Sweet Child of Mine

I've had this photo of Bianca, taken when she was around 5 months, for so long. I took it when my camera was new and then Jeff Lopez volunteered to edit it. She looks so different now, but her eyes are just as expressive and captivating.

I used the smallest stamp from Absolument Scrap's Rounds set and turned it into a button flower center.

Title: Sweet Child of Mine

Journaling: I never understood what "drowning in someone's eyes" meant until we had you. One look into your big brown eyes and people will move heaven and earth to give you what you want. How can a sweet little thing like you wield so much power? Bianca, Feb '06;

Materials: Patterned papers/journaling paper - Prima, Basic Grey; Note Card - K & Co; Acrylic - Heidi Swapp; Stamp - Absolument Scrap; Metal Alphabet - Jo-ann; Alpha stickers - Making Memories; Rub-ons - 7 Gypsies, Basic Grey; Flowers - Prima; Ink - Clearsnap, Ranger; Alcohol Ink - Ranger; UTEE; Pen - Zig; Misc lace, ribbon

The Rounds stamp set is available at Scrapbukan.

Make Your Mark

Here's a LO I made using a stamp from Absolument Scrap's new Etiquettes set.

Luis has been wanting to take Archery for a while and I finally let him try it out last summer. He was pretty ok, but as usual, would tire and lose interest after about 30 minutes.

I decided to have fun with this LO and created my own bow frame.

Title: Make Your Mark

Journaling: Luis insisted on taking Archery this summer. Not bad. Summer '08.

Materials: Patterned papers - Cosmo Cricket; Chipboard - Basic Grey; Paint - Making Memories, Ranger; Stickers - Around the Block; Brads - Karen Foster; Floss - Karen Foster; Stamp - Absolument Scrap; Pen - Zig; Misc twill ribbon

The Etiquettes stamp set has 8 stamps, 6 of which are for journaling. It is available locally from Scrapbukan for only Ps350.

3 Nights in Bangkok!

My mom treated my SIL Dinah and myself to a trip to Bangkok last week-end for some retail and food therapy. However, Dinah and I committed a cardinal sin when we both decided not to bring a camera -- we each thought that the other would bring one and wanted to save luggage space for more important things -- like clothes!

So when we went on our half-day city tour, we had to make-do with my phone camera. Bangkok is indeed a shopping haven -- and I thought no other place can be cheaper than Manila!

We bought food off street carts -- whatever took our fancy -- and had a food orgy every evening in our hotel room! I so need to get serious with my dieting, I haven't gotten on a scale since we got back! Here are some pics from our trip last week-end.

I Am Paper

Found this quiz on Mia's blog to see what kind of scrapbooking item I am...

You are PAPER!

You are an all natural basic person who likes to act as a foundation to others. You are willing to take a backseat in most of your relationships and let others take the spotlight, while you show your support and help them shine! Underneath it all, you are the one who makes it all happen. You are the focus and stability in any group, even if you are not the leader. Others look to you to set the pace and provide ideas for ways to get things done. But Paper Beware - sometimes you get a little edgy with the people who look to you for support and can give them some papercut remarks that can hurt their feelings. Remember to watch what you say, because you are best when leading by example.

My first reaction to the result is that it makes me seem so boring -- haha! However, I do love paper above anything else, and the more I read the description, the more I realized that I AM PAPER!

Not Guilty!

Another LO for Absolument Scrap using the new Rounds Stamp Set (check out the yellow circles in the background). I thought the alphabet die-cut paper design was so cool that I used the negative pattern for my background -- even before I used any of the letters!

Title: Not Guilty

Journaling: It must be tough, being the only boy in the famiily. Whenever a little incident happens, all eyes and fingers immediately point to you. Sorry dude, I guess your track record speaks for itself. But we love you anyway. Dreamworld, Aust. Photo Oct 2006.;

Materials: Cardstock- Bazzill; Patterned paper and Letter Die-cuts- Cosmo Cricket; Stamps- Absolument Scrap; Brads- Queen & Co; Paint- Making Memories; Pen- Uniball Signo; Others- UTEE, ribbon, staples, fiber

These stamps are available from Scrapbukan.

