missing those weekend trips...

hi there...

was just doing some re-arranging of files and came across this layout that I created for publication in Creating Keepsake earlier this year and couldn't help sharing it here also. it's been so long since hubby and I hoped on a plane for a weekend trip (wonder if I might be due to the fact that I was pregnant and also had a few business trips this past year). either way, I'm so looking forward to more weekends trips (well might have to extend for a few days now since we'll have little Sophia joining us).



created this page about my two favorite things ... travel and food. I always love trying new things (although can't say that I love everything that I try, but at least I try right?) and part of the assignment was to include some memorabilia from the trip and what better than the tickets stubs or luggage tags... it has all the details you need to remember when, what, where and how. as for why, well isn't it obvious... food!



this also happens to be one of my favorite layout from this year... I was really surprised at how everything all came together... the contrast between black and white (background) and the variation of shapes (speech bubbles and circles). this is definitely a layout design that I'll be doing over and over again...



using crate paper DIY shop collection and technique tuesday stamps....



thanks for stopping by everyone and hope you guys had a fun weekend (I know I did, but not sure if that would be the same feeling once the credit card bill comes... may have shopped a little bit too much this black friday and to think, I'm not even in the states. can't imagine how bad it would be if I was.  hhehheeee what else is a girl suppose to do... shop and scrap, right?)

Creating Keepsake Nov/Dec 2012 Issue!

Hi Everyone,

Have you seen CK's Nov/Dec issue yet... it's now available everywhere.  There's tons of inspirations for the holidays in this issue and isn't that mini album on the cover just adorable. It's created by non other than the fabulous Suzy Plantamura!

For a sneak peek of the issue, do check out the details here on the Creating Keepsake website and here for the add bonus content. Also you can grab a copy of the issue at the Scrap and Paper Shop here for the print issue and here for the digital issue.

And on top of that CK is giving away a free copy of this issue PLUS a free one-year subscription of the magazine! Do head on over to the Creating Keepsake Blog for the full details and don't forget to leave a comment there for a chance.  

CK September / October Issue & Giveaway!!! CLOSED

Hi Everyone,

How's your week going so far? Although it's only tuesday, it already seems like friday for me, well maybe partially because I've got vacation coming up next week... where I'm just planning to do absolutely nothing and scrap (I hope and of course maybe a little of shopping too). Sounds like heaven right? At least for me it is... LOL

But before else... Creating Keepsake September / October issue is finally hitting the newsstand this week and it's one issue that you don't want to miss.. tons of inspirations for fall and also some fun takes on "graveyard" products!



For some fun free downloads, sample articles and techniques do check out the details on the CK website HERE. And once again the wonderful ladies at CK have given me a copy to giveaway to one lucky winner here. All you need to do is leave me a comment on this blog post sharing what your plans are for this fall? Anyone traveling anywhere? Scrapbook plans? or some home decor projects that you have in mind!  Please leave your comments by Monday August 20th.

Thanks guys for stopping by!

Creating Keepsake Mixed Media & Blog Hop

The latest special issue from Creating Keepsake - Mixed Media - is finally hitting the newsstand and this one is filled to the rim with fun mixed media ideas and inspirations! From misting, to painting, to metal works, to fabric, to glitter and glam and tons more!  :)

And here a peak at some the content and pages from the magazine:

Open publication - Free publishing

And here's one of my project that's published in the magazine... adding a bit of glitter and glam to your embellishments (just loving the glue pen as it allows you to "super" control the areas where you want the glitter to be applied)...

If you can't wait to get your hands on a copy, you can purchase the issue from CK's online store, see here. Also there's bonus 'FREE online content' that you can access for this issue too, more details here. 

In addition, the wonderful folks at CK have given me a copy to giveaway to one lucky reader here... all you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post by Tuesday July 24th and would love to hear what mix media technique you're looking to try/experiment with.

And even better, you have a total of 16 chances to win one... so do hop on over to all the amazing ladies below for more fun samples of what you'll find in the magazine and an opportunity to win a copy!

