Au tagged me, and now I'm supposed to share seven random facts about myself.
1) I am married to a painter/sculptor. The first time people learn that, they invariably ask four questions:
a) Are you an artist, too? When asked by other artists I answer, "No, I'm just the wife." For non-artists, my standard answer is, "No, I'm the left brain of this operation." Recently, I've been thinking of changing my line to "No, but I scrapbook."
b) He must be very moody, how do you live with that? Contrary to popular belief, not all artists are temperamental. And lucky for me, my DH is the least moody person I know.
c) So who among your children are showing signs of being artists? I don't subscribe to the idea that children should inherit their parent's predilections. But like my paternal grandfather used to sing to me when I was a child, que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be.
d) You must have a very beautiful house filled with artworks. Nah...sorry.
2) I love to travel. After graduation, I spent a year travelling Asia and the US. I have been to Europe but there are still many countries left to explore. Right now, my priority is to go around the Philippines with my family.
3) I had dreams of becoming a professional writer. I entered U.P. as a Journalism major. My Filipino teacher that time, Rene O. Villanueva, told me I was in the wrong course. That if I wanted to write I should have enrolled in Literature or Creative Writing. So on my second year, I shifted - to Economics. Then I took my Masters in Public Administration. So what do those courses have to do with writing? Nothing. But they sure paid the bills. :-) Recently I had dinner with a couple of friends who share eight Palanca awards between them, and I asked. I want to write, what should I do? They answered, dapat chismosa ka. (You should be nosy.)
4) I love to eat but I can't cook. I even enrolled in Heny Sison's Essentials of Cooking (21 Saturdays of fine dining lessons) where I confirmed to myself and my husband that I don't like cooking. (But I discovered that I love baking.) During our grauation, we prepared a full-course meal for our guests. When I served my DH, I whispered to his ear, "Don't get used to this. It is never going to happen again."
5) I love reading. I will read anything I lay my eyes or hands on. Even if a book is really bad, I would read it to the end, hoping that it will redeem itself sooner or later. I can't say that there is a book that changed my life (I think it will take more than a book to do that) but there are books that I really related to and made perfect sense during particular moments in my life.
6) I have been a TV addict since Sesame Street and The Electric Company. I swooned over Remington Steele and MacGyver. I was a big Buffy The Vampire Slayer fan. Right now, I am loving the thrill of Prison Break seasons 1 and 2. I tell the days of the week by what is showing on television.
7) I love movies. I used to be an MTRCB deputy and I was able to watch all the movies I wanted for free. But much as I love the movies, I wait in trepidation when the movie moguls decide to make movies out of my favorite books. Thankfully, The Lord of the Rings adaptation lived up to the movie in my mind or there would have been Mordor to pay.
Now I am supposed to tag seven other people. If you read this entry, consider yourself tagged. :-)
Monday, June 25, 2007
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Tribute to a Great Dad
It's late and I should be sleeping. Another long and busy day tomorrow. But, finally, I get the chance to blog and I can't resist taking this chance to share what the KiDS and I made for THE Oustanding Young Man (got it?) of our lives.
The week before Fathers' Day I asked the KiDS to write ten things they love about their Papa. Sarah and Kahlo were quite excited to do the assignment. Diego was quite blase about it. He said that he would just treat his Papa to the Fantastic Four movie, and indeed, that's just what they did last Sunday. A little male-bonding time.
Sarah came up with this:
At the back of which is her interpretation of the best day ever.
Kahlo needed help writing down her top 10 but all the sentiments are hers.
I then summarized their list to come up with the top 10 for our mini-album.
Mini cards inside the envelope:
Front:
Back:
The Process:
I finally got to use the mini-album which I bought at the September 2006 Scrapfest, and also my paper scraps. I decided that this was also the best time to use the stickers that Manang sent me last year. This is my first mini-album - I only ever did LOs and that altered photo box. I enjoyed it so much I think I might be doing more such albums in the future.
I did the layouts Saturday afternoon while my KiDS did the journaling and the doodling. They also made mini-cards to be put inside the envelope at the back of the album. They had fun sneaking in and out of the bedroom, making sure that Papa doesn't see us at work. It was a big secret. It is truly a collaborative work of love for THE man. And of course, on THE day, it was much appreciated. He says he will always keep it with him and whenever anyone asks him about his family, he will simply show it off. Syempre, proud mama naman ako.
Materials Used:
Simple Scrapbooks mini-album, my scraps of Making Memories PPS, EK Success stickers, MAMBI rub-ons, Technique Tuesday and CE stamps, Colorbox ink.
The week before Fathers' Day I asked the KiDS to write ten things they love about their Papa. Sarah and Kahlo were quite excited to do the assignment. Diego was quite blase about it. He said that he would just treat his Papa to the Fantastic Four movie, and indeed, that's just what they did last Sunday. A little male-bonding time.
Sarah came up with this:
At the back of which is her interpretation of the best day ever.
Kahlo needed help writing down her top 10 but all the sentiments are hers.
I then summarized their list to come up with the top 10 for our mini-album.
Mini cards inside the envelope:
Front:
Back:
The Process:
I finally got to use the mini-album which I bought at the September 2006 Scrapfest, and also my paper scraps. I decided that this was also the best time to use the stickers that Manang sent me last year. This is my first mini-album - I only ever did LOs and that altered photo box. I enjoyed it so much I think I might be doing more such albums in the future.
I did the layouts Saturday afternoon while my KiDS did the journaling and the doodling. They also made mini-cards to be put inside the envelope at the back of the album. They had fun sneaking in and out of the bedroom, making sure that Papa doesn't see us at work. It was a big secret. It is truly a collaborative work of love for THE man. And of course, on THE day, it was much appreciated. He says he will always keep it with him and whenever anyone asks him about his family, he will simply show it off. Syempre, proud mama naman ako.
Materials Used:
Simple Scrapbooks mini-album, my scraps of Making Memories PPS, EK Success stickers, MAMBI rub-ons, Technique Tuesday and CE stamps, Colorbox ink.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Lakbayan - Travel Philippines
I had some time to myself today and spent it visiting my favorite blogs. I found this at Leirs'. I love to travel and my dream is to be able to visit every corner of the Philippines so I took the test. I think the Philippines is as interesting (or even more so) to visit as other Asian countries or even Europe and America.
I am lucky that I have a DH who loves to travel as much as I do, that I have friends scattered all around the country who I know will welcome me with open arms should I ever find myself in their neck of the woods, and that I had a job that allowed me to visit places that are outside the usual tourist destinations.
So here is my map from Lakbayan. There's a lot of ground I still have to cover. I am hoping that I can visit Sulu soon. My Muslim friends tell me it is paradise, if not for the peace and order situation.
I think the map is a brilliant idea, except that the survey questions can be a bit confusing. What exactly did he mean by "just passing through" and "remainder"? Because, really, to reach some of the destinations, you have to pass through someplace. To get from point A to C, I will have to drive by point B. Does that count already as having traveled point B? And if it was not listed as a specific destination in the survey, he has "remainder." Remainder is very ambiguous. Especially if you do not have a map in your head. How will I know for sure if the "remainder" he is talking about is not point B, as I am on my way from point A to C? But anyway, for what it's worth, it's a fun survey to take.
I am lucky that I have a DH who loves to travel as much as I do, that I have friends scattered all around the country who I know will welcome me with open arms should I ever find myself in their neck of the woods, and that I had a job that allowed me to visit places that are outside the usual tourist destinations.
