the reluctant scrapper

FANCY PANTS' IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS

2011-11-20T18:00:00.000-08:00

I was looking through some of my posts and thought I have shared this already. The layout was done using Fancy Pants' It's the Little Things Collection (you can see the other layout I made using this collection HERE). I made it a loooong time ago before my self-exile LOL!!!

"You don't find happiness, you make it, you choose it. It's the little things that brings you the most meaning to your life..."

Just some close-ups:

Life is good, indeed.

Live, laugh...

Thanks for looking.

janis

P.S. Was able to finally scrap yesterday... will tell you about that in another post. ;o)

BELLA BLVD FREE DIGITAL PRINTABLES

2011-11-18T19:00:00.000-08:00

Make sure you stop by Bella Blvd's blog HERE to grab your free digitable printables!!!

Just an idea of what you can do with the printables (you can make a 5x7 mini-album out of these!!!)

What are you waiting for? Head there now!!! :o)

janis

IT'S BEEN AWHILE

2011-11-14T06:30:00.000-08:00

Yup, it's me. It's been awhile since my last entry. How are you all? ;o)

Thank you for all the comments that you have left for me - - I have read them and I truly appreciate them. I am so sorry if I haven't responded to any of your mails (I haven't had the courage to sort through my inbox!!!), I have no excuse except I thought I had to keep to myself.

I am okay, I am holding up and I do miss being creative. A lot has happened since I buried myself in my rabbit hole, but this is one piece of realization that I am most excited and happy about: I will definitely go back to my crazy-scrapbooker self (slowly but surely!!!).

Now that I have the courage to write this entry, I suddenly felt scared: do I still know how to scrapbook? I don't know, I'll find out within the week as I want to do something with my Bella Blvd stuff. I haven't touched any of my papers since my last layout (featured in the post below); my camera got neglected; I haven't updated my facebook account; haven't accessed my yahoo account (my inbox has more than 4,000 unread emails!!!). In five months, my family has grown bigger (we got an additional mini-schnauzer and a German Shepherd - - we have 4 dogs now!!!), my kids have grown super fast (wait 'til you see them!!!), I myself have grown and aged a bit (haha!!!!).

Another question: what will I scrapbook? Let's see - - my dilemma before was that my topics/subjects were too personal for my own good (well, that's the reluctant me speaking) - - I thought I was sharing too much and I just couldn't blur or hide my captions/journaling as I felt that would compromise my art (and I couldn't reconcile that with me being on several DTs). I am still struggling with that right now, but I have come to terms that I need an outlet to get over my relapse. The experience to get out of the dark and face everyone is daunting and humbling...

I guess, I just have to focus on happier things... like breathing... like writing on this blog... like being back...

Hope you all have a happy day.

janis

APOLOGIES

2011-07-07T19:37:00.000-07:00

... I have gone rather a long time, even from my own blog. I can't offer any explanations except I am having a relapse. I can't relate to the bold and bright colors that I used to scrap with, everything is in black. I am suddenly dark.

This is the last layout that I have done last month. This is created with Scrap That!'s June Kit.
I'm sorry, I hope I can get back to you all in due time... for now, I can't say much. I am not really a practitioner, but I do believe in prayers. I ask you send them my way.

Thanks everyone.

janis

SCRAP THAT JUNE KIT REVEAL AND BLOG HOP

2011-06-03T10:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Scrap That!'s June Kit Reveal and Blog Hop!!! If you are already hopping along with us, you probably got to my blog from Ivana. If not and you want to join in the fun, visit the Scrap That! blog to start!

I haven't received my kit - - aptly called "Afternoon Tea" which features Websters' Pages Ladies and Gents Collection - - so I decided to play with some leftovers of my past Scrap That! kits.

It's been a while since I altered something so I made this for the blog hop:

It's an altered chocolate box which I now keep in my office cubicle - - well, to amuse myself LOL. I was saving these flowers for something altered, I knew I would use them on this box (got the box December last year LOL!!!).

Want to win a prize? Just leave a comment to this post and become a follower!!!! All qualifying entries will be entered into a draw for the GRAND PRIZE, a Scrap That! Paper Crafting Kit!

Once again, TO QUALIFY:

1) VISIT EVERY BLOG ON THE HOP, LEAVE A COMMENT AND
BECOME A FOLLOWER
2) GO TO SCRAP THAT! FACEBOOK PAGE AND BECOME A FRIEND
3) GO TO THE SCRAP THAT! SOCIAL COMMUNITY AND BECOME A
MEMBER

Now, off you go to Karen!!! Good luck!!!

janis

SCRAP THAT JUNE KIT SNEAK PEEK

2011-06-02T17:52:00.000-07:00

We will be having a monthly blog hop that will give you some awesome chances to win!!! Hope to see you here, June 34d at 10am MST!!!!

janis

A LAYOUT TUTORIAL OVER AT FANCY PANTS

2011-05-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Hope you can visit Fancy Pants blog HERE as my layout is featured. ;o) You can find a step-by-step tutorial on how I made the layout.

Just some close-ups to entice you to visit:

Hope you can drop by HERE and let me know what you think. ;o)

Thanks for looking.

janis

MORE BLAST OFF PROJECTS

2011-05-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have already made two layouts using Bo Bunny's Blast Off! Collection HERE and HERE. Here are two more projects using this yummy collection:

Is it a wall or a door hanging?
Well, I couldn't resist, I love that the scalloped chipboard is sturdy - - this will definitely go in dear sonny's future room. ;o)

This is super easy to make too - - just pile on all the yummy embellishments from this collection!!!

You are Invited Card

Just playing with my scraps!!! Did also my first gathered flower... hhhmmmm, it's kinda interesting right? Topped it with this metal embellishment that comes with the button pack!!!

Thanks for looking people!!!

janis

THINKING OF YOU

2011-05-21T23:00:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post today - - just want to share a quick and easy Nikki Sivils Card that I made using the We are Family Collection.

I love that Nikki Sivils are sooo cute and fun and easy to use!!!!

Hope you like this one!!! Will post some projects again tomorrow!!!

janis

BO BUNNY AD LIB CLASS OVER AT LASTING IMPRESSION

2011-05-19T02:26:00.000-07:00

Sooo happy to share that I'm going to hold my first ever scrapbooking class over at Lasting Impression!!!! It's gonna be a Bo Bunny class - - we will create 4 layouts using Ad Lib Collection!!!!

Date: June 11, 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 10am to 5pm
Place: Lasting Impression
Fee: Php1,200

Only 12 slots are available (sorry, only limited quantities were ordered, next time I'd ask Vivian to order more LOL!!!!). Please reserve your slot by sending me an email (joplin_woodstock@yahoo.com) or SMS (09209617812) with your name and mobile number.

So excited already - - I visited yesterday so we could sort the kit, I promise it's gonna be one colorful class!!! Have to prepare my prizes too, I'm going to raffling extra Bo Bunny yumminess!!!!

Sign up now!!!

janis

BLOGGER SNAFU / CRUSH

2011-05-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Last week, something went wrong with Blogger - - I wasn't able to log in or update my posts plus a lot of the comments in my previous post were deleted. Sigh. You still have time though to re-post your comments to be in the running for the prize package.

Today I'm sharing with you a layout that I have made using Bo Bunny's Crush Collection. It is based on the sketch that you can find HERE.

Dark humor at work as always - - nyahahaha. ;o) Kinda dark pictures too - - but I think the beauty of this collection still shined through. ;o)

Saved these charcoal knit petals for this special layout!!! I love that they're not too girly for a boy layout (well, the pic still includes me anyway LOL!!!).

Hope you like what I shared with you today. Thanks for looking.

janis

BO BUNNY MAY BLOG HOP

2011-05-11T06:00:00.000-07:00

Hello blog hoppers!!!! If you are already hopping along with us, you probably got to my blog from Mahlin, but if not and want to hop along, head on to Bo Bunny's blog to start!

I have done a mini-album specially for this blog hop but I will show three - - just to cover all types of projects - - and all of them feature the Olivia Collection.

I have a confession to make: when I first got hold of Olivia, I knew right away that I wanted to use it on something personal about me. It took time for me to use because I was waiting for the special photos and concept...

I think it was sometime in August last year when someone lent me an itty bitty book called "A Short Guide to a Happy Life" by Anna Quindlen. It's a really simple book, a fast read - - you can finish it in 5 minutes!!!! Funny how something small can hugely affect you and how you view your life!!!

For this blog hop, allow me to deviate a little, as I would want to share the words that made an impact on me...

You are the only person alive who has sole custody of the life of your mind and of your heart.
Show up. Listen. Try to laugh.
Keep still. Be present.Love the journey, not the destination. Today is the only guarantee you get.
Learn to look at all the good in the world and try to give some of it back.
Learn to be happy.
School never ends. The classroom is everywhere. The exam comes at the very end.
I used Bo Bunny's My Edgy Album in Clover - - this is sooooo easy to use!!! I didn't want to cover it with patterned paper anymore as it's beautiful as is already, I just distressed it and it's good to go!!!

The mini-album took me less than a day to finish. I wanted it to be like the book where it got it's inspiration - - simple, fast and straight to the heart. Ooohhh, just in case you're wondering why I'm in costume in the photos (blushing here), it's because I was one of the emcees during my company's Christmas party (I guess they needed a clown!!!! LOL!!!!). Special thanks to JayR Purisima, my idol and colleague, for the photos!!!

So there, hope you like the album. Just in case, you would want to see more possibilities with the Olivia Collection, allow me to share a layout and a card that I have done also with this line:

How to win a prize?

One blog hop participant that leaves a comment on each of the designers' blogs will be chosen at random to win a Bo Bunny prize package. To be eligible for the second prize leave a comment on the Bo Bunny blog after hopping through all the blogs and one will be chosen at random. The winners will be announced next Wednesday on the Bo Bunny blog. This is the first of 3 blog hops happening this month, so good luck!!!

Before you go on:

1) Let me invite you to follow me on my blog;

2) Leave a comment here (good luck bagging the super yummy prize!!!!!!);

3) Hop on to Irene!!!

Off you go!!! Thanks for hopping along with us!!!

janis

MY SCRAP THAT! MAY KIT CREATIONS

2011-05-11T05:00:00.000-07:00

My Scrap That! Kit arrived late so I am also late in showing my creations. The kit called "Romantic Spring" features Pink Paislee's Butterfly Garden Collection along with yummy embellies!!! So soft, so delicate - - definitely one of my most fave Scrap That! kit!!!!!

For my 1st layout, I played with symmetry - - almost. I think my MS doily edge puncher just gave up on me, I wasn't able to finish punching the other section. ;o(

Love, love, love this Dusty Attic chippy here!!!! No need to do much!!!

Angel cut-out sighting!!!!