Kim Watson
Kim Jackson
Patty Cieri
Erika Hayes
Summer Fullerton
Stacy Cohen
Mou Saha
Laina Lamb
Joey Manwarren
Ashley Horton
Iris Uy
Paper Crafters Corner
Maggie Holmes
The Scrap Review
Adele Beck 

Thanks for stopping by everyone!

Creating Keepsake Jul/Aug Blog Blitz & Giveaway! CLOSED

Hi Everyone, 


I'm back with another yummy giveaway from Creating Keepsake and this time around, it's a little something to help you jump start your summer scrapping... their latest July / August 2012 Issue. 

As always, don't forget to check out the online content HERE for more sneaks, downloads, articles, techniques... and sharing some of my projects that were published in this issue.


First is this shadowbox that I created using Pink Paislee Wooden Mistable Frame and some yummy goodies from Crate Paper, Pebbles, Lily Bee, Studio Calico and October Afternoon. When working with shadowboxes, I love the fact that you can pretty go crazy on the layering without having to worry about how you are going to store it in the albums. LOL

“As seen in the July/Aug 2012 of Creating Keepsakes magazine. Copyright Creative Crafts Group. Posted with prior permission from the publisher.”

And as you can pretty much see, I had a fun time adding various elements to the project to give it that dimensional effect, which I think adds to the overall charm of the shadowbox project (and a great display piece for my place).





And the second part of this assignment, was to also create a layout with a coordinating design but reflecting a different aspect of the trip. Here I choose to showcase all the amazing structures and details that we saw at Wat Angkor...  it's just unbelievable and even more amazing that we are able to enjoy these places today.

“As seen in the July/Aug 2012 of Creating Keepsakes magazine. Copyright Creative Crafts Group. Posted with prior permission from the publisher.”

Once again, the generous people at Creating Keepsakes are allowing me to give away a copy of this issue.  Leave a comment here on this blog post by Saturday night, June 16th and I'll announce the winner early next week. 

And also you might want to hop on over to these ladies for more inspirations (and chances too):


Mou Saha
Maggie Holmes
Adele Beck

Thanks everyone for stopping by!!!

BPC Living The Dream Class + Giveaway!!!

Hi Everyone,

Hoped you guys had a wonderful weekend!  I'm back to share some SUPER exciting news (been wanting to share this for a while now), the Creating Keepsake Dream Team have paired up with BPC to bring you this dreamy fun class....

Living the Dream
with the Creating Keepsakes Dream Team

When you were a child, what did you dream that your life would be?

What was your dream job? Dream husband? Dream family? Dream life?

The life you're living today is in many ways shaped by the life that you dreamed of long ago. Whether you are living a life much like you imagined or living a life that you never would have dreamed of…f, it's empowering to explore and document these dreams and where they've taken you.

We're excited to share with you this amazing new workshop at BPC, Living the Dream, with the Creating Keepsake's Dream Team. 20 days, 10 teachers, 10 inspirational emails with photo and journaling prompts, 10 instructional handouts with techniques to create a layout.

We hope that you'll join us in this 20-day workshop to connect with these talented instructors as well as enjoy the opportunity to not just count, but scrap your blessings.

Sounds interesting? How are you living your dreams today?

Honestly, when I first received this assignment - I really was wondering and pondering... am I living my dreams today? Is my life what I had dreamed it to be?  But the more I thought about it and looked at the different areas of my life, the more I realize that in some areas.... it's much more than what I had even dreamed off...

And here's a little teaser on the topic that you'll be working with me... (sharing a previous layout that I created)

Interested? Head on over HERE to grab your seat!

Also the wonderful folks at CK & BPC have given me ONE spot to giveaway to a lucky reader here.  Just leave me a comment on this blog post (and would love to hear how you are living your dreams today – I know you are!) by midnight Sunday June 3rd. (Please note that if the same person wins more than one spot in the class, another name will be drawn.)

