a few of my thoughts

december daily 2011: day six

2011-12-10T09:36:00.001+08:00

day six, a tuesday...

rush! rush! rush! that's how we feel every tuesday. it's coding day, which means we have to be out of the house by 6:30am and must reach our offices by 7am! good thing it's still early and there's less traffic.

oh well, that's how life moves. we go with the flow. good thing there's the radio to keep us entertained. nelo is a big fan of monster rx 93.1 particularly "the morning rush" program with chico & delamar, now with gino as del is on maternity leave.

love the "top 10" that they do everyday. different topics, sometimes serious but mostly funny and interesting and downright hilarious. it makes the stress on tuesdays go down a bit down the stress meter!

december daily 2011: day five

2011-12-08T17:22:00.001+08:00

a rainy day five this month of december.

i can't believe this weather. cold and breezy, i can understand. but raining... this is not the kind of weather i am expecting this december!

the weather has gone haywire due to climate change. rains should be happening around july - september, not in december. and it's so hard to be caught in the rains. it's more traffic than usual, it's hard to get a cab and you definitely can't get home early.

i hope it no longer rains in the next few days or weeks. i'd hate to spend christmas on a rainy day.

december daily 2011: day four

2011-12-08T15:09:00.001+08:00

day four was both stressful and relaxing to say the least.

we started nikko on the nebulizer the night before and it was so heartwrenching to see him cry. he was irritable and putting the mask on him wasn't a good idea. he was crying and kicking his way out of our tight embrace. but we knew we had to do nebulize him and give him that medicine.

and so early sunday morning, we were anticipating and dreading the same reaction from nikko. thankfully, he was more willing this time around. he didn't fuss as much and he just let me place the mask over his face. plus, we had to switch on the tv to disney junior to get him distracted. it's always hard when your baby gets sick.

after that, it was a more relaxing day. nikko and i were the only ones left in the house. dad was in the store and the rest all had errands. while nikko was sleeping, i just sorted through our photos. and when he woke up, we just played and played. it was a great bonding time for my baby and me. love these moments!

december daily 2011: day three

2011-12-07T11:41:00.001+08:00

it was a hectic day three for our family. december 3 was nikko's monthly check-up and it was also aly's 6th birthday celebration.

we had to prepare early so we can line-up early for our pedia appointment. the check-up went well but there were alarming signs over nikko's colds and occasional cough. we were prescribed to give meds through a nebulizer. plus, continue with his colds medicine. it will be a 5-day treatment, hopefully he feels better by then. he was also given his vaccine shots.

after the pedia, we had to rush to jollibee for aly's party. it was already halfway through when we got there. good timing though 'coz the mascots were already entertaining the kids. nikko loved the mascots, jollibee and twirlie. he wasn't afraid at all and he even kept on touching the mascot's face. he's such a brave baby.

nikko even participated with aly's gift opening. i'm sure if he was bigger, he would have wanted to tun around and play already with the big kids. we had fun at the party.

we got home a little late though since we still had to pick-up the nebulizer from my in-laws place. nikko will have to start on the nebulizer soon.

with december's entry, it's been a little colder than usual already. this could probably be one factor also for nikko's colds. the sudden changes in the weather is not good for kids.

december daily 2011: day two

2011-12-06T11:35:00.000+08:00

well, life just always gets the best of me when it comes to posting regularly. still, i am trying to really document my december daily happenings.

although it's late, here's day two:

it's nikko's 6th month birthday! and as we've always done in the past months, we start off the day with a cake blowing ceremony. he wasn't smiling as much that morning, it turned out he was already sleepy. after the photo session, he immediately fell asleep.

it's also memorable for nikko since my in-laws are here to celebrate it with him. my mom has already set-up the christmas tree some weeks back and it was a great backdrop to nikko's photo session.

in the evening, we celebrated it with dinner with my in-laws and nelo's cousins also came over. nikko was up and about that night. funny, but whenever there are guests in the house, nikko always wakes up on cue. he's not sleeepy at all even though it was his bedtime already. he was such a gracious host, and was very generous with his smiles and laughter. he was even excited to open up his gift given by his tito philip.

dinner consisted of sotanghon pancit, fried chicken, lumpiang shanghai and beef stew. i wasn't able to take photos of the food. but let me just say it was yummy! my mom really is the best cook ever!

a great night to cap off my little boy's 6th month celebration!

december daily 2011: day one

2011-12-02T17:49:00.000+08:00

like i said in my earlier post, i will blog about my december daily first and scrapbook pages will just follow.

and so it's day one...

our december started off with my in-laws staying with us for two days to spend time with nikko. he was barely a month when they went back to dipolog and now, nikko is way bigger. he's such a charmer and he knows how to get your attention with his adorable smile. it's always a joy to wake up with him around. nelo and i love spending the first hour of the day playing with him before we prepare for work.

it's back to work after a one-day holiday. and i forgot that it was nilda's birthday. as our usual practice, a salo-salo for lunch in honor of the celebrant. i've been in this office for almost seven years already. i conside them my second family considering the amount of time i spend at the office.

it's nikko's 6th month birthday the next day. i had to buy a cake first before going home. we've set-up a tradition of sorts every monthly celebration of nikko. looking forward to it.

i tried to squeeze in a little scrapping time in the evening while nikko was sleeping. unfortunately, it wasn't long before he was calling for my attention (and his milky) once more.

and that's it for day one.
will scrap the pages soon.

december daily 2011

2011-12-01T16:21:00.000+08:00

for years, i have attempted on embarking on a december daily project.

ali edwards started this back in 2007. i've long wanted to do one but i always get stumped along the process.

http://aliedwards.com/2009/12/december-daily-compilation.html

this year, i will once again attempt to do this project! i know it will be tough on me considering that most of my free time at home is spent taking care of nikko. still, i want this project done. it will be nikko's first christmas and i want this christmas season documented.

i guess i just have to take this one step at a time. i've decided that i will approach it differently this time around. i have listed the process i will take, and i'll adjust accordingly:

take photos daily, consistently
jot down details of the day in a notepad and/or through the blog (to avoid forgetting the little details)
gather the photos and have it developed every 3 days
create the pages
post the pages on the blog

as for my materials, i will use this christmas themed 8x8 album. the cover will be altered a bit later. for the papers, i have accumulated (or should i say hoarded) a lot of christmas papers in the past. now is the best time to use these. embellishments will also be coming from my existing (hoarded) stash.

that's it! let's see where this project leads me. i truly hope i get to finish this!

you & me (tag mini book)

2011-11-28T15:57:00.001+08:00

i can't believe it! it will be december in a few days and i still have a lot to prepare for the christmas season. i better start preparing my shopping list already. oh my! so little time to prepare.

talk about presents, clariz had a post birthday treat for the ac barkada last saturday at tourne at the fort. it was a fun lunch over good food and good company. time spent with my college friends are almost always never enough. imagine non-stop chitchat and laughter for almost 4 hours!

anyways, here's the gift i gave to clariz. this is a tag mini book which is one of my favorite creations. i like creating this minis as gifts for friends. the mini was predominantly orange, her fave color. i'm glad she loved it!

everyday with you (mini album)

2011-11-11T14:23:00.001+08:00

one of the things that i love to do are mini books or mini albums. i don't often use it but i just like the idea of being able to create something new out of "scraps." also, i often create these as gifts to friends. i can customize the theme and it has a personal touch once given as a gift.

here's one that i created a few months back for a friend of mine. she loves the color orange and she has a baby girl. a perfect combination for a mini album.

this is a 6x6 mini album and i used a lot of scenic route papers on this. scenic route is one of my fave paper manufacturers. too bad they closed for business already. i used a ring binder to hold the album, placed papers flowers on top of each other for dimension and i added felt butterfly cut-outs as well. love it!

materials used: chipboard; patterned paper - scenic route; punch - fiskars; flowers - prima, aas; stickers - making memories, provo craft; others - fiber, metal charms, ring binder

squeeze

2011-10-27T13:33:00.001+08:00

it's always fun playing with my niece aly. she is very imaginative and loves to explore. it is also funny when i get to tease her sometimes. i like her reaction when she gets a bit mad.

like this one time when we were playing, i just started off hugging her. then, instead of letting her go, i just started squeezing her. she just kept squealing for me to stop. lol! love her reaction in these photos!

notice how i played up on the title by simulating a "squeezed" look for the photos. i used a sticker sheet as mask for my background. love the effect. and, i journaled around the patterned paper to give emphasis on my photos. this is a perfect fit for workout #53 at scrapFIT.

materials used: patterned paper - scenic route, collage press, sassafras; chipboard - scenic route, provo craft; glimmer mist - tattered angels; stickers - american crafts, k&co

FITGirl Spotlight

2011-10-22T08:30:00.000+08:00

yes i am! i am featured as a FITGirl over at scrapfit!

my "behind the lens" layout was chosen as their favorite for their weekend warm-up #15.

i was happy when i saw their post. it's icing on the cake as i love that layout too!

do check out the feature on me at scrapfit and get to know a little bit more about me.

and do join their bi-monthly challenges.

it's a great way to jumpstart your scrappy mojo!

hotline to love

2011-10-18T13:54:00.000+08:00

edited: and this post was a fave over at scrapbooker's anonymous! yipee!

life has changed for us in the past 4.5months drastically. our world now revolves around our baby and "me time" or "us time" as we like to call it, seems a thing of the past.

still, we are much happier despite all these changes. nelo and i both know that we can always depend on each other no matter what. as we've said we are each other's hotline to love.

this photo was taken during my friend's wedding back in 2005. they had this cute phone booth in the reception venue, a perfect match for my title.

note: i've used the tim holtz bird & cage die as an additional element for my design. i cut it using a black & white printed postcard. i like how it turned out. and i even used distress ink on the bird.

this page fits perfectly the october challenge to use die cuts over at scrapbookers anonymous.

materials used: cardsrock - american crafts; patterned paper - dcwv, jenni bowlin; chipboard - buzz & bloom, american crafts; flowers - prima; crackle paint, ink, mask - tim holtz by ranger; rub-on -basic grey; dies - sizzix; others - bling, lace

behind the lens

2011-10-11T15:41:00.003+08:00

one of the things i love about my hubby is that he supports my scrap addiction. he knows it takes time for me to create those pages but he understands and he knows it makes me happy.

and of course, there'll be no scrap addiction if i didn't have the photos to accompany it. which is why i also love that he's into photography. we're amateurs but we love taking photographs, perfect shot or not.

this layout is sort of a tribute to him and (one of) the reason why he's into photography. this photo was taken at the tail-end of our photo workshop with gunther deichmann last year.

this layout also perfectly matched the call at scrapfit for their ww#15. it was all about circles and i have loads of that on my layout. most of my patterns are circles and i even had a circle cut-out as an accent. even my embellishments are circles

journal: you were once asked why you're taking photography classes and you said 'coz someone has to take my photos. it was funny, you saying that. but i know it's true. having a scrapbooker wife requires that you are able to capture moments as well. demanding of me right?! but know that i appreciate you being behind that lens. your eye for detail is different. and above all, it's because you love photography, plain & simple!

