Doraecyscraps

Art Republic Classes Update

2012-02-11T05:14:00.001+08:00

And so the new projects are out! Yay~ after a month of work and of course i know some of you were requesting for the sewing kit, so here they are! Dates were out as of yesterday so do pop by The Art Republic or go to the website to check out the schedule!

Sewing Kit

Frame

Beach Box + Origami Accordion Album

So there. The classes are in March, so do catch them! Looking forward to seeing you soon! :)

A little inspired for a box...

2012-02-11T03:19:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, a guy came walking into he Art Republic asking for ideas to decorate a box. He wanted to give it to his gf and propose to her. Wow! So sweet!

I came back home feeling really inspired. So I wanted a garden, shabby, love and flowery feel kind of box. Not just any box I find, so I decided to make one. Thought that would be a great idea to house the ring that was given to me by my dd. Haha did you for a minute think I was going to propose to my bf? Nope! :)

So after all the hard work of pasting the pieces together, and getting the cover to fit the base, I finally got it somehow. Trust me, it took 6 hours for the box!

Love Box

Box Base Details

Opened Box

Flower Bed with Ring

Base of Cover

Do you think that it would be appropriate for housing my wedding rings in future instead of the boring ring cushion? I love this project a lot. Somehow it has been some time since I last touched hands on a shabby look. Hope it still fits the bill. But having said that, I must go get more flowers since I'm running out of stock after this box...

For the base of this box, I think i would include a heart charm coupled with our names. However, since that guy is so camera shy, I decided to take a photo before I add our names and photo to the base of the box.

Sweet magnolia holding the heart just tells me how much i sit around recently and thinking of him. He's now in Japan and every day is like forever for me. erks. How can that happen when we've been together for practically forever?

Products:

Kaisercraft - Sweet Nothings "Devoted"

Prima flowers, paper flowers, pearls, feather, lace - stash collection

Die-cuts/Punches:

Fiskars Fence Border Punch

Sizzix Heart Diecut

Stamps:

Magolia - "With heart"

Copic:

Entering this card for the following challenges~

Simply Magnolia - Hearts and Love Challenge

Magnolia-licious Highlites - February DT Challenge - Vintage and Shabby Chic

Just Magnolia - Pink and Pearls and Lace

Cute Card Thursday - Challenge 203 Pink Valentine

Do spend some time hopping over to the challenges, I'm very sure you will be bought over with the talent of the DTs. Sure, I was dripping saliva over the beauty of their projects, and you know now what got me started. I play along challenges quite often, and they bring me to another level of scrapbooking. I'm very thankful for the challenge sites, because they bring us scrappers all together. Feeling really good to see each others' projects and sharing ideas. :)

Ending blog post with lots of love,

Card: Happy Birthday

2012-02-09T02:39:00.000+08:00

phew! what a long long day this had been. Worked out a set of instruction sheets and 3 material lists for 3 projects that I've been doing. Still have more instruction sheets to complete, but for now, I'll take a short break.

Copic coloring has always been a fast outlet for me to get out of the stress or busy schedule. Probably because it takes a shorter time, and I don't need much materials to get me started. While I watch TV or when I have a snack, it's always within my reach to complete the coloring.

Recently, I played more with masking. It's a seasonal craze, and I'm not sure why I started playing with it, but probably the blog world got me started on it. It's a good way to use up the tons of post-its I've accumulated over the years working as an engineer. (It's one of those free things they give out as part of training or seminars)

Today I was inspired by the challenge at Penny Black Saturday Challenge, and the bright card by Debby. This week's challenge was to case her card, and i must say, it got me smiling the whole process.

Here's Debby's card:

Wonderful isn't it? The colors, the layout and the coloring really got to me. So I decided to case the card. First time i made a card of this size. Some masking on this card as well. I thought i wanted a garden with my Penny Black stamp. Doesn't she look so cute? She's the first stamp that came up to my mind when I decided to case the card. :)

Products:

Cosmo Cricket - Look Over Here "All a Flutter"

Buttons, fence pp - stash collection

Die-cuts / Punches:

Martha Stewart Fence Punch

Stamps:

Penny Black - "Love Antennae"

Magnolia - "Blossom Tree"

American Crafts - "Birthday"

Copic:

Entering this card for the following challenge~

Penny Black Saturday Challenge - #187 Cas-ing!

On another note, for those who have been asking me on my next project, they should be in AR soon. Already finished up the odds and ends and ready to be hand delivered to AR. See you soon!

You're the Best

2012-02-07T19:14:00.001+08:00

Today I'm inspired by the umbrella sitting on my table. Somehow the colors are so making me feel something. Do you also get influenced by objects laying around? That's why I have so many stuff sitting pretty in my room. Sometimes they just get in the way of my scrapping. Other times they inspire me!

See how pretty Miss Anya sits beside the umbrella? So dainty! I cant get enough of her! One day I might want to perm my hair just like hers. Haha, for now, I'm keeping my straight hair first though. I'm not brave enough.

Always when I use Miss Anya stamps, I'm happy. It's unknown why I choose her over other TGF stamps, because I use TGF stamps quite a bit. Even have a collection of digital ones. But I rather lift her out more than usual. She's like my best friend now.

Products:

stash collection

Die-cuts:

Lifestyle Nesting Lace Circles DC

Stamps:

TGF - Miss Anya

Copic:

Entering this card for the following challenge~

TGF Friday Spy Day #18 - Cas-ing!

I'm getting my hands busy on my next 3 projects for the time being. Somehow I cant bear to leave the projects up at 90% and neglect the 10% to complete the project. Hehe. Altered art is such a chore but the satisfaction is more than ever. :)

Thinking of You...

