Boot Camp!

I signed up for Ella Publishing Co.'s Boot Camp 2011 and I'm quaking in my boots...in excitement! I figured I needed something to shake the dust and cobwebs off my rusty scrapping skills as well as my long-ignored scrapbooking supplies. So from September 19 - 24, I will be training and undergoing drills from much-admired scrapbookers like Maggie Holmes, Nichol Maqouirk, Lisa Dickinson, Angie Lucas and Wendy Smedley.

I expect a lot of action in my little old scraproom as I am sure to be inspired and challenged in the next few days. This is going to be one fun boot camp - without anyone shouting at my ear or demanding push-ups. Or perhaps, there will be shouting - from hungry KiDS demanding dinner. Maybe I should design some crafty boot camp for them, too, so I can scrap in peace.

Just 4 More Days

For you to avail of the early bird fee for the My Little Attic and Scrapbook Hawaii's ScrapJam happening on October 3, 2009. After August 20 you will have to pay the regular price. Think about all the good scrap stuff that you can pay with the difference! Almost everyday, Marisa is posting all the delightful new arrivals at her blog. Go check it out and drool. Just make sure your wallet doesn't get wet. LOL.

For more details about the ScrapJam, click here. Hope to see you there!

The Latest on ScrapJam

Have you seen the latest about the ScrapJam in October 3, 2009? Lots of new arrivals and sponsors from well-known companies like Bella Blvd., Crate Paper, and Bo Bunny, to name a few. Check out the Scrapbooks Hawaii blog for more yummy details.


In the meantime, there's still time to register for this event with the cheaper early bird fee accepted until August 20.

ScrapJam in Manila

I haven't missed any ScrapJam by My Little Attic and Scrapbooks Hawaii and I'm not about to start now. But...time got away with me and before I knew it, the deadline for registration was past. Thank goodness, the deadline was extended to August 20.

So scrappers, you still have time to join the event. If it's anything like the previous ScrapJams, we are guaranteed a rockin' good time.

Visit here for more information. See you on October 3!

A Day in a Life

The past few days, the song Seasons of Love from the musical Rent has been a constant refrain in my head. Particularly, the lines "how do you measure, a day in a year..." I know that's because I have recently embarked on a project with friends to take at least one photo a day and share it with them in Flickr.

The group's purpose is to encourage each member to use their cameras and practice their photography skills (such as they are, in my case), as well as have something to draw layouts from. But will this endeavor increase the number of my layouts or just decrease the time I have for scrapbooking? Get back to me on that after a year. :-)

I had to take it two steps further and take at least one significant photo a day and post it in a blog dedicated to this project. If you have the time or inclination, do visit The Armchair Chronicler. Yup, I thought it's a nice touch to have armchair in all my blog titles. Hehehe.

On other news, I'd also like to share with you a layout I made last Sunday when these lovely ladies and I got together at Candy's.


We had fun making Mothers Day cards using stamps and flowers. You can't deny talent. These girls rocked their cards. I won't point out which one is mine anymore. Kakahiya. Hehehe.


Also got to taste Yellow Cab Pizza's Dear Darla (so-called after Darla of the Lil' Rascals cause it's served with arugula and Alfalfa, also the name of the boy who has a crush on Darla.) Hmmm...that confused even me. Anyway, it doesn't compare to C' Italian's panizza but it's good enough for a quick fix.


And despite the fun I was having, I was able to finish a layout about my mom and Sarah.

My Sweet Lola


I finally used the K & Co. papers from Manang Marissa. They're so beautiful I was hesitant to cut them up. Back-to-back pa so I couldn't decide which side to use. :-)

Thanks for reading and have a relaxing weekend everyone. Happy Mothers Day to all the moms!

Scrap Jam!

Never before had I seen tickets sell as fast as tickets to Scrapbook Hawaii's and My Little Attic's Scrap Jam. I think as early as May, the tickets had sold out - for a July event! I was just lucky that Candy texted me that Rachelle was about to pay for their tickets, so I texted Rachelle to pay for me, too. If it had been me, it would've taken me a long time to schedule a trip to the bank.

July 5, 2008, Saturday - Rachelle and I car-pooled with Candy. We thought we were early, but when we arrived, we realized that there were people who came earli-ER. They had by 9 am bought most of the scrapbooking stuff off the shelves. I guess I should be thankful for that because I had just brought enough cash to make me happy and not feel so guilty. It's very easy to get overboard when scrap shopping. What with the many goodies that you just gotta have. I am particularly vulnerable about this, because although I had my mind set on what I should and should not buy, I am always tempted by what other scrappers have in their baskets. Yup! I'm like a lemming when it comes to my scrap shopping. If they're buying it, there must be something I'm missing out on and so I gotta have the same, too. Take for instance the white Basic Grey rubons. It's not on my list and I must admit I've seen it countless times before, but when Candy put it in her basket, I had to get one, too. Wishful thinking that I'd create LOs as fine as Candy's? Hmmm....