Daisy Ds Flower Cupcakes

I entered this project in the Daisy Ds July Party Decorations Challenge and it won 2nd place! Yehey!

These were really simple and easy to do. I used the Sizzix Hydrangea die to cut out the flowers from different patterned papers, assembled the flowers, outlined with a black pen, attached a toothpick at the back and stuck them into some cupcakes. Easy as pie...ummm, I mean, cupcakes!

Thanks Daisy Ds!

Pucker Up!

Here's a recent LO I did for Absolument Scrap, following a sketch by Becky Fleck and using the new Daisy Ds papers that I won from the Daisy Ds May Challenge.

Title: Pucker Up

Journaling: The princess and her knight -- Nadya & Luis. And if someday you'll find yourselves fighting over something, just turn to this layout and remember that you love each other, no matter what. Photo Mar '08; Layout: 071408

Materials: Daisy Ds papers, Absolument Scrap chipboard flowers and stamps; Ranger Distress paint, Distress ink, Distress embossing powder, Adirondack embossing powders; Tsukineko & Clearsnap inks; Judikins Diamond Glaze; Heidi Swapp clear heart; American Crafts foam letters; misc burlap and buttons; adhesive: glue dots, thermoweb, saunders

Check out the various ways I embellished the chipboard flowers from Absolument Scrap.

My coolest discovery yet is that when you heat diamond glaze before it dries fully, it will puff up, creating a bubble that deflates when the heat is turned off, resulting in a plastic-like finish -- cool!

Not Quite The Star Athlete

Did this LO a few weeks ago. Luis has tried a lot of different sports already -- soccer, swimming, basketball, karate, tennis, and even, archery. Unfortunately, none of these seem to be "his thing" as seen from the way he plays. Bud says he plays decent tennis, though, but tires after 30 minutes.

But nevertheless, he enjoyed attending his classes and never really complained about them. He just kept on going for the sheer fun of being able to play -- and that, I think, is important, too. He's learning that he doesn't always have to win to have fun.

These photos were taken last summer at his basketball clinic. He didn't want to do basketball, but it's almost a sin to grow up in the Philippines and not play basketball where there's a "ring" practically in every street corner. So we agreed that if he took basketball I'd let him take archery, and so he did both.

But as he gets older and other kids his age are becoming more competitive, we'll just have to try harder and look for "his sport" -- now he says he wants to try fencing. I just want him to find a sport that he likes so it would be easier to stay fit and healthy, and gain self-confidence. So he doesn't end up like me, having to drag myself to the gym just to keep fit.

Title: Not Quite The Star Athlete

Materials: Fancy Pants paper; American Crafts vinyl letters and Slick Writer; Making Memories Tiny Alphas; Maya Road Sheers Journaling spot; misc white cardstock;

Journaling: I don't know if you will ever be a star athlete. But as long as you try your best and have fun, you will be a winner! Luis, summer '08

Wish Upon A Cloud

Played with shrink plastic for the 1st time at home -- we did this at the Fontwerks class last May.

I love this Jouets stamp set from Absolument Scrap and the little dolls are even more adorable when they're shrunken! The journaling blocks make perfect "labels" when they're tiny, too!

This is a really old photo of Nadya, almost 3 years ago -- please don't ask me about my backlog. But she's pretty much the same now as she was back then, just louder and more head-strong.

She's turning 6 yrs old on Sunday and I couldn't believe that my princess wanted a Pokemon party! But, of course, we're having a PINK Pokemon party -- her invite has pics of only the pink-colored Pokemon and we changed the yellow and blue logo to monochromatic pink! And for her cake, I'm making her a 3D Pokemon castle, in pink, of course!

Journaling Written by Nadya: I want to be a princess ballerina; more toys; I love stuffed toys; I love Pokemon; Photo Nov '05; Nadya Jul '08;

Materials: Sassafras Lass papers, Absolument Scrap stamps, Clearsnap inks, Cosmo Cricket chipboard letters; Making Memories Glitter letters and small letters; Zig pen; Ranger Distress paint; shrink plastic

Pool Party!