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - prima, cosmo cricket, october afternoon, sassafras; chipboard - maya road, american crafts; stickers - jenni bowlin, 7gypsies; puncher - fiskars; ink - brilliance; mist - maya road, tattered angels; others - buttons, rikrak

adobo girls

2011-10-07T15:25:00.000+08:00

i'm happy to find out that this layout i created using mostly echo park paper (life is good collection kit) was among the reader submission finalist at aussie scrap source. they had a call recently for a gdt spot with echo park paper and i submitted a few layouts.

today, i saw that they have already posted the chosen gdt and they also featured the layouts they liked. surprise! i see this layout among the chosen few. some of my friends' layouts were also there.

this was a photo shoot with the adobo girls earlier this year (and i was still on my 2nd trimester then). such fun times! just a whole day of photo ops, chitchat and some scrappping on the side. love these girls!

materials used: cardstock - american crafts; patterned paper - echo park paper, october afternoon; stickers - echo park paper, october afternoon; puncher - fiskars, marvy uchida; mist - tattered angels, memories mist; die-cut - coluzzle; stamp - glitz design; ink - versa magic

batgirl

2011-10-03T14:41:00.002+08:00

it's already october and by the end of the month, the kids will go on their trick or treat adventure.

now that we have nikko, i'm thinking if we will join one or not. he'll be almost 5months by then. it will be exciting to see him in a costume though. we'll see. we still have a week or two to decide on that.

in the meantime, let me share with you a layout i created for my niece christabel. this was her costume 2years ago when she went for a trick or treat adventure. i scraplifted this idea from a layout i saw in a ck magazine. i like how she seemed to have run off-page in the photo.

materials used: patterned paper - scenic route, october afternoon, cosmo cricket, my little shoebox; sticker - jenni bowlin; chipboard - provo craft; felt - fancy pants; others - brads, resin buttons, floss

life's adventure (tag mini book)

2011-09-16T16:31:00.000+08:00

a client friend of ours is set to celebrate her birthday weekend. i've always wanted to give her one of my scrapbook creations but never got a chance to do before. but during my pre-maternity leave, with lots of time on hand while waiting for the baby (then) to arrive, i was finally able to create a little something for her.

this is a tag mini book which i made using the sizzix super scallop tag die for the base. i also used the tim holtz birdcage die for the cover. i used an assortment of paper "scraps" for this project and never once used any new papers.

it also helped that i had a lot of paper punches, stamps and the coluzzle cutting system. i was able to create interesting details for this mini book with these tools.

i had a lot of fun creating the mini book given the little space i had to work around. it is always a challenge to do these little projects but seeing the final item makes it all worthwhile.

long time fans

2011-09-12T14:59:00.001+08:00

when we were younger, i remember my mom and dad would always listen to this radio station where they played old songs. they aired songs by frank sinatra, paul anka, tom jones and the like. and my parents' favorite... songs by engelbert humperdinck!

and when he came over to perform in a concert, it was such a joy that my parents were able to watch him!

it was like i was the parent the day of the concert. i picked them up from the house and brought them to the concert venue. i had to tell them where nelo and i will be waiting for them. we passed the time waiting for them by watching toy story 3. i knew they were excited for the concert and i didn't mind waiting at all! it is these moments that i love to scrapbook!

journal:

for years, i have heard them listen to his songs, sometimes even singing with him. they've even thought of naming one of their kids after him. thankfully, they did not.

and so when engelbert humperdinck had a concert at the araneta coliseum, i had to secure them tickets, compliments of clariz. best decision ever!

they had one of their best nights together and it was priceless!

materials used: patterned paper - 7gypsies, october afternoon; stickers - cosmo cricket, pink paislee; die-cuts - making memories, dream street; punch - fiskars; others - ribbons

positively blessed

2011-09-08T15:13:00.000+08:00

i know, i know! i haven't blogged in a while and i definitely missed blogging!

with the arrival of our newborn, family has to take priority and nothing else. i even had to temporarily give up on scrapping since i had to focus more on taking care of nikko. it's taking me a while to adjust but i'm coping. just seeing how my baby has grown in the past 3 months only affirms that it was all worth it.

but like i said, i miss blogging and my hands are itching to post something.

here's a layout that i was able to finish before i gave birth. this will be the first page for my pregnancy album. uhm, that is if i ever get to finish any pregnancy-related scrapbook pages soon. lol!

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; lace cardstock - ki memories; patterned papers - k&co, scenic route, ki memories, fancy pants; chipboard - scenic route; stickers - american crafts, making memories, 7gypsies; die cutting machines - sizzix; label - chatterbox; flowers - prima; brads - making memories; paper ribbon - daisy bucket; ribbon

sundae fun day

2011-07-22T16:43:00.001+08:00

this is my second layout featured at scrapbook news and review last june 2011.

nelo and i treated our niece aly to jollibee one sunday afternoon. she's an ice cream fanatic and capping off the day at jollibee wouldn't be complete without having a choco sundae. as you can see, aly enjoyed the afternoon and i love the her reaction as she was enjoying that sundae with nelo.

materials used: cardstock - canson, dcwv; patterned paper - cosmo cricket; vellum - american crafts; alpha - doodlebug designs, provo craft, making memories; stickers - october afternoon, sassfars; stamp - scarlet lime; buttons - autumn leaves; mist - maya road; others - ribbon

i want your pizza!

2011-07-21T13:59:00.001+08:00

last month (june 2011), two of my layouts were featured in the online magazine, scrapbook news and review.

the call was for "everyday fun" and luckily, i was able to submit - and was accepted, for online publication.

this is one of the layouts featured which showed bel and carina. i was laughing at this photo when my sil shared it with us. my niece carina seemed to be trying to pull her sister to get that pizza bel was eating. both girls were recently here for a visit and they are so cute!

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - daisy bucket; punch - martha stewart, buttons - autumn leaves; die-cuts - sizzix; stickers - october afternoon, american crafts; glimmer mist - tattered angels, memories; others - twine, googly eyes

oh baby!

2011-07-14T21:00:00.003+08:00

it's been almost 2 months since my last post. a lot has happened since then and our lives have taken a different turn. a new chapter has begun for us and it is something that we have waited for in a long time.

i gave birth last june 2 to our little bundle of joy - neil patrick "nikko" bermudez.

photogrpahed by alby laran

our joy is overflowing and we are very blessed and ever thankful for this gift. since our baby nikko's arrival, our life took a 360 degree turn. he requires our undivided attention and we are also adjusting as new parents. the first few weeks were hard and our time is no longer under our control. still, seeing nikko smile after a tiring day is the best reward there is.

photogrpahed by alby laran

scrapbooking has taken a backseat for now. but i do have tons of baby pictures already waiting to be scrapped. hopefully i can get my groove back once he's a bit bigger. i do have some layouts and projects that i was able to finish before giving birth. i'll share those in the coming days. it might even help jumpstart my creativity sooner than i hoped for.

for now, i'm off to do my mommy duties. will be back later to blog some scrappiness.

seven years of marriage and loving it!

2011-05-29T11:10:00.003+08:00

it just seemed like yesterday when i walked down the aisle of st. john bosco church. the man i committed myself to was waiting at the end of the altar waiting for me with a big smile on his face. it was an overwhelming feeling at the time. i was about to start with a new chapter in my life and i can't wait to say my vows and commit a lifetime with the man who has loved me for who i am, flaws and all.

our wedding was truly special knowing that it was also shared with our families and friends. it was a magical day that i can relive over and over.

from then till now, nelo and i have been through a lot already, both good and bad, happy and sad. still we emerged victorious through it all in our relationship and it has even made us stronger. life truly has its unexpected twists and turns and you just have to learn to swing it and move with the flow.

and now, in a few days, we will be welcoming a new addition to out family and we just can't wait. we thank god for all the guidance and blessings he has showered upon us.

to remember our special day once more, seven years ago, here's a layout i created with some of our wedding photos.

materials used: patterned papers - sassafras, making memories; chipboard - prima, making memories; die cuts - chatterbox; stickers - making memories; stamp - technique tuesday; punch - martha stewart; others - doily, ribbon, blooms and lace

everyday (altered notebook)

2011-05-28T09:33:00.001+08:00

just a few more days and i'll be ready to pop this baby out! lol!

it's been a long journey and we can't wait for the baby to arrive already.

i've already prepared our stuff and it's just a matter of time really.

one thing i made sure to prepare is a little journal notebook to write down my birthing experience.

i don't want to forget the details of this milestone in our life and this teeny notebook will be very helpful.

i used scraps of patterned paper and cut out those little birds as well.

creating this was also also therapeutic while i wait for the baby's arrival.

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - scenic route, my little shoebox; sticker - dcwv; gaffer tape - 7gypsies; ink - versamagic

oh happy day

2011-05-22T21:49:00.000+08:00

i've been scrapping as much as i can this past week. i'm sure by the time the baby arrives, there will be less time or should i say, no time for me to create any scrapbooks anytime soon.

let me share with you a layout i've finished using sketch #119 from the scrappiest.

i've used mostly my old stash for this layout so i can't properly name the papers i used here. still, this was a good way to de-stash and my niece carina is just oh so cute on these photos.

dad @ 64

2011-05-17T11:30:00.000+08:00

this is my dad during father's day last year. he was 64 then and we got to treat him out for lunch.

unfortunately, my youngest brother was not able to join us then 'coz he had work.

this year, he'll be real grandfather soon and i'm sure, like most of us, life will be different for him soon.

he was the one who said my baby will be a boy at the onset of the pregnancy and he never wavered about it.

well, his wish was granted and i'm sure he can't wait to meet our baby in a few weeks.

so for now, this is a tribute page to you dad! soon to be daddy-lo!

journal: it isn't often that we go out and celebrate father's day, but this time we did. and it was a great decision. we had lunch as a family, although pau cannot join us. you enjoyed every moment of it. you deserve this special treat dad!

incidentally, i am submitting this layout also for the scrapfit workout #44 challenge.

materials used: patterned paper - scenic route, cosmo cricket, sassafras; chipboard - american crafts, imagination project; punchers - fiskars, martha stewart; mist - tattered angels; buttons - autumn leaves; ink - tim holtz

election 2010

2011-05-11T16:31:00.000+08:00

i can't believe it's been a year already since our country made history in the 2010 elections.

it was the first automated election and the fastest election count we've ever had.

and of course, finally electing a new president after almost 10 years in tenure of the previous one.

there's still much to expect from the current administration and work still continues.

for me, the best way to remember that historic day is to document our experience in a scrapbook layout.

we all got to vote, except for my mom whose records, unfortunately, were used by a "flying voter."

materials used: cardstock - canson; patterned paper - scenic route, echo park; puncher - martha stewart, ek success; ink - versa magic; chipboard - provo craft; sticker - pink paislee; font - veteran typewriter; others - buttons

little boy at heart

2011-05-04T15:51:00.001+08:00

it's been a while... again!

since the pregnancy, i've been such a lazy daisy when it comes to blogging so no more excuses!

i've been able to do a few simple layouts since my last post though.

still lots to share but so little time.

i've already shared this layout over at facebook during nelo's birthday.

and i'd still like to share it here.

i love his expression on the photos! these shots were taken by our friend meng lim during a "pictorial."

it really brought out the kid in him.

and the "little boy" collection from echo park paper was perfect for this layout!

journal:

that is what i love about you!despite the serious side, you have that boyish flair that can drive me crazy and happy at the same time. your free spirited nature endear you even more to me each day!

materials used: cardstock - bazzill, dcwv; patterned paper - echo park paper; stickers - echo park paper, jenni bowlin; glimmer mist - tattered angels; brads

hidden talent?

