EyeCandyScrap

New Prima/Couture Give-away!

2010-04-11T09:50:00.003+08:00

Prima/Couture Give-away!

Included in the Prima/Couture Give-Away is:

One full pack of Red Carpet Glimmer Cardstock Collection
Say It In Pearls Centers-brown/pink 530716
Pearl Panache Pink Flowers-538460
Cancan Large Flowers-539467
Andorra Pink Butterfly and Flower-538040
SIIP Swirl Purple-530570
SIIP Swirl Cream-530617
SIIP Centers Assorted 530891
Felt DeVines 537029

To check out the rules behind the give-away, go to http://prima.typepad.com/

Prima Product Pick of March is here!

2010-03-18T21:42:00.004+08:00

Aren't these gorgeous?! Leaves and flowers, all from Prima, are now to be given away for March! Only Prima can make such luscious and realistic leaves with such great detail. Many companies concentrate on flowers, but I've always felt that it's the leaves that make the flowers come out really well. I have to have leaves everywhere because as far as I'm concerned, without the leaves, flowers just aren't complete.

Now, when Prima makes flowers, it is always beyond comparison. No other company makes flowers as well as Prima. Need I say more? I'm Prima's no.1 fan, no doubt about that.

Prima's Big Secret!

2010-02-28T10:12:00.002+08:00

Prima is about to reveal something big! They have this mysterious purple curtain that opens to reveal something. To see what's behind the curtain, go to http://prima.typepad.com/ I wonder what gorgeous products will come out of Prima this time!

Prima Beauties!

2010-02-20T18:29:00.005+08:00

Look at all of these gorgeous Prima baubles!!! Prima is one of two sites I am totally addicted to (the other being Tim Holtz' website). I can't resist salivating over their gorgeous flowers, laces, papers, swirls, and now canvas aprons, camera totes and more! Until I got hooked on Prima, I didn't even realize that I'm a hopeless romantic, albiet a vintage one. Even when I'm quite busy, I still need to take a short peek.

Just now, I saw that Prima is inviting everyone to post their new products on their respective blogs. Of course, because of my weakness for all things Prima, I just have to give a go at it. It's definitely a long shot with so many Prima admirers, but what do I have to lose? I think I have everything to gain. If I don't win, well...I'll just have to wait until my fav LSS gets me these baubles. It may cost me, but not having these baubles will cost my soul more.

Earring Carousel Tutorial

2009-11-22T11:00:00.032+08:00

I'd like to invite everyone to try making a carousel using my tutorial. It is currently posted in the Artz de Scrap website. Do visit the site to see what the Design Team (Felicia, Cabbi, Cathy, Kim and Emily) came up with as well for inspiration. A few months ago, friends were asking me how I did a carousel with ceramic horses. The tutorial is for an earring carousel, but the carousel can be modified and horses can also be used.

Title: Earring Carousel
Materials:
- illustration board or any stiff board (approx. 30cm x 60 cm or 1ft x 2ft)
- 7 pcs. disposable bamboo chopsticks (or barbecue sticks)
- empty ribbon spool with hole in the middle (piece of styrofoam with a hole in the middle)
- old cd (to be used to stiffen and add weight to the base)
- patterned papers
- ribbons/laces
- cord/ crochet thread for sewing, plus a hairpin instead of a needle
- glue
- hanging earrings (those with a hook attachments only)
- optional: metal trimmings used for fancy jewelry

1. Cut a big circle with a diameter of 20 cm. using the stiff board. Cover with pp. Make a 1/8 pie cut.. Cut a small circle with a diameter of 11 cm. Cover with pp. Cut another small circle of 11 cm or smaller. The latter is a back-up circle to be used to stiffen the base if needed. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel1.jpg)2. Punch holes along the left side of the big circle. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel2.jpg). Move the punched side towards the right side by at least 1''.3. Trace the holes made, then punch them as well. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel3.jpg) 4.Sew the two edges together. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel4.jpg)
5. Trace finished cone on another stiff board and cut. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel5.jpg)
6. Cover with patterned paper then punch a hole on the the traced circle. Push the chopstick through the hole. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel6.jpg)
7. Put glue on the sides of the circle on the stick, then stick this to the edge of the cone.. This will look like an umbrella cone. Push the stick through the previously cut circle with hole at the other end of the stick. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel7.jpg)8. Insert the open end of the stick through the empty ribbon spool. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel8.jpg) This is the framework of the carousel. Set aside.9. Measure 6 panels of 4cm width x 13 cm height on a stiff board. Add 1.5 cm to the height on top and at the bottom. Add another 1.5 on the width of the panel to serve as overlapping flap for gluing.. Cut and score all lines. Cover other side with patterned paper. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel9.jpg)10. Cut the edges to make triangles. Also punch 2 or 4 holes on each of the 6 panels. These is where the earrings will hang. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel10.jpg)
11. Fold the scored lines inward. This will make a hexagonal shape. Glue remaining flap behind one of the panels. For a more finished look, the patterned paper can be longer than the 6 panels and flap. When gluing, this extension goes on top of one of the panels. Punch holes where the previous holes are. Fold the triangles inside. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel11.jpg)12. Tape opposite triangles together. Do this to the bottom as well. This will hold the hexagonal shape together. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel12.jpg)13. Punch a hole where the tapes meet on both ends using the pointed end of the scissors. Take out the stick from the cone and circle base, then insert through the taped top and bottom. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel13.jpg)
14. Insert top end through the cone and bottom end through the bottom circle. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel14a.jpeg) Then stick the remaining end of the stick into the empty ribbon spool. DO NOT GLUE onto the ribbon spool. Make the whole carousel stand on a flat surface. The ribbon spool acts as a stand and as pivoting point. You can now turn the carousel. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel14b.jpg) NOTE: If the bottom circle on stop of the ribbon spool is not stiff enough, you can glue an old cd underneath or another cardboard circle with a hole in the middle to make the bottom thicker and stiff.

15. Cut 6 pieces of bamboo chopsticks into 13 cm lengths. Wrap with ribbon/-s. Glue ends to prevent unravelling. Optional decorative metal can be attached at the ends of the sticks for interest. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel15a.jpg) Glue top and bottom ends of the sticks to the carousel near the corners of the hexagonal prism. (See photo ADS Earring Carousel15b.jpg)16. Embellish the carousel, then hang the earrings through the holes. You're done!
(See photo ADS Earring Carousel Done1.jpg)NOTE: Ceramic horses with holes for carousels can also be used on the bamboo sticks.
(See photo ADS Earring Carousel Done2.jpg)IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT GLUE the stick through the empty ribbon spool as this will prevent the carousel from turning.

Do tell me if you've tried it. I'm sure there's a little girl in all of us that wants one. This is a perfect gift for a girl who has everything.

Sneak Peek Artz de Scrap November Tutorial

2009-11-07T15:14:00.005+08:00

Here is goes, ladies! I'm sponsoring the November Tutorial this month of November. I think just with the sneak peak, you'd be able to guess what it is. I've been asked before to make a tutorial of this one. I tweaked it a little but I hope you'd try it out. Do wait for the reveal in the Artz de Scrap blog here. This would be a perfect gift for Christmas! Do check it out and I challenge all creative ladies to give it a try!

ADS Postcards of Thanks

2009-11-01T12:54:00.004+08:00

For our next challenge, we were tasked to use postcards for an album for Thanksgiving. I decided to get postcards of famous Philippine sites. I decided that I need to travel the Philippines more than any other country.

I used Maya Road chipboard coasters for Transportation (airplane, car and truck). I traced these shapes and pasted them onto the postcards. I painted the edges with white acrylic paint, stamped Prima My Baubles text on top of it, then used mm tiny alphas to label each site. I also embellished each page with K&Co postal stamp stickers. Finally, I covered each page with mm Travel Clear acetates and trimmed off the excess.

I hope that this mini-album will be a reminder to give thanks for what we have in this country and that I still have several places to visit in my list. Do visit the Artz de Scrap site for the other team members' takes here. Also, do take a look into the Sneak Peak for the November Tutorial there.

ADS TicTacToe Revised!

2009-10-17T15:40:00.006+08:00

A new Artz de Scrap Challenge is to make a TicTacToe. Instead of the typical game of 3x3 box grid, I made mine 4x4x4 by adding a 3rd dimension. Hence, this game is a very challenging one.
To make the boards, I used the plastic containers of the SeeD's stamps. I used 4 of the covers and I stamped a Prima My Rose window stamp 4 times using StazOn white to make a 4x4 grid. I decorated each side of the grid with AC black rubons, then colored the sides with cranberry alcohol inks. To make the TicTacToe grid stand, I used magnets underneath the bottom of the 4th cover. On top of the cover, I used magnetic sticks (Magnetic Stix & Balls) which I colored with black alcohol ink. On top of the magnetic sticks on each of the 4 corners, I placed another SeeD's plastic cover. Again, magnetic sticks and a cover were placed one on top of the other until a 4th cover is in place. This is the playing board.On one of the bottom covers of the SeeD's Stamps, I collected several Rhonna Farrer buttons. These would be the playing pieces. Because the game itself is already complicated because of the 4 layers, I decided not to decorate the buttons to avoid further confusion. In truth, I am not a button person when it comes to scrapping and I've had these buttons for so long, I decided this game is the best way to use them instead.
In general, the game is played with 2 players, playing TicTacToe. To win, you can make 4 in a row, in a column, or in a diagonal either on one level or in multiple levels. This makes this quite challenging. Also, it is possible to also have a 3rd player using different colored buttons.

Do check out the our Artz de Scrap Team's takes here.

LOST Contacts!

2009-10-16T08:03:00.003+08:00

Has this ever happened to you? Lost your blog links with just an inadvertent press of a button? Well, this happened to me at least thrice already. And each time, it's a pain to re-establish it. So friends, please send me your blog links. I'd like to visit your site too.

Artz de Scrap Altered Tin Can + Rubber pads

2009-10-06T20:20:00.005+08:00

For this month's challenge, we were asked to alter tin cans. I chose to use the Van Houten Chocolate Almond tin can because of its unique shape. I made it into a small purse!

To cover the tin, I got a few of my extra See D's rubber padding for stamps. I don't know about you but I just have SOOOOO many of them and they're occupying too much space in my craft area. Anyway, the half-size rubber pads were perfect for covering almost half of the tin, so I was able to use 2 1/2 pads. I did a free-cut design of a spider's web, intending to make the bag more like one Elvira would use in Halloween. Since the pads were naturally black, the design was perfect just as is!

I adhered these rubber pieces one-by-one on the outer tin using a quick-drying epoxy glue. Then I sewed Prima velvet leaves into a flower, added some silver beads for accent as well as for a handle, and got myself a bag! The bag came out pretty well, no one would ever think its just a chocolate tin can.

To check out the Artz de Scrap Teams' work, visit the website here.

Metal Embossing, anyone?

2009-09-16T11:59:00.004+08:00

I found this book at 40% off at the National Bookstore Sale in MegaMall last week. Since then, I've been obsessing on the art of metal embossing.

I haven't tried doing this yet, although I've dabbled in paper embossing. I was so intrigued by the idea of manipulating sheets of metal to decorate practically anything! I am so partial to silver and pewter in decor because I feel it lends to an atmosphere of vintage, elegant lifestyle. After going through the first few pages of the book, I said to myself, "I can do this!"

Yesterday, I was able to purchase beginning tools and materials on-line. I am one step closer to playing with this artform. I am so excited, my brain is working overtime in planning projects involving metal embossing!

Cloud's Silver Lining in Scor-It

2009-09-09T19:02:00.004+08:00

If you're read my Scrappin' Moms Idol3 post, I said I was very disappointed with how I tackled the Idol Finals Challenge (scroll down for the reasons behind it). Still, I was happy with the LO I was able to make in that grueling 4 hours.

This same LO entitled "(If I Were a Boy) We Wouldn't Be 5 Girls" (a mouthful!) is going to be displayed in the Scor-It website and newsletter at http://www.scorit.com/ next week! Tim Hammonds loved the idea of using the Mini Scor-It board to scor horizontal and diagonal lines on both the cardstock and the main photo! In fact, he asked me to do a Project of the Month for December and I've accepted! WOW! WOW! WOW! Just shows, every cloud does have a silver lining!

I decided to get the Mini Scor-It because I wanted something that was small enough to bring around if I wanted to use it on crop-meets. Truth is, I wasn't disappointed at all! It was a no-brainer to use and it really looked very sturdy. I'm just beginning to realize the many possibilities this tool can actually do.

What are you waiting for, ladies? Get your own Scor-It now!

Artz de Scrap Altered Lantern

2009-09-02T12:25:00.003+08:00

The latest challenge at Artz de Scrap is to alter a lantern. I bought this copper candle lantern a year ago and I thought that with a little alteration, it could be used to showcase photos of my son. I took off the colored glass from their arched panes from the inside and inserted the photos. I also used Perfect Pearls Aged Patina (blue) on the lantern to match the flowers and lace. This is a perfect way to reuse lanterns and make them part of the living room decor.

To see the other DT's lanterns, do visit the Artz de Scrap website here.

Scrappin' Moms Idol Finals LO

2009-09-01T00:03:00.005+08:00

Here's my take on the Finals of the Scrappin' Moms Idol3 last Saturday, Aug.29. The challenge itself was quite difficult, with 5 required patterned papers, 2 required cloths, required pins, clear buttons and flowers. There were also several items included in the challenge packet like card stock, etc. The theme was based on a song by Beyonce called "If I Were a Boy."

I'm quite proud of what I was able to make for the challenge. We were given 4 hours to make the LO and by the 2nd hour, I was starting to hate my LO. It's because it turned out quite dull. I didn't think I could pull it off and make it presentable. I decided that instead of giving up, I'll see it through. Wonder of wonders, it came out pretty well, something very "me."

