My First Published Card.

The day has finally arrived when I can announce that I am a published crafter! Woot-woot!!!
We were told to wait one month after publication to announce, facebook or tweet about it. And it was hard to keep quiet, but now I can shout it out loud!!! One of my cards got picked up for the April/May 2012 issue of Designed to Color, "a magazine devoted to stamping, coloring, and paper crafting!"

Open publication - Free publishing

I really have to give props to Design to Color - it really is for the crafter who's just like me. My style of cards mostly involve coloring. It's the first of its kind! Other magazines mostly focus on just stamping so I am truly honored to be part of DTC's second issue! And what's great is you can now order it in print! Here's the link for more details and also how to subscribe.
Anybody out there also a believer that things happen for a reason? I do!
You see, I entered this card for a different publication call. It didn't get picked and I was sad. Then, I entered it for Design Team call. It was rejected and I was devastated. Along came the call from DTC and when I found out it got chosen, I was ecstatic!!
So don't ever give up!
Supplies list:
CS- Bazzill (brown). Neenah (white). DP- American Crafts (multi-colored flowered one). Crate Paper (yellow roses and striped ones). Stamp- Some Odd Girl's Noveau girl - Believe. Ribbon- Hero Arts. Quilled butterflies- Martha Stewart. Red Border- Crate Paper. Pins- House of 3s (Pink Paislee).
Please click on the issue above for details on the Copics I used. I'm on page 33.
Thanks for visiting!

My Clean & Simple Style.

Good Saturday morning, everyone!

Hope you are all having a great weekend so far.

My BFF'ers asked me last year, "Do you think we'd be blog friends if we weren't already best friends?" And I was confused, "I said, of course!"

You see, we differ when it comes to our crafting styles (I tend to be ecclectic at times, she likes a cleaner approach). But that's what I love about the stamping world -- I am a follower of blogs in which our techniques are similar or blogs where the crafter mostly use die-cuts (& I've never own or used a Cricut or a Sizzix). I follow those who use the CAS (clean and simple) method and the ones who have a vintage aesthetic.

I find so much inspiration in ALL the blogs that I follow. And what I really admire about the stamping blog-o-sphere is that EVERYBODY is so friendly & nice. Everyone comments on everybody's blogs. From the most famous of them to the shy beginners!

Take it from me who have been scrapbooking for more than ten years and who was a scrapper before a cardmaker -- there's so much drama in the scrapping world, LOL! (But I am always gonna be a scrapper at heart and there are a lot of scrappers out there who are so kind as well and who I am always going to look up to).

Anyway, I have a point here. What was it again? (LOL!)

Oh yeah: Sometimes I get so inspired that I try to think outside my usual box and try a different style. My usual?? I love to layer, layer, layer and embellish, embellish, embellish. And I like to be different from everyone else, hence the ecclectic side comes through.

But lately, I have been drawn to the CAS style. Especially when I saw the winners of the Paper Smooches' SPARKS Design Team.

Their cards are so clean and crisp and neat and simple. I am totally not like that. My cards get inky. They tend to have lots of textures. And I am probably Joshua on Project Runway who needs to edit his work before sending his model down the runway, as Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Michael Kors always say! (Although I'd rather be Anya :)).

So awhile back, I colored Bridal Mae from Some Odd Girl. I had big plans for her. I loved how she came out and knew right away that I wanted to make a card with a scene.



I had bought these Martha Stewart pom pom stickers when I was helping to decorate for this shower. Pom-poms are such a beautiful way to decorate - I often daydream about renewing my DH's and my vows and how our 'second wedding' would be, haha!

I was thinking about how to add a gorgeous 'wall' to my scene, possibly a vase with some flowers on a pedestal. But then, I had to urge to just simplify.

So then, I just drew in the 'strings' with a spica pen (I ran out of fish wire, which is what I use for the real pom-poms). And I added the 'floor' patterned paper (see below). Used a sentiment from Paper Smooches. And voila! Clean and Simple (at least for me!)

