Food... & breakfast.

Supplies~
Cardstock: American Crafts
Alphas: American Crafts
Papers: American Crafts
Stickers: K&Company, 7 Gypsies
Ribbon: K.I. Memories
Flowers: Prima Marketing

[EDIT/23.10.2009: Details added now :D]

Okay I think I've to admit it. I am not perfect. I am a major photoshop nut. :D But not to the extent of mortifying myself on that program. I did tweak the layout above using Photoshop... and I might have went a wee bit too far with the brightness and contrast tools... which explains why my doily lace (guess what I got it from - improvise, people, I got it from a local diner... they must be thinking what was a teenage girl doing/thinking by asking for something like... doily lace. That is one big syndrome of being a scrapaholic) look so vague compared to the rest of the page.

Other than that, I also added typed journalling to the page on Photoshop. Then I printed the extra copy out and snuck it on the backside of the layout protector that lies inside my scrapbook album. :D I wanted to try printing on the cardstock itself but given my clumsy nature, I will mess it up for sure, and therefore, I didn't attempt doing so, heh. :D

Well, technique-wise, I played on major tone-on-tone (white on white in this case) in this layout! I think the effect that came out was pretty cool! :D

Now on to the journaling.. it says:

{Sometimes all we have to do is to just sit back and enjoy the first meal of the day heartily and happily... too bad I always miss out on them. I need to learn to be more appreciative in the future and start to enjoy the meals!}

Well, to be honest, when I was 5... I was a chubby lil' kid because of my large appetite. Chocolates were my preferred choice of food, as with every other young kiddo. :P I even have some photos to prove the above fact! But, when I was reaching 6/7, I don't know why, but my appetite took a major downturn. I hated eating. I had a sudden disgust and distaste for all food around me. Even all the chocolates that I loved before got affected as well. The sight and thought of food and them going down my gullet/oesophagus just disgusted me. I felt like I could puke anytime and everytime food enters my mouth.

It disgusted me to the state that sometimes I could just survive on a spoonful of rice/noodles for a day (and of course, water). If they tried to force-fed me, I will just breakdown or break out into tears. At least, that's what my parents whined to me about. Well, of course, my parents were dead worried about whatever that had happened to me and brought me to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis, but the doctor said I had some kind of psychological barrier that hindered me from eating and subduing my appetite (Honestly, I had no idea what I did or heard when I was 5... so don't ask me about the details either :P I tried to ask my parents but they couldn't remember either)

But I still remembered clearly that during those times, I really hated food. Nobody truly understood why I was reacting that way towards food all of a sudden. Actually, I didn't know it myself either. No matter how my parents tried to force-fed me, I just can't eat much. That whole condition lasted for a whole month (though it got better gradually by the day), until my appetite was back to that of a normal person, to say the least.

Now that I think of it, could I have gotten anorexia when I was 6? That still remains a question, and a mystery, but definitely not one that I am desperate to solve. Just let bygones be bygones. At least those days are over now... or else all the troubles I could have caused to people around me would be distratrous if that continued till today.

Luckily, my appetite was restored. But I don't know whether it was due to me growing up or something, sometimes skipping meals doesn't come as a surprise to me anymore. I could survive easily without eating a meal (but I will still eat whenever I have to) for the day, such as breakfast, or lunch. (I am forced to come back home everyday on time to have my dinner though, I guess my mom wouldn't wish to see her daughter turn from a human being to being a virtual skeleton)

Because of the fact that I practically have to rush to school every single day, I often skip breakfast. Of course, as a biology student (albeit not a good one :P), I am highly aware that it isn't a recommended option, because several fatal stomach/gastric conditions can occur out of this habit of mine.

But sometimes, life just get in the way isn't it? I am not exactly an expert at time management either. Well, at least now I am trying to get rid of this bad habit of mine and learn to have proper meals/diets for the whole day... instead of relying just what is required.

Breakfast is extremely important. They give you the necessary boost of energy to assist you in whatever that comes in your way for the rest of the day. That probably explains for my restlessness in all of the days that I didn't take my breakfast. :D

On a sidenote, I am a huge fan of MacDonalds' Hotcakes breakfast meal. It's just simply divine when matched with maple syrup. Can you tell I have a sweet tooth yet? :P

Also submittted this layout for a challenge on American Crafts! Hopefully that gives me a chance to win some of the new Letterbox *AC's newest line that is just way too gorgeousssss* goodies.

Trust me, nobody would ever resists those pretty thickers...