For my 2nd layout, I cut out the doilies included in the Pink Paislee patterned paper. I kinda missed cutting out the male and female forms (I used Maya Road chippies as templates) so I included them here.

These are seriously delicate flowers, noh? ;o)

The cardstock cutouts were outlined with gold paint which I heatgunned to dry...

For my 3rd layout, I used the canvas piece and the mist included in the kit. The canvas piece is beautiful by itself already, I didn't want to ruin it so I just misted lightly. I also tried not to overwhelm it with patterned papers so I just used scraps.

Lookie, I was able to recycle my Prima packaging!!!

Angel cut-out sighting #2!!!

For my last layout, I still have a whole pack of white Primas and while I don't normally go "all the way" with flowers (coz' Primas ain't cheap, right? LOL!!!), I decided to just use them all up in just one layout!!!

This is one huge beautiful butterfly cutout...

I love that the Storytellers alpha stickers come in different sizes and colors...

I really love the kit - - quite fitting for Scrap That!'s one year anniversary!!!! To find out more about the kits, visit the Scrap That! Store. To subscribe, email customerservice@scrapthat.ca

Thanks for looking.

janis

TO THE MOON (PART 2)

2011-05-08T17:00:00.000-07:00

Here are 2 more layouts using Fancy Pants' To the Moon Collection!!!

I super love all the stars in this one!!! The background is a printed transparency that I cut out.

I think I almost used up all the rub-ons and chipboards and journal embellishments and cut outs in this collection!!! Some more details for you:

Here's my second layout: I super love dear sonny's facial expression here!!!

Some close-up shots:

Hope you like these layouts as much as I do!!!

Thanks for looking.

janis

TO THE MOON (PART 1)

2011-05-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

Just want to share with you 2 layouts that I have done using Fancy Pants' To the Moon Collection. You gotta love this collection for your boy (and more!) layouts!!!

This is my first layout - - can't resist using the papers for my sweet Logan!!!

Some close up shots for you: This collection has its own alpha stickers, journal embellishments...

design embellishments, rub-ons...

chipboards and so much more!!!

Here's my second layout: Gotta pay homage to the name of the collection!!!

Featuring my beautiful sister-in-law Leah and cute nephew Jester!!!

Some close-up shots: Buttons and brads and chipboards...

My fave "go to" embellishment - - buttons!!! Just add twines and you're good to go!!!

Lovin' these alpha and design chipboards!!!

I will be sharing 2 more layouts using To the Moon Collection tomorrow. Stay tuned!!!

Thanks for looking!!!

janis

MORE BEACH BABE GOODNESS

2011-05-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

I have shared with you my layout yesterday featuring Fancy Pants' Beach Babe Collection, today, I'm gonna share with you 2 more layouts using this collection:

Here's the first one:

Some details for you:

Here's the second one:

I noticed that FP always has this paper which is equivalent to a diecut paper. If you've noticed, I maximize the use of my papers so that I cut out those parts that are hidden to be used in another layout.

Some close ups for you:

I'm soooo happy layering all the goodness in this collection - - you definitely have to have everything!!!

Thanks for looking!!!

janis

CALLING ALL MOMS!!!!

2011-05-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

This is super exciting!!!!! Hear ye, hear ye!!!!

I wonder if Bella Artistas can join LOL!!!! To read more about the contest, do visit Bella Blvd's Blog HERE.

Good luck to all of you who will join!!!!!

janis

PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ARTIST EDITION FILTERS

2011-05-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

Just want to share my layout that's featured over at Fancy Pants. The DT gals were asked to spotlight Artist Edition Filters and this was what I came up with:

I used the Beach Babe Collection - - the colors are just sooo breathtakingly fresh!!!! FP also came up with a lot of embellishments - - think chipboards, journal elements, cut outs, transparencies, rub-ons, stickers, buttons, brads - - think yumminess!!!

I love that the Artist Edition Filters are durable enough to withstand misting (unlike your regular paper doilies). I used the two bigger circles as additional layers...

while the two smaller ones I crumpled and turned into flowers. I also included Beach Babe Paper Flowers to act as floral centers - - I love that they give an added pop of color in my misted filter flowers.

To get more inspiration on how to use the Artist Edition Filters on your projects, do visit the FP Blog HERE.

Thanks for looking!

janis

SCRAP THAT MAY KIT REVEAL AND BLOG HOP

2011-04-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Scrap That!'s May Kit Reveal and Blog Hop!!! If you are already hopping along with us, you probably got to my blog from Ivana. If not and you want to join in the fun, visit the Scrap That! blog to start!

Too bad I wasn't able to get my kit on time again for the blog hop (sigh) so I'm just gonna share with you a card I made out of the scraps of my April Kit featuring Bo Bunny's Gabrielle papers (sorry guys, kit is sold out already!!!):
Some close-ups for you:

Made this card for my girlfriend Carol who's my ray of sunshine in the office!!! I used a cardboard base to make my card sturdy. I aimed at making my card look like a table decor too - - she proudly displays it in her office cubicle (that's why I love her more!!! LOL!!!!).

Before you hop along to Karen, you will want to know my secret word which is THAT!. Don't forget to:

1) Leave a comment on my blog;

2) Become a follower (if you aren't yet already!!!!);

3) Go to our Facebook Page and become a friend;

4) Go to our forums and become a member;

5) Email the secret sentence to Friends@scrapthat.ca

May “Romantic Spring” Contents List:

Pink Paislee - Butterfly Garden Collection
Prima - Botanical Collection - From the Heart / Far Far Away / True Words
Bazzill Cardstock - Simon / French Vanilla / Mudpie
Websterʼs Alphas - Country Estate
Prima - Mistable Canvas
ZVA Bling
1 Websterʼs Princess Petals - Ladies & Gents
2 Websterʼs Medallion Sparklers - Aqua
8 Petaloo Chantilly Collection Velvet Hydrangeas - Blue
7 Prima Pearl Panache - Candle Glow
Websterʼs Bloomers - Celery
Dusty Attic - Wire Dress Form (generously donated by Dusty Attic)
Ranger Perfect Pearls Mist - Blue Smoke
Maya Road Satin Pleat Ribbon - Cream
Embellishment Add -On Kit
Prima Annette Collection - French Silk
Prima Aire
Prima Arcadian Collection - Blush

Scrap That! is also EXTREMELY EXCITED to share with you that we are sponsoring The Color Room for the month of May!!The color palettes during May will all be created from the colors of the ScrapThat! Kits!

Happy Scrapping!

SHOWCASING UDD's LUSCIOUS LEAVES STAMPS

2011-04-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

I'm blogging over at Upsy Daisy today!!! I am showcasing the Luscious Leaves Clear Stamps - - better hurry and find them in your fave scrapbook stores before they run out. LOL!!!

You can view the close-up shots and other details in the Upsy Daisy blog.

I really had fun doing these layouts as I rarely mix and match - - most of the time I like showcasing a line at a time so that the others can see what are the possibilities. I guess this just shows how versatile the UDD papers are!!!

Hope you can visit HERE and let me know what you think. Thanks for looking people!!!

janis

HAPPY EASTER!!!

2011-04-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy easter everyone!!! Just want to share with you a super fast altered project that's guaranteed to be loved by your kids!!!

I got to buy these plastic eggs at the mall (5 pieces, cost a little less than $2!!!) and with the help of my daughter, we altered 2 of our eggs here:

I used the Blast Off Collection on this one (this one is for Phil)...

while I used Vicki B. Collection on this one (for Nat).

You know what? After I took pictures of them, my kids grabbed them right away and ate all the gold chocolate coins!!! But they're good kids, they saved the papers (with minimal damage) so Mommy can still make cards out of them!!!! LOL!!!

Happy Sunday everyone!!! I have a lot of catching up to do - - I have a lot of projects to show so I should be blogging everyday again!!!

janis

P.S. To find more inspiration on candy treat holders, do visit Bo Bunny's blog HERE.

FLY A KITE

2011-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Continuing the fun with Nikki Sivils' We are Family Collection... Here's another layout from me:

Some detail shots for you: Used Willow Bee's Cloud stamp here, "borrowed" also the clouds from that paper collection.

It's seldom that I cut my pictures this way - - I guess this is one lucky shot considering that my daughter is super active (she is really holding a balloon in the real picture).

Borrowed some papers also from Henry's Brilliance...

Some fussy cut outs...

Thanks for looking.

janis

p.s. I have tons of projects to share, so stay tuned!!!

THE START OF THE MOJITO + NACHOS TRADITION...

2011-04-14T09:30:00.000-07:00

Got to play with Nikki Sivils We are Family (again) and this is the first layout that I'm gonna be sharing with you in the next few days...

That's my friend Raul, the photo was taken (by Idol JayR Purisima) during our company's Christmas Party last year!!!! Love, love this photo of ours!!!

Some details for you: Just in case you're wondering, the circle cut outs are "borrowed" from Willow Bee Collection.

Stay tuned for another layout using this line!!!!

janis

HIYYYYEEEE!!!!

2011-04-14T09:26:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be MIA, April 15 is a big day for us CPAs here in the country. Been really busy since February, been going home really late almost everyday....

I got to stay sane - - got to play last weekend actually with Upsy Daisy and Nikki Sivils papers. Was able to create 4 layouts and a card!!! Yay!!!! I still know how to scrap!!!

Off to share my first layout....

janis

COLORFUL TIMEPIECE

2011-04-05T14:19:00.000-07:00

Bo Bunny's featuring the Timepiece Collection on its blog today!!! I had a layout to share - - I was aiming vintage but it still came out kinda colorful to me!!! LOL!!!

Some detailed shots for you: Cluster with Timepiece petals, brad, jewels, button, chipboard, and trinket...

Raising my alphas with popdots for added dimension...

We all play our own poker games, I guess let's just enjoy and see how they go...

Thanks for looking. Don't forget to drop by Bo Bunny's blog for more Timepiece inspirations!!!

janis

HATS OFF!!!

2011-04-02T23:00:00.000-07:00

If you ask me, my ultimate dream is really to create something that I can wear!!!! LOL!!! I know this dream is slowly trying to become a reality - - this will start as soon as I open that Brother sewing machine that I bought last month from its box. LOL!!!! I don't know, maybe because I just don't have the space to place it and the time to watch the instructional DVD that came with it..... hhhhmmm, maybe this Holy Week I'll have the free time (crossing my fingers).

Anyways, my friends know that I'm big with accessories and so, when Bo Bunny asked the DT gals to create something wearable out of the collections, I made this:

I had these charcoal knit petals for the longest time and was just waiting for the right moment to use it. I bought the cap for my daughter at SM (about $5 bucks), I thought the cap was too plain so I accessorized it using Bo Bunny's petals. I removed the bling from the Secret Crush Petal and sewed the Charcoal Knit Petals in place. The Secret Crush Petal is adhered to the cap using safety pins so I can easily take it off should I want to wear it alone as a brooch!!! Brilliant eh? ;o)

Want to feel inspired more? Better check out the blog post HERE.