Pardon all the pics but I've been experimenting on how to take better pics/ angles of my cards since reading this article by Kristy.



This one depicts the card walking down the aisle...buwahahahahaha!!!

One last thing:



See this paper? When I bought it, it looked like the part on the bottom left. Cream with some writing and this embossed pattern that was the same color. When misted, however, it became that gorgeous top right part. The more mist you use, the darker it gets. I used Mr. Huey's mist in Cocoa. And sorry, but I'm not sure what this brand of paper is but it is gorgeous both ways!!

Thanks so much for reading this long post! Hugs to all of my crafty friends!



P.S. And remember when I was talking about how some stamp images remind me of people? This one reminds me of one of the doctors I worked with. I. AM. SO. WEIRD. But that's why y'all love me, right?? :)

ABAC - Favor Box

*** If you're looking for Jo's Birthday Blog Hop and/ or to win MULTIPLE blog candies, please go HERE! ***
Remember that my candy closes today, at 5 PM EST.



"For me and my family personally, September 11 was a reminder that life is fleeting, impermanent, and uncertain. Therefore, we must make use of every moment and nurture it with affection, tenderness, beauty, creativity, and laughter." -Deepak Chopra, M.D.

"Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11." -President Barack Obama


As today marks the tenth anniversary of 9/11, I wanted my post to reflect it.

I thought...what stamp could I possibly have that would symbolize the loss, sadness, terror this day caused? Heck, I find it difficult to make 'regular' sympathy cards.

So instead, I'm focusing on hope. Hope on humanity, hope that the terror will stop, hope that our soldiers are fighting for.

And what better way to depict hope than a little girl, happy in a swing and the color yellow. Actually, I have a niece who was born on this day. So this stamp was the right choice for today.



Which brings me to my creation for PWCO's Anything But a Card challenge. I got this kraft box at Michael's and decorated it. It would make a great gift card holder or favor box. I think I overdid the flowers but I wanted it to be bright and happy. And yellow usually symbolizes support as well. For our soldiers and our fellow countrymen.



& lookie-here, doesn't this remind you of a sun or star? It's the wood grain of my favorite table. Ahhh, it radiates hope already and puts a smile on my face every time I look at it.



Supplies:
Stamp - PWCO's A Day in the Life of Abigail C- Spring Swing.
PP- doodlebug design inc.
Ink- Memento, Tim Holtz distress ink
Misc- Copics, ribbon, flowers, buttons, twine.

Art Inspiration & a Survey

*** If you're looking for Jo's Birthday Blog Hop and/ or to win MULTIPLE blog candies, please go HERE! ***




Good Tuesday morning, everybody!

It may mean going back to work after the long Labor Day weekend holiday for some of you. For me, it marks the midway point of my maternity leave... BOO!

Sure I miss my job, my co-workers, and my patients. But it also means less craft time, and I'm sure you'll agree that that kinda blows!

Anyway, no card today but I've got some inspiration and some random ramblings for y'all!

Some of you know that we had moved into a new home. It's been a year since then, and I'm sad to say that my craft room hasn't really changed much from this. Except the bins and boxes got moved alongside the walls :).

I told myself I'd get it organized during my leave (or as my friends who do not have kids call it, "vacation"), but that's not realistic really in our household of a toddler and a new baby. And procrastination, lack of funds, and lots of excuses, LOL.

What I am looking forward to going back to my job would be the full paycheck though. That means I'll be closer to affording my dream craft room :). Heck, I'm just grateful to have my own space after so long!

In my future craft haven, I already know that I'll be putting up frames (or at least a bulletin board) of some art inspiration. Shown above are pics that I bought from my favorite artists in the craft world:

1. Elsie Larson (formerly known as Elsie Flannigan), from Red Velvet/ Love, Elsie line from KI Memories.

2. My good bloggy friend, Amy Young from A Thousand Sheets of Paper & Sweet November stamps.

3. Kristy Dalman of Some Odd Girl.

Aren't their art prints and homemade cards just phenomenal?!! They all provide art inspiration for me and that works a lot for my craft mojo! How about you, who or what do you find most inspiring? I'd love to hear!