Here's another LO that I haven't posted. The girls and their families visited us for a day in Canyon Woods last Easter break and the kids had a blast!

A new discovery in this LO are the Ranger Adirondack embossing powders. I used it for the big "P" in the title and it has an amazing effect -- kinda like alcohol inks but in an embossing powder with the hint of silver thrown in.

For added texture, I filled half of the "P" with some stone beads I've had in my stash for a few years already!

Title: Pool Party

Journaling: An inflatable pool has to be one of my wisest purchases ever. The mere sight of it gets the kids all excited. All you need to do is to fill it with water, throw in a few toys and you've got a party! 3-22-08

Materials: Luxe Designs patterned paper, Bazzil cardstock, Tim Holtz Grungeboard, Ranger embossing powders (Adirondack, Holographic, Distress), Heidi swapp and American Crafts chipboard letters, Rusty Pickle chipboard swirl, Collage Press Playing Card, Versamark ink, misc pebbles, Zig pen

Chatterbox...OMG!

Okay, I know they're call-backs and nothing is a sure thing yet. But for my name to be included in the list of 18 International Call-backs??????? OMG! This feeling is enough to last me a month, or at least until I get the goodies and see what Courtney has in store for us.

And the best part of it is that there are 3 Filipinas on the list -- Pia, Cookie and myself -- I'm so proud to be Pinoy!

Pia wasn't online when the announcement came up so I called her on her mobile and we spent a good 5 minutes screaming our lungs out! Haha! We never really discuss the calls and contests that we join so it's a great bonus when we see each other succeed at something.

You can check out the announcement here. Woohoo!

Meal Planner

I think that one of the most difficult jobs for a SAHM, or any mom, for that matter, is planning what to have for dinner, that adults (my husband and I) and the kids will both like. And if only my kids all like the same stuff, because they don't.

We already have a short-list of "hits" that includes sukiyaki, fish and chips, Salisbury steak, lumpiang Shanghai, Chinese sausage pasta and, of course, fried chicken -- but that's about it.

For most other dishes we end up either having a kid-friendly version (set aside the kids' portion before adding the spicy stuff) or at least 2 entrees so everyone has something to eat.

I used to do my menus a month in advance and typing them up in my pc but that took so much time, and when I discovered scrapbooking, that just flew out the door because I found something better to do.

The fact that I'm also an avid collector of recipe books, didn't help much because, half the time, I spent salivating just reading the recipe, that I ended up taking so much time to finish my menu.

This stamp set from Absolument Scrap inspired me to try again but this time with a simple notebook -- which presumably I can take around so I can plan my meals wherever I go...yeah right!

I used scrap Fancy Pants papers to cover the notebook. For the stamped images, I played around with some alcohol inks on glossy photo paper before stamping the images and cutting them out.

All That You Are

Did this LO for Absolument Scrap using a stamp from the Spring set.

Title: All That You Are

Materials: Bazzill cardstock; Teresa Collins patterned paper; American Crafts velvet letters and Slick Writer; Making Memories Glitter alphabets; Maya Road Sheers Journaling spots; Absolument Scrap stamps, misc bling;

Journaling: Watching your personality develop as you grow older is the best part of being your mom. At 5 yrs old, you are Dad & I taken to the extreme. Know that wen we reign you in, it is not to stop you from growing, but to make sure that you grow in the right direction, to be all that you can be. June 2008

Photo by Orient Light Studios.

Cool Off!

Here's another LO that I haven't posted...it looks kinda weird now but I swear I liked it when I first made it:)

Here are Nadya & Bianca taking a dip in the "batya" (basin) 2 summers ago. I converted the photo to black & white since the colors were so off -- orange basin with pink and blue bathing suits plus the green grass, etc.

Journaling: When the temperature rises and Mommy's too lazy to take them swimming, Nadya & Bianca are happy enough to cool off with the garden hose! May 2007

Materials: patterned paper - Junkitz; cardstoc - Bazzill; Die-cut - Luxe Designs; Adhesive Scroll - Around the Block; Glitter - We R Memory Keepers; Chipboard alphabets - Doodlebug; Felt - Queen & Co; Pen - Zig; Adhesive - Saunders

Tagged By Wendy

Wendy is my cyber-friend -- she always leaves nice comments on my blog and she's a very talented scrapbooker and cardmaker, too! Thanks Wendy!