So here is my map from Lakbayan. There's a lot of ground I still have to cover. I am hoping that I can visit Sulu soon. My Muslim friends tell me it is paradise, if not for the peace and order situation.
My Lakbayan grade is B-!
How much of the Philippines have you visited? Find out atLakbayan!
Created by Eugene Villar.I think the map is a brilliant idea, except that the survey questions can be a bit confusing. What exactly did he mean by "just passing through" and "remainder"? Because, really, to reach some of the destinations, you have to pass through someplace. To get from point A to C, I will have to drive by point B. Does that count already as having traveled point B? And if it was not listed as a specific destination in the survey, he has "remainder." Remainder is very ambiguous. Especially if you do not have a map in your head. How will I know for sure if the "remainder" he is talking about is not point B, as I am on my way from point A to C? But anyway, for what it's worth, it's a fun survey to take.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Gone Shopping!
Due to certain difficulties, I will not be blogging for awhile. And, oh, re my title? I wish!
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Slowing Down
So! My glee over my good start has been cut short by reality. The reality that I caught the bug last weekend and my head felt like cotton for days. (Or at least, what I imagine cotton would feel like if it could.) The reality that the KiDS started school today. The reality that their yaya is not coming back. Ever! Mommy! Me - shrieking ala Paris.
Goodbye lazy mornings. Goodbye scrapping bliss. Hello waking up grumpy. Hello waking up even grumpier KiDS. Hello trying to convince three brats to eat their breakfast, drink their milk, take their vitamins and put on their uniforms, without anyone breaking into tears. (It takes all my energy not to break down and cry, I tell you.) Hey there, bringing the KiDS to school in the boondocks where there is no internet. Hey again, waiting at my in-laws' for the KiDS to come home, and again, trying to make them understand that food is good. You're back, homeworks that boggle the mind. Good evening whoever said "early to bed, early to rise..." Hello sweet pillow and soft bed for my tired bones. Go to hell alarm clock.
Where has the summer gone? Yayaaaa!!!!
Goodbye lazy mornings. Goodbye scrapping bliss. Hello waking up grumpy. Hello waking up even grumpier KiDS. Hello trying to convince three brats to eat their breakfast, drink their milk, take their vitamins and put on their uniforms, without anyone breaking into tears. (It takes all my energy not to break down and cry, I tell you.) Hey there, bringing the KiDS to school in the boondocks where there is no internet. Hey again, waiting at my in-laws' for the KiDS to come home, and again, trying to make them understand that food is good. You're back, homeworks that boggle the mind. Good evening whoever said "early to bed, early to rise..." Hello sweet pillow and soft bed for my tired bones. Go to hell alarm clock.
Where has the summer gone? Yayaaaa!!!!
Monday, June 04, 2007
A Good Start
June has just started and I have already finished two layouts. I do not count the hours I put into creating layouts because I do not scrap without interruptions. But one a day is not bad...I sure hope I keep it up.
Almost Forty is my entry to the PS Kayang Kaya June Challenge. I made it on June 2 - the eve of my 4oth birthday. Details are in the blog. But I'll tell you a secret, I should've used a bigger photo but I was too cheap to print out another black and white photo. I've had the 4x6 photo since early this year. I planned to mat it in wide white CS and PPS to give it an illusion of being the right size for a 12x12 layout, but I forgot to do it. Haha. Talk about memory gap. Must be the only downside to turning forty.
And here is an LO that I started and finished today. I followed the Basic Grey May sketch. I took this photo of Sarah when she was four, on a family trip to Palawan. Her Papa carried her as close as possible to the butterfly. She was so fascinated by it. In fact, the Butterfly Garden was a big hit to the KiDS.
Journaling Reads:
(Palawan, 5/21/04) May you always see the beauty around you...May you never lose your sense of joy and WONDER
Materials Used:
DCWV CS, Basic Grey PPS, Bazzill and Prima Flowers, Secenic Route alphabet chipboards, EK Success Phrase Cafe, MM acrylic paint, UTEE, Craft Express clear stamps, Uni-ball Signo pen, Colorbox Chalk inks.
The Process:
I scrap simple. Much as I want to try the wonderful styles of other scrappers, I just can't. When I start doing that, I lose the joy in creating. So I just go where the flow takes me. I have also stopped wishing I had this or I had that, and just used what I have on hand. Also, I really enjoyed making this because I am finally using supplies that I've had for more than a year. I feel I am making some headway and that just feels great.
Almost Forty is my entry to the PS Kayang Kaya June Challenge. I made it on June 2 - the eve of my 4oth birthday. Details are in the blog. But I'll tell you a secret, I should've used a bigger photo but I was too cheap to print out another black and white photo. I've had the 4x6 photo since early this year. I planned to mat it in wide white CS and PPS to give it an illusion of being the right size for a 12x12 layout, but I forgot to do it. Haha. Talk about memory gap. Must be the only downside to turning forty.
And here is an LO that I started and finished today. I followed the Basic Grey May sketch. I took this photo of Sarah when she was four, on a family trip to Palawan. Her Papa carried her as close as possible to the butterfly. She was so fascinated by it. In fact, the Butterfly Garden was a big hit to the KiDS.
Journaling Reads:(Palawan, 5/21/04) May you always see the beauty around you...May you never lose your sense of joy and WONDER
Materials Used:
DCWV CS, Basic Grey PPS, Bazzill and Prima Flowers, Secenic Route alphabet chipboards, EK Success Phrase Cafe, MM acrylic paint, UTEE, Craft Express clear stamps, Uni-ball Signo pen, Colorbox Chalk inks.
The Process:
I scrap simple. Much as I want to try the wonderful styles of other scrappers, I just can't. When I start doing that, I lose the joy in creating. So I just go where the flow takes me. I have also stopped wishing I had this or I had that, and just used what I have on hand. Also, I really enjoyed making this because I am finally using supplies that I've had for more than a year. I feel I am making some headway and that just feels great.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
40th Birthday
Well, this video by a family favorite just about sums it up. Please click here.
Woke up to the lively chorus of The Birthday Song from DH and the KiDS. Lots of hugs, kisses and cuddles before I could even make it out of the bed. Headed off for lunch at Casa Gracia (my MIL's house). We had a belly-filling lunch of sugpo, liempo, pusit, buko salad and mango cream pie. Around 4 pm we headed off to explore the latest Ayala Mall - TriNoma. DH and I had a guessing game as to what trinoma meant. Three what? Turns out TriNoma stands for Triangle North of Manila. I wonder how long it took the staff at ALI to coin that word?
Trinoma is huge and confusing. We had to stop and ask several security guards where we can park. All the parking lots were full. We just walked around, (I can't believe the number of people there) until we spotted our favorite stores, conveniently located right next to each other - Toys 'R' Us and Powerbooks. We spent some time at both stores. And then since it's my birthday, I got to choose which restaurant to eat in. But bearing in mind the KiDS' happiness, (I think it will always be like this when you're a parent), I chose Jollibee and was met with "yeahs" and "Happy Birthday, Mommys." (The KiDS only call me "mommy" when they're feeling especially affectionate.) Besides, DH and I already had dinner buffet at Alba's Spanish Restaurant. They always send us complementary dinner certificates on our respective birthdays. So you can say we eat at Alba's every six months. Haha.
Like Spongebob says, this is the best day ever!
PS - thanks to all those who sent me warm birthday greetings on this day. Mwah!