(And it comes in my favorite texture ever - Fabric! :D)

I call myself a major thicker fan. I think I still have at least 10 packs of them left unused... don't even get me started on those that have been used! :P

Losing it...

Some things are better left private. ;)

If you've already read this post earlier... thank you for reading.
If you haven't... perhaps its best that you don't read it. :P

Giveaway winner(s) hereeee!

Okay... :) Time for the announcement for the giveaway winner(s)! :) Yes you saw that right! More than one winner because I am generous like that, okay just kidding. :P But yes, there is more than one winner!

First up, I shall announce the winner for the $25 gift cert to be used on Twopeas!

IS..... NO. 32!

which means... you, ANN! (it was really easy to count the 32nd comment from 35 comments, lol!)

Ann said...
Cool prize down here! :) Hope you win the Prima contest!

Congratulations Ann! Please get in touch with me at ohmyshermin[NOSPAM]@hotmail.com to receive your spankin' $25 gift cert. :)

Well, I felt bad and also tried to generate a few more numbers to each receive a $5 gift cert at TwoPeasinabucket.com from me. :) So I generated 2 more numbers and guess who gets the treat? :)

28, and 12, COME ON UP!

Which means...

*Monica* said...
Wow, what an awesome giveaway! And so generous of you.
Happy 1000 posts!

&

Brittney said...

Wow, what a great prize. Who doesn't love shopping?! Congrats on the 1000 posts (and here's to another 1000!).

gets the additional $5 gift certificate over at Twopeas as well! I hope it's not too shabby! :D
Similiarly, email me at ohmyshermin[NOSPAM]@hotmail.com so that I can "send" over your prize virtually as soon as possible!

(I still think my email address is very cool. I am a geek. Whatever. :D)

That's all for now! All giveaway winners, please email me as soon as possible to claim your prize! Thank you so much for all the kind wishes, votes, etc, etc! I will be off to check out the blogs of all those who commented and leave some sweet messages as soon as possible...

and yes, to another 1000th post! Working on it. ;)
Yes, am I fast or what? Just 15 minutes after the end of the giveaway and I already announced the winners. :D

Prima's product picks :)

I've always been a HUGE Prima fan (as if it already wasn't enough)! I mean, seriously, tell me who can resists those beautiful products Prima comes out with each time...? This season's release is ESPECIALLY tempting to me. :D

Prima has now came up with something really, really fun. :) They chosen some of their favorite products and put them into an ensemble (whereby the colors, and everything matched perfectly well!) so that fellow scrappers like us who're bad at matching products can now have a match to witness how Prima products come together! :D

Look at the perfect combination they've put out this time:

(That's not all of their new releases, of course!) :P

Prima Product Picks Include:

Fleur Danseur: These vintage flowers are absolutely stunning with the gem centers!

Pebbles: Patterned pebbles are perfect for a flower center or as an embellishment on your project.

Say It In Pearls Butterfly Swirl: These are totally feminine and precious! These swirls can be applied to almost ANY medium!

Holiday Lights Pearl Vine: Lovely vines filled with peach-colored pearl beads.

Gypsy Petals: Layers of yummy fabric with lightly singed edges and a gorgeous center.

Fleur Danseur:Sweet flowers made with fancy fabrics and complete centers.

Baroque Blooms: like large flowers? These are perfect for a fab focal point or an altered project!

Say It In Pearls: These centers will add class and elegance to any project!

Romani Flowers: These gorgeous flowers include a combination of beautiful fabric and pearls!

Trellis Roses: Sweet roses that look freshly picked!

Felt Stems: Just add flowers for a fabulous look!

Are you drooling yet, I am? :) And do you REALLY REALLY want a chance to win some equally yummy products from Prima? Then hop over to the Prima's blog here! You just have to post something about their product's picks and include that in your blog, and bravo, you get a chance to win! Doesn't that sounds awesome? In the meantime, I really cannot wait for some of these products to hit stores!

I hate to be biased... but Fleur Danseur, Say it in Pearls, Holiday Vines, Gypsy Petals, Romani Flowers gotta be my favorites! They're literally calling my name! (I would add Trellis Roses to the list, but I already bought it - and guess what? I already used up practically all of them and even bought another packet in the coral shade!)

I would love to make a project with these goodies someday though... so as soon as it hits stores... better watch out! :D

Oh, and since we're on the topic of Prima, don't you want to tap onto more of Prima's awesomeness by helping me, and vote for my layout (Entry #4292) over here @ the teen scrapper contest as well? Voting details can be found right there! It's really simple, you just have to email your vote over! :D Voting ends on 28th August 2009, which basically means that there's only about a week left for you guys to vote... so please take the chance to help me! Thank you so much! xx

Enjoy life... or not?