Unfortunately, I didn't make top 3. That honor goes to my dear friends Lee, Diane and last but not the least, Bjay, who won as the Scrappin' Moms Idol this year. I actually was 4th in the top 10. And as soon as I got eliminated in the top 3, I knew why--- I didn't follow the rules.

The rules were not really listed down. It was just mentioned to us a few minutes before we started. Since there were many rules and materials to take note of, I actually forgot that one of the rules is that a big percentage of the score is based on the amount of patterned papers used. That meant we had to use quite a lot of it on the LO. My mistake is that I used the accompanying grey cardstock in the kit, not required in the challenge, as my base and used the pps for matting the photos, instead of them being center stage. I completely forgot that patterned paper percentage rule.

The patterned papers themselves were really very difficult to use. There was a light yellow, a golden yellow, a black & white, a purple and a seagreen patterned paper. Together, they didn't really blend quite well. The LO became really a very big challenge when it was coupled with the black & white patterned cloth and the black gabardine cloth (Yup, the one used for men's tailored pants!). I think I pulled off the papers and cloth well in the LO. But since I used the grey card stock inside the kit, I basically sealed my doom.

I didn't know it at the time I was working on the LO. In fact, I was quite happy to have the new Mini-Scor It to play with. I scored my main photo, making it appear to have raised bumps and scratches all around, and I scored one side of the grey card stock with uneven parallel lines as well as diagonal lines. When I sprayed 2 colors of Glimmer Mist, then rubbed walnut ink all around the LO, and later added white crackle paint, the scoring on the card stock popped out. I was so proud of that! I really thought during the first 2 hours that I wouldn't be able to pull it off but with a little perseverance, it paid off!

Finishing in the top 5 however, was a big thing. Last year, I couldn't even finish the LO properly because I got cold feet in making the Christmas LO given patterned papers. I really don't know but I think I might be patterned paper-challenged. Namimili ako ng papel! I often would use card stock instead of patterned papers in most of my LOs. My thinking is that, I can do more with card stock than with patterned papers. And since the Finals was about the patterned papers, I just couldn't make myself use them well.

Still, after the Scrapfest ended, I couldn't help but kick myself mentally on the butt. I could have used the golden yellow paper as the basic paper instead of the card stock, just painted grey or white on the side I wanted to score and the LO just might have been good enough to reach top 3. I really could have. But when I look back, I actually said to myself, "But I'm not a yellow type of person!" Hence, it wasn't automatic for me to use the yellow patterned paper. In fact, in the few times I did use yellow, I would use a patterned paper that looked like an artist's canvas that had splotches of paint for texture, not patterns of flowers or scrolls even.

That's when I realized, maybe I really am not meant for the Idol thing. I'm picky with my papers. I pick my papers to suit my personality. Although I didn't win, in the end, I realized that the only person to whom I'm answerable to is myself. As an artist, I owe myself only that, never mind the world. I did this for myself. That's why I'm happy with the LO I made. It is worthy of going into my albums.

To the Finalists of Scrappin' Moms Idol3, congratulations! Making that LO was really extremely difficult to do and we all deserve a pat on the back for even completing it. To Diane and Lee, you proved your mettle in the challenge and I deeply feel you deserve the accolades. And to Idol Bjay, you have always been one of my idols and I'm really happy your immense talents are now recognized. I am truly honored to be a friend and a co-scrapper. Bow ako sa iyo, Idol Bjay!

Title: If I were a boy, we wouldn't be 5 Girls.

Photos show the latest photo of us 5 Bonoan Girls, plus individual photos.
Journal: As the eldest, had I been a boy, we wouldn't be 5 girls. In the end, my parents got their wish. We are all strong-willed and independent --- like boys. And, we can be just as dirty.

Techniques used: Using Mini-Scor It on the photo and on the left side of the card stock; using crackle paint for texture and to highlight the scored side; rubbing walnut ink on the sides of the LO; hand-tearing the sides of the LO and inserting the patterned cloth on some torn sides; stamping on the clear buttons; spraying Suede (brown) and Dew Drop (bluish silver) Glimmer Mist on the sides of the LO for highlights; masking lace using Deep Plum Glimmer Mist; distressing edges of the photo matting using a blade cutter.

Scrappin' Moms Idol3 Challenge4-6

2009-08-30T08:56:00.011+08:00

I confess. I haven't been good at updating my blog in the last month or so. I've been busy with the Idol and with schoolwork, I've neglected posting my projects in Scrappin'Moms Idol 3. So, I'm just going to lump them all together here.Challenge 4's theme was Let's Play. We were supposed to play with the papers, as well as use any combination of teal, orange, and yellow. Since the colors were not eye-catching enough, I added maroon to it. I literally played with the papers by cutting the papers and arranging them in a fan-fold to make it appear more than they really are. I also made a paper flower as the main embellishment. Photos I used were of me playing with the paper.
Challenge 5's theme was a Mini-album based on a favorite book. I chose mine to be Berenstain Bears, a favorite children's series that my son and I read almost every night. I basically used chipboards to cut them into shapes and layered them to make the album appear like a scene. We were required to use at least 2 ATCs and these had to be incorporated into the album. I used 2 to make one vegetable and one flower patch, 2 ATCs to make the garage doors, and 1 stamped with text about Imagination. Each of the photos I used were based on one of the series titles of the Berenstain Bears. Hence, I also placed the titles of the book on each photograph (Too Much Junk Food, In the Dark, The Trouble with Pets, Too Much Vacation). I guess, I just had too much fun making the shaped album!Challenge 6 was the Disney Princess theme. I couldn't relate to the theme because I've never seen myself as a princess. Although I grew up in a relatively well-off family, we were never spoiled nor taught to take money for granted. I guess because my dad worked hard to make his fortune. Hence, I centered the LO on my being Reluctant as a princess. Over the years, my friends would jibe me, saying, "May pera si Papa!" It meant, I could spend much if I wanted to. They didn't know that my father is very careful with his money, because he was a banker, an investment banker at that. I guess that rubbed off on me as well. I tried my best to be as simple as possible, learning to take public transportation rides (often incurring the ire of the dad quite a lot!), dressing down, buying wisely, by getting cheaper versions of the "in" things. I sort of felt guilty having much, esp. when I see others struggle with money just for the basic necessities in life. I became detached from money and I learned to live my life as simple as I could. In the end, I realized that money isn't everything. I'd rather be who I want to be, than someone's idea of a spoiled little rich girl.
For this LO, I played with the Ranger Melting Pot. I dipped the flowers in melted beeswax, then into Barbara Trombley's Vintage Glass Glitter (Diamond), before attaching them into the LO. It made the flowers look sugary in appearance. I also did emboss resist, hence the stamped lace design on the bottom. I also painted white all over, then poured melted beeswax and sprinkled Beadazzles and vintage glass. I also tore the paper several times to reveal the Prima Journals I attached from the back.

All in all, I was proud of what I was able to finish in the Scrappin' Moms Idol3 Challenges. I won the 1st Week's Pick of the Week on Paper Piecing. I think I've also matured in my style from last year. I now know what I want and who I am in my LOs.

New Prima Products!

2009-08-22T18:27:00.003+08:00

Have you seen these new Prima products? My, oh my. Such luscious flowers, leaves, pearls and flower centers!!! I still haven't gotten hold of the old CHA items, and they come up with new ones for me to oggle at! To see these gorgeous items in use, check them out here.

Artz de Scrap Altered Toilet Paper Tubes into Saturn V Rocket

2009-08-16T09:51:00.005+08:00

My son wanted me to make a rocket ever since he became fascinated with spaceships. Last summer, he was introduced to the Saturn V Rocket, after seeing a demonstration of the 3-stage rocket booster separation in a Singaporean Aerospace Museum. Given that Artz de Scrap's Guest Designer Timi Mercado challenged us to alter toilet paper rolls, I decided to give in to Galo's whim to make a Saturn V Rocket.

I used several toilet paper rolls, some smaller in girth. I simply unrolled the cardboard, rolled it to make it tighter and taped it well. After getting the desired height and basic shape, I covered the whole rocket with several layers of strips of toilet paper and white glue, like in paper mache. To make the fins and line definitions, I used different lengths of wooden toothpicks which I glued to the side of the rocket. I then covered them with layers of toilet paper and glue as well. I also made 8 small cones, painted them in black and glued them as fuel nozzles at the bottom of the rocket. Afterwards, I painted the whole rocket with gesso white, then painted the black designs, the US flag and words "USA" all over the rocket using acrylic paint and Whispers Strokes pens. Lastly, I made white checked designs on the body of the rocket using a white textured textile glue. For displaying, since it couldn't stand very well with the black nozzles glued at the bottom, I used a metal paper stake which I inserted in between the nozzles. This, I had to put away for safety when I gave the rocket to Galo.

Except for not being not scaled to size and not very straight, it still turned out quite well. My son couldn't wait to play with it!

Materials used: toilet paper rolls; toilet paper strips; toothpicks; Delta Ceramcoat Gesso; Semco acrylic paint black; Whispers Strokes Pens; Pebeo Touch Textile white.

Techniques used: paper mache; painting; drawing; doodling with puff glue.

Scrappin' Moms Idol3 Challenge3-Space It Out!

2009-08-10T11:57:00.006+08:00

This is my 3rd Challenge entry for Scrappin' Moms Idol 3. This time, we were required to use at least 8 photos. In my case, I used 10 showing a sequence of Galo eating a sandwich. The funny thing is, Galo is in Krispy Kreme in Bonifacio High Street for a field trip. He made his own donut, only to take one lick and decide that he doesn't like donuts after all. He was the only child who didn't patronise the establishment!

Journal: You took one bite of the donut and realized that your ham sandwich was a better treat.

Do check out the gallery here for more cool LOs.

Materials: Bazzill cardstock in blue green and in greyish white; AC Thickers Sprinkles white; mm Tiny Alphabets white on black; Prima Say it in Crystals; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Suede; AAS metal wire metallic green; Carolina's laces in grey and peach; Carolina's cloth flowers; Shoemart paper flowers; Kanlaon paper leaves; Pigma micron 03 black pen.

Scrappin' Moms Idol3 Challenge2-Reduce,Reuse,Recycle

2009-07-21T12:14:00.005+08:00

Here's my LO on the theme Reduce, Reuse, Recycle for Scrappin' Moms Idol 3 Challenge No.2. Do check out the gallery here to see what all the other contestants came up with.
Journal: Father and Son, a sweet twosome from the very beginning and for always.

For this LO, I used one cardstock and 1 patterned paper and 1 scrapbooking item which I reused, meaning I used twice. I also used 3 different scrapbooking packaging for repurposing or recycling. By making this LO, I wanted to prove to myself that it is possible to come up with a LO that is still environmentally sound. Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?

Half a length of the Prima Viola was masked against the cs, before attaching it to the lower left corner of the cs. The Viola adhesive backing was used to make the opposite of the Viola felt on the opposite corner of the LO. I also used the other half of the Prima Viola as a decorative flower embellishment, then also used the same adhesive backing into another flower right beside it.

Prima Belle Fleur packaging cardboard was used as a photo matting, but I used it first for masking after cutting the design. Hence, the photo matting created a "white shadow."

The title was also cut from the back part of the Belle Fleur packaging name which happened to be black. I used the letters for masking "twosome" and for misting the black words "sweet." The title made a positive and a negative tandem.

The last packaging material I used was a pair of 7 Gypsies Gaffer Tape Tags as an embellishment, but I used it also as a mask to make the perfect journaling spot.

All packaging materials were reused as well as recycled. I wanted to point out that reusing and recycling always come as a pair, just like the "sweet twosome."

Materials:
Required cardstock - Light Grey Bazzill; Required patterned paper - MME Wild Aspen 24; Required scrapbooking item - Prima Viola; Required repurposed/recycled scrapbooking packagings - Prima Viola adhesive backing, Prima Belle Fleur cardboard packaging, 7 Gypsies Gaffer Tape Tags 2 pieces. Others used: Glimmer Mist Deep Plum & Suede, Uniball Gel Impact black pen. Tools used: Sidekick, Quickutz Sophisticate.

Techniques Used:
Masking; Distressing by rolling inside edges plus corner rose of pp; Distressing by misting suede for an aged look; Cutting design of the Belle Fleur cardboard packaging; Making the Viola felt AND the Viola adhesive backing into flowers; Using adhesive backing into lace embellishment; Using Belle Fleur cardboard packaging as alphas and for masking.

Art de Scrap Journal Challenge

2009-07-17T08:24:00.004+08:00

I made my own journal for the Artz de Scrap Challenge. I decided to recycle stuff I had plenty of. For the inside, I used tons of brown paper bags which I cut in half. I gave the other half a hand-torn look. I just punched holes on one side using my blue Zutter and walaah! I have a journal! My idea is that with each page, I can actually store ephemera as keepsakes, say when travelling. I also decided to keep the embellies to a minimum because of possible wear and tear in travelling. Also, it makes a great gift to anyone, male or female alike! I actually left the journal on top of my pile of stuff on my desk and I saw one of my co-teachers admiring it. (Mmmm. Her birthday is coming up. Maybe I should give it to her.)

Chipboard, the one that comes with the papers and kits I buy, was used for the cover. I painted it white, then misted it with Glimmer Mist Dewdrop for a glittery effect, then stamped the journal text of Tim Holtz. I adhered Sugar-coated Doodlebug alphas in black, and added a big J grungeboard which I painted black and sugar-coated as well. Bright red ribbons give a final dramatic touch.

Scrappin' Moms Idol 3- Challenge 1 Pick of the Week

2009-07-16T19:57:00.003+08:00

I was lucky enough to be chosen as Pick of the Week for Challenge # 1 Paper Piecing!!! Woohooh!!! This is a first time for me! I never thought I'd get chosen. Last year, I never got chosen once, so I must have done something really good this time. I'm on cloud nine, feeling so lucky to have been chosen. Even if I don't make it to the finals, this is enough for me. Besides, I don't know if I can keep churning out LOs that will meet the requirements with the challenges getting more difficult as the weeks pass.