2012-02-07T04:54:00.001+08:00

A short break makes me all refreshed again.

Today I came back with more cards. DD has gone to Japan for work, leaving me ample time and space to craft and create. I do think of him and it's influencing my cards, but it's okay. It matches my new Magnolia stamps. So lovely and dreamy...

I must admit, each time I use up those scraps, I'm more than excited. Have to gain some more space for more new stamps and die-cuts. :)

PP / Embellishments:

Mostly scraps

Stamps:

Magnolia

Punches / Die-cuts:

Martha Stewart Fence Punch

Carl Carlo Rabbit Punch

Lifestyle Nesting Lace Rectangles DC

Copic Markers:

Entering this card for the following challenge~

Magnoli-licious Highlites: Feb DT Challenge - Vintage & Shabby Chic

Just Magnolia: Challenge #142 - Anything Goes + V'day Option

Somehow today passed by too quickly. How was your day? For most, it is a working day. Hope it had been one with lots of smiles.

Double Coptic Binding Notebooks

2012-02-04T12:42:00.000+08:00

Today I woke up early and had breakfast with my family. Kind of tiring, considering that I volunteered to go to the temple with them and having to wait for them for an hour. But I guess it was sort of a family event... Picked up a brochure at the temple indicating the fortune process of the 12 symbolic animals in the year of 2012. Quite interesting to know that my fortune is still as bad. haha, guess this year's going to be another hard year for me. Will need to make some more trips for prayers this year.

Since the double coptic book binding technique class earlier this week, I've started to make another 2 books. Just thought I would make some extra books for decorating later on.

Here's the first one:

Marcelle, does this pattern paper look familiar? It belonged to the same set that you used for your notebook. And I decided to make use of the scraps to complete this notebook. Barely enough! Hehe... Anyways I used leather thread on this notebook. Slightly thicker, and the stitches are more obvious.

Cover: Pion Design Patterned Paper

I might have spent a little more effort on the second one. Here's the completed book:

Included dividers within the pages and stamped randomly with my newly purchase stamp. Rounded the corners on this book, on a very random feel. haha...

Cover/Dividers: Basic Grey Patterned Paper

Stamp: Hero Arts "Newspaper Eiffel Tower"

Can't wait to sit down and decorate these books. It's really relaxing to stitch these books. I've spent an hour on both books. A quality hour indeed. I think I will be making more of these with different stitches soon.

It's nearly lunch hour now, so I've got to move myself outside to help my mother now. Plus I won't want to miss the date with my DOD (Dear Old Dad) - we are going car washing! I still hand wash my Little Red, so might as well spend some time with my DOD since he is too... Hahaha. Trust me, it's fun~

A simple lifestyle like this is so enjoying~

Card: Triple Tier Card

2012-02-03T02:53:00.003+08:00

So they say a special card for a special need? I've decided to go a little extra mile on this card for a great friend of mine. Hope she likes it~

Closed Up

Pull the ribbon to display the triple tier

Back

Products:
Graphic45 - Le Romantique Collection "Daydreams"
Graphic45 - Steampunk Debutante Collection "Time Warp"

Graphic45 - Steampunk Debutante Collection "Ephemera Extraordinaire"

GCD Studios - Melody Ross Collection "Epoxy Stickers"

Ribbons, buttons, lace, pearls, flowers - stash collection

Entering this card for the following challenge~

Cute Card Thursday - Challenge #202 - Buttons and Bows

Some days just need a little laziness in them. And today was such a day for me. Tomorrow will be another busy day.

Card: {heart} felt

2012-02-02T06:30:00.000+08:00

Technique class was so fun! It's always great to meet old friends and get to know new ones. It had been fun sharing the technique of book binding with others, and we chatted a lot on the way. I do hope you will make some more on your own! I'm making one notebook myself now, so it should be done soon I hope. :)

Maybe it's because my dd is going overseas for training soon, been really moody recently. Just came back from shopping with him for some thermal wear, and went to catch a movie starred by my very own niece... A local show and quite proud of the show. And very proud of my niece indeed... :)

"We Not Naughty" Movie Poster

My niece in actual life

So there. As I was saying, I was a little moody and hence decided to spend more effort on my crafting instead. Hence, I came up with not 1 but 2 cards. Now I do feel a lot better. Lol. Can't think of life without crafting, is this sort of an addiction?

This card is inspired by the challenge hosted by TGF. I guess that will be my dd and me 20 years down the road. I do like this stamp set by TGF quite a bit. I think the characters speak to me, and somehow I do use them more than the rest of my stamps. :)

Products:
Prima Marketing - Romantique Collection "Hedgerow"
Prima Marketing - Romantique Collection "Crumpet"
Glitz Design - "Love Nest Titles"
Basic Grey - Sugared "Element Stickers"
Lace ribbon, flowers - stash collection

Die-cuts:

Cottage Cutz - Flourish Tree

Stamps:

