, supossedly...Sahrie invited a few ladies for a card-making party at her place... Miss Ivy was our teacher that night and she was so patient with all the giggling going on while she was teaching us (card-challenged ladies) how to do some of her awesome cards! Sahrie, the perfect hostess prepared (well, ordered..hi sahrie!lol!) dinner and provided all the materials for our crop...Thanks to Sahrie, the supplies were over flowing! hehehe...And i am so honored to be able to meet the talented Joy Uzarraga...She is so friendly and down-to-earth! She was making a lyout for Sahrie when i left... I was planning on staying until 12 midnight but mommy duties called...i left before 11pm...*sigh*...We decided to do this a montly thing so our next crop will be on March...

Acot's CT Spotlight

2008-01-30T21:19:00.000-06:00

I received an email from Cathy (thanks girl!) congratulating me about the ACOT's monthly spotlight...and i replied very intriqued, curious and excited all at the same time. While waiting for her reply, i browsed ACOT's website and i found out i have a pm from Melissa asking me to keep an eye for it because one of my layouts was chosen. I did this for their focal photo challenge for this month. You can view all the layouts that are chosen for the month of January here.

2008-01-25T09:55:00.000-06:00

My daughter Francine when she asked me to put the silk rose behind her ear and asked me to taker a photo of her..I didn't even ask her how to pose, she just tilted her head to one side and smiled...She's just being herself, her love for photo shoots!

materials used:all papers used are from cosmo cricket:background pp (hey sugar), borders (hey sugar), flowers are made from cosmo cricket(gretel), swirl was traced on paper then cut(halfway cafe), the title "BEING" (gretel), photo anchor (jitterbug), journaling tag(wonderland)fabric paint, the paper studio alphabet stickersbuttons

More Projects

2008-01-18T15:56:00.000-06:00

The following are my first altered cd's and mini-book...I made the mini-book for my SIL's birthday. Using alcohol ink is sooooo easy...literally, just squirt and dab. then i just cut strip of pp and plain cardstock. inked the edges of the pp then adhered the end together.

(materials used: cd tin, alcohol ink,basicgrey pp, cs, ribbon, belt buckle)

ACCORDION MINI-ALBUM

I've never made a mini-album before although i really like them. I was thinking what to give my SIL and realized she would appreciate this more. The album came with the cd so i decided to use alcohol ink again.

2008-01-11T14:28:00.000-06:00

after finishing my "nine months" layout, i felt my scrapping mojo and was able to finish another layout last night...

materials used: mm love story ribbon and noteworthy paper, plain alpha grunge board, ranger crackle paint (fired brick), primas, the paper studio alphabet beads and letters, bazzill cs, rub-ons, inque botique stamp, stasz on

FIRST LAYOUT OF THE YEAR...

2008-01-09T11:59:00.000-06:00

I usually make at least one layout a week...Lately, i couldn't find the insipiration to do it...Maybe because of the holidays...I don't know...I was able to finish 1 last night. A very simple page but i really like it. .

materials used: two scoops chipboard shapes, prima, basicgrey wilma chipboard, diamond glaze, chalk, basicgrey journal, ribbon and trim (misc..), mm eyelets and crystal brad

Pen Holders

2008-01-02T21:30:00.000-06:00

I got these for a dollar each from Michael's...They are made of wood, like a plywood..I made these for my cousins as a belated xmas gifts.. i thought of their personalities while making them. they are college students btw...

materials used: wooden purse, the paper studio pp, dcwv far east stack, dcwv all dressed up ribbon,ki memories ribbon, the paper studio chipboard flower and letters, k@co chipboard, buttons,prima, mm paint, fabric paint, uhu glue, mod podge, adhesive spray..

THREE Reasons To Be Happy

2008-01-01T15:05:00.000-06:00

1. Winner - Scrapperie's Eight-Weeks Challenge
2. Winner - Scrappinkids FesTeE December Challenge
3. Francine's photo was chose by Wati at scrappinkids

It was funny how i discovered how i won. I thought that the winner for scrapperie was to be announced January 1, 2008. Last night, i visited the site and i saw a new topic titled: And the winner is.. not really paying attention, i clicked the thread and i screamed when i saw my name in big bold letters..it was an 8 weeks challenge and every week, the participants will send in their top 3 votes (we cannot vote for ourselves) and the design team members will also give us scores depending on the week's challenge..I wasn't really expecting to win thinking i have no luck when it comes to something like this..And a huge congratulations to Cookie and Christine who are runners-up!

