CHOWCHOWSCRAPS

3 layouts and guess who is a happy camper?

2011-11-18T20:20:00.000+08:00

I was on a mission to scrap a few layouts and being my lazy self - I opted the easy way out. easy, simple layouts remain the order of the day. I have had a bad cold and been having fever for the past week. Hate being sick and yet it was very comforting to scrap.

Here are the simple layouts:

Layout No 1 -Not v impressed with it but I managed to clear some old papers while I was at it.

Yes, its that time of the year again - school photos are out. Here is Sean in his Grade 7 school photo. I must say that he looks exactly the same as last year.

My last layout - again utilising my old papers - short and sweet layout as I call it. Hee hee...

Hi... I am Back - Alive and Scrapping :)

2011-11-09T19:24:00.000+08:00

Finally after a hiatus of a couple of months, I am back blogging and scrapping. I guess sometimes we all need a break from it all and just relax and to do other things. I just didn't feel like scrapping nor blogging for a while. I have even considered to stop scrapping altogether. I didn't even want to take photos and I was just really out of it. For whatever reason, I have no idea.Luckily, I did not give away any of my scrapping stuff away.

A week ago, I was going through blogs and was reading Sasha's blog and I have decided to restart scrapping. This was my first attempt and I must say that I made a mess with the stitching. But then I thought - the mess is ME. Thats what defines me - the imperfect layouts. I had fun with some of the new lines which Momoyo brought in and I must say - it did bring the joy of scrapping back.

My next layout was even messier and I had more fun doing it. I am looking forward to more scrapping soon and hope Mr Mojo visits me soon.

Back in KL and hope to be blogging soon

2011-08-23T09:46:00.000+08:00

This is the longest that I have been away from my blog. We are finally back and it is week 3 since school has started and everything is back to our old routine. I finally have some time to myself and I thought I would restart blogging again and maybe start scrapping by the end of this week. I am just trying to sort out the photos and hopefully I can get on it soon.

Meanwhile I leave you with some pictures of what we have been up to during the summer. The whole summer was spent catching up with chores, swimming practice, football practice and more football practice. Why? The reason being was Sean played at the Gothia Cup in Sweden. Not many people are aware of what the Gothia Cup is. Its the Football or Soccer Youth World Cup that is held annually in Gothenburg Sweden.

It was quite an exciting experience for Sean and he was very proud and felt very honoured to represent Malaysia in his age group. The kids did well in my own opinion - they played up till the quarter finals of the Plate Tournament and I think its great for 11 year olds who were battling jet lag and had never played in the World Cup before.

Here are some photos:

The U11 Team. They are so hilarious - tying to be serious and not succeeding... At the first game in Skatas.

All huddled together - they look so cute.

Sean scuffling with the Swedish opponent.

Managed to get the ball - woohoo...

The Malaysian Contingent from U11s, U13s and U15s.

There were more than 55,000 people in the stadium. The atmosphere was ELECTRIC!

Sean scanning the crowd and trying to find us in the stadium.

After 10 days in Sweden, we retreated back to London and we all had a great tim just chilling out and enjoying the cool weather there. It was just enjoying our walks in Hyde Park, lots of shopping and eating! Such Bliss!

C and S mucking in the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum.

This photo is hilarious!

Taking a break

2011-07-11T21:39:00.001+08:00

I have decided to take a break from blogging. We are going away in a few days time and I am finally able to get a vacation. I leave you with with this cute pic of Izzie and I hope to be back blogging soon.

My favourite soccer memories

2011-06-22T09:17:00.000+08:00

At current, I have a love-hate relationship with Martha Stewart punches. They are so lovely but I do find them a tad hard to cut through cardstock. The problem is that I can't resist using them but sometimes I just can't get them to cut well on the cardstock.

Here is another simple cut and paste layout of Sean's favourite memories. I have always known that football is his passion. At his grade 5 moving on ceremony, when asked what was his favourite grade 5 memory, he said the following:

"My favourite Grade 5 memory was during the U11 soccer tournament at The Alice Smith School. I fought hard and dribbled past some defenders. As I neared the goal, I passed the ball to Najib and he scored. That was our fifth goal that we scored."

I was very pleased to hear that as I knew that he has found something which he loves doing and I am very glad for that. Here is my simple layout for the day:

Happy Together

2011-06-21T11:19:00.000+08:00

It's been ages since I scrapped whilst having fun. Just simply slapped on paint and made a mess and guess what - this is the MOST fun in ages. I mixed a couple of stuff here and there, some buttons, doiley and some tags from Creative Bits shop on Etsy with some old hambly transparency, Sassafras Lass Diecuts and some good old acrylic inks. :)

Here are the results of my mess of the everything together.

I have been just catching up with my sleep, enjoying my kids whilst on their summer vacation and just cleaning the house. Scrapping seems to be a luxury at this time. But I am glad I did last night as it did make me in a better mood today. :)

There is so much to do and so little time. I am sitting here just trying to plan my itenary for an overseas trip. Think I better scrap as that is less of a stress and makes me so happy to see my mess translated to a layout.

By the way, have you checked out the Scrap-It-Lah blog? The latest challenge is up and a nice RAK is to be won. I have decided to take a break from designing at SIL but I will keep updating the blog and providing the RAKs to keep it going. Do check it out here.

Art Journal - First Page {Hope for Emma}

2011-06-13T21:43:00.001+08:00

If you have read my previous post, Emma is now in surgery. How do I know? Cos I just read her facebook post. No, I do not know Emma. I just read about her from here. I have just started reading Sasha's blog and admiring her beautiful works of art including her art journals.

Here is Sasha's blog entry on why we are doing this:

Emma.

Such a sweet name for a little girl

A young girl that is six years old and battling brain cancer.

Tomorrow she goes in for yet another surgery. Sending HOPE.

If you have 5 minutes out of your day today can you create a small display of the word hope and link to SASHA to your blog for credit. Her friend Aimee Payne is really good friends of the family and was looking for people to reach out.

Here is Sean's, Clarissa's and my "Hope" page for little Emma. We are sending you lots and lots of hope and we will be praying for you.

Here is Sean's HOPE page for you. Sean is my 11 year old.

Clarissa drew this for you and she is 13.

Here is mine.

Follow the blog HERE

Follow the facebook page HERE

See previous examples of HOPE .. HERE

HOPE and My little Chef in the Making

2011-06-12T21:19:00.000+08:00

Somewhere across the seas, a little 6 year old girl is battling brain cancer. This is such a big battle and read about her story here. Of late, I have been lamenting of the troubles at home without the help etc. This is definitely a wake up call for me, its just so minor in comparison to what this brave little 6 year old girl is going through. I have just completed a donation for Emma and I hope that:

1) You will get well soon
2) You will fight this tumour in your brain
3) You will not give up
4) You will not be in too much pain

Be strong and we hope to see a positive update in your facebook and blog soon.

I have not been scrapping much as I have been busy with the house and the kids. Summer holidays have officially started last week and we have been busy with football, swimming and yes, we have been once to the movies which is a great achievement. Here is a simple layout of Sean. He loves to bake and cook and I call this layout : Chef in the Making.

2 Unique Girls

2011-05-26T08:40:00.000+08:00

Clarissa is very lucky to be studying in a school that has diverse nationalities and she has so many friends from different backgrounds. With that comes the different personalities that she is exposed to and I am grateful for the experience and hope that she is too. I hope that she will enjoy and cherish the experiences and friendships that she shares with all her friends and that she will learn loads from them.

I am still very exhausted from my helper's ordeal. She ran away 12 days ago and I was worried sick about her till I found out that she has been stealing money consistently and she has been planning this for a long time. It was all very frustrating as I guess the culture of having a helper in house is quite a touch and go thing. Sometimes you get a good one and other times - you just run out of luck.

Anyway, I just managed to sit down yesterday and scrapped this simple layout. It made me realise that I missed scrapping so much. Here is my simple layout for the week and hope that I can still scrap without much spare time on my hands.

All Grown Up

2011-05-23T21:37:00.000+08:00

This is by far my favourite layout of the year. We were in Seoul last year when I managed to snap this beautiful photo of Clarissa - yes I think she is beautiful. I am allowed to be biased. She is my daughter.

I am loving the simplicity of everything here and have I mentioned how I love the colours on this layout? Black, white, red and a splash of green - they are just stunning together. I have mixed some of my old Hambly with some newer Jenny Bowlin etc.

This is going to be a super short post as I am so tired. We were in Singapore over the weekend for a Swim Meet and Soccer Tournament. Without helper, I came home to so many things to clean and clear and I am exhausted. Good night friends.

You are so beautiful

2011-05-19T05:16:00.000+08:00

This is another of simple layout that I did for my friend's baby girl. She has yet to give me her baby's photos and hence I added a photo in place till I get it. I found this old Hambly transparency which I bought ages ago and glad I finally used it.

I love all the fresh colours here - the limes and pink.

Check out the latest Momoyo bling hear stickers. So easy and cheap to bling nowadays with them. Available at Popular, Times, Jaya Jusco, MPH and selected stores.

This is going to be another short post for me as I am not well. Take care everyone.

My Peeps

2011-05-16T06:41:00.000+08:00

This is going to be a short post as I am going to be quite busy catching up with housework. Another simple layout which I enjoyed doing for fun using some new papers which I bought from 2Peas.

Love the simplicity.

I enjoyed scoring the white acrylic paint using the card.

Love the doileys that I bought from Leanne Pearce.

Lucky to Have You and SIL Last Anniversary Challenge

2011-05-15T07:41:00.001+08:00

This was one of the layouts which I have done on a whim without putting much thought into the layout. I was feeling sad and frustrated with some things which I can't control and by the time I realised it, this layout turned out disproportionate and a bit weird. Nevertheless, one should always embrace their mistakes and move on.

Love this photo sitting by the river bank in Seoul. Without realising it, she is growing everyday and getting to be really adult looking now although she is only 13. Did some cutting on some old Websters Pages and added in some of my old embellishments to finish the layout.

The red part is actually a fabric sticker which I bought waaaay back in 2005 in Singapore. Glad to have started using it.

I am sorry that I didn't measure correctly and ended up covering up the whole layout with the lace. The whole layout looks a bit too overwhelming and bursting at the seams.

Anyway - I have got to go. Football or soccer practice awaits. Enjoy your Sunday everyone.

Ooohhh - I nearly forgot to post that the latest challenge for the SIL Anniversary Blog Hop is over at this very talented DT's blog. I am always amazed by her postings and how productive she is when she is scrapping. She scraps every day and for me thats amazing. Her challenge will conclude the SIL Anniversary Blog Hop and we will rest for 2 weeks and come back with new creations from our latest batch of DTs and that would be ooohhh-so--exciting.

Set Me Free

2011-05-14T08:01:00.000+08:00

When the ladies at Momoyo sent me this latest batch of trims and sticker laces, I couldn't help but to use them in a girly layout. I was quite bored the other day and was playing around with Izzie. I started then to use rollers on her hair at her ears. She didn't even flinch and just let me carry on what I was doing. Took some photos of her and she looked so hilarious. The looks she gave me when I was taking her photos was just of absolute boredom and she was looking at me saying,"Set Me Free."

Here is a layout using some of my older Hambly stash and some newer Dear Lizzy paper. :)

Doesn't she look cute with rollers?I know I am an evil mummy.

I love all the trims and sticker laces that I have added. Give the layout a girlish kind of look. :)

Ribstix in the Pool

2011-05-12T10:37:00.000+08:00

Having a boy certainly does have its challenges. For a potato couch like me, it's quite hard to watch my son's non-stop antics. Sean - if left at home - will get into all sorts of trouble like breaking something in the house with his football. The last time I had to get a plumber in as he kicked the football very hard into the bathroom and broke the pipe underneath the sink. Those are the kind of troubles that Sean always gets himself into. Sigh...

We were at the pool one day when he decided he had enough of swimming and decided to skate? around the pool with his Rib Stix. In the end, he lost control and fell into the pool. Luckily I had my camera with me and I managed to take photos of him when he fell. It was a little blurry as it happened so quickly but you get the picture. Hee hee....

I am not sure I like the composition of the layout. But using up the old Hambly transparencies are good nevertheless.

Love the contrast of the colours. The red I find especially brings out the whole layout.

I love the cropped photos of him but I know composition wise - it can be better. If you have a better idea, do drop me a line.

Photo Op - Not...

2011-05-09T08:45:00.000+08:00

The photos were TRIED to be taken on our trip in the Tombourine Mountains at the Gold Coast. After hiking in the rainforest, we found ourselves at a waterfall and the kids plopped themselves down for a rest. I whipped out my camera and tried taking photos of them. Clarissa - being the cheeky one started making all these funny faces and I had a whole load of photos of them doing just that and not a single decent "prim and proper" shot. Sigh....

I have dug out some old Basic Grey paper and started working on them. Love the cheery colours and decided to play with more paints and my Zing Embossing powders. This layout is totally inspired by Leanne Pearce who owns the Chip Chop shop. You can see her doileys here.

I have also dug out some old Chatterbox chipboard buttons, some of my older buttons which I bought in Bangkok in 2006 and the arrows are from some old rubons from We R Memory Makers I think. Destashing feels good.

Hope you had a great Mother's Day. Its has been a busy weekend for me. Sean and I were involved in a football tournament on Saturday and I had an impromptu trip down south yesterday but all is well.

Sean turned 11 yesterday but we did not have a celebration a home. Instead we brought him to have dinner with his friends on Saturday night and he had a good time at our local Italian Restaurant. I am feeling good and ready to tackle the week ahead. Have a great week ahead friends and I will endeavour to scrap more later in the evening when I finish cooking dinner.

He's All That

2011-05-07T15:03:00.000+08:00

Ok after my earlier post, I feel I need to redeem myself with Sean. Finally a more "flattering" layout and this time - He is all that. This time, I managed to use up about 30 over odd brads that I have lying in the house and I am glad. I am happy just thinking about the brads that I destashed and mentally telling myself that I need to destash more of my brads.

I have used up some of my remaining Scenic Route chipboards and these chipboards are all I have and I am very happy that I have used up all of them. :)

Love looping the twine around the layout. Makes it look a bit more interesting.

And that's it for today. To all the mothers out there, have a great Mother's Day!

Are you showing off your Abs? and SIL Anniversary Challenge No 6

2011-05-06T08:39:00.000+08:00

This is going to be an embarrassing post for Sean. I know i am being evil but I can't help it. One has to get a far bit of teasing before one's birthday. He will be turning 11 in a couple of days and I thought I can have a bit of fun with him. Hee hee...

I was taking pictures of him and one of his best bud by the pool and I noticed that he was crunching his tummy. Every night before he sleeps, he has been doing situps etc as secretly I think he is wanting his 6 packs in his tummy. Check out his reaction in the photos as I was asking him:

"Are you showing off your abs?"

Sean replies - *with eyes wide open* "What??? Mom!!!"

Hee hee... The photos says it all.

Playing with more paint and making a total mess on the black bazzill cardstock.

Love the AC Zing Embossing powders - the colours are so bright and vivid.

Oh, if you love a card challenge, do hop over to Jessy's as she is up next hosting the 6th Challenge of the Scarp-It-Lah Anniversary Blog Hop.

Winner Announcement

2011-05-06T08:14:00.000+08:00

Hi HILDA! Congrats! You are the winner for this challenge. Please contact me at chowchow138@gmail.com on how to collect your RAK.

Scrap-It-lah Second Anniversary Blog Hop - Challenge No 5

2011-04-29T07:55:00.001+08:00

Welcome to Week No 5 where I am hosting the latest challenge at SIL. I have a very simple challenge for you to try. I would like for you to try your hand at altering a canvas. Easy? Well - not so easy as I have a few conditions laid down for you:

1) The canvas must be at least 9 x 9 inch in size

2) You must use some form of technique on the canvas e.g. I played with transfer medium on mine

3) The canvas that you submit for the challenge is ONLY made exclusively for the SIL challenge.

4) All entries must be received before or on the 6th May, 2011 (Malaysian time please)

Here is my take on the challenge. I have used some old photos which Jessy took of Clarissa during a photoshoot back in 2007.

Loved the overall effect of the canvas.

I have prepared this very yummy RAK for you. I really love the latest House of Three Soiree papers. Hope you do too. All you have to do is to alter a canvas and link yourself down here and send us a comment too. I can't wait to see what you have come up with.

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Everything matters

2011-04-25T09:21:00.000+08:00

I am afraid I am suffering form a case of the scrapper's block. I was trying to scrap all weekend and nothing came to me. Worse still- I started another layout but it came to a complete standstill as the layout looked horrible. Luckily when I got up this morning - I found some remnants of the Websters pages in a bog and I have decided to use them.

I have bought a printer but have not had time to set it up yet. Dug into my old photos and found this photo instead. One thing that I always try to stress to my kids is that everything that they do - does matter. In this world of watching too much telly - and the phrase of "whatever" is so popular that they tend to forget what the really matters. This became my title that everything matters.

Glad to have used up my old WP stash.

Journalling goes like this,

There comes a time in life when you realise everything that you do - it all matters. You must know that in order to succeed, even the smallest effort that you take in that direction - MATTERS. Hence, for all that you wish for, for your wish to come true, always remember, each ounce of effort - IT ALL MATTERS.

That is it for me today. I am off to get groceries. I have a meal to cook which I haven't done in a long time. I am planning curry chicken and ribs with sea cucumber for dinner tonight. I may even bake a banana cake for my kiddos if I feel super energetic. Have a great Monday everyone and enjoy the rest of the week.

Scrap-it-lah Second Anniversary Blog Hop No 4

2011-04-23T08:47:00.000+08:00

Time really whizzes by when you are having fun. Well - at least we hope that you are having fun participating in all our challenges. A brand new challenge has just been revealed and do hop over here to check it out.

Best Friends Forever

2011-04-22T05:54:00.000+08:00

I know - this photo is over-scrapped - I keep scrapping it. My Canon Selphy printer has gone to heaven - RIP printer and I am too lazy to go out to buy another photo printer. I have no choice but to dig out my older photos - whatever is there - will scrap them. :) I chose this black and white photo as I want to play with colours.

I dug out my Claudine Hellmuth paints, my poor Distressed Embossing Powder (yes, the whole pot was unopened), the balance of Prima felt from yesterday's layout, balance of K n Co Que Sera Sera Chipboard, some old rub-ons, some mini doileys from Leane's Chip Chop Shop on Etsy and we are all set for another simple layout. :)

Love how the colours don't really match.

The combination of the pink distress embossing powder coupled with the Claudine Hellmuth paints.

Finally finished using the K n Co Que Sera Sera chipbaords - Yippee!!! Onto the next collection of older stash and I hope to be scrapping and finishing more of my older stash soon. On another note, she will be coming home today, can't wait to hear about her adventure in the jungle.

Always Be Yourself

2011-04-21T07:07:00.001+08:00

I cannot find another better message to teach my kids other than to stay true to themselves and "Always Be Yourself." My kids are of the age where peer pressure is immense and for Clarissa - this is most evident. Two years ago, she let herself being sucked in by the peer pressure and doing things which she does not necessarily like. However, two years later, she is slightly older and wiser and now she tries to resist the forces of negative peer pressure.

I know it has been a hard road for her. I certainly hope she will walk her path with strong conviction and with the values that she thinks that is right.

This will be another simple layout. I managed to dig out some old chipboards by K n Co Que Sera Sera. The whole layout had to be colour coordinated with the chipboards. :) In addition, I am glad that I am using some of my Prima felts, a DCVW clear sticker quote and Urban Lily rub-ons that have been sitting in my stash too.

The background is done using white acrylic paint with some mesh.

Recycling the Prima felt backing on the right. :)

Added something new too which is the cut banners from the Pink Paislee Junque Collection. That is it from me today. Have a great day everyone.

I'll be right here waiting and Scrap-It-Lah Challenge No 3

2011-04-20T07:11:00.000+08:00

It has been quite an eventful day and I am looking forward to some down time just before dinner. I have decided to make a very simple layout with a photo taken by Jessy back in Dec 2007. Found another unused rub-on quotes which I have been hoarding and I have decided to start using them. I must admit rub-ons are best used at the time of purchase. I was lucky that this particular still adhered ok but some parts did fall off in the process but I rubbed on quite religiously.

I have also used some chatterbox flowers and chipboard corners. This Chatterbox set was given to me by Jessy a couple of years back and it is nice that I am able to take it out again and refresh and use it in my current layout.

Playing with my acrylic inks again. I tried to control the splatters and not make a mess.

Love this quote. It says:

It seems like yesterday I was holding your small body in my arms. As you grew, you raised your arms to me, wanting to be held. When you were sick, my soothing touch made you feel better. Now that you've grown, your hugs are a fleeting memory. But I am comforted that some day, you might need my warm embrace to ease a heavy heart. If that day comes, my arms and heart will be here waiting.

This is going to be a short post as dinner awaits. Don't forget to check out the SIL Challenge No 3, a nice RAK is waiting for the winner here.

Create your own Path

2011-04-19T06:33:00.000+08:00

As a parent, I feel it is my sworn duty to guide my kids in everything that they do. I think I sometimes do overdo it with my nagging and scoldings but I guess thats because of all my fears. Fear that my kids go astray, fear that I did not bring them up well, fear that they make mistakes which they will scar them for the rest of their lives. However, looking back, I realise that I made a lot of mistakes when I was young and I learnt from them. I am far from perfect and yet still I make mistakes everyday. I guess I need to lessen on the nagging and let them create their own paths.

I have decided to garner my "nagging strength" and translate it into my scrapping strength. Still playing with my Echo Park Playground papers, I have decided to play with another canvas. Yippee... I am running out of canvases this size - isn't destashing grand?

Another simple layout - trying to use up all my die-cut stickers. I have also played with my texture paste, glass bead gel, acrylic inks and Claudine Helmuth acrylic paints. I have also managed to ~~locate~~ unearth this very nice rub-on quote. It goes like this:

Listen to the Mustn'ts, Child

Listen to the Don'ts.

Listen to the Shouldn'ts,

The Impossible,

The Won'ts.

Listen to the Never Haves,

Then Listen

Close to Me....

Anything Can

Happen, Child.

ANYTHING CAN BE.

Isn't this one of the most beautiful poems ever? It just sums up what I have to say, all I have to say to my kids.

Cute photo of Sean crawling through the tunnel at Gymboree. This is proof that he was not always skinny - he had some meat on him when he was a baby. :)

I will leave you to ponder with that beautiful poem. It's 9.30p.m. here in Malaysia. I would like to snuggle in for some reading and t.v. before I go to bed. I have a serious day ahead tomorrow and I really want to b prepared for it. See you after I finish my next project.

Fun at the Playground and SIL Challenge No 3

2011-04-18T07:07:00.000+08:00

This photo is amongst one of my most treasured one that I have in my collection. For one - it was not taken by any famous photographer, it was taken by me but the memories that came with it is immense. I remember the days when the 2 were still very young and this was their evening routine at my good friend's Ana house playing slides and swimming. Ana has long gone back to Venezuela and memories is what we remains.

The kids at the top of the slide were another good friend's children and they have moved to Canada. It is always sad when all my good friends move away but I guess thats part and parcel of life.

I have used the Echo Park Playground papers to scrap these photos. I have been loving paints for a while and hence I have used acrylics as a background.

It is thunderstorming outside and I hope that my older one is safe at camp. For one, thunderstorms and heavy rain does not help in the water tubing and white water rafting activities. Gosh - I can feel my hair turning grey from the thought. There is another 4 more days till she returns, hope that she will stay dry and safe till then.

If you fancy an altered tutorial and challenge, we are now in our Week No 3 of SIL anniversary challenges. Do head here to check it out.

Believe

2011-04-17T21:55:00.001+08:00

I was down for a couple of days with a bad neck and I wish to scrap but I try not to do too much. Just chill and not scrap too much. I had a scrapbooking session on Thursday with my friend's kids and they were lovely - that took my mind off my pain. I was cleaning up more photos when I found these photos of my friend, SL. Jessy took these photos of her at a photoshoot a couple of years ago and I had them for some time now.

Just trying to destash more and I managed to use up 2 Prima packaging, this Prima patterned paper which Aida gave to me (thanks dear). The rest is from my older stash, some from my Scarlet Lime kits from last year and it does feels good to use up some stuff.

A simple layout as I couldn't think much with a bad neck. A short post too as I need to go to bed. Good night friends.

Scrap-It-Lah Anniversary Blog Hop No 3

2011-04-15T06:37:00.000+08:00

How time flies. We are now cruising into week no 3 of SIL's Anniversary Blog Hop and we invite you for a TUTORIAL at this designer's blog. Please do hop over here for details. I can't wait to try out the tutorial. :) Hope to see you there.

Help Needed

2011-04-14T08:01:00.000+08:00

I was browsing through blogs yesterday as my neck was still troublesome. I didn't want to scrap much so that it doesn't worsen. Here is what I read and I would like to help. Marion Smith is asking to raise awareness for Reece's Rainbow which is a ministry that helps people adopt kids with special needs. All you have to do would be to make a 4'x4' chipboard backed art piece and send it to:

Marion Smith Orphan Charity Drive
Prima Marketing, Inc.
5564 Edison Ave. Chino, CA 91710

More details at her blog here. I wonder if we could do something similar here in Malaysia. Will consult Yatie if she is interested.

It's going to be a short post for me today. Toodles.

Title-less Birthday Layout and A painful neck sprain

2011-04-12T22:29:00.000+08:00

I have tried not to scrap today as I somehow pulled the muscles in my neck whilst getting up from the couch last night. I am having trouble turning to the right of my head and as a result, I have a slight headache. This has in turn made me slightly grouchy. Luckily I kept busy today between napping to ease the pain and helping out at school.

I know that I should not be scrapping as it would not help but I just had itchy fingers as my parcel from the Chip Chop Shop arrived today. I can't help but to start scrapping with Leanne's beautiful doiley. In addition, I just wanted to use up the balance of my Pink Paislee Soiree paper and this is what I came up with.

I haven't had the energy to search for photos to fit here but I guess this is it till then. I am so proud to have finished what I bought the other day. Feels good when one sees the stash diminishing.

Love the bright colours of the Soiree paper by Pink Paislee. I also loved the yellow and denim which accentuated the paper so well.

Nice dimensions and not forgetting the Momoyo fabric brads - lending texture and interest to the layout.

Heart heart the doiley. Sigh... Don't you love the vibrant colours? Ok off I got to rest up the neck as I need to be in school tomorrow early again. Toodles.

SIL 2nd Anniversary Hop - 2nd Challenge - An altered folder

2011-04-11T15:28:00.001+08:00

I am currently loving the challenges available at SIL. It is making me scrap more and this is my take on challenge no 2 here. Dear Yatie has come up with this brilliant altered challenge and I must say that we don't have enough of altered challenges at SIL.

I chose to construct my wallet sized folder. I found a piece of jeans looking material which has been in my wardrobe for years now. I am so glad that I am taking it out and using it. Scrapping euqals destashing and I am very happy indeed.

This is the front of the folder. Love the cute buttons that I added the Pink Paisley Soiree paper and embellishments which I bought in Scrappingville - simply divine.

The folder opened up.

The whole inside. I left it empty as I was going to send it over to Yatie for Nadiah's birthday. :) Happy Birthay Sweetie in advance. Hugs from Auntie M, C and S.

The back of the folder.

If you are interested in joining in this challenge, do head over here for challenge details. You may win the Studio Calico Babbling Brook RAK. :)

Reach for the Stars and SIL Ongoing Challenge No 2

2011-04-10T20:52:00.000+08:00

I am nearing the end of using up all of the Websters Pages Hollywood papers which I bought the other day. I am very happy that I have used them up and not let them rot in my scrapping wardrobe in vain. They are simply too beautiful to be hoarded.

Another simple cut and paste layout. I have to say that Websters Pages papers are so well designed that you do not need much in order to create a beautiful page - well - for me at least.

Love how the page turned out - simple and yet so me. I have also been hoarding this photo of Clarissa and Sasha for the longest time. I see a lot of potential in these 2 kids and I really hope that they will go far.

Yes, heart heart this Unity stamp and it's the second time in days that I have been using it.

As usual, I would like to end this post with a shout out for the SIL ongoing challenge No 2 by DT Yatie. Hop over here for details.

April Memories

2011-04-10T20:48:00.000+08:00

I was at Scrappingville with the ladies yesterday and Shar was showing us how to to mist and use texture paste in a layout. Although I must say that in the end my layout did not turn out anything like hers but I had a great time scrapping and catching up with the ladies.

Here is a slightly grungy and very messy layout but I love how it is so different from my usual layouts. Check out Shar's version here.

Check out all the techniques here. Love the distressing on the Embossed Coredinations Cardstock! They are one of my favourites. Misting using TH Masks and Mists, Hambly rubons - the paint splatters - LOVE LOVE them, Beaded Gel Paste, Gesso, some stamping using both inks and acrylic dabbers, destashing of the sentiment sticker equals to a destressing layout. :)

Clarissa's friend April will be leaving at the end of the school year. I thought it would be nice to scrap a layout for her to remember Clarissa by.

Delight and SIL Blog Hop 2

2011-04-10T09:36:00.000+08:00

Some say that Happiness is Over - rated. Others say that its all in the mind. For me, everyday I forge ahead : carrying on my responsibilities, enjoying what I love and to me that is happiness. I delight in the little things. When I drive - when someone gives way even when the traffic is horrible. I delight that when I go to the market, the vegetable seller greets me with a smile and tell me what is fresh.

I delight when my kids do and say something sensible. After all - I am thankful that under all that awkwardness of "tweenage-ness" , I did penetrate some goodness through. LOL... What do you delight in? What are your thoughts?

I just want Clarissa to delight in the moments. Here it was just enjoying herself on the rock. Have the strength to be alone and delight on being alone and stay strong. This is a simple layout again utilising my old scraps which I found lying around. Luckily I had enough to layer the whole layout - plus I manage to hide all the cut parts with the photo . :)

On another note - have you checked out the the latest SIL Challenge here? I am certainly ready to tackle it soon. I am positively drooling checking out the Studio Calico Babbling Brook RAK up for grabs.

It's a beautiful hot Sunday in Malaysia and I am enjoying my lazy day. Have a great day everyone.

SIL Blog Hop No 2 and Create Your Own Bliss

2011-04-09T17:55:00.000+08:00

I can never resist:

1) Good Food

2) Scrapbooking stuff

Sad to say that my waistline is ever expanding and so is my scrapbooking stash. There is always no end in sight to my over eating and my hoarding of scrapbooking stuff. I guess thats how I am built.

I met Yuzz at the Curve yesterday, to Sean's chagrin- I had to visit the LSS there - Papier to do some shopping. The little monster was very hungry after a football work out and yet his mother could not resist stopping by the LSS. Poor child.

I was looking and browsing and I stumbled upon the Websters Page Hollywood papers. I know they were not new but I just couldn't let them slip by. Next I found these new Prima blings, had to buy that and then the Prima alphas and it just went on. Sigh... Here is the layout that I finally scrapped using the papers. Well - at least they will not be waiting in the cupboard to be scrapped.

Love the circle transparency by Basic Grey. I made a little 3D frame using pop up foam. The cardboard was from a package that I received. It was total happiness when I get to recycle some things. :)

Love the different dimensions.

Heart the photo so much cos C looks great in it. Thanks Sarah.

Wanna win this? This is such a yummy RAK yes? Just check out the ongoing challenges at SIL (Scrap-It-Lah) this month? SIL is also having its first-ever DT call - for more details, hop over here.

Friends layout

2011-04-08T21:30:00.000+08:00

I am still going through my stash and I have found a lot of remnants pieces of paper which I have used previously for some other layout. Here is a simple layout using 2 pieces of balance paper and a Prima packaging.

Check out the very old felt borders that I have hoarded for at least 3 years? I really don't get myself - why buy if you are not going to use it at all. Sigh... Some old Prima pearl swirls - another oldie in the stash. Last of all - the one I really need to hide my face are those quilted flowers. Faint - they have been with me like forever. Oh, I nearly forgot about the sentiment sticker - more hoarding from Perth - exactly more than 5 years? Sigh...

Glad I finally took out some of my old chalk inks - they were all drying up. I had to press really hard to get the green out. The pink was still ok but reasonably dry.

Photo was taken by Jessy. I was with a couple of my friends and we decided to hire Jessy to be our photographer. This photo brings back so many memories. It was taken on the 1st Jan, 2008. Such a momentous moment for all of us.

Challenge No 2 is up at SIL and an Altered Canvas for Yuzz (updated)

2011-04-08T07:56:00.001+08:00

Wanna win this? This is such a yummy RAK yes? Just check out the ongoing challenges at SIL (Scrap-It-Lah) this month? SIL is also having its first-ever DT call - for more details, hop over here.

Foraging into my artsy adventure, I have decided to make a little gift for Yuzz. She has emailed me a couple of weeks ago and told me that she made an album for me. She is just too sweet. We managed to meet up today briefly and exchenged our gifts. :) This is a simple canvas which I made for her:

Well, Sharon Chan - you asked for a grunge feel - here it is babe. The grunge was using done using embossing ink and guess what - dragging my nails across to give it those lines. I love the whole effect of the canvas.

I have used some regular alpha stencils which I bought at the hardware shop and just painted the alphas using white acrylic paint.

Heart heart my Unity stamps - they are so useful. I mucked up the stamped sentiments a bit. It was quite hard to stamp clearly on canvas. One has to be so careful. Well - thats my signature - imperfections abound in my layouts. :)

Have a great day and I hope to be back with more projects soon.

Sonshine

2011-04-07T07:08:00.002+08:00

Have you checked out the ongoing challenges at SIL (Scrap-It-Lah) this month? If, not head over here. SIL is also having its first-ever DT call - for more details, hop over here.

Do check out what is in store for you if you participate in the challenge. You may win the Studio Calico Mossy Knoll Kit if you are lucky. What are you waiting for? Head over here to join the challenge.

Another artsy layout and I am totally in heaven. :) Another simple one as I haven't really tried to add layers for I fear that I will muck it up. However I decided to play with a bit of subtle textures and see if it works.

Love the whole simplicity of the layout and how it turned out. I finally destashed using up some old yarn and little Davis chipboard alphas.

Check out the transparency in the left corner underneath the photo. I ran it through the cuttlebug and added some acrylic paint to it. I do love the effects.

Love how the yarn is the correct colour and wound it in a circle to simulate the sun. Ah well, the sun should not comprise of blue, green but heck it's an artistic sun. LOL...

My years of hoarding these Lil' Davis alphas - finally to an end. Phew... Check out the detriments of hoarding rub-ons - they don't work as well anymore but nevertheless I added it on. Love love the Jenny Bowlin felt birdie in the corner.

I guess the reason I love artsy layouts so much is that even if I made a mistake - I can still call it art ;) Till the next one - toodles.

Learn to pause

2011-04-06T09:07:00.000+08:00

When the children were younger, I kept hoping that they will grow up faster. Now they are both tweenagers, I find that time just flies by. I wish I could just hit the "PAUSE" button and reverse them back to when they were younger. I really miss them then.

Trying my hand at another artsy layout. Using my 2 year old - and just opened tubs of Claudine Hellmuth paints. Sigh... I am such a HOARDER - Guilty as charged. Maybe they should have a reality show about scrapbookers who hoard. I am sure that would be fun to watch.

Another happy accident from this was I have learnt how to emboss sparingly as you can see from the black areas and it was fun how immediately the layout turned really arty.

Love how I have used a lot of the older things lying in my stash.

Love the messy blackened embossed area.

Heart my Tim Holtz stamp - "Learn to pause or nothing worthwhile will catch up to you." Lovely saying huh? Toodles - catch up tomorrow.

Adore

2011-04-05T20:05:00.001+08:00

Still scrapping and feeling good about it. I have had a busy day but when I come home to creating this layout - all my tiredness dissolved and I am estatically happy. I have always long admired the arty layouts and I thought I would try my hand at it. The modelling paste was bought like a year ago **shame-faced** to try out this type of layout. Well - at least better late than never.

I bought this beautiful Tattered Angel stencil from Scrappingville. I have decided to use it with the modelling paste and I love the effects of it. I have decided to outline the whole stencil to bring out the whole layout more. Oh yeah - I have used the Claudine Helmuth Sticky Back Canvas for this layout.

I was never famous for my patience. I tried to speed dry the modelling paste with my heat gun. That worked and after that I added some Claudine Helmuth yellow paint bought 2 years ago *faint* and the rest was acrylic ink watered down.

I then decided that I would add some Prima flowers and a simple title by tracing out my Maya Road alpha chipboards. I have also used my very old Daisy D's heart shaped stamp in place of the "O".

Love how the whole layout came together.

Love the dimensions.

The photo says it all. The 2 of them adore Sabby so much. :) Love how the photo is sitting on a bed of gauze to soften the whole look.

Love how the simplest title looked quite good. The heart is stamped on a piece of vellum and I added some faux stitching using my Zig Pen.

Enjoy - a destashing layout

2011-04-05T14:41:00.000+08:00

Another groundbreaking event this year -blogging 4 days in a row. Hee hee... I am so happy that I have the time to scrap again. This time I chose some very old papers and embellishments from the Making Memories Noteworthy Collection. Feels good to destash further. Another simple layout just using what I have.

I have always enjoyed looking at artsy layouts and I have tried it whilst scrapping this layout. Its a bit messy but I think I quite like the effect. I slapped on the paint by using the credit card technique. Green and purple is one of my favourite colour combination. I added the purple chalk ink on using my Tim Holtz stamps to break the monotony of the white acrylic paint. Going back to my old regular scrapping style, I decided to hand sew the edges. I decided to end it with some simple journalling and title.

81 layouts more to go!

Peekaboo

2011-04-04T18:07:00.002+08:00

3 posts in 3 days - how about that? I am so glad to be spending time here. :) Have you checked out the ongoing challenges at SIL (Scrap-It-Lah) this month? If, not head over here. SIL is also having its first-ever DT call - for more details, hop over here.

I was rummaging through my collection of old photos and I just found this one below. It was taken by friend, Simone. I thought it would be nice to scrap about her peek-a-boo pose. I am glad that I managed to destash further.

I love the colours that I managed to incorporate here.

Going back to dimensions. Still enjoying what I used to love. I was introduced to paper tole when I was studying in Australia. I was instantly hooked and every since then - I do enjoy adding some dimensions in my scrapbooking. :)

Glad that I have used up the balance of KI Memories lace cardstock that has been lying around for ages. Check out the ancient foamy Thickers too. Destashing is great! :))))

Love this doiley which I bought off Leanne Pearce at her Chip Chop Etsy Shop. Sorry I don't have her link here. Do google her and she has some amazing doileys for sale. I just ordered my 2nd batch yesterday.

I gotta go. I had a busy morning and afternoon and managed to get loads of things done. Visited the hairdresser and coloured my hair and gotten a hair treatment as well. Came home for half an hour before going out to send Sean for football practice. I was out the door again after I got home to send Clarissa for her swimming lesson. I just popped home to cook dinner and finish this layout and blog it before I misplace this layout and forget about it. :P Talk about a busy life. I wish I could stay but it's time to pick Clarissa up. Have a great rest of the day everyone. I have to run.

82 layouts to go.

Cheeky

2011-04-03T20:29:00.000+08:00

2 posts in 2 days - I am doing very well indeed in the blogging world. The kids are on holidays and I really have more time to spare :) translates happiness. Have you checked out the ongoing challenges at SIL (Scrap-It-Lah) this month? If, not head over here. SIL is also having its first-ever DT call - for more details, hop over here.

This is a hald done layout that was lying around which I incidentally found when I was trying to tidy up *shame-faced*. I decided to finish it and here it is - a fairly simple layout - it might have been from a sketch but I really can't remember where - my apologies to the sketch artist if I did use your sketch.

Love these cheeky photos of Sean. All I did was just to use up some of the old chipboards which have been lying around for ages.

I love this Technique Tuesday bracket frames. I always make sure when I am in Singapore or Australia to get some and most of the shops here do not carry them. They are a personal favourite of mine but I used them sparingly as I do not have much.

Heart heart this Cosmo Cricket rub on - its just my sentiments exactly that Sean is always up to Monkey Business. Hee hee...

That's it for today. I am feeling a rush of adrenaline to scrap. Need to go and scrap something before it goes away.

83 more layouts to go.

Exciting News from Scrap-It-Lah (Updated)

2011-04-01T12:04:00.000+08:00

It's a whole 2 months of excitement at Scrap-It-Lah with not ONE but SEVEN RAKs to be given away. Yes, you have read it RIGHT. We have 7 brand NEW exciting challenges and YUMMY RAKs to be given away - this is NO April Fool's joke. Do head over here to join in the Blog Hop Challenges and a chance to win lots of yummy RAKs.

Why? It is just simply because SIL has just turned 2 this April and we have decided to celebrate it with a BANG! The challenges are run very simply. Each DT will post a challenge up on her blog and the challenge will ONLY run for 7 days. There is only ONE running challenge each week and when the challenge closes, the next talented DT will take over with another brand new challenge. Sounds very action-packed and fun doesn't it? Do join us here if you are interested.

Here is my take on the first challenge:

I am sure most of us has unscrapped birthday photos lying around. Well I do have loads and this was a great opportunity to restart my scrapping. Here is a layout of Sean's 7th Birthday at Petrosains. You may not have guessed - this is my first time using a banner on my layouts. I must admit that I am quite a slow person when it comes to scrapbooking trends. Like I mentioned before, I scrap as I want to document my kids' stories and not anything else. Hence, I tend to focus on that and not keeping up with what is the latest. I wish I could but I simply have no time to notice anything else.

The little munchkin looks so happy just with blowing out the candles on his cake that was made by a friend of mine.

I love how the twine gives the whole layout a bit more texture and interest.

Gosh, what do we do without Thickers? Love the Jenny Bowlin calendar and the buttons.

Next, we would like to invite interested scrappers to apply for a Design Team position at SIL. For more details, please head over here to see if you have what it takes to work with SIL.

Now, I have to turn off the computer and start scrapping and do a take on the latest challenge. I think it would be fun to do all the challenges and catch up with my scrapping. :) Hope that you will participate in our challenges too. I have finished my take on the challenge and can't wait to see yours!

84 more layouts to go.

Why blogging is getting harder...

2011-03-21T19:10:00.000+08:00

Blogging is getting harder nowadays as I have so much to do. I have to run around like crazy with the kids and the new hired help is of not much of a help. Sigh... Here are some pictures of Sean competing in the ISAKL. He did not fare very well but I am glad he took part in it though.

He was trying to outrun everyone here but to no avail.

I love it when he jumps so high and far. :)

We were in Bangkok last weekend for a swim meet. Glad that she improved tremendously in all her events time wise.

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. Here are some cards which I have made to send over to them. This is doing my bid for charity.

I need to find more time to scrap. I have so many school activities on that I am totally swamped. I really hope that I get to scrap more soon as this term draws to an end. I have been working on a piece of work which has me a little stumped but I can only share it next month. Do check it out at Scrap-It-Lah as we unveil our anniversary challenge then.

A Day in the Life of a Wannabe Chef

2011-03-01T23:16:00.000+08:00

Yippee ! I did a bit of destashing with this layout of mine. I found all these old Making Memories die cuts in my stash and I must say they have been lying there for the longest time. They practically begged to be scrapped. I dug into my paper stash and this is the product of today's scrapping adventure.

Jessy took this photo of Clarissa when she was making pesto aubergine tarts. Of late Clarissa has been very inspired to cook after watching the Australian Masterchef. She made me buy her the Junior Masterchef cookbook when we were in Australia. I thought I better document her cooking journey before I forget how she started.

I wanted to do a very unstructured layout and incorporate free and easy into the layout. I somehow ended up with this layout. As usual I did not sketch out the layout and just scrapped as I felt. At hindsight I somehow regret the decision as I can see that the layout lack proportion. Sigh... I really must start thinking more about composition before I decide to attempt another layout.

I was however somewhat surprised with the amount of layering I did try in the little elements. It must be a product of stalking both Christine Middlecamp and Aida Haron's blogs :) I am never too satisfied with my layouts as I always just go with the flow even though the flow may not be right. Ah well - I always think I scrap as a hobby and if I make a mistake - so be it. Although it seems that I make more mistakes than producing decent layouts. Cest La Vie - welcome to the world of Michelle's scrapbooking - where there imperfections abound and I love it as I am not perfect either. :) Have a great day everyone.

Scrap-It-Lah March Moody Challenge 2011

2011-03-01T10:34:00.000+08:00

I was browsing the other day when I stumbled upon onto a challenge about mood board layouts. I was very curious on what a mood layout is and I went ahead and checked it out. It was super interesting to me and this month at SIL - we are featuring this very challenge and do check it out if you are interested.

My inspiration for my mood layout came from my daughter. She has this obsession with Justin Beiber which both Sean and I cannot fathom nor understand. We will always roll our eyes when she starts about Justin and over the time - we have memorised her what she says about Justin Beiber and I came up with this mood board layout.

I chose bright and messy as that is THE teenager mindset and added all her statements on Justin Beiber. It is the Beiber's birthday today and I am sure Clarissa would like to wish him a very Happy Birthday. Sorry she has to miss your concert as she has to go to camp during Malaysia Week.

Create Music

2011-02-24T11:50:00.000+08:00

Time to dust off more cobwebs from my blog. Gosh - it has been 2 weeks since I last scrapped. I have to say that I really missed scrapping. I just had a scrapping attack and I just had to get up and scrap. This is a simple layout for Momoyo. They passed me some very cute shiny silver guitar stickers and I knew I had the photos to scrap. Eric, Jessy's hubby took these photos of Sean way back in December 2007 at a photoshoot at out house. Gosh - it has been 5 years since we first met E and J. Isn't that amazing?

When Sean was younger, he used to play the piano and then he learnt the guitar. His guitar skills then was not comparable to his piano skills then but he still loved strumming on his guitar even though it didn't sound to good. Nowadays, he simply does not have the time for any musical pursuits as he is involved in too many activities but I do hope everything settles by next term and I can restart the guitar lessons.

Initially I had no idea how to use the stickers effectively but as I scrapped I started pulling things together and it feels good to detash and finally starting to use some old Thicker Chipboard shapes, Jenny Bowlin Bracket die cut paper, TH Ideology Gears and my Coredinations pp. :)

Cherish Each Other

2011-02-08T14:24:00.000+08:00

It is amazing how time flies. Clarissa is now 13 and these are her 2 best friends since she was 1.5 years old. That seems to be long time ago but I recall many happy moments in my house dressing up, watching tv or simply chatting. The girls were separated when each one of them went to live in different countries but when they do come back on vacation - it's always nice to see them together again.

Here they are all pictured dressing up in C's clothes and they were so cute together.

I created this layout using my very old LilyKate paper line from Basic Grey. Gosh - I have been hoarding them for ages. I went back to old school - cutting paper and adding dimension to the paper and I really love those Technique Tuesday Chipboard frames. I really wish we could get them here easily. Added some new Prima vines and voila - I am done.

Target to finish: 89 layouts to go

8 Lazy Days in the Gold Coast and Brisbane

2011-02-07T12:08:00.001+08:00

These are the very few pictures that I took of the kids when we were away in the Gold Coast and Brisbane. I was just too lazy to take the camera out and only photographed the "exciting" things the kids did. It was simply too hot and sunny to be photographing.

We had a nice chilling out vacation of mainly just shopping and doing a few sights. Here are some pictures of the kids doing the Oz Ball. They had a great time whilst the parentals jsut stood by the sidelines watching them.

Love this seat modified from a car. Brilliant huh?

We just spent some evenings playing football in the park.

This is the White Water World. I have really lost count how many times the kids went into the Green Room ride. They had so much fun.

Getting ready to ride the slide.

Check out this monster of a slide.

Sean tried this vertical slide. I must admit we were so terrified as the trapdoor suddenly opens and you have a 15 m drop. He loved it whilst we were holding our breaths till we saw him emerge. This ride was at least 6 storeys up and silly me - forgot to take the photo of the whole slide.

This is us chilling out on the Skywalk of the Tamborine Mountains.

Chinese New Year Celebration in School

2011-02-06T18:33:00.000+08:00

This was one of the reason why I was so busy before we left for the holidays. I volunteered to help out in the Chinese New Year celebrations at school. I was in charge of getting the CNY acts and I managed to get the Chinese opera and a demonstration of the Wushu (chinese kungfu).

It was quite a relief when both acts were a hit at school and were well -received. I was very glad that I was able to showcase some of the chinese culture to the kids at school.

Sean's class posing with his wushu teacher.

The Chinese parents in school demonstrating vegetarian dumplings and they were delicious!

Munchkin Sean posing with Madam Kam - the Opera extraordinaire.

Madam Kam in all her finery as Concubine Yang.

Kyonis portraying as Mulan going to battle. Love those feathers!

On a personal note, I would like to thank Datin Seri Kee Ming Yuet for sharing her contacts with us. Thanks Auntie - the kids loved the show very much.

Scrap-It-Lah February Lovey Dovey Challenge

2011-02-05T12:49:00.000+08:00

It's been another hectic 2 weeks in my household. We are currently away in Australia. We have decided to take opportunity during the Chinese New Year break just to chill out in the Gold Coast. At present, we are trying to spend waste some time before we need to goto the airport. I would like to wish all my friends who are celebrating the Chinese New Year - a very Happy Chinese New Year : Gong Xi Fa Cai.

Another challenge is up again at Scrap-It-Lah by DT Nadia. It's another interesting challenge and please do check it out here for the challenge details.

In line with the Chinese New Year celebrations, I dug out these old photos of C and S in chinese costumes. I made a simple layout with it using my old Far East papers. I wanted a clear simple layout and this is the result. I quite like the effect of it.

First Recorded Temper Tantrum

2011-01-26T15:40:00.000+08:00

I haven't scrapped for a week now and trying to squeeze in time for scrapping seems to be difficult these days. I am constantly driving and volunteering for school and its just been chaotic. I decided that I will wake up early this morning to scrap and this is a layout that I scrapped very quickly.

Sean was 9 months old when these pictures were taken. He was playing with the curtains when I told him that he was not allowed to do that. He started screaming at me and showed me his bum. Luckily my camera was at hand and I was able to take photos of him screaming. Gosh - I knew then he would be a tough nut to crack. Luckily, he turned out not too bad.

I added some hidden journalling in there. I am sure he will cringe in embarrassment if he had kids next time and they know of his antics when he was younger. Hee hee....

Target to finish: 91 layouts to go

Trying Kimchi

2011-01-20T09:20:00.000+08:00

When we were in Korea, I tried so hard to coax both my kids to try kimchi. After all, Kimchi is THE national food of Korea and everywhere we went, there was kimchi on the table. According to a Korean friend, they have to eat it every day. I kid you not, even when we were in a Western restaurant, voila, the kimchi appeared at the table.

After 9 days in Korea, my kids steadfastly refused to eat kimchi. My only consolation would be that we managed to visit the kimchi museum and at least No 1 pretended to eat kimchi by the mannequin. Hee hee... Here is another simple layout with C pretending to try kimchi.

Target to finish: 92 layouts to go

Snow Fun

2011-01-18T10:47:00.000+08:00

Honestly speaking - I have tons to do. Lots of work to be completed but yet I am trying hard to just scrap. I can only manage simple layouts lately and so be it. This is another very MISMATCHED 2. I just wanted to be different and do 2 page layout.

Sean was having so much fun with the snow outside our hotel. He kept throwing it around. Captured these photos of him and decided to dig deeper into old Bazzill and Lace cardstocks which I have hoarded. Feel good that I am able to use some of the older ones - recognise the first generation of Thickers there anyone?

Don't forget the old Making Memories Boy sayings - gosh - they don't even stick well anymore but never, will fix it later with more Beacon Glue.

The mismatched 2 pages. LOL...

No 1 - with my very old MM Stickers, Lil Davis Bottle caps, Lace cs... - Destashing feels good.

No 2 - nearly the same with the inclusion of a Momoyo Sticker trim. Do check out the last photo where Kid no 2 is so so very happy with the snow falling all around him.

Target to finish: 93 layouts to go

Prima Pocket Layout - Random Acts of Kindness

2011-01-17T22:51:00.000+08:00

If there is one steadfast rule in my life, that would be that I will also try to practice kindness. I love the "Pay it Forward" concept and I hope to impart my takes on it to both my kids. Hence I decided that I wanted to have this theme for my layout.

Yatie uploaded this Prima layout of hers. I was totally captured by it and I decided to make one too. I love Prima flowers to death and I have accumulated a lot through the past year. I have decided it was time to start opening those Prima packages and using them.

Here is my take on the Pocket Layout By Marion Smith. I did try to watch it but the connection was too slow. Hence I just did my own thing. Another thing to note is that some of the Prima flowers here are given to me by Aida. I know that I am very lucky to have such talented and generous scrapping friends.

Here is the layout sans the photo.

I love the journalling so much. It is from a rubon which I bought a long long time ago.

Here is the layout finally with the photo in it.

Target to finish: 94 layouts to go

Playing catch up layouts

2011-01-17T07:53:00.000+08:00

I know I have not been blogging much. I have so much to do lately and it was difficult to find time to blog. Well, being addicted to Platns and Zombies do not help either. Hee hee...

Last year, I was disappointed that I did not achieve my 100 layout target. I only did 89 layouts. I guess this year I should try harder and try to scrap more as my stash is definitely building up. This year - the scrapbooking target of 100 layouts is still on and I would like to at least achieve it. Having not scrapped in a long time, I was stumped for a while. I decided to start by very simple layouts. Here they are:

Going Crazy at the Palace

Took these photos of C at the palace corridor. She was having a giggling fit and wouldn't stop. As you can see - the photos were all blurred but I loved the spontaneity of the shots. Used my very old stash of Dove of the East papers here. Simple layout to kickstart the scrapping year.

Mopping - Doing Your Chores

I bought a new mop and Sean was fixated with it. He spent the whole night mopping the floors both upstairs and downstairs. I had to document this as I know it will NEVER happen again ;)

Again - my photos of him were blurred as he was just moving too much. I really need to learn how to take photos in dim lighting.

A Happy Nerd

More Nerd photos - I just can't resist scrapping them. Just a simple layout using the remnants of my Scarlet Lime kits. Aida, yup - I reused the stamped image from your kit as I loved it so much.

My Nerdy Experience

We were walking around in Insadong, Korea when we stumbled upon this spectacle shop. Bought this pair for No 2 as he is going into middle school next year and this will be his Nerd costume. Though I do think he looks pretty nerdy with his short hairstyle.

Those were my 4 layouts in 2 days. Hope that I can achieve my scrapbooking target this year.

Target todate: 95 more to go

Scrap-it-Lah January 2011 Hobby Challenge

2011-01-01T21:38:00.000+08:00

Happy New Year. Its a brand new year with new beginnings. I am certainly praying that this year will be better for me and my family. Another important prayer that I will always hold without the risk of sounding like a beauty pageant contestant is that I pray for world peace and the world will be free of natural disasters this year.

On the Scrap-It-Lah front, DT Yatie has spearheaded another cool challenge and for more details on the challenge, do head over here for the challenge details.

Another hobby other than scrapbooking? I would definitely choose photography. I love taking photos of my kids and their growing up process. It has somewhat become an obsession and although I am still taking rudimentary photos, I hope that I can improve on my skills on this hobby of mine.

I have used my Studio Calico papers and totally inspired by Sasha, I have scrapped the layout in a 8.5 by 11 inch layout. Here is my take and I hope to see more scrappers taking part in this challenge.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2010

2010-12-28T15:34:00.000+08:00

Its been quite a while since I last updated my blog. My apologies - I have been so busy with Track and Field day, 2 football tournaments, change in maid and our vacation that I just couldn't do anything else in between. I know I have not wished everyone a Merry Xmas - although its late but Merry Christmas to all my blogger friends and hope you had a great Christmas.

I still have not had anytime to scrap - the hired help has proved to be very challenging and I find myself spending a lot of time with the house chores.

I leave you with some photos of my 2 in Seoul, Korea.

Having fun in the snow.

Kimchi anyone?

Loving the rides at Lotte World.

Skiing in Jison.

Fantasizing being a World Cup football player at the Seoul World Cup Stadium.

An interesting old man in Insadong.

Merry Christmas 2010 to everyone!

Cooking peanut candy.

The Fish market at Noryanjin - we tasted very yummy seafood there - absolutely fresh!

Guards at the entrance of the Gyeongbukyong Palace.

Going crazy at the palace corridor.

Posing in the Korean Folk Village.

Working hard pounding grains.

Scrap-it-Lah December What's In a Name Challenge - Take 2

2010-12-03T14:46:00.000+08:00

What a totally meaningful challenge Jessy came up with. I had to do another take on it and this time I have decided to scrap about Sean's chinese name. Another simple layout that I really enjoyed making. Hope you like it too.

Layouts todate: 87

Scrap-it-Lah December What's In a Name Challenge - Take 1

2010-12-01T08:54:00.000+08:00

Jessy came up with the idea that we would all scrap our names and explain what it means. I have always wanted to tell my kids why their chinese names are they way they are and this was the perfect opportunity to do so. For the challenge details, please head over to here.

Here is my simple take on the challenge using my favourite Scarlet Lime kit and some personal add-ons. Not forgetting the vellum that I have hoarded through the years. Hee hee...

Layouts todate: 86

Best Pals

2010-11-30T07:10:00.000+08:00

Another layout of my 2 favourite subjects. They always look so good together in photos - its amazing. I guess when you are true friends and at ease with each other - it will show through the photos.

Dug out more old stash - this time its the Basic Grey's Lily Kate collection from years ago - faint. I loved the pleated borders so much that I redid it but this time I noticed its harder to pleat along the circle and it was not so proportionate. Ah well - embrace imperfections.

Layout todate: 85

Bob and Me

2010-11-29T16:00:00.000+08:00

I have never been much of a girly girl when I was young and the ironic thing is that both my daughter and pet dog loves PINK! Hmmm.... Where did that come from? When I saw this pink squeaky piggy at the local pet shop, I knew I had to buy it for Izzie.

Look at the way she is so possessive with her little piggy. Clarissa was cheeky and named her piggy Bob and Izzie spends many mornings and afternoons and nights playing with Bob and sleeping with him.

I have finally dug up more old stash - this is mainly my Collage Press paper. I finally renewed my love with vellum paper which I punched using my Martha Stewart puncher and pleated it as borders. Love the effects on the layout.

Layouts to date: 84

Put a Lil Heart in Everything You Do

2010-11-28T10:46:00.000+08:00

Another of those simple layouts that I did on a whim. More photos are surfacing from my Photobooth and I found this very cute photo of Clarissa and her friend April which I decided to scrap simply and in a messy style using my scraps.

It turned out a bit funny but heck it's my creation and I have put my stamp on it. Love the tulle that bought and the beautiful doilies from the Chip Chop Shop on Etsy. That gorgeous green rose is from my Scarlet Lime kit and I love it to bits!

Layouts todate: 83

Lights, Camera, Action and Football 101

2010-11-27T07:44:00.000+08:00

I have so so so very many photos in the Photobooth begging to be scrapped and I have decided that I will start now. Here is a very simple layout of the 2 just having fun with their new sunglasses. I find it hilarious as they are both love taking their photos so much. Talk about being narcissistic. LOL...

Finally dug into my BG Recess paper collection - gosh it's been in my scrapping wardrobe for the longest time. Love love the Tim Holtz film strips to complement the look. My last favourite would be the 7 Gypsies stamp which I have hoarded - it has finally seen daylight - hee hee... It's been a great dqay scrapping wise - such simple pleasures. I am quite the simpleton, aren't I?

Next another cut and paste layout of Sean in his most recent friendly match. He did very well and I have shots of him defending vehemently. I am so happy to see all that time shuttling him to and fro practices have come to fruition. Hope that he will love football or soccer for a long time as I always believe that boys need to play sports to expel their excess energy.

Layouts todate: 82

Picture Perfect

2010-11-26T12:50:00.000+08:00

I love taking photos for both Gloria and Clarissa. They definitely share some serious friend chemistry and the camera loves them 2 together so much. Took this photo of them together the last time Gloria came over and decided to scrap them simply.

This is what I do when I have the time at home - just scrap. I haven't been too well and hence I have started to scrap more. Love the new Martha Stewart punches that Jessy chose for me and I have used them in this layout. I love the happy colours here and hope that the girls will love them too.

Layouts todate: 80

The layout that was ruined by my incessant UTEE

2010-11-25T21:52:00.000+08:00

It must be me being very rusty - I have botched up another layout. Its been weeks since I have blogged and scrapped. I finally started scrapping last week and boy was it disastrous. I was definitely too heavy handed with the UTEE and should have used a finer embossing powder. Ah well - we live and learn.

Here is a slightly damaged layout of Izzie with her favourite toy Bob. She enjoys chasing after Bob and the squeaks that Bob makes when she bites him. Kinda cruel - if you asked me.

Materials used:
Bazzill cs, Sassa Fras Lass pp, Tix Tabs (Thanks Aida), Yellow Lace, Notepad pp from SC kit, Thickers Chipboard Alphas, American Crafts Chipboard Flowers, Lace Doiley from local shops, White Lace from Jessy (Thanks Jessy), Embossing ink and UTEE white embossing powder, Pearls from local shops, 3D foam and Beacons Glue.

Layouts todate: 79

Scrap-it-Lah November Flaggy Challenge

2010-11-04T07:30:00.000+08:00

At each swim meet, coaches write on the events that each swimmer is participating in on their arms. Clarissa was of course very happy with her events and I have taken a photo of her with her events tattooed on her arm.

This month at Scrap-it-Lah, DT Nad has decided to come up with a Flaggy challenge : more details here and this is my take for the challenge using the Kosovo flag.

Glad to use up more of my old stash - namely the lace and bazzill cardstock. Bought the butterfly border from the Studio Calico site and I must say I was quite inspired by Nad's recent messy layouts and I have decided to follow suit. Thanks Nad for the inspiration.

I have decided to dust off my heat gun, stamped and embossed the blue doiley above. Gosh it has been so long since I have used them. I really need to start using my stash more effectively. Lastly - I randomly spritzed Tattered Angel mists all over the layout and I guess I am done with this one.

Materials used:
Bazzill cardstock, Doiley Stamp from Singapore, Martha Stewart Punches, Prima flowers, crystals and canvas bird cage (Thanks Jessy), KI Memories Lace cs, Twine from local haberdashery, Tattered Angel Mists, Thickers alphas, beacon glue and 3d pop up dots.

Layouts todate: 78

Materials used:

Courage

2010-10-17T21:35:00.000+08:00

It is nerve-wracking to see your child in any form of competition. Clarissa took part in his first swim meet this Saturday and I have to say that it was very hard for me to watch her. For me, it was easier to watch Sean play football as its a team sport and the results come from the teamwork. As for swimming - its more nerve wracking as its her and she alone who can pull in the results.

She has been training since late August and I guess she is a late bloomer in terms of swimming. She did not win any of the events but the consolation was that she did improve on all her times. Even before she went into it, I had warned her that this would happen as most of the girls start swimming really early and they had more experience than her. I was just glad that she did not back down in spite and tried hard.

Oddly enough - I found this beautiful quote by Thomas Krause which depicted her whole sentiment going into the meet:

"Courage is the discovery that you may not win and trying when you can lose."

Here is the mismatched layout:

Materials used:

Sassa Fras Lass pp, Scenic Route pp, Cosmo Cricket pp, Hambly Transparency, Notepad from Scarlet Lime Kit, Fontwerks Scalloped Cardstock Stickers, Pink Paislee Sticker and Alphas, 7 Gypsies Sticker sayings, Basic Grey Sticker Flourish, Chatterbox Brads, Prima Flower, Zig Journalling pen, Beacon Glue and 3d pop up foam.

Layouts todate: 77

Wacky Tacky 2010

2010-10-16T22:17:00.000+08:00

It really seems like ages since I have blogged. Combination of school activities and my daily routine has made my days seem so much shorter and I just did not have the mojo to scrap. I must admit I do go through episodes whereby I scrap a lot and then whoosh - I stop for a while. Tonight I have tried to stop being lazy and start scrapping again so that I can accomplish my 100 layout target this year.

I chose some very old papers from 2005 again - Junkitz and some Autumn Leaves Mod Citrus Paper kit. They have been in my scrapbooking closet for like forever and I have not yet touched them. Sigh... That seems to be the story of my life.

I have decided to combine the 2 papers together and achieve a wacky tacky layout for Clarissa. Nothing fancy - just cut and paste. :)

Materials used:
Junkitz paper, Bazzill cs, Autumn Leaves Mod Citrus pp and Epoxy Stickers, Momoyo Sticker Trim, Chatterbox Chipboard sayings, buttons and butterflies, Making Memories Glitter Alphas and and Sticker Alphas, Thread from Studio Calico, Brilliance Inks, Beacon Glue, Pearl Blings from local shops and 3D pop up dots.

Layouts todate: 76

Bad Blogger and Positive Attitude

2010-10-07T07:01:00.000+08:00

Yes, I know I have been slacking with the scrapping and the blogging. I have been so busy the past few weeks with getting sick, the school trip with Sean, football etc - everything just went by with a blur. I have decided to try and start scrapping again as I have just realised that its October and I haven't achieved my target of 100 layouts this year. At present, I am still at layout no 75. Another 25 more too go - GULP!

Here is another simple layout featuring Clarissa when she went to get her braces done. I have to say that her demeanour was very pleasant and she endured the pain from her braces very well. I have decided to add a couple of different manufacturer items, recycled the doiley packaging from Prima and use up some of my laces and papers.

Materials used:
Scarlet Lime Kit papers and 3D stickers, Provocraft Chipboard scallops, Momoyo Stickers - small flowers and butterflies, Cutout flower from AC Dear Lizzy paper, Making Memories Noteworthy Diecuts, Recycled Doileys from Prima Packaging, laces and trims of haberdashery in Johore Bahru, Beacon Glue, Zig Pen for journalling and 3D pop up foam.

Layouts todate: 75

What Is In My Bag Scrap-It-Lah October 2010 Challenge

2010-10-01T17:03:00.000+08:00

When Jessy came up with this challenge, my face literally turned pale. I was quite afraid to show the mess in my bag. On normal days - I would have tons of receipt, wrappers etc in it and what??? I am supposed to tell the whole world what a slob I am??? Well - I have to be strong and embrace the truth and hence, my layout this month is titled aptly, "Such a Mess in My bag."

Dug out some of my Scarlet Lime kit and used the papers and embellishment. I love SC kits as they really do pack a lot in there. This Autumn kit had a purple mist which I used on the tag, all the papers here and the Prima alphas. I have also added some of the new Momoyo sticker trims and buttons, do look out for them at Kinokuniya, Isetan (stationery department), Popular and MPH book stores.

Do join us here for this challenge. I loved how the rest of the DTs interpreted the challenge and most of them had very organised and neat handbags unlike me. LOL....

Materials used:
Scarlet Lime Autumn Kit (all patterned pps, Mist, Tag, Prima Alphas and pearl blings), Doiley from Bangkok, Trims and Buttons from Momoyo, Beacon Glue, 3d pop up foam and purple ribbon from local haberdashery.)

Layouts todate: 74

Mid-Autumn Festival, Mooncake aka Lantern Festival

2010-09-20T17:29:00.000+08:00

The Mooncake aka Lantern Festival is around the corner. For more information on the festival, please go here. This year it falls on Wednesday, 22nd September, 2010. We decided to celebrate it early and walk around the condominium for fun. I bought the kids all these traditional candle cellophane paper lanterns. Of course you can buy the battery operated ones but I still prefer these.

Here are the kids amidst the glow of their lanterns. Love this picture very very much.

I can't wait for Wednesday when I hope we have time to do another walkabout around the pool again. :)

U And Me

2010-09-17T21:36:00.000+08:00

The Momoyo ladies dropped by today to pass me some of their latest stickers. When I saw these sets of beautiful puffy stickers, I was over the moon. I couldn't wait for dinner to be over and time to use them. I decided to use them simply and a bit layered.

Finally took out my Tim Holtz stamps and I used the Jo Sonja white acrylic paint to stamp the backgrounds. I kept it simple so that you can appreciate how 2d the stickers look. Don't you love them all? The stickers will soon be available at Isetan (2nd Floor Stationery department), MPH, Art Friend, Kinokuniya and Popular Bookstores.

Materials used:
Momoyo Puffy Stickers (Flowers, Doilies, Lace border and Alphas), Making Memories Sticker Alpha, Buttons and Pearl Blings (Artists's Own), Tim Holtz Stamps, Jo Sonja Acrylic Paint, Bazzill White and Kraft Cardstock and DMC Thread.

Layouts todate: 73

Chinatown Walkabout

2010-09-14T13:58:00.000+08:00

I have been yearning for years to taking better photos. Cameras have come and gone and yet I find myself not taking better photos. I have come to the conclusion that one does NOT need a good camera to take nice photos - its more knowing your camera, having the eye for the photo and lot and lots and lots of practice.

I have decided to take up photography just to fill up my time. Glad to have found him here. I had a great time with him taking photos at Chinatown today and also generally just to learn how to use my camera. Yes, after 3 years of owning a DSLR, I am still stuck on the AUTO mode (*very shamed faced*) . It was nice to get out of the rut and try to use the functions on my camera.

Alas, the technical metering, shutter and aperture was daunting enough for me and picture composition wise - I was very much lacking. However, I should view this experience as a first and I should prevail and start using more of the manual mode and get over my fear and I hope to take better photographs.

If anyone is interested on going on these walkabouts in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur David is contactable through his website here. I leave you with some photos that I have taken today.

Rules of an Athlete

2010-09-07T09:02:00.000+08:00

Another cut and paste layout. Gosh - don't you love easy layouts? I have taken these photos of Sean at the football field and had no idea to scrap them. However, a trip to Scrappingville sorted the problem. I found these Theresa Collins papers and embellishments! I was estatic.

I didn't have to do anything nor journal anything as the sayings on the paper and chipboard says it all. In addition, can you see the ribbons and trims on the layout? I love these as they are new from Momoyo. They are all self-adhesive! Thats so handy - no more messy gluing the ribbons nor ric racs. Look out for them hitting Kinokuniya, Popular, Isetan and MPH books stores soon!

Materials used:
Theresa Collins Paper, Chipboard Embellishments and Diecut Sayings, Momoyo sticker ribbons and trims, Red and Black Bazzill cardstock, Thickers alphas, Making Memories sticker alphas, Zig Pen, Beacon Glue and 3d pop up foam.

Layouts todate: 72

Tale of the Rabbit Satay

2010-09-06T07:46:00.000+08:00

As a parent, we all know that it's always hard to get our child to try something new. We went to eat satay at Kajang with some friends, namely Wati, Jessy and co. There was rabbit satay on the menu and the gang decided to order that. For those who are wondering what satay is, here is the definition of satay by wikipedia.

Satay is a popular and yummy dish of Malaysia and I have yet to meet someone who does not like this dish. Anyway, I was wondering how we could make Clarissa try the rabbit satay. In the end, we decided to keep quiet and just let her eat it first.

It worked like a charm. She was happily tucking into the satay as per photo. After eating her first satay stick or skewer, I couldn't help myself. I can't remember who took these photos (its either me or Jessy) or who asked her the following:

"Do you know what you are eating?"

C replies, "Yes it's satay."

"Do you know that its RABBIT satay?"

C looks shocked and then says: "EEWWWW I am going to puke."

And the photos says it all.

Materials used:

American Crafts Dear Lizzy papers, My Mind's Eye Lush pp, Lace trim by Scarlet Lime, Thickers alphas, Jillibean Brown Sticker Alphas, Glossy Accents, Beacon Glue and 3d pop up foam.

Layouts todate: 71

Total Gleek

2010-09-03T06:54:00.000+08:00

I have to say that one of the best shows of late which interest my whole family is GLEE. As a result, this show has revolutionised my whole family and turned us all into GLEEKS! Hee hee... Here is a simple layout of Clarissa in a favourite Glee pose.

I managed to dig up more old old old papers to scrap this layout. I found this Junkitz paper from 2005! Imagine that! I love their paper but unfortunately the company has seized their operations. Gotta love the feeling when one destashes.

I know I kinda went into colour overload in this layout but I thought why not? One needs to live dangerously with colours once in a while ;)

Materials used:
Junkitz pps, Bazzill cs, Bella Lace Cs, Doodlebug Flocked pp, Prima Flowers, Momoyo and Sassa Fras Lass Brads, Jenny Bowlin Notecard Set Cards, Bo Bunny Chunky Charms