Sunday, November 29, 2009

Making do when you forget supplies....



What do you get when you:

Leave out of town last minute + desire to make cards + forgotten supplies like Gina K stamping paper, Copics, and DSP?

You make do with what you have.

Here are three cards that I made yesterday.

For the Sweethearts one -- notice the pretty floral paper? That's actually a packaging from Basic Grey Glazed Brads. It's too pretty to just throw away. The CS is from DCWV and the adornments are from Tinkering Ink. The cupcake stamp is from TGF. Here's a closer look:



This second card is for the Week 9 Basic Grey Challenge. I especially like that the butterflies are 'flying' off the borders.



Supplies used:
CS- DCWV
PP- kol laj
Brads- Basic Grey
Ribbon- Heidi Grace
Stamp- TGF



This last card is a teeny tiny one. And the 'DSP' is really just Heidi Grace ribbons. The supplies are the same as the above cards except the brads are from American Crafts.



Hope you all having fun this last day of the Holiday weekend! We are off to church, then lunch, then visiting the Xmas tree in Union Square (San Francisco).

Friday, November 27, 2009

Be Merry



Wanted to try something different as far as my coloring. Saw that some of my blog 'friends' in Europe color with light colors.. and I did so with this Christmas card. I like how simple and subtle this Swiss Pixies Heidi is (thanks, Jo, for this image!).

This cute little creation is both for ICSketches # 44 and for Sparkle's Christmas Card Challenge Week # 51. I still have lots of cards to make....aaahhhh!!!!

Used some Kraft paper for the CS, Basic Grey for the PP (eskimo kisses) and brad, KI Memories for the frame sticker, Cosmo Cricket for the bird sticker, Kaiser Rhinestones, Colorbox ink, Memento Ink, and of course, Copic Markers. I hand-wrote the sentiment.

Hope y'all had a Happy Thanksgiving! We did :). I can't believe Christmas is less than a month away!!!!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Cool Lolli



Two more days of work and I will be on vacation...YESS!!! What are you doing for Thanksgiving? We will probably head over to my DH's parents house for lunch or late afternoon. Then head over to South San Francisco for my side of the family's celebration. We do not usually do the whole turkey thing, being Filipino and all. We mostly do ham or chicken. In fact, I am probably bringing fried rice to the occasion :).

Today's card features the oh-so-cute Lolli Anya. She brings just the right hint of sunshine in such a cold day! I wanted the card's details to be just as bright! The polka dotted DSP is from Prima and the turquoise one is from Creative Imaginations. I forgot where the clear flowered one is from, although this is probably the third time I've used it for cards this year. The flowers are from Junkitz, the sticker/sentiment from Love, Elsie, and the brads are from Bazzill. And I just love the textured CS, don't ya? Here's another view of the card:



Aside from Thanksgiving, I'll probably be busy setting up my first ever garage sale. I have always donated my stuff but thought it would be kinda fun to see if I earn some moolah! Hope you're all having a wonderful day! Peace out!

Monday, November 23, 2009

La Femme


I have a colleague at work who always looks put together. Now that's no easy feat when you're a nurse on an acute medical floor at the hospital. You're running around everywhere, dealing with bodily fluids, trying to chase after doctors. She looks the same and refreshed when I come back the next day...12 hours later. Most of the other nurses I know have to pull their hair back when working. But she manages to wear her long, wavy locks down. She's pretty much the most femme person I know.

So when I was asked to make her baby shower card, I took her femininity into consideration. She may be having a boy but that should not take away from her personality. For this card, I tucked in some blue amongst the pinks and purples.

I used 80's Anya's head/hair with preggo Anya's body. I don't have all the Copic sets for purple so I used a colorless blender to do some shading on her belly. The strips of DSP are from TGF's Happy Anyaversary pack. The blue DSP is from My Little Shoebox and the CS is from Bazzill. The sentiment is actually a felt ribbon.

Happy Monday, everyone!!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

My Favorite Fairy



Happy Saturday, everyone! I apologize for the quality of the past couple of pictures. When I work 12 hour shifts, I don't even get to see the sun so I have to rely on indoor light.

This lovely thing is for Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge # 92. What a cool, cool lay-out Taylor!



Can I just say that I am absolutely IN LOVE with this card?? Sure, it's more fall-like than winter what with the leaves from the American Crafts DSP. But I have to say I adore all the other elements. The strip of tie-dyed paper towel that I folded into a ribbon is from Traci Bautista's line, kol laj. It's decorated by scrapper's floss from Karen Foster. The CS is Bazzill and the whimsical bird DSP is from Crate Paper. The pearls are from Recollection and the stamped burgundy paper (I call that the purse :)) is also from kol laj.