2011-03-18T10:50:00.005+08:00

it's been a few weeks since my last post. february was a productive month for me on the scrapbooking front. but i seem to have lagged behind once more this march. mr. mojo has left the building! we'll see if he comes back on saturday when i meet up with the adobo girls for a day of scrappy fun!

still, i'd like to share with you a layout i finished last month. i have lots of photos of my nieces and that's what i've been scrapping more of these days. this is aly, and she can be so silly and yet she's such a sweetie.

old stash alert! had these with me for a long time. was finally able to use it!

materials used: patterned paper - rusty pickle; felt - fancy pants; buttons - autumn leaves; alphas - american crafts, october afternoon; others - resin buttons

by the way, just to update you on my post below...

boy or girl?

2011-03-05T07:50:00.002+08:00

that is the big question!

it's the 26th week of my pregnancy and we are due for a check-up today.

i am also due for an ultrasound and my ob said we'll know the baby's gender by now.

we are so excited!

my family's rooting for a baby boy!

when we found out i was pregnant, my dad immediately said it will be a boy. with much conviction i must say.

and nelo even picked a name for the baby already.

so we'll know soon enough if the prediction is correct.

truthfully, be it a boy or a girl, we just want the baby to be healthy and safe.

that's all we pray for everyday.

boy or girl... it will be a much awaited blessing.

so what do you think?

{@ 22 weeks}

texas ranger

2011-03-04T17:10:00.001+08:00

i really like using sketches to jumpstart my scrappy mojo. it's the fastest way for me to scrap since i still have lots of photos i need to scrap.

this one here was inspired by the february sketch challenge at sweet peach crop shop. the design was just right for these photos of christabel, my niece who lives in texas. i fixed the photo using various actions in photoshop. it helped set the mood for the theme.

and, the best part of creating this layout -- using up my old stash! these papers have been with me for ages! i do love the result!

materials used: patterned paper - basic grey, cosmo cricket, crate paper; felt - maya road; chipboard - american crafts; sticker - jenni bowlin; wood banner - jolee's; die cut - tim holtz; others - buttons, brads, twine

reese

2011-03-02T16:43:00.005+08:00

i can't believe it's march 2nd already!

february just flew by and now a third of the year is gone. wow! time really flies fast.

much like this photo that i scrapped. this is reese, my friend arlene's daughter.

i've had this photo with me for like a year or so already but never got the chance to scrap it until now. reese is now way bigger but just as lovelier as she is in this photo.

i love the mood set by the photo and that flamenco outfit she was wearing. so i focused on using more reds and blacks on this layout.

remember this post on handmade flowers?

i created a few for this layout and i love how it came out! i'm getting the hang of assembling the flowers and i can even customize the colors. i even mixed embossing powders on the grungeboard and the frame post die cut to give it that distressed look.

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - jenni bowlin; chipboard, flowers - prima; die - tim holtz/sizzix; grungeboard, distress ink, embossing powder - tim holtz by ranger; punch - martha stewart; brads - making memories; others - lace, pearls

1 {four} 3

2011-02-28T20:30:00.001+08:00

in three months time, we will be celebrating our wedding anniversary.

i can't believe it will be seven years by then. time does fly fast when you are having the time of your life. that is especially true when you are with the one person you chose to love and live with forever through all the ups and downs.

to cap off the love month of february, let me share with you this layout i created when we celebrated our 4th year anniversary.

you'll notice that i "played" with my title to indicate both the year we are celebrating and to say "i love you" figuratively. i also deviated from using pinks or reds for my color palette, which i think suited the layout very well.

journal: Every year spent with you have been a journey and a celebration. We have moved through our married life with continued hope and faith of what the future brings for our family. We learn more about each other everyday and continue to keep God in the center of everything. He has bigger plans for us and we know it will come in time. We will continue to enjoy our journey and will love each other every step of the way.

I love you…

(May 29, 2008)

materials used: cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper - october afternoon; chipboard - american crafts, tim holtz; flowers - prima; glimmer mist - tattered angels; stickers - 7gypsies; punch & tools - fiskars, martha stewart, creative memories; others - crochet flower, resin chipboard, corduroy buttons, fiber; font - traveling typewriter

seasons of love

2011-02-28T14:44:00.000+08:00

i miss creating layouts for journaling junkie!

i've been part of their design team but with my pregnancy, it's been hard catching up with the deadlines. my mojo for scrapping has been on and off plus i've been lazy to even take pictures of layouts i've finished.

this layout has been in my box for almost 2 weeks now and it's only now that i took a photo of it.

well, better late than never.

the journaling prompt for challenge 98 is to talk about "what you love about the season you're in?" or "what season you're in with regards your life?"

i created a layout about my parents and their relationship. i think this was very timely as it was also the season of love. i was inspired by the prompt and by the song "seasons of love" from the broadway play "rent."

journal: how do you measure your life in love?

i look at the two of you and i know it's beyond that.

through all the ups and downs, rain or shine, you've held on to each other as it should be.

you've taught us the true measure of love. that it is beyond any seasons,

beyond daylights and sunsets.

it is all about remembering the love. (february 2011)

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper, flowers, felt backing, stamp - prima; chipboard - fancy pants, maya road; stickers - american crafts, pink paislee; ink - tim holtz distress ink; die-cut - american crafts, sizzix; ribbon - fancy pants; doily; lace; stick pin

snapshots

2011-02-02T16:27:00.000+08:00

last year, we attended a photography lighting workshop organized by our scrappy friend alby and her group. another friend, lee, attended the workshop. it was a fun afternoon learning a few things about lighting and stuff. we got to try the techniques taught us and there was even a model for practice shots.

well, as the workshop ended, we cannot let go of the usual group shots. and how can we forget especially with scrapbookers around. and those photos are what i used for this layout.

i used sketch #102 from the scrappiest for this layout.

journal: an afternoon after the lighting workshop will not be complete without a group shot especially when you're with scrapper friends! fun times with lee and alby in this shot. (8-28-10)

materials used: cardstock - bazzill, dcwv; patterned papers - october afternoon, imaginisce; stickers - bella blvd., creative imaginations, 7gypsies; chipboard - american crafts;ink - chalkbox; brads

cosplay

2011-02-01T19:00:00.003+08:00

and there's more...

another layout share today.

this time i used nelo's photos taken with some ladies in cosplay outfits.

doesn't he look cute posing with them with that cheesy smile?!

i used the scrappiest's sketch #101, it's part of their week-long blog celebration. i just flipped the placement of the photos and embellishments.

journal: during a stroll at megamall, we were surprised to see these ladies at their "cosplay" best. nelo was a fan of anime characters but was a little shy to have his photo taken with them. but the fan in him prevailed, and by the look on his face, he was happy for that chance. (5-29-2010)

materials used: patterned paper, stickers - basic grey; chipboard - inque boutique; brads - making memories; buttons; ink - chalkbox, memento

chick*aly

2011-02-01T15:44:00.002+08:00

like i said, sketches are the hottest ticket item for me lately...
well, next to the scrappy products out there!

i've actually finished 4 layouts in the past week 'coz of the sketches.

here's another layout to share using sketch #100 at the scrappiest. this is a photo of my niece aly during our trip to dipolog in 2009. she looked so cute trying to hold that little chick.

journal: it was your first time to be in a farm, much less hold the little chicks roaming around the farmhouse. they were so fragile but you wanted to hold them.they gave you one and you were so dainty holding on to it. it was like you were afraid of hurting them and letting go. it was a different experience for you and we can see it by the look on your face. (5-9-2009)

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - basic grey; die-cuts - bam-pop; alphas - karen foster; chipboard, brads - making memories; magic mesh; buttons; ink - ranger, chalkbox

sweet

2011-01-31T22:04:00.000+08:00

this past week, i've been able to slowly get back into the groove of scrapping. it's such a relief to turn out pages again after all these months.

admittedly though, i've been using sketches for these layouts to jumpstart my creativity.

sketches helps jumpstart my creativity and it takes the guesswork out of how to place the photos i have.

i can still make the layouts my own depending on how i interpret the sketch.

i think i'll be doing it this way for now. maybe i'll venture out of this comfort zone soon.

and speaking of sketches, here's a layout i created using sketch #98 from the scrappiest.

after creating this layout from my little shoebox' sketch, i wanted to use their paper again.

and the photos i used were a perfect fit for the sketch. that's my mother-in-law my nieces, bel and carina.

i had fun recreating that garden feel on my layout. this is a current favorite of mine...

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - my little shoebox, scenic route, making memories, october afternoon; stickers - deja views; punch - fiskars; embroidery floss - dmc

first layout for 2011 - crazy bunch

2011-01-27T14:23:00.000+08:00

yes! i'd like to share with you the first layout i was able to finish in 2011!

it feels great after finishing this layout. it's been months since i've created anything. it's still a slow start but i'm getting things done.

these are photos taken with the adobo girls a day before my birthday. this was a multiple celebration since there were five of us who chipped in to celebrate simultaneously. and the best way to celebrate - a scrap day at vivian's store! it was a fun day for all of us!

for this layout, i used the sketch from the january challenge at my little shoebox.

journal: what happens when you put together friends whose passion for scrapbooking

is mixed in with chitchat, food a photo session and everything in between?

expect a day of craziness and fanfare!