Then i received an instant message from Cookie congratulating me..And i was like, oh yeah,i am so excited. And i congratulated her too..She then said, oh your daughter's photo was "also" chosen! and i was like, wait, are talking about scrappinkids? I asked her if the winner was already announced! Then she said, "Yes, and YOU are the winner! What a funny way to find out! And she didn't even know that the winners at scrapperie were also announced already. The forum thread at scrapperie crashed last night and i was thankful i found out who won before it did..lol!

I thank you ladies who never fail to motivate me. You know who you are. This is my first win and it is so rewarding. What a great way to welcome the New Year! or maybe what a great way to end 2007..

8th and LAST LAYOUT (scrapperie's eight weeks challenge)

2007-12-29T11:49:00.001-06:00

I thought i wasn't going to finish this after doing so much stuff the whole week. For our final challenge, we have to use green,red and gold in our layout..we can use other colors but those three colors should stand out when you look at the layout. I used black as may background to emphasize the reds,greens and golds.

This photo was taken December 25 at my Uncle's place. For Francine,this is her best christmas ever coz she got a visit from santa, got her favorite toys and was able to meet new friends.

Growing Old (scrapperie's 7th week challenge)

2007-12-20T15:54:00.000-06:00

For this week, we cannot use any photo on our layout..We can use ephemera, or include our thoughts, expectations, etc..

materials used: bazzill cs, daisy d's pp, petaloo, mm letters, the paper studio twill stickers, rub-on, pearl paint, cat's eye chalk, pearl utee, mambi bling, buttons, paper doily, wrmk hardware, ribbon, basicgrey fiber,brads, tulle

Who Is This Girl?

2007-12-19T17:48:00.000-06:00

A few days ago, my daughter francine wanted to find out how sharp my cutterbee scissors are...But instead on a piece of paper, she tried it on HER HAIR! I didn't even noticed until i saw a pile of hair near my desk...She cut about 8 inches of hair and it looked like she has bangs..Since she was born,she had only 1 haircut coz we both like long hair for her..This afternoon, i took her to super cuts to repair what she did then i decided to have the rest of her hair shorter..I kept on staring at her, on how younger she looks now...I think i will try to maintain this length for her. Oliver was so happy when he saw Francine, he's been nagging me about it for a long time..I was sad when i saw her hair falling on the floor, i thought of the time spent brushing those. Then I also remember how Francine cried because it hurt when there were so many tangles..I asked her after the haircut if she likes it, and she said YES! I will miss my long-haired daughter but i think i like the short one better..

Dance With My Father

2007-12-13T11:39:00.000-06:00

(this was chosen as layout of the day at Scrapperie for December 15, 2007)

When i found out that this week's challenge at scrapperie is to make a layout that includes at least two lines of a song with a photo of the person that reminds you of the said song...No second thoughts, i immediately knew that i would be making one layout of my father again...The lyrics are 99% accurate regarding my thoughts, my prayers and my sadness...

Dance With My Father (Luther Vandross)

Back when I was a child, before life removed all the innocence

My father would lift me high and dance with my mother and me

And then spin me around 'til I fell asleep

Then up the stairs he would carry me

And I knew for sure I was loved

If I could get another chance, another walk,

another dance with him

I'd play a song that would never, ever end

How I'd love, love, love

To dance with my father again

When I and my mother would disagree

To get my way, I would run from her to him

He'd make me laugh just to comfort me

Then finally make me do just what my mama said

Later that night when I was asleep

He left a dollar under my sheet

Never dreamed that he would be gone from me

If I could steal one final glance, one final step, one final dance with him

I'd play a song that would never, ever end

'Cause I'd love, love, love

To dance with my father again

Sometimes I'd listen outside her door

And I'd hear how my mother cried for him

I pray for her even more than me

I know I'm praying for much too much

But could you send back the only man she loved

I know you don't do it usually

But dear Lord she's dying

To dance with my father again

very night I fall asleep and this is all I ever dream

Move With The Wind

2007-12-13T11:33:00.000-06:00

I made this last week for scrapperie's challenge...We had to scrap a photo that shows movement and to use dimensional embellishments...We needed to make our own 3d stuff too...I made the frame using chipboard then covered with brown yarn...I almost didn't submit anything for last week because of a lot of stuff going on...A few hours before the deadline, i sat down and tried working on it...