And, of course, my most favorite part is Amy's Sweet November stamp - Fidget Goblinspider. When I started stamping for cards, I came across Amy's blog when she posted her fairy drawings. She is so talented, and I was ecstatic when her creations finally came to life in the rubber stamp world!! Truly an inspiration!

Here's a close-up of a portion of the card. I love Fidget's fiery-shaped hair and that her eyes are hopeful. I think these feminine creatures are so beautiful! I also think the ribbon is darling....although you can't see it very well here. Anyway, I usually hand-write my sentiments but I forgot to here. I think the card could do without :).



Have a great Sunday, everyone! I'm hoping my shift goes quickly!

Friday, November 20, 2009

This card makes me want to boogie....



I love to dance. When people ask why, I always think of this quote:

"DANCE--
It lifts your spirit, touches your soul.
As long as you can stand, you'll dance.
It's a discipline of love, this ritual.
A constant reawakening of the mind and body.
Each time you reach for abandon and find,
Right there with it,
A sense of salvation..
A feeling of grace."

I found it very poetic and expressive, hidden in the most unlikeliest of places: a concert book for Janet Jackson. But maybe it is in the perfect place afterall. For JJ is truly one of my favorite dancers. I used to say that one of my lifelong dreams was to be her back-up dancer :).

I just ADORE that Flapper Anya is dancing! Not only is her pose perfect, I knew I had to have her also because of the era she represents! I've always wanted to dress up as a flapper girl and have that short, wavy, close-to your-scalp type of hair. I am trying to persuade my mom into having a 1920s themed retirement party next year. That would be so much fun! And of course, there'd be dancing :).




This card is for ICSketches # 43. Such a lovely sketch. Thought the flower pin added a cool, vintage touch. The 'sentiment' is a Making Memories brad (remember those?). I used Kate's coloring as an inspiration. I also had an awesome time using a lot of kol laj products. The DP is really a paper towel that was painted on. And those colorful squares? I once made my own to make this a couple of years ago (Now if only I could remember the product so I can make more!):



Have a good weekend everyone! I am, unfortunately, working all weekend. Anyone watched New Moon? I LOVED it! Even more so than Twilight. But I'll leave that for another post :).

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Bling



Hello, all! This post will be super short. I've been working the past two days (12 hr shifts) and have lots to do for the next couple nights.

This card is for the Basic Grey Challenge Week 8. The goal is to have bling and glitz! Thought I'd put 'Christmas lights' on the trees :).

Supplies-
My Mind's Eye- PP, tree cut-outs.
Basic Grey- Stitched brads.
American Crafts- CS.
Bo Bunny- Jewels.
Martha Stewart- Labels.
Stamp- C.C. Designs Swiss Pixie Heidi with Ornament.
Misc- Gina K, Copics, Mesh Ribbon.

I just love those big, fat stitched brads!



Anyway, tonight I'll be missing SYTYCD and Glee. But that's because I'll be watching the LIVE show of Season 5 with a bunch of my BFFs! And this one's my favorite dance....about addiction. Watch Kuppono (the guy) portray addiction so well!


Watch Lyrical Dance videos and dance lessons at DanceJam.com

Sunday, November 15, 2009

My Vampire Can Beat Up Your Werewolf!



This week, I get to watch Twilight's New Moon!! So I thought it would be appropriate to make Twilight-themed cards, don't ya think?

Made this cute creation using mostly the awesome prizes I won from Randi's blog. The contest was sponsored by Twilight Tuesday Inspiration Challenge. Thanks so much!! This card is also for their New Moon challenge!

Wanted a Victorian era-ish feel to it so the DCWV patterned papers were perfect! And my favorite of the winnings was the sentiment stamp-- "My Vampire can beat up your Werewolf" from Unity Stamp Company. Even the packaging of these stamps were cool! I also got the 'Team Jacob' version of the stamp but I am Edward all the way, LOL!

There's a glittered star but you can't see it well on the pic. There are confetti hearts as well. Used Wild Sprouts Edward & the top of the mini Alice in Wonderland Anya (for Bella). Added a Hambly sticker also.





So I bet you're thinking, "Hmmmm, I wonder why she didn't use the digi images from TGF's special Twilight version. Well, can I please just vent? I am so bummed! But it really is my fault for procrastinating.

You see, I've been collecting digital stamps for a while now...either bought or won them. But I was having so much fun with regular stamps that I never played with the digis. I so wanted to make cards out of the 'Cullens' character (and especially the New Moon Ed and Bella)!! But *sighs*, my printer doesn't have the right ink and it won't load the right paper! So BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I need a new printer!