To see the announcement and the LO entitled My Small World, please check it out here. Thank you very much, Idol Cabbie!

June Kit of Studio Azul, Scrap Buffet LOs

2009-07-14T19:14:00.005+08:00

Where the Heart Is shows our family photo. We are currently building a house, and the truth is, whether we live here or there, only having the whole family is enough to make a home. The house doesn't really matter.
Carry Me features my son in the airport asking to be carried. We've tried to avoid carrying him since he turned five, but with the length of the airport terminal to trudge, it was just too much for his little feet. Journal reads, "You're too big to carry, but when you ask me, how can I refuse?"

Both LOs use cardstock and Webster's Pages. This lovely kit was so full, I still have quite a number of papers and embellies left for another project and some!
Bombs of the Past featured 2 empty bomb metal canisters that used to litter the streets of Manila during the Liberation Period. US air raid bombers dropped hundreds of thousands of these, hoping to drive the Japanese away, but in the process, killed millions of Filipinos trapped in the city. My grandparents were able to save these 2, both of which are used for housing umbrellas and other objects. The gold splotches were made using gold UTEE and Studio Azul's Blot Stamp in one of their previous kits.

Altered Book Bag

2009-07-08T22:25:00.003+08:00

Here's a thought. How can you use a book as a bag? Simple. Glue the sides, put straps and decorate.

I originally thought, "No way am I going to destroy a book!" It so happened that Artz de Scrap posed their July Challenge which is to alter a story book. I knew Galo is very territorial when it comes to his books so there's no way I can filch one out of his book shelf. I was contemplating on buying a second-hand book because I wanted to make it into a bag. Fortunately, I saw one book I took out from Galo's reading materials because I wasn't happy with the storyline nor with the moral of the story. It was "Eloise Makes Breakfast."

I covered the outer corners of the book with a Webster's Pages Magical Wishes Sticker, carefully cutting it so it only covered the areas I needed. Next, I painted the middle with Pebbles Olive Green, then embellished the rest of the cover with more stickers and pp flowers from Magical Wishes Line. I finished it off with Prima Hydrangea flowers, Tinkering Ink felt stickers for a latch, Maya Road metal flower hinges and a length of Carolina's metal chain, cut in half, for the handles.

At this time, I still couldn't make myself completely destroy the book so I decided that when I'm ready, I'll just stick the edges of the book to make pockets. As it is, it can only house a hankie at best. Still, once stuck together, one can also stuff a few papers, maybe even paper money inside it. Chances are, it will be a little girl who'll like to carry the book as a bag, just like mommy!

Do check out the new Artz de Scrap Team's takes on this project here.

Busy but productive

2009-07-07T12:00:00.005+08:00

I've been too busy to post, but still am very productive these past few weeks. Here are some LOs I've done:

This one was made for the Elimination Round of Scrapping Idol 3. You can check out the link here. I didn't intend to join a 2nd time since I thought I'd be too busy to do weekly LOs as a challenge. My good friend, Lee, convinced me that this will force me to make at least 1 LO a week. It's also true that as per experience, I learned quite a lot of new techniques, helping me to stretch myself creatively. For this LO, I used ordinary kasta cloth (canvas cloth used for painting before it is primed). The challenge was to use an ad as a sketch to make our own interpretation. I promised myself that I will only make LOs true to my style. Hence, even if what was required was a wave design of a red-black-white color scheme, mine came out differently. The series of photos showed Galo around 1 year 3 mos. playing around with the tape measure.

Materials: plain katsa cloth cut into 12x12; Glimmer Mist Merlot & Olive Vine; Colorbox Mini Peacock, Moss Green and Peony; blue measuring tape from Studio Azul Kit; Cosmo Cricket Blackboard Fleuriste chipboard; 7 Gypsies Gaffer tape black definitions; Fancy Pants Lace Wraps Powder; Carolina's white cotton lace; K&Co Alphabets Stickers To Go; Inkssentials Opaque White Pen. Stamp Used: Fancy Pants Bella Brush.

The 2nd LO was made for the Scrapping Idol 3's Challenge #1. Check it out in the Idol 3 Gallery here. This time, we were asked to do "Paper Piecing," a technique using small pieces of paper to come up with a bigger piece as part of the embellishment. I decided to go do a mosaic. I thought it would be easy since the concept seemed easy enough. What I didn't expect was how brutal it was to do. I even went further by cutting each paper piece by handtearing! How sado-masochistic was I! Nevertheless, it came out pretty well. Photo showed Galo and me admiring "It's a Small World" in Disneyland, HK.

Materials List:
Bazzill cardstock puce; Basic Grey Wassail French hens; misc. Basic Grey pp; Anna Griffin AG136; Webster's Pages A Sweet Life; MME Bohemia Cherish Botanical; AC Thickers Sprinkles; Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Dewdrop & Suede; Pebeo Touch Deco Pearl Olive Green, Parma, Pink, Azure & Mist; Perfect Pearls Aged Patina Blue & Green; Sailor Pen Warm Cream.

Whew! What else will they come up with next?! Also, do wait for my other projects and LOs to be posted soon.

Artz de Scrap's DT for July -Dec

2009-07-02T18:11:00.002+08:00

I am very honored to be chosen as Artz de Scrap's Design Team again for the months of July-Dec.! This time, we have another Filipina scrapper in the team, Catherine Bautista. That makes three Filipinas with Nathalie "Cabbie" Jane Lopez, a Resident Designer in the group. Other team members are: Emily Zhang and Kim Faucher. You can check out the announcement here.

Watch out for the exciting projects and tutorials to come!

Studio Azul's June GDT!

2009-06-25T11:53:00.003+08:00

I'm so honored to be asked by Tin Yao of Studio Azul to be the June GDT! I got this June Kit package that was soooo YUMMY, I had to start on it as soon as I had time.

Please check out the GDT feature here and the LOs here. Watch out for the project. It'll be out soon.

Something's a-brewing!

2009-06-24T21:10:00.002+08:00

I've been busy working on several LOs and a project. I'm done with the 2 LOs, and finally finished the basics of the project. It just needs embellishment. Watch out for this last one because I'm extremely proud of the work I was able to do.

Oh, and I'm in the middle of several things too. Will update with recent news soon.

My ADS Tutorial is out!

2009-06-17T18:50:00.005+08:00

I just found out that my tutorial is finally out. I made a tutorial for the mailboxes shown above. If you'd like to see how it's done, please head on to this site.

I'm so glad that the DTs did get to make their own version since everyone came up with such overwhelmingly GORGEOUS takes! Do check out their versions by scrolling down here. I swear, their takes really show the abundance of talent in the group. I'm hoping that others, esp. fellow Filipino scrappers, do take the chance and apply for DTs. Actually, I'm toying with reapplying but I'm just not sure if I have the time yet. I still have the next few days to think about it and to come up with a project to submit.

Sneak Peek: My Artz de Scrap June Tutorial

2009-06-13T09:37:00.004+08:00

Yup, I've been given the task of making the June Tutorial for Artz de Scrap. It's quite an honor, considering that this is the last month I'll be DT for the site. I was told to make a tutorial of anything that would be easy enough to follow. If it is too difficult, not too many people would attempt to make their own version. I'm hoping Artz de Scrap afficionados will try it out.

Here's a sneak peek of the project.
I purposedly made sure that the tutorial, to be revealed soon in the Artz de Scrap site, is easy to follow. I had made photos of every step and had to cut down on it so that it wouldn't be overwhelming. I ended up doing 2 of the same project, since Galo, my son, wanted one himself!

Artz de Scrap Altered Envelopes

2009-06-02T00:07:00.008+08:00

This time, we were challenged to alter envelopes. I used 2 different sized envelopes which I altered using stamps, stamp inks and different colored UTEE.

After opening the envelope at the seams and hand-tearing its edges, I rubbed ink all over, with tattered rose in the middle and black at the edges. Then I used 2 stamps, a Fancy Pants From the Garden flower vine stamp and a Prima Dreamer ledger stamp. By repeating the pattern, it started to look more and more like a hankie. I embossed the flower stamp in black and rose quartz. Then I rubbed Versamark, then sprinkled black and silver UTEE and embossed them in place. This gave the envelope-wrapper lots of texture.

The smaller envelope was made into a picture frame using similar techniques but different colors. I wrapped the picture frame with the bigger peach envelope and tied it with a ribbon. I loved playing with embossing powder and UTEE so much, I can hardly believe myself that the envelopes are not made of cloth! Really fun to do. This really means that I should get more UTEE to play with!

Do check out the Artz de Scrap blog here for more inspiration from the talented DTs and RDs.

Materials: 2 different sized white envelopes (smaller one should fit inside the bigger one), Versamark, StazOn black, Color Box mini peacock, Distress Ink weathered wood, tattered rose and black soot, PA Embossing Powder black, Ranger Antiquities Embossing Powder Rose Quartz, Whispers Embossing Powder blue, UTEE black, clear and platinum, Simple Joys mocha ribbon.

Techniques: stamping, hand-tearing, smudging stamp ink, embossing.

Artz de Scrap Sneak Peak

2009-05-31T09:08:00.002+08:00

Here's a sneak peak of one of the projects in Artz de Scrap. I played with different colors of UTEE, stamps and ink to make this. I am now a certified UTEE addict!

Mother's Day Card

2009-05-24T20:08:00.004+08:00

I know, I know. I forgot to upload my Mother's Day Card. I am not a card maker really. Hence, when we recently had a scrapping session with friends here, a friend of ours, Alby, challenged us to make one. It gave me an excuse to make a card for my mom for the first time in what, 20-30 years?!!! Of course, the effort was well worth it because my mom was very surprised to find out that it was handmade by me.

I decided to use a number of stamps for both the card and the envelope. I wanted to use one of my "virgin" stamps, a BG Grow-a-Garden clear stamps of branches. By combining it with the leaves of the Stampin' Up Wild Rose, plus the En Francaise script, I was able to make a scene that turned out very feminine especially with the colors I used.

Materials: misc. card + envelope, miscellaneous paper flowers & leaves, Ancient Page Plum Wine, Color Box Moss Green, StazOn Olive Green, StazOn Brown. Stamps used: BG Grow-a-Garden, Stampin' Up Wild Rose, Stampin' Up En Francaise.

Techniques Used: Stamping, blending, dry embossing.

Artz de Scrap Altered Birdhouse

2009-05-19T22:21:00.004+08:00

These are the photos of my Artz de Scrap Birdhouse, inspired by Bree Tetz's tutorial. Hope you'd all try making one because it really is fun!

Sneak Peak Artz de Scrap Altered Birdhouse

2009-05-03T22:10:00.008+08:00

I've always wanted to alter this birdhouse decor someone gave me last Christmas. It's not that the wooden birdhouse is ugly. It's just too brightly colored in yellow and green so I decided to make it look more vintage. Co-DT Bree's tutorial for Artz de Scrap gave me the perfect opportunity to finally get it done.

Since I'm currently into making eggs, I decided to make empty quail egg shells as part of the decor, with a chipboard bird in front of the birdhouse. To make the egg shells sparkle, I glued clear glitter all over the egg. A chipboard bird and branch, plus real branches complete the look.

Do check out Bree's tutorial in the Artz de Scrap blog here, as well as the other DT's take, including mine. I hope many will get challenged to make their own birdhouse as a decorative accent in the home.

Later, I'll reveal all the close-up photos of the birdhouse.

Materials: Basis Grey Aged&Confused Phresh&Phunky Phlordilee, Basic Grey Wassail French Hens, Daisy d's Moda, Maya Road chipboards, sunflower, branch and bird, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Deep Plum, Carolina's flowers and leaves, Carolina's lace, mm Scrapbook Colors chocolate, Gelly Gems, Leeho clear glitter, miscellaneous bleached branches, quail egg shells, black felt for bottom of base.

Techniques: Painting; masking bird and branch chipboard on the birdhouse walls; adhering sunflower chipboard around the hole as a frame; punching holes on the sunflower chipboard petals; using glitter on quail eggs; using bleached branches to make a nest for the eggs.

Artz de Scrap Clear Mini-album "Party Girls"

2009-05-01T12:16:00.004+08:00

For May, Artz de Scrap asked its DTs to come up with clear mini-albums using the acetates given to us. The acetates were shaped in brackets so I decided to accentuate the shape with layers of red, brown and white StazOn ink all around. Aside from the photos, pps and flowers, I used a lot of rub-ons.

I decided to use the PS-SE Madhatter's Costume Party for the album. This is so apt since I used the Confetti "Party Girls" Clear Tag as a title. I managed to cut the tag into the bracket shape to conform to the side of the album.

I also cut 2 pieces of the album shape of the Hambly Screen Print. I wanted to have a cover to the album without using any of the acetate in order to protect the photos and pages inside.
Materials: Artz de Scrap Kit: misc. acetate sheets in bracket design, Cratepaper Blue Collection Sky, DejaViews Teal, Bohemia "Love of My Life" 12" Acrylic Borders, Hambly Screen Print "Squiggle," Confetti "Party Girls" Clear Tag, Fashion Angels Bracelet beads; mm Sky brads,mm Springtime brads, DCWV matchmakers mini-brads, Creative Imaginations Allison Connors metal flower brads, Carolina's various ribbons, Hot Off the Press Chocolate Flowers, StazOn (olive green, red, brown, white). Stamp used: Stampin' Up's En Francais. Techniques used: stamping, inking edges of acetate in several layers of colors, masking using flower on acetate, layering, beading, cutting acrylic borders and tags into shape.