Thanks for looking everyone!!!

janis

SCRAP THAT! APRIL KIT CREATIONS

2011-03-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

Got my Scrap That! April Kit already - - and I got to play fast!!!! Created these 3 layouts in one and a half days - - too bad it didn't arrive before the reveal day!!!!!

The kit, called Madame Butterfly, features Bo Bunny's Gabrielle Collection - - I have been wanting to play with these papers early on (when I received my DT box), but decided to hold off as I know that these would be featured in Scrap That!'s kit.

Here are my creations:

DD as a flower girl last December- - see, even my photos have backlogs as it's almost April already LOL!!!!! My defense would be I was waiting for the perfect papers and embellies to scrap it. ;o)

I have included here Texture Musique and Mannequin 1 stamps from Stamp Enjoy.

Playing with butterflies...

Here's my second layout:

Included that cherubs' chipboard and sticker swirls from my BB stash...

Isn't that Dusty Attic Butterfly chipboard beautiful?!!! I think I haven't mentioned that Scrap That! is a DA retailer already!!!!! Yay!!!! All the more reason that you have to subscribe!!!!!

Here's my third layout:

Sketch is from Becky of Pagemaps who's with us this month!!!!!! You can win the kit if you play along (see the sketch HERE) so good luck!!!!! This is a non-entry - - just want to share my take on it to hopefully egg you to play along!!!!! ;o)

Another cracklin' DA piece....

Thanks for looking. To find out more about the kits, visit the Scrap That! Store. To subscribe, email customerservice@scrapthat.ca

janis

SCRAP THAT! APRIL KIT REVEAL

2011-03-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Scrap That!'s April Kit Reveal and Blog Hop!!! If you are already hopping along with us, you probably got to my blog from Ivana. If not and you want to join in the fun, visit the Scrap That! blog to start! This month we are also working hand in hand with Pagemaps, so we'll have a sketch exclusively made for Scrap That to show everyone.

There will be 9 chances to win some Prima goodness along with one GRAND Prize winner! The grand prize winner wins an autographed copy of the PageMaps book signed by Beck Fleck!!!!

I still have not received my kit as of the moment (can't wait to play!!!) but I was able to make a simple card to share with you for this blog hop:

The card is created with some of Bo Bunny's Gabrielle papers, card kit, and blings!!!

Before you hop along to Karen, you will want to know my secret word which is THAT!. Don't forget to:

1) Leave a comment on my blog;

2) Become a follower (if you aren't yet already!!!!);

3) Go to our Facebook Page and become a friend;

4) Go to our forums and become a member;

5) Email the secret sentence to Friends@scrapthat.ca

Off ya go to Karen!!!!

The kit this month, aptly named "Madame Butterfly Kit", features papers from Bo Bunny's Gabrielle Line. Here are the rest of the kit contents:

Bo Bunny Gabrielle Collection: Flight, Romance, Stripe, Unwritten, Cameo, Promenade, Gabrielle, Elegance, Fairest, Dot
Bo Bunny Gabrielle Cut Outs
Bo Bunny Gabrielle Mocha Die Cut
Bo Bunny Double Dot Papers: Decaf Dot, Chiffon Dot, Coffee Dot
Bo Bunny Gabrielle Combo Sticker
Ranger Liquid Pearls - Peacock
Kaiser Craft Crochet Doilies
Kaiser Craft Wooden Butterfly
Petaloo Vintage Victorian Blooms (6)
Dusty Attic Dress Form
Maya Road Grosgrain Pleated Brown Ribbon
Prima Mask
ZVA Chocolate Champagne Crystal
Prima Eminence Blooms (4)
Sheet of Mulberry Paper

janis

SCRAP THAT! APRIL SNEAK PEEK

2011-03-23T15:24:00.000-07:00

Its that time again! The beautiful April Kit from Scrap That! is only days away from being released. To tide you over, here is a sneak of what you can expect in this gorgeous kit.

Check back for the full reveal on March 25th and don’t miss out on our next BLOG hop kicking off the same day. The hop will run from March 25th (10AM MST) until March 27th (12:00am MST) and will include a fabulous prize pack for anyone who decides to join in on the fun! Mark your calendars!!

janis

COLORFUL CREATIONS GDT

2011-03-22T09:10:00.000-07:00

I am very honored to be asked to guest design over at Colorful Creations (you can visit their blog HERE and their community HERE).

I was given this sketch by Brenshevia:

I couldn't resist using Nikki Sivils' We Are Family Collection with the sketch!!! I was sooo excited to use the His and Her Point of View Journaling Tags for my pictures (you have to read them - - I know, I have a weird sense of humor LOL!!!!).

Some close-ups for you:

Hope you can play along with us!!! You have until the 28th - - so go, go, go!!!! ;o)

janis

BELLA BLVD's SOPHISTICATES

2011-03-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Bella Blvd's Sophisticates was chosen in Scrapbook Update's, "CHA Winter 2011 Top Ten Hot Picks" article? I'm not at all surprised, this is definitely one of my most fave Bella Blvd line!!!!

What drew me most to this collection is the the colors and the versatility and elegance of the patterns. I was able to make this layout using my engagement pictures (gosh!!!! these were taken in 2004 - - how I wish I can go back to this body size!!! LOL!!!!)

Some close-up shots for you:

To read more about this line, click HERE.

Thanks for looking.

janis

3, 2, 1 BLAST OFF!!!

2011-03-17T05:30:00.001-07:00

I couldn't resist playing again with Bo Bunny's Blast Off!. This is my second layout (see my first one HERE) using this collection - - definitely I'm going to play with it again!!!

Here's my layout featuring my super cute nephew Jester:

I super love the layered chipboard stickers from this collection!!!

You can see the other takes of our DT gals using this collection HERE (prepare to be inspired!!!!).

Thanks for looking.

janis

THE DOUBLE DOT CHALLENGE

2011-03-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bo Bunny's Double Dot papers just got even better with their new designs!!! I got the new designs from my DT box and got to play with them - - I love that they're soooo easy to work with and mix up with all the other double dot papers!!!!

I made flowers and stamped images and cut them out - - I'd pick them over cardstocks any time of the day!!! (Hhhmmm, I think I miss doing my own flowers - - maybe I should make my own roses on my next layout. After all, I haven't really played with Gabrielle. Wink, wink.)

You may view the new double dot designs of Bo Bunny's papers HERE.

Thanks for looking people!!!

janis

CATCHY TITLE: FATHER AND SON

2011-03-13T07:54:00.000-07:00

Over at Bo Bunny, the DT gals were given a challenge to think of catchy titles. I, for one, experience spacing out. When that happens, I think of song titles, they do rescue me a lot of times!!!

Here's my entry to this challenge - - I got to play with the Timepiece Collection!!!

Some details for you:

I know a lot of people doesn't associate my style with this kind of scrapping - - you know, the vintagey distressed look - - but I had super fun making this one!!! I guess I just want to test and play with style versatility. ;o)

Hope you like this one! I was able to scrap this weekend (yay!!! - - I hope to go back to my scrap crazy self!!!!) - - I will share them with you soon!!!

Thanks for looking!

janis

MY LOGAN IS UP OVER AT BELLA BLVD!!!!

2011-03-11T21:00:00.000-08:00

Just want to share my layout that's being featured over at Bella Blvd: It's a layout of my Logan Baby using Tail Waggers & Cat Naps (I super duper love this line!!!!)

Some close-up shots for you:

The banner actually says LOYAL, but I changed it to LOGAN. ;o)

Thanks for looking!!!

janis

SCRAP THAT! BLOG HOP WINNERS AND CHALLENGE

2011-03-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Scrap That! Blog Hop last weekend. We hope you enjoyed it and found lots of inspiration along the way. The best part for us was making some new friends!

We have picked one comment winner from each blog to win a package of Prima goodies just for stopping by!

The randomly drawn winner for my blog is: RHONDA.

Rhonda said... "Great layouts. Thanks for sharing!"

Please email friends@scrapthat.ca with your mailing address so we can get your Prima package out to you in the mail!

Don't forget to stop by the Scrap That! Blog and see if you won the Grand Prize of a "Secret Garden" Kit. We hope the lucky winner enjoys creating with it. We look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Join us again later this month for another fun hop when we release our April Kit!

Incidentally, I have already posted my challenge over at the Scrap That! Forum:

Create anything (except a layout) with 3 photos!!! I was inspired to make this altered photo display using the window cardstock cutouts from the Scrap That! March Secret Garden Kit. Lots of symmetry and repetition and clustering here - - so it was fast and easy from a design standpoint!

Hope you can play along!!!

janis

FAMILY DYNAMIX SHIPPING IN LESS THAN A WEEK...

2011-03-06T18:00:00.000-08:00

... isn't that something to look forward to? :o)

Saw that my layout using this line was featured over at Bella Blvd (you can see the other layout that I have made using this line HERE).

Thanks for looking people. I'm still swamped - - but I hope after March 6 life would be back to normal. I have more than a thousand unread mails so I'm super sorry if I haven't gotten back to you (and no, that doesn't include FB mails!!!).

But I bring good news, I was able to scrap Sunday night!!!! Yay!!!! Hope to share it with you soon!!!

janis

SCRAP THAT! ADVENTURE BLOG HOP!

2011-02-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Scrap That!'s Adventure Blog Hop! It's reveal time today of our March Kit aptly called "Secret Garden". This Kit features G45's Once Upon a Spring Time collection along with a lot of Prima Goodies and other embellishments!

If you are already hopping along with us, you probably got to my blog from Karen. If not and you want to join in the fun, visit the Scrap That! Blog to start!

Here are my creations out of our March Kit:

ALTERED PHOTO DISPLAY

I'm gonna be hosting a challenge over at the forums soon: create an off-the-page project with 3 photos!!! I found extra copies of these photos (I have used these in a Bella Blvd layout HERE) which are perfect to the window cut outs included in the kit!!!

Okay, I'm not too happy with how the photos of my layouts turned out (as I was able to take pictures of them super late in the afternoon - - I will be taking pictures of them again in the morning later, promise!!!). Would you believe that I finished 25% of the Jaden layout and the 2 layouts just today?!!!!! Crazy I know, my work schedule has been that demanding lately!!!!!

LAYOUTS

Before you hop along to Vicky, you will want to know my secret word which is FOR. Don't forget to:

1) Leave a comment on my blog;

2) Become a follower (if you aren't yet already!!!!);

3) Go to our Facebook Page and become a friend;

4) Go to our forums and become a member;

5) Email the secret sentence to Friends@scrapthat.ca

Off ya go to Vicky!!!!

janis

SCRAPPING THE DIVA-LICIOUS IRENE

2011-02-26T02:30:00.000-08:00

Over at Bo Bunny, the DT gals did a photo swap and I got to scrap Irene's favorite pic. Truth was I was soooo worried that I won't be able to join the gals as February was really a super bad month for me schedule-wise (how I wish I could elaborate more!!!).