These are what I bought and wonder of wonders, I am exactly within budget. Thanks to the 25% coupon off one item that our wonderful hosts gave us with our kits.

One of the best parts of going to a scrapping event is a chance to get to know scrappers whom you only meet online. Rachelle and I shared a table with Liezl and Rita of the LB Scrapaholics. I really had fun sharing a table with them because they also selflessly shared their tools, stories, and tips. As Candy would whisper to me later on, she was quite impressed on how Rita and Liezl asked for each other's opinions as they worked through their LOs.


Around 10, we all got busy with Marisa's classes. She prepared several projects for us and I must say they are all something I want to replicate once I get home. I just wish I could recall her instructions. Unfortunately, I didn't take notes because I was busy following along with her, and her gregarious daughter cum assistant, Jian. We made a pretty bag out of cardstock (Sarah immediately lay claim on that one so I have to make sure I make Kahlo a purple one), a CD mini-album using papers from Scenic Route, a beautiful black and white gatefold album, which I didn't finish yet, but will soon (promise).

We had a very filling lunch at our tables (I refused to go back to the shopping room, lest I expose myself to unnecessary temptation, so I was glad when we had another make and take project - lovely card with materials from Melissa Frances. I didn't finish it, too, cause I'd like to use photos that I didn't bring with me. Then we had a Scrap Jam Bingo! This was my first time to participate in a scrapping bingo and I must say it was quite fun. It was made even funnier by Jian's bingo host antics. "I have a very loud voice..." she'd boom as she picked out a number from the envelope. Lucky Cookie, Helga and Christine V. won some prizes that I would have liked in my basket.

And then there was the prerequisite scrap challenge - make an LO with the theme "friend" using Bazzil Basics Fancy Edges, BB Boshers - "is it a button or a washer?", and the Anna Griffin papers that were given us. When I prepared my stuff for Scrap Jam, I prepared my photos, too. I do not always like joining on the spot challenges because I scrap more comfortably at home, surrounded by everything I could possibly need. I also do not scrap well under pressure and within a limit of one hour only. But last night, I decided to go for the whole experience and just have fun. Besides, the challenge kept me away from the shopping area.


My LO didn't win, not that I was expecting to, because many of the best scrappers in Manila were in the room. But I was so happy when my seatmates, Rita and Candy won third place and second place, respectively. My friend, Cookie (so what else is new?) won first place. Woo-hoo...I just felt energized by all the goodwill in Nette's lovely-smelling house (courtesy of Faberge aromatics, I was informed). I was quite satisfied to come home with an LO that I finished in one hour. I didn't even know that was possible. Hahaha.

And then the much-awaited raffle time. At this point, I had not won anything major so I really kept my fingers and legs crossed. There were three draws - one from the pre-orders (prize was an AMM tote bag, which Bea won). The next was the Making Memories carousel (I dropped one coupon there, cause I would've liked to get one for free, even if I didn't really need it). Marian won this. And the last prize was a Quickutz Squeeze with Metro Classic alphabet. My crossed legs must have worked because I won it! Wooo-hoooo!!!! Would you believe me if I tell you that I had a feeling I won when Jian couldn't read the name on the coupon? Hahaha. I always sign my name with two slashes on the L's loop to form a smiley face, and a heart at the end of E. No wonder I confused the poor child. :-)

You'd think that was the end of it, but no. We just had to add more items in our already full kits. At left is a photo of all the free goodies we got just for attending, Before we all left our separate ways, Nette and Marisa had to literally throw extra prizes in the air towards the end. Scrappers scrambled to catch the goodies, some tripping over their humongous scrap bags, thankfully no one was hurt and they just picked themselves up laughing. Some of the stuff even fell into the bowls of dinuguan on the tables but do you think anyone cared? No damage that the ubiquitous baby wipes cannot wipe off. LOL. Everything I brought home still smells like Nette's home. Just brings back more pleasant memories. :-)

And so it was that three, nay, four (Donna hitched a ride with us going home) very satisfied scrappers went home to brag about their loot to their family. Already, we were planning for the next Scrap Jam.

Thank you very much Nenette and Marisa, we all had a blast!

Following the Rules

I received feedback about the recent disqualifications at the Kaya blog. While there were those who accepted that they inadvertently missed some of the requirements there were a few who felt that some layouts should have been part of the draw still. After all, isn't Kaya about creativity and fun?