Post-Easter Altered Eggs

2009-04-26T15:31:00.003+08:00

I recently altered some real egg shells. I wanted to make my own Faberge' Eggs ever since I've seen one on tv when I was a child. By taking out the yolk and albumin, and using only the complete egg shell, I made my own egg art. Friends who saw these eggs, all of them scrappers, have been encouraging me to send them to a magazine for publishing. (Because I'm going to submit it for publication, I can't have the photos up yet. My apologies!) A few have asked me to make a demonstration as well. I'm hoping that the eggs do get accepted for publishing because they really are too pretty not to be shared. If possible, I'd like to write a "How To..." article even. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Artz de Scrap Happy Easter Banner

2009-04-14T19:33:00.007+08:00

I've had these wonderful Grungeboard alphas which I haven't even used once! When the time came for us to come up with a banner, I just had to use the alphas. I used both the original and the textured stripe. To color it, I rubbed 3 different colored Colorbox stamp pads in Peacock, Peony and Moss Green, then stamped Inque Boutique See-D's Savoir Faire majestic Flight scroll with StazOn Black.

I cut egg-shapes out of tracing paper, rubbed Glimmer Mist Merlot at the sides using a cottonball. This gave the paper eggs more definition, making them look more 3-D. I also stamped the same scroll using Ancient Page Plum Wine stamp ink this time. to give the paper eggs some character. I also sprinkled clear glitter on it to give it some sparkle. After adhering the alphas, I punched 2 sides of each egg paper and attached mm Sky eyelets. To connect each egg, I used miscellaneous cloth flowers in purple and blue found in Kamuning. Each flower is attached to a wire which made it perfect as a decorative accent and as a connector to each paper egg. Pebbles ribbons in purple and light blue complete the look

To see the wonderful creations of the other DT and RD members of Artz de Scrap, please visit this site here.

Materials: Tim Holtz' Idea-ology Grungeboard Alphas (plain & stripe), Elit Tracing Paper, Tatttered Angels Glimmer Mist Merlot, StazOn Black, Ancient Page Plum Wine, mm Sky eyelets, Leeho glitter, Pebbles striped ribbons in purple and light blue, miscellaneous cloth flowers with wires. Stamp used: Inque Boutique See-D's Savoir Faire Majestic Flight scroll.

Techniques: Stamping, rubbing edges with Glimmer Mist, rubbing alphas with stamp ink, spreading glitter across stamped images.

Artz de Scrap Teaser

2009-04-11T16:06:00.003+08:00

Here's a teaser for my Artz de Scrap tutorial take. Do head on to the Artz de Scrap blog http://artzdescrap.blogspot.com/. It will come out soon.

Bored Waiting, ScrapJam LO & RAK

2009-04-07T08:53:00.012+08:00

ScrapJam immediately followed our return trip from HK (literally the night before!) so I barely had time to have photos made and get ready for scrapping. Of course, I thought I was pretty well-equipped for the event, only to find out I didn't bring my cutting mat, my blade, photo tape, sander, Maya scrolls, flowers, ribbons, etc. I had to borrow from my scrap buddies just to make it through!

Hence, when judging for the LO came, I didn't expect to win, nor even place as a runner-up at all! With great scrappers, Lee, Bjay and Donna, in my table blowing our minds with their skills, plus the talents of Cabbie, Mia, Nita, Au, Alby, Jeanie, Gracie, and so many others present, I just didn't have a chance. Still, I just went for my target of making 1 finished LO given everything stacked against me.

We were required to use the 3 papers given to us, plus Thickers bought on the spot, and also to use any stamp. Good thing, I had my Studio Azul Kit with me so I was able to use the boy stamp and the tag provided therein. The tag was great as a hidden journal, and fortunately, Scrapbooks-Hawaii sold ribbons of the exact color as the papers I got!

I decided to put the 3 papers one on top of the other, making some kind of stairs. I made the kraft paper as the first base, with the brown, then the red pp on top. In order to fit the 12x12 size, I had to recut these papers so that the total will still fit my albums. I also hand-tore some of the edges.

Journal: April 3, 2009. Hongkong International Airport. You were hungry, thirsty, tired & bored, waiting for our return trip to Manila. You're a real trooper.

Techniques used: Stamping, layering of papers, hand-tearing and rolling of edges for distressing, folding of papers and photos plus sanding to make white lines across everything, crackle painting the undressed Thickers in 2 colors, rubbing 2 Glimmer Mists on the edges of the kraft paper (without shaking the bottles to lessen the glimmer part), handwritten journal.

Materials used: Basic Grey pps, SR pp, misc. kraft paper, Thickers Shoebox, Prima Accents Cavalier Collection Brads, Studio Azul Kit tag, mm Love 2 ribbons, 7 Gypsies Gaffer Tape, Ranger Distress Crackle Paints (Tattered Rose, Shabby Shutters, Aged Mahogany, Brushed Pewter), StazOn Black & White Stamp Inks. Stamps used: Studio Azul Kit Boy & Girl Stamp, Prima My Rose Ledger & Postage Stamps.

Here's the RAK I luckily won! Thanks, Marisa of Scrapbooks-Hawaii, Yoyin and the ScrapJam Team! Love the RAK!

Artz de Scrap Altered Notebook

2009-04-07T08:44:00.005+08:00

Remember those angel telephone directories we used to make in the Philippines eons ago? Well, it so happened, Artz de Scrap asked us to alter notebooks for this month's project. Unfortunately, I was out of the country and didn't have a notebook to alter with me. I ended up using 5 HK Disneyland coupon booklets instead which I've attached together.

After folding each page, I painted the edges with blue acrylic, then used glitter glue to draw stars on them. I placed a photo of my son inside a glass christmas ball, stuck a popsicle stick inside and inserted it on top of the coupon booklet body. To top it, I placed a Mickey Mouse Magician's Hat. Just something to remember our recent trip. Also, it was a good excuse for me to fold all those pages while waiting for our flight!

To see and be inspired by the wonderful altered notebook creations of the Artz de Scrap Team, please visit this site: http://artzdescrap.blogspot.com/

Artz de Scrap Altered Board - Welcome to My Room!

2009-03-18T19:35:00.006+08:00

I've had this Kaiser train album for months now, intending to make an album for my son. Of course, like the 101 things I've been planning to scrap, I never got around to doing it. Hence, when we were challenged in Artz de Scrap to alter a Kaiser Board (and since I didn't have any such board), I merely used the board album. It ended up being my son's wall decor.

I separated the album to make 4 trains, crackle painted the top parts of the trains, then adhered pps for the bottom part. I drilled 2 holes on the front ends of the train to match 2 of the 4 holes at the end of each train, then attached wires to connect them.

For the train wheels, I used the All About Scrapbooking's craftwire's plastic container. With 8 of them, they made perfect wheels after a little dab of alcohol ink!

Do check out the other Artz de Scrap talented designers' takes here.

Materials: Kaiser Train Album, Ranger Tim Holtz' Distress Crackle Paint (Aged Mahogany, Shabby Shutters, Brushed Corduroy, Tattered Rose), Inque Boutique 60514 Memoirs pps, Carolina's lace, miscellaneous ribbon scraps, Provocraft Alphaletterz Brush Express Seaside & Tweedle Plain, Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Inks (slate, pitch black, silver mixative), Pebeo Pearl Touch azure.

Artz de Scrap Altered Doorhanger

2009-03-02T12:20:00.007+08:00

I just finished the Artz de Scrap Altered Doorhanger. Using the wooden one given to us, I decided to crackle the whole surface, then stamp black script all over it. Then I did something I've never done before, I layered rub-ons one-after the other over the stamped script! This created an "edgier" background. I must admit, I was second-guessing myself by doing this. In the end, even with the "layered" look, the style still became mine, still vintage.

I cut the frame part of the Little Yellow Bicycle Vita Bella Collection Blue Circle Frame with Metallic Foil pp, adhered it to the door hanger so that it just fits around the hole in the middle. Then I added some cloth flowers and leaves.

Do check out the other DT's eyecatching door hangers at http://artzdescrap.blogspot.com/

Materials: Kaiser door hanger; Ranger Distress Crackle Paint Shabby Shutters; Basic Grey Wholy Cow Rub-Ons Periphery B; StazOn black; VersaCraft Real Black 182; Carolina's cloth flowers and leaves. Stamp used: Stampin' Up En Francais.

Techniques Used: crackle painting, stamping, inking sides, layered rub-ons, precision-cutting pp to create "holes" in the design.

KAYA 22 - Fields of Gold

2009-02-28T22:57:00.005+08:00

I loved this song from the moment I heard it sung by Sting. It was written by Sting for his wife. For me, it evokes a long life of love and companionship. It's something I'm looking forward to as we mature.

Journal: Growing old together, seeing time pass with joined hands in our fields of gold, in a song that withstands time.

FIELDS OF GOLD by Sting

...Will you stay with me, will you be my love,
Among the fields of barley.
Will forget the sun in his jealous sky
As we lie in fields of gold.

...Many years have passed since those summer days
Among the fields of barley.
See the children run as the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold....

I used a plain yellow ochre cs and stamped all over, first with StazOn black and olive green, then embossed same stamp in black and in gold. Distressing was made by rubbing walnut ink and by rolling and tearing the sides. Also, by rubbing more walnut ink where the stamping was made, I created an illusion of more plants in the background. To hold the photo and the song in tracing paper, I cross-stitched silver thread at strategic places around them. I also sewed clear and amber glass beads together with miscellaneous dried grain stalks for added interest. Photo was also altered in Lightroom to age its look.

Materials: Bazzill cs, Thickers Shoebox alpha, Carolina's lace and ribbon, Kotex silver thread, Elit tracing paper, miscellaneous glass beads (clear and amber), StazOn black & olive, VersaMark Watermark, PA embossing powder in gold and in black, Tsukineko Walnut Ink. Stamp used: Stamper's Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection Nature's Discovery 049.

Honored to be Scrapbooking.com's Blog of the Week!

2009-02-27T18:28:00.002+08:00

I am very honored to be chosen as Blog of the Week by Jami Petersen for Scrapbooking.com's newsletter starting this Monday, March 2, 2009. I really don't know how or why but I am humbled.

3rd Frugal Scrapper LO - Hiding in Mommy's Closet

2009-02-27T07:10:00.008+08:00

As if 2 LOs for Prima's Frugal Challenge isn't enough, I just had to try and see if I can still use other Prima packagings for the challenge. This time I used a Prima Say It In Crystals paper packaging for the polka-dot paper in the middle, plus the Prima Viola felt design and its backing. I cut the Viola in half lengthwise so that the black felt was separated into two. Then I used the backing of the Viola, cut it lengthwise as well, then used spray mount to stick them. By sticking together a half Viola felt and a half Viola backing, I was able to make a very interesting patterned background on my plain white cardstock. I also hid part of the title "HIDING" with the white lace ribbon, trimmed it with black cotton thread for more ooomph, then placed the "D" on top of it, just for fun.

I'm really glad I did this challenge. I just wanted to prove to myself that using unconventional materials for scrapbooking can really be done. Of course, making 3 LOs just for this challenge is a feat in itself.

Journal: Hiding in Mommy's closet is so much fun but only if I am found.

Materials: Prima packaging: Say It in Crystals cardboard, Viola adhesive backing. Bazzill white cs, Prima Viola Die-cut Art Strips cut in half lengthwise; Thickers Shoebox alphas; Prima flowers grey; Carolina's white ribbon; misc. black cotton thread; StazOn white and black; VersaCraft 182 real black, Pigma micron 05 pen black. Stamp used: Prima Dreamer.

Techniques used: stamping, rubbing walnut ink, distressing sides of LO, inking alphas, sewing black thread through white ribbon, handwritten journal, sepia photo.

2nd Prima Fruggal Scrapper LO- Hurt

2009-02-22T22:20:00.010+08:00

Here's the 2nd LO I made for the Prima Frugal Scrapper LO Challenge, entitled Hurt. I used a Prima Dreamer Clear Stamps paper packaging, plus it's transparent plastic window and the 2 plastic fasteners. I made some sort of frame with the paper packaging but I hand-torn a square hole in the middle of it. I cut the transparent window into a square, used alcohol inks to color the sides then stamped on it. The alcohol ink I used was Stream, almost the exact shade of the Prima Flirty Little Secret Frock pp which I made as the base. I adhered the photo with double-sided tape behind the handmade transparency. Then I hand-torn another square hole on the Frock pp. This is why the photo looks like it floats on the transparency. To finish it off, I distressed the edges of the pp by rolling and hand-tearing the edges, then rubbed walnut ink all around the sides. For the alphas, I used Prima Rue 88 but I covered it with Ranger Distress Crackle Paint in Aged Mahogany.

I must say that I like this one even better than the 1st entry. Of course, I had my doubts when I was just starting, especially when I couldn't stretch the Dreamer packaging enough to make almost 12x12. Also, I already alchol-inked and stamped on the handmade transparency before I realized I could actually adhere it onto a similar Prima pp (Thank you, Iris!)

Journal reads: When you're hurt, I am hurt; when you're sick, I feel sick. You feel it in your body. I feel it in my heart. You are a part of me that needs to heal.

Materials: Prima Dreamer Clear Stamps packaging (paper packaging, transparent plastic window, 2 plastic closures with cotton string); Prima Flirty Little Secret Frock; Prima Say It in Crystals; Prima Rue 88 Chipboard Alphas; Prima Essentials Flowers assorted; misc. bead garland in white and light blue restrung; Gelly Gems; Bo Bunny Bella Journee Brads; Carolina's lace; Winsor & Newton Galeria White Acrylic; Ranger Alcohol Inks Stream, Slate + Silver Mixative; Tsukineko Walnut Ink; Raner Distress Crackle Paint Aged Mahogany; StazOn black and white; Sailor Freshly Picked Pastel Collection Warm Cream Pen; Pigma Micron 01 black pen; Kotex silver thread. Stamps used: Prima Dance, Prima My Rose, Inque Boutique See D's Narrative Elements.

