Life Lay-out

This was an entry in Scrapbytes' Challenge. This lay-out is inspired by the lives of those who have gone before us, teaching us about how they lived their lives and how we aspire to be like them.

Journal: Human history is all about life. When man learns to ride through his failure and sail through his successes, man has lived a full life.

My grandmother lived a full life. She was born at the turn of the 20th century at a time when revolutions in industry and science are breaking through. She was also bron at a time when the world was at the brink of war. Throughout her life, she saw many things unfold right before her eyes: the onslaught of fighter plane, the Bombing of Manila, the attack of the Japanese, the Death March, the invention of the atom bomb. She also saw the growth of the automobile industry, man's historic trip to the moon, the rise of women power, the invention of the personal computer, the start of the information age, and the rise and fall of many presidents. All these things made her complicated, just like any change brings major upheavals in one's life. Yet, these changes made her stronger. It made the fabric of her life tighter, leaner, tauter, and the embroidery of her soul, intricate. When I study her life, I see the past unfold as her story, man's history. I see her past as my past. But just as sure as I am making my own history, I also see in her my future. When human nature unfolds, even in the direst of circumstances, true beauty cannot help but bloom. In all her triumphs and adversities, she came out to be who she became: a wife, a mother and a grandmother, well-respected, well-thought-of, and well-loved. Hers was a life fully-lived. I can only aspire to live such a life.

KAYA Challege Christmas Cards

I was not going to join the KAYA Challenge this time to make Christmas Cards using Valerie Salmon's sketch. I thought I'd be too busy to do them. And the truth is, I was never excited about making Christmas Cards in the first place. But when my friend, Lee, reminded us yesterday during our scrapmeet, I thought, why not? Kahit isa. Yet, I ended up making 3 of them. Now, I wish I did make these before so I could have sent them out. Maybe it's still not too late? It will still be perfect for my 3 sisters in the US.

Scrapbukan Guest DesignTeam for January

This is the first time I've ever been asked to be a Guest Design Team member. And I really like it! I received the Scrapbukan Package today of papers and embellishments and I can hardly wait to start working on it! I hope I do justice to the materials. Thanks, Sahrie, for trusting me.

Cloth Parols

I've done parols in the past which I've given away for Christmas. My parols are inspired by the parols made by Tita Hannah Trinidad, wife of Corky Trinidad, the famous political cartoonist of Honolulu Advertiser. She makes parols using cloth, instead of japanese paper in Hawaii. No one parol is alike.

I was planning to make 1 new parol for our house every year since Galo was born. He's now almost 4 and I only had 2 parols, so I decided to make one more. This time, I used my old blue silk Victoria's Secret pajama top for the cloth. Very blue it turned out, just to my liking. I added ribbons, sewed glass beads and seed pearls, and of course, included the requisite electric light which I made from scratch.

I also included my two other parols in the display. Parol 2004 was made from my old white cotton chinese embroidered blouse, while Parol 2005 was made from a frayed banig bag. Galo likes them lighted at night.

I hope I get to make a new one next year.

Christmas 2007 Card Challenge

For the Christmas Card Challenge, I wanted to concentrate on Advent instead. The Christmas Season is mostly advent, the preparation for Christ's coming. So, I made a card that also doubles as an advent wreath, complete with 4 candles: 3 purple and 1 pink.
On the front of the card, I used Karen Foster's Alphabet Slide to form the words ADVENT. On the inside flap, I made a slot for keeping unused candles. Then I made slots also to explain the significance of the advent wreath. I took me a while to iron out how to make the whole thing stick, stand and work, but it was all worth it. I was one of the lucky winners. Thank you, Marian King, for sponsoring this challenge.

Christmas Party 2007 CD Wall Art Challenge

As was mentioned in my post under Busy Christmas, I wasn't looking forward to making this challenge. I just couldn't see myself making something out of 3 cds and just covering them up.

For this project, I used 8 TDK cds. When I tried cutting one of the cds into two, I saw that the cd halves actually split into 2 sheets, one with the shiny metallic part, the other with the purple transparent plastic part. It's the latter that I used to cut into small squares to make a mosaic plastic frame for my LO. Then I adhered the pieces with stick glue. It's not as sturdy as I would have wanted, but it worked. For the rest of the LO, I used various rub-ons under the cd mosaic and on top of it, all with the theme "Family," on Daisyd's No.23. I used the same paper for covering the frame. I also used Prima Just for You Enjoying You for decorating the lower left corner, then topped it with a velvet ribbon and a Karen Foster "Treasures" metal nickle plate.

I was surprised when I found out that no one else was cutting cds. I thought that that was what others did. Someone even said jokingly that what I used are not cds, but mother of pearl! And, to top it all, it was one of the winners! (Thanks, Marinella of Creativeme.net, for sponsoring the challenge!)