TGF - Grandpa & Grandma

Entering this card for the following challenge~

TGF Monday Funday #18 - Key to my heart

~~~~~~~~~~

Also did another card with more stash papers~ yay! I think i must have wished my dd was here... :)

Products:
Prima Marketing - Say It with Crystals "SIIP Swirls Pink"
PP, pearls - stash collection

Die-cuts:

Cottage Cutz - Flourish Tree

Tim Holtz - Heart Wings

Stamps:

Magnolia Rubberstamps

Hero Arts - Wish You Were Here Stamp Set

Entering this card for the following challenge~

Just Magnolia - Sketch Challenge #141

Whoot~ it's a great crafting day! Are you making cards for your love ones this Valentine's Day? I have not decided on what to do for my dd... Haha, any suggestions? But I may not have chance to celebrate this Valentine's Day with my dd, as I might have classes on that day. :) oh well, as the saying goes, it's Valentine's Day everyday if the pair is happy right? Hehe...

I'm not so moody after the crafting. :) Yay!

Card: A Little Bird Told Me...

2012-01-31T06:15:00.001+08:00

What says you about a round card this time round? Somehow the challenges posted kept bringing my thoughts of a round card like this... And who knows because i might come up with an album like this soon~ This was so fun I didnt even notice the time creeping by... This took 6.5 hours of hardwork non-stop!

I didnt want to put too much of a theme in the card, as I wanted it to be readily given when i need it... LOL, I'm sure you find yourself in situations where you have last minute birthdays or presents to give to a special someone. Though now after the hard work, I'm not sure if it will ever be given because I like this quite a bit.

I had crystals surrounding the first scallop to emphasize on the stamp image - Penny Black - Good Friends. The stamp was on my previous purchase, but never got time to start playing with them until today. :) Must say that it was the motivation from a purchase today that got me going. The umbrella image is colored twice to create a more 3D effect. I didn't pop it totally, so it has a curved pop. I still need to improve on my copic coloring.. Took me 2 hours to get this image colored. haha...

Not sure if you can see the background image stamped with Hero Arts - Friend Definition. Used my newly purchased Soft Sand ink pad - love love love that subtle color!

Completed the cover with some pearls and flowers, I just have to apply some pop to my cards... :)

The first scallop can be pulled to the side and disclosing the other 2 layers.

So the completed card opens out this way, with each layer slightly larger than the previous layer. Like it? The middle layer has a tag for me to pull out and write some message for the receiver.

I am badly trying to use up my scraps, and I'm really proud to say that they were completed with whatever was in my scrapbox. I'm trying hard to credit the sources below, so bear with me if I miss out anything.

Products:
Prima Marketing - Madeline Collection "Beautima"
Graphic45 - Once Upon a Springtime Collection "Tags"
Kaisercraft - Clear Crystals
Pearls, flowers stash collection.

Stamps:

Penny Black - Good Friends

Hero Arts - Friend Definition

Kaisercraft - Le Chateau

Also entering this card for the following challenges, and also my a few of my favourite card challenge sites!

Penny Black Saturday Challenge Week 186 - Floral Frenzy

Cute Card Thursday Challenge 201 - You're a Gem!

Taylored Expression Sketch Challenge 151

So hope you have had a fruitful crafting time yourself too! I'm going to get some rest now, and prepare for the book binding technique class tonight. :)

Reverie Class

2012-01-27T05:25:00.000+08:00

It's been a hectic day, running the daily chores for my grandmother and helping her to settle the new maid's employment issues. Well, it's just a little bit that I can do for her, and I dont know why but it makes me tiredly happy. Of course, I also get to eat Chinese New Year goodies while at her house, so it's all worth it~ hehe..

Reverie has finally been packed and ready for the next 2 classes. I just got news that another class is opening in early Feb, and I am currently also working on my next 2 projects - which explains why I'm still up at this ungodly hour of 5am. Hehe.. Been working on class preparations, re-examining my instruction sheets and touching on my 2 projects. At least the first 2 are completed, and I'm all set for the next 2 classes on Friday (which is later) and Saturday.

So there. I'm looking forward to seeing you in class! :) Oh yah and there is a book binding technique class going on - so catch it while its there! it's going to be an enriching experience to add to your scrapbooking hobby!

Till then, I might have to catch some teeny weeny bit of sleep first~

TGF Mon Fun Day #17 & a Happy CNY!

2012-01-26T03:38:00.001+08:00

After a series of unwell spells, I'm glad to be back to normal by Chinese New Year! Yes, aiming for my pineapple tarts as well. Something I cant miss out on CNY.

Happy Dragon Year!

May all my family and friends have a prosperous and healthy 2012~ whee!

How have you spent your CNY? Mine was the usual, visiting all my relatives and hanging out with the cousins. A lot of eating, gossiping, and of course photo taking!

A snapshot of a love from a dad to his son.

The Do-Re-Mi(s)

With my niece & nephew

It's been a long while since I crafted, and getting a little "rusty" as well. Hence, decided to go for my usual craft "re-load"! I wondered upon my bookmarks and settled on this challenge at TGF, one of my favourite challenge blogs because they are so fun! Here's my take on the challenge:

Using one of my favourite stamp sets from TGF - Miss Anya Love, 2 doilies and a lace to complete the challenge. Flower diecut from KCK. Added diamond stickles to the doilies, cant really see the effect on photo though.

Have you been crafting? My crafting mood is getting back! :)

A meaningful christmas...

2011-12-16T22:41:00.001+08:00

What means happiness? Maybe it's all the hectic stress of working and working that I lost some meaning to Christmas... Most would not believe I'm not a christian and my favorite season is Christmas. In the past, during the schooling days, I used to go caroling and spending time at children's / old folks home on the days leading to christmas. It's like a routine to give back what I've taken from the society. But as I started working I got lesser and lesser time to even do something for the children.