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - my little shoebox; glimmer mist - tattered angels; ink - versamagic; chipboard - bazzill; buttons - autumn leaves, making memories

eat pray love

2011-01-26T11:25:00.002+08:00

last night, i was able to finish my first layout for 2011! can you believe it?! it was nothing fancy, but it was a start. i actually followed a sketch and it made things move easily from there. i'll share that layout as soon as i finish the journal strip.

in the meantime, here's the last layout i was able to do in 2010.

this was created during the scrap day with my friends last october. yup, it's been that long since i've last scrapped anything.

hopefully with that first layout done, i can get things moving faster on the scrapping front. i still have loads of photos to scrap before the baby arrives so i better get started.

back to the subject... this photo was taken during my birthday. nelo bought me that book as a gift. honestly, i haven't started reading it yet until now. ;D which reminds me, i better read it already!

materials used: patterned paper - scenic route, sassafras; chipboard, brads - making memories; stickers - cosmo cricket, doodlebug design; ink - ranger; glimmer mist - tattered angels; stamps - unity stamps; rub-ons

handmade flowers using tim holtz dies

2011-01-25T15:02:00.001+08:00

yup, after a long time, i was able to finally create a little something.

i've seen handmade flowers used on layouts and mini albums over at youtube and i really wanted to do something like it.

since i have just cleaned my scraproom, it means i have space to start creating again. and these handmade flowers were first on my agenda. first, i bought the tattered florals die by tim holtz, then searched youtube for video tutorials and then it was time to practice.

i love what i was able to create!

i followed the tutorial from these 3 ladies: marion (apieceofcraftdotcom); jennifer (craftbrulee) and tonya (psychomoms). i tried each version and liked best marion's and tonya's. i used my scraps for practice and i made a few pieces already. you can even embellish the flowers much like what i did with the first one i made. hopefully i can use these in my upcoming layouts and a create a few more.

do try making one of these and be inspired to start creating for your scrapbooks.

it's been a blessed 2010

2011-01-22T09:57:00.000+08:00

good morning everyone!

finally, after months of hiatus from blogging, i am back and i hope i can continue on posting more consistently this year.

most of my friends already know the reason behind the blog absence. but, i do want to share it here (for those who might be interested ;D). we have waited for this for so long after the loss of our little angel. and now, he has granted our fervent wish...

yes! i am pregnant again and we are overwhelmed with emotions when we found out about it. there was nothing to say except "thank you lord!"

this new journey though is not easy, i had to be in bedrest for my 1st trimester. there was a hemmorhagic spot around the baby and i had to really limit my movement and just be in bed until it cleared. it was hard physically and more stressful emotionally. but we did pull through!

i am now halfway through my pregnancy at 4.5 months. still a long way to go but we will get there eventually. it's one step at a time for us. a lot of changes will happen and we look forward to it. we know that he will guide us every step of the way.

and so now, now that i can move more freely, i've decided to get back to the "normal" grind of things in our life. i still move about with caution, always taking the baby's safety in mind. but i feel i can do some of the things i've been doing before. that of course includes blogging and scrapping!

the new year holds a lot of promise for us and i hope i can share more of our life and my art in the coming days. until the next post!

bonding time (sketchabilities)

2010-10-02T00:29:00.000+08:00

time really flies fast! it's already the start of october and this is also the last time i'll be a part of the sketchabilities design team. i've had the privilege of being in the team 3x for the past 9 months.

i've enjoyed all the sketches and it has also pushed me in terms of what i can do as a scrapper. thank you karan for the wonderful opportunity. it's been fun and inspiring!

i'll still be around following the new sketches at sketchabilities. i will still participate and be inspired by the sketches and the wonderful creations. again, thank you!

i leave you with this layout i created for my last term. this is my niece and mil spending quality time together.

materials used: patterned paper - basic grey, sassafras; stickers - basic grey; cardstock - bazill; flowers - prima; die-cut - sizzix; paint - lil davis, tim holtz; chipboard - provo craft; felt - maya road, aas; punch - fiskars; stamp - autumn leaves; brads; fiber

crazy, crazier

2010-09-24T14:58:00.000+08:00

we have a new sketch featured at sketchabilities.

and we have a wonderful sponsor -- ead designs!

they sent the design team vinyl stickers to work with. we actually had no idea what the theme of the stickers were until we received it. i was worried at first coz i might get something i couldn't work with.

luckily, i got an "alice in wonderland" theme and it matched perfectly with the photos of me and my bff taken quite recently. i used the phrase stickers as captions for my photo. then used the "alice" and "queen" stickers. it was fun working with the stickers, matched with the wonderful sketch from karan.

check out the other dt's works here. and here is my layout for this sketch reveal...

journal: this proves it! we still haven't lost our sense of humor together. after all these years of friendship, we still know when to crack each other up. that's one thing i miss most about you. we truly are crazy & crazier together. (july 2010)

materials used: patterned paper - sassafras; alphas, felt - american crafts; chipboard - mambi; glimmer mist - tattered angels; stickers - ead designs; others - gesso paint

blog hop winner

2010-09-24T09:17:00.000+08:00

i apologize for not posting this sooner.

work was a priority yesterday coz we had a big meeting with our client.

anyways...

THANK YOU to everyone who participated in the blog hop.

it was a success and we can't thank you enough for the support you've given sketchabilities.

and the winner of this RAK is...

BARB TURPIN

http://barbsboys123.blogspot.com/

barb, please send me your snail addy and i'll have the RAK out by next week.

you may email me at ffb_ic@yahoo.com

for the rest of the winners (RAK's) especially the main blog giveaway,

check out the announcement at sketchabilities.

again, thank you to everyone!

blow out the candles (sketchabilities)

2010-09-16T08:14:00.000+08:00

the celebration continues at sketchabilities!

don't forget, we are having the sketchabilities blog hop celebration! you have 5 days to participate in and complete the blog hop. it's from september 15 until september 20.

join the fun and get a chance to win RAK's from the design team members and the big prize from sketchabilities.

the mid-month reveal is now up and we even have the talented irene tan as our guest designer.

head on over to the blog and be inspired by the design team's interpretation of this wonderful sketch by karan.

for my layout, i scrapped about nelo's 40th birthday celebration last march.

he has reached the big 4-0 and we are happy for the blessings he has received the past year.

of course, no birthday is complete without a cake!...

blow out the candles!

materials used: patterned paper - basic grey, scenic route; grungeboard - tim holtz; alphas - american crafts, cosmo cricket; stickers - 7gypsies; ribbons; buttons

sketchabilities blog hop

2010-09-15T21:05:00.001+08:00

***** THIS BLOG HOP IS CLOSED *****

It's SKETCHABILITIES first ever Blog Hop,

This blog hop is run a bit differently than others. There is an order for you to hop!

[1] Follow the hop by visiting Karan Gerber's blog first, find the word, and go to the next blog listed.

[2] For our followers to be considered for the final Sponsor Giveaway, you need to hop to Design Team Blogs that are participating in the blog hop in order… On those blogs, you will find a highlighted word in Orange. Find the highlighted word, make note of it and leave some feedback. All these highlighted words combined form a catch phrase about Sketchabilities.

[3] You need to comment on each Designer Blog to be considered for the individual RAK the Design Team Members are offering............your last step..

[4] You will need to put that “catch” phrase together and bounce back to the Sketchabilities site to leave your final comment and the “catch” phrase.

You'll have 5 days to complete the hop dates are Sept 15th until 20th!

Winners of each DT Blog Rak and the Final Sponsor Giveaway prize will be posted Sept 22nd!

Here you will find links to all the Sketchabilities designers participating in the bounce. Each of them have a RAK to give away and all you need to do is leave them a comment on their blogs.

And it is now time to continue hopping...

If you started right, you got here from Amy Kilgore's blog.

Here's my word for you... "OUR"

Hop on over to Sheree Power's blog for the next word..

This is the RAK I am giving away to one of the lucky followers of the blog hop:

6x6 patterned papers (12 pcs) from the Prima "Pulse Collection"; Maya Road Label Chipboard (6 pcs); Prima Journaling Notes (8 pcs); MME Alpha Rub-ons; Websters Pages Alpha Stickers; and a set of Chipboard Embellishments

Enjoy the blog hop!

sweet treat (sketchabilities anniversary)

2010-09-11T09:52:00.000+08:00

the celebration continues at sketchabilities. it's reveal time for sketch #25. i really love using these sketches, i'm able to use photos that's been in my photo bin for quite sometime.

the sketchabilities' blog hop will be on september 15. you'll get a chance to win RAK's from the designers as well as a big prize from our sponsor.

these photos were taken in 2008 during our valentine's date. those gift certificates in the photo were nelo's surprise gift for me. so sweet of him!

materials used:

cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - fancy pants, pink paislee; flowers, journal pad, alpha stickers - making memories; chipboard - fancy pants, american crafts, teresa collins; punch - martha stewart; paint, glitter - lil' davis

new year, new beginnings (sketchabilities anniversary)

2010-09-07T09:00:00.001+08:00

this is it! the start of the month-long celebration for sketchabilities' anniversary!

lots of sketches to work with this month and wonderful inspiration from the design team.

you can never have enough of the sketches and the different ways you can use them for your layouts.

and don't forget the sketchabilities' blog hop on september 15.

you'll get a chance to win RAK's from the designers as well as a big prize from our sponsor.

here's the sketch and my take on the layout...

these photos were taken during the new year celebration of 2009. it's the first new year spent in our new home. and truly a new year and a new beginning.

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - autumn leaves, fancy pants; grungeboard - tim holtz; flowers - prima, queen & co., maya raod; alpha & stickers - making memories, american crafts, jenni bowlin; punch - martha stewart; glimmer mist - tattered angels; paint/glitter - lil' davis

it's a celebration at sketchabilities

2010-09-06T13:26:00.000+08:00

is turning one year old this september!

it will be a whole month of fun with various sketches, guest designers and fabulous giveaways from our sponsors! don't forget to join the fun all month long!

the fun begins tomorrow, september 7!

plus, there's a sktechabilities blog hop on september 15. and the designers will be giving away RAKs. be sure to follow sketchabilities and participate in the celebration.

ms. scrap-tastic beauty pageant (week 5)

2010-09-01T15:31:00.000+08:00

week #5 - "if i could change one thing"

it was another hurdle for me when i reached week #5 for the ms. scrap-tastic challenge. i had to dig deep for that week's task and it was not easy. i finished the layout with just a few hours to spare.

the challenge: the title must be "if i could change one thing..."
Is there one thing in the world you wish you could change? one thing you wish that no one had to experience or live through. One thing that would make a difference in the future. What is your one thing you wish you could change.

and, we must use 3 photos, a stamping of some sort on the layout and use paint.

it's a good thing the election happened this year and it held a lot of meaning for us filipinos. using that theme for the challenge was closer to home and more personal for me.

i used the title as part of my initial journal: I knew that IF I COULD CHANGE ONE THING I would have to exercise my right to vote.

Journal: For almost 12 years, I was a passive citizen. For 9 years we were stuck with a leader we thought was the answer. Those times, I never voted. I was mute to what I wanted from our government. This year, a decision was made, it is time for change and the first step was to vote. To choose the right leader that will lead us to greatness. And he won... Another chapter begins...