It's one of those days, that I've emotional moments.
Things aren't going smooth, even the creations I made turn out to look like... uh, dare I say it, CRAP. I've never been that harsh on myself, although I've been said to be my own worst critic.

Supplies:
Easel - Spotlight
Canvas - Spotlight
Patterned Papers - Creative Imaginations
Paint - Sakura
Chipboard - Cosmo Cricket
Dimensional stickers - Making Memories
Ticket - Jenni Bowlin

I've been 'paid' by my friend to do this for her sister's birthday, (by paid, I mean she buys all the products and I get to keep all the leftovers, which is a good deal if you ask me) but I felt like I've ruined it.

She paid a lot for all the products and I don't want her to receive something substandard-ish. At the same time, I can't get myself to do things right. Morever, her sister's birthday is just on the 19th, which is a hard deadline to compete with.

It's my first time working with canvas and all, so I'm unfamiliar with it. I already painted on the canvas so I can't really reverse it, unless how you can adhere paper temporarily with temporary adhesive. Everything doesn't come together, even the original pony chipboard she bought was ruined by me. I feel like refunding her the money and everything for the products I've wasted but at the same time, she's looking for something handmade and not premade for her sister.

It is a hard decision, to keep or not to keep?

Meanwhile, please continue to support me at Prima Teen Comp (entry #4292). It's probably one of the only thing that keeps me going. Would love to hear comments on voting, I will check out your blog and leave some sweet messages too. xx :)

Under my camera, mera, mera, ra ra ra ra.

Pardon me for my lame title. I am pretty sure that came from a puny brain that is too tired from studying right now haha.

I am supposed to be studying for my Biology examinations on Monday... but honestly, not in the mood. I am more into the 'scrapping mood' right now. :) It's so ironic that I spent so little time during the holidays to scrap when I've so much time to spend on leisure activities such as scrapping, but right now, I've so many commitments but yet I feel so like scrapping.

I am pretty sure scrapbooking is a good platform for me to relieve my stress and take my mind away from commitments that doesn't seem all too appealing.

I am in the midst of creating some layouts and hopefully, I will be able to finish them and upload them soon, I am a pretty slow scrapper as well as photographer. :) Not to mention, Petrina and her sister, Valerie aren't exactly my kids so... they only drop by peroidically and I only have these few photos of them, and I am pretty sure people don't want to see my face slapped onto every single layout I create... I am pretty much camera-shy too... at least to a certain extent! The rest of my family are very camera-shy too... so I am one of those few people that has way too many supplies, but way too little photos to scrap of :P Ironic huh? :D

Okay, anyhowdy, since we are on the topics of cameras... :) My parents are about to get me a DSLR for my birthday present... yes, after 2 years of begging but there has to be a catch for it.. such as cost and everything... and they also want to make sure I don't abandon my studies after getting the camera to play with!

I am pretty much interested in the Nikon D90, or the Canon Rebel 400D. I can't choose! Both are expensive (well its a DSLR, what can I expect? LOL!) so I am stuck in a rut. My parents haven't exactly got me a birthday present since I was about 11/12 and all I have gotten since are birthday cakes and nothing else. The point is I didn't want anything, haha, not that they didn't want to get me anything, I wanted a laptop but they deemed it as being too expensive and I already have a perfectly working desktop... so its alright. ;D

So now, they're "repaying" me back all the birthday presents they owed me in one go - through a DSLR. I could choose between DSLR and laptop but I figured a DSLR would be a better investment... I could get a laptop when I advance to junior college (in Singapore) next year anyway, since a laptop is definitely needed for school work. So yes, DSLR seemed like a better investment afterall! Haha. ;)

Oh, on the competition note, I am also glad to befriend another fellow teen scrapper through the Prima Teen Comp too! Her name is Kayla and she has a blog called My Creative Nerve! Her creations are really lovely and she's really talented for her age as well. She also have an equally lovely personality and we exchanged a few emails... and dare I say, each email had definitely exceeded 100 words... that's how much we can talk to each other. She is also the owner of a fun challenge site called Scrap the Girls... the challenge this month is really easy and the prizes are really yummy.. like gift certificates to some scrapping stores! Do check her out. :)

That's all for now, hopefully I will be back to share a few more layouts soon! Hopefully there will be less of these kinda picture-less posts because I can't stand wordy posts like these too! Oh and another shameless plug hehe. :) Please continue voting for me at the Prima Teen Comp okay? :)

Those eyes speak!