Now I have a cd wall art I can really proudly display at home. It's a far cry from those Home Economics Projects meant "to beautify the home."

Missed

For the Scrapbooks Hawaii Around the Block Challenge, I made this LO of my dear Tita Annie. It's the first time I poured out my sentiments on her passing last year on the eve of this year.

Journal: Christmas 2006 was bittersweet for us.

We had set up a makeshift hospital room in the house when you asked to brought home for Christmas.
Cancer had spread from your lungs to your head.
You were constantly in pain.
By then, we knew it was a matter of time.
It would be your last Christmas

On New Year's Eve, you left us.
It was something we thought we were prepared for.
Yet, when death came knocking, it was still a shock/
You left us bereft, lonely and missing you.

Another Christmas is coming and we still feel lost without you.
We know that you are now happy and at peace.
Although the pain of our loss grows less each day,
it has never been the same.
We still have to find peace in all of these.

You will always be missed, dear Tita Annie.

Busy Christmas PLUS!

Christmas is a very hectic time of the month for me. As a teacher, we have lessons to finish, a Christmas Program and Party to plan and to execute, school letters to write, recommendation letters and certified true copies of school grades to do for the graduating children. It never ends!

Currently, I'm choreographing my grades 4-7 class' dance from West Side Story called "Cool." Some of the kids can't tell their right from their left, while others literally have poor gross motor skills. --- But when the children do get to realize what I'm driving at, they appreciate it. They even clapped when they got it right. The upside to this is that in the last few days, I've actually lost weight, just because of the dance. Of course, my UE1 (upper elementary class in Montessori) class still has to finish their own modern "showdown" dance which they have problems finishing themselves. Then there's their Filipiniana dance called "Dugso," which requires me to play the clavicles, the maracas and the bells without any music. We also have 3 songs to sing. And all of these have to be ready by Dec.18th!--- And I still have to make my gifts for the children!

Then there's the PinoyScrapbookers-Scrapbook Exchange Christmas Party. I'm really excited for the party, but I also have to squeeze in finishing all the challenges they have. There's the Christmas Card, as well as the cd wall art. The Christmas Card took me a long while to do, from planning, to trial-and-error, to execution, but I'm quite pleased with the result. The cd wall art is another matter. When I learned about it, I actually said, "What?! I don't want that on my wall!" It reminded me of the Home Economics projects in high school wherein I was supposed to make something out of trash which I often thought still looked like trash for the purpose of "beautifying the home."

Anyway, I figured out a way of incorporating the cds, at least 3, into something I'd like to have on my wall. I'll take photos of the two projects by tomorrow and post it on Saturday, the day of the party. I'm proud of what I've actually done... even if I don't win a thing.

Baglace by Desi

Desi was a student of mine for 4 years in Centro Montessori. She is currently in 1st year at PSHS, doing us proud by showing what she can do both in academics and in extra-curriculars. Last year, she started making
and selling her baglaces. These are jewelry made to adorn the bag. These laces are all one-of-a-kind. She never repeats the design.
While shopping,
many people have approached me
to ask where I
got the baglaces.

Last year, I gave many of these for Christmas gifts. This year, because of her school schedule, I can't tell if she'll be able to produce enough of them. I'm hoping that she can make more of them as they make pretty good gifts to even send abroad.

By the way, she is saving money to buy a piano since she also plays the piano quite well. ---Oh, did I mention that she's color-blind? Galing, 'no? Am so proud of her!

My Christmas Gift: TravelPack Plus!

It has arrived! I've been waiting for this for a month now, and my TravelPack Plus has arrived!
When I ordered it a month ago,I just
wanted a bag organizer for scrapping. I figured since I've been joining EBs, I have to be ready to pack things quickly and also return things easily. Now that I've seen it, I'm SOLD! It has organizer pockets for pens, scissors etc. in the inside. It also contains a spinder (a 3-hole metal holder that has a velcro back) that can be attached and detached easily. The 3-hole spinder holds plastic that can contain PPs and also embellishments in an organized manner. Also, it can accept 2 more spinders should I need it. What's more, I can (if I chose to, have the money and the table space) also opt to use the spinders with their ScrapRack Organizers. Haaaay! I'm in love!

Favorite Lay-outs/Projects

Candy's Scrapping Treasures

Marj made a contest wherein everyone shows everything they've got. She'll randomly select winners for this contest to win a RAK she displaced in her blog.

In the beginning, I was hesitant to show all of my materials. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to spread out all of my things since this will show my compulsive buying habits. However, the exercise was actually good since it made me see what I really have, and also take stock of what I shouldn't have gotten. I saw the many things I've forgotten about, and I realized that I actually have favorite things I use often.