And that’s not all…. do hop on over to these amazing ladies for more insights into the class and also more chances at winning a seat…

Stacy Cohen

Suzy Plantamura

Thanks for stopping by everyone and hope you'll be joining us for a dreamy fun time!

Also do check out my earlier post HERE, for the winners for the Washi Workshop Class & Pebbles giveaway. Are you the lucky one?

Maggie Holmes Photography Workshops Blog Blitz **GIVEAWAY CLOSED**

Hi Everyone,
I'm super excited to be part of this blog bliz for Maggie Holmes latest online photography workshops and sharing with you some details of her classes plus a early bird coupon special...



Maggie Holmes has been a professional photographer for 7 years and has created two online workshops in which she gives you all of her tried and true secrets, tips and tricks with you. She shares her knowledge in a format that is candid and easy to understand. Past students rave about how much they learn in such a short amount of time and that the workshops more than pay for themselves because the progress they make is invaluable!”

Here's a few pictures that I have taken from her website - aren't they absolutely gorgeous. Absolutely adore the moments captured and the amazing colors...

    

The great thing is that Maggie is offering two online photography classes now, where she'll be sharing her secrets with you. Class seats are limited and so it is best to register now in order to guarantee your spot.

For more details on the class registration...
Click Here for Photography 101: July 9th - August 18th, 2012
Click Here Advanced Photography: August 20th - September 29th, 2012

And if you register now... don't forget to enter the early bird code below!!! (valid until May 31st only)

And even more, do head on over to Maggie's blog as she is giving away a spot in each of the classes!! (how awesome is that).

Also as a BONUS, she'll be giving away a surprise BONUS spot in the Photography 101 class. The winner for this will be at drawn random from one of the blogs on the hop. So be sure to stop by all the blogs and let us know that you've been here - you just never know. Giveaways are open until Wednesday the 23rd and also if you had already purchased the class but your name was drawn for the same class, your registration fee will be refunded. This does not apply to purchases made for previous classes.


So what are you waiting for... head on over the following blogs for more chances...

Stacy Cohen
Megan Hoeppner
Maggie Holmes

Thanks for stopping by everyone!!

Washi Workshop Blog Hop & Class Giveaway **GIVEAWAY CLOSED**

Have you guys been bitten by the washi craze? I know I have and hate to admit that I'm hoarding over 60 washi tapes (or even more, couldn't resist getting all the washi tapes from latest MME collections).  There's just so many things that you could do with these and the fun effects that they have on the papers and pretty much everything else (love that semi-transparency feel and also how easy it is to remove them).  Here are some ideas that I found on pintrest.....

         
(images from pintrest: washi samples, washi flower pots, washi banner gift wrap)

And how fun is this latest class from Megan Hoeppner, as she and the amazing contributors share their ideas and inspirations on the latest trend... yeap, its going to be a very washi-fun-filled experience :) 

Interested? Head on over HERE to grab your seat!

Also Megan, being the wonderful person that she is, has given me a spot to giveaway to one lucky reader here. Leave me a comment on this blog post sharing how many washi tapes you have stashed away and for those who haven't had a chance to work with these yet, would love to hear your thoughts about them.  Please leave your comments by midnight Wednesday May 23rd.

And for more washi inspirations and chances at winning a class seat, HOP on over here:
Lisa Truesdell
Nicole Samuels
Creating Keepsake Blog
Studio Calico Blog


Thanks for stopping by everyone and hope you guys have a great weekend!!!

Back & With a CK May/June Issue Giveaway!!! CLOSED

I'm back!! And missing New Zealand and all the wonderful ladies at the Autumn Escape event. Thanks everyone for the wonderful time!! (more details and pictures to come soon).

But first, wanted to share that the latest Creating Keepsake May/June Issue is now available at your nearest newsstand/bookstore (and also available for purchase online here) and its another fun issue that you don't want to miss (and with a gorgeous cover page by the super talented Stacy Cohen).