Materials used: Cardstock - DCWV; Patterned Paper - Sassafras, Autumn Leaves; Paint - Making Memories; Stamps - Sassafras, Autumn Leaves; Stickers - Scrapworks, Making memories; Chipboard - Provo Craft; Ohers - Ribbon, Brads

chubby cheeks (sketchabilities)

2010-08-31T10:44:00.000+08:00

it's sketch time! sketch #23 is revealed at sketchabilities.

this is a single photo sketch and i just love how the other design team members interpreted the sketch. loads of inspiration over at sketchabilities so you better head on over there.

i scrapped a photo of my niece, carina. she has chubby red cheeks and i just want to pinch it whenever i see her photo. good things she's in texas, otherwise i would have really pinched her already. lol!

notice that i've been using "old" supplies on my recent layouts. this one was made using mostly the monthly kit from scarlet lime.

materials used:
cardstock - fabriano, dcwv; patterned papers - cherry arte, sassafras, basic grey; journal spot - making memories; alphas - american crafts, ek success; punch - martha stewart; flowers - pink paislee, prima; buttons; ribbons

ms. scrap-tastic beauty pageant (week 4)

2010-08-23T16:52:00.000+08:00

week #4 - "enjoy vacation"

it was quite a challenge for week #4 for the ms. scrap-tastic challenge. we were tasked to follow a sketch and use only a 8x10 photo (for a 12x12 layout), theme is focused on what we love about summer and only 2 different patterns of paper are allowed.

it was a bit of a stretch for me at the start but i was able to pull through eventually. good thing we were allowed to use cardstock for this one. i had my photo edited (with the help of a friend) and mixed in 2 different photos to have that summer feel. i used a map-printed vellum for the accent and used bits of pattern from 2 patterned papers. then it was mostly die-cuts for me. i love the result and it really shouted summer. lol!

materials used:
cardstock - dcwv, american crafts; vellum - american traditionals; patterned paper - imaginisce; die-cuts - october afternoon; chipboard - american crafts; dymo tape; rub-ons - fontwerks; glimmer mist - tattered angels; brads/turns; diamond glaze

ms. scrap-tastic beauty pageant (week 3)

2010-08-20T16:04:00.000+08:00

week #3 - "great escape"

for the week #3 challenge at ms. scrap-tastic, we were to scrap about our hobby, our passion or what we love to do. and, we must use fabric as part of the challenge requirement.

for my theme, i scrapped about our love for traveling. i included photos of our trips since 2005 until 2009 using one photo for each place we went to. i used a canvass cloth as the base for my photos, distressed it and stamped travel themed stamps over it. i also distressed the photo to match the mood of the layout.

materials used:
patterned paper - fancy pants; die-cuts - october afternoon; alphas - making memories, american crafts; flowers, packaging - prima; sticker - 7gypsies; stamps - teresa collins, absolument scraps, prima; ink - tim holtz; fabric - canvass

ms. scrap-tastic 2010 beauty pageant (week 2)

2010-08-18T16:12:00.005+08:00

week #2 - "joy ride"

the challenge for week #2 for the ms. scrap-tastic was to scrap about yourself. for this challenge, i scrapped about these photos of mine taken inside the toy store. you see nelo and i likes taking pictures inside the toy store (if we're not caught using our dslr. lol!) and playing with some of the displays. i have quite a few of these photos and i think it fits the theme well.

journaling:
I always enjoy the movie displays at the mall especially those at the toy store. This was one of those moments. They had a Madagascar display at Toy Kingdom and I knew I wouldn't pass-up the chance for a photo opp. I didn't mind looking silly at all, with people taking a second look at what I was doing there. I was having fun and that is all that matters. Much like in life, I feel that I should always be open to anything. Life is an adventure, right! And so I am taking a joy ride in it and enjoying every bit of the ride!

materials used: cardstock - bazzill; patterned papers - sassafras, scenic route; die-cuts, journaling card - sassafras; metal clip - making memories; chipboard - provo craft; buttons

ms. scrap-tastic 2010 beauty pageant (week 1)

2010-08-17T11:33:00.001+08:00

oh yes! i joined a beauty pageant...

stop! it's not what you are probably thinking! i have image issues to actually be joining a real pageant! lol!

it's a scrapbook beauty pageant over at scrap-tastic! scrap-tastic hosted a 6-week challenge with different challenge themes every week. it was a chance for me to force myself to finish a layout every week. and knowing me, i'll be too lazy or tired to finish anything without the much needed push (and motivation).

it was a bit different being on the other side of a challenge like this. (reminds me a lot of the scrappin' moms idol! lol!)

here's the first layout i created for the challenges...

week #1 - "love fulfilled"

it was a color combination challenge. there were 3 main colors and we are only allowed to use those colors and others from this color palette only.

the prima paper i used was a perfect match for the palette and i just needed to add on embellishments to match the other color requirements. this layout is currently one of my favorites i've created this year.

materials used: cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper, flowers, alphas, crystals - prima; transparency - hambly; brads - making memories; stamps - technique tuesday; ribbon lace

solid as a rock (sketchabilities)

2010-08-16T10:11:00.000+08:00

oh yes! it's time for the reveal of sketch #22 over at sketchabilities.

here's my layout for sketch #22.
i scrapped about my dad for this layout. he's the foundation of our family and there's a lot to be thankful for him.

note that i used my old stash for this layout. the basic grey "lucky" collection was a match for my photo and the feel i wanted for the layout.

and in 2 week's time, sketchabilities will be celebrating its 1st birthday!
you'll have lots of chances to win some fabulous giveaways from our sponsors so be sure to keep on following sketchabilities.

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned papers - basic grey; tag - chatterbox; stickers & alphas - 7gypsies, american crafts, creative imaginations; felt - queen & co; paint - pebeo; punch - fiskars; buttons

big idea festival

2010-08-12T10:10:00.001+08:00

i stumbled upon a free class being offered by big picture scrapbooking. it will start today, august 12, and it will be a 13-day activity with a total of 39 different project and layout ideas.

this will be a great chance to come up with layouts which i don't think i'll be able to finish on a regular basis.

there's still time to sign-up! head on over to their site and log-in for a free membership to access the free class.

here's the direct link to the class info:
http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/summerfun10.php

five (sketchabilities)

2010-08-03T12:43:00.000+08:00

sketch #21 is up at sketchabilities! it's a multi-photo sketch and there's lots of room for photos and embellishments. you can even twist it up depending on your liking.

i decided to scrap photos from our 5th year wedding anniversary. that day was spent attending mass and having dinner after. one of those special moments we are thankful for.

materials used:
cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - sassfras, scenic route; transparency - hambly screen prints; stickers - 7gypsies, making memories; chipboard - american crafts; felt - queen&co., american crafts; brads - queen&co.; brads & photo turn - making memories; journal card - prima

sixth (sketchabilities)

2010-07-20T11:01:00.000+08:00

it's another sketchy day for us at sketchabilities with the reveal of sketch #20! as always, i had so much fun with this multi-photo sketch by karan. i just modified it a bit to match my theme.

this is our photo taken during our anniversary last may. it's our sixth year together (which you can tell by the title! =)). side story, while waiting for our food to be served, nelo noticed that the number given us was "6." isn't that a great coincidence! we played with the number, taking turns using it as props for our photo. i also used six photos for the layout instead of four.

materials used:
cardstock - american crafts, dcwv; patterned papers, flowers, packaging (hidden journal) - prima; stamp - technique tuesday; chipboard - scenic route; sticker - 7gypsies; paper ribbon - daisy bucket; puncher - martha stewart; metal clip - making memories; ink - brilliance; stick pin

close to you (sketchabilities)

2010-07-01T13:52:00.000+08:00

it seems i haven't been blogging as much as i'd like to in the past 2 months.

i'm busy at work (what's new!) and we've had some construction going on in the house. we've finally had cabinets built in our walk-in closet and in the extra room where i scrap. which means, all of our stuff are scattered in the house everywhere, and yes, including my scrap stash! it's so hard to scrap not knowing where your stuff is and it was hard. i've neglected even some of my scrap duties 'coz of this. i hope things get back to normal soon after that construction.

enough rambling! here's our reveal at sketchabilities for sketch #19. it's the last reveal for this term. but! i'm quite happy that karan has extended me as DT for another term! yipee! i've said it often that i love karan's sketches especially the multi-photo ones. check out the others who made it to the design team.

these photos were taken during the election. aly & i were waiting for nelo and her parents to finish voting. she got hungry already after hours of waiting. nelo snapped these photos as soon as he saw us sitting there.

materials used:
cardstock - bazzill; patterned papers - october afternoon, scenic route; stickers - creative imagination; chipboard - buzz & bloom (thanks bjay!); die-cuts - urban lily, buzz & bloom; felt - queen & co.; alphas - making memories, cosmo cricket; stamp - tim holtz (thanks iris!); ink - versa magic, tim holtz; stickles - tim holtz (thanks ems!); others - doily, decorative tape (thanks april!)

lucky (sketchabilities)

2010-06-16T12:11:00.000+08:00

reveal day is up at sketchabilities!
it is sketch # 18 and it's another dynamic sketch by karan. she seems to be loving a lot of circles lately and i must agree, it gives a different feel to her sketches. the little frills she adds at the corners are things i've always wanted to include in my layouts.

head on over there to check out the amazing layouts of the other design team members.

this is a photo of nelo & my niece, aly. she is such a sweet girl and you can feel how she genuinely adores her tito nelo. although, she can be too much to handle sometimes. lol!

journal:
i can see that you truly adore tito nelo. everytime we visit you, you always enjoy playing with him and talking. you are lucky to have him around coz he treats you like his own. just continue being you. (may 2010)

material used:
cardstock (kraft & decorative edge) - bazzill; patterned papers - october afternoon, scenic route; die-cut - october afternoon, creative imaginations; flowers - prima; brads - provo craft, unknown source; felt - queen & co.; stamps - glitz; ink - versa magic; chipboard - junkitz; paper doily

sunday habit

2010-06-11T14:21:00.000+08:00

the new challenge has been up at journaling junkie and my layout's just been posted. the task was to journal about our "weekend days" and to use 5 photos.

i tried something different with my layout this time around. the layout's fairly simple and i just sprayed on glimmer mist to add texture. i went mist-crazy and sprayed on 3 different colors on the cream cardstock. i liked the overall effect it created.

journal:
It has become a staple part of our Sunday ritual. Before we attend mass, and in case we're not able to eat at home, we head over to McDonald's for our morning fix. It's always any of the breakfast meals, juice and hash browns. No Sunday morning is complete without this stopover. And don't forget the spiritual fix after...

materials used:
cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper, banners - sassafras; buttons - making memories, autumn leaves, others; chipboard - provo craft; felt - prima; brads - making memories; glimmer mist - tattered angels

make a wish (sketchabilities)

2010-05-31T14:25:00.000+08:00

it's time...
for another sketch at sketchabilities!
it's sketch #17 and it's a 2-photo sketch by karan.

the sketch used circles as a base but i opted to change it up a bit by using a square one instead. i used my handy dandy fiskars border punch to create that square base. love the effect, so girly-girl. a perfect match for my subject - my niece alex who just recently celebrated her 19th birthday.

materials used:
cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper, bling - prima; flowers - heidi swapp, prima; alpha - making memories, american crafts; stickers - 7gypsies; fiber - basic grey; glimmer mist - tattered angels; border punch - fiskars; pen - staedtler triplus; others - pins, doily, bling

how do you do all that mom?

2010-05-28T14:18:00.000+08:00

challenge #80 is ongoing at journaling junkie. it's about finding balance in your life as a mom.