Woke up to the lively chorus of The Birthday Song from DH and the KiDS. Lots of hugs, kisses and cuddles before I could even make it out of the bed. Headed off for lunch at Casa Gracia (my MIL's house). We had a belly-filling lunch of sugpo, liempo, pusit, buko salad and mango cream pie. Around 4 pm we headed off to explore the latest Ayala Mall - TriNoma. DH and I had a guessing game as to what trinoma meant. Three what? Turns out TriNoma stands for Triangle North of Manila. I wonder how long it took the staff at ALI to coin that word?
Trinoma is huge and confusing. We had to stop and ask several security guards where we can park. All the parking lots were full. We just walked around, (I can't believe the number of people there) until we spotted our favorite stores, conveniently located right next to each other - Toys 'R' Us and Powerbooks. We spent some time at both stores. And then since it's my birthday, I got to choose which restaurant to eat in. But bearing in mind the KiDS' happiness, (I think it will always be like this when you're a parent), I chose Jollibee and was met with "yeahs" and "Happy Birthday, Mommys." (The KiDS only call me "mommy" when they're feeling especially affectionate.) Besides, DH and I already had dinner buffet at Alba's Spanish Restaurant. They always send us complementary dinner certificates on our respective birthdays. So you can say we eat at Alba's every six months. Haha.
Like Spongebob says, this is the best day ever!
PS - thanks to all those who sent me warm birthday greetings on this day. Mwah!
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Mad Mad May
Yes, it has been merry, but it has been a very busy month as well. I am looking forward to June. I'm sure many more challenges await me (and I don't just mean scrap layouts). Different ones to be sure, the KiDS being back in school, their yaya not coming back, me finally agreeing to help out DH with the business, pursuing my doctorate, taking care of the KiDS and tutoring them in between... I am sure it will be another exciting roller-coaster journey. But until then, I have a few days just to catch up on my reading.
It's been a long time since I've done a book review entry for the blog, quite a number coming up soon. Promise.
It's been a long time since I've done a book review entry for the blog, quite a number coming up soon. Promise.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Sucked Dry
The Scrapfest, however fun and enjoyable and challenging it was, seems to have sucked my creative juices dry. What limited scrapping powers I have were drained by that one hectic Saturday. I haven't touched my scrapbook stuff for more than a week, not even to return the materials I brought to the Scrapfest to their proper storage. My Archivers bag is still unpacked.
Trying to jumpstart my creativity, I browsed through my files for photos that would call to me to scrap them. So far, I am deaf and blind to the possibilities. But I did find this:
When I first saw him in his tight-fitting shirt and pants, I knew I would vote him as a senator of my republic. LOL. Of course, those of you who know me know that I say that facetiously, right? Sayang, the photo is not so clear. Nag-selos yata si DH.
Trying to jumpstart my creativity, I browsed through my files for photos that would call to me to scrap them. So far, I am deaf and blind to the possibilities. But I did find this:
When I first saw him in his tight-fitting shirt and pants, I knew I would vote him as a senator of my republic. LOL. Of course, those of you who know me know that I say that facetiously, right? Sayang, the photo is not so clear. Nag-selos yata si DH.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Scrapfest Altered Photo Box
When I was preparing my photos for the Scrapfest, I also prepared for the altered photo box challenge. I thought we would be using a box with a lid that opens up like your regular baul. Something similar to the 4x6 index card boxes sold at the office supplies stores. With that in mind, I created, in photoshop, a 4x6 label that I could put on the lid. Since the theme was "All About Me", I added my photo, and what the box might contain. Taking inspiration from Pandora, I knew my box would hold my dreams, my thoughts, my heartaches, my joys, my sacrifices, but always, deep within, my hopes.
Credits: Digital kit (Inspiration) by Vicki Stegall
Inspired by the Victorian scrapbooks that DH lent me and the Nostalgiques stickers that I have seen at Simply Scrappy, I vaguely decided that I would make something vintage or ephemera. Vaguely, because much depended on what was being sold during the Scrapfest as we were required to show receipts and use the materials we purchased from at least two sellers that day.
Materials Used:
Project Imagination Shakespeare PPS - just perfect for what I had in mind; the aforementioned Nostalgiques by Rebecca Sower stickers (vintage keys and locks and stamps); All About Scrapbooking chipboards; Li'l Davis Acrylic paint; ribbon from the Scrapfest kit.
The Process:
Concentrated on ignoring everyone around me, and kept repeating to myself and to everyone else who would care to listen that I really want that camera. (Wasn't it Joanne who said you have to be in it to win?) I am glad people thought nothing of my crazy ramblings. Maybe because they took it as normal? Hahaha.
When I cut my papers, I made sure that I highlighted the words or patterns. I first worked on the back of the box.
Then used a different patterned paper on one side (added the chipboards last)
Covered the other side with patterned paper, wrapping it to the front.
Mitch helped me by painting the top of the lid (thanks Mitch). I added the chipboards from All About Scrapbooking. Attached letter L with a black velvet ribbon from Imee (who insists until now that the box won because of that ribbon - thanks Imee).
On the upper half of the box, I used a third patterned paper, tore the sides, and added ribbon. I was going for broke, so I still added the label that I had printed at home, just cut off my picture so it would fit in the window.
I added the chipboards and then sanded the front, sides and back of the box. I wanted to cover it with Modge Podge but was afraid it might not dry, so will do that sometime this week.
So that, friends, is how you make an altered photo box in an hour. (Not detailed - the stress of working on a limited time, looking for things that were right in front me all the time, and of trying to control my urges to pee.)
This is the first time I won at any scrapbooking challenge and it is doubly special for me because this month also marks my first anniversary scrapping. It is a validation that I am learning and improving (I hope). In the first scrapfest I attended (September 2006) I was too afraid to join the challenges and too shy to mingle around. I have come a long way since then, thanks to all of you.
*****
My DH and the KiDS were not home when I arrived. I placed the camera and the photo box inside a paper bag and placed it on top of the piano. I wasn't sure yet how I would present it to him, but I couldn't wait to see his reaction. After all, I finally won something non-trivia related. (Smile). When they finally arrived, I opened the door for him and without saying a word, I went out to the garage to get the KiDS. He went in and then he came out again, and with a grin on his face, slowly said, "You must be very happy." I ask nonchalantly, "Why do you say that?" "Because you have a camera" then he leaned over and kissed me. I had forgotten that I had shown him the major prize on the internet the day before. So no matter how I planned, the secret would've been out once I pulled out the camera box. But when he asked for the winning LO, he looked confused when I handed him the altered photo box. He just didn't get it...
Credits: Digital kit (Inspiration) by Vicki StegallInspired by the Victorian scrapbooks that DH lent me and the Nostalgiques stickers that I have seen at Simply Scrappy, I vaguely decided that I would make something vintage or ephemera. Vaguely, because much depended on what was being sold during the Scrapfest as we were required to show receipts and use the materials we purchased from at least two sellers that day.
Materials Used:
Project Imagination Shakespeare PPS - just perfect for what I had in mind; the aforementioned Nostalgiques by Rebecca Sower stickers (vintage keys and locks and stamps); All About Scrapbooking chipboards; Li'l Davis Acrylic paint; ribbon from the Scrapfest kit.
The Process:
Concentrated on ignoring everyone around me, and kept repeating to myself and to everyone else who would care to listen that I really want that camera. (Wasn't it Joanne who said you have to be in it to win?) I am glad people thought nothing of my crazy ramblings. Maybe because they took it as normal? Hahaha.
When I cut my papers, I made sure that I highlighted the words or patterns. I first worked on the back of the box.
Then used a different patterned paper on one side (added the chipboards last)
Covered the other side with patterned paper, wrapping it to the front.