Look below...I might do something else and leave them uncolored for a card, who knows? Anyway, here's a special edition People Magazine & the pass I got to watch New Moon one day early. Am still very excited! And I am very thankful that my order of these digi images went through!



Happy Sunday!!!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Retail Therapy



Happy Saturday, everyone! I have found a solution to my Christmas shopping dilemma! As a new mom, I can't just always up and go when I want. But the holidays are just around the corner and I usually start my shopping in July! Eeeek! Anyway, I have been internet-happy :).

Today's card reflects some retail therapy as well. I love the sentiment...i think this card will be for my sarcastic friend, Melissa. He he! These TE Cuppie Stamps are just too cute! Of course, I had to buy the shopping set as it is one of my other favorite hobbies.



Supplies:
CS- American Crafts
PP- My Mind's Eye, Tinkering Ink, Hambly, Creative Imaginations
Mini houses die-cuts- Maya Road
Stamp and sentiment- Taylored Expressions
Misc- Ribbon, Copics

This morning, the family and I are watching UP. I just LOVE this movie! Disney and Pixar are such great companies!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Anime card



I was SUPER excited when I saw Sayuri at All That Scraps! I fell in love with her quirky features especially that wide smile! She is an Anime stamp, and back in high school I was a BIG Anime geek! For those of you who are not familiar with Anime, it basically means Japanese animation.

My favorite had been Ranma 1/2.




I used to watch tapes after tapes of this show! I should probably try to find them now on DVD.

Anyway, back to Sayuri...she's not my usual cutesy or feminine stamp. But I love her name (the Japanese language is just so serene) and her unconventional beauty.

Supplies:
Tree PP- My Mind's Eye
Yellow PP- October Afternoon
Brad- Basic Grey
Floss- Karen Foster
Sticker- Cosmo Cricket (I just loved it for a sentiment!)
Stamp- Sayuri with Teddy from Chubby Pencil.com/ CC Designs
Misc- Memento ink, Gina K, Copics, color box chalk ink, Kraft CS

Tonight, DH & I have a date night. We'll be watching the highly anticipated:

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Spectacular Glee



A quick post, everyone! A card made from Tinkering Ink (red & green) PP, Scenic Route Rd stickers, and Marcella K pearls.

Started out coloring this Gorguss girl image I got from my BFF. She was supposed to be for a Christmas card, but I found these stickers & made this instead. :)

The bright colors, the red and yellow kind of match this:



A MUST buy for GLEE lovers! Such great songs. I especially loved the 'Diva off' from last night's episode! Have a great Thursday, everyone!!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Livin' la Vida Loca.

Remember that Ricky Martin song? :)



When I first saw these Taylored Expressions cupcake stamps at Jo's blog, I knew I had to have them. Afterall, cupcakes now seem to be the craze. This bubble-bakin' cuppie is from the Sweet Indulgence line.

This card was actually an old one that I made back in June - see what it used to look like here. I felt that it was missing something all this time till I got my TE cuppies yesterday. The message I wanted to portray was that although life is crazy, we must always take time to care for ourselves. On the right corner of the frame, there is a silver heart. How fitting!

Take care, ladies (& gentlemen!). Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Darling & Sweet November...



I am so excited that Amy's Sweet November fairy stamps were brought to me by the postman yesterday! This card features Tangle Goblinshimmer. She is so much fun to color AND even prettier in person :). I love her hair and her dainty and graceful toes. It's like she's dancing! I CANNOT wait to play with the other fairies! Amy Young is super talented!

Supplies-
PP- Creative Imaginations, American Traditional Designs.
Painted paper & tag- kol laj by Traci Bautista.
Flowers- Maya Road.
Transparency- Hambly.
Brad- Basic Grey.
Misc- Ribbon, Copics, Sweet November stamps from CC Designs, Gina K, Memento ink, hand-written sentiment.

Here's a close-up for the thread on the tag. Happy Tuesday!


Monday, November 9, 2009

To Infinity & Beyond...



I usually scrap in chronological order. But I couldn't help scrapping Mattie's first Halloween costume already.

I think this Astronaut Ian is just PERFECT for it!! Sorry for making your head konk to one side...my computer is being a boo-boo head & it would not turn the pic! (Raise your hand if you started speaking in baby talk ALL THE TIME once you became a mommy *raises hand*. I did, I did! LOL!).




I also loved Elsie's art prints of these Space girls!




And I bought the TTV pumpkin picture from the talented and thoughtful Tina Azmus. I love incorporating other people's works of art into mine :).