Journal:
I've often wondered about it... How you were able to squeeze in everything in a day... taking care of us, fixing the house, doing errands in between, devoting a little "me" time for yourself... You do it all so effortlessly, it seems there is nothing you cannot do. Looking closely, I realize, you're able to do it all 'coz of your love for us. You care for us so much that there is nothing impossible for you. We may not have said this often but, thank you... thank you for your unconditional love, your time, and everything in between. We love you...

materials used:
patterned paper, die-cuts - basic grey; journal spot - making memories; alphas - creative imaginations, american crafts; others - bling

journey (sketchabilities)

2010-05-17T10:54:00.000+08:00

may has gone by fast! i can't believe it's already mid-way through this month. it's already time for sketch 16 at sketchabilities. it's allison's sketch this time and just right for the photos i had in mind.

this is a layout i created about my brother who graduated from college last year. time really do move fast. he's already working now and we are proud to have seen him graduate.

journal:
we are proud of you paulo. after 4 years, you have finally reached the end of your student life. and now, you begin a new journey in the corporate world. just stay strong and believe in what you can achieve in life. 4-09

materials used:
patterned paper - basic grey; chipboard - scenic route, maya road; stickers - 7gypsies; jenni bowlin; puncher - martha stewart; transparency - heidi swapp; brads - making memories; doily

of "celebrations" and a journey...

2010-05-13T12:20:00.000+08:00

Today, we "celebrate" our Raya's 5th birthday.

In 2005, we thought this day was to be our happiest day... It was, momentarily... But it turned into the start of a 10-day journey of praying, hoping, waiting for a miracle to happen. Of fervent prayers that she survive her fight for life, for her and for us. But God had other plans... He probably needed Raya to be with Him more than with us... And so we lost in that journey...

Every year, as this day arrives, we "celebrate" and then start on our 10-day journey... of looking back at that moment in our life that changed everything... the intense feeling of loss that builds up... reliving every moment as our emotions reach the edge.

As in the past, we will survive this... we will move on and move forward in our lives. But for now, we must take this journey...

daddy's birthday

2010-05-05T08:15:00.001+08:00

it's that time of the month - it's reveal day at sketchabilities for sketch #15. it's another multi-photo sketch from karan and it was fun working on this one as always.

this is a photo of my dad's birthday celebration last february. it was just us, the family, celebrating his 64th birthday.

materials used:
cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper - crate paper, basic grey, sassafras; stickers - creative imagination, making memories; chipboard - scenic route, basic grey; felt - american crafts; buttons - making memories; rickrack

1. 2. 3. pout

2010-04-28T17:00:00.003+08:00

it's the last blog hop for the scrap-it-lah anniversary challenge. the last hop is over at jessy's blog. she's one talented scrapper and i really like her scrapbook style. oh and did i mention i like her photographs too. i'm sucking up to jessy on this one. lol!

it's a photo inspiration and this is how i got inspired by it. this is my niece aly, my sometimes willing & unwilling subject when i need variety for my layouts.

i used a floral patterned paper inspired by the cupcake holder. i used a ribbon and placed a frill on top to give it that dainty feel, much like the cupcake. and, used touches of yellow for the buttons and the alpha inspired by the color of the photo.

i liked the simplicity of this design, just the little touches here and there especially that little birdie by the edge.

journal:
you really have a way of making us laugh with your little antics. there's something about your attitude that we just can't resist. one minute you look so sweet, the next, you are hilarious! keep up that spunk aly and continue to make us smile. (oct. 3 '09)

materials used:
cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper - fancy pants, we r memory keepers; stickers - american crafts, making memories, hambly studios; rub-ons - autumn leaves; buttons - autumn leaves, making memories; ribbon - fancy pants; ink - chalkbox

beat it mj's

2010-04-23T17:04:00.000+08:00

it's the fifth blog hop over at scrap-it-lah. the challenge was to create a layout with circle elements. simple! and just right for the layout i have on hand.

these photos were taken back in october during halloween night. we chanced upon a contest at hard rock cafe for mj impersonators. well, who else would you expect to pose with them for a photo! lol!

journal: the king of pop's magic lives on with his fans. we came across these mj wannabe's at the hard rock cafe. they were competing on who's the best "michael jackson." i did have my personal fave! care to guess... (10-30-09)

materials used:
patterned paper - basic grey, american crafts, sassafras; chipboard - american crafts, scenic route; sticker - creative imaginations, jenni bowlin; transparency - hambly screen prints; pen - uni ball signo, staedtler triplus

twilight

2010-04-19T11:26:00.000+08:00

i've been following the challenges over at scrap-it-lah for quite some time now. it's run by michelle ku, a really talented scrapper from malaysia. she also has talented scrappers in her design team and they are just as friendly and equally talented scrappers.

i have participated in their challenges in the past but stopped some months ago coz i've just been doing a lot of stuff. well, i hopped over to their blog again a few weeks back and found out it was their 1st year anniversary and they were having a month of blog hop challenges. it was a great way for me to start joining again on their challenges.

here's my entry to their 4th blog hop challenge by yatie. we were to create a layout consisting of items from 10 different manufacturers. here's my take on the challenge.

journal:
i was a late bloomer when it comes to this series of books. nelo got me a set of these as a post-birthday gift. talk about catching up fast (september 2009)

materials used:
1. bazzill - black cardstock as photo mat
2. dcwv - blue cardstock
3. martha stewart - border punch; butterfly punch
4. glitz designs - black & red, birds patterned paper; stickers
5. jenni bowlin - argyle patterned paper
6. jillibean soup - kraft paper base
7. scenic route - chipboard
8. little yellow bicycle - stickers
9. american crafts - alpha title
10. unknown source - buttons
11. unknown source - frills
12. leeho - glitter glue
13. judikins - diamond glaze
14. staedtler triplus - pen for journaling

february 14 (sketchabilities)

2010-04-16T10:23:00.002+08:00

the reveal with the new design team is up at sketchabilities! there's a new sketch designer - allison richardson, along with karan, and it's her first sketch that we used for this reveal day.

i used my old stash of basic grey papers (romani collection) for this layout. the colors matched the photos. i couldn't think of anything for my headline so i decided to use the date. well, how can you combine a chinese new year and valentine celebration in your title, huh?! lol!

materials used:
cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - basic grey; journal card - jenni bowlin, october afternoon; chipboard - wrmk; alpha - american crafts; bling - prima; others - paper clip

laughter

2010-04-10T22:57:00.000+08:00

it's a long weekend here since friday was a holiday. so i had the chance to do some chores and tidy up the house. we also attended a birthday party of our friend's kid, it was her 1st. lots of fun photos taken yesterday. will scrap it one of these days.

today was no exception as we cleaned-up some more. we'll finally have our cabinets built for our walk-in closet. that will be this coming week and we're expecting dust all over the room. we had to move out our stuff in preparation for it.

after all that was done, it was facebook time for me! i was able to squeeze in creating one layout earlier this evening for a challenge over at scrap-it-lah. the layout featured my newest niece, my sil's 2nd baby - carina. this is the first layout i created for her. she's such a cutie and i love those big eyes of her!

materials used:
lace cardstock - ki memories; patterned paper - jenni bowlin, autumn leaves, october afternoon, american crafts; die-cut - october afternoon; bling - prima; sticker - making memories, 3 bugs in a rug; puncher - martha stewart

easter egg-art fun

2010-04-04T23:03:00.001+08:00

happy easter to everyone!

this was a long vacation given that it was the holy week. no out-of-town trips for us as we just spend it here attending church activities. plus, it was a chance for me to catch-up with general cleaning for the house and really just resting.

the new challenge is up at journaling junkie. perfectly timed for easter. the task is to create a layout about an easter memory. or, traditions from childhood or any new traditions we have begun.

journal:
When we were kids, I remember always being invited by our neighbors for an Easter egg hunt after the mass. It was a lot of fun then, looking under the tables, the bushes, anywhere possible. Each egg will have a prize equivalent, the more eggs, the better. But as we grew up, this activity got lost in the daily grind of life. I think it was more because we matured, we've lost the magic it holds over us as kids.

But I don't want it gone forever. I want my future kids to have the same experience, to go through the same joy and fun of this Easter activity. Their hands getting all colored up while painting the eggs... Me, hiding it in the garden... Them running around everywhere searching for the prized eggs... All of us will be having fun together.

And just like me, they'll look back into that experience and embrace the joy of childhood once more. And so, the process continues for them and their future generations. (Photo source: Flickr)

materials used:
patterned paper - sassafras, scenic route; stickers & journal card - sassafras; alphas - jenni bowlin, making memories; flowers - petaloo; rub-ons - rhonna farrer for autumn leaves; chipboard (unknown); metal clip - making memories; ink - chalkbox

where is it?

2010-03-26T08:34:00.003+08:00

it's time again for another journaling challenge down at journaling junkie. for this challenge, you are to create, and journal, about what makes you mad, pet peeves or buttons that people push that makes you react or angry.

Journal:
I am not a well-organized person. But I do know where my things are. Despite the clutter on my desk, I know where I last placed my scissors or my ruler. It's the same thing even with my documents and other stuff. So if you intend to use my things without asking first, make sure you return it at the same spot! Don't even try denying it when I ask you 'coz I know, I always know...

materials used:
patterned paper - fancy pants, sassafras, sei, autumn leaves; stickers - sassafras, hambly, making memories; ink - chalkbox; buttons

happy birthday! (sketchabilities)

2010-03-17T10:30:00.056+08:00

the big reveal for our last sketch as team c is up at sketchabilities! it's been a fun 3-months working with the sketchabilities team. and, karan's sketches really motivated me in creating multi-photo layouts. this last one was no exception.

this is a photo of mine taken a few minutes after midnight during my birthday last september 26.

on a side note: while i was blowing the candle off that donut "cake," the wind outside was blowing and it was raining really hard. that was the day typhoon ondoy hit luzon. despite the calamity brought by that storm, i am still thankful for another year to celebrate my birthday.

i enjoyed creating this layout! i love the mix of colors especially the reds. i liked the way i was able to work-in the title with the products that i used. this is by far my favorite layout created for this year.

materials used:
cardstock - bazzill, dcwv; patterned paper - scenic route, october afternoon, sassafras; paper frill - doodlebug; chipboard - scenic route, junkitz; felt - american crafts; bingo card - jenni bowlin; buttons - making memories; glimmer mist - tattered angels; die-cut pad - making memories; ink - chalkbox; stickers - 7gypsies; pins; digital frame (unknown source)

sing your heart out

2010-03-15T12:05:00.004+08:00

this is my take on the challenge #75 at journaling junkie. the task is to journal about music, what's on your playlist or how does music makes you feel.

join any of the 2 march challenges and you might get a chance to win a spot at the online class of debbie hodge. how i wish i can get a spot for that class.

i used here a sketchabilities sketch that was perfect for my photos. i always revert back to sketches when i feel my mojo is lost. a great way to jump start your creativity with lots of room for adjustment.

notice that i used mainly basic grey stuff on this layout from the lime rickey collection. this is the 4th layout i've done using this set of papers. that's the most i've actually used any basic grey products. i just love this collection, perfect for male-oriented layouts. need i say more who's on this layout... lol!