Anyways, my box arrived (yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!) and I got to sample the new Vicki B. Collection. This is just perfect for my very lovely and talented friend!!!

Flowers galore!!! Love those petals, pearls and jewels!!!!

Bo Bunny's latest product - - trinkets!!!!

Brads and cardstock stickers... yummmm!!!! Look, I got to stamp too!!! LOL!!!! (Lately, I have always been in a hurry - - I don't want to stamp as I have to clean up after!!!!!!)

Sssshhh, the Stickles are still wet when I took this picture. LOL!!!!

So who got my picture? The talented Tara got it and she did a marvelous job as always!!!! Thanks Tara girly!!!!!

You can view the rest of the DT gals takes HERE.

Thanks for looking!!!!

janis

SCRAP THAT! ADVENTURE BLOG HOP!!!

2011-02-26T00:00:00.001-08:00

We will have 8 AMAZING blogs for you to visit. Each blog will have some beautiful eye candy, in the form of some AMAZING projects from our design team using the newly released "Secret Garden" Kit!

We also have some fabulous prizes to give away! Keep reading and you will find out how you can become eligible to win!

First of all, you will need to visit all the blogs :) There will be a randomly drawn comment winner from each blog. That means 8 winners will receive a package of Prima goodness just for leaving some love and becoming a follower of each of the blogs!

Next, while you are hopping you will want to be looking for the “special” word on each blog. Once you have visited all the blogs and collected all the special words, they will create a sentence.

Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to swing by our facebook page, and become a friend, and then head over to our social community and become a member. Once you’ve completed these tasks, email the sentence to friends@scrapthat.ca

All correct entries received will be entered into a draw for the GRAND PRIZE, a "SECRET GARDEN" paper crafting kit valued at $45!

Blog hop starts at 8am!!!!

janis

SEW DANG CUTE!!!

2011-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

Just sharing my take on Bo Bunny's Sew Dang Cute Challenge! I got to play with the new Blast Off Collection - - you're gonna fall in love with the bold and bright colors in this one like I did!!!!

Here's my layout:
Would you believe that this is the first time that I stitched my title? I tried to do it using simple stitching just so not to overwhelm me. LOL!!!

I also used my crochet thread in doing cross stitching. I thought adding a bit of this makes an interesting texture on my page. I also added faux stitching - - doing this reminds me how I sooo want to have my own sewing machine. Sigh.

Alpha stickers raised up with foam dots for added dimension...

A little bit of wrap just to break color and for added texture!!!

Hope you like what I shared with you today!!! I do hope you can play along with us too!!!!

janis

FAREWELL TO ALL ABOUT ME...

2011-02-23T01:20:00.000-08:00

... sad but true. I think I'm the last one to make the post over at the AAM blog. I'm not gonna limit my favorite to just one, as I have five AAM favorite challenges/layouts!!! Before I share my Top 5, let me just say that AAM is really special to me as I consider it one of my lucky charms. I am part of the team since it started - - and it has seen me got on the design teams of the following: Bella Blvd, Bo Bunny, Fancy Pants, Nikki Sivils, Upsy Daisy, Stamp Enjoy, Scrap That! Kits, and Color Combos Galore. AAM has witnessed my growth and discovery not just as a scrapbooker but also as a person.

I AM THE RELUCTANT SCRAPPER... but AAM helped me open up and bare and share more of myself. It has helped me give up my reluctance so I can be free...

AAM#12: The Year I was Born

Journaling: I was too nervous, but I yearned to be free. No more standing there beside the walls, I have got myself together, I'm havin a ball!

... and not just celebrate...

AAM#29: Royalty, I am a Snob

Journaling: Jackie O. would have traded the hoops for pearls, but I love that the shades and big earrings combo brings out the snobbish chic and channels my inner diva!

... but also embrace me.

AAM#15: Self-Improvement, Your Biggest Flaw

Journaling (hidden inside the kraft envelope): I always have this concept of what beautiful is - - and have forced myself to measure up to it that most of the time, I end up having short-cuts that are otherwise unhealthy and short-lived. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I have to remind myself that it is in the imperfections that real beauty shines through. Got to embrace the not so perfect me. February 2010.

I consider AAM a major milestone in my passion that I call scrapbooking...

AAM#4: Turning Point in Your Life

Journaling: Life never was the same when I started scrapping in April 2008. I'm a number person - - I have Economics and Accounting as my backgrounds - - so I myself was kinda surprised by my artistic/creative side. Scrapbooking allowed me to celebrate memories I hold most dear and document and share life's lessons. It is a turning point for me and now definitely an all-consuming passion.

... as it helped me know and discover ME.

AAM#1: If I Live to be a 100

Journaling reads: I hope it doesn't take 100 years to know the 100% me. They say it takes a lifetime to know one's self... and how long is a lifetime? 50, 80, 100 years? I do not wish to wait, the time to explore and discover me is now.

Thank you Melissa and all the DT gals for believing in me - - I do not believe in goodbyes for I am sure that our paths will cross again. I am just HERE should you need me.

Good luck and take care.

janis

SCRAP THAT! MARCH SNEAK PEEK

2011-02-21T23:00:00.000-08:00

We are happy to present the March Kit Sneak Peek! We need your help in choosing a name for this delightful kit.

Leave a comment on Scrap That!'s post HERE, and whoever submits the winning title for this kit will receive a little something in the mail from Scrap That!

Good luck!!!!

janis

IT'S ALL ABOUT STICKERS OVER AT FANCY PANTS!

2011-02-17T05:41:00.000-08:00

Love birds Elements Stickers, that is.

I have a layout featured over at Fancy Pants HERE. Some sneaky peeks for you:

Hope you can drop by and let me know what you think!!!

janis

p.s. Please forgive the very short posts - - my work schedule is kinda heavy these days. Would you believe I haven't scrapped for more than a week already? Que horror, right?!!!! I hope to get scrappy this weekend though - - I hope Mr. Mojo comes for a visit!!!!

FEATURED OVER AT GLITZ DESIGNS

2011-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Glitz Design has featured Scrap That! Kit Creations over at their blog HERE!!! Here's my layout that got featured there:

It's my most fave of my February Scrap That! Kit creations - - I super love the distressed look of the papers along with its rich colors!!! Love, love, love that nest stamp too!!!

To find out more about the kits, visit the Scrap That! Store. To subscribe, email customerservice@scrapthat.ca

janis

BO BUNNY LAYOUT CHALLENGE FRIDAY

2011-02-11T08:30:00.000-08:00

Hope you can play with us over at Bo Bunny for our Layout Challenge Friday!!! You can see the sketch HERE.

Here's my take on the sketch:

It's a Winter Joy number!!! (you can view my other creations using this line HERE and HERE).

Some details for you:

You may check out the takes of the other DT gals on the sketch HERE.

Thanks for looking people!!!

janis

BELLA BLVD'S FAMILY DYNAMIX

2011-02-10T16:00:00.000-08:00

Just want to share that my layout using Family Dynamix is featured over at Bella Blvd today. Should you want to view the close-ups and details, head over HERE to see and read more!!!!

I have done two layouts using this line - - here is the other one:

This layout features one of my fave family photo (nyahahhhahahahaha!!!!). Don't you agree that the colors are just sooo bold and bright?!!!!! Super happy right? ;o)

Stay tuned tomorrow as I'm gonna share another Bella Blvd layout!!!! Thanks for looking people!!!

janis

THE ONE THAT'S (ALMOST) CONSIDERED A MISFIT

2011-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Remember when I told you that I was working on another layout out of my Scrap That! February Kit (you can see the rest of my creations out of this kit HERE)? I have forewarned that it's coming out goofy and true enough - - here it is:

but hey, I gotta scrap these pics - - as it was my dear 4 year old sonny who took our pictures!!!! ;o)

To find out more about the kits, visit the Scrap That! Store. To subscribe, email customerservice@scrapthat.ca

BTW, we are looking for GDTs - - you have until February 11 to apply!!! Goodluck!!!

janis

SCRAPLIFTING THE (UBER) FAB IRENE

2011-02-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

A challenge was given to the DT gals of Bo Bunny: scraplift a project of another DT gal from previous posts. We had a blog hop recently and I fell in love with Irene's I Love You Mini-Album using Crazy Love (you can see her album HERE).

Irene's mini was a tough act to follow so I just made sure that I changed some bits and style to make it my own. My album is one page shorter than Irene's as I doubled the chipboard of my back cover - - works with me because of 2 reasons: 1) sturdier back cover; and 2) less papers and embellies needed as I have done 3 layouts with Crazy Love in the past, one of which is a double-pager (see my Crazy Love creations HERE) so I have used up most of my stash already.

Here is my album:

The moment I saw this humongous cute birdie, I knew it has to be used on a mini-album cover...

... along with this equally humongous bee!!!!!!!!!! ;o)

Irene's album has visible flowers - - I purposely did not use the coordinating Pink Parfait Petals to be different - - I made my own blooms using Crush Wrap and Noel Cranberry Rose Trims. I strategically placed them on the Y and O pages to achieve the front cover design.

The inside pages were kinda formulaic:

I think this is the fastest mini-album that I have made as I stuck on a simple design formula and I used 4 pictures only. Hhhhmmm, this reminded me that I should really do that mini with Olivia - - I already have the pictures and the journaling/concept, just gotta have to really sit down and get to it!!!! Watch out for it this Feb!!! (How time flies!!!!)

Anyways, I hope you likey the album as much as I (and my daughter!!!) do. ;o) Thanks so much for the inspiration Irene!!! I hope I did make you proud!!!! ;o) Thanks for looking people!!!!

janis

P.S. Mahlin scraplifted my "Gotta Think Like the Boss" layout and I looovvveeee her take! You can view our lifts HERE.

WHAT'S IN THE BAG?

2011-02-02T18:00:00.000-08:00

AAM Challenge #35 is up and I'm hosting it!!!! They say every girl has a purse/bag where she keeps what's important to her and that the contents also reflect her personality.

I'm not sure what the contents of my purse tell about me - - I just make sure that I have my wallet, coin purse, car keys, cellular phone, a pen (hey, it's a Uni-ball Signo - - good for journaling!!!! LOL!!!!), and my trusty Kiehl's tinted lip balm inside my purse all the time. Maybe it says I'm a basic, no-fuss person with a hint of girlyness - - or maybe I'm just someone who doesn't want to be caught dead without money or car or celphone or cracked lips. LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Here's my take: It's a Pink Paislee number!!!! I was looking for papers that I feel like using for this challenge and I stumbled on this one - - my first thought was: Ooohhh, I have these???!!!! LOL!!!!!