Updates!

2007-12-13T11:26:00.000-06:00

Another hectic past few days for me...We all got sick with stomach flu and Isabella is just starting to get better...Thank you so much to those who sent me messages,emails and on my cbox..sorry couldn't reply to you right away...

I got a package last week,the one i've been waiting for since Anna Z. informed me that she mailed the rak that i won...And Anna put-up a very generous one..She even made a card for me...thank you so much Anna! This is my first rak winning and i am so lovin' it!

2007-12-05T09:34:00.000-06:00

I did this for scrappin'kids FesTee december challenge: Make a layout with your child's name as title...

(materials used: bo-bunny pp, noteworthy paper, prima, noteworthy embellishments in a jar, decorative pin, basicgrey chipboard(infuse), gold utee, 3d white paint, buttons, wrmk hardware, mm ribbon, american crafts rub-on, embossing ink (ranger), foam dots, glue

Three Out Of Three (with Basicgrey)

2007-12-03T11:02:00.000-06:00

A few months ago,i submitted my first layout (Beauty In Bloom) with basicgrey and they accepted it...My second layout (Waiting For Papa) was also accepted...Donna reminded me to submit monthly so that my name won't be taken out of their gallery...But, I forgot! heehee...I then decided to submit a third one last night, my acrylic layout and this morning, i got an email letting me know that this layout was also accepted...I just love basicgrey products...They are a little intimidating but, they are just gorgeous....

First Attempt At Acrylic

2007-12-02T16:29:00.000-06:00

***i also uploaded this to scrapbook.com's gallery (it became one of the favorite layouts along with my lo This Is Our Moment) and guess who left a comment? Ms. Kelly Goree, DT for Basicgrey AND 2006 Memory Makers Master)!!! she even thanked me for submitting this to BG gallery... ***

I've been holding on to this acrylic sheet for a few months now...this afternoon,after my endless organization,i found this and suddenly,i got inspired to do one layout...i didn't use a lot of pp coz i want to emphasize the clear background...die-cuts from basicgrey infuse are perfect for this...

Materials used: basicgrey infuse die-cuts,cut-outs from infuse pp,3d paint,magic mesh,utee gold (for F), and clear utee for the title, cats eye chalk, gemstone, foam dots, glue..

Two Of A kind

2007-12-01T15:48:00.000-06:00

(this is for scrapperie's eight week challenge- novemeber-december challenge)

i posted my first attempt at this week's challenge, and like what i mentioned in that post, i miscounted my embellishments..and i finished one more yesterday,but i wasn't happy at all with it..i showed it to Donna, and she just confirmed what i knew all along,that layout should be rejected..lol! thanks Donna for encouraging me tomake another one and to just use the first layout for inspiration...so i went back and look at the said layout and did just what donna suggested...4 photos,4 word title(two of a kind), 4 colors(white,red,green and gold) and 4 embellishments (chipboard flowers,trim,chipboard letters and 3d paint)...thanks for looking!

Cards..cards..cards..

2007-12-01T15:45:00.000-06:00

i was able to make 4 more cards today for the bonus round at scrapperie...this bonus round is worth 20 points...i really like making cards,although i've only made 6 including these...with all the scraps i'm accumulating,really have to do more..

2007-11-27T14:04:00.000-06:00

This was intended for scrapperie's fourth week challenge...but there were some confusions regarding the classifications of embellishments...For this week's challenge, we have to use 4 word title,4 colors, 4 embellishments, and 4 photos...whew! i thought chipboard letters and chipboard swirls will be counted as one coz they are both chipboards,and the embossing powder i used for the title will also be counted so i used more than the required number of embellishments...it was too late when i found out about it,so i decided to make another one...

This Is True Beauty

2007-11-24T13:52:00.002-06:00

This one is for scrapperie's nov/dec challenge week 3...the challenge is to do a layout with a title THIS IS TRUE BEAUTY...i wanted to do a layout using my mother's photo..i want to use one with all the age spots and lines visible on her face but couldn't find a good one..when i saw this photo of my dd Bea,i knew this would be great...her innocence shines through...

journaling:

isabella, you are so pure, so innocent, so beautifull...

materials used:

materials used:backgroun pp: memory botiqueamerican crafts ppmm metal letterwrmk metal hardware collectionpaper salon bare essentials chipboard (fence)colorbox ink chalkamerican crafts rub-ongesso (priming the letters)stamp (pattern on the letters)utee (clear)noteworthy die cutslace (misc)k&co.. journaling block