Just wanted to drop by... even though I am supposed to study for my test for tomorrow right now, but I am sure it couldn't hurt to update my blog while I take a small little break! :D I just created something new the other day right after I finished my Prima's teen project (and yes, I am so honoured to be selected as one of the top 10 finalists! If it isn't too much trouble, please vote for my layout... more information can be found on the blogpost right at the top of my blog as well as this link!)I had some leftovers from the products I bought and decided to make use of them. :)

A relatively simple layout that doesn't make use of a lot of products...

Those eyes speak...

Supplies:
Patterned Papers: Prima Marketing (yes, I bought 2 of the same 'sew cute' paper... I guess I couldn't resist it afterall!), Basic Grey
Rub-ons: October afternoon
Alphas: American Crafts
Font: Times New Roman, Brockscript (For journaling purposes)

(Journaling reads: "These eyes are the most gorgeous pair that I've ever seen. They just speak for your jovial and innocent personality")

I initially started off with the idea of a 'storybook-structure', for this layout but alas, another failed attempt. I love the colors of this layout... but just can't pinpoint what seems 'wrong'. I keep feeling that there's something lacking about the above layout. :(

Alright, back to the study train now, choo-choo!

Just before I go, could you spare a vote for me? :) Here here! So sorry for the shameless plug!

Live, Laugh, Love

How nice it would be if I can "live, laugh, love" everyday. Although I know its virtually impossible, I will still try my best to make it happen.

That aside, on the aesthetic aspect, I just changed my blog background and header. Background courtesy of http://hotbliggityblog.com and well, I just made the blog header myself. Not that well-done since I wasn't feeling inspired.

Same goes for this card. I wasn't feeling exactly inspired and just rushed through one piece because my friend's birthday is just tomorrow. That's what you get for rushed work! It is also one of my first card-making experience and I used scraps to complete it, so yeah. :) As if it wasn't obvious enough, I really really loved the ribbon. The quote is so typical yet so meaningful. :)

Supplies:
Patterned papers: Pink Paislee, SEI
Ribbon: Ki Memories
Ribbon holder: Making Memories

(Photo wasn't well-taken because of rainy weather and dark clouds. Normally I would wait for better weather conditions before taking a photo, but not that much of a choice here because I have to send the card over to my friend by tomorrow, haha!)

I definitely hope that she will embrace the signifance behind this card. :)
Now I can't wait for my own birthday, lol! It's 24th September if anybody wish to know, *hinthint*

Please leave comments whenever you can! I will be sure to check out your blog back and leave some comments as well. :)

Almost a month

It has almost been a month since I've last updated this little small space of mine.

To sum it all up, the reason for me disappearing from the blogscene is because of life in general. Which of course inclues studies (the perpetual no.1 sorrow of mine on earth), as well as family, so on and so forth.

Anyhowdy, does anybody remembers the Prima teen contest that I talked about approximately 2 months ago? I finally got started on my entry on the 26th July. haha. I only submitted it on 30th July because I was frustrated of getting the 'right' photograph suitable to enter into the contest. Because of the dimensions of the Prima flowers, it became so hard to scan in the layout without it looking grainy or blur... so my only alternative is to photograph it.

I don't know whether my entry would be accepted because I don't know what constitutes as submitting it before July 31st (the deadline).... apparently, you have to wait for the Prima staff to verify your submission before it shows on the contest gallery. By the time that happens, I am not sure whether it would still be under the deadline of 31st July, because as you can see now, its already 1st August, and its still not appearing in the contest gallery....

Yeah I am a very impatient person. :(

Photographing it was a tough process. I had to wait for the suitable light setting and then capture it. Many times, I had blur edges, excessive amount of graininess/noise which irritated me to no end.

This is one of the decent shots. I tried to use as many Prima products as possible, but eventually the alpha, patterned paper and one rub on isn't from Prima. But basically everything else is from Prima. :)

One of the few layouts that I journalled! Feel so proud of myself right now, haha:

Supplies List:
Patterned Papers: Creative Imaginations, Prima Marketing (photo frame)
Flowers: Prima Marketing's Trellis flowers in pink and white (awesome shades)
Embellishments: October Afternoon, Prima Marketing (Donna Downey's "love" canvas tag, paper rose made from Flirty little secrets patterned paper, rose rubon cut into half for use on the photograph and frame)
Alphas: American Crafts
Border/Others: Prima Marketing's Sew Cute stitched mulberry paper.