Mitch helped me by painting the top of the lid (thanks Mitch). I added the chipboards from All About Scrapbooking. Attached letter L with a black velvet ribbon from Imee (who insists until now that the box won because of that ribbon - thanks Imee).
On the upper half of the box, I used a third patterned paper, tore the sides, and added ribbon. I was going for broke, so I still added the label that I had printed at home, just cut off my picture so it would fit in the window.
I added the chipboards and then sanded the front, sides and back of the box. I wanted to cover it with Modge Podge but was afraid it might not dry, so will do that sometime this week.So that, friends, is how you make an altered photo box in an hour. (Not detailed - the stress of working on a limited time, looking for things that were right in front me all the time, and of trying to control my urges to pee.)
This is the first time I won at any scrapbooking challenge and it is doubly special for me because this month also marks my first anniversary scrapping. It is a validation that I am learning and improving (I hope). In the first scrapfest I attended (September 2006) I was too afraid to join the challenges and too shy to mingle around. I have come a long way since then, thanks to all of you.
*****
My DH and the KiDS were not home when I arrived. I placed the camera and the photo box inside a paper bag and placed it on top of the piano. I wasn't sure yet how I would present it to him, but I couldn't wait to see his reaction. After all, I finally won something non-trivia related. (Smile). When they finally arrived, I opened the door for him and without saying a word, I went out to the garage to get the KiDS. He went in and then he came out again, and with a grin on his face, slowly said, "You must be very happy." I ask nonchalantly, "Why do you say that?" "Because you have a camera" then he leaned over and kissed me. I had forgotten that I had shown him the major prize on the internet the day before. So no matter how I planned, the secret would've been out once I pulled out the camera box. But when he asked for the winning LO, he looked confused when I handed him the altered photo box. He just didn't get it...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
We Missed the Dots
So they're baa-ck.
Those of you have been asking me to post my altered box, a little more patience please. Just been busy catching up with stuff here at home and with the KiDS. Wouldn't you know it? Summer vacation is almost over.
Those of you have been asking me to post my altered box, a little more patience please. Just been busy catching up with stuff here at home and with the KiDS. Wouldn't you know it? Summer vacation is almost over.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Artist
My husband comes from a family of artists. His father is a noted sculptor/painter and his mom was curator of a gallery. She now also paints and at the age of 65, had her own solo exhibit recently. DH's three younger brothers are also into the arts. B is another multi-awarded sculptor, J is a portraitist, and K is a graphic arts designer.
Growing up, my DH was always surrounded by wonderful works of art as well as the artists who made them. He grew up calling national artists like Napoleon Abueva and Alejandro Roces titos. Since he was young he has been encouraged to draw, paint and sculpt. However, part of him resisted the seemingly inevitable expectation that he would also be an artist himself. So in college, he took up architecture and when he graduated, he set up a successful architectural firm with his classmates and friends. But the call of the arts is too strong to resist. And soon enough, he was back in the studio, painting, creating, sculpting and building monuments. To see a few of his works, see Cabbie's blog or click here.
Journaling Reads:
The sculptor represents the transition from one pose to another...he indicates how insensiby the first glides into the second. In his work we still see a part of what was and we discover a part of what is to be. - Auguste Rodin
There is no denying it. No more running away from it. It is in your blood. More than that, it's in your soul. You put your heart into it. It is who you are meant to be. You were born to be a true ARTIST.
Materials Used:
DCWV brown CS, DCWV Retro PPS, Canson tracing paper, Staedler triplus black, Sizzix Shadowbox aplhas, UTEE, faux metal book plates.
The Process:
This is my entry to Valerie Salmon's Sketch and Scrap challenge at MSW. When I saw the two photo sketch, I knew it was perfect for the two photos I had of DH sculpting. I chose the retro paper to establish that the young picture was taken in the 70s. I wanted a paper or color to show the new millenium too but couldn't quite figure out which. It was my DH's suggestion to use Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man for the half circles above and below the photos. I downloaded a copy of the image from the internet and printed it on white CS. I had to adjust the lower half a bit because Da Vinci's sketch is anatomically correct, and the male parts looked striking hanging just below my DH's photo. Now I know that this is an artwork and was not intended to be rated PG but you never know how some people would react. Case in point, my DH was commissioned to make more-than-life-size sculptures of horses. Being a true artist, he rendered horses that were anatomically realistic. The head of the committee, a very prim and proper old lady daintily requested him to remove the offending male parts. So if you see the castrated horse sculptures in Clark Airbase in Angeles City, that really was not my DH's doing.
But I digress. To complete the LO, I added bookplates indicating when and where the photos were taken. DH selected a quote from Rodin that he felt fit the photos. I actually finished the LO last Friday but left the title for last. I took the opportunity during Saturday's Scrapfest to use the Sizzix machine to cut the title. When I showed it to my DH he wanted it to be more 3D since as he said sculpture is a three-dimensional art. I didn't have enough supplies to do what he wanted so I heat embossed the letters with clear UTEE. I didn't paint the cardstock with acrylic paint so I guess the UTEE seeped through to the back of the CS, causing the brownish tinge in the letters. I didn't have time to make new ones though because I was running on a deadline. As always, DH says there's something missing in the finished LO but couldn't quite put a finger on it. That is what's frustrating about asking for his opinions. He would never really articulate them to you. Maybe because he is afraid to hurt my feelings, or maybe because the last time he did, I told him, but that's not the way scrapbookers do it. Hahaha. Occupational hazards of being married to an artist.
Thank you for viewing. If you want to see the finished sculpture at right, please click here.
I just learned that the deadline for the challenge has been moved to June 3. So maybe you can help me figure out what is "missing." Nina has already given me very good suggestions. I would appreciate your comments, too. But if I would actually be moved to change it, is another matter entirely. LOL. Sorry, but when I finish an LO, I do a lot of mental "what ifs" or "could haves", but so far, I have never gone back. But this may be different, if MSW would still allow me to post a new and improved version.
Growing up, my DH was always surrounded by wonderful works of art as well as the artists who made them. He grew up calling national artists like Napoleon Abueva and Alejandro Roces titos. Since he was young he has been encouraged to draw, paint and sculpt. However, part of him resisted the seemingly inevitable expectation that he would also be an artist himself. So in college, he took up architecture and when he graduated, he set up a successful architectural firm with his classmates and friends. But the call of the arts is too strong to resist. And soon enough, he was back in the studio, painting, creating, sculpting and building monuments. To see a few of his works, see Cabbie's blog or click here.
Journaling Reads:
The sculptor represents the transition from one pose to another...he indicates how insensiby the first glides into the second. In his work we still see a part of what was and we discover a part of what is to be. - Auguste Rodin
There is no denying it. No more running away from it. It is in your blood. More than that, it's in your soul. You put your heart into it. It is who you are meant to be. You were born to be a true ARTIST.
Materials Used:
DCWV brown CS, DCWV Retro PPS, Canson tracing paper, Staedler triplus black, Sizzix Shadowbox aplhas, UTEE, faux metal book plates.
The Process:
This is my entry to Valerie Salmon's Sketch and Scrap challenge at MSW. When I saw the two photo sketch, I knew it was perfect for the two photos I had of DH sculpting. I chose the retro paper to establish that the young picture was taken in the 70s. I wanted a paper or color to show the new millenium too but couldn't quite figure out which. It was my DH's suggestion to use Da Vinci's Vitruvian Man for the half circles above and below the photos. I downloaded a copy of the image from the internet and printed it on white CS. I had to adjust the lower half a bit because Da Vinci's sketch is anatomically correct, and the male parts looked striking hanging just below my DH's photo. Now I know that this is an artwork and was not intended to be rated PG but you never know how some people would react. Case in point, my DH was commissioned to make more-than-life-size sculptures of horses. Being a true artist, he rendered horses that were anatomically realistic. The head of the committee, a very prim and proper old lady daintily requested him to remove the offending male parts. So if you see the castrated horse sculptures in Clark Airbase in Angeles City, that really was not my DH's doing.