And totally unrelated, but I came upon this fun A-Z survey from Kristy's blog. I LURRRVVVE filling these out so I hope you get to play along. Make sure you post a self-portrait too and tell me that you've done it so I can come check it out.


(technically taken last month but you don't want to see me now at 3 am)

A - Z Survey.

A. age: Let's just say I'm in my early 30's :P

B. bed size: King. Love how it's so big and comfy!

C. chore you hate: Washing the dishes and cleaning the toilet. I'm so lucky that my hubby loves to clean! :)

D. dogs: I prefer them over cats except for Hello Kitty, haha! My sibs all have doggies so I get my pet fix that way.

E. essential start to your day: Breakfast! Without it, I get so cranky!

F. favourite colour: It changes every season, but my favorite color combo is green, orange, and pink.

G. gold or silver: Silver.

H. height: Short, a l'il over five feet! (shut up, Jo!)

I. instruments you play: I had piano lessons since school age but haven't kept up with it unfortunately.

J. job title: Registered nurse, mommy, wifey...

K. kids: 2, and my dream would be a third one that's a girl!

L. live: Bay Area, California.

M. maiden name: Reyes. I miss that name.

N. nicknames: Dooks, Corn chips, Crunchee, Yen, LadyGirl...

O. overnight hospital stays: 3. Two when I was preggers/ in labor and one as a child.

Q. quote: Love Life and Life Will Love You Back - by Arthur Rubenstein. I also love anything by Kahlil Gibran.

R. righty or lefty: Righty.

S. siblings: 2 sis, 1 bro.

T. time you wake up: With a new baby, I am up every 3-4 hours. *yawn*

U. university attended: college in California. I have a bachelor's degree and dream to have my master's someday.

V. vegetables you dislike: That bitter lettuce, I always forget the name. Brussel sprouts, yuck. You know I won't be making my kids eat those LOL!

W. what makes you run late: Getting the kids ready/ packing the diaper bag. Facebook (buwhahahaha!) and the internet.

X. x-rays: Multiple. From my teeth to my arm.

Y. yummy food: Right now, I'm craving some breakfast (a Filipino dish called Tocilog) but I probably won't eat till 8 or 9 or so, phoooey.

Z. zoo animal favourite: I always love watching the little critters -- frogs, butterflies, lizards.

Toot-a-loo!

Paper-pierced Pinwheel Pandas

Hello out there blog-o-sphere!

Today I'm showing you a card for the Some Odd Girl's Paper Piercing Challenge. I chose Pinwheel Panda..he is soooo cute!

A dear friend recently had triplets, and they are being Christened and will have their first party. My friend had gone through a lot before and during her pregnancy with the babies. And after their births...well, you can just imagine what chaos there was (and still is). But there is more than enough joy to compensate for it and go all around :). So I wanted to make her family a very special card.

At first, I was gonna make the babies individual cards. But I thought one giant card featuring all three pandas would be remarkable and would really showcase the triplets. Each part is unique enough but together they'd make a cool statement.

I don't know what it is about paper piercing challenges but lately, they've got me feeling a little ambitious and a lot ecclectic, LOL!

As you can see, there's a lot going on in this creation. My initial idea was to use the plaid Crate Paper for the Panda, to make him into a stuffed animal. I mentioned this before...I just loved the stuffed critters my Mom sewed for me when I was a kid. As you can see, my affinity for homemade goodies started early. And Pinwheel Panda sure made adorable toys! :) Oh, how I wish I could sew!

And then, I saw the flowery paper and the negative image created when I cut out the eyes, body, and heels for the first bear. Thought I'd make her into a stuffed animal as well. She was harder to put together as she was already 'cut through' in certain places, but it sure was fun (kinda like a puzzle!). I, then, outlined her body parts with my Copic multiliner.