This year, as I start to slow down and watch the world go past me, i was reminded of this via not one but 2 good opportunities to help some children. And I'm glad to be able to help, even if I'm just one very small part of it... In fact I became to think that it meant more to me than to the children... Haha...

Pauline, one of the students from AR, and one of my greatest friend found from AR, had asked us if we would like to help complete 150 cards for the children in KKH. and I must say I'm extremely delighted to be even part of it. Stella, Isabelle, Kristy, Lauren, Serene... We all got together to complete this task! I think we were having so much fun squeezing and passing around the stuffs and viewing each other's cards. Even Sophia's daughter had chipped in to help! It's such a wonderful time together! I think we must have completed the total quantity, and here's some of the cards I've made for the kids... Hope they like it! :)

Life Happens, Works ongoing, Steampunk Easel

2011-11-25T22:49:00.003+08:00

Phew! Had been a hectic but fulfilling week.. Of course there were painful ones but it did get better...

Met up with my poly club teacher n friend at NEX earlier this week. Can't tell u how much I missed them and it felt great to see them! Of course they had to give me a good "suan-ing" session but well I think I can make that suan into sweet haha!

Like i said there were some painful moments... And it happened when i cut chipboards while preparing for class... With a razor sharp penknife. To top the pain was a hammer right into my thumb on the very same hand. Well done for dis-coordination haha! Totally suffering. 2+ hrs of bleeding n a bump on my thumb. Shiok lah. But to complement the pain, had to use my favorite doraemon plaster lol!

Today I met up Stella at AR to complete the vintage tale box. Waah her box was an exact dimension! Closed so nicely and everything fell in place so well. Can't wait for her to finish up and I'm sure it'll be gorgeous! Had great fun with Stella today... :)

Here's dedicated to my best friend ever: no doubt we still wonder why u helped me collect notes during poly days when I was hospitalized, I'm still glad it happened. And for the phone call which came suddenly for Dinner... Although I can't tahan the fact that u are quite gd at negative teaching, haha, but unfortunately it did work on me. Lol! Love u, and I can't wait for monday.

Ok now time for more updates for my upcoming classes... For boxing day and boxing day only, I'm having an express class Steampunk Easel! Check out AR's website for more details. Limited places only, so act fast hor...

This weekend,I will be having 2 classes of Vintage Tales and Woody Splendor and I'm excited! Did i post photos on Woody Splendor yet? Haha if not here goes!

Amidst all the classes and of course looking forward to meeting my best-est friends next week, I'm saving some energy on an organizer project in the meantime... Coming up very soon! So keep posted! :) It's the weekends already so have a great weekend!

There is always a reason for everything..

2011-11-23T01:16:00.002+08:00

Earlier on I had the weirdest dream ever. It went like this: I was on the ferry. It was old fashioned and it was small. There were lots of people in the ferry, none whom I recognized. I didnt know where i was heading to.. And on the boat ride, I remembered I needed to call my grandmother, so I took my hp out, only to realize that there was no reception. So I held on to my hp, to remind me when I reach the terminal. Once docked, I was the first one out, and a father n kid was heading into the ferry while we were trying to exit. The little kid then knocked into me and there went my wallet and iPhone into the water. I was panicking and thinking that I didn't know where I was and wanted to call home. Without the phone I was so lost. And I cried and ask the guards to help. Then in panic mode, I woke up. I was terrified.

Today i was at AR and dropped my iphone because i was trying to sms my best friend. But i cant switch it on after. I stared at the blank screen and went blank. Luckily Don helped me press some buttons and tada! The iphone came back to life! Thankful for such a helpful handyman!

Then I was having dinner downstairs my home as usual. Joking with the staff and having my usual iced coffee. Then I went home. 3 hours later, I panic because my iPad was missing. My tears flowed because I know that I will never find it back. I used the app to find my iPad and it shows me that it was in a block near my house. I frantically went downstairs to check it out for nearly an hour. As a last resort, I used the app messaging to msg my iPad and hopefully the person who found it will return to me instead of switching it off. 10mins later, I was crying and worried. The iPad was a gift from my dd and if this was missing, he'd surely be mad at me...

Then a call came in. It was the staff from the coffee shop... And I woke him up from his sleep... Oops!

I can't tell u how thankful about how honest he was. I am grateful to him.

I thank today for being such a lucky day. I know I won't be so lucky everytime. I'm grateful for the honest and helpful people ard my life...

Thankfully!

Hectic but fun day...

2011-11-21T19:01:00.002+08:00

The packing for Vintage Tale was officially completed on Saturday, except the chipboards that still needs to be cut. Haha. Well I think I'll get to it soon. The packing was really messy but also fun. Haha here's a picture of the half done kit. Haha yah so just imagine the full kit! Haha...

Really this is my favorite class! And so was Vintage Tale. Rocks, I had 10 students and all of us cramped in one classroom but we were all so energetic! Haha!

It's now my quiet time after so many hectic days and I'm deciding to sit in front of my comp to surf n do some instruction sheets... I love this time. :)

Life always has ups and downs...

2011-11-19T05:19:00.001+08:00

And friendships come and go...

Sometimes life gets pretty, meet new friends and then after a while, the novelty runs out and then life turns to a dark side.. Do you ever encounter this?

Sometimes friends take you for granted and you feel so sad and disappointed. You are expected to buy gifts for them or to do certain things for them yet the counter is rarely being observed. It's not being picky on equal terms, but when it's like a see-saw that never goes the other way, friendship tends to get a little tense.

I had 2 experience over this week. Both had made my life a little duller.

On a happier note, today's vintage tale class sparked me up a lot! We finished the box today and happy to know that one is doing a photo album using the similar technique! And the covers were gorgeous! Yummy!