I've accumulated many papers since I've started scrapping. By going through each one (making sure to fan it in such a way that I'll still be able to return them all in their proper places), I realized that there were quite a number of papers I have that I will probably not use. It makes me think of setting aside these papers to give away for the Christmas Exchange Gift.

Since I've joined different scrapping fora, I've managed to triple or maybe quadruple my stash in barely 4 months! In the last few months, my goal was to increase my collection of rub-ons. Now, I'm into collecting clear stamps and metal embellishments. Next month, who knows? I'm actually looking forward to the Christmas Party, partly because there will be things to buy again. It seems never to end!--- Woe to me for being a scrap junkie.

Check out my Slide Show!

Little Child's Ancestor Book

I am currently making a Little Child's Ancestor Book. I started this on a whim while pondering on what to do with the many Maya mini-booklets I've accumulated. It started with only just myself, my husband Arn, my parents, and Arn's parents. Later, I felt the need to include my 2 sets of grandparents as well. I wanted to teach Galo who his ancestors are and since I am into genealogy, it will help him understand his personal family history.

Life

I just finished a LO for Scrappin' Moms' Oct.-Nov. 2007 Challenge: Seeking Inspiration. Rules are: it needs to have a 1-word title, must have buttons, contains a circle. I enjoyed doing this LO because I found the perfect papers as well as the perfect buttons for it. Who wouldn't fall in love with cute red ladybug buttons?! The papers took a while to be just right. I had this pink roses scrap of Vintage Roses of Paper Pizazz. Then I saw this sepia patterned paper of roses of DCWV and I fell head-over-heels in love! Just had to scrap it. I can't post the picture nor the journal here yet because it's a contest, but I'm really proud of my work here.

Pinoy Scrapbooker's Nametag Challenge

Last Sunday, I joined my first PinoyScrapbooker's EB. I had so much fun buying things from Au's Simply Scrappy Closeout Sale, and from other sellers, I just couldn't help myself! I learned how to make a mini-booklet from scratch with dimensional pop-ups from Mitch of Visual Creations, how to dismantle and make wall clock really special c/0 Cookie, and how to use Adobe Photoshop for better photos c/o Maybs. Since I was required to make a name tag, this was what I came up with. I used a peach Bazzill cardstock layered back-to-back. In front, I used Heidi Swapp Chipboard Letters Sea lowercase which I punched up with Leeho Glitter Powder, then I added Chatterbox Rub-Ons for bon-bon designs all-over. I also used the throw-away plastic for PPs to make the wrapper and tied both ends with 2 peach ponytail holders. To finish the edge of the nametag, I added Carolina's light blue to grey mini-rick-rack cord. At the back, I wrote this about my reasons for scrapping:

I scrap to live,
I live to scrap.

I like photos, journals, stories,
cardstock, vellum and PPs,
Add some fiber, rub-ons, brads,
paint, chipboards and ink pads.

Planning for a lay-out,
sitting for a time-out.
Pressure and worry,
ending in a flurry.

I scrap to live,
I live to scrap.

Funny thing is I won one of the 3 prizes for the Nametag Challenge. Everyone said, "Now, everyone will remember you!" And who wouldn't? I was walking around with this funny looking candy card around my neck!!! Complete with a wrapper! Good thing they asked us to take them off to display all of the tags on the wall.---Kidding aside, I really enjoyed this fun homework activity. I specially enjoyed the RAK that also came with it. Thanks Cabbie, Lee, Au and Nita! I didn't think I'd have fun embarassing myself, but I really did enjoy every minute of it!

Breastfeeding Connection

Last September, Scrappin' Moms had a sketch challenge. This was my first time to do a sketch. I thoroughly enjoyed doing this one since I liked cutting through 3 different layers of papers to get a color I wanted using a cutting knife.

The story behind breastfeeding was something I really had to make as a lay-out because it was something that I fought for really hard to prove to everyone that it can be done. I cried making this journal when I remembered all that struggle.

Hidden Journal: I thought it would be easy. What could be more natural than to breastfeed you?

Since I wasn't allowed to travel, Daddy sneaked me into the hospital so I could spend a few minutes with your every other day. Sometimes, I was successful in feeding you, but more often, not. That first instance we were successful, you looked at me, as if you could see me. We connected and it felt right. Daddy took a picture of us to remind us of that special time. Since then, I knew I will have to fight for this right to feed you.

When we brought you home, we couldn't seem to do it again. Many close to me advised me to give it up. I cried and you cried. Bottle-feeding for 6 weeks in the hospital made you not want to work for my milk. On a friends advice, I strengthened my resolve and dropped the bottle entirely. It was your third month, and we struggled and both cried day and night for 3 whole days. We stayed in the living room so Daddy couldn't see and hear you cry from hunger and frustration. On the third night, you finally got it. WE finally got it. We connected once again. And you didn't seem to want to let go.