Supplies:
Bazzill- CS
Making Memories- Halloween stickers, tag, and strips (the tag & strips were meant to be re-used! they were cut out from the packaging! love it!)
Colorbok- star transparency
Tina Azmus- pumpkin ttv pic
Creative Image- PP
Elsie Flannigan- space girl pic
Stamp- Space Ian, The Greeting Farm
Misc- pearls, copics, Gina K, Memento ink.

In other news, I received this from Meeker. My very first blog award...thanks, girl! But I've done the survey that goes along with it. You can see my answers here.



Thanks for stopping by everyone! To end, I thought I'd post a pic of my workplace. My tenth anniversary of employment was yesterday. Yay me! I now get four weeks of vacation!:)


Friday, November 6, 2009

Thank goodness for textures & surveys!



My baby is five months, and all of the literature (and his actions) indicate that he is curious about texture. It's recommended to have him lay semi-naked in a really fuzzy blanket, and he would love it!! That sounds cozy for me, too! Add a fireplace and some wine....

I love different textures on my cards and scrapbook lay-outs! Here, the American Crafts CS has some texture and the flowers from Maya Road are felt-ish and smooth. The mesh ribbon on top has added rouching, courtesy of some staples. And the green ribbon, to me, resembles grass. Thanks to Jo for this cutie Swiss Pixie Gretel image.



I love filling out surveys and I wanted to thank Iris for this one. And I'll tag Jo, Randi, Amy, Sparkle, and Kate!

1. My childhood ambition: a dentist. Close enough..I'm in the same field.

2. My retreat: Stamping and scrapbooking. Art relaxes me and makes me feel oh-so-good. Add some stamps and papers to the fuzzy blanket/fireplace scene above! :)

3. The perfect day: Waking up to breakfast in bed with my hubby and baby. Going down to a clean living room and kitchen. Having the perfect hair and outfit to do some shopping in downtown San Francisco. Stopping by the beach, where it isn't foggy and actually very warm. Eating lunch at a sidewalk French bistro where I have creme brulee for dessert. Not gaining weight after that...ha ha! Meeting up with friends and catching up. They offer to watch Mattie for a couple of hours so that hubby and I can watch the most romantic and funniest movie. We pick up MK and head over to my parents' where we have a laid back homemade dinner. We head home after and when MK is asleep, I get to make cards/scrapbook while watching Glee! :)

4. My first job was: A salesperson at a small clothing store.

5. My wildest dream: A recording deal or be the winner of SYTYCD.

6. If my life was a musical it would be called: Hmmm, I don't know. I do like Wicked.

7. My proudest moment: Wedding and MK's birth.

8. My favorite item of clothing: anything from Anthropologie or Max Studio.

9. I feel ready for the day when I: get a good night's rest.

10. I COULD live without: die-cutting machines (same here, Iris!).

Tag, you're IT!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

All Boy



Super simple post today. Working an extra six hours this week. Take my commute of half hour to and from and that leaves little time to craft :(. I just keep thinking overtime *cha-ching*...and more stamps and a better Christmas will make it worth it :).

This card is for the Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge #89. I always have a hard time making 'boy' cards as I love to 'accessorize' my page! This card is very simple for me.

The supplies are all from stash. The only one I know of is the striped DSP (Cosmo Cricket). The stamp is Ian from TGF. He's colored by Copics.

Happy Tuesday, everyone!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Designing and Christmas!



Happy Monday, everyone! My Santa Ian card is for two challenges:

1. Basic Grey Challenge. It is a photo inspiration:



Thought I'd mimick the blinds effect :). A bit shabby chic, and I love those stripes!

2. Christmas Card Challenge #48 at Sparkle's blog. The idea was to incorporate multiple squares.

Now I think it's such a cool deal to get to make cards AND enter them in these challenges! Such fun! And decorating is another one of my hobbies, so it was great to combine two in one. See more about this at the end of the post.

Supplies:
CS- Bazzill
PP- Cosmo Cricket (red background), Rusty Pickle (stripes)
Tags- Basic Grey
Stickers- s.e.i.
Brads- Basic Grey
Other- Copics, Ribbon, Stickles, Gina K cardstock.

Here's a close-up of the stickles & the folds:





I wanted to share with you a favorite picture of a room found in my favorite magazine, Domino. Unfortunately, it went out of publication.



Love those yellow stripes! And I designed my baby's room accordingly so.



I am on a roll this week as far as winning blog candies! I won Joseph. Am hoping that the third luck's a charm and I'll win this at Amy's blog! Can't wait till tonight when we get to buy them!!!