That's just why I scrap everyday.

And dd has given me a lovely surprise to "tip-top" my day... So it just isn't that bad afterall...

How was your day? If it wasn't that good, stay positive because something better will come along soon!

Wedding Album for Joel & Megan

2011-11-18T03:01:00.001+08:00

It's been a long day for me today, but every single second has been meaningful. Wedding guest book for Joel and Megan was completed and I think it really looks more than 2 days of hard work... I actually like the simplicity yet glamourous look of it! Hardwork credit goes to Lauren who cut the chipboards and black inserts, and Jean for the designing!

When I brought the album to AR today, it was empty with inserts but the main page was not done yet. It was fun to work with Jean, who has a great eye for details. I was so happy to work with her!

Here's the final piece of he album.. And a little tag holder for the guests to write on... :)

Album was constructed to hold 10 pieces of 12x12 pattern paper, and I've used double Coptic binding for this album. The pages were first bounded by the black pieces of high gsm paper. Most of the pattern paper were by Lost and Found, but I did use some Webster Pages pattern paper to highlight throughout. I thought it was a good marriage! Lol! More pictures on my fb.

So here's my best wishes for the handsome and gorgeous: you both make a lovely pair! Congrats on your marriage and have a sweet and blessed married life! :)

A long & ＂疯度＂day! :)

2011-11-15T23:39:00.001+08:00

It's been a long day for me today! Preparations of Vintage Tale took some time but the final products are worth it.. Its been lovely to see the finished products from the students! Especially seeing the students from Coptic binding class returning to do the double Coptic binding! And they've all done me proud. You should have seen the stitches - all so neat and tight! The new students were also amazing.. The chipboard cutting was so worth the effort! Here's the mess of all the preparations... Hehe!

Now as I eat my dinner, I kept thinking of how to make a 12x12 wedding album for Jean's niece, who is getting married this Friday... Time is short so I'll be getting the stuffs tml and start on it... I'm so excited for her! :) will show u how pretty she is soon... Lol! I loved her wedding pics! Wished I had more time to look through her photos.... Such a sweet lady!

So now I'm going home and hopefully get ideas on the album so I can finish by tml or Thursday! Yay!

Rainy Days makes the best creative days

2011-11-14T18:20:00.001+08:00

Well Sunday has been an awfully rainy day in Singapore. The roads were wet and the sky keeps dropping little droplets of water that appears like splashes to me. It's such a day I refrain from walking out of my house, to avoid the rain and to avoid getting sick.

I'm pleased to announce that my Starbucks Peppermint Mocha accompanied me for most parts of my works! Haha. Really sinful but it only happens in nov/dec! Oh well, I did go out for dinner and for my peppermint mocha, all the rain is worth it! Hehe!

While drinking my favourite drink, I was able to slowly but surely complete 3 christmas gifts for very special people. LOL! Watch this space soon, I'll disclose it very soon!

Oh well, the main thing was the embarkment on a creative journey. Haha with the materials that I have at home and trying to make something old become something new. Most of you would have known me to be a Doraemon freak. And yes I am. I must have 101 (ok this is an over estimate but nearly there!) Doraemon casings since my first handphone. With the iPhone 4, I've been collecting and using Doraemon casings since the start.

The old ones are really old. The paint has gone off and maybe there were spots in the places where it should have been white. But I did not bear to throw these casings out. Hence on this day, I've decided to let them re-live their lives and as glamourous as they might be now, I'm still not bringing them out in case I damaged it! :p

Here's the new re-born, attached with what might have been a million Swarovski crystals painstakingly. I'm quite pleased with these!

I had fun with it, but will need to continue on the preparation work for my next 2 classes - vintage tale & woody splendor. More die-cuts and template drawing now! :)

AR Class: Vintage Tale

2011-11-13T06:15:00.001+08:00

Currently this is yet another favorite of mine. Though the preparation work can be as tedious as starburst (maybe more?!), I enjoyed every minute of it... Plus the additional help rendered by Don, I really appreciate it! Those chipboards ain't laughing matter! :)

When I did this box, I knew it had to incorporate my signature... Hence the book. This meant a lot to me as it was done with my grandmother in mind and something I'd like to hold and keep all the memories of her. I will be keeping a diary of her, with her photos in it so that I can tell a vintage tale for my children in future. Jean has really done a fascinating job with the name!!

In all, I'm pleased with how this turned out and I'm already on the next box. Maybe it'll be a class, maybe not. Haha so just watch this space, while I try my best to update as frequent as I can! :)

Do check out the schedule for this class. Last I heard, we're having one last class slots. :)

A Brand New Look!

2011-11-13T03:11:00.001+08:00

Oh well, I guess it's about time anyway... How long has it been since I was last online? I do appologize for not updating this space as often as I wanted to be, but now finally I get to do it.

Yesterday, someone asked me what I had been doing recently. I didn't know where to start. Shall I start with the oldest event? Not that I would like such an eventful life, in fact, I do prefer it to be simple and more relaxed. However facts of life doesn't allow me to lead such a life. No, I don't mean to curse and swear at the events that had happened, but really, I think I grew. Haha...

I'm glad when Shiyun of The Art Republic asked me to design and teach. Somehow that gave me a lot of strength and encouragement to do something I like. I'm glad to be scrapping and finding new friends or new techniques on the way. For a long time, I felt happy!