But I digress. To complete the LO, I added bookplates indicating when and where the photos were taken. DH selected a quote from Rodin that he felt fit the photos. I actually finished the LO last Friday but left the title for last. I took the opportunity during Saturday's Scrapfest to use the Sizzix machine to cut the title. When I showed it to my DH he wanted it to be more 3D since as he said sculpture is a three-dimensional art. I didn't have enough supplies to do what he wanted so I heat embossed the letters with clear UTEE. I didn't paint the cardstock with acrylic paint so I guess the UTEE seeped through to the back of the CS, causing the brownish tinge in the letters. I didn't have time to make new ones though because I was running on a deadline. As always, DH says there's something missing in the finished LO but couldn't quite put a finger on it. That is what's frustrating about asking for his opinions. He would never really articulate them to you. Maybe because he is afraid to hurt my feelings, or maybe because the last time he did, I told him, but that's not the way scrapbookers do it. Hahaha. Occupational hazards of being married to an artist.
Thank you for viewing. If you want to see the finished sculpture at right, please click here.
I just learned that the deadline for the challenge has been moved to June 3. So maybe you can help me figure out what is "missing." Nina has already given me very good suggestions. I would appreciate your comments, too. But if I would actually be moved to change it, is another matter entirely. LOL. Sorry, but when I finish an LO, I do a lot of mental "what ifs" or "could haves", but so far, I have never gone back. But this may be different, if MSW would still allow me to post a new and improved version.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Going for the Prize
I will confess. I went to the Scrapfest with the intention of coming home with a prize. Be it from the raffle (I introduced three newbies to the craft, so more chances for me - yey) or any of the challenges. Of course, I dreamt of getting a major prize - the Canon PowerShot A430, so much so that last night, I looked up the camera's specs in the internet. Yes, I am not ashamed to admit, I really, really want that camera.
Nita, as usual picked me up and we met up with CH in Jollibee. We had a leisurely breakfast and then we drove to Makati Park and Garden. No, we didn't get lost this time because we all agreed to stop talking when we reached Megamall. I think we get so engrossed in our discussions that more often than not, we miss crucial turns going to our destination. We arrived just in time to grab a parking spot and to get good seats. Time enough to go around the different sellers, too. But I exercised as much control as my limited budget allowed me.
When Joanne announced the start of the event, we rushed to our seats. I exchanged seats with Mich so I was able to sit with my good friend from SSEAYP and her two adorable daughters. Liza and Joanne opened the event with raffle draws for the early birds, which Donna won (uh-oh, an inauspicious start) and the bring-a-friend raffle, which Hanna, who brought her mom won (there goes my three chances at the raffle).
Joanne showed and walked us through the different techniques used to make the layouts for the photo box. I listen intently, knowing that the techniques she discussed should be used in the 6x6 layout challenge. They announced the mechnics for the challenges right before lunch and they have hardly finished when I ran to the vendors' area to get what I needed.
The Challenges:
1) A 6x6 "She" layout
2) Altered photo box (must purchase at least P500 worth of items from two vendors, and use some of the items to decorate the box)
3) 12x12 layout using the Cherry Arte papers in the kit (or can be bought from the vendors)
My Plan of Action:
1) Concentrate on challenge numbers 2 and 3 to win either one of the two Canon cameras (or maybe both, hehehe).
2) Skip lunch (or at least delay it until I was satisfied I had what I needed).
3) I had decided on a vintage/ephemera look for the altered box last night. I knew Simply Scrappy had vintage stickers so I rushed to their store. While there, I spotted the Shakespeare line of papers from Project Imagination. For P29 each, they were perfect so I grabbed three of those. Added a bottle of Modge Podge in my bag, too.
4) Nita showed me her good finds - ephemera chipboards from All About Scrapbooking for P70 each. Again, they looked just right for the project I had in mind, so into my shopping bag they went.
5) Back to my table to concentrate on altering the box.
I find I work faster when I stop thinking about it, so I just cut here, there and everywhere. I didn't have any specific technique in mind. In fact, I described what I was doing to my seatmates as gift-wrapping. Except that I was making sure that the pretty words and designs of the paper were highlighted as I adhered them. I am very grateful to the scrapppers (Christine V., Sym, Marian King) who passed by my table and gave me words of encouragement. I can only hope that my responses made sense to them, so engrossed was I at what I was doing. When Joanne passed by me she even lent me a tube of glue, saying I shouldn't waste my Tombo. (Thanks, Joanne, btw, the glue is still with me.)
I also have to thank Mitch, who lent me her Li'l Davis paint (again it was the perfect color). She even painted the box lid for me. Also, by this time, I was running out of momentum and was just staring at a gap between papers on my box. Mitch suggested I put the ribbon from the kit on it. And what do you know, again, it was the perfect fit. I was looking at the remaining chipboards, wondering what else I could use when the letter L stared right back at me. Again, perfect and coincidentally, Imee, who was sitting behind me was showing off her black velvet ribbon. It was the perfect finishing touch to the box. I happily submitted my altered box to April but not before showing it off to Nita, Au and Tin. When I saw all the wonderful creations the other scrapbookers made, I was simply amazed. I saw my chances of winning slipping bit by bit as each entry was displayed.
I think my stars and planets were in perfect conjunction last Saturday though. With all that happened, all the unexpected support from friends, I think the universe was conspiring to make me win! And win I did. At first I didn't believe Nita and Au when they excitedly whispered, "Panalo ka. We saw Joanne holding your box." I didn't want to expect anything, not until I hear it straight from the horse's...I mean, a scrappinmom's mouth. When my name was called, all I could do was stand up and clap, too. I was ecstatic. I don't know if people could see me jumping up and down from behind my table. And I do apologise for not immediately going to the stage and making people wait. I was rooted to where I was standing, clapping my hands like mad and grinning from ear to ear. I can hear Nita, shouting "Woo-woo-woo." And Nina, exclaiming I should donate my prize because I already have a good camera. (Sorry, Nina, no can do.) Friendly faces giving me the thumbs up... Really, it was just too overwhelming.
If I sound so melodramatic to many of you, please forgive me. Winning a major prize at the Scrapfest is doubly meaningful for me because this month (May) also marks my first anniversary at scrapbooking. It took a year before I'd win anything, but I could not ask for a better anniversary gift.
Now let me make more entries to different challenges before the universe shifts again.
Nita, as usual picked me up and we met up with CH in Jollibee. We had a leisurely breakfast and then we drove to Makati Park and Garden. No, we didn't get lost this time because we all agreed to stop talking when we reached Megamall. I think we get so engrossed in our discussions that more often than not, we miss crucial turns going to our destination. We arrived just in time to grab a parking spot and to get good seats. Time enough to go around the different sellers, too. But I exercised as much control as my limited budget allowed me.
When Joanne announced the start of the event, we rushed to our seats. I exchanged seats with Mich so I was able to sit with my good friend from SSEAYP and her two adorable daughters. Liza and Joanne opened the event with raffle draws for the early birds, which Donna won (uh-oh, an inauspicious start) and the bring-a-friend raffle, which Hanna, who brought her mom won (there goes my three chances at the raffle).