Journaling reads (It became too small when I resized it) :
"All about me: 15, a little meek, a little emotional and a wee bit too sensitive sometimes... but absolutely loved <3"

Hopefully that constitutes as 70% worth of Prima products. :D The journaling really sums up who I am right now. As with every other teen, I have my emotional and sensitive moments. Also a little bit shy sometimes, but I do know, for sure that I have an awesome bunch of family and friends that I can count on, who love me for who I am. :D

That's all for now.
I am loving CHA at the moment... but I don't really buy festive lines (I normally just buy generic lines for obvious purposes) as some festivals are exclusively celebrated in America (or even if not, celebrated in certain countries only). Christmas, and Halloween are not as elaborately celebrated here in Singapore as compared to America, particularly Halloween. :(

This time round, a whole load of manufacturers had came up with festive lines, I can even think of a few on top of my head, Making Memories, Cosmo Cricket, Basic Grey, Crate Paper, SEI, Webster Pages, October Afternoon, etc all released either Halloween or Christmas lines... but good thing is, they also released some other generic lines, so I am good for now.

At least this meant that I don't have to splurge oh-so-heavily like before! That is a good thing, right? :D I saw so many online eye candies lately that I want to grab, but really, some are really not affordable at the moment. I already quit all my kit clubs cause my scrapping frequency dropped a lot... blame homework, not me. :D

Can't wait for Prima to update their blog with the top 10 finalists! Can't wait to see who got selected, and hopefully, I am included, lol! :D I already saw a few stunning entries in the contest gallery so Prima might have a tough choice to choose from, huh? :D

Has been long...

It sure has been long since I've last posted.

Vacations is now over and its now time to head back to school, ouch. :( I seriously can't bear with the days where I can spend my time lazing around and being a nocturnal creature. Now my biological clock isn't really working well, but I sure hope it's adjusting well to the new timing. :)

Had a few layouts done during the school vacations, and glad to say, one of them have won the Garden Girls weekly challenge over at TwoPeas sometime ago, only managed to check back now, but I am definitely glad to win (and of course, the shopping credit sure did grab me some good deals!) :)

It was the manicure one, if anybody remembers haha. :)
Just did another layout, it was meant for a challenge at my LSS, but I didn't win anyway, though it's alright as I had fun creating that layout. :)

Here to share if anybody's interested:

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Patterned Papers: Cosmo Cricket
Chipboard: Maya Road, Sassafras Lass
Tags: Tim Holtz (Ranger Industries)
Rub-ons: Rhoanna Farrer (Autumn Leaves)

I will be back to share some new projects when I am done recharging myself for the new school term, its so exciting, and just a little hint, it can be applied in real-life. Oh oh, CHA is coming soon, and I can't wait to see what the manufacturers come up with this season, oh man, that's gonna be digging a big hole in my pocket for sure. CHA always have this underlaying effect, heh! :)

Nostalgic - the final installment (LOL!)

This still remains one of my favorite layouts despite it looking kinda amateur-looking(ish). Well, I was an amateur and this was the art of an amateur... so what can you expect? Ah, the first time I actually attempted serious stitching on papers!

I still fondly remembered that when I was 7 years old, I tried to make a Mothers' Day card for my mom, and I tried to stitch a heart on the construction paper (Yeah, I totally didn't know about the existence of scrapbooking supplies almost a decade ago!) and well, it was not that well-done... my mom even let out a comment that it looked more like a twisted oval instead of a heart when I tried to explain to her. Oh well!

Supplies:
Alphas: American Crafts, Making Memories
Patterned Papers: Basic Grey
Cardstock stickers: Basic Grey
Adhesives: Pop dots
Embroidery floss: Brandless (got it from my mom's sewing kit, ah-ha!)

So the stitching is still not that well-done here, but hey, given this is the first serious attempt I had tried stitching on paper, surely I deserve a pat on the back? Haha!, well, okay, the handmade claydolls in the layout is lovingly made by a best friend for me. She is really skilled in the arts of making these claydolls, which are oh-so-adorable. I used the Basic Grey "Sugared" collection because well, it's really sweet!

That's all for now. I don't think I can find any more old layouts to share. Btw, this layout is circa June 2008. So yeah, actually, till now, I am actually quite fond of this layout. :)

I will be back later to post some exciting news! (Well, exciting to me, at least... because it's my first time! Shhh.. you will hear back later! :D)

Oh and good news is, my mojo is finally returning. Working on some new creations right now! Can't wait to show you guys when I am done with them. The bad news is, I only have 5 days left till my vacation is over. :( Apparently, the government here refused to give us an extension of holidays despite the H1N1 virus spreading, albeit slowly. Yeah, I am getting kinda nutty over it. :P I mean, seriously, don't you want some extra days to just sit down on the couch/or computer chair for the matter of fact and do nothing?