Now I have to pass it on to 7 other talented scrappers....There are some rules to it though.
The rules for this award:
1. The winner can put the logo on her blog.
2. Link the person you received your award from.
3. Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4. Put links of those blogs on yours.
5. Leave a message on the blogs of the girls you've nominated.

There are so many great scrappers blogs around but for now, I will tag my fellow Scrappin' Moms:

1. Joanne Yap

2. April Lim

3. Mia Castrillo

4. Pia Lopez

5. Liza Bermudez

6. Iris Uy

and since Sienna doesn't maintain a blog, I will tag my sister-in-law:

7. Dinah Maningat

Goin Down!

Just realized I haven't posted this LO yet. The kids love going to the playground and especially love to go down the spiral slide choo-choo train style!

Journaling: A trip to the playground is a sure-fire way to end all the whining and bickering when the kids are stuck indoors for too long. Apr '07

Materials: patterned papers - We R Memory Keepers, Scenic Route; Lace paper - KI Memories; Die-cut tag - Daisy Ds; Alphabet Buttons - Junkitz; Metal clip - 7 Gypsies; Pen - Zig; Adhesive - Saunders

Budding Artists

Did this LO for Lasting Impression. Starting this month, I'll be working with the store as non-exclusive Contributing DT member.

My assignment was to use Glimmer Mist. I'm always game to try out new stuff, except that when I did my research on the net, everything that used it was of the vintage kind -- and I am so not a vintage person.

I knew there had there had to be a way to use it in other types of projects so I played around with it and used it for the title letters in this LO.

Title: Budding Artists

Materials: Cardstock - DCWV, Patterned paper and die-cuts - Cosmo Cricket; Buttons and flowers - Making Memories; Pen - Zig; Chipboard alphabets - American Crafts and Bazzill; Word Button - Junkitz; Shimmer Paint - Glimmer Mist by Tattered Angels; Misc Ribbon

Journaling: (taken from http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/ -- PeaSoup)

The palette you hold before you
Has all the colors of the world
From the flowers that bloom
To the sun in the sky above
Use the colors to enrich your days
To show everyone who you are,
Enjoy everything given to you
And share it with those in your world

Photo Jun '07

Scrapbytes May-Jun 2008 Issue

...is finally here

I've always prided myself with always being on time (if I'm late it's usually because I did it on purpose) -- chronic tardiness is one of my pet peeves, ranking right up there with poor customer service. It seems that I have finally found my waterloo in Scrapbytes.

Three months in a row of being late --- and I mean really, utterly, unforgivably late. I bow my head down in shame and apologize (on bended knees even!) to those who sent in their contributions on time. I cannot promise that Scrapbytes will never be late again, but I do promise that Scrapbytes will always be here, by hook or by crook.

Thank you again to all our contributors and I hope you never tire of helping us, in working to build our scrapbooking community.

My new LOs featured in this issue:

Title: Find Joy

Journaling: Have you ever noticed that kids don't allow themselves to be bored for long? They always find a way to entertain themselves, whether we like it or not. They know that if they want to be happy, it's upto them to do something about it. Just another lesson to learn from our kids. May 2008;

Materials: Patterned paper - Fancy Pants; Bling - Heidi Swapp; Beads - Provo Craft; Buttons - Making Memories; Flowers - Prima, Maya Road; Metal Clip - Making Memories; Transparent Bracket - Making Memories; Clear Heart - Heidi Swapp; Pen - Zig; Misc ribbon lace; Ink - Colorbox Chalk Ink

Title: My Strong Man

Materials: Patterned paper & Die-cuts - Fancy Pants; Buttons and flower - Making Memories; Metal ricrac brads - Karen Foster; Chipboard Alphabet - Bazzill; Paint - Ranger Distress paint; Pen - American Crafts; Other - Dymo Labelmaker

Nadya Ballerina

Nadya had her 4th Summer Ballet recital last June 8. At this point, I wouldn't bet on her being a future prima ballerina, but I'm quite sure she has the makings of a performer of some kind.