Techniques Used: hand-tearing and rolling, rubbing sides of LO with walnut ink, stamping, alcohol ink painting, crackle painting, sewing (to attach the bead garland), painting.

It's Out! I've been PUBLISHED!

2009-02-22T00:14:00.005+08:00

I just received my Somerset Memories Feb-March 2009 issue and there it was, on page 24, WWII Love Letters! This is my first LO to be published and although I'm to receive a complimentary copy of that issue, I just had to make sure I have another copy to give to my dad!

This is about my grandfather's letters to my grandmother. Lolo Martin was a USAFFE officer, captured in Bataan during WWII, part of the infamous Death March. While incarcerated by the Japanese, he was able to send letters to Lola Chiching, telling about his life in Camp O'Donnell in Tarlac. He talked about the cruelty of the Japanese, the scarcity of food, and even asked her to send some and to even visit him. He said that he missed her and his 5 sons, all still very young to fully understand the attrocities of war. Despite the odds, they were able to send these love letters back and forth under the very nose of the Japanese soldiers.

What makes this LO special is also the fact that I used an actual letter scanned onto transparency as part of the background. This was made tricky by the fact that at that time, I could only use A4 transparency sheets. Still, with a little trick of the eye (a.k.a. some placement of ribbons and paper), I was able to pull it off together. The journal is hidden, like I usually prefer. It comes out when you pull the lower right hand corner flowers underneath my grandfather's photo.

I do so love this LO, possibly the best I've ever done. I hope there will be others just as good.

Hidden Journal reads: Lolo Martin was a POW soldier of the WWII Death March. Upon reaching Camp O’Donnell in Capas, Tarlac, my grandfather found ways to send letters, even money to my grandmother, Lola Chiching. These letters asked her to send food, medicines and supplies to him while imprisoned. She promptly responded. His letters showed that despite the war, lolo and lola corresponded, continued to make the best of the situation, pouring out their fears, hopes and sentiments in their love letters. These letters are now kept in a vault to preserve history of that very difficult period in their lives.

Materials: Bo Bunny pps, transparency of scanned letters, Provocraft Alphaletterz, All About Scrapbooking Glittered Alphas, MM Springtime brads, Bo Bunny lace, Mokuba black ribbon, Liquitex black acrylic paint.

To be featured in Scrapbooking.com Magazine's newsletter!

2009-02-19T11:30:00.004+08:00

I recently got an email from no less than the editor of Scrapbooking.com Magazine's editor, Jami Petersen. She asked me if I'd be interested to have my blog featured in their newsletter! I was so awe-struck, I immediately said, "YES! YES! YES!" I don't know how they were able to get hold of my email address nor my blog. I don't even know if she's even seen this blog. Still, the thought that my blog will be seen by other people aside from my friends and scrapbuddies is way beyond cool. I wonder when this will be? Stay tuned!

Artz de Scrap Altered Cup

2009-02-05T21:01:00.008+08:00

Here's my Valentine's altered project for Artz de Scrap. I call this The Cup Birdbath. I used a cream-colored melamine cup and saucer which I glued together with an empty plastic face cream container to give it more height. I used currant, slate and silver alcohol inks to cover the entire surface. Then I stamped plant images and text from Tim Holtz' Stampendous Collection using black StazOn. Then I trimmed the saucer and cup with laces, ribbons and sequined flowers.

To make the birds, I stuck scroll chipboards to the tail ends. I painted everything in white acrylic, then glued Leeho Clear Glitter on the birds' bodies. To the tail scroll and the wings, I dabbed currant with a drop of silver mixative all over. I discovered that chipboards are able to resist merely absorbing the alcohol ink when it is primed with acrylic first. Hence, the result is a paint-like finish that is shiny and full of dimension. After drying, I stamped text images on it with StazOn.

The result is a combination of grunge and elegance. My little boy wanted to play with the whole thing, despite the fact that it's pink all over! And I thought I didn't like pink?!

Do check out the Artz de Scrap Team's versions of the altered cup here.

Materials: cream-colored melamine cup and saucer set, empty plastic face cream container, Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Inks (silver mixative, currant, slate), Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection Nature's Discovery CMS 049, StazOn black, Maya Road birds and scrolls chipboards, Carolina's purple lace, black ribbon and sequin flowers.

Somerset Memories Valentine's issue Publication!

2009-02-05T20:50:00.003+08:00

Finally, the wait is (almost) over! My LO entitled "World War II Love Letters" is published in the February 2009 issue of Somerset Memories! I can hardly wait to see it! They said they'll send my free copy of the issue, plus my original LO. I intend to frame this and give this to my dad.

I'm so excited since this is my first ever published work! I hope that this year will bring me some more luck in this field. One thing I can really say is that, it really is expensive to send original LOs abroad! If it were not for the fact that I'd like to see it in print, it was almost not worth it! But then again, who wouldn't want to see their work displayed and admired by others in a magazine?

If anyone has the issue, please do let me know. I'm dying to see it myself, even if it just merits a 1"x1" photograph! LOL!

Artz de Scrap Altered Project Valentine Teaser!

2009-02-05T11:28:00.001+08:00

I just sent in my take for another altered project at Artz de Scrap. This one took me several days to do because I wanted to make it a little bit different. Watch out for the posting of the designers' takes on http://artzdescrap.blogspot.com/ This will definitely be something to watch our for!

Won Iris's Prima RAK!

2009-02-03T21:54:00.003+08:00

Weeee!!! I just found out that I was one of the lucky ones to win a Prima RAK from Iris! I am so excited because Prima's new line is really spectacular! Aside from the always gorgeous flowers, they have now expanded their lines into almost everything! I can't wait to use them in my succeeding projects! Do check out her announcement in her blog. For that matter, do visit her blog for a whole gamut of very inspiring LOs and projects!

Altered File for Artz de Scrap and New Challenge

2009-02-02T21:02:00.008+08:00

Here's my take for the altered file challenge at Artz de Scrap. I happened to have a file box that desperately needed a makeover. So when Liza Yet of Artz de Scrap mentioned altered files, I just had to use the box!

I used 4 Inque Boutique papers, cut them into strips, then glued them to the box in a vertical fashion. Then I used the Maya Road Scrolls, placed them across the strips and sprayed Tsukineko Walnut Ink on and around the scrolls. The beauty of masking and spraying ink is that even if the background pps aren't exact matches, it won't really matter! In fact, it provides a little more interest when you realize that the papers are not exact matches.

I then glued Carolina's vintage lace horizontally across the papers and finished the box with the same sprayed MR scrolls at the sides. For added interest, I used Carolina's cloth flowers as accents on the scrolls.

Do check out what the other designers made at the Artz de Scrap blog. Then do join the challenge there to make your own altered file! Goodluck!

Materials: Inque Boutique Memoirs # 60514 patterned papers, Maya Road Scrolls, Carolina's vintage-looking lace, Carolina's cloth flowers, Tsukineko Walnut Ink.

Sneak Peek for new Artz de Scrap Project!

2009-01-27T07:18:00.002+08:00

Here's a sneak peek at the next project for Artz de Scrap! Do check out the website at http://artzdescrap.blogspot.com/ for the full reveal on Jan. 30!

My very own "Toy Kingdom"

2009-01-25T21:19:00.006+08:00

On my way to Toy Kingdom, I couldn't resist visiting my favorite store in SM Mega Mall. Carolina's is a sewing notions store, but when inside, I get lost in a world of vintage laces and cloth flowers and glass beads. I literally drool over the many laces I see there. Of course, even if I only intend to buy 1 yard of a particular lace, I end up spending so much more, especially when I see the colors that evoke the old world blood in me. Today, here's the stash I bought:

Aren't they lovely?!!! I now have more than 1 drawerful of ribbons and laces, I don't know where I can keep any of them, and yet I just got more! Carolina's is virtually my own "Toy Kingdom!" If Galo goes to Toy Kingdom, hubby goes to Cyberzone, I go to Carolina's! I can spend hours there just oggling and choosing and buying stuff there!

Actually, I am thinking of reclaiming the 4th set of 4 drawer box cabinetry I had made from hubby's worktable, so I can organize the overflowing mess I have! I am literally messing up our bedroom! I really wish I had my own scrapbooking room. Still, I wouldn't want to miss the daily routine I have, seeing hubby at his table surfing the net and being pestered, cajoled and hugged by my little boy playing. Hmmm. Definitely don't want to miss those.

Finally, my 1st LO for the year! "Note to Self!"

2009-01-20T21:21:00.007+08:00

I saw a challenge that was able to push me to make a LO. Prima has this Frugal Scrapper Challenge, asking scrappers to use Prima packaging for a LO. In the beginning, I had my doubts as to whether or not I could actually do it. And lo and behold, I was able to come up with something that I was truly proud of!

I used 3 different Prima packaging materials. I used the Prima Transparencies packaging, noting that it was made of strong brown kraft paper. I figured it was good to use as my base so I cut it into 12 x12, then tore the edges off. Since I distressed the paper and rolled it at the edges, the design on the back also showed where it was rolled. The paper was also strong enough to take crackle paint, bringing much needed light in the middle of the LO. I left the words "Prima Transparencies" on the left side for interest, to make it appear more ephemeral. I also inked the sides of the paper with walnut ink, further making the LO more distressed than ever. I also added a vintage-looking silver-grey lace to add texture, and through the keyhole punch already there in the paper, I inserted an old pink ribbon.

I used half a Prima Flower Brad board package, the one with the black and white background. I pasted this in the lower corner of the LO. This became the base for the photo I wanted to put emphasis on.

I then cut the back page of the Prima Build a Frame Collection II Clear Stamp Package. The sample frames at the back of the package were perfect frames in themselves! I used one of them to decorate my photo, and used a Sizzix Flower Diecut to make flowers from the other frames. Then, I sprayed Glimmer Mist Olive Vine on the flowers, and both Olive Vine and Merlot on the frame. Because the paper was glossy, they all soaked up the spray really well.

I also used the same paper flowers to mask and spray onto the crackle paint, giving a hint of flowers with the olive vine mist. Then, I added pink sequin flowers from Carolina's. I also added Prima Flower Brads (especially now that I've used the packaging!), a Prima Clear Stamp The Sweet Life 42 Cents (not sure what it's called). I added my Thickers alphas, made the journal, then doodled leaf vines around the photo. I also used an olive green glaze pen to color parts of the leaves for more interest.

Now, I'm quite happy with how it turned out. I didn't think I could do it, but I realized I really can be frugal, if necessary. Of course, it really doesn't turn out to be such a frugal LO with so many elements that I've added. LOL!

The photo shows Arn and I before Galo came into our lives. This was when we would regularly visit the Photo Me Booth of SM Mega for our yearly anniversary pics. Just goes to prove that before kids, wala kaming magawang matino bilang mag-asawa! LOL! Journal reads: 1. Look back and remember. 2. Keep Faith. 3. Keep Love. 4. Keep Life.

Materials Used: Prima Transparencies Package, Prima Build a Frame Collection II Package, Prima Belle Fleur Gold Embossed Flowers packaging, Prima Belle G=Fleur Gold Embossed Flowers, Prima Clear Stamps The Sweet Life 42 Cents, Distress Crackle Paint Tattered Rose, Tsukineko Walnut Ink, Glimmer Mist (Olive Vine & Merlot), StazOn Black, AC Thickers Sprinkles Black, miscellaneous old pink ribbon, Carolina's silver-grey lace, Carolina's pink sequin flowers lace (cut-up), Pigma Micron 03 black, Sakura Glaze Olive Green. Diecut: Sizzix Flower.

Techniques used: paper-tearing & rolling, inking sides of LO with walnut ink, masking, spraying glimmer mist, diecutting flower, crackle painting, stamping and doodling.

Artz de Scrap Altered Calendar Sign + RAK Giveaways!

2009-01-16T07:09:00.003+08:00

Here's my take on the altered calendar sign. My calendar sign is originally covered with a black cloth so I decided to keep it as such and just spray Glimmer Mist Graphite on it! (I'm such a sucker for black!) I adhered a cut-out of the flowers and vines mm flocked paper on one side, attached half Petaloo flowers at the bottom and lined it with vintage lace, then placed Prima Postage Stamps Alphas + mm tiny alphas. For accent, I added Gelly Gems to simulate the stars. Hence, it became a sign for my desk since I needed one anyway.

Materials: old calendar stand sign, mm Flocked Floral Greenhouse Paperie, Glimmer Mist Graphite, mm tiny alphas white-on-black, Prima Postage Stamp Alphas, Gelly Gems Bright Lights, Petaloo flowers, Carolina's lace.

Artz de Scrap is hosting a RAK giveaway for 15 lucky ladies. All they need to do is post the Artz de Scrap blinkie in their blog and they're eligible to win a prize! How cool is that?! Do check out the announcement here!

My take on the Artz de Scrap Beads Challenge

2009-01-13T18:54:00.009+08:00

I haven't received my packet of goodies for the projects yet. Knowing Philippine post, especially after the Christmas season, I'm sure it might take some time to get to me.

Because I was getting anxious with the deadline, I decided to make my own jewelry using beads and whatever else I had. I found this watch face that wasn't working anymore. The design looked vintage so I made a neckribbon instead. I sewed the watch in the middle of a faded olive velvet ribbon. Then, I sewed hematite cube beads on both sides of the ribbon, simulating the wrist arms of a watch. In order to keep the cubes in place, I had to tie each cube literally to the velvet ribbon. Otherwise, the tendency of the cubes is to hang. Then, I attached several jump rings on the bottom of the ribbon and hung turquoise-colored beads for movement.