Joanne showed and walked us through the different techniques used to make the layouts for the photo box. I listen intently, knowing that the techniques she discussed should be used in the 6x6 layout challenge. They announced the mechnics for the challenges right before lunch and they have hardly finished when I ran to the vendors' area to get what I needed.
The Challenges:
1) A 6x6 "She" layout
2) Altered photo box (must purchase at least P500 worth of items from two vendors, and use some of the items to decorate the box)
3) 12x12 layout using the Cherry Arte papers in the kit (or can be bought from the vendors)
My Plan of Action:
1) Concentrate on challenge numbers 2 and 3 to win either one of the two Canon cameras (or maybe both, hehehe).
2) Skip lunch (or at least delay it until I was satisfied I had what I needed).
3) I had decided on a vintage/ephemera look for the altered box last night. I knew Simply Scrappy had vintage stickers so I rushed to their store. While there, I spotted the Shakespeare line of papers from Project Imagination. For P29 each, they were perfect so I grabbed three of those. Added a bottle of Modge Podge in my bag, too.
4) Nita showed me her good finds - ephemera chipboards from All About Scrapbooking for P70 each. Again, they looked just right for the project I had in mind, so into my shopping bag they went.
5) Back to my table to concentrate on altering the box.
I find I work faster when I stop thinking about it, so I just cut here, there and everywhere. I didn't have any specific technique in mind. In fact, I described what I was doing to my seatmates as gift-wrapping. Except that I was making sure that the pretty words and designs of the paper were highlighted as I adhered them. I am very grateful to the scrapppers (Christine V., Sym, Marian King) who passed by my table and gave me words of encouragement. I can only hope that my responses made sense to them, so engrossed was I at what I was doing. When Joanne passed by me she even lent me a tube of glue, saying I shouldn't waste my Tombo. (Thanks, Joanne, btw, the glue is still with me.)
I also have to thank Mitch, who lent me her Li'l Davis paint (again it was the perfect color). She even painted the box lid for me. Also, by this time, I was running out of momentum and was just staring at a gap between papers on my box. Mitch suggested I put the ribbon from the kit on it. And what do you know, again, it was the perfect fit. I was looking at the remaining chipboards, wondering what else I could use when the letter L stared right back at me. Again, perfect and coincidentally, Imee, who was sitting behind me was showing off her black velvet ribbon. It was the perfect finishing touch to the box. I happily submitted my altered box to April but not before showing it off to Nita, Au and Tin. When I saw all the wonderful creations the other scrapbookers made, I was simply amazed. I saw my chances of winning slipping bit by bit as each entry was displayed.
I think my stars and planets were in perfect conjunction last Saturday though. With all that happened, all the unexpected support from friends, I think the universe was conspiring to make me win! And win I did. At first I didn't believe Nita and Au when they excitedly whispered, "Panalo ka. We saw Joanne holding your box." I didn't want to expect anything, not until I hear it straight from the horse's...I mean, a scrappinmom's mouth. When my name was called, all I could do was stand up and clap, too. I was ecstatic. I don't know if people could see me jumping up and down from behind my table. And I do apologise for not immediately going to the stage and making people wait. I was rooted to where I was standing, clapping my hands like mad and grinning from ear to ear. I can hear Nita, shouting "Woo-woo-woo." And Nina, exclaiming I should donate my prize because I already have a good camera. (Sorry, Nina, no can do.) Friendly faces giving me the thumbs up... Really, it was just too overwhelming.
If I sound so melodramatic to many of you, please forgive me. Winning a major prize at the Scrapfest is doubly meaningful for me because this month (May) also marks my first anniversary at scrapbooking. It took a year before I'd win anything, but I could not ask for a better anniversary gift.
Now let me make more entries to different challenges before the universe shifts again.
Friday, May 18, 2007
I Know Her Heart
This is one of two Mother's Day layouts that I planned this month. The first one I had already given my mother-in-law (wasn't able to take a photo though). This one is a tribute to my mother whom I haven't seen for awhile as I haven't been to the province since March.
I am not sure when this photo of my mom was taken (I will have to ask Manang Marissa about that). But I remember this and a photo of my Dad when they were younger placed near the altar at home. I was always fascinated by the photos because for me, they didn't look like the parents I knew. I didn't know my parents when they were young and carefree. I knew them as the parents who worked hard and went through so many challenges just to make sure all of us, eight children, finished college. How they managed it at government employees' salaries I still cannot fathom. Such is the miracle of a parent's love and dedication.
Journaling Reads:
My mother was 40 years old when she had me - the 7th of 8 children. My earliest memories of her were of a woman with ample bosoms, wide hips, slightly graying hair, and an apple-cheeked face. Not this slender and beautiful woman in this photo. I never really met this young woman. I never really knew her. But then now and always, I know her heart.
Materials used:
Basic Grey Scarlet's Letter (Walks in Beauty, Rapture, Confession), BG Alphabet stickers, Prima Flowers, Making Memories eyelets, All My Memories hearts, Bobbin Ribbon "Memories", Deja Views Fresh Verse, assorted metal embellishments, black Sakura Aqualip, Glue Dots Vellum.
The Process:
I had actually mutilated one BG paper and found out too late that the cut pieces didn't fit my photo before I decided on simply combining two papers. I think I am better off when I stop trying to cut patterns. As this is also my entry to the Scrappinmoms' Flowers Bloom in May challenge, I used as many Prima flowers as I can. The hardest part was hammering the eyelets onto the flowers as I do not have a decent eyelet setter. After I added the vellum quote I stepped out of the room and when I came back, my DH has added the two metal hearts I had lying on the table on it. It was also his idea to put the lace and ribbons sideways to anchor the photo. (My DH doesn't like floating elements as he calls them on my LO.) So I guess you can say this is a husband and wife scrap page.
I am not sure when this photo of my mom was taken (I will have to ask Manang Marissa about that). But I remember this and a photo of my Dad when they were younger placed near the altar at home. I was always fascinated by the photos because for me, they didn't look like the parents I knew. I didn't know my parents when they were young and carefree. I knew them as the parents who worked hard and went through so many challenges just to make sure all of us, eight children, finished college. How they managed it at government employees' salaries I still cannot fathom. Such is the miracle of a parent's love and dedication.
Journaling Reads:
My mother was 40 years old when she had me - the 7th of 8 children. My earliest memories of her were of a woman with ample bosoms, wide hips, slightly graying hair, and an apple-cheeked face. Not this slender and beautiful woman in this photo. I never really met this young woman. I never really knew her. But then now and always, I know her heart.
Materials used:
Basic Grey Scarlet's Letter (Walks in Beauty, Rapture, Confession), BG Alphabet stickers, Prima Flowers, Making Memories eyelets, All My Memories hearts, Bobbin Ribbon "Memories", Deja Views Fresh Verse, assorted metal embellishments, black Sakura Aqualip, Glue Dots Vellum.
The Process:
I had actually mutilated one BG paper and found out too late that the cut pieces didn't fit my photo before I decided on simply combining two papers. I think I am better off when I stop trying to cut patterns. As this is also my entry to the Scrappinmoms' Flowers Bloom in May challenge, I used as many Prima flowers as I can. The hardest part was hammering the eyelets onto the flowers as I do not have a decent eyelet setter. After I added the vellum quote I stepped out of the room and when I came back, my DH has added the two metal hearts I had lying on the table on it. It was also his idea to put the lace and ribbons sideways to anchor the photo. (My DH doesn't like floating elements as he calls them on my LO.) So I guess you can say this is a husband and wife scrap page.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
A New Look
I finally got tired of seeing dots before my eyes while I updated my blog, so I decided to get a new template, a new header, new colors and a new title.