She definitely lives for her annual recital -- she loves everything about it --- the make-up, the costumes, and most especially being in the limelight. She has no concept of stage fright and when asked if she's nervous before her dance, she says "Of course not! I'm excited!"

And this year was even better, because she got to wear the "much coveted" pink dress, as the lead role in Sleeping Beauty. What little princess ballerina, in her right mind, does not love the color pink? I don't even want to think about what would've happened if they gave her another role -- unless it was Jasmine who is her 2nd fave princess.

She was in 4 dances this year, so indulge this proud mommy, if you please, and take a peek at her performances:

Sleeping Beauty - she's the lead role in the pink dress
Be Our Guest - she's the little girl in the yellow and purple dress
Cinderella Ball - she's one of the supporting dancers in a green tulle skirt
Circle of Life - Finale number as a Zebra with the whole cast

Simple Meeting

Guess what arrived from the FedEx truck today?

And here I am on Page 93...check out the Jul/Aug issue of Simple Scrapbooks to see it for yourself :) Woohoo!

All Is Quiet Now

Today, all 3 kids are finally back in school. The house is eerily quiet.

Nadya's classes began last week on June 11, Bianca on June 12 and Luis started today.

I took all of them all the way to their classrooms on their 1st day of school, with camera in tow, of course -- and stayed until the teachers sent us out. I wonder when Luis will stop letting me take him to the classroom on his 1st day of school?

Luis was a little anxious today since we finally decided to let him try out being in the Advanced Class. He was supposed to be there since last year, but we just didn't want the added pressure. Besides, he said he'd rather be with the "boys who don't know the answer"...haha! But they put us back this year, so we'll see. He's the only "new" kid in the class, although he already knows several classmates from previous years. He has the same class adviser from Kinder 1, so that might help ease some of his anxiety.

Nadya and Bianca were good to go the moment they stepped out of the car. No more crying fits -- sigh! -- no more babies. Here are some 1st day of school pics:

Ria's Kitchen is alive for Father's Day!

After months in hibernation, I decided to get busy and offer some last-minute Father's Day cupcakes, for those who still haven't gotten anything for the man or men in their lives. In case you didn't know it, Father's Day is this Sunday, June 15.

One dozen Regular cupcakes for only Ps350 (choose between Dark Chocolate or Golden Butter cake). Cupcake designs and colors are as pictured here.

And for only Ps400/dozen, the best gets even better with your choice of Vanilla Buttercream (in photo) or Rich Caramel-filled cupcakes.

Email or SMS (0918-9146012) your orders now -- orders will be accepted until 12nn of Saturday, Jun 14. I can deliver for free in selected areas (Valle Verde, Greenhills) on Friday and Saturday only. Otherwise, orders need to be picked-up in Pasig.

Update: Half-dozen orders now accepted:

• Regular Cupcakes (no filling) - Ps185
• Filled Cupcakes - Ps 210

Glittery Shoes

Did this LO last week -- this photo has been waiting to be scrapped for a year.

Title: Glittery Shoes

Journaling: If there's one thing that I never had to teach my girls, it's how to choose shoes. They knew by instinct that anything that glitters is better than none. Nadya's feet, May '07;

Materials: Cardstock - Bazzill and DCWV; Glitter Alpha - Making Memories; Chipboard Alpha - American Crafts; Chipboard Die-cuts, Jewels & Journaling Pasties - Prima; Pen - Zig; Ink - Tsukineko Brilliance

I can't believe I didn't use any patterned paper on this LO. I really just wanted the shoes to be the focal point and everything else is there only to support it.

Icy Rendezvous

Just finished this LO today...feels so good to be able to scrap. I got a major headache trying to organize my stuff -- it's unbelievable how much paper I've bought in the last few months! I don't know how I'll use them all up but I can't let them go thinking that I will be able to do it somehow!

I tried out this new color scheme just to see if I could make it work...I think it kinda works...