And sharing my layout that's published in this issue for the everyday baking supplies/treats challenge - using those treat/candy bags to create peak a boo pockets (love how they are transparent and are perfect for using rub-ons to add that like bit of fun).  Created using American Crafts Chaps collection and your everyday treat bags.


(as seen in Creating Keepsake May/June 2012 Issue and posted with permission from Creating Keepsake)

For more sneaks, videos, downloads, techniques and tons more --> check out the full details HERE and as always, if you can't wait to get your hands on this issue --> head HERE!

Once again, the generous people at Creating Keepsakes are allowing me to give away a copy of this issue.  Leave a comment here by Sunday night, April 22nd and I'll announce the winner next week.

Also you might want to hop on over to these ladies for more inspirations (and chances too):
Adele Beck
Laina Lamb
Stacy Cohen


Thanks everyone for stopping by and hope everyone's having a wonderful week!

Creating Keepsake March/April + Giveaway!! - Closed

If you're here for the American Crafts & Scor-Pal Blog Hop  -->head on over HERE

----------------------------------------------------

I've got another fun giveaway for you guys today that you don't want to miss!  It's for this awesome Creating Keepsakes March/April 2012 Issue; with the gorgeous cover layout by Maggie Holmes.



The magazine is packed with tons of amazing layouts and ideas and am sure that you'll find inspirations at every corner.  And sharing one of my layouts that is published in this issue - and yes, that's me when I was super duper small with my parents at our old seaside house.  Can't say that I remember those days, but am constantly reminded that I'm one naughty (but I think cute) baby.  **wink**



And here's a close up of some of the details on the layout...  using the gorgeous vintage Generations collection from Simple Stories with pops of yellow pattern paper from American Crafts, along with the super cute fabric brad from Amy Tangerine for American Crafts, crystal pearls from Prima and buttons from Fancy Pants.



Also don't forget to check out the CK Website for more details of the magazine and the online extras such as contests, downloads and techniques!

And once again the amazing ladies at CK have given me an issue to giveaway to one lucky reader - all you need to do is leave me a comment on this blog post sharing what you would like to see or enjoy reading in the CK magazines.  Please leave your comments by Friday March 23rd, and will be randomly drawing the winner over the weekend.

For more inspirations (plus more chances to win a copy of the magazine), do head on over to these amazing ladies' blog as they'll be sharing their inspirations...

Joey Manwareen

Stacy Cohen

Linda Barber

Scrapbook Society

Mou Saha

Thanks again for stopping by!!!

CK Special Issue Winner!

I'm back with another winner and this time its for the amazing  Scrapbooking Ideas for Every Season Special Issue from Creating Keepsake (this is by far my favorite issue)... and the magazine does too...

Congrats Nat!!! - Please email me your mailing address and the wonderful ladies will get this out to you.

Thanks everyone for all your comment and especially for sharing your favorite seas - would say that spring got the most votes. :)

And here's a little peak of something fun that I've been working on.... (you're going to love what's inside)

Thanks everyone for stopping by and will be back soon with more projects to share and hopefully more good news to share.

Scrapbooking Ideas for Every Season *GIVEAWAY*

Hi Everyone, the latest special issue from Creating Keepsake is finally here!!

Showcasing hundreds of scrapbooking ideas to inspire you throughout the seasons, this new special issue from Creating Keepsakes is a must-have resource for your year-round scrapbooking. With plenty of 2-page layout ideas to help you scrapbook more photos in less time, color combinations and patterns to refresh your creativity, season-specifictips for better photo taking, and more, you'll reach for Scrapbooking Ideas for Every Season again and again. You can purchase a copy of this issue here.

And sharing one of my layout that's published in this issue... not only do I love the sweet colors scheme (thanks to Studio Calico kits) but sharing my moments with little sis when I had a chance to visit her in Chicago last Jan. We really had a snowy time, experiencing one of the worst snow storms and still rolling around in snow afterwards....lol

As seen in the "Scrapbooking Ideas for Every Season" issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine. Copyright Creative Crafts Group. Posted with prior permission from the publisher.