Some details for you:

Gotta squeeze some Stamp Enjoy yumminess on my layout to emphasize the girly factor!!!! I used Mannequin 1...

and Pendule 1 to go with the Pink Paislee clock cork (love, love these two Stamp Enjoy stamps!!!)

I got to use these cork circles too (hhmmm, I still can't remember how I got these!!!! LOL!!!! Maybe I'm a forgetful hoarder!!!!!)...

.... and my trusty MS butterfly punches (I think I want to buy the monarch one, but can't find it locally. Aaarrrgghhh!!!!)

I hope you can play along with us!!!! You can see the other DT gals take on the challenge HERE.

To visit Stamp Enjoy's store, click HERE. For more inspiration on using Stamp Enjoy's stamps, visit the blog HERE.

Thanks for looking people!

janis

HAVE MERCI ON ME!!!!

2011-02-01T07:00:00.000-08:00

Meet Yaoke - - ain't she a cutie??!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I made her the focal point of my card using my Scrap That! January Kit leftovers. Paper piecing is really a neat technique that make you use up your scraps!!!!

Yaoke and the "Merci" stamps are available in Stamp Enjoy Store.

Thanks for looking people!

janis

UPDATED THE TRACKER FOR 2011...

2011-02-01T03:13:00.000-08:00

... to read:

January: 28 layouts, 1 mini-album, 3 cards, 1 altered project

Wow!!! 11 out of the 28 pertains to CHA layouts - - let's see if I can keep up with the 15 layouts/month standard. ;o) (Adik ka, iha, addddddiiiiiikkkkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

janis ;o)

BLOGGING OVER AT UPSY DAISY TODAY!

2011-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

Hope you can visit the Upsy Daisy blog today as I'm sharing two layouts there using Home Sweet Home.

Some sneaky peekies for you:

Hope you can drop by THERE and let me know what you think! ;o)

Thanks people!!!

janis

NEW RELEASES FROM BELLA BLVD

2011-01-30T07:30:00.000-08:00

I am sooo happy and flattered to be asked again by Bella Blvd to participate in Winter CHA 2011. When my package arrived, it's true that I almost cried from sooo much happiness - - the papers are really colorful and beautiful!!!!!!!!!!! I think I was sniffing and fondling the papers for hours (ssshhh, is it just me or you also do that? LOL!!!!!!!).

I will be featuring the layouts and their close-ups/details in my blog in the next coming days, but I want to show all the layouts that I created for the ongoing CHA here.

SOPHISTICATES

TAIL WAGGERS & CAT NAPS

MR. BOY

FAMILY DYNAMIX

SUNNY HAPPY SKIES

I think this one was released last year, but Stephanie requested me to come up with a layout for display. Was able to come up with 2 layouts - - couldn't help it, the papers scream fun, fun, fun!!!!

Hope you like all these new releases from Bella Blvd!!!! Watch out for the details/close ups on my blog!!!!

janis

DEAR NEWBIE SCRAPPER

2011-01-28T07:50:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the wonderful addicting world of scrapbooking!

If you want to share the joys that you have discovered in this new passion, to learn more about this craft, to get inspired and to be hooked more, you've come to the right place. ;o)

How I wish someone told me before that I shouldn't have bought everything beautiful I saw online or at the bookstore (one must not hoard!!!!). I wish someone just flatly told me which things I should have bought and which are just "good to have but can be skipped".

I don't claim to be an authority but should a newbie ask me this question: Which tools should I really buy as a newbie scrapbooker? These are my answers:

1) Scissors. Really, you can scrap with the regular ones. Should you want to invest and buy a special pair, I swear by my Fiskars microtip scissors. I couldn't, wouldn't scrap without this. ;o)

2) Adhesives. If we're not gonna tackle the issue of being acid-free, as long as the adhesive can make your photo and embellishments stick to your paper, then you can use it... but we're documenting our legacies here, and we would want them to last a very loooooong time, I say invest and buy the acid-free kind. I have 4 types of adhesives: wet glue (I'll distinguish between glue for paper and for embellishments), dry or the double-sided tape (for paper and ribbons), and foam dots.

Wet glue. I have both Helmar and Tombow acid-free glues, they both do a good job making your paper stick. For adhering embellishments (especially the bulky ones!), I only use UHU glue, period.
I have heard that other scrappers use glue gun in adhering their embellishments, maybe you can use that too. I have a glue gun, yes, but I'm too lazy to plug and too scared to get burned (as I'm too clumsy most of the times), so I don't take them out too often. I guess you can skip the glue gun for the time being, but that's just me. ;o)

Dry adhesive or the double-sided tape. Again, both Helmar and Tombow have these very handy tape runners that come with refills. However, these brands are hard to find locally - - so the Polar Bear brand (available in bookstores, hardwares, department stores) is a good alternative. I haven't checked though if it is indeed acid-free (someone told me it is).

Last year, I gave in and invested on a Scotch ATG gun. I forgot how much I bought it (I think closed my eyes and just clicked "BUY ONLINE"!!!! LOL!!!!) - - let's just say that this baby ain't cheap. It's good to have, but I feel you can go with the handy tape runners that also do the job. This post is dedicated to newbies anyway, right? LOL!!!

Foam dots. Gotta have these babies for dimension on your pages!!!!! Helmar has foam dots of varying "heights", but since this brand is not readily available locally, again, Polar Bear is a good alternative.

Aside from my Helmar Zapdots, I also have my stash of clear dots (for adhering those thin/small cut-outs, so they won't be too obvious) and of 3M foam "Squeezes flat and springs right back!" foam squares (dimension without the bulk, baby!!!!). As this post is for the newbie, I say these two you can skip.... for the time being. ;o)

One can argue and say that the list should end here for newbie scrappers - - but I'm gonna go on, just because I feel strongly for these tools.

3) Paper trimmer. You should have this (even though you can line and cut with scissors) - - promise, it does make scrapbooking easier!!! I have the purple and orange one by Fiskars, it is cheap, handy, portable, easy to use. Does it cut accurately? Errrrr, I don't think there is a trimmer that does exact and precision cutting (or is there?). I have heard that Making Memories' Folding Paper Trimmer is good (comes with self-sharpening blade!!!) but is quite costly. I'm not sure if it does exact, precision cutting (for those of you who have this, what do you think?). Truth is, I initially wanted this for its self-sharpening blade, but I have my Fiskars since 2008 (I think I got it April or May), and I have changed it's blade only thrice (yeah, I think so!) since then. Cost-wise, I'd go with my Fiskars hands down!!!!

4) Craft Mat. I have this one from Fiskars too. Cheap. Simple. Clear. Period. Last year, my brother gifted me with a pink one from EK Success, I haven't used it (as I want to open it when I already have my new scrap room!!!). I guess I was just after the girly color when I requested him to buy it for me. LOL!!!!
5) Tool Kit. I have this from Making Memories - - the paper piercer and the craft knife are my most used tools here but the kit also has eyelet/hole setter, craft hammer, needles, ruler and tweezers. I want my tools "coordinated" so I invested in this one. I say I made a good beautiful (professional-looking) investment. ;o)

6) Paper Distresser. For a "no fuss" distressed look. I have distressers from both Making Memories and Tim Holtz. Both are okay, as to which I feel more strongly about, I guess I'm gonna go with Tim Holtz for ease of handling and for the 7 blade edges.

7) Ink pad. I started with these two sets from Clearsnap (Colorbox) - - the bright and earthy sets. I thought these sets already have the basic shades so I went for them. No regrets there as I wanted to cover the "basics".

How about those from Ranger? The distress ink pads? I loooooovvveeeee those!!!!!!!!! I'm hoarding them (I think I already have more than 20 shades and am bent on getting more!!!!). I highly recommend them - - to "advanced" newbies (I think the "distressed" style of scrapbooking is not a newbie style - - kinda more advanced, don't you think?). Of course, should you want these babies, you have to invest on the blending craft mat, blending tools, and foam pads too. So yeah, I think you must buy these ink pads if you want to go up the next level. ;o)

8) Journaling pen. I am partial to handwriting rather than to typed or printed from the computer. I feel that the page becomes more personalized when you leave your own print or signature on it. Hence, the terms permanent, fade-resistant, blot-resistant and waterproof come to mind. I have a lot of journaling pens - - American Craft, Uniball, Zig - - I say, they are all good so just take your pick.

9) 12" Steel Ruler. When I don't feel like using my paper trimmer, I use my craft knife with the steel ruler to get that straight cut (especially when I use journaling strips on my pages!).

10) Page protectors. Yup, I chose this over the album. I'd panic if I run out of these (I think I'm gonna panic soon!!!) - - I haven't bought a lot of albums yet (as I plan to buy them when I have my scrap room already). Gotta protect your layouts from dust and little kiddie hands. Just consider the size of your layouts (12x12 or 8.5x11 or A4 size) when you invest on these.

So there. I think I covered the "basics". I say I don't consider myself an authority, this is just me and my experience. I just wish I have read something like this when I started. LOL!!!!

Should you have any questions, comments, do let me know. ;o) Did I miss anything else? Did I cover the basics? What do you think? ;o)

Again, welcome newbie!!! Consider me your big sister and friend. I hope we'll get to know more of each other as we share more of our discoveries in scrapbooking!!!

Have fun creating!!!

janis

P.S. This post was fun. I made a new label "Dear Newbie Scrapper" for my blog posts as I hope to do more of this in the future. ;o)

P.S.2. I dedicate this post to Kathleen, Kline and Lei. I am sooo happy to have gained new friends like you because of this passion!!!!

BO BUNNY'S FINAL BLOG HOP TODAY!!!!

2011-01-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Hello blog hoppers!!!! If you are already hopping along with us, you probably got to my blog from Debbie, but if not and want to hop along, head on to Bo Bunny's blog to start!

I have done two projects specially for this blog hop but I will show three - - just to cover all types of projects - - and all of them feature my favorite Crush Collection (I am a sucker of the black-red-white combo!!!!!). Valentine's Day is just around the corner, so I'm featuring ooohhh-la-looooovvveee projects with you today. ;o)

I LOVE YOU ALTERED TRAY

I have done an altered tray for Father's Day last year (you can view it HERE) and I mentioned that it is displayed in my hubby's office cubicle to this day. I thought how come I don't have one for me? LOL!!!! Well, I'm not fretting anymore. Here it is:

Supplies: Bo Bunny Crush Papers (Darling, Dot, Flirt, Romeo, Stripe, Cut Outs), Crush Chipboards, Crush Layered Chipboard, Crush Dimensional Stickers, Crush Epoxy Brads, Crush Wraps, Bo Bunny Coordinating Double Dot (Blush Dot).