Then, slowly, I've decided that the new full-time job was not what I wanted to be in. I discovered that I was more unhappy, and slowly sinking into the reality of the real world. Maybe you can say I wasn't really to face the ugly politics, and I doubt I will. I know I will tend to lose out when I turn my back against reality, but I don't want to lose that little bit of sanity in me. Hence, now I am not working full-time. It's kind of funny, but I do lose a little bit of direction now that I'm not working. No I do not regret the decision. Afterall, it was the best that I could have done at that point of time.

As if it was God calling me to quit my job, my grandmother was admitted into hospital one week after I left the workforce. No words can explain how I felt. If it can get any darker than that period, it would have been my deathbed. But no, I can't fall because my grandmother needs me now more than ever.

Week 1: I see her suffer. She doesn't seem to really understand what is going on, just made to do test after test. The blood tests must have been horrible, I hate any form of injections and I could tell it hurts from the bruises she suffered even until now... The gastroscopy didn't tell why she had blood in her stools. So the doctor ordered endo-capsule. Now I would really have guessed it's swallowable, but when the real thing came to my sight, I nearly fainted. Photo was taken as close as the size of the actual item. Heart-aching to see my grandmother struggle to get this fancy pill through her throat. As if it's of any comfort, nothing was found after the endo-capsule.

Week 2: After not finding the actual problem, she returned home and only to admit herself again that next night. More blood in stools, and more checks were done. Made to go through colonoscopy, and the preparation to clear her lower intestinal system was very unbearing for me.

Week 3: Results were out. Colon cancer. I guess the worst thing was that we had no idea of the stage because her last check-up was 17 years ago when she had her first colon cancer. More tests, more pain. More tears in my heart.

Week 4: Operation. Those hours were like years to me. Recovery. Complications. More pain.

Now that grandmother is home, we still don't have a permanent maid to help her out. And it pains me to see that she is struggling to even walk from point to point. She is agitated that she is not as agile as before, and is more depressed. She speaks of death more often, and it hurts me to see her so sad.

Problems were never made in solo. At around the same time, there were things that stressed me further. When I went home that night, I must have cried till morning. Some harsh words were spoken and it made me very sad. It feels sad to be wronged but it was really all a misunderstanding. Still the next day, I had to perform my duty as a granddaughter. It was tough living through it, but I did survive.

Looking back, the days were tough. Each night I stayed over to take care of my grandmother at hospital. And in the day, I worked on the class preparation because the classes will still have to run. I am very fortunate to have the AR team so supportive during that period, because I was unable to go AR very often to prepare for the classes. Even after grandmother was out of hospital, things were not running as smoothly as I hoped it would be. Without a helper, my grandmother had to depend on someone to do the daily chores. And we were uncomfortable to leave her alone at home without supervision.

I was away from my computer for 1 month+. I didn't even know my computer will boot up when I tried to switch it on! Now, slowly, I'm having more time to do the things I've meant to do. Times are tough; it just makes me a tougher person than I had been. I can't help to be afraid of losing my grandmother, but I can try to make that a force instead of fear. Thankfully, I'm facing the problem in a more positive way. I guess I've seen myself more of a stronger person than I was.So now, I'm picking up from where I left off. I now enjoy more time at AR, and more time for new projects. More time to create, more time to really sit down and enjoy the little bits of life that I've been missing out for the past 2 months.

Happy that it's time I made a new moving on. Hopeful that my grandmother will get better. Thankful for designing and teaching in AR. Grateful to still have my friends close by to depend on. :) No matter how tough life turns out to be, stop for awhile to smile. Cheers my friends!

PTT #20 - Life iz Good & ICS #120 - Lots of Love

2011-06-21T20:59:00.011+08:00

This has been a tiring week for me. I'm scrapping a little more than usual while work just accumulates for me. But I'm happy to be doing what I'm doing now. It's a joy everyday to know that I'm doing all the things I love. Life is indeed good isn't it? When you start to be grateful for everyday and everything that happens, it sure feels good.

PTT #20

Theme: Rubber Stamp + Designer Masking Tape + Sketch

ICS #120

Loving every single day! :)

Hope you're having a great time!

PTT Design Team Call & a surprise - Read on!

2011-06-19T18:28:00.000+08:00

Design Team Call

Can you believe it we are ready for our 2nd DT of 2011!!

We are looking for 5 energetic, organized people to join this fun and upbeat DT.

The term is 5 months and will start on August 2, 2011 - December 27, 2011.

The requirements are as follows:

Have an active blog where you post 2-3 times a week.
Have a gallery on SCS where you post your weekly projects
Able to complete 1 card a week and post it to your blog and your gallery.
Able to promote the PTT blog by placing a badge on your personal blogs sidebar linking back to PTT.
Able to take excellent photos of your work.
Able to work with Digital stamps.
Have excellent coloring skills
If you belong to other DT’s no problem just make sure you can meet our deadlines of a card a week!

The perks:

Getting your name and designs out for the public to see!

Having your name featured on the PTT blog.

Getting DT experience if you have never been on a DT.

Support in a team environment.

Any products that a sponsor would be willing to let our team have the privilege to feature in their designs!

If this sounds like a fit for you, please email the following to pttdesignteamcall@hotmail.com

Please submit your application by Monday, July 4, 2011 by 8pm mountain time.

Team will be notified by July 8th.

Team will be officially announced on August 2nd!

Full name

A link to your personal blog

SCS gallery link

email for contact

the best 3 photos of your favorite projects featuring your best coloring skills.

Please make sure 1 of those projects includes a digital stamp that is colored.

We look forward to seeing your application!

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What's a better time to come up with a little surprise for you?