Mojoless

A layout I did on a mojo-less day, approximately 10 days ago if I still remember correctly. You can't expect much, can you? Virtually made out of patterned papers, with minimal embellishments. Well, I am a big PP fan...

Didn't scan this in, captured this on my point and shoot with minimal editing to the contrast and everything... blah.

Supplies:
Patterned Papers: October Afternoon, Jenni Bowlin, Cosmo Cricket
Rub ons: Autumn Leaves (by Rhoanna Farrer)
Chipboard: Scenic Route
Ticket: Jenni Bowlin

On a bright note, it's 3 more months to my birthday, yay!

Nostalgia ~ a trip down the memory lane part 2!

Sorry for the fact that I've to interrupt my series of nostalgic posts on my old layouts which I have yet to show yet yesterday due to showing off a rushed-out layout, well uh, okay... taking a trip down my flickr pretty much does provokes a lot of memories!

As I skimmed through my flickr's photostream, unevitably, this layout below catches my eye, for a few reasons of course!:

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
Patterned Papers: Making Memories
Cardstock Stickers: Basic Grey
Alphas: American Crafts

This was the layout that I manipulated/experimented with new techniques, scrapbooking styles. This layout, was inspired by Kerry Lynn :) She posted a layout of her daughter whereby she printed her daughter's picture on a kraft cardstock. Everybody should try this new technique, its so much fun, especially for people like me who has just ran out of photo papers, haha! As I'm not that skilled in the arts of restocking supplies (just take a look at my previous post as to how I finished up my white cardstock stack too!), just on the day I was doing up this layout, I ran out of photo paper (fret not, I've stocked up on this essential now!)

I did the same and printed my cousin, Petrina's picture onto kraft cardstock as well. :) It was also the first time I scrapped something the size of 6"x12". The process was refreshing yet slightly restrictive due to the small size at the same time, but overall, it was a good experience!

I tried to use minimal number of embellishments too, actually, most of them were just cardstock stickers from a pack of Basic Grey's collections. So yeah, you can consider it a failed attempt!

It's not one of my best layouts, of course, but at least, its one of my most unique one. :) By the way, while my scrapping mojo is taking itself out on a major vacation, at least the blogging mojo is back now to retrieve his throne. Hopefully I will continue blogging in a regular manner/timeframe now, haha!

Btw, yes, I submitted the layout below for the stacking titles challenge over at TwoPeas. Weird that it wouldn't show up on the challenge page even though I did tick it to post it for challenges though. Ah well, I am so sure I wouldn't win anyway, so why fret, heh!

Manicure!

Back to show a layout, I am on a blogging spree, wheeeee!

Supplies:
Alphas - Creative Imaginations
Stickers - American Crafts, Jenni Bowlin
Chipboard - Pink Paislee
Rub-ons - Autumn Leaves (Rhonna Farrer)
Journalling page - Making Memories
Mist - Glimmer Mist

I did this one real quick.
Really, within a span of 5 minutes, but yeah, I think you can see its rushed in this layout. All I did was to use the negative chipboard shape of my Pink Paislee topsiders and mist it. Add some of the shapes on, together with a few embellishments and then I called it a wrap. It's really trashy though...

I also only took the photo of the layout over the iPhone as my digital camera is not with me at the moment, le sigh. :( I have officially lost my mojo-ness, to the state that I can only churn out works of this quality. I am lamenting at that, realllll badly. :(

I'm also on my laptop right now, which means no photoshop, bleh. :( I always use photoshop to 'beautify' my photoraphs of the layouts because brightness, contrast, exposure, really do make a difference in presenting the layout!

I might replace the photograph with a newly scanned in tomorrow, I don't know, I just feel like sharing this one right now. Well yeah, weird lil' me I guess! :D

Mr/Mrs/Miss Mojo, pleaseee come backkk toooo meee sooon. :(
Btw, I was thinking of entering this for TwoPeas' weekly challenge of stacking the titles.But of course, I am having second thoughts about it for obvious reasons! :D

Edit [@ 3.54pm]: I just uploaded a new photograpph/scan of the layout, and hopefully, it looks more appealing now. There's a lot of 'bubbling' because I didn't use 'authentic' white cardstock. I just used the white side of a single-sided PP to do this... well, improvise when you've got nothing!