Just some close-ups: You'll notice that I incorporated a lot of dimension, symmetry and repetition here! I also got to use a lot of the embellishments - - chipboards, brads, stickers, wraps!!!! - - that come with this collection. Yummy!!!!!

BE MINE CARD

My next project is based on our sketch for Card Sketch Challenge Tuesday and here is my take:
Supplies: Bo Bunny Crush Papers (Dot, Flirt, Romeo, Cut Outs), Crush Chipboards, Crush Wraps, Bo Bunny Blings.

Just a close up: Love the texture the leather wrap gave my card. ;o) And look, I'm using my bug and my dies more!!!! LOL!!!

Hope you can play with our Card Sketch Challenge too!!! Just link your cards HERE.

FOREVER LOVE LAYOUT

I have done this layout from way back, but I'm sharing it again here just to show you the other papers that you can find in the Crush Collection. You can view the details of this layout HERE.

Supplies: Bo Bunny Crush Collection (Flirt, Love, Cut Outs) Crush Chipboard, Hot Lips Die Cut, Crush Brads, Crush Dimentional Stickers, Crush Layered Chipboards, Crush Stamp, Crazy Love Stamp, Midnight Frost Stamp, Cambridge Stamp.

How to win a prize?

One blog hop participant that leaves a comment on each of the designers' blogs will be chosen at random to win a Bo Bunny prize package. When you are done hopping head on over to the Bo Bunny Facebook page and leave a comment about the hop on the wall. One comment will be chosen at random to win the prize!!! You have until next Tuesday night (February 1st, 10pm mountain time) to leave your comments.

Also, have you heard that Bo Bunny is trying to reach 10,000 likes on their Facebook page? When you're done hopping, head on over to Bo Bunny's Facebook Page and like their page. Just leave a comment that you like them and they will pick a lucky winner to win a Bo Bunny prize pack.

There you go - - ALTERED PROJECT, CARD, and A LAYOUT - - all using CRUSH COLLECTION! Are you in love with this collection already?!!!!! ;o) Before you make the mad dash to your scrapbooking store:

1) Let me invite you to follow me on my blog (I'm blogging more often these days!!! LOL!!!);

2) Leave a comment here (good luck bagging the super yummy prize!!!!!!)

3) Head on to Juliana and finish the hop, okay? LOL!!!!

Thanks for hopping along with us!!!!!!

janis

SCRAP THAT's FEBRUARY KIT

2011-01-26T03:00:00.000-08:00

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this month's kit from Scrap That! Aptly named "Love Notes", the kit features Love Nest Paper Collection by Glitz Designs.

Here are the contents of the kit:

6 Glitz “Love Nest” Papers
3 Fancy Pants “Lilac House” Papers
3 Coordinating Cardstock
American Crafts Thickers - Root Beer Float
1 Stickles Forest Moss
1 Watermark Resist Ink
3 Genuine Parrot Feathers (blue, yellow, green)
1 Maya Road Brown Satin Posie
1 Piece of Sheet Music
1 Prima Say it in Swirls Grey Fimo Flourish
3 Prima Watercolor Flowers
1 Package of Glitz What-Nots
1 Package of Glitz Paper Layers
3 Prima Athena Powder Puff Flowers
6 Prima Flights of Fancy Flowers
2 Maya Road Kraft Tags
1 Maya Road Kraft Envelope
1 Length of May Arts Twine
1 Length of Prima Brown Lace
1 Length of Maya Road Pink Crushed Velvet Ribbon

Here are the creations that I have done with the Kit:

I sooo love this picture of my dear sonny (grabbed this from Tita Mia's FB gallery!!!!) when we attended her and Tito Yves' wedding last December!!!!!

I have a confession to make: I used to be sooo lazy to do handmade flowers, but since part of my scrappy resolutions this year is to use my bug and my dies more, I guess I have to do more of these blooms. LOL!!!!

Those are mica pearl flakes on my flower edges. The kit comes with the birdcage stamp and a watermark ink stamp - - I missed getting a close-up of my birdcage!!!! LOL!!!!

Here's my second layout:

Yup, the hubby. The very elusive hubby. I am the reluctant hubby's wife. LOL!!!! (Love you, Baby!!!)

Finally used my Nesties (I had them for months already!!!!). See the bright green petals underneath my bigger handmade blooms? I took apart this Prima so I can use the bud in another layout which you will see below.

Truth was, I made a booboo here. I stamped with my Watermark and then dumped my paper with Utee thinking that it was embossing powder!!!! I'm thinking had I used embossing powder, the image would have been clearer. Oh well, it still turned out passable, right? (Please say yes! LOL!!!!!!)

Here's my third layout:

Another layout with 5R (I'm loving scrapping this size lately)!!!! I tilted the photo for a twist!!!

This is one seriously beautiful bloom!!! And extra large too!!!

I cut out the heart doily that comes with the kit. The wood flourish was topped with Glimmer mist (Creme Chocolat).

Here's the bud part of the bright green flower that you saw earlier!!!

Truth is, I have another layout out of this kit (I know it's gonna come up goofy, you will see why!!!!), but it is 75% complete. Will finish it tonight so I can show it off to you too!!! Stay tuned!!!!

To find out more about the kits, visit the Scrap That! Store. To subscribe, email customerservice@scrapthat.ca

Thanks for looking people!!!

janis

DOING THE HAPPY DANCE!!!!

2011-01-25T07:00:00.000-08:00

My friend Ria posted on my FB wall congratulating me on the Creating Keepsakes Tips and Tricks Feature. I completely forgot about this - - and she was soooooo super sweet to take a picture for me to see:

I still do not have a copy of the mag - - I pray it's not lost in the mail (arrrggghhhhh!!!!). Super thanks again Ria for sending me this!!!!

Life's Good indeed!!!!! Hope you'll all have a wonderful day ahead!!!

janis

HOPE YOU CAN JOIN BO BUNNY'S BLOG HOP...

2011-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:00

TOMORROW!!! So please come back as I will feature the Crush Collection in the projects that I will show you!!!

Some sneaky peeks:

Please do come back tomorrow!!!! I promise you, you're in for a big giveaway and major major inspiration in the blog hop!!!! ;o)

janis

MORE SUGAR COOKIE INSPIRATION (with a bit of panic)

2011-01-23T17:36:00.000-08:00

I have posted my layouts using Sugar Cookie Collection HERE, and these layouts can also be seen over at Nikki Sivils' blog THERE. Should you want more ideas on how you can use this collection, do drop by over at the blog and you'll be amazed at all the DT gals' creations!!!!!!

Happy Sunday everyone!!!! I'm still panicking - - I seemed to have lost my Nikon's SD card (I was gonna upload some projects to my laptop, but I don't know where I put it!!!! I thought I inserted it already in my laptop's memory card slot Aaaargggghhhhh!!!!!!). I hope it isn't lost - - I'm always forgetful lately!!!!!!! Help!!!!!! I'm getting old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;o)

janis

WOKE UP TO A VERY PLEASANT SURPRISE

2011-01-21T17:00:00.000-08:00

Good day sunshine (blame it on the time difference)!!!!! ;o)

You can read more about this layout in my previous post HERE. (Thou shall not butcher every beautiful patterned paper encountered!!!!)

Saw also that my Top 10 for 2010 is included in the most viewed, most liked, and most bookmarked project (you can view the project over at Twopeas HERE). Double yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you'll join me in doing the happy dance!!!!

janis

SWEET SUGAR COOKIE

2011-01-21T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!!!! (It's me again - - wow, I'm blogging everyday!!!! LOL!!!)

I finally got to play with Nikki Sivils' Sugar Cookie Collection so I'm gonna share 2 layouts with you!!!! Here's the first one:

Finally got to feature my super adorable niece Janna on my scrapbooking layout!!!! I played with symmetry, repetition and a lot of dimension in this layout!!!

Layer, layer, I love layer!!!

I super love the cutouts in this line!!!! Sooo easy to use!!!!

The next one features my daughter with my niece:

One of my new year scrappy resolutions is to stamp more: I got to use My Sweet Cherry Pie (check out the horseshoe clear stampies as ruffles - - got the idea from a fellow NS DT, sorry I forgot who?!!!!!!), Henry's Brilliance and Will He B the 1 clear stamps.

Hope you like the layouts I shared with you today. Not sure yet if I have anything up my sleeves for tomorrow - - but hey, you'll never know right? ;o)

Thanks for dropping by people!!!

janis

SCRAP THAT! GDT (SNEAKY) SEARCH IS ON!!!!

2011-01-21T06:00:00.000-08:00

Have you heard? Scrap That! Canada's Best Kit Club is looking for 3 Guest Designers to join our team!

Scrap That! kits are unlike any others in Canada. Every month, we create an innovative kit full of carefully selected high-end double sided papers, specialty papers, premium embellishments and specialty items. We also include a collectible signature product, a scrapbook layout sketch and one technique product including instructions and tips on how to use it.

Each candidate will design for a two month term between April and September 2011. At the end of the term we will have a contest and let our members and subscribers vote on which of the three Guest Designers will remain for the rest of 2011!

Each Guest Designer Receives:
1. FREE PRODUCT - Two kits plus the embellishment add-on kit, valued at well over $50 per month
2. FAME & GLORY - Your photo and bio on our blog and our online social community!

What we ask of you:
- You must have a blog and update it regularly each week including posts about projects you’ve used from the kit, design tips etc. We ask that you also have links to our site on your blog and other sites where allowable.
- 4 projects created with the kit and 90% of each project must contain kit contents. 3 of these projects must be layouts and the third a project of choice (lo, card, altered item).
- Post your 4 kit designs in our gallery as well as to one other large gallery site, either Scrapbook.com or TwoPeasinaBucket.com. Postings on these sites must include *Scrap That! Kit* in the title line.
- Projects must be well photographed, cropped and ready to be uploaded on our site (and your blog) the 26th of each month.
- Weekly message board and gallery participation during the two month term is required. This is quite possibly the most important thing! We have started a great online community and our members are of the utmost importance to us, so this is huge.

This competition is open to the US and Canada only. Please e-mail 3-4 of your best layout creations along with the links to your blog and online galleries to layouts@scrapthat.ca by February 11, 2011.

Good luck!!! Hope to see my friends try out!!! See you at the Scrap That! forum!!! I'll be ending this post with a sneak of our February Kit!!! ;o)

janis

WANNA KNOW THE SECRET?

2011-01-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

POCKET CHICK SPOTLIGHT OVER AT FANCY PANTS

I'm featured over at Fancy Pants today!!! Designing for them is really a dream come true - - I remember when I started scrapbooking, Fancy Pants is one of my must-have brands!!!!

I created two layouts for the Spotlight post - - just to show two sides of me. ;o) Plus, as I promised HERE, I got to share my secret to creating a lot of pages!!!! LOL!!!!