Journal:
Oh yes he does! He is one frustrated singer. Every time he gets a chance, he'll open the viedoke and check out the playlist. Standard ballads are his favorite and his staple song - "Simple" by Ariel Rivera. As he sings that song, my heart melts for him. Seriously, he really can sing! He loves music and singing them with the videoke brings out the best in him. That's why I just let him sing to his heart's content.

materials used:
cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper, die-cut & alpha stickers - basic grey; die-cut - sassafras; googly eyes; pen - staedtler triplus

nikki sivils day

2010-03-09T16:08:00.002+08:00

last february 20, we had an opportunity to work with nikki sivils papers courtesy of our good friend ria. she invited us for a full day of scrapping, eating and chatting. all we needed to do was use nikki sivils for our layouts which she generously shared with us.

i think i did a lot more of chatting & eating than scrapping which is why i was only able to create 1 layout with nikki sivils' beautiful papers. still, i liked the layout and it was really fun spending the day with scrappy friends. i actually did a 2nd layout but it was for a different assignment. i do hope we can do something like this again soon, will definitely have to scrap more. lol!

materials used: patterned paper, bread tags, brads - nikki sivils; cardstock - bazzill; alphas - american crafts, making memories; ribbon - fancy pants; flowers - making memories; ink - chalkbox; glimmer mist - tattered angels; puncher - fiskars; pins

girls night out

2010-03-05T14:12:00.001+08:00

wow! time really flies fast! it's already march and already a quarter off for 2010. and, this month is hubby's birthday too, he'll be turning another year older soon.

speaking of birthdays, it's karan gerber's birthday today -- happy birthday karan! and, her new sketch is up at sketchabilities. it's actually team d's turn but we also created layouts for it. it's a multi-photo sketch and it fit perfectly the photos i wanted to scrap.

these are photos of my friends from assumption college almost a year ago. we had a chance to have dinner together when our friend joy was in town. the last time i've even seen some of them were during graduation back in 1995. yes, it was that long ago. lol!

materials used:
patterned paper - scenic route; cardstock - american crafts, ki memories; glimmer mist - tattered angels; punch - martha stewart; rub-ons - creative imaginations; alpha - american crafts

plant whisperer

2010-02-23T14:16:00.004+08:00

challenge 74 is up at journaling junkie - create a layout that celebrates one of your talents, journaling about it and how it affects the people in your life.

do join in for the february challenges (challenges #73 and #74) to get a chance to win a spot for the "get it scrapped" online class by debbie hodge.

i created a layout about my mom and her talent for gardening. her plants are always a showcase piece in our house and she loves spending time with them.

journal:
Have you ever imagined growing up in a home without plants surrounding you? I can’t! Ever since I can remember there were always flowers, plants & shrubs surrounding our home. And I have my Mama to thank for it!

The smell of freshly nipped leaves, the feel of damp soil watered down early in the morning, the seemingly whispering leaves and flowers around our home. All made possible by her love of gardening. Her nurturing hands help bring life and beauty to these natural creations.

We never did inherit from her this natural talent. But we are her big admirers. Our home is much cosier and happier with her plants around us. It is just one of her talents that makes us love her even more.

materials used:
cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper - fancy pants, scenic route, sassafras, scrapworks, prima, mme; rub-ons - basic grey, 7gypsies; alphas - pink paislee, creative imaginations; metal clip - making memories; glimmer mist - tattered angels; ink - colorbox; butterfly punch - martha stewart; vines

mirror image (sketchabilities)

2010-02-18T14:33:00.002+08:00

the new sketch is up at sketchabilities!

it's a multi-photo sketch and something that i haven't tried yet for my layouts. it was great of karan changing things up a bit. i really had fun doing this layout! check out the layouts from the other dt's.

journal:
my attempt at self portrait photography. stand in front of a mirror, steady yourself and start clicking away. i felt stupid doing this but it was fun!

a few design notes:
- remember my "hope" layout. the lace cardstock used there as mask, i used this time as a background for the photos. it's a good way to maximize my supply. i used black & white photos so it still complemented the design.
- i used glimmer mist to add "texture" to the base paper. i am loving the use of glimmer mist on my layouts. i wish i can get all the colors. lol!
- i flipped the title to reinforce the "reflection" theme

materials used:
lace cardstock - ki memories; patterned paper - scenic route, sassafras; paper frills - doodlebug design; chipboard - american crafts, junkitz; felt - american crafts, fancy pants; glimmer mist - tattered angels; ink - colorbox

rain or shine

2010-02-15T15:47:00.003+08:00

a belated valentine's greetings to you all! we had fun with our valentine day celebration yesterday, nothing fancy, just a stroll at the mall, lunch date and capped it off with dessert.

speaking of valentine's day, our assignment at journaling junkie was to write a love letter to someone. the letter needs to be handwritten and we need to use non-traditional valentine colors. no reds or sappy hearts.

hidden journal:
Love, remember this photo? It suddenly rained that night, New Year's Eve (2009). But there we were out on the street. It seems cheesy but it's so sweet! You were holding the umbrella making sure we don't get wet, and me holding to you tightly. That rain didn't stop us from neighbor-hoppig. It's been like that with the two of us for the past 5 years. Never mind the rain or setbacks. We just hold on to each other, we go with the flow and make the most of the situation. And it is no surprise that we see a ray of light, a glimmer of sunshine that makes us smile, laugh and enjoy every minute of being together. I'm sure we will continue to be like this for a long time. Rain or shine, it will be you and me always!

tips: to create a semblance of raindrops, i scattered bling around the titles to give it that dewy feel.

materials used:
cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - wrmk; alpha - american crafts, doodlebug designs; metal clip - making memories; ink - colorbox; fiber; dmc floss; bling

project 12 (january)

2010-02-11T18:03:00.003+08:00

every year, i tell myself to create an album that summarizes our activities every month. and every year i fail in my attempt. either i get too lazy to even start it or i do other projects instead.

then this year, i stumbled upon project 12.

i first read about it at backporchmemories.com. there was a link to scrapbook & cards today and there was a full explanation on how this was started by davinie fiero. read more about it here. following a sketch by becky fleck, i decided that this is it! this is the project that will help me finish that yearly album i wanted.

let me share though this wasn't easy for me. i was never a double-page scrapper. it's always a single page layout for me. it took me 3 nights before i was able to finish it and i liked the result. it's a simple layout but it served it's purpose.

materials used: cardstock - fabriano; patterned paper, die-cut - scenic route; felt elements, alpha - american crafts; chipboard - junkitz; buttons - making memories, autumn leaves; punchers - stampin' up; ink - colorbox; glitter glue; dmc floss; lace trim

enjoy the process

2010-02-05T14:04:00.001+08:00

i can't believe it! the first week of february has gone by so fast, i haven't even posted anything here for the entire week. i really should be put on time-out for staying much too long over at facebook. lol!

on to scrappy stuff!

the sketch for team d is up at sketchabilities!

karan shared with us the sketch ahead of time and i was able to create a layout for it. i love how it turned out! i've had these photos for a while and it was perfect timing for the sketch.

do join in and take a crack at that sketch. just add your link at the end of the team d reveal.

materials used:
patterned paper - creative imaginations, pink paislee, dream street, bo bunny; transparency - autumn leaves, teresa collins; stickers - 7gypsies, glitz, making memories, ek success; metal clip - joann's; ink - colorbox; felt heart; lace; border punch - fiskars

after the movies

2010-01-22T16:20:00.001+08:00

it's always fun goofing off with friends after the movies.

these photos were taken at the shangri-la cineplex lobby when we watched a movie with clariz & emer. we really were crazy! some people were actually staring at us when we were taking the shots. but who cares!

materials used: patterned papers - sassfars, scenic route; cardstock - dcwv; sheers - maya road; rub-ons - fancy pants; alphas - creative imaginations, karen foster; punch - ek success; digital frame - katie pertiet

sketchabilities revealed

2010-01-18T12:29:00.008+08:00

yipee! the first sketch for the year at sketchabilities is up!

well, it's been up since saturday actually. lol! i just wasn't able to post it here over the weekend. but enough said! i'd like to share it with you already. check out the sketch here.

i really liked how my layout turned out for this sketch. i adjusted the photo orientation but basically worked within the basic idea of the sketch. i mixed-in some of my old stash with materials from the scarlet lime kit.

check out the sketchabilities blog for added inspiration from the dt members.

journal:
today. make an ordinary day special with a positive outlook in life. learn to make the best of any situation. live each day to the fullest.

materials used: patterned paper - basic grey, crate paper, sassafras, scenic route; journal pad - making memories; die-cuts - pink paislee; stickers - basic grey, heidi grace; stamp - inkadinkadoo; vellum phrase - colorbok; ink - staz-on; diamond glaze; ribbons; brads

hope springs eternal

2010-01-14T16:46:00.001+08:00

hope -- my word of choice for 2010.

over at journaling junkie, we were to choose our word for 2010 and reflect on that word and how that will play a part in your life for the year.

and thus, my choice is HOPE as it is the one thing we can never loose in our life. here's my journal on why i chose the word:

"A lot has happened in our lives, good and bad. Still we moved forward as each day passes. These experiences have made us stronger and more resilient. Our lives are not perfect but it's ideal. It's the life we have somehow wished for. We are almost complete, almost. Every year we can only look forward to our faith, our hope that we will soon be completed. This coming year, we will continue hoping, praying for total completeness for our family. (12-31-09)"

materials used: cardstock - american crafts, ki memories (used as mask), bazzill; patterned paper - scenic route; journal pad - fancy pants; chipboard - scenic route; alpha - american crafts, ek success; glimmer mist - tattered angels; paint - kaiser carft; glitter - pink paislee; brads - making memories; trim - fancy pants; rub-ons; felt; ink

last layout created in 2009

2010-01-11T14:55:00.000+08:00

this was done for challenge 71 at journaling junkie. the layouts were to talk about our preparations during christmas. i used photos of our christmas trimmings back in 2008.

Journal:
Christmas is a much anticipated season in our home. You know it’s time to decorate once my mom starts pulling out the Christmas tree and trimmings by the 2nd week of November. She chooses a color motif each year and everything in the house is coordinated with that color. We always enjoy her enthusiasm and excitement in preparing for Christmas. With all decorations up, it warms our hearts appreciating all my mom’s efforts and just can’t wait for Christmas day to come…
December 2008

materials used: patterned papers - webster's pages; chipboard - basic grey, kaiser crafts; stickers - making memories; glimmer mist - tattered angels; glitter glaze - lil davis; glitter - leeho; bling

happy new year!

2010-01-08T14:03:00.001+08:00

a happy new year to everyone! welcome 2010!

the past year had been a great one for me and my family. some low points but there were a lot of high points. we've been resilient and we've survived another year. truly a lot to be thankful for!

i am not one for resolutions as i seem to keep on breaking them as the year progresses. there are a few things i'd like to "promise" myself but i don't want to be strict about it too. i'll just try to go about with things one day at a time. face the challenges as it comes.

and one of those promises is to be a bit more active with my blog posts. i've kinda neglected my blog the past year. life gets in the way a lot and work is a priority really. but this time, i'll try to keep things in check as much as i can.

so, if you are one of those who checks my blog at least once a month, it will be safe to check in 2x and you'll probably see 2 posts already! lol!

anyways, i'm rambling on. i just really want to greet everyone a happy new year!

till my next post...

split personality

2009-12-11T14:01:00.005+08:00

challenge #70 is up at journaling junkie. we were to document the negative. journal not only about the positives - document a negative aspect of someone, somewhere or something that we love dearly.

do join in on the challenge. check out the other dt's take on this for added inspiration.