Maybe I can submit this for the TwoPeas challenge now, *laughs*:D

Nostalgia ~ down the memory lane - part 1

Does anybody wants to see my first SB Layout? It's so yucky that even I want to puke on it, but if I were to puke on it, it would be my mother's face I am puking on, so it wouldn't be that nice! Sorry mom, the above was just a joke! Haha. :)

Supplies:
Alpha - American Crafts
Patterned Papers - Basic Grey
Cardstock Stickers - Basic Grey
Crystals - Prima Marketing

This is a not-so-proud work of 2007/2008 *I can't remember when exactly it was*. Go ahead, laugh at it! I am sure all of our first layouts will look nothing like what we're working on right now... haha. But it was an awesome photograph of my mum putting on the final touches on her evening gown (my cousin was getting married on that night!) and you know, it's kinda rare at times that your mum looks fashionable, and therefore, it's a "document-able" subject. (Yes, I am aware there isn't a word like that!" haha. "Chic" was the adjective to describe my mother at that very moment. :)

Aw, how many of your first layouts was inspired by your mother?! Tell me, I am sure the figures is going to grow more inclined towards none!

I've more layouts from the past that I've yet to share yet, but I am working on scanning them in one by one and share with all of you guys. :) Just promise not to laugh, kay? :) Afterall, I was a beginner back then, and actually, still a beginner now. ;)

New blog layout

Yayyyy, I put on a new blog layout. :)
It's very different from before, I feel this one gives off a rusty, vintage kinda feel, but in a good way of course. :) Also added some graphics/blinkies over at the sidebar. :) All of them (layout & graphics) are from shabbyblogs.com, they really do offer some spankin' layout!

Thanks and do let me know how you feel about the blog's appearance now. :) I hope to maintain it and update as much as possible of course, but sometimes life just get caught up in the middle of nothingness

Something that looks like a bumblebee.

I've been digging this color combo, yellow and black! These 2 colors (yellow and black) really help to make each other pop even though they resemble the colors of, erhh, well, a bumblebee! (which suggests the name of today blog post's title! Heh!)

I haven't been blogging nor scrapping, which is a really bad sign, given that I am actually on school holidays right now. I should spend the time doing either one of them instead of being a couch potato. Once school starts right back again, I am guessing I will have no time for either of them due to school commitments, homework, yadahyadah. I guess y'all get the drift.

Okay, I know I should stop showing layouts' sneaks with no intention of ever showcasing the entire layout to the public. The truth is... I am that much of a lazy piggo to take the layout and photograph it in a nice way that it can fully displays all the details, and everything in a nice-ish or at least decent way. I am not good at photographing layouts and I doubt I will be in any time soon, so yeah.

Scanning isn't a problem in showing all the details decently, but it really is a major hassle to do all the necessary edits in Photoshop after scanning, because afterall, my scanner is not 12x12, and instead, the standard A4 size scanner. And I am a sucker for die-cut papers, especially scallops, so the scallops details often get cut off at the side no matter how I dealt with it, so hmm, the only solution is to take multiple scans and piece everything together in Photoshop. Now you know it isn't all that fun, and its actually well, very technical-ish. :(

This layout, I sorta went crazy with all the placement and everything. I used one of the Paislee pages that Pink Paislee snugly produced. I must say, its soooo versatile!

That said, I need to work on some birthday cards now (it's crazy as to how 4 out of my 6 best buds' birthdays fall in June/July!) as well as the impending Father Day's card... off to check out some mojo nowwww.

Prima teen contest?

As the fact that examinations have just ended up dawned upon me, I couldn't feel any happier!
Because, after exams are over, I can look forward to the following:

- More time for scrapping, of course
- Relaxation.
- Holidays (well, vacations were planned, but now these ideas have to be shelved thanks to the recent outrage of swine flu, talk about bummer!)
- More time to just stay at home
- Shopping!
- Sleeping - oh god, you have no idea how hard it is for me to crawl out of bed at the crack of each dawn before I get to school.