By the time I got to the third Panda/ triplet, my fingers hurt! So I just cut out the stamped image from the SOG packaging (another upcycling moment!),

I tied in the three bears by using these cute, baby-themed papers from Fancy Pants Designs. I also colored their pinwheels with Copics using their three main colors.

Added some twine, misc buttons, and the sentiment is from Paper Smooches.

Toodles,

A Card for Olivia

Hello, hello!

This card is for a very special little lady. Her name is Olivia. Instead of having her first day of Kindergarten, she has to go through surgery as she was recently diagnosed with a brain tumor. :(



Such a beautiful girl... heard that she had been delighted over a few emails wishing her well. Won't you join me in making her feel even better with a homemade card? I found out about her through Yvonne's blog that Olivia's aunt, Stacey, is organizing a card drive. You can find all the information on how to send her a card here.

Being a pediatric nurse, I am often asked how I could do my job and see sick kids everyday. Mind you, it is hard but with time, I've learned to give the best care I could but leave my work at work. Otherwise, I will be a wreck and what good will I be to my patients and family? But what keeps me going are these kids. Children are resilient -- they may have chronic illnesses but put them in playroom and they're just like the healthy kids... full of spunk, a burst of energy, so much laughter! They make my job so rewarding.

In my line of work, I've actually taken care of little ones with brain tumors. It will not be an easy course. These cards will bring Olivia so much hope and her family will feel less alone.

So if you are going to make a card anyway, please think of this special card drive. What I love about this hobby is how we all inspire each other. So I'm hoping that we pass on the word to help those in need in any way, shape, or form. I think crafting is such a wonderful way to express well wishes and spread hope, don't you? :)

Thanks for listening,

G's mini-album

Hi everybody!

We were at my dear hubby's parents' house this past weekend, and I came across this mini album that I made for him. Since I only started blogging about my creations around 2007 or so, I thought I'd show it here. Sort of compare my style then to my style now.

Pardon the quality of the pictures. The lighting was poor and I didn't have much time to edit these photos.

I made this for G for his birthday in 2003-ish. It showcased the past year, our dates, and our friends/fam. As you can see, I loved my embellishments back then too! :)

Thanks for visiting!

I Heart Nerds!

Remember this picture?

You'd think that:

1) having spent most of my teen years wearing glasses and braces and...

2) getting teased for said appearance plus ..

3) having good grades would've prevented me from dressing up my kid as a geek. But I just can't help it.

It's one of my favorite pics of MK, and certainly one of my most featured photographs here. I finally decided to scrap it when I saw the perfect line at my LSS. Just look at all of the Geek is Chic galore from Imaginisce down below. That's right. Yay for the underdogs! I'm proud to have been/ still be a nerd!



I added an envelope from a Basically Bare album and tucked in a note. It basically stated how MK put on my new, fake Urban Outfitters frames after he saw me putting my glasses on. He instantly became my nerdy tater tot!



The cardstock is from Bazzill. I also added brads from American Crafts and a miscellaneous ribbon.

The pic on the right was the original, and the one on the left is enhanced using the Half Tone app (see my iPhone apps post). Speaking of iPhone apps, these photographs came to my door by way of postal pix. You choose which mobile pictures and which sizes to buy all by just clicking away on your phone. Some pics did come out cropped wrong and this one was printed backwards. But other than that, I'd recommend them. They made it very convenient! I think I'll be scrapping more!

Onto my 30 Day Photo Challenge from Oh So Lovely:

(Shown backwards)

Day 23- Sunset. I was thinking of cheating and putting in the sunset beach picture I took in Hawaii but I guess this is pretty too.

Day 22- Trees.

Day 21- Cool pattern.

Day 20- What I read. Yes, I know...that is from my phone. I do miss flipping the page of a real book.

Day 19- Where I slept.

Smooches!

P.S. Amy, I'm sure you'll love that cut-out on the very top right of the page of my lay-out. :) :) :)