Now, I think! Hehe, as we have a DT selection, I think it's a good time to celebrate our growth as DT members of Party Time Tuesdays.

I started joining PTT because Jenn sent me an email asking me to design sketches for them.

And since then, it's all in for me. The team has been so encouraging and supportive that made me teared at some time. Especially when I had a car accident, the team was very encouraging and helpful. Thank you girls / senior DTs - all of you are AWESOME!

As I move on to the next term, I'd like to celebrate this term by giving away a little RAK~!

So here's what you need to do:

1. Post the DT call on your blog.

2. Comment on this post and do provide the link.

And you'll get a chance to win the RAK I've installed for you!

Deadline: July 4th, 2011 by 8pm mountain time

Winners will be announced on July 8th, 2011.

So what are you waiting for? :)

=========================

Life gets a little rough - PTT #19 - ICS #118

2011-06-08T01:35:00.000+08:00

Life gets a little rough and gets in the way.

Very unfortunately, I got into a car accident and the frontal portion of the car was damaged.

I'm lucky to be safe and sound without major injuries, except the spinal pain that I've been feeling since the impact.

Since young, I've been suffering from scoliosis and the problem hasn't been too bad until recently.

The pains just doesn't go away. I've since been to TCM treatment, but it'll take some time.

Alright, a little breather for me, but let me try to turn the situation a little lighter.

This week I'm a little late to submit both my projects for PTT #19 & ICS #118. But still, I'll be posting my cards that I've completed last weekend.

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PTT #19

Sponsor

2 Cute Rubber Stamps

Winner #1:

2 rubber or 2 digital stamps of their choice!

The Party Planners were also super lucky to get to play around with a couple of the digital stamps from 2 Cute Rubber Stamps...

iCopic

Winner #2:

A set of 8 Copic Ciao Markers + 1 multiliner Archival Inking Pen in Black

Theme:

Summer Birthday

Happy Birthday

Closed

Pulled Open

I do love summer, there isn't any seasons here in Singapore to be exact, but hey the colors make me feel really happy! This card is my interpretation of a summer birthday, and now if only Singapore has all the four seasons! :)

Supplies:

October Afternoon - Night Light:Ellie
E00 - Skin White
E02 - Fruit Pink
YR00 - Powder Pink
BG99 - Flagstone Blue
G85 - Verdigris
G99 - Olive
R32 - Peach
E41 - Pearl White
R27 - Cadmium Red

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ICS #118

Sponsor

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps

Winner:

3 Free digis of winner's choice

Sketch:

Happy Birthday to you...

decided to go with a more subtle tone. birthdays are meant to be simple and clean. :)

Coupled with my favorite butterflies. Don't they look sweet with green? :)

Supplies:

Collage Press - Journalling cards fresh collection
EP - life is good set the table
AC - field house printed chipboard botanique
Basic Grey - die cut pieces
Basic grey - nook&pantry element stickers
Basic grey - Olivia element stickers
Cosmo cricket - earth love ready set chip

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And now, I'm done to nurse the after shock of the car accident. I don't think I can sleep tonight.

I'm still grateful for being safe.

ICS #117: I Love to See You Happy Laughing and Smiling

2011-05-31T21:00:00.001+08:00

Don't forget to drop by PTT for some fun and great sponsors!

Do check out my next post for the current PTT Challenge!

============================================

How lovely! It's the end of May already? OMG, and yesterday was my birthday? That's another year older already!

Can't imagine how fast time runs...

I've done this one much earlier than usual, and it's for a very grumpy old friend. :) Hey and if you are reading this, I would have passed you this card alongside with the angel wings. Hope you'll fly as high as the angel wings will bring you to.

31 May 2011 Sketch #117

DEADLINE: June 7th at 11:59 pm Central Standard Time USA

Sponsor

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps

My Creation

I Love to See You Happy Laughing and Smiling - Cover

I Love to See You Happy Laughing and Smiling - Inside

Details

I thought this card suits an old grumpy friend of mine...

Hahaha - just wait till he reads this and I'm sure to get a little "piece of his mind"

Hope you like it pal!

PTT #18: Anything Goes

2011-05-31T20:59:00.000+08:00

You gotta thank all the technology that is out there.

And I cant do without my iphone now for that matter.

Though I would love to have incorporated an iPhone in this case, I thought having an iPod seems to suit the rock star a little better! :)

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31 May 2011 PTT #18

This week's Challenge:

Anything Goes

Sponsor

Our wonderful sponsor for this ~~week~~ MONTH!:

KENNY K

You might want to know that they have some really awesome stuffs and I got to work with some - all month long!

Cant tell you in words how much fun I had - I'm in love with the digis they have.

The digis are really cool and creative!

Digi Stamp: KENNY K - Download Diva Digi

Thank you for sponsoring us!

My Creation

Girl Power - Cover

Girl Power - Inside

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Girls rock! Dont you think so?

I'm dedicating this card to myself in celebration of my birthday!

ICS #116: H is for Happy Everything!

2011-05-24T21:00:00.001+08:00

Don't forget to drop by PTT for some fun and great sponsors!

Do check out my next post for the current PTT Challenge!

============================================

Just returned to Singapore, and everything is a mad rush to close things up - at work and at home.

Scrapping is really my little outlet, just to relieve myself of all the stress and to be myself once more.

Here's a little birthday card I've created with the Sketch from ICS, and hope it inspires you too!

24 May 2011 Sketch #116

DEADLINE: May 31st at 11:59 pm Central Standard Time USA

Sponsor

DZ Doodle

My Creation

H is for Happy Everything! - Cover

H is for Happy Everything! - Inside

Details

There is never an enough for birthday cards. You'll be needing them, somehow last minute, some birthdays pop up and you'll be frantically looking for a perfect card for the receiver.

I always keep a stash of birthday cards - and I want them to be ready when I need them.