Just some teasers for you:

Hope you can check out my layouts THERE and leave a comment letting me know what you think. ;o)

Thanks people!!!!

janis

MY TOP 10 FOR 2010

2011-01-20T18:50:00.000-08:00

I am sooo blessed and grateful that 2010 was really a good year for me:

- I guest designed for Jillibean Soup (it's one of my fave sb company!!!);
- I got on Color Combos Galore DT;
- I got a reason to stamp more with Stamp Enjoy's DT stint;
- I am practicing the shabby chic and romantic style with my Scrap That! kits; and
- I got on Bo Bunny's, Fancy Pants', and Nikki Sivils' Design Teams.

On top of that, I'm still with Upsy Daisy, Bella Blvd, AAM and Journaling Junkie. Yay!!!!!!!!

I have done this for 2009 (click HERE for last year's top faves), so I wanted to do it again for 2010. I am happy to report that I have averaged 16 layouts in a month last year (I'm gonna spill my secret to that in a future blog post!!!!!) - - this is a layout above my target of 15. ;o)

Out of the 189 layouts, 58 cards, 19 altered projects, 9 tutorials and 4 mini-albums (5 if you include a mini-tag album) that I have made (whew!!!!), let me share my Top 10 for 2010 in no particular order:

This tray is special because it is displayed in hubby's office cubicle up to this day. It's a Father's Day gift that I made also as part of my GDT stint over at Jillibean Soup last June 2010. It got featured as a project of the day over at Twopeas, and got the most viewed, most bookmarked, and most liked during that time. I was over the moon!!!! ;o)

Made this for AAM's blog hop last April 2010. I really wanted to try doing the shabby chic style last year and I think this was one of my earlier attempts LOL!!! This one got published in Scrapbooking MM magazine so it makes it all the more special!!!

A colorful layout of dear sonny that won over at Fancy Pants' NSD Challenge and got pubbed also in Scrapbooking MM mag. I want to think that this layout is my lucky charm that got me on board with Fancy Pants DT - - but then again, I loooooovvveee FP. If you check out my 2009 faves HERE, you'll see that a lot of them are FP numbers!!!!

This one is part of my creations out of Scrap That!'s July Kit. It features my wedding photos with hubby - - how can I not choose this as a fave? ;o) It's one of those rare layouts too that I switched my usual funky handwriting with script (my sister said "Don't do that, again!!!" LOL!!!!!).

Made this one during Bo Bunny's Power of Pink Week. I really made sure that I took part in this cause as both my parents died of (lung) cancer. This layout reminds me that I should love myself, period.

Made this mask as part of the Bella Blvd-Nikki Sivils-Jillibean Soup Blog crawl last March 2010. I used Flaming Butterfly here and super love how artsy spooky it came out!!! It's one of all-time fave altered projects - - too bad I still haven't done it's twin version up to this day (as I gave away this one as a prize during that blog crawl).

Gotta get out of my comfort zone and create a double page!!! I had fun doing this one for Bo Bunny. I incorporated not only negative space but also the consideration that I'm gonna store this in a 12x12 page protector so the design had to work as two 12x12 pages. I hope I can do more double pagers in the future, it's like a fun design challenge for me!!!!

Gifted this one to a friend (miss na kita sobra Yamyam!!!!!!). Also from Bo Bunny, it features the Olivia collection which I have been saving for the longest time (watch out as I'm gonna do an album with it soon!!!!).

I said I was gonna frame this one for my DD's room - - made this one with Scrap That!'s August Kit. If I'm not mistaken, this kit made me rethink how I feel about pink!!!!

Step aside Jackie O!!!!!! Brought out the snobbish chic in me with this Bo Bunny layout! This one was made also for AAM's blog hop in November. My brother took my picture (I cropped it for maximum impact, harharhar!!!!) - - one of those rare occasions too that there is someone else who's holding the camera LOL!!!!

There you go!!! My top 10 for 2010 - - kinda nostalgic to look back at my past projects. I hope 2011 would be as much fun and productive. ;o) I hope you'd stay on too to enjoy the ride with me. ;o)

Thanks for looking people - - you are my inspiration, you make me stay on my toes. ;o)

the ballerina ;o)

BO BUNNY'S SNEAK PEEKS

2011-01-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

Just sharing sneak peeks of Bo Bunny's newest lines!!!! It will be Christmas again when I receive my BB box (Mr. Postman, where are you?)!!!!!!!!!
Bo Bunny is giving them away- - so you have to check out the blog HERE before it's too late!!!!!!!! Good luck!!!!

Off ya go!!!! (Christmas is extended until January with all these great, great, giveaways from the manus!!!!)

janis

NIKKI SIVILS' SNEAK PEEKS

2011-01-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

Just posting them here so you can grab them!!! Sharing the sneak peeks of Nikki Sivils' newest lines!!!! I have already the papers - - just gotta have the time to play, play, play!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just which one to start working with.... hhhhmmmmmmm, all are stinkin' cuuttteeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To find out more about the new lines, do visit Nikki Sivils' blog HERE.

I have just finished creating 2 layouts using Sugar Cookie (our Valentine line), I hope to share them with you as soon as I see that they're up in the NS blog!!!!

janis

BELLA BLVD's SNEAK PEEKS

2011-01-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

It's true - - I almost cried when I got these goodies!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I promise you - - you're gonna LOVE 'EM ALL!!! I have created 9 layouts out of these collections (well, 11 if you include the 2 I made with Sunny Skies) for this January CHA. I can't wait to show them to you on the 29th!!!!!!!!!! Be sure to come back, okay?

Before I let you go, you might want to check out our blog HERE as Bella Blvd is giving away these goodies!!!!!!!! Gotta love this time of the year right?

Off ya go!!!!

janis

FANCY PANTS' SNEAK PEEKS

2011-01-20T18:30:00.000-08:00

I am soooo excited to share some sneaks from Fancy Pants' Winter Releases!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to play!!!!!!!!!!!

You have to check out the blog HERE and HERE so you can win them before they hit the stores!!!!

Off ya go!!!!

janis

MY 2011 WORD

2011-01-18T23:00:00.000-08:00

I know I was supposed to show my Top 10 for 2010 today, but I saw that our Challenge #34: On the Agenda over at AAM is already up so I made a switch.

I remembered doing a layout using Upsy Daisy where I featured my word for last year (you can visit the post HERE), and doing another one this time for 2011 came to mind for this challenge.

I used Fancy Pants' Love Birds Collection on my layout - - I fell in love with the "In Love" paper that I don't want to butcher it!!!! Love how it turned out simple and elegant - - I think I made this for 30 minutes only!!!

Some close-ups for you:

To view the challenge and the takes of my co-DTs, click HERE.

Hope you can drop by again tomorrow for my Top 10 for 2010 (tease, tease, tease!!!)!!!

janis

P.S. I almost forgot to mention that the photo was taken by my idol Jay-R Purisima. ;o) I'm gonna be using a lot of his photos on an upcoming album with Bo Bunny!!!! ;o)

I'VE GOT A CRUSH ON YOU

2011-01-17T19:00:00.000-08:00

I love that this is the last layout that I will feature here on my blog before I choose my top 10 faves for 2010. This one uses Bo Bunny's Crush Collection and you can see the detail shots of this layout HERE.

The picture was snapped by my sister - - it's one of those really rare moments that I got lucky the hubby is cooperative. LOL!!!! I love that I got to use Crush here - - I'm currently working on a project with this line that will debut on a blog hop to happen on the 26th!!! ;o) More details on that soon!!!!

Hope you can drop by tomorrow for my top 10 for 2010!!!

Thanks for looking!

janis

CRAZY LOVE

2011-01-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

I initially wanted to blog about these projects one by one, but I thought I'd just create the links where you can see more about the layouts on Bo Bunny's blog. The layouts were created using Crazy Love and I super loooooovveeee this collection!!!!

I have done 3 projects out of this line:

A double pager (yay!!!!) that you can find HERE.

Created this one for "It's all about the Embellishments" Challenge that you can find HERE.

Created this one using a sketch for Layout Challenge Friday which you can find HERE.

I hope after seeing these projects you'd go crazy over Crazy Love, too. ;o) I still have one layout to show you tomorrow and then I'm done posting my 2010 layouts. Whew!!!

Just one more layout tomorrow before I show my top faves for 2010!!!! Yay!!!!

janis

ONE THING I LOVE ABOUT ME (My Fave Stamp Enjoy LO)

2011-01-15T19:00:00.000-08:00

I was able to create this layout last year but was not able to share it here on my blog. I made this for Bo Bunny's layout challenge: One Thing I Love About Me (check out the post HERE to view supply list and journaling).

Did double duty here as I incorporated also stamps from Stamp Enjoy. This one is the Pendule 1 stamp

while this one is called the Bordure d'angle 2 stamp.

The papers I used come from the Midnight Frost Collection. Since there is no snow in the country, I thought the blues can also be used for a beachy layout.

I got to use my Fiskars border punch!!! Got to justify why I bought this one LOL!!!!

The blooms were handmade using Cuttlebug balloon and snowflake dies. I celebrate everytime I take out the bug (for most of the time, it's just collecting dust!!!).

Hope you likey what I shared with you today. Tomorrow I'm going to share more Bo Bunny layouts.

Off ya go!

janis

SHARING SOME NIKKI SIVILS LAYOUTS

2011-01-14T19:00:00.000-08:00

Updating my blog again with some fun Nikki Sivils layouts!!! These layouts have been posted and have been blogged over at Nikki Sivils blog, just wanna share them here in full view. ;o)

Tree Love

My Friend Birdie

Dan the Record Man

Bella Blue and Oscar Too

Will He Be the 1

Willow Bee

Thanks for looking people!!!! Tomorrow I'm gonna share my fave layout using Bo Bunny and Stamp Enjoy stamps!!!!

Until tomorrow!!!!

janis

SHARING SOME BELLA BLVD LAYOUTS

2011-01-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

I hope I can post my top faves this weekend so I'm showing all that needs to be shown these days. (I know, do you realize how many more blog posts I could have made last year with all these projects I've been sharing with you in bulks? Tsk, tsk, tsk. New year, new action plan. Gotta blog as you finish creating!!!!).

Just updating my blog with more Bella Blvd goodness today!!!

One Fall Day

Lovey Dovey
Hello Beautiful

Socialites

Estate Sale

All Inclusive

I'm currently working on Bella's new CHA lines - - nope, no sneak peeks yet (lest I get into trouble!!!!), but I'm telling you - - you will die!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (in true Edna Mode accent!!!!) Will share the sneaks as soon as they're up on Bella Blvd's blog.

What will tomorrow bring? How about some cute Nikki Sivils stuff?

Thanks for dropping by people!!!

janis

SHARING SOME BO BUNNY LAYOUTS

2011-01-12T19:00:00.000-08:00

Still updating my blog before I update that darn tracker on the side and decide on my top faves for 2010. I have here some projects which had been blogged over at Bo Bunny's. Ready? Here ya go!