SWEET INSPIRATION (PINOYSCRAPBOOKERS' KAYA 9 CHALLENGE)

2007-11-22T10:53:00.000-06:00

For this month,Miss Nita decided to really challenge us..We are to find an inspiration,and make a layout inspired by it...We cannot use anything scrapbook-related...wow,i had a hard time finding an inspiration...one time, i was tidying up my daughters' room, i spotted this red hat i bought from hoblob(hobbylobby), and got inspired! hehe..so here it is..i had a hard time using that satin fabric..i had to iron it and make sure that it was somewhat straight...then that shade of red was really hard to find..i was done with 2 days ago but wasn't satisfied with the color of the cs...so i had to make an extra trip to archiver's (*wink*) to find the right color..i was successful so i had to redo the layout again..talk about being OC right..(attention Ms. Nita Ang)...thanks for looking!!!

Tagged

2007-11-18T22:45:00.000-06:00

By Timi...and now i am tagging other super scrappers too..,i know some of you had been tagged with the same thing already, still want to tag you ladies...i tag donna, ria, pia, and iris...thanks timi for the tag..

Weekend Vol. 1

2007-11-18T15:28:00.001-06:00

this weekend was rather hectic for me...dh left friday for bloomington,illinois (126 miles from our place) to do degree work for scottish rite (he's a mason)...while he was gone,i immersed myself with the cake i had to do for the baptism and 1st bday of hannah celine (i learned her name means divine grace)...i was so rushed saturday with baking,decorating and the part i hate,cleaning up...i was able to do an 8-inch chocolate cake covered with chocolate marshmallow fondant and 2 dozens cupcakes covered with regular mmf and decorated with a flower and sugar pearl...

dh came home around 7pm saturday while i was preparing dinner (kare2)...my tita stop by our house to pick-up the cake and cupcakes and brought me my favorite soup from wonton gourmet...we had a light snack while waiting for the kare-kare to cook...dh was so tired from driving that he fell asleep on the sofa... we followed suit after an hour and didn't even care to have a proper dinner...for the first time,i went to bed at 11pm and fell asleep right away..

Sunday,we woke up early and headed for church (the church was magnificent btw)...i met Sahrie (of scrapbukan) there who is also a "ninang" (godmother)...then we had brunch at Papa Deaux seafood restaurant and their waffles with whipped butter is out of this world... i was the assigned "cake server" but they didn't want to cut the cake i made so we served the one they got from sweet table...

after a full stomach and droopy lids,we headed for home, 3 miles away from the venue...took a nap,woke up,had snack, then sat in front of the pc...hehehe...

SKETCH

2007-11-14T18:05:00.000-06:00

No,not the type of sketch designers make for a layout for scrapbooks but the other type of sketch..heehee..while i was organizing one of my drawers this afternoon,i found these...my "doodling" during my confined-in-the-office-and-bored-to-death-nothing-to-do-days...Dh was impressed when he first saw these,but finally learned the truth that i am just a wannabe when he saw the beautiful paintings my twin cousins, Monica and Monina did..but,then,these were enough to pass the time...

Challenged Until Green

2007-11-13T16:23:00.001-06:00

For our second week's challenge at scrapperie,we have to make a monochromatic layout...the hard part is we are not allowed to use black or white except for journaling..no black or white for titles,borders,mats,etc..not even for doodling..we should also include a minimum of 1 patterned paper (with only one color), and a minimum of 2 embellishments...what a challenge! i decided to go with my fave color, green..Starting was the hardest part,but once i checked my stash for anything green i have,i found it was actually fun doing this...One thing i kept in mind,was contrast...i was careful to use a shade of green,different from the shade that is near or beside it in the layout...

journaling:

Isabella,

the bond between us is the most precious gift of all..Someday,when you are your own individual, a wife, a mother, you will alwayb be your mother's daughter..

Materials Used:

fancy pants pp
corrugated cs (paper studio)
tres jolie buttons
flowers (the papers studio)
cs
lace (misc.)
zig pen
zig glue
fancy pants chipboard
mm paint
k@co chipboard alphabets
paper studio brads
bazzill bling flowers
tim holtz pine needles ink

Featured On Memory Makers Newsletter

2007-11-13T08:26:00.001-06:00

I woke up this morning checking my emails and it was a pleasant surprise after the images completely loaded in the newsletter from mm...they chose 5 layouts to feature and i am honored that they included my layout flower...