At first, I thought, why would one use a watch for a pendant when they can't read the time? True, if it was working, the watch wouldn't be of any good since the wearer won't be able to see the face of the watch. But since it wasn't working, it was perfect as a decorative element.

I asked one of my students to model it for me. You can check out the Artz de Scrap blog for the gorgeous work of the other designers.

Materials: misc. velvet ribbon, old watch, hematite cube beads, turquoise-colored beads, jump rings, wire, thread.

Made it to the Artz de Scrap Design Team!

2009-01-01T20:39:00.006+08:00

I'm honored to be chosen as one of the three new designers for Artz de Scrap from January-June '08! This is very important to me since altering objects has lately been more challenging to me lately. What is also great is that the Design Team also includes Cabbie Lopez, the 1st Scrappin' Moms Idol, also a Filipina. Congratulations also to my new co-design members, Raechelle Bellus and Bree Tetz. Hence, the Artz de Scrap Team consists of Liza Yet, Felicia Ow, and Cabbie Jane Lopez, plus myself, Raechelle and Bree! --- My goodness! I am in such great company, I'm sure it will be a challange just keeping up with such pool of talent!

Do check out the announcement here.

Exciting DT Spot in the near future!

2008-12-27T10:59:00.006+08:00

I just got news today. I was just chosen as one of the 3 new designers of a very popular website that specializes in altered work! WOOOOH!!! This is a first for me. I've so far done Guest Design Team Member stints, usually for just a month. This one is for 6 months, starting January 2009!!! WOW, what news to start the new year with! I'll be revealing the name of the site on the 1st of January as per instructions. Stay tuned!!! I'm SOOO excited to get the kits! --- Can life be anymore exciting?!

Family Christmas Balls as Gifts

2008-12-26T19:22:00.004+08:00

I've been busy making my gift of glass christmas balls with the photos of individual family members. I've done about 15 families already. The work itself is fast and easy once I knew how to assemble it. However, gathering ID photos of everyone is the harder work. Friends and relatives had to be contacted again and again just to make them send me photos. Some, I was able to download from the Facebook (thank goodness for people posting photos there!), but others keep on promising, and still forgetting to send them via email. Oh well, everyone's busy.

However, last Christmas Eve, I witnessed my relatives opening their specially made boxes of the christmas balls. Everyone was ecstatic! I told them about my idea of transforming the christmas tree into a family tree. Despite the fact that most of my relatives only got 3-4 balls (based on number of family members), they still LOVED the idea. So I guess, it is all worth it. --- Now if I can just get the remaining relatives and friends to send their photos, I'd be done with this project!

Next year, I'm going to add more balls to each family, by asking them to send me photos of their parents and even grandparents. Then their Family Trees will also become Ancestral Trees as well.

I'm thinking of selling these balls next year. Don't know if there will be takers.

Glass balls FOR SALE!

2008-12-04T12:29:00.003+08:00

A number of my friends and scrap buddies have asked me where I got these glass Christmas Balls. I tried using clear glass lightbulbs, had it trimmed with the glassmaker, only to find out the lightbulb glass is so thin, it breaks even with heat.

I designed it and had it made in a glass blowing shop. Each ball has a diameter of 2" and a circumference of 6". It has an upper lip that has 2 holes for inserting a string or wire for hanging. It also has a wide opening with a diameter of 3/4", which was crucial for inserting photos). Since people have been asking, these balls can be bought at P395/6 pcs. By the way, these balls are heat-resistant and more sturdy than most glass balls in the market. I should know. I dropped one of them accidentally on a wooden floor and I was amazed that it didn't break nor chip at all! It just rolled off!

If anyone is interested, please buzz me or leave a message for me as to where I can get in touch with you. I'm ordering a few more to give away to my own parents, so I can add anyone's order as well.

My 1st time to host the Kaya Challenge!

2008-12-02T22:40:00.003+08:00

This is the very first time I'm hosting the Pinoyscrapbookers' Kaya Challenge. Kaya Challenge #20 is actually the Christmas Challenge. My deep respect and connection to my ancestry has pushed me to include my ancestors into our christmas decor, specifically our christmas tree. Hence, in our house, our christmas tree is now also a Family Tree. The tree is no longer just a decor and a place for putting beautifully-wrapped gifts in. It is now a collection of memories, a sacred place for honoring our loved ones, as well as a great conversation piece for family and friends. What better way to keep the spirit of Christmas alive?

If you'd like to check out the challenge rules, the RAK, as well as the entries that will be displayed for this month, do head on to http://www.pinoyscrapbookers.blogspot.com/ Good luck to everyone. MERRY CHRISTMAS and MERRY DECORATING!!!

Ancestral Family Christmas Tree

2008-12-02T22:32:00.004+08:00

I've been meaning to do this since last year. I couldn't find clear glass christmas balls, but was fortunate enough to know of a glassmaker who was able to do them for me.

Inside the glass balls, I placed individual photos of our family members, from our grandparents, to current living relatives. These photos were printed on transparencies. This gave the photos an ethereal touch. I also stamped green vines on the sides of the glass. Although not an original idea, since this came from a reader in a scrapbooking magazine, I decided to extend her idea into having individual photos of our ancestors as well. When these glass balls were placed on a tree, our christmas tree literally became a family tree. All 10 balls are all Galo's ancestors from both sides. I also added him, plus all of my family members, or as much of them as possible. Since I don't have complete photos yet, I intend to add on more of our current family into this tree.

Materials used: glass balls, StazOn olive green, wire ribbon with grapes design, misc. olive ribbon, christmas tree trimming of berries and leaves that were cut and reattached on the christmas ball and ribbon, AAS wires, magic wires for hanging.

Parol 101: How to build a lightbulb for the lantern

2008-11-29T07:33:00.008+08:00

Supplies Needed: plug adaptor, lightbulb, plug, at least 1 ft-any length of plastic coated electrical wire (2-wire, can be easily split in the middle of the plastic coating)

Instructions:
1. Cut through the middle of the length of the wire for about 1" on both ends. Make sure that the cut is only on the plastic part and that no wire is exposed during the cut. (WARNING: Exposed wires can cause electrocution!) If wire is exposed, cut through the middle more and cut off the parts that were exposed.

2. Then, carefully cut around each group of the copper wire, making sure that the cut is only up to the plastic part, not the copper wires. This is important since if many of the copper wires are cut, then electricity will only be able to flow through fewer wires. Then, using your fingers, pull the cut-off plastic part, and twist the exposed copper wires to make them into neat ends. This will make it easier to use as well. Do this to both ends, then set aside.

3. Unscrew the 2 screws underneath the lamp base. Twist the exposed wires around the screws and screw them down. Take your time in doing this. No copper wire should stick out from the screws. The neater this is done, the safer the wiring.

4. Take the plug and unscrew the casing. Open the plug, attach the remaining ends of the wire (by twisting and screwing the wires) to the 2 metal prongs of the plug. Close the plug.

5. Screw in the light bulb and plug to check. For safety, you can wear silpat gloves or any rubber when plugging. If it lights, then it's good to go inside the parol.

6. Insert the lightbulb in one of the corners of the parol. The wiring comes out at one of the sides. Use masking tape to keep it from moving inside. When covering the parol with cloth or paper, don't completely glue in the cover on the side where the wire comes out. I suggest a flap that opens and closes so that you can always replace the lightbulb later should it go out.

BIG TIP: Cloth is a good covering material because light shines through. If using paper, it's good to have it perforated or have a design that is cut through so light can pass. Another is to just keep the sides of the parol uncovered so light shines around the star instead.

WARNING: Don't leave the parol unattended when on. Always take it out of the electrical socket when no one is around as a safety measure.

Parol 2008

2008-11-28T12:15:00.005+08:00

I finally finished my parol this year. Every year, I make it a point to make a parol for every Christmas of Galo, sort of a marker for his year. So far, I have 4, always on display above my capis divider.

This time, I used scrap jusi cloth which I sprayed and rubbed with Glimmer Mist (graphite, merlot and olive vine). Then, I stamped StazOn Olive Green all over using the FP Bella Brush script stamp. In the beginning, I thought it wouldn't turn out well. Was I surprised myself when it did come out gorgeously vintage as planned.

Materials: jusi cloth, Glimmer Mist (graphite, merlot, olive vine), StazOn Olive Green, Carolina's lace, Carolina's textile flowers (love this stuff!!!), misc. olive green ribbon. Stamp used: FP Bella Brush script.

Techniques: stamping, rubbing and spraying glimmer mist.

Visual Creations November GDT Project # 2 - Tin Soldier's Ballerina

2008-11-27T20:31:00.003+08:00

The 2nd project I made for Visual Creations is the ballet tutu on the CI dress form. This was so much fun to make! I've always wanted to be a dancer and making my own tutu using paper is one vicarious way of reliving my passion for the performing arts.

To bring out the shape of the dress form, I painted it black with acrylic first. I used predominantly paper so I had to figure out how to make the cuts, nips and tucks on paper, just like I would have done to cut cloth for a dress. I had to make sure there were overlaps to make sure there were no holes in the dress. I traced the "seams" with the lace to cover them up, then further covered the overlaps with glitter.

To make the tutu skirt, I hand-folded the paper like an accordion fan. Of course, the folds were not too neat and of the same width, then I glued them to the sides of the bodice. To make sure that the tutu doesn't fall off, I also glued the same lace underneath the top layer, just to prop it up. I did the same for the 2nd and the 3rd layers, but also cut them shorter, once they were glued all together. To finish it off, I adhered a pink satin ribbon, and attached a rose cufflink in sterling silver. The latter came from the Nevermore Kit I got from Gauche Alchemy. I actually used that for an altered eyeglass case, but had to reuse it here because it seemed to be more apt. The rose cufflink reminded me of the Tin Soldier's story, so I named the piece the Tin Soldier's Ballerina.

Do check it out as http://www.visualcreationsonline.net/gallery/index.html where it is being shown together with Visual Creations' Design Team Member, Cabbie Lopez, the queen of altered art. Also, do check out the many new and different items Visual Creations offers. I'm sure they'll make you drool!!!

Materials: CI dress form, Lefranc & Bourgeois Fine Acrylic Mars Black, Michael's seed pearls, Leeho Glitter Glue, 7 Gypsies Vale, remaining scrap pps: IOD Steel Toe Mary Jane Collection, Foof-ala AL.

Visual Creations November GDT Project # 1 - 3D Family Tree

2008-11-27T20:12:00.008+08:00

I did two projects for Visual Creations for November. To see them, plus Cabbie Lopez's great work in the Visual Creations' Gallery, go to http://www.visualcreationsonline.net/gallery/index.html

The first is a small family tree that I've always wanted to make. I used the Cosmo Cricket Botanico Album Kit, but only the front and back covers. Since the inside of both covers didn't have the tree design, I scanned the tree on the front cover twice, cut them out (it was so meticulous, I almost gave up in cutting small scrolls in the leaf tree design!), then pasted them on the blank sides.

Next, I made a cut a straight line from the top of the tree to way past the middle of 1 of the boards. Then I made a similar cut from the bottom of the other tree to way past the middle of the 2nd board. Then, like a paper doll, I inserted them into each other. Waaalaaah!!! Instant stand alone tree!

To make the family tree, I assigned 1 family per quarter of the tree: one for my hubby, son and myself; another for Galo's ancestors from my side, including both my parents and their parents; another for his ancestors from hubby's side, again including his parents and their grandparents; and lastly, one quarter for writing the title Bonoan-Lagazon Family Tree.

Since the tree is small, the best I could do was to rubon letters to form the names of all of Galo's ancestors. These make up 4 generations.

To finish it off, I added flowerettes and a few chipboards from the Botanico Album Kit, then rubbed walnut ink around it.

Materials: Cosmo Cricket Botanico Album Kit (chipboard covers only), Carolina's lace ribbon cut into small flowerettes, misc. olive green ribbon, KI Memories RubOns Ice & Silver, Tsukineo Walnut Ink.

KAYA 19 Challenge #3 Distressed Look

2008-11-22T07:20:00.007+08:00

I did this challenge thinking it would be easy. Distressing is easy for me since it is the core of my vintage style. Unfortunately, I am definitely challenged when it's a Christmas Theme. Of all LOs, I am consciously aware of avoiding Christmas, from avoiding the prerequisite bright greens and reds, to the cute Christmas papers and embellies being sold. For some reason, I sometimes think my vintage style and Christmas don't go well together, at least most of the time. I was really glad it did for this one though.

This photo of Galo however started to call to me. This is last year's Christmas Day at his grandfather's house. He just received his gifts, and yet he still had an open hand, as if asking for more. At 3 years then, his grasp of the meaning of Christmas is limited by his experience of receiving many, many toys (much to my horror whenever I think about where to put all of them, and how to weed out last year's batch!). After all, he's still a kid. And so he will be for a few more years. ---I guess, what I'm saying is, let him have his fun.

Journaling:
All I want for Christmas are more... Christmas Toys.

Materials:
Love Elsie Noel Tree Lot, Tinkering Ink Yuletide Joyous Noel/Mulled Wine, Daisy d's Rub Ons Telling the Story, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Merlot, Brilliance Moonlight White, misc. gold ribbon, Carolina's grey cord, Carolina's lace, Pigma Micron 03 pen.

Techniques Used:
Folding and sanding the photo, inking the photo, paper tearing, rolling the sides of the LO, spraying mist around the sides of the LO + rubbing same mist on the undersides of the rolled portions.

KAYA 19 Challenge #2 Negative Space

2008-11-16T19:47:00.004+08:00

I made this LO this morning, hoping to reach the deadline this evening. The KAYA 19 Challenge#2 in the PinoyScrapbookers Challenge Blog is to make use of negative space. Of course, I couldn't make the LO have more than 1/2 of negative space. I just had to add so many things, including stamping a french script on the paper.