I agree that Kaya is all about being creative and having fun. However, Kaya is a challenge blog. That is, fellow scrappers challenge you to stretch your limits by issuing parameters by which those who respond to the challenge create their LOs. It is still about having fun and being creative - within the criteria set by the challenger. That might be as difficult if not more difficult than creating a layout that has no rules and no boundaries.

Someone raised the question, shouldn't we consider the scrapper's creativity in the equation? But we do consider the scrapper's creativity, only in this case, the scrapper must be creative within the limits of the challenge. I think that is more difficult to do. And we have to be fair to those who went into the extra effort of working creatively within the parameters of the challenge. That is why we call it a challenge.

I will have to confess that I found it difficult to weed out layouts that didn't comply with the requirements. As a scrapper myself, I know how much time and heart we put into our creations. I know the feeling of satisfaction that we get when we finish an LO, and then to have someone come in and say, your LO is not qualified? Man...that sucks! I also feel guilty - if we had caught the mistake sooner, maybe we could have informed them and they could have made the necessary adjustments and revisions before the deadline. But we also have to live our lives and we do not always catch these details immediately. And then I got to thinking, shouldn't it also be the scrapper's responsibility to read and understand all the rules?

The Filipino scrapbooker is very talented and creative. Many of us join international challenges and competitions and win. We have our own MM Master right here. Do you think they got their laurels because they didn't follow the rules of the game? Think Kristina Contes, a very talented scrapper who was removed from the CK Hall of Fame because she didn't comply with one rule. She supposedly claims that she didn't read all the requirements.

I'd like to believe that through challenges like Kaya, we are helping train scrapbookers to be mindful of the rules. I am reminded of the Scrappin' Moms Idol challenge, wherein we were always reminded to follow the rules lest we be disqualified from the competition. We all took that to heart so much that to be sure we were doing the right things, we bombarded the message boards with questions. The Idol competition trained me to read, understand, and ask questions.

So let's do it well. And do it right. If you are not sure, ask.

Acts of Kindness

Well, I confirmed recently that acts of kindness do not always have to be random. They don't have to be just a freebie that you give away to posters in your blog. It's not just the smile you give to a stranger as you go malling. Yes, acts of kindness can be deliberate. And while random acts of kindness are all well and good and what we need in this crazy world of ours, deliberate acts of kindness are even more important. Why? Because they are conscious efforts to make this world a better place. And we do them with our hearts and souls.

I know it's late, but I would again like to thank everyone who participated in the fundraiser for the benefit of the Carmelite nuns of Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac. With your deliberate acts of kindness, we raised almost P45,000. This amount, and the beautiful cards that you made were turned over to Sr. Teresa last April 6. Candy, Jenn, and I went to visit them at their monastery in Tarlac. You can read about Jenn's account in her blog.

The money we raised was initially intended to help fund the nuns' unfinished chapel, but when we arrived there, we saw that there is still alot of work to be done. Here are some photos of the chapel which is being worked on sporadically, depending on the inflow of funds.







The money we raised is but a drop in the bucket compared to the amount they still need. Their estimate is around P2M. (Any more philanthropists out there?) Thus, they requested, and we agreed, that they use the money we turned over to finish up their reflectory. And what do you know, it's just the exact amount they need.

During our visit, we were also able to discuss some fundraising strategies with Sr. Teresa. They are going to use the cards you made to write to individuals who would be willing to donate to their community. But, since they are cloistered in their monastery, except from their relatives and friends, they do not know that many people. Thus, IF YOU KNOW PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO HELP, KINDLY EMAIL ME THEIR NAMES AND ADDRESSES SO WE CAN SEND THEM A CARD. Rest assured that their names will be kept confidential and their donations will be duly acknowledged by the nuns in writing and in prayer.

When they saw the beautiful and extremely creative cards you made, they were awed and impressed. It was gratifying to see them ogling, and caressing the cards. They were so child-like and sincere in their praises that I, who is not a cardmaker, almost rushed home to make them more cards. :-)

They also saw my scrapbook and immediately, they asked us if we could teach them how to make cards and scrapbook layouts. The cards, so they can sell them, and scrapbooking, so they can make their history book creatively. We said yes, of course, as deliberate acts of kindness don't just end with one act.

Thus, a request for more assistance:
1) If you would like to volunteer to teach cardmaking and scrapbooking, please coordinate with us at the PS group.
2) Donate scrapbooking stuff that you do not use or need anymore, anything to get them started. If you are spring-cleaning and you cannot sell all your items, they will surely serve a good purpose in the nuns' hands.
3) Cash donations are still welcome, you can e-mail me and I can give you their bank account number where you can deposit.