Title: Icy Rendezvous

Journaling: Nadya loves popsicles and will do almost anything to get one. Sep. 3, '07;

Materials: Patterned paper - Basic Grey and Piggy Tales; Chipboard Die-cuts - Prima; Vinyl Letters - American Crafts; Tape - 7 Gypsies; Stamp - Adorn It; Ink - Clearsnap; Pen - American Crafts

Scrappin Kids

I was honored when Wati Basri asked me to be the Guest Designer of Scrappin Kids for June 2008. This is a cool site that focuses on layouts for, with and about your kids.

To celebrate Father's Day, the theme for this month is "Bonding with Dad". Here's the LO I made for them.

Title: Funny Daddy

Journaling: If you ask my kids to describe their Daddy, they will tell you that he is the funniest Daddy in the world! Photo Jun 2007;

Materials: Cardstock - DCWV & Bazzill; Transparency - Fancy Pants, Hambly and Making Memories (saying); Patterned Papers - Tinkering Ink; Chipboard Corner - Buzz & Bloom; Clear Heart - Heidi Swapp; Orange Heart - Queen & Co; Vinyl Letters - American Crafts; Chipboard Alpha Squares - Junkitz; Metal Clip - Making Memories; Fabric Tape - Making Memories; Pen - Zig; Brads - Doodlebug

Do check out the site and join this month's challenge for a chance to win a cool prize!

Scrapbook Trends May 2008

I finally got my package from Scrapbook Trends last Thursday -- it contained 2 copies of the May 2008 issue which has my LO "Sports Should Always Be Fun" and some yummy scrapbooking goodies.

Although Scrapbook Trends doesn't "pay" for published LOs, I have to say that it is well-worth having your LOs published there because they give each LO a full page in the magazine -- so you can see all the details.

If you think you can fly...

Did this LO today for Absolument Scrap. Did you know they also have chipboard flowers and paper flowers? I used them here, too.

Title: Then Fly

Journaling: Always believe that you can do anything that you put your whole heart into. Nadya, Nov 2007.;

Materials: Patterned Paper and Letter Stickers - Basic Grey; Stamps, Chipboard Flower and Paper Flower - Absolument Scrap; Paint - Ranger; Masks - Heidi Swapp; Vinyl Letters - American Crafts; Pen - Uniball Signo; Ribbon - Chatterbox and misc; Metal Slide - Making Memories; Ink - Clearsnap

The stamps are from the Text (script) and Spring (butterfly) sets.

Maxtor Crashed Again!

This is the 2nd time a Maxtor external drive crashed on me -- and this one is only 3 months old! Now I have 2 external hard drives that need to have their data recovered -- the computer doesn't even recognize them anymore. And so while I try to figure out how to get my files back, I'm posting this as some form of defiance against my hard drive...weird huh?

This LO is my 1st attempt to do an 8 1/2 x 11 -- can't believe it only took about 10 minutes to do. The fact that I was trying to beat a deadline helped a lot though!

I lost the original file of this LO due to the crash but luckily I uploaded it before the crash happened so here it is.

Title: You Make Me Happy

Materials: Cardstock - DCWV; Patterned Paper - Tinkering Ink, American Crafts; Transparency - Fancy Pants; Vinyl Letters - American Crafts; Chipboard Circles - Queen & Co; Die-cut - Daisy Ds; Pen - Zig; Ink - Tsukineko Brilliance

Brothers By Choice

Another LO using Prima Dude papers. Luis and Sam have been best friends forever and call themselves "brothers" since they both have no male siblings.

Title: Brothers By Choice

Journaling: The only worry I have anout the fact that we're moving in 3 years is you and Sam. You 2 have been "Best Friend-Brothers" since you were 3 years old and will be 10 by the time we move. I know it will be a difficult time but i promise to do my best to keep you 2 together. April 2008;

Materials: DCWV and Bazzill cardstock, Prima papers, Fancy Pants felt, American Crafts Vinyl letters and rub-ons, Making Memories paint, Dymo Label Maker, Zig pen; Misc ribbon; Creative Imaginations brads; Others: Pen cover for stamping circles on felt

Girl Power

I know the Prima Dude Collection was meant for boys but I couldn't help but use some of it for this LO of Nadya.