And here's a few more sneaks of what you'll find in this must have issue...

Open publication - Free publishing - More photography

And the best part... the wonderful ladies at Creating Keepsakes has given me an issue to giveaway to one of you! All you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post sharing which season is your favorite, by midnight Sunday Jan 15th; and I'll randomly draw the lucky new owner of the magazine on Monday! And to kick start things, my favorite season of the year is definitely spring - I just love the freshness in the air and watching everything bloom (dreaming of a day when I'll be able to have a magnolia tree in the garden - they just don't grow the same way here in Asia).

Thanks everyone for stopping and there's still time to enter the American Crafts - Amy Tangerine Daybook Giveaway below/here.

Looking Back at 2011 & Giveaway

I've been wanted to doing this the past few days, but I didn't have the chance to for some quiet time to reflect back on the year; until now. 2011 has been amazing year and am truly thankful for all the friends, support and opportunities... (and sharing some of my favorite layouts from the year)

Looking back, one of the biggest highlight for me was being invited to be part of the Creating Keepsake Dream Team for 2011 (and also 2012). There's just no words to describe how I felt then or even now, and am truly thanking my lucky stars for this amazing opportunity. On top of that, I was able to attend my first ever CHA show (CHA W 2011) and boy was it something. Seeing everything all in one place was unbelievable and what made it even more special was actually meeting everyone in person.

(using a mix of American Crafts and Studio Calico)

And another highlight for me was being asked to Guest Design for My Minds Eye in January 2011. Needless to say, it took me only 1 sec to reply back with a big YES!!

(using MME Stella & Rose Collection)

Another team that I had (and have) the privileged to be part of is Pink Paislee. I was speechless when I received an email from Rebecca and had to even ask hubby to read it just to be sure that I wasn't dreaming.

(using Pink Paislee Butterfly Garden Collection)

And thanking my lucky stars again that I was given the opportunity to be part of the Lily Bee family for a second year. I just can't get enough of the amazing collections and adore their new stationary line collections...

(using Lily Bee Design This & That Collection)

And if there's one thing that I didn't count on, it was the opportunity to be part of the American Crafts Design Team again. I remember going back and forth on whether I should apply and finally decided to hit send the very last minute. This truly came as a surprise and thank you American Crafts for making my dreams come true!

(using American Crafts Peachy Keen Collection)

And I think my all time favorite trend of the year is banners! I just can't stop using them everywhere, bits and pieces here and there or all out like on this layout...

(using Crate Paper Portrait Collection)

and as you can probably tell, I was super addicted to banners (and still am)

(using Pink Paislee Nantucket Collection)

And another highlight of the year for me was having the opportunity to guest blog and host a challenge over at Creating Keepsake! And using one of my favorite picture from the summer - it was great to see hubby's family and friends again.

(using Basic Grey Picadilly Collection)

I've also had the amazing opportunity to guest for some challenge blogs and kit clubs this year - thank you - Pink Ninjas, Creative Scrappers, Once Upon A Sketch, Challenge Me Happy, Colorful Creations, My Creative Scrappers and Shimelle's Classes.

(using American Crafts Amy Tangerine Collection)

And another favorite trend that I picked up on are these "freestyle" mini albums; love the variations and the mix of goodies that can be included...

(using Lily Bee Design Memorandum Collection)

All in all 2011 has been nothing short of an unbelievable year, but the one thing that always kept me going was the amazing support from everyone. Thank you for all the wonderful comments, words of encouragement and you support here and for letting me share my journey, memories and creativity...

(using Pink Paislee Vintage Vogue Collection)

Giveaway!!!

And now for the fun part - I thought I would kick off the year with a Amy Tangerine giveaway!! I've got 2 of these daybooks to give to 2 lucky readers. All you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post by midnight Friday 13th and will randomly draw the lucky winners over the weekend! (Would love it if you could also share some of your resolutions for the new year or link me up - thanks!)

Thanks everyone for stopping by and will be back soon to share some projects!