The photo shows my favorite topic, my son Galo. Journal reads: Tagaytay, Summer 2008. Galo learned to be independent early. He has his own ideas of what he wants and who he wants to be. He has his own path to take.

Materials: BG Aged & Confused Vagabond Green bean, MME Tres Jolie Ooh La La Unique Card, SR Chipboard Plain Butterflies, Carolina's lace, ProvoCraft Alphaletterz Brush Seaside Express, Colorbox Chalk Chestnut Roan, Ranger Distress Crackle Paint Weathered Wood, Whispers Embossing Powder Blue, Puff Ups Puff White Translucent, misc. crystal glitter, Tsukineko Walnut Ink, VersaMark Watermark, Pigma Micron 03. Stamp used: Stampin' Up En Francais.

Techniques: handwritten journal, ageing photo through LightRoom, crackle paint, stamping and layering embossing powder and puff powder, inking, rubbing with walnut ink.

Luscious Kits + ephemera = One-of-a-kind memories!

2008-11-14T07:04:00.003+08:00

I've ever subscribed to scrapbooking kits until recently. I saw the value of the kit and compared it to how much I would spend if I bought the items individually. When I saw that the kit is ALWAYS of better value, I went ahead and enrolled myself in the local kit club.

NOW, Gauche Alchemy's Kit is something else. I've seen it first hand. The kit is really different. It had the usual papers and alphas, of course, but it also had something else that I didn't see in other kits: PERSONALITY. To me, the extra ephemera is what makes a LO or project different. I see everything as possible art. This means that whatever I do, the little things I place into it must mean something.

What are those little things? Aside from magazine cut-outs, and images that are preprinted, there are the sprockets, gears, crystals and one-of-a-kind cufflink. In fact, just by receiving this kit for the GDT in October, it opened me to all sorts of possibilities that I've never even thought was possible! For my friends out there looking for a really worthwhile kit to have, this is it. Head over to the http://gauchealchemy.wordpress.com/ You'll thank me for it.

Oh by the way, I still haven't used everything in the kit. There's quite a lot, I still have to figure out how to best use them!

Visual Creations November GDT Projects coming up!

2008-11-11T06:49:00.005+08:00

In a space of a few days, I've created 2 altered art projects. One involves my heritage, something that I've been planning to do for the longest time. The idea was simple really. I wanted to have a visual representation of my family to remind Galo of his heritage. I already had all the necessary materials from Visual Creations, I just didn't have the time to execute it. Of course, I wasn't sure it would work, but when it did, no one was more pleased than yours truly.

The other project involves my childhood dream. Again, I wasn't 100% sure I could do it. In principle, I knew that it would probably work. And I was still surprised that it really did! It turned out so beautifully, I keep on wondering if such a thing is saleable. I even have a name for it. I call it "The Tin Soldier's Ballerina." That's a big enough clue as it is!--- Oooh! I wish I could make money out of this! I had so much fun, it's tempting to make and sell one-of-a-kind items such as this one.

Because of the success of this last project, I'd like to go all out on the next one, maybe not for the GDT, as this would make them redundant. But first, I'd need white feathers. Lots of them.

KAYA 19 Challenge #1

2008-11-09T11:42:00.005+08:00

Finally, I was able to make a LO for KAYA 19. It took me a while to make a LO again since I seem to be pulled to make altered art a lot.

This is a photo of Galo in Loyola Memorial. This was the first time he became aware of a cemetery visit. Journal reads: Galo met his paternal grandmother on a visit to the cemetery. He had no fear, only questions. Typical of a young child. A day to remember.

Materials used: Bazzill cs, AC Amplified Woodstock, Tinkering Ink For the Birds, MME Tres Jolie Mon Cheri Girl Card, MME Tres Jolie Birthday Boy Frame, Daisy d's RubOns Chloe Marie Ornate Elements, MM 5th Ave Blossoms and Buttons, Bo Bunny Bella Journee circular brad, Carolina's lace (cut into a flower for the ribbon), Carolina's ribbon, Stickles Dark Blue, Leeho white glitter, Whispers Dual Tip Markers Vintage, Versamark Watermark, Perfect Pearls Blue Patina, Colorbox Chalk Chestnut Roan, Pigma Micron 03.

Techniques Used: handtearing of cs and photo, inking sides and photo, rubbing perfect pearls patina for aged look, doodling and adding glitter for feathers of the bird, handwritten journal.

GDT Work in October and more to come

2008-11-03T10:14:00.005+08:00

I am done with my 1st GDT! And these are what I was able to come up with this October. Although I wasn't prolific, I was quite happy with what I was able to come up with.

Hopefully, my GDT work for Visual Creations for November will even be better.

Oh, I'm also going to host the KAYA Challenge for December. Something to do with a tree.... hmmm. Lee put me up to this. So if there's anyone to blame, blame it on her! But I promise, this challenge will be really worth doing for the Christmas season!

Gauche Alchemy Work #3 is out!- Altered Eyeglass Case

2008-10-23T22:40:00.003+08:00

This time, I altered my eyeglass case using the Nevermore Kit. I'm so glad I was able to use the silver rose cufflink! My hubby wanted to have it for himself but I told him no. Besides, it doesn't have a match! Check it out in http://gauchealchemy.wordpress.com/

Gauche Alchemy Work #2 is out!

2008-10-20T06:59:00.002+08:00

This is a LO I made of myself using the ephemera found in the Nevermore Kit. It came from an old Playboy Magazine, would you believe?! To check it out, head on to http://gauchealchemy.wordpress.com/

2 New Projects done for Gauche Alchemy!

2008-10-19T07:22:00.002+08:00

I'm done! I recently did a LO of myself, plus an altered eyeglass case for Gauche Alchemy. They'll both be posted in the next few weeks. Good thing I'm done too since I'll be holing myself into a corner to start working on the children's evaluations for the 1st Semester PTCs! Arrrgh!!! The tension is mounting so the best course is to start chipping away at the pile.

Gauche Alchemy Work #1 is out!

2008-10-15T19:38:00.005+08:00

My work, a mini-album of my Dad's family, is now up in Gauche Alchemy's blog! It really turned out beautifully, and I must say that I'm really proud of myself with this one. Not only did I make a beautiful art project involving the inspiring Gauche Alchemy Nevermore Kit, I have something to give to my dad on his birthday in November! Do check it out http://gauchealchemy.wordpress.com/. This kit is really scrumptious and so is their hardware!

Scrappin' Moms Idol Entry Week 6- Why do you want to be the next Scrappin' Moms Idol?

2008-10-15T19:29:00.003+08:00

This was, I believe, the most challenging week. Only 6 elements could be used and I wasn't quite sure if I was doing things correctly because of the very strict requirements.

I ended up with an upside down cropped picture of myself and just made fun of my white hair. Since I saw myself literally have more white hair each day, I decided that this was one reason I want to become the next Idol.

Journal: I would like to be the next Scrappin' Moms Idol because I am getting too old for thi. Everyday this year, I find more white hair. So before all my hair turns white, I'd like to win. I don't think anyone would want a Scrappin' Lola for an idol!!!

Scrappin' Moms Idol Entry Week 5- Assymmetrical Balance

2008-10-15T19:21:00.002+08:00

Assymetrical balance was required, plus at least 1 huge photo. Although I could have left the remaining part of the cs blank, I decided to counter the big monotone photo with a small colored one. To add interest, I folded and sanded the photos to create graphically interesting lines to frame the subject. I got so engrossed in doing it, i decided to do the same for the cs as well. Since the cs didn't have a white core, I had to simulate it by folding, then running a white stamp ink on it. Then I stamped a script design all over for more interest. B&W rub-ons, plus a handwritten journal in both black and white, completed the LO.

Scrappin' Moms Idol Entry Week 4- Layers of Me

2008-10-15T19:14:00.002+08:00

For Week #4, we were given the task to concentrate on Layers of Me, showing literally layers of embellishments. I decide to focus on the theme literally. I cut through the cs using a hand-cutter, then rolled it away from the picture placed behind the hole. This was done twice, first with the beige cs, then with the final black cs. Then I hand-cut my flowers, leaves and even the leaf paisleys. I also added dots of fabric pearl glue for more dimension. Finally, I used the blue patina of Perfect Pearls to cover the edges of the lay-out.

Scrappin' Moms Idol Entry Week 3- Direction & Movement

2008-10-15T18:13:00.003+08:00

Following the parameters of Direction and Movement, Zany This Boy is a lay-out I made of my son. I used a Z-direction format and used the red color to draw attention to the title, an arrow to start with the small photos, a red vine to bring down the eye to the larger photo, then to the red Dymo journal, then to the words "...is my world." Because really, since my boy is "zany," so is my world.

I love the colors of this LO since it is very vintage in its appearance. I also like how the edges are highlighted by both the walnut ink and by Perfect Pearls.

Scrappin' Moms Idol Entry Week 2- Red,Orange,Green & Purple

2008-10-15T18:03:00.003+08:00

Week 2 centered on just the four colors red, orange, green and purple. This isn't an easy task since it was difficult to find pps with ONLY those colors. Only black and white can be added to the embellies and the alphas.

Since I didn't have the colors I needed from the scrapbook supplies, I ended up scouring National Bookstore. I ended up with colored sand. Thus, using the Dove of the East China and Japan papers, I was able to make a sand mosaic on top of the green bamboo print. Of course, I used orange, green and purple as highlights to the predominantly green design. Then I made my own Yin & Yang embellishment using a Maya Road Tree Circle plus 2 buttons.

Scrappin' Moms Idol Entry Week 1- Party Package

2008-10-15T12:13:00.006+08:00

My party package centers on a Postal Theme. This package is for a Philatelist Convention. Included are the following: 1) A handmade invitation and matching envelope. The invitation is a pop-up mailbox and inside the mailbox are the tickets + program of activities.
2) Mailbox centerpiece. To mimic the pop-up invitation, I made a big mailbox which will house flowers, the program of activities again, plus any other leaflet/flyer for each table. On the side, it reads: Philatelist Society.
3) Placemat. It looks live the envelope of the invitation but is personalized with the name of the guest. This is entirely made of paper so it is fully recyclable.

4) Placeholder. This looks like a mini-centerpiece mailbox but again, also has the name of the guest.

5)Giveaway. Inside a handmade paperbag that again, looks like an letter envelope is a stamp album whose front cover has been altered. Inside the album are freebie stamps, newly-printed stamps.

Of course, I couldn't help but also add other embellies to the table such as tracing paper flowers and curling ribbons for a more festive mood.

Scrappin' Moms Idol Entries- Elimination Entry

2008-10-15T07:31:00.004+08:00

I've been quite busy after the Idols Challenge, I've forgotten to post everything that I've done! So here goes:

This is my entry to the Elimination Round. Title is Paperdolls in reference to my mom's penchant for dressing us up in similar, if not identical clothes. She even sometimes dresses the same way!

Journal reads: When we were young, our mom dressed us up in identical or similar clothes. She often sewed them herself. Obviously, we were our mom's favorite paperdolls.

It's here! The Gauche Alchemy GDT October Kit!

2008-10-05T17:02:00.003+08:00

I just received the Gauche Alchemy GDT October Kit and I must say that this is the yummiest kit I've ever seen! The colors are just my style, and the ephemera, so gorgeous and really vintage- looking!!! There were magazine pages (actual ephemera) with prints and texts, my mind is running overtime just thinking of how to use them! The Cloud 9 Book and Box Set album is to die for, so is the Teresa Collins for Junkitz Glitterz Alpha! And, the piece d' resistance... the metal and crystal embellishments! There's a drawer pull, silver clips, several sprockets (actual metal gears)!!! I've never seen anything like them!!! Just looking at them, I think I've found a way to scrap my son's photos without sacrificing my vintage style! Can't wait to start working on this! Hopefully in 3 days. --- And the countdown begins!

Scrappin' Moms Idol2 is Cookie!

2008-10-05T16:39:00.007+08:00

Yesterday was really a blast! Our Philippine Scrapbooking Community had its 2nd Scrappin' Moms Idol Finale. This honor was bestowed on our friend, Cookie Aguilar! This comes not as a surprise to us because of her ability to come up with spectacular cutting edge designs. And not only is she recognised by her peers here, she is also recognized by international scrapbooking websites, as well as by Chatterbox as a manufacturer's Design Team Member!

Runners up were Donna Espiritu and Issa Lucido, both very well respected scrapbookers with unique talents of their own. Both are also blazing trails in the international scene.

The Final 10, including myself, is a merry bunch of talented scrappers. We each have our own style and it is quite amazing how much talent and ingenuity everyone has.

I myself didn't fare too well. I was harassed (because of a school Open House Seminar I had to conduct) so I came in late. I was actually more harassed because of the lateness, rather than the challenge. I'm cranky and inconsolable when arriving at anything late, whether it's a play, a party, or even mass. I knew that this was a possibility but I just had to make do with the circumstances.

I am really comfortable with my vintage style and wouldn't trade it for the world. Nevertheless, I let myself be swayed to go for a "brighter"-colored lay-out. Unfortunately, since this really isn't my element, I should have known to just trust my own instincts. The result was ok, but not one of my best. In fact, I was downright embarassed at what I was able to come up with. Truth is, I had difficulty with the patterned papers given. Since we had to use all of them, plus all of the elements inside the package, I spent the better hour just making my octagonally shaped stop sign LO. Hence, when the top 3 winners were announced, I was not surprised. They really deserved the accolade. Unfortunately for me, I was unable to console myself by doing my scrapshopping because of a long brownout. I couldn't see what I wanted to buy!

When I got home however, a package was waiting for me. (See earlier post.) This certainly perked me up!

PreOrdained

2008-10-01T20:18:00.002+08:00

My uncle, Tito Rolly, was one of my favorite uncles. I made this LO as a tribute to him being a Jesuit priest. I recently submitted this to Inspire Me of Webster's Pages.