Thank you very much. God bless you!

A Scrappin' Fundraiser

WHAT : Scrap, Share and Shop for a Cause
WHEN: March 8, 2008 (Saturday), from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
WHERE: Centro Montessori, 49 Xavierville Avenue, Loyola Heights, QC
WHY: To benefit the Carmelite nuns of Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac. The funds raised will go to finishing the construction of their chapel which currently lacks walls and a permanent roof.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:
1. Simply join us on March 8 for a day of scrapbooking, sharing of ideas and techniques, and shopping for scrapbooking goodies. Invite your friends, scrappers or otherwise, to be with us on the day.

2. Buy tickets! For only P150, you get a catered lunch and merienda, the opportunity to win exciting raffle prizes, buy scrapbooking items at cost (or less), and watch demos from the best scrapbookers in the country. If you can't attend but buy tickets, your P150 still goes to charity.

3. Make everyday cards (any day theme cards). These cards will be used by the Carmelite nuns to reach out to other potential donors. Cards will be collected starting March 8 to April 30, 2008. Envelopes will be provided, so you need to make your cards fit the size 6 of the baronial envelopes (5X6 inches actual size of the envelope). Make your cards no more than 4 3/4" x 5 3/4" inches in size. For every 5 cards donated, you'll be entitled to a raffle of some scrapping goodies -our way of saying thank you for your support.

4. Refer individuals and corporations that might be interested in giving donations so the Carmelite nuns can write directly to them. All donations, in cash or kind, are tax-deductible.

5. Donate scrapbooking materials that can be included in the auction. All auction earnings will go to the fund. We have many generous individuals who have shared their blessings with us.

6. Bid in the auction of scrapbooking materials. The starting prices are at 50%-60% off retail price. As all auctions go, the item will go to the highest bidder. There will a P50 increment in the bidding. All auction proceeds will go to the fund.

So far, the following items are up for bid. All items brand new. Additional items will be announced later.

a. Cricut electronic die-cutting machine - P3,500


b. Prima Flowers (6 bottles with rack) - P800.00


c. Fiskars Crop Bag - P800.00



d. EK Success Blade Runner w/glass mat - P200.00


e. Autumn Leaves ClearStamps (Flourishes v:I) and (Swirls v:I) - P400 each


f. Stampin ' Up Friends and Flowers Scrapbooking Kit - P300


f. Stemma Paper Packs

Kit 1 - P350

Kit 2 - P350

Kit 3 - P400

g. Scrapbooking Caddy - P200

h. Cosmo Cricket Biography 101 8" black leather album/shadow box/case- P1,150



i. Creative Imaginations Alpha Foam Stamp - P310


j. AMM Totally Cool Tote lime green - P350
7. Give your friends, relatives or yourself the gift of a layout made especially by your scrapping inspirations. Bid for their scrapbooking services starting at P250 per creation. Materials will be provided by the organizers. All you have to do is provide your favorite scrapper with photos to scrap. We will help you reach an agreement with the scrapper as to when you should expect the finished LOs. So far, the following have agreed to participate in this silent auction. Please do visit their blogs and galleries and be amazed by their creativity.

a. Iris Uy
b. Pia Lopez
c. Ria Mojica
d. Cabbie Jane Lopez
e. Cookie Aguilar
f. Issa Lucido
g. Dr. Rita Vergara
h. and others to be announced later

8. Join the scrapping challenge in the afternoon. Purchase a kit (contains 4 pieces of K&CO papers) for P100 only.
a. Challenge Theme - Acts of Charity (or ways of Helping Others Outside the Home)
b. Photo Requirements - Bring at least 1 photo, any size
c. Materials Requirements - papers used must be from the challenge kit, scrappers can add any other elements they want
d. Judging - will be done by the Scrappin' Moms
e. Please bring your basic scrapbooking supplies like glue, scissors, etc.

9. Shop from the scrapbooking stores who will be joining us for this event. You do not have to visit their stores as we invited them all to better serve you. The stores have generously contributed to the cause already just by participating so please show your appreciation by buying. Many store items will be on sale! Also, expect many new items for sale.

a. Visual Creations
b. Studio Azul
c. Memory Lane
d. Scrapbukan
e. Rekindled Moments

10. Donate in cash. There will be a donation box at the registration table during the event.

Thank you very much for your generosity. In return, we promise a fun-filled day with lots of delicious lunch and merienda, door prizes, challenge rewards and lots of shopping. Tickets will also be sold at the venue.

Please e-mail me at pinayscrapper41@yahoo.com for more details.