Hence, I always try to decorate the insides while I'm at the front cover, that way, I won't panic when it's a last minute birthday card that I need. :)

Hope you like it!

PTT #17: Animal Card Theme

2011-05-24T20:59:00.000+08:00

As soon as I saw the digi, I knew what I had to do!

How about some swimming fishes? I had this idea quite a long while ago, but had no stamp that could help me with it. It's been left on the shelf a little while now, and time to put it to action! :)

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24 May 2011 PTT #17

This week's Challenge:

Animal Card Theme

Sponsor

Our wonderful sponsor for this ~~week~~ MONTH!:

KENNY K

You might want to know that they have some really awesome stuffs and I got to work with some - all month long!

Cant tell you in words how much fun I had - I'm in love with the digis they have.

The digis are really cool and creative!

Digi Stamp: KENNY K - Fish digi

Thank you for sponsoring us!

My Creation

Thanks - Cover

Thanks - Opened

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If you're looking for instructions on how to make an easel card, I've gotten mine here.

Don't the fishes look lovely? They made me feel so happy now looking at them! :)

So bright and lovely! :)

Hope you are as cheery as me now! :)

ICS #115: Madly, Truly, Deeply

2011-05-17T21:00:00.002+08:00

Don't forget to drop by PTT for some fun and great sponsors!

Do check out my next post for the current PTT Challenge!

============================================

I'm posting this while I'm in Hong Kong. The weather is better than Singapore, but it's still hot.

I'm longing for Spring seasons - it has got to be better than the humid weather across Southeast Asia right now.

While Hong Kong is really not my first visit, I tend to miss home when I'm away. Though my family is here with me, I'm still missing my grandmother and aunt.

And of course my dearest darling.

Well, at least I did finish up my ICS #115 Sketch before I left, and here goes:

17 May 2011 Sketch #115

DEADLINE: May 24th at 11:59 pm Central Standard Time USA

Sponsor

Digi Doodle

My Creation

Madly Truly Deeply

Details

Can't get enough of this photo. One of the best we've taken, and looking at this eases all the missing I'm feeling right now.

I can't explain why I do love him that much, I also can't tell you why I never seem to be able to let go of him. I can only say he has became part of me. And letting him go is losing a part of me.

So there, I'll be posting photos from Hong Kong very soon. Keep a lookout!

PTT #16: Sketch + Child's Birthday

2011-05-17T20:59:00.001+08:00

A little challenge here, I'm not used to making child's cards, but hey, the digi stamp just did its own miracle!

Hehe, I hope this passes as a child's card!

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17 May 2011 PTT #16

This week's Challenge:

Sketch + Child's Birthday Card

Sponsor

Our wonderful sponsor for this ~~week~~ MONTH!:

KENNY K

You might want to know that they have some really awesome stuffs and I got to work with some - all month long!

Cant tell you in words how much fun I had - I'm in love with the digis they have.

The digis are really cool and creative!

Digi Stamp: KENNY K - Inner Tube Boy

Thank you for sponsoring us!

My Creation

Have a Splashing Bdae - Cover

Have a Splashing Bdae - Inside

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My first child birthday card, and I'm really excited!

ICS #114: I want to Remember...

2011-05-10T21:00:00.000+08:00

Don't forget to drop by PTT for some fun and great sponsors!

Do check out my next post for the current PTT Challenge!

============================================

It's nearly mid of the month, and I'm already getting excited with the days counting down to seeing my brother.

My brother is currently now on internship in Hong Kong for one month throughout May, and the whole family will travel down to see him on 14th May 2011 for a week.

I'm missing him already.

While I'm missing him, I also did start on my card for ICS #114.

10 May 2011 Sketch #114

DEADLINE: May 17th at 11:59 pm Central Standard Time USA

Sponsor

Bunny Zoe's Crafts

My Creation

I want to Remember...

Details

A little more extravagant than the usual stuffs, probably missing my brother quite a bit. It's not the same when he is not at home.

So there brother, here's for you.

PTT #15: Gate Fold Theme

2011-05-10T20:59:00.014+08:00

The digi stamps were so inspiring, I didn't have to think long to get the card out!

This had been a very blasting season indeed, and I got to love this card, check it out!

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10 May 2011 PTT #15

This week's Challenge:

Gate Fold Theme

Sponsor

Our wonderful sponsor for this ~~week~~ MONTH!:

KENNY K

You might want to know that they have some really awesome stuffs and I got to work with some - all month long!

Cant tell you in words how much fun I had - I'm in love with the digis they have.

The digis are really cool and creative!

Digi Stamp: KENNY K - SuperPunch Digi

Thank you for sponsoring us!

My Creation

You are my Hero - Cover

You are my Hero - Half Opened

You are my Hero - Inside

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If you're looking for instructions on how to make a gate fold card, I've gotten mine here.

And to tell the truth, this card is my personal favorite and it's going out to my DAD! :)

I LOVE YOU DAD!

Doraecyscraps

Art Republic Classes Update

A little inspired for a box...

Card: Happy Birthday

You're the Best

Thinking of You...

Double Coptic Binding Notebooks

Card: Triple Tier Card

Card: {heart} felt

Card: A Little Bird Told Me...

Reverie Class

TGF Mon Fun Day #17 & a Happy CNY!

A meaningful christmas...

Life Happens, Works ongoing, Steampunk Easel

There is always a reason for everything..

Hectic but fun day...

Life always has ups and downs...

Wedding Album for Joel & Megan

A long & ＂疯度＂day! :)

Rainy Days makes the best creative days

AR Class: Vintage Tale

A Brand New Look!

PTT #20 - Life iz Good & ICS #120 - Lots of Love

**PTT Design Team Call** & a surprise - Read on!

**Design Team Call**

Life gets a little rough - PTT #19 - ICS #118

ICS #117: I Love to See You Happy Laughing and Smiling

PTT #18: Anything Goes

ICS #116: H is for Happy Everything!

PTT #17: Animal Card Theme

ICS #115: Madly, Truly, Deeply

PTT #16: Sketch + Child's Birthday

ICS #114: I want to Remember...

PTT #15: Gate Fold Theme

PTT Design Team Call & a surprise - Read on!

Design Team Call