Journal reads: My Uncle Rolly was pre-ordained to be a priest. As a young boy, his idea of "play" is to pretend to "raise the bread" and to "say mass." His dream to become a priest did bring him to the Jesuits. He dedicated his whole life to being what he wanted to be. His life was pre-ordained.

Gauche Alchemy GDT for October!!!

2008-09-29T19:37:00.007+08:00

I got picked!!! I got picked!!! I got picked!!! WOOOHOOOH!!! I saw the Gauche Alchemy blog looking for a GDT for October and found out that I still had 1 day to apply. I applied because I soooo love their vintage kits with gorgeous ephemera!!! If you want to know what their kits look like, here's the link:

http://gauchealchemy.wordpress.com (the blog)
http://gauchealchemy.etsy.com (the storefront)

Promise, you'll positively drool, just like I did!

For my application as GDT, I sent in photos of an altered toolbox planter I made into a toiletries caddy. I'm so proud of myself because I made this in 3 hours!!!

Thoughts on my Vintage Style

2008-09-27T13:59:00.004+08:00

I've always been looking for sites that cater to my vintage style. Most of my scrapper friends tell me that my style is so truly vintage that even without the absence of vintage materials, I put my own touch to it. Hence, they always say that my style is so much mine.

Really don't know about that. I do know that I like certain papers and embellies over others. However, when required to use what is there, I will make sure that the LO or the project will always still show who I am.

Why vintage? I really don't know. Maybe it's because of my love for history and for tracing my genealogy. Maybe because vintage is timeless. It already looks old and will never be out of style. Also, I like making things from ordinary materials, and coming up with special items that are new and different. I'm an out-of-the-box thinker. When given some parameters, I always want to make something that is truly unique, but still truly me. I earlier realized that I can scrap any way required, but to be truly me means even going against the odds. If that costs me a challenge, so be it. I'd rather be myself.

Got IN! Am a Scrappin' Moms Idol 2008 Finalist!

2008-09-27T13:55:00.002+08:00

After 6 weeks of grueling challenges, I finally made it to the top 10 of Scrappin' Moms Idol 2008! As a finalist, I'll be one of the few going through a 3-hour on-the-spot challenge for a chance to be the title holder. Of course, I'd like to win but I'm realistic enough to realize that with all the talent in the group, a one-in-ten chance is small. So come Oct. 4, Saturday, I'll go into the challenge and just have fun. I've already reached my goal. That is enough. For now.

Finally saw my SNR Issue 6 LOs

2008-09-18T21:33:00.003+08:00

To Galo, Age 4, a LO I made for the PS Kaya Blog Challenge is featured under #6 Style Spotlight, under Distressed & Ephemera. Once Upon a Time Beautiful Belles is featured also under #6 Style Spotlight under Vintage Vogue.
http://www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com/joomla44/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=757&Itemid=392&ed=49

1930 Milestones, a LO I made of my grandmother as one of the first women drivers of the Philippines,
and Sisters Act, a LO of my sisters and I helping each other out, are featured under #6 Reader Submissions By Call - Through the Ages.
http://www.scrapbooknewsandreview.com/joomla44/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=740&Itemid=340&ed=29

SNR Publication of 4 LOs!

2008-09-09T06:53:00.006+08:00

I just received word that Scrapbooking News and Reviews will publish 4 of my LOs! These are:

In My Secret Garden
Sisters Act (Perfect)
Beautiful Belles
1930 Milestones

What an honor! I sent in 5 for consideration just last week and only 1 didn't make it. All 4 LOs will be featured in the Sept. 15 issue. They even gave me a sign to put up in my blog!

SNR Publication of LO!

2008-09-05T12:15:00.005+08:00

I just received news that I'll get published in Scrapping News and Reviews!!! Don't know yet which one though since I'm supposed to get another email regarding which LO it will be.

I'm just not sure if this is just a publication on-line though, or if there is an actual paper magazine. Hehehe. Am I the clue-less person or what?!

MM Featured Page- Perfection

2008-09-02T06:50:00.002+08:00

Memory Makers Magazine is featuring my fist LO on acrylic, Perfection (scroll down to see the LO below). It shows my parents hands during the exchanging of rings. This was the first time I used both an acrylic sheet and a KI Memories lace cardstock, and I must say that it was really a challenge. I didn't want to cover up the clear surface, nor did I want the cs to overwhelm the acrylic. I liked how this turned out to be, simple but elegant.

Gift

2008-08-24T17:06:00.005+08:00

Gift shows my son. It took me a while to get pregnant. And when I finally did, I went through a difficult pregnancy. My husband and I were so happy that we named our son, Gonzalo which means "saved from battle." His nickname, Galo, is also short for "regalo" or gift. There are times however, that I forget that things can happen for such a precious gift to be lost. Good thing that God really meant this gift to be ours.

For this LO, I printed Galo's photo in B&W on a 81/2" x 11" transparency and stuck that to the 12x12 journaling paper. Hence, the designs of the journaling paper showed through the transparency and created very interesting designs, as if rubons were placed at random!

Journal reads: Mother’s Day, 2007. I almost lost you that day! You cried that morning because daddy left without you and you wanted to ride your kart beside him. After a few minutes, you stopped crying. I left you alone, thinking you’re all right. You followed me upstairs after 5 minutes. When daddy returned home, he saw your kart outside the open gate! Apparently, you brought your kart out with the intention of following daddy! I cried that morning, in both fear and gratitude. I cried in fear because I wouldn’t have been able to forgive myself if something happened to you. And I cried in gratitude to the guardian angel who stopped you that day. That miracle is the best gift I’ve ever received on Mother’s Day.

Materials: Plain chipboard for backing, Creative Imaginations Narratives Journaling Panels by Karen Russell, Transparency of photo in B&W, Creative Imaginations Narratives Chipboard Alphas, mm Attachments Sky photo turns & brads, Bo Bunny bella Journee lace, Kotex Thread silver, Fancy Pants Dapper Rub-Ons, Autumn Leaves Epiphany Rub-On Flourishes, Rhonna Farrer Keyword Rub-Ons, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Merlot, Tsukineko Walnut Ink. Font used: Mistral 12pts. Adhesives: UHU Bastel Kleber, 3M Spray Mount.

Techniques used: Using 12x12 journaling sheet (with 6 journal-design) as background paper; Printing a B&W photo on transparency to go on top of journaling paper; Inking sides of LO with walnut ink, then with glimmer mist spray; Painting alphas with glimmer mist spray; Hand blade cutting on background paper to insert photo; Sewing sides for interest; Using rub-ons on alphas & transparency.

The Scent of Violets

2008-08-24T16:31:00.007+08:00

The Scent of Violets features one of remaining photos of my great-grandmother, Lola Bachang. I never met her, yet I'd like to think that since I knew her daughter, I might know a little of her too.

Journal: When I smell violets, I imagine you. I only know of you because of your daughter, my grandmother, Lola Chiching.
I imagine you to be strong because my lola was strong. I wonder how you survived the Spanish-Filipino War, being half-Spanish and half-Filipino. Oh, the tales you could tell, if your photograph could speak!

I imagine you to be a great beauty because my lola was beautiful. I wonder how you must have turned down many admirers, and I wonder too about your own love story.

I imagine you to be very interesting to talk to because my lola was easy to talk to. I wonder what your childhood was like. Did you have brothers and sisters?

I imagine you to be intelligent because my lola was intelligent. She remembers details in history like it just happened yesterday. I imagine you to be like that too. I'm sure you can tell me many things about your parents, as well as grandparents!

I imagine you to smell like violents because it reminds me of the old world, of the life of nobility and gentility, of a life beyond mine, ---just like the scent I find in my lola's wooden closet. That scent and this photograph are all I have of you.

Materials: chipboard for backing, Bo Bunny Marakesh, BG Periphery Bordeaux, IOD Coquette Collection Vanity, Anna Griffin violets AG030, tracing paper, Maya Road Fresh Scrolls chipboard, Heidi Swapp SHe Raw alpha, Thickers Alpha, Autumn leaves Frech Twist RubOns, mm Colors eggplant, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist Merlot, Carolina's lace & ribbon, Carolina's sequinned flowers, Fancy Pants French Market RubOns, VersaCraft 15 Pine, Colorbox Chalk warm violet, Uniball Signo white pen. Adhesives: Ms. Elizabeth's double-sided roller tape, UHU Bastel Kleber, UBL double-sided mounting tape, Glue Dots vellum.

Techniques used: Spraying of Glimmer Mist, doodling, inking lace and leaves with chalk and stamp ink, painting, hand-cutting pps + free-hand cutting of leaves, layering, gluing patterned paper over the chipboard scroll for emphasis.

Sisters Act

2008-08-24T15:35:00.005+08:00

Sisters Act is based on a photo of myself at 3 years old, Pie at 2 and Honey at 1. Because we were all closely spaced together, we grew up helping my mom in her chores.

Journal reads: Acting as a sister means hard work. At ages 3, 2 and 1, we helped mommy take care of us. We knew how to push baby carriages, then later, grocery carts. This act prepared us to be there for each other for life.

Materials: Heidi Swapp carefree Sky School Stripe, Fancy Pants About a Boy Expression, Daisy d’s Capri, Hot Off the Press Chocolate Flowers, Creative Imaginations Marah Johnson brads, MME Tres Jolie Mademoiselle Sisters die cut, Crate Paper Crateboard Wildflower alphas, Cherry Arte Chipboard corner,mm Noteworthy Spiral notebook paper, Rhonna Farrer Keywords Rub-Ons, Carolina’s lace and mini-ricrac cord, Tsukineko Walnut Ink, Colorbox Chalk Chestnut Roan, Brilliance Moonlight White, Whispers Dual Tip Brush Markers Vintage colors, Leeho Glitter Powder, mm Specialty Glaze, Sakura Gelly Roll pen. Adhesives: UHU Bastel Kleber, Tombow Mono Aqua, Ms. Elizabeth’s double-sided tape roller. Stamps used: Prima Build-a-Frame II, Fancy Pants From the Garden, Stampin’ Up En Francais.

Techniques used: stamping - background words with 2 inks (for dimension), alphas + glazing, hand blade cutting to “lift” scrolls from background paper & insert the photo, free-hand cutting of leaves (no templates), doodling, mounting with foam adhesives, using glitter for emphasis, handwritten journal, inking sides of leaves, journal, alphas with stamp ink, inking sides of LO, die-cut with walnut ink for aged-look (* Inking with walnut ink erases part of the brown, stamped words to reveal the white stamped words.)

Food for the Soul

2008-08-24T09:26:00.006+08:00

Food for the Soul talks about my life-long love for the piano. I am no concert pianist and never aspired to be one. When I was growing up, I danced, sang, played the piano and drew. Dancing ballet was my childhood dream. Hence, playing the piano took a backseat, despite very early progress in this field. Also, I wanted to play music I liked. I didn't like to practice. I just liked to play music. Even until now, every once in a while, I sit down on the bench and play to my heart's content.

Journal reads: Each time I play the piano, it feels like I've come home. I am transported into a world of my creation. I feel the joy, the pain, the passion for life. It is food for my soul.

Materials: 12x12 scrap chipboard (from packaging), white Bazzill cs, transparency, QuickStripz Manhattan, Barbara Trombley's Vintage Glass Glitter 610 Onyx fine, Rhonna Farrer Phrase RubOns, BG Wholly Cow RubOns, Luxe There's the Rub, Chip Chatter Alpha Essentials, Prima flowers, Hot Off the Press chocolate brad pack, Karen Foster Nickel Heirloom, mm black ink. Adhesives: All About Scrapbooking rubber foam sheets. Stamp: Fancy Pants From the Garden. Diecut: Quickutz Sophisticate. Adhesives: Ms Elizabeth's double-sided roller tape, Polar Bear Photo Memory Mounting Tape, UHU Bastel Kleber, UBL foam adhesive, Tombow Mono Aqua, 3M Spray Mount.

Techniques used: no background paper except for chipboard, using transparency of the negative of my favorite sheet music for background and the positive of the sheet music to make the paper for the flowers, raising piano keys with foam sheets to show dimension of piano keys, pasting of cut hands to appear like the fingers are on top of the raised keys, stamping, using vintage glass, handwritten journal, hand blade cutting to shape grand piano pocket for journal, handmade flower and swirls.

MMM'09 Entries- What Matters Most in Kindergarten

2008-08-23T21:40:00.007+08:00

This is a photo of the original LO I sent to MMM'09. The main photograph is me in kindergarten, right before I performed in the title role of a school play. I was about 5 years old then. I also included a small photograph of the current me. I had fun making the flower of the hidden journal because I used glitter to make a mosaic of the big flower.

Journal reads: In Kindergarten, I learned many things about myself. I learned how to make friends. I learned I was good at art, music and dance. I learned I thought differently from others. I could empathize with and feel what others feel. I saw what others didn't. I became self-aware. I became an individual unique in every way. I became an artist, always strugling to know herself through her work.

Materials: Bo Bunny Paris Garland, Bazzill cs brown, DCWV cs old rose, Colorbox Caribbean, ProvoCraft Eco Africa Plant Paper & Wire Frame, Diasyd's Cardstock Diecuts Remember Journalling Tags, StazOn timber brown, Prima Postage Stamp Alphas, BG Sultry RubOns, mm Springtime brads, misc. ribbons & lace, Elit Tracing Paper, Doodlebug Sugar Coating Glitter, Tsukineko Walnut Ink. Stamp: See-d's Majestic Flight Stamp. Adhesives: UHU Bastel Kleber, Glue Dots vellum, UBL foam tape, Tombow Mono aqua.

Techniques used: stamping, handpaper tearing, precision blade cutting, distressingt, inking with walnut ink, sewing lace on 2 layers of ribbons, glitter mosaic.