As usual, being the geek I ever am, I was bloghopping, message board-ing, pea-ing, and basically just adding an -ing to whatever scrapbooking is related to on the web. Checked out the new Studio Calico's reveal, and I FINALLY caved in and bought one kit. Ain't I proud of myself or what? I'm sooooo looking forward to receive it in my mail box. :D

In the midst of bloghopping, I happened to see this teen contest from Prima. I am like "BOOYAAAAAAA!" when I saw the notice. I mean, seriously, its so hard to have competitions catered towards teens to come by these days, since the main target group of scrappers are generally about the age whereby females take on the responsibility of motherhood, if you get what I mean, and now that it's restricted to scrappers between the age of 13-19 to focus on giving more chances towards the slightly younger group of scrappers (I am 15 going on 16 - I am perfectly in the midrange), WHO CAN GIVE THE CHANCE UP? :)

Oh lord, I am so excited now. Prima is so generous, just look at the prizes. I mean, while I am relatively sure I won't be able to win anything, I guess earning a feature on their blog (mind you, they get hundreds or even thousands of hits daily) would be sufficient to keep me grinning all day!

But of course, as every scrapper would dream, scrappy goodies for free if you do win the competition, for me, the chances are pretty low, considering there's still a huge bunch of talented young scrappers on there, let alone some 'diamonds in the rough'.

Do you see what I see? The 1st for this competition gets to earn a hefty prize of $200 (retail value) of Prima products (J'adore those flowers and papers!!), $100 barnes and nobles voucher (Prima sure knows how to encourage reading amongst us, huh!) and last but not least, guest designer spot on their design team, woots, sounds way too excitinggg, and even the runner-up gets to receive $150 retail value worth of prima products. That's enough to keep me hyperventilating all day long. :D

And the projects to be submitted are relatively simple, either a mini-book, layout or wall decor, and the theme is 'All about me'. A great chance for us, scrappers, as well, to get away from being the photographer and allow ourselves to shine through the camera lenses. It sounds like an awesome keepsake page for future memories as well. Maybe, 30 years later, when I chance upon the layout again, it will bring back those good ol' memories I had, and the crazy me when I was still an adolescent. Ah... :)

Even those layouts that are not selected for these yummy prizes get to be featured on Prima blog too, which is not a bad thing either, I mean, its PRIMA. Oh no, I almost sound like I am idolizing Prima now, which, in reality, actually, I am! The deadline is so loooong, and since I have a month full of vacation now, be sure that I will sink my heart and soul into creating something absolutely beautiful for the contest. And maybe, for the first time ever, my face would be seen, lol!

Some lovelies

I like to lurk around online sites a lot, particularly those that are slightly catered to the 'crafty' side of me, although many times, I was tempted to click the 'checkout' button but never did. Here's a wishlist that I've conjured up. :)

The items are all available on shopplasticland.com if anybody's interested. :)

Things that are incredibly cute:

1. woodlands animals notebook with a reminiscent victoria era's feather pen :D

2. incredibly cute victorian bird hang-up art wall panel. - i totally dig the colors. :)

3. Miso pretty vespa tray (melamine) - reminds me of the 1950s era in oriental culture! :D


4. ice-cream cone kitchen timer. can you spell adorable? :)

5. a must-have for any die-hard desserts fans... in other words, me! (boy, do i crave for those chocolate frosting cupcakes right now!)

6. lined paper with screen-printed bird on each page. eekkkk, they're so beautiful. :)

7. retro salt and pepper shakes - domestic goddesses... UNITE!


I also hope this pictures serve as an inpiration to you - many of these items seems like chicken soup for the crafty soul!

NSD!

Woohoo! It's National Scrapbooking Day and I can't be more happy with some many online shops coming out with promotional gimmicks and giveaways for us, the customers!

Studio Calico is being incredibly generous! You can stand a chance to win a 6-MONTH-SUB if you refer a friend! Now, I am tempted. I think without even winning this 6-month-sub (which I think I stand a very minor chance to...), I might just jolly well pay for the 6-month sub out of my own pocket. What can you say, I am just way, way way too in love with this site. :) BESIDES that, (yes, honestly, they really have more prizes to give out, I am getting more and more amazed at their generosity) each design team member had set a challenge and you can stand to win an add-on kit just by taking part in them. I'm definitely going to take part!

If you guys could please do me this favor,
Please go over to this thread, sign up for a username and post on that thread, telling them Shermin referred you! Thank you so much!

Sounds way too awesome! :) Also, if you've noticed, I've added the SC widget at my sidebar because guess what? Apparently, if you add the SC widget on your sidebar, you can stand to win a $50 SC gift card. Gosh, I am flooded with excitement! :)

TwoPeas is also coming up with a few awesome challenges too! You can earn a few awesome prizes by just taking part in them, boy, am I tempted or what?! I initially wanted this post to be focused on what the scrapbook products I'm in love with lately but all this NSD frenzy is making me so distracted and dizzy, well, in a good way of course! :)

I will be back later to share some more cool links, hopefully!