Used Winter Joy Collection on this one with flowers, leaves and wooden flourish all by Vicky Alberto's etsy store!!! (Check BB blog post HERE, made this for the challenge where themed papers must be used for a non-themed layout.)

Funny how I ended up using the Noel Collection on non-Christmas layouts below (both are entries for To Theme or Not to Theme challenges too)!!! Who would have thought, right? The papers and embellishments are that versatile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This one had been blogged HERE

While you can see the details of this layout HERE.

These final projects, on the other hand, are created using Whoo-ligans. The layout was made for the Sew Dang Cute! Challenge that you can find HERE

While the altered packaging for the To Alter or Not To Alter Challenge HERE.

I still have some Bo Bunny projects to share but I'll hold on to them and blog about them separately (Valentines is nearing anyway - - gotta use Crush and Crazy Love Collections!!!). Tomorrow, I'm gonna be sharing some Bella Blvd projects.

Thanks for looking people!!!

janis

SHARING SOME FANCY PANTS (with a bit of STAMP ENJOY) LAYOUTS

2011-01-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

I' ve been busy with holiday layouts which I created using Tradition and Hot Chocolate Collections from Fancy Pants. Had a blast playing with these lines!!!!

Here are the ones made out of Tradition papers and embellishments:

Of course, you have to check my other Tradition layout which have been blogged HERE:

Here's another Christmas layout created with Hot Chocolate papers and stamps from Stamp Enjoy:

I got to use Texture Musique stamp (fave, fave, fave!!!)

and Alona Lutin stamp (ain't she a cutie!!!!).

Oh, and I got to create cards too!!!! Have photographed them before I did mail them!

I know, I'm really delayed in my posts (hey!!! I'm catching up!!! I've been blogging almost everyday right? LOL!!!), but here are two other layouts that are non-Christmassy:

This one is made out of Hot Chocolate papers (look! I have the old FP raw chipboards!!!)

while this one is created with the Wishful Thinking Collection.

Tomorrow, I'm gonna share some Bo Bunny projects!!! (Whew!!!!) Hope you likey!!!!

janis

BUZZ and BLOOM LAYOUTS

2011-01-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

As promised, here are some layouts that had appeared over at Buzz and Bloom's blog in full picture but not here on mine.

I am a chipboard lover at heart, I do miss playing with Buzz and Bloom's yumminess. I think I still have some stash left - - I'm gonna use them hopefully soon.

Thanks for looking people. I say I'm gonna share some Fancy Pants projects tomorrow so I hope you can drop by again. ;o)

janis

SHARING SOME UPSY DAISY LAYOUTS

2011-01-09T18:00:00.000-08:00

Just making sure that I have posted these Upsy Daisy projects here on my blog prior to blogging my top faves of 2010. ;o)

These two projects are created using A New Day Collection. The layout "I See 2 Sides of Me" was published in Scrapbooking MM last year, while the mini-canvass was made for a class over at All About Me (have blogged about this HERE).

These layouts, on the other hand, feature the Circle of Friends Collection. I didn't know that orange and pink can look good together until I have worked with these papers!!!

A Christmas layout, of course, using Hot Chocolate papers!!!

Last, but not the least, is a mix and match of different UDD papers. I have used papers from the Cupcake, Enchanted, and A New Day lines. Made this one for AAM's When I Grow Up Challenge in combination with CCG's Challenge #167.

Since I did not want to clutter my design with my journaling, I hid it using an insert.

The featured technique in CCG's Challenge #167 was pleating.

Tomorrow, I'm gonna share some Buzz and Bloom layouts so I hope you can swing by again!!!

Thanks for looking people!!! (It feels good to be blogging more often. ;o)

janis

FIRST FRIDAY'S GALLERY FAVE VOTING IS OPEN!!!!!

2011-01-07T19:02:00.000-08:00

I am soooo thrilled (and over the moon!!!!!!!!!!!) to share that my Scrap That! November Kit Creation is one of the featured projects over at Live Pink.

Thanks so much Live Pink for choosing it along with the other talented gals (these gals are my friends too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yay gals!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). If you do have a second, swing by and (pretty please with a cherry on top!!!!!!!!!!!!!) do vote for my project!!!!!!!!!!! ;o)

Click HERE to VOTE

Thanks in advance people!!!!!!!!!!!!!

janis

HILARIOUSLY FUNNY!!!

2011-01-07T07:30:00.000-08:00

This layout is now displayed at my office area (drives depression away!!!). Truth to tell, I felt I had to show it to the proper authority* first before sharing it over at Bo Bunny as I ~~still want to keep my job~~ want to maintain and preserve love, peace and harmony. ;o) Good thing, healthy sense of humor prevailed so ~~I am still employed~~ this layout saw the light of day here on my blog and on Bo Bunny's HERE.

Some detail shots for you: Except for the alpha stickers which I borrowed from the Winter Joy Line, this is really a Learning Curve number!

Hope you can play along with us!!! Thanks for looking!!!

janis

TUTORIAL/TIPS ON USING DIAMOND GLAZE

2011-01-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

Scrap That!'s January "Don't Stop The Carnival" Kit includes Judikins Diamond Glaze. I have here some tips/tutorials on how I used it on my kit projects which you can see HERE.

1) Diamond Glaze on Stamped Image

Diamond Glaze can instantly give additional texture on your paper and embellishments. What I always love to do is to apply it on a stamped image to give it that epoxy sticker-look (looked up the official decription, it is clear glass-like finish!!!!). On my layout "Treasure these Moments" that you can see HERE, I stamped my ticket image on the cardstock included in the kit, cut it out and topped it off with the Diamond Glaze. Since the kit also includes Ranger Stickles in Xmas Red, I used the Stickles to outline my ticket for additional texture.

2) Diamond Glaze + Glitter Powder

Diamond Glaze can also act as an adhesive. I created handmade blooms in the same layout but wanted additional texture so I thought of sprinkling my flowers with glitter powder.

I applied Diamond Glaze on the edges of my petals and then sprinkled, errrr topped (as I think I have dropped too much glitter powder!!! LOL!!!) my flowers with glitter powder.

Just shake off the excess glitter powder and you'll have a handmade bloom with really beautiful grainy and glittery texture!!!!

3) Diamond Glaze + Pearl Powder + Watermark Stamp Pad on Chipboard

The kit includes a cute mannequin chipboard from Maya Road and I wanted to use it on my layout (you can see my layout "Charming Adorable" HERE). I thought if I can use Diamond Glaze on paper/cardstock, I sure can use it too on chipboard!

Since the mannequin chipboard was raw, I wanted a bit of color on it. Since I'm big on symmetry, I wanted another purple shade to match my flower on my layout. I inked the chipboard with my watermark stamp, dusted pearls over it, and then topped it with Diamond Glaze.

The Diamond Glaze makes my chipboard look more polished!!!

4) Diamond Glaze + Alcohol Ink

Want to have a tinted finish on your embellies? Try mixing alcohol ink with your Diamond Glaze! In a small container, I put a little amount of Diamond Glaze and a drop of Ranger Alcohol Ink (Eggplant shade). Since the Diamond Glaze is water-based, the ink dissolved fast. I topped my flower on my layout "Europe or Bust" which you can see HERE to make the purple shade more prominent.

Hope you like these little tutorial/tips that I shared with you. Have fun playing with Diamond Glaze!!!

janis

SCRAP THAT!'s JANUARY KIT (Part 4)

2011-01-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

Without further ado, here's my top fave of Scrap That!'s January "Don't Stop The Carnival" Kit creations as it has my small family's picture (except for the leaves and the stamps, everything is from the kit) :

I was also able to use a lot of my old stamps here (the stamps I used were from Paper Chic, Imaginisce, Autumn Leaves, Hero Arts and Girls Paperie) and I felt sooo good that I was able to use them!!! It's only over the holidays that I realized I have a looooot of stamps (mostly the acrylic kind) so as a new year scrappy resolution, I resolve to use them more!!!

The kit includes Judikins Diamond Glaze and Ranger Xmas Red Stickles. Will post some tips/tutorials on how I used them on my layouts in a while!!!

Love how Diamond Glaze gives my stamped image that epoxy sticker look!!!

Look Ma, I made my handmade blooms (I also resolve to use my Cuttlebug more this year!!!) !!!!

To find out more about the kits, visit the Scrap That! Store. To subscribe, email customerservice@scrapthat.ca

Thanks for looking everyone!!!

janis

SCRAP THAT!'s JANUARY KIT (Part 3)

2011-01-06T23:00:00.000-08:00

I'm torn between this layout and the last one that I'm gonna show you as to which one is my fave creation out of Scrap That!'s January "Don't Stop The Carnival" Kit (as I have a habit of showing the last one as my top fave!!!). This ended as my 2nd fave as the pic shows only me. LOL!!! Except for the stamps, alphas, leaves, Advantus Dream ticket, small envelope and small ribbon flowers, everything is from the kit.

This one is special because of the story behind it (I didn't want my design to get cluttered so I ended up hiding my journaling.

The feather is included in the the kit, too. I sooo love the whimsical texture it added my page!!!

As always, I love to cluster my flowers!!!

Found these stamps in my stash - - the first one is from Bo Bunny's Winter Joy Collection (one of my all time fave BB stamp!!!), while the second one is a rubber stamp that I bought online at Joann.com.

To find out more about the kits, visit the Scrap That! Store. To subscribe, email customerservice@scrapthat.ca

janis

SCRAP THAT!'s JANUARY KIT (Part 2)

2011-01-06T22:00:00.000-08:00

Here's the second layout that I have created with my niece Louise (love these pics of her!!!) as my subject. Except for the stamp and leaves, everything is from Scrap That!'s January "Don't Stop the Carnival" Kit.

Was able to use Stamp Enjoy's Grille et lanternes Stamp.

More detail pics:

To find out more about the kits, visit the Scrap That! Store. To subscribe, email customerservice@scrapthat.ca

janis

SCRAP THAT!'s JANUARY KIT (Part 1)

2011-01-06T21:00:00.000-08:00

Just want to share the detail pics of my creations out of Scrap That!'s January "Don't Stop the Carnival" Kit featuring My Mind's Eye Union Square Collection. Here's the first layout that I have created with my very charming and adorable niece as my subject (the stamps, leaves, and tiny circle alpha stickers are from my own stash):

I was able to use 2 stamps from Stamp Enjoy (gotta stamp stamp stamp this new year!!!!). This one is called Mannequin 1.

The other one is a border stamp which is called Bordure d'angle 2.

The kit also includes handmade butterflies from Kaye's Kreative Korner. I was able to include 2 of those butterflies on my layout!!!

To find out more about the kits, visit the Scrap That! Store. To subscribe, email customerservice@scrapthat.ca

janis