Featured Page on Memory Makers Magazine Website

2007-11-11T09:04:00.000-06:00

Yes! a week ago i decided to submit my layout flower on memorymakersmagazine.com...On november 11, my layout became the one featured on their online idea gallery...again,it's no big deal for some,but for me,seeing my daughter's face on their homepage is very rewarding...

TATAY (father)

2007-11-08T13:31:00.000-06:00

This is for the scrapperie.com's 8 weeks challenge..First week's challenge is to make a layout about your superhero...No second thoughts,my tatay (father) is my hero...i've been saving these photos of him, waiting for the right layout...it was hard not to get emotional while i was making this, the worst part was the journaling...thanks donna and monet for giving me the right path...it was hard not to focus on the pain...

journaling:

TATAY,

whenever i was burdened with troubles in the past,you were always there to lift me up...a phone call with you,then i was strong again..you were always our happy tatay, enjoying life however big problems were...i would like to believe that you led a happy life even how short it was...i still call out for you tatay,silently...even with you gone,you are still able to give me strength during the lowest point in my life...there are still many battles that lie ahead,but i know that i could survive it and still be happy with my life,co'z i learned from the best...i would like to pass this on to my children like you passed it on to us...and maybe someday,my children will appreciate how i tried to stay strong for them because i would like to think i grew up like you, tatay..

materials used: basicgrey paper,cosmo cricket(gretel),mme bohemia, mm paint, bazzill bling flowers, mm eyelets,basicgrey ribbon,cosmo cricket letter (letter T), fabric letters,dmc floss, rub-ons

PHOTOGRAPHER: MONET VELARDE

(i would like to give credit to Miss Aurora Lim for the concept of how i put my jounaling circles together)

NOTE Worthy

2007-11-05T01:10:00.000-06:00

Ever since i saw the color palettes of the note worthy collection from making memories,i knew i would love everything there are.. I was able to get some from Archiver's...still have to go back for the paper and i hope,some paints...the felt flowers are great coz unlike some of the felt flowers from other manufacturers,these are embossed..

I do not want to order the paint collection online and pay for shipping so i am currently waiting for Archiver's to have them. And i hope that it's sooner than later..

Isabella's First Costume

2007-11-04T13:49:00.000-06:00

(THIS HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS LAYOUT OF THE DAY FOR 11-05-07 AT SCRAPPERIE.COM)

I got this flower costume for Isabella's first trick or treating...then we got an invitation a week before halloween to a birthday costume party...She wore this during picture taking only coz it was too warm inside the house (heater was on)...but i was able to capture a few cute photos of her..

MATERIALS USED: basicgrey pp,felt fusion(queen @ company), mm ribbon(note worthy collection), primas, k@co stickers, dcwv vellum words, fancy pants chipboard, imaginisce brad, ek succes fasteners, heidi swapp ghost letters, mm paint, embroidery floss, scrapworks shimmer shapes,mini brads,k@co glue...

Photos To Share

2007-10-29T11:06:00.000-05:00

we attended a costume birthday party last weekend and here are some of the photos...My daughter Isabella wore a flower over-all costume and Francie was "Mulan".. although she told us that she wasn't mulan but MIDLAT (lightning)..you know the joke i hope..hehe..

I've been tagged by Alby

2007-10-29T00:53:00.000-05:00

Instructions: Each player starts with 7 random habits/facts about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. At the end of your blog, you need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!

7 random facts about me:

1. i am addicted to iced coffee or anything coffee flavored
2. i am an organizational freak
3. i am a procastinator
5. i am scared of the dentist
6. i have 2 daughters,francine and isabella and a step-daughter,nicoleen duci
7. i love wearing a skirt or a dress