We kept this connection for 3 more years. And when it was finally over, we both can say, it was all worth it. This bond that we shared, we continue to keep in our hearts.

When in Rome

Last summer, I did this LO on our family's pictures for the 2006 United Nation's Day Celebration in Centro Montessori. Since I was pressed for time, I had to make do with whatever I could to make our costumes.

Journal: CIRCA 2006. A pillowcase, a bedsheet and blue ribbons....When desperate for a costume, one can still find the means to dress up a family.

Pirate

This one was a lay-out I did for last year's Trick-or-Treat at Xavierville Phase III. This was Galo's 2nd Trick-or-Treat celebration, but it was the first time he seemed to enjoy receiving soooo many treats. It was fitting that he was dressed as a pirate. I couldn't resist making a lay-out since he was too engrossed in counting his halloween stash of candies and goodies to eat.

Hidden Journal: X Marks the spot. When you saw the candy loot they gave away, your eyes lit up... as if to say, "I have now found my treasure!"

Lifeguard

Lifeguard was made for the KAYA 6 Challenge of PinoyScrapbookers. The theme centered on the idea that having been shipwrecked and marooned on an island, I find only my luggage of photographs, cardstock (no patterned papers) and a pair of scissors, crayons, watercolor paints, regular markers, glue, etc. I decided to ditch the scissors, pretending it turned rusty, and ended up doing paper tearing for everything. Since being marooned in an island, I figured that having an LO of my son saving me would keep me sane. Besides, it was the perfect excuse for that series of beach pictures I took of Galo in Punta Fuego this summer.

Hidden Journal: If I were stranded on an island, I'd like you to come and find me. You will be my inspiration, my hope, my dream. My lifeguard, guarding my life.

China Doll

Just finished my last LO on my last day of vacation. This time, it is about my niece, a cute and pretty baby who resembles a doll. I had a hard time cutting the cardboard of the patterned paper. I guess, for fine cutting, paper is easier. The hardest thing about this LO however was the journal. Since I am making a journal of my niece, and my sis didn't know what to write either, I had a challenging time making a journal for someone else. In the end, I really liked how it turned out.

Family Heritage

I finished another lay-out. I'm quite amazed at how fast I can make one now for as long as I'm on vacation. Trust that next week will be different when school begins on Monday.

This one is entitled Family Heritage. I really like this one. It's about combining my love for genealogy and for scrapping. I like how it turned out. For this page, I did paper toile to add dimension to the page.

Tapestry

I just finished my first lay-out of my dad today called Tapestry. I plan to show it to him on his birthday, Nov. 10. It took me quite a while to get this done and I'm pleased with the outcome. Will post it sometime.

Now we are two

I am the eldest of 5 girls. A year after I was born, Pie arrived. She became my first playmate.

This lay-out was made also for the MLA Challenge this October. Journal:
Dearest Pie,
Life was simple when I was alone. Then you came, and you made my days brighter, funnier and happier. God was so right in sending me a new friend, playmate and a dear sister. I love you.
Candy

Passion for Life

Last Oct. 6, I attended my 1st Scrapfest in Max's Timog. I was able to shop, shop, shop as this was the first time I've been to a place with sooo many good stores and soooo much more good scrapping stuff.

Since I was late because of a school affair, I only got to join one challenge. It was the first time I had a timed challenge. I was proud of myself for finishing within the required time. Surprisingly, I won for the regular group. Bjay won for the advanced group. I couldn't believe it because as soon as I saw all the other entries, I felt like mine was the plainest of them all. I feel very lucky to win because with all of that talent around, it's very hard to stand out.

Hidden journal: Life is difficult. To succeed in life, one has to be passionate, to make each day count, to make each day the last, and to be the best one can be ... teacher, mother, wife and lover.

Rennaissance Woman

Paz Maura Pineda-Bonoan is my grandmother. Called Lola Chiching, she typified the Filipina woman who underwent many changes in the 20th century. She survived many wars, including one that challenged her as a mother of 5 boys. During WWII, the Japanese bombed Manila despite it being declared an Open City by Douglas MacArthur. In order to escape the bombs that were dropping left and right, she tied all of her boys with a rope on their belt loops. When a bomb starts whistling down, she tugs one boy to pull the others as well to safety.

This lay-out was made for the MLA Challenge this October. This is my first tribute to this wonderful woman. Hidden Journal: Born at the turn of the century, Lola Chiching stood up to the challenges of the Modern Filipina.

1930 Milestones

My grandmother, Lola Chiching, is the subject of this lay-out. This is featured in the on-line Memory Makers Idea Gallery as of Oct. 28, 2007.

Hidden journal: My Lola Chiching was one of the first women drivers in the Philippines. Once when she was speeding, she passed a policeman who just stared at her. She stopped, reversed and returned to the policeman to get a speeding ticket. How's that for road courtesy?