Title: Girl Power

Journaling: I know you're not crazy about playing soccer this summer -- you'd rather be ice-skating or dancing ballet -- but I couldn't think of a better way for you to learn that girls can do anything that boys do -- sometimes even better! Summer 2008

Materials: Bazzill cs, Prima papers, American Crafts Thickers, Zig and Uniball Signo pens, Clearsnap Chalk Ink; Tool - Provo Craft Scissors

Shine

This was my other entry to the Cosmo Cricket Challenge -- funny how I thought this had a better chance than the other LO. Just goes to show how much I know about what makes a winning LO! Haha!

Title: Shine Jesus Shine

Journaling: 02-06-08 Bianca uses the crucifix she was holding to shield herself from the bright sun on her 1st Ash Wednesday.

Materials: Patterned papers, chipboard letters, die-cut - Cosmo Cricket; Prima Flowers; Ranger Paint, 3M Transparency, Fancy Pants stamp, Ranger Distress Embossing Powder; Dymo Label Maker' Zig pen; Miscellaneous buttons, lace and mesh

I printed the photo on a transparency and heat embossed the corner design using Distress powder. I don't think I've ever used so many buttons on a LO before -- I was just happy to be able to use them at all!

Yipee!

This LO won in Lasting Impression's Cosmo Cricket Challenge. I love this LO especially because I finally got to try printing my text onto my photo.

I love my new photo printer (Canon IP6700D). I've had it for 2 months now and haven't gone to a digital lab since I got it. I love the fact that I now only print out the photos as I need them -- so I don't have a bunch of pics waiting to be scrapped (I still do from before I got my printer). I love the print quality and the fact that I can now play with so many digital options for my pics, especially using different photo sizes! And the best part, I've printed about 20 full color A4 sheets already and the 6 ink tanks are still at least, 3/4 full! I love Canon printers!

Title: Time To Let Go

Journaling: Today you began your 1st day in Toddler School. You were very excited, especially with your new lunchbox. I freed up my whole morning expecting that you won't let me leave you alone in your new surroundings. You are, after all, the baby in the family. But when the time came for me to leave, you barely looked up from the bear you were painting to say good-bye. I guess I needed this to bring home the point that it's time for me to let you go...

Materials: Patterned papers, die-cuts, cardstock stickers, chipboard letters - Cosmo Cricket; Bazzill cs, Heidi Swapp clock & chipboard letters, Jo-ann brad, Ranger Distress paint, Clearsnap Chalk Ink & Ancient Page ink, Fancy Pants butterfly stamp, Making Memories date stamp, misc bling swirl

Mermaids

Another summer LO now using Absolument Scrap stamps.

Journaling: We love our compound pool 'cos when the sun just won't let up, we can be swimming in the cool water in 10 minutes tops! April 2008; Landmark;

Materials: Bazzill cs, Fancy Pants papers, Queen & Co. Felt Fusion, Absolument Scrap Stamps (Text, Summer and Colis), Making Memories Paint, fibers and buttons, American Crafts Vinyl alphabets, Ranger Distress Embossing Powder, Versamark ink, Ancient Page ink, Zig pen; French Laundry Photo Edges by Sande Krieger and Toy Camera Frames by Tia Bennett both from www.twopeasinabucket.com

Foiled Again!

Here's a LO of Luis from photos taken this summer. Good thing I took these photos already because our poor dolphin has finally given up after, I think, 4 years of life with us. Until now, though, the kids, even Luis, have not mastered riding it -- although when seeing these pics, Luis insists that he did not fall off, because he was really getting off the big fish anyway.

Title: Foiled Again

Journaling: The big gray dolphin strikes again! Just as Luis thinks he has finally mastered the art of taming the beast and stay afloat for more than a few seconds. When will he finally succeed?

Materials: Bazzill cs, Love Elsie adhesive fabric and chipboard buttons, Heidi Swapp chipboard alphabets, Scenic Route pp, Creative Imaginations and Making Memories brads, Zig pen, 7 Gypsies rub-ons, Inque Boutique stamp, Ancient Page and Chalk inks, Stickles, Digital cluster frame by KTeague from 2Peas in a Bucket

I guess I should start hunting for another inflatable dolphin...