Journaling:
Nelo would often complain that I am so stubborn and hard-headed. I want to get things my way. I react on impulse and only listens after the fact. But in spite of that, I am a loving and caring wife who gives him unconditional love. And he'll immediately forget whatever negatives there is to my personality. So sweet of him!

materials used: patterned paper - creative imaginations, october afternoon, wrmk; die-cut - elle's studio; chipboard - maya road; glimmer mist - tattered angels; sticker - scrapworks; diamond glaze - judikins; bling; brads

happy

2009-12-10T11:03:00.005+08:00

i created a layout last night using one of the sketches from sketchabilities. i used this sketch and it was perfect for the photos i had on hand. i used stuff from a scarlet lime kit and added a few things also from my stash.

i noticed that i tend to go for multiple photos now as much as possible. i still like creating single photo layouts but i'm able to include more of the moments if i go for multiple photos. preferences really evolve over time and i guess it's by necessity too. with the limited time i have, more photos in a layout means less backlog too.

journal: this is one of the few times we all get to be together in an occasion. i miss being with you all. you are all one of my closest friends and i'm happy to have spent a day with you.

materials used: patterned papers - jillibean soup, crate paper, october afternoon, sassafrass lass, junkitz; chipboard - wrmk, provo craft; stickers - october afternoon, 7gypsies; rub-ons - fancy pants; buttons - autumn leaves, making memories; ink - chalkbox; ribbon

sketchabilities dt

2009-12-09T14:34:00.013+08:00

oh yes! i am happy to share that i've been accepted as a design team member for sketchabilities! the dt stint is for a 3-month period beginning in january 2010.

i like the sketches that karan gerber designs. they are versatile and the design composition is something that i usually do on my layouts. by the way, karan is the owner of sketchabilities and she creates beautiful layouts and cards.

i am excited to be working with my other co-dt's at sketchabilities. they are such a talented bunch. check out the full announcement here. i already received both sketches for january . and i am even working on a layout using one of karan's previous sketches. i'll share that layout with you in the next few days.

do check out the sketchabilities blog for that much needed inspiration. here's the sketchabilities blinkie and be a fan...

hongkong hangover

2009-12-03T13:39:00.029+08:00

i can't believe it's december already! in a matter of days, another year would have passed and we'll be welcoming a new year once more.

our family did end november with a bang! we decided to spend the last 4 days of november in hongkong. we went there with my sil's family. there was a lot of walking in those 4 days but it was a lot of fun and we enjoyed every minute of it.

main stop for the trip was disneyland. it really is one of the happiest places on earth. it doesn't matter what your age is, you just feel like a kid all over again in that place. timing was a bit tight for us so we were not able to take any of the rides. but we did see the show attractions - the golden mickeys, the lion king and stitch encounter. we also saw the "it's a small world." met a few characters along the way, watched the disney parade and capped off the night with the fireworks display.

i can't fully describe the elation i feel when i am inside disneyland. it's like reality is suspended and everything is magical. sadly, the day had to end and it was back again to reality.

we also took the ngong ping 360. it was a cable ride that took us to the ngong ping village where the tian tan buddha statue is situated. we took the cable ride to reach the village, then walked past the village to the foot of the buddha. then it was 268 steps up to reach the buddha. my legs were aching as we were going up but the experience was incredible.

the cable car ride was a bit scary at first being up there and hanging mid-air, but after a while, you get to enjoy the view and savor the expanse of the horizon as the cable traverses towards the mountain. it is one of those things that you are glad to have experienced at least once in your lifetime.

it was a tiring, fun and enjoyable vacation. unfortunately, time was short that we were not able to visit the other attractions like the peak. will definitely put that on top of our list when we get the chance to visit hongkong once more.

here are some other photos during our trip. i'll have to post more of these over at my facebook account soon.

loving sister

2009-11-20T17:58:00.004+08:00

here's my entry for journaling junkie's challenge #69.

this was a recipe challenge, we were to use a set number of patterned papers and embellishments in creating our layouts. i decided to use double sided patterned papers so i can maximize the design i wanted. in the photo are my nephews enzo and paul, and my niece pam.

journal:
"A sister is the best friend who leads her brother at every step."

Life wouldn't be the same without you for these two. You've given them support and encouragement in the absence of your mom and dad. You are their anchor, their protector. Continue to nurture them with your love. They are lucky and happy to have you as their sister.

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned papers - pebbles, inc., basic grey, american crafts; die-cut - bella blvd.; rub-ons - daisy bucket; brads - making memories; bling - prima; alpha - creative imaginations, american crafts; ink - chalk box; others - thread

sweet sugar rush

2009-11-13T16:27:00.000+08:00

i told you i have a few new layouts using sassafras goodness! i just really can't get enough of them!

this is my niece gabbie. she's really a charmer and such a cutie! these photos were a perfect match to the sassafras papers. and a big thanks to my friend april for giving me some of her scraps. i cut-out those images from one of the "me likey" collection papers. i even added googly eyes on them. really cute!

journal:
A cry baby but totally adorable and charming. Sweet and dandy for wanting that candy. Busy as a little bee, buzzing with delight and happy with her treats. A pocket full of candies, sweet, sugary and everything nice.

this is also for challenge 68 at journaling junkie. the prompt is to create a layout using mainly adjectives for your journal.

materials used: patterned paper - sassafras lass; alphas - american crafts, making memories; stamp - scarlet lime kit; pen - staedtler triplus; others - googly eyes

my brother's keeper

2009-11-12T09:40:00.010+08:00

i just noticed lately in my new layouts that i've been using a lot sassafras papers. it's my current favorite and i love the fact that i can still mix and match their different lines together. even loved it more when they included their die-cut borders in the paper design. genius! those borders are just perfect if you want to spruce up your design a bit.

here's one layout using sassafras goodness! this was for journaling junkie 's challenge #66. we were to create a layout about our relationship with our siblings.

i cut-off the "dream big" paper and layered it on top of the "full bloom" paper. i just aligned the color rays to make it appear like it was a single paper sheet. and i also added rub-on phrases on the rays as added descriptions for my brothers.

journaling:
It’s a love-hate relationship that I have with these two. What can you expect with three different personalities living together all their lives. Being the eldest doesn’t really help all the time. When you exert your authority, it’s either they listen or they argue with it. Add to it that I always want control and order, while these two employ a carefree and happy-go-lucky attitude. I know I also frustrate them at times with my personality as much as they do to me.

But despite our differences, I love these two. Yes, I sometimes wish they were different but that only happens when I’m really mad at them. They have really helped mold me to be the person that I am, the sister who continues to love and support them no matter what.

Yes we argue, we fight, we have disagreements. But we also laugh together, share stories, enjoy each other’s company, we support and we love. That is who we are. I will be the eldest sister that they can count on, supporting them as much as I can. I will continue to be my brother’s keeper.

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - sassafras lass; buttons - autumn leaves; rub-ons - creative imaginations, 7gypsies; stickers - pink paislee, 7gypsies; chipboard - heidi swapp; brads - 7gypsies, making memories; dmc floss

cherish these moments

2009-11-09T14:22:00.003+08:00

here's a layout using photos of my mother-in-law and niece together. i apologize if the photos seem familiar. these shots are still part of the hundreds of photo taken during our family pictorial in 2007. my good friend jeff lopez was our photographer.

i myself am getting "tired" of these but there are really a lot of wonderful shots taken that day that i still have not been able to use for my scrapbooks.

anyway, with the exception of the base paper, all papers here were leftovers from my scraps. i still liked the end result. used this as my entry to the ad challenge #4 at dotty divas.

materials used: cardstock - ki memories; patterned paper - fancy pants, 7gypsies, webster's pages, jenni bowlin, bo bunny; transparency - hambly; rub-ons - daisy d's; sticker, brads - making memories; die-cut - 3bugs in a rug; ribbon

double trouble

2009-11-05T14:00:00.001+08:00

here's another halloween layout using last year's photo.

aly and nelo went together dressed as cops & robbers. these costumes were hand-me-downs from bernard and christabel which they wore the year before last. aly had more fun with these costumes.

note that i cut the prima felt flowers to resemble spider's legs. then i added the googly eyes for that added touch.

materials used: patterned papers - scenic route, teresa collins; paper frill - doodlebug; journal tags & quote - teresa collins; felt flowers - prima; others - googly eyes

the fugitive

2009-11-04T13:25:00.005+08:00

it's been almost a month since i've last posted anything here, that is if anybody noticed at all. lol! there are just a lot of things that i had to focus on more than blogging.

plus, i haven't been scrapping as much as i wanted to. my mojo just flew out the window and seems to have lost his way back. if not for pending deadlines, i wouldn't have been able to create even a few pages.

hopefully i can get my groove back and keep my blog updated a bit more regularly. here's a layout i should have shared last week in time for halloween. these photos were taken last year.

journal:
i know fugitives are supposed to be happy when they break out. but your face exudes a funny & hilarious demeanor. who would ever believe you are an actual prisoner. you don't fool me! (oct. 31 '08)

materials used: cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper - scenic route; chipboard - maya road; mask, grungeboard, journal tag - tim holtz; ink - brilliance; acrylic paint - making memories; brads - doodlebug; others - key charm

xoxo

2009-10-06T10:09:00.003+08:00

it's always a relief when i'm able to scrap photos that have been gathering dust in my storage bin. these photos were not actually theme-related, reason why it took me that long to have these scrapped.

i used here the "he said" march kit from a walk down memory lane. the combination of colors were really more masculine but i was able to make it work with my photos.

i handcut the patterned paper to create the swirls of vines & flowers. i also used a studio azul grid stamp to create the pattern on the cardstock.

journal:
fate really has a way of dictating what can happen. whoever though then that we would be together. at a time when we were enjoying our single lives, our paths crossed to bring us together. love really is mysterious. (march '09)

materials used: ("he said" march kit) cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper - basic grey, crate paper; alpha - american crafts; glitter glue - stickles; pearls - kaiser crafts. others: stamp - studio azul, lil' davis; ink - brilliance; pen - staedtler triplus

"published" at scrapstreet.com

2009-10-01T11:45:00.008+08:00

i am quite happy to start off october with a few "published" layouts at scrapstreet.com.

their october issue is already up and i have 2 layouts and 1 mini-album featured there.

do check out the following articles where my layouts/mini-album are featured:
- back to black (features my layout: life's journey)
- orange ya glad (features my layout: little whispers)
- greenhouse (features my paper bag mini album: a day at enchanted kingdom)

there's a lot of wonderful layouts for non-stop inspiration. even saw a few pinay friends' layouts as well. check it out.