A - Age: 31
B - Band Listening To Right Now: nada
C - Career: used to be an office girl,now full time SAHM
D - Drink or Smoke: Drink but very,very,very,very rarely
E - Easiest Friends To Talk To: Donna! and a few friends from here
G - Gummy Bears or Gummy Worms: Gummy worms
H - Have a Boyfriend: i have a husband
I - In love: and in bliss...
J - Junk Food You Like: tostitos with dip
K - Kids: 2
L - Longest Ride Ever: Manila to New York
N - Names For Your Future Kids: Gabriel (for a boy),
O - One Wish You Have Now: to have the photo printer i saw this weekend.
P - Phobias: nothing...
Q - Favorite Quote: Life is too short,live it well!
R - Reasons To Smile: my kids,my family and my scrapping stuff!!! heehee..
S - Sleeping Hours: 2am-9 or 10am
T - Time You Woke Up: 8am (my 2 kids decided to get up earlier than usual)
U - Unknown Fact About You: i once drove 110mph...
V - Vegetable You Hate: i love vegetables so the answer is nothing...
W - Worst Habit: staying up so late AND going to the LSS a few times a week
X - X-rays You’ve Had: Chest..does MRI count?had one (orbital area)
Y - Yummy Foods: shrimp and calamari crunchy roll,pastillas
Z - Zodiac Sign: cancer

Now i am tagging: DONNA, AIREES, ROXEE, CATHY, LEE, COOKIE, JENN

I Fell in-love!!!

2007-10-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

I went with SIL at bestbuy this afternoon and while they were finalizing their purchase, i saw this sleek,shiny thing...the HP-photosmart compact photo printer( model A627)...i tested the printing quality and it was excellent..i had to stop myself from impulsively reaching for a box and buy it...but, i can't stop thinking about it,i keep on looking at the website again and again...oh well,not sure how long i can resist its charm..

These Eyes (entry to pinoyscrapbookers Kaya6 Challenge

2007-10-24T17:36:00.000-05:00

Backgrounder: Supper Donna made sure we are stranded on an island with nothing to do but scrap using only cardstocks washed ashore with us...and to make matters worse,she said there is a tidal wave coming and if we want to be rescued like the rest we must also come up with a layout...

Materials: bazzill cs AND glue

Process:
Cut equal sizes of cream cs then thin strips of pink cs were glued on each white cs.. Made two rows leaving a bit of brown cs showing…cut a wide strip of lighter pink cs and two half moon (this was done by drawing a line using a cs then after a few tries, was able to make a half moon which was traced to make two pieces) to give the impression of a circle in the middle..outlined with short strips of green cs.. I drew a big and small flower then again traced to make the other flowers..a thin strip of pink cs was glued on each petals of the brown ones..smaller green flowers are then glued on to give dimension then doodled on..

(this was inspired by a layout which I forgot the name of the artist…I tried looking for the lo again but couldn’t.. my bad!)

my sister Monet..

2007-10-23T13:45:00.000-05:00

(this layout became featured layout of the day at creatingkeepsakes.com on October 24, 2007)

i have one younger sister and one younger brother..my brother is in canada with his family,and my sister is in qatar working for Qatar Airways... I saved this photo from her multiply account and after buying the tres jolie paper,i realized that it is perfect for this one...it is hard to read what's in the bottom right corner so here it is: I smile,because you are my SISTER...then i LAUGH co'z there's nothing you CAN do about it...i could not take a clear image of this lo...i tried going outdoor,using the flash,turning off the flash..still blurry...
thanks for looking!!!

materials used:
tres jolie (background paper)
tres jolie (buttons)
mm ribbon (note)worthy-hillary collection
primas
k&co brads(flower center)
american crafts rub-ons
mm rub-on
prima flower
k@co tag
dcwv cs for the mat
zots
zig glue
zig pen

First Cards..

2007-10-18T14:42:00.001-05:00

after seeing all these hand-made cards, i decided to join the card-making bandwagon two nights ago...and i just love it let me tell you...the first one (for the love...) is what i am planning to give to dh on sweetest day (october 20)...it took me sometime to finish this..then after finishing the first one,the second one which is a thank you card was done in 10 minutes...i am planning to make more in the coming days..

Thinking outside the box...

2007-10-18T14:30:00.000-05:00

If you look at my layouts,you will notice that i do not use light colors...i find it easier to work with rich and neutral colors. This morning, i suddenly felt the urge to do something outside my comfort zone..At first,i was at lost on what to do...But after i found the right paper,everything came smoothly..

Materials used: Fancy pants paper (sweet pea), fancy pants chipboard(frames),american crafts ribbon, felt flowers(forgot the brand),mm paint, paper studio letter tiles,mm ribbon glue,mm metal glue,dcwv colored rub-ons,bling stickers..

I AM FAB! (according to Donna that is..)

2007-10-10T13:32:00.000-05:00

Donna tagged me with my first ever tag..and here is what she has to say about me:

MARJ VELARDE-for me, her layouts aren't just the one that is fab but her personality as well. She's very down-to-earth and straight forward at the same time. I love how we "clicked" it's as if we've know each other for a very long time already! SO Marj my girl, you are one fab girl to me!
Thank you girl! Is it ok if don't tag anyone yet? na-tag n yata lahat ng kilala ko.hahaha..we are all fab ladies!

because of you..class 5, (unity)

2007-10-09T10:53:00.001-05:00

for this class i chose balance to have unity in my page...the symmetrical balance (formal balance) was achieved by positioning the elements in the center..if u make an imaginary vertical line in the center, you will find all the embellishments in the left side match those in the right..even the letters are positioned in a way so that you will have an equal number of letters on each side...i also used color to further empasize unity..i chose green and purple which are both cool colors..a touch of orange was added to break the monotony..orange is a complementary color for green...i handstitched the circle with purple floss to give it texture...

Ina Girl (Class 4-badgirls: white space)

2007-10-03T09:26:00.000-05:00

what i found out about this class was how difficult it was to use white space without making your lo too boring(like what teacher Ania mentioned in her lecture)...i wanted to have enough eye candy to make the viewer interested longer...
i had a funny talk with my daugther last night after finishing the lo..i said,oh thank goodness,i am done. she said."mommy,not yet!" i said,"why?"..and she replied,";you haven't put anything in here yet!"(her hand was pointing at all the white space...i guess i still have to teach her about white space.lol!!!

the image is not that clear coz this was taken by my phone camera (almost 2 years ago). i wanted to use photos that are in my "to scrap" box to keep me on schedule.lol!

journaling (located at the side anchored by the chantilly charm):
francine,they call you ina girl,and i like it. i got that nickname from my mother "wilhelmina" who looks exactly like you..

materials used:
bazzill
imaginisce chantilly charms
dcwv
mm mini brad
primas
bling (misc.)
american crafts rub-on
lace
basicgrey for tags
mm photo anchors
amrican crafts ribbon

marj

My Room

Time For An Altered Project

A Simple Layout

Playing With Colored Pencils

Card Frenzy

EveryDay

My Sister, The Bride..

A Quick Thank You Card

Prima BAP (May)

Distressed Floral Tags

"Untitled Layout"

Happy Mother's Day!!!

More Projects!

Shadow Box

A Layout and 2 Cards..

Isabella Turned 3

Hello Blog...

Embellished Idol Week 6

Embellished Idol 2009 Week 4 and 5

Embellished Idol Week 3

Week 2 Of Embellished Idol 2009

Another Altered Project

Embellished Idol 2009

A Little Fairy Door

10 Things I Love About You

It's {a} Sweet Life

At Last...3 Pages and a Project

Nothing Complicated

FINAL ROUND ENTRY!

Wonderful News!

Here It Goes!!!

ROUND 6!!!

Sharing..

A Very Short Post

An Afternoon With Francine

Remembering...(warning: very boring post. i just didn't want to forget the sentiments behind each creation)

Class 4 *woot*woot*

Sharing A Few Of My Thoughts

BG Top Designer Contest Class III

Top Designer Contest At Badgirls Class II

Top Designer Contest at Bad Girls

Update

2nd Layout For July

Guess What? Another Layout!!!

A Very Simple Layout

A MINI...

Another Layout

I Want You To Meet Nicoleen

Tagged

A New Beginning

SWTS (Scrapping With The Stars)

I Am Still Alive (i think)...

What Did I Get Myself Into...

Lookie Here!

Scrapping With The Stars

A Night Of Scrapping

Acot's CT Spotlight

More Projects

FIRST LAYOUT OF THE YEAR...

Pen Holders

THREE Reasons To Be Happy

8th and LAST LAYOUT (scrapperie's eight weeks challenge)

Growing Old (scrapperie's 7th week challenge)

Who Is This Girl?

Dance With My Father

Move With The Wind

Updates!

Three Out Of Three (with Basicgrey)

First Attempt At Acrylic

Two Of A kind

Cards..cards..cards..

This Is True Beauty

SWEET INSPIRATION (PINOYSCRAPBOOKERS' KAYA 9 CHALLENGE)

Tagged

Weekend Vol. 1

SKETCH

Challenged Until Green

Featured On Memory Makers Newsletter

Featured Page on Memory Makers Magazine Website

Class 4 wootwoot*