Those of your who have been reading this blog since I started it less than a year ago, know that my DH calls me the armchair scrapper. (In college, we used to call people armchair something. We had a friend whom we called armchair Marxist, before he proved us all wrong when he went to tra-la-la-land. In other words, namundok po siya.) But anyway, my DH calls me armchair scrapper because he thinks I read more scrapbooking books and magazines that I actually scrap. He is always after me to produce more scrap layouts. To actually apply what I have read in those books and magazines I borrow from good friends. He feels he was vindicated when I won first place in the Scrapmeet's scrap trivia contest. I am working and scrapping really hard to prove him wrong.
Well, as a tribute to my DH, who is nonetheless very supportive of me and my scrapbooking foibles, I am changing the name of this blog from Live. Love. Laugh. Scrap. to The Armchair Scrapper. But I will continue to live by my early title. For really, what else is there to do?
Credits: Au for inspiring me with her awesome headers in her personal as well as the PS blog; photo - mine; alphas - vicky_grads; DH - color consultant; pastel painting in my profile - portrait artist Gig de Pio; Adobe Photoshop CS - having way too much fun with it.
Those of your who have been reading this blog since I started it less than a year ago, know that my DH calls me the armchair scrapper. (In college, we used to call people armchair something. We had a friend whom we called armchair Marxist, before he proved us all wrong when he went to tra-la-la-land. In other words, namundok po siya.) But anyway, my DH calls me armchair scrapper because he thinks I read more scrapbooking books and magazines that I actually scrap. He is always after me to produce more scrap layouts. To actually apply what I have read in those books and magazines I borrow from good friends. He feels he was vindicated when I won first place in the Scrapmeet's scrap trivia contest. I am working and scrapping really hard to prove him wrong.
Well, as a tribute to my DH, who is nonetheless very supportive of me and my scrapbooking foibles, I am changing the name of this blog from Live. Love. Laugh. Scrap. to The Armchair Scrapper. But I will continue to live by my early title. For really, what else is there to do?
Credits: Au for inspiring me with her awesome headers in her personal as well as the PS blog; photo - mine; alphas - vicky_grads; DH - color consultant; pastel painting in my profile - portrait artist Gig de Pio; Adobe Photoshop CS - having way too much fun with it.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
A Digital Layout
I don't do digital, not really. My attempts at digital scrapbooking are limited to the annual Christmas cards that I e-mail to friends on Christmas day. Our Christmas family photos are taken on the evening of the 24th, before we leave for dinner with our in-laws. So come X'mas morning, I am in front of my computer rushing to send off holiday greetings to family and friends.
Recently, there seemed to be a spate of digital LOs in the PS e-group and challenge blog. That was kind of surprising and well, gratifying. You see, we had a discussion whether we would allow digital entries in the blog. And we agreed that creativity is creativity, regardless of the medium - traditional or digital. I am happy that many seasoned traditional scrappers made their digital debut in the PS blog.
And so I was inspired to sit down for a an hour or so to scrap a digital layout myself. Actually, I got so bored waiting for Godot (aka my DH) that I took out my laptop and just started moving things around in Photoshop. That's the great thing about digi-scrapping. A computer, some downloaded kits, a software and you're all set.
I thought I'd scrap the group photo of the Pinoyscrapbookers taken at the May 6 EB. This is such a great group and I want to pay tribute to them. Hopefully, they will like my digital offering. :-)
Credits: Genevieve Sass Fresh Green Kit; Software: Adobe Photoshop CS; Font: Script Bold
Journaling is a quote from Kahlil Gibran which I think captures the spirit whenever the members meet. "Let there be laughter and the sharing of pleasures."
The Process:
The most difficult part for me was determining which font to use because I didn't really know what they looked like with the LO until I have actually typed them in. Like real scrapbook stuff, I also have to organize my digital thingies so I wouldn't have to open too many folders and so it would be easy to look for suitable elements. My sister Marissa has a very good system that works for her. Maybe someday soon I will be able to organnize my stuff the way she does.
Recently, there seemed to be a spate of digital LOs in the PS e-group and challenge blog. That was kind of surprising and well, gratifying. You see, we had a discussion whether we would allow digital entries in the blog. And we agreed that creativity is creativity, regardless of the medium - traditional or digital. I am happy that many seasoned traditional scrappers made their digital debut in the PS blog.
And so I was inspired to sit down for a an hour or so to scrap a digital layout myself. Actually, I got so bored waiting for Godot (aka my DH) that I took out my laptop and just started moving things around in Photoshop. That's the great thing about digi-scrapping. A computer, some downloaded kits, a software and you're all set.
I thought I'd scrap the group photo of the Pinoyscrapbookers taken at the May 6 EB. This is such a great group and I want to pay tribute to them. Hopefully, they will like my digital offering. :-)
Credits: Genevieve Sass Fresh Green Kit; Software: Adobe Photoshop CS; Font: Script Bold
Journaling is a quote from Kahlil Gibran which I think captures the spirit whenever the members meet. "Let there be laughter and the sharing of pleasures."
The Process:
The most difficult part for me was determining which font to use because I didn't really know what they looked like with the LO until I have actually typed them in. Like real scrapbook stuff, I also have to organize my digital thingies so I wouldn't have to open too many folders and so it would be easy to look for suitable elements. My sister Marissa has a very good system that works for her. Maybe someday soon I will be able to organnize my stuff the way she does.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Kaya 1 Entry
I started and finished my entry to the Pinoyscrapbookers challenge blog yesterday. It's an LO that I did together with the KiDS - choosing their favorites, cutting and pasting. If only for that, I will treasure this LO forever.
You can read about the details here.
The Process:
I had DH take a picture of my hand clasping the remote with the TV in the background. I thought up the title and the journaling. DH wants me to add Rule of Thumb, but am not sure where I can fit that in now. The KiDS helped me with positioning and adhering the TV shows. Lots of arguments as to whose favorite show should be on top.
Oh, but before that, several disasters with the printing of the text. First I cut the 12x12 cardstock into half so it would fit in my printer. I created text boxes in MS Word. Then I couldn't figure out which side to load into my printer. When I was finally ready, I hit the OK key. But I had several documents open and printed the wrong one! Isang matunog na s***t which had Diego covering his ears followed by lots of sorry's from me. I should have practiced on scratch paper. Good thing the mistake was covered by the TV shows. See, I knew these shows would save my life someday. Hahaha.
You can read about the details here.
The Process:
I had DH take a picture of my hand clasping the remote with the TV in the background. I thought up the title and the journaling. DH wants me to add Rule of Thumb, but am not sure where I can fit that in now. The KiDS helped me with positioning and adhering the TV shows. Lots of arguments as to whose favorite show should be on top.
Oh, but before that, several disasters with the printing of the text. First I cut the 12x12 cardstock into half so it would fit in my printer. I created text boxes in MS Word. Then I couldn't figure out which side to load into my printer. When I was finally ready, I hit the OK key. But I had several documents open and printed the wrong one! Isang matunog na s***t which had Diego covering his ears followed by lots of sorry's from me. I should have practiced on scratch paper. Good thing the mistake was covered by the TV shows. See, I knew these shows would save my life someday. Hahaha.
So Thoughtful of Him
My husband went to Divisoria last month and bought me these:
To put my buttons and other itsy-bitsy stuff in, he said.
Yesterday, he went to the hardware, and he happened to pass by Japan Home Store where he got me these:
So sweet, so thoughtful. And he's very much appreciated. But please, can somebody give him directions to Vivian's store? Thank you!
To put my buttons and other itsy-bitsy stuff in, he said.Yesterday, he went to the hardware, and he happened to pass by Japan Home Store where he got me these:
So sweet, so thoughtful. And he's very much appreciated. But please, can somebody give him directions to Vivian's store? Thank you!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Faith
Here's a BG layout that I finished last week. My goal is to make two BG LOs this month. So that's one down, another one to go.
I call my 9-year old - Diego the Worrier. He worries about everything. He would watch Discovery Channel and worry that he would catch some incurable disease. He insists he's afraid of heights but loves flying in airplanes. When we rode Jurassic Park the Ride at Universal Studios when he was 7, he wasn't concerned about the drops and the ferocious dinosaurs popping here and there. He was worried that my glasses were going to fly off. All through the ride, he kept saying, "Mama, your glasses, your glasses..." He worries about the littlest things, and what else can we do as good parents except reassure him and show him that everything is going to be alright. We tell him as long as we have each other and as long as we have faith, everything will be just fine.
Whenever we go to Church we make it a point to light votive candles and say our personal prayers. This photo was taken by my DH at Baclaran Church last September 2006.
Materials Used:
Basic Grey Scarlet Letter Papers (Night, Revelation, Recognition); BG Alphabet stickers; white Uniball Signo pen; photo of Mother of Perpetual Help from our Ninang Ting given at our wedding (it has a dedication at the back); crucifix from Lola Mama; Colorbox Chalk Ink; stamp; ribbon.
The Process:
I simply followed the BG Gallery April 2007 sketch. Didn't put much pressure on myself either. I could have distressed the crucifix (it's really shiny like freshly-minted gold) but it was from Diego's paternal grandmother so I decided to leave it alone. I could've done better with the journaling, too. I wasn't sure that it was the appropriate writeup, but I wanted to keep it real - about a little boy's worries at this young age. I'm thinking now maybe I should just have written something about prayers and going to church. The last line was a last-minute not really well-thought of addition. The whole thing should have ended at "gotta have" then sequed on to "Faith." Maybe I'll change the journaling, maybe not. We'll see... (So, can you say didn't put much pressure on self? LOL).
I call my 9-year old - Diego the Worrier. He worries about everything. He would watch Discovery Channel and worry that he would catch some incurable disease. He insists he's afraid of heights but loves flying in airplanes. When we rode Jurassic Park the Ride at Universal Studios when he was 7, he wasn't concerned about the drops and the ferocious dinosaurs popping here and there. He was worried that my glasses were going to fly off. All through the ride, he kept saying, "Mama, your glasses, your glasses..." He worries about the littlest things, and what else can we do as good parents except reassure him and show him that everything is going to be alright. We tell him as long as we have each other and as long as we have faith, everything will be just fine.
Whenever we go to Church we make it a point to light votive candles and say our personal prayers. This photo was taken by my DH at Baclaran Church last September 2006.
Materials Used:
Basic Grey Scarlet Letter Papers (Night, Revelation, Recognition); BG Alphabet stickers; white Uniball Signo pen; photo of Mother of Perpetual Help from our Ninang Ting given at our wedding (it has a dedication at the back); crucifix from Lola Mama; Colorbox Chalk Ink; stamp; ribbon.
The Process:
I simply followed the BG Gallery April 2007 sketch. Didn't put much pressure on myself either. I could have distressed the crucifix (it's really shiny like freshly-minted gold) but it was from Diego's paternal grandmother so I decided to leave it alone. I could've done better with the journaling, too. I wasn't sure that it was the appropriate writeup, but I wanted to keep it real - about a little boy's worries at this young age. I'm thinking now maybe I should just have written something about prayers and going to church. The last line was a last-minute not really well-thought of addition. The whole thing should have ended at "gotta have" then sequed on to "Faith." Maybe I'll change the journaling, maybe not. We'll see... (So, can you say didn't put much pressure on self? LOL).
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Too Much of a Good Thing
This afternoon, I spent some time talking with Donna, congratulating her for her winning streak (four challenges to date) and teasing her that she should already be relegated to the Hall of Fame (if such exists in Philippine scrapbooking) to give chance to others. She was very adamant in her refusal that she is already of HoF status. She says she is still learning and has a long way to go.
Then the talk turned serious, specially, in relation to the new PS challenge blog. Au raised the question, what if someone has been chosen favorite for three months running, what should we do? This is a matter that should be discussed extensively by the PS team if and when it happens. But personally, here's what I think.
We all join challenges or competitions to "win" - some may have an eye on the prize, for some the prize is the process, some think the finished LO is the reward, and still for others, peer recognition is more than enough. But let's all agree we invest our time, money, hearts and efforts in our LOs.
I do not believe that a scrapper should be banned from joining competitions or even challenges because she is a good scrapper. That defeats the purposes of issuing challenges - to find the best LO and of joining challenges - to better ourselves. To paraphrase that popular commercial, don't hate me because I make beautiful LOs.
If we discriminate against a scrapper for having won several times previously, we are in effect saying that making a winning LO is not a good thing. Instead of giving positive reinforcement we would be discouraging scrappers from doing the best they can everytime.
The competition should be about the layout, not the scrapper. The work should speak for itself. All things being equal, if an LO stands out from the rest, then it should be judged the best, regardless of who the scrapper is. Those whose LOs do not make it, should take it as a challenge to do better next time. For again, isn't that the purpose? Open competitions keep previous winners on their toes, and it encourages non-winners to continue forging on.
Art has a fickle muse. One day (or even several months) you may be producing the best works of your life, the next, someone else may be producing works better than yours.
So Donna, I take my HoF remark back. But if by some weird stroke of good luck I win second place in a competition and you place first, I would no doubt demand that you be considered a Hall of Famer already. Hey, move back and make room for me, okay?
Then the talk turned serious, specially, in relation to the new PS challenge blog. Au raised the question, what if someone has been chosen favorite for three months running, what should we do? This is a matter that should be discussed extensively by the PS team if and when it happens. But personally, here's what I think.
We all join challenges or competitions to "win" - some may have an eye on the prize, for some the prize is the process, some think the finished LO is the reward, and still for others, peer recognition is more than enough. But let's all agree we invest our time, money, hearts and efforts in our LOs.
I do not believe that a scrapper should be banned from joining competitions or even challenges because she is a good scrapper. That defeats the purposes of issuing challenges - to find the best LO and of joining challenges - to better ourselves. To paraphrase that popular commercial, don't hate me because I make beautiful LOs.
If we discriminate against a scrapper for having won several times previously, we are in effect saying that making a winning LO is not a good thing. Instead of giving positive reinforcement we would be discouraging scrappers from doing the best they can everytime.
The competition should be about the layout, not the scrapper. The work should speak for itself. All things being equal, if an LO stands out from the rest, then it should be judged the best, regardless of who the scrapper is. Those whose LOs do not make it, should take it as a challenge to do better next time. For again, isn't that the purpose? Open competitions keep previous winners on their toes, and it encourages non-winners to continue forging on.
Art has a fickle muse. One day (or even several months) you may be producing the best works of your life, the next, someone else may be producing works better than yours.
So Donna, I take my HoF remark back. But if by some weird stroke of good luck I win second place in a competition and you place first, I would no doubt demand that you be considered a Hall of Famer already. Hey, move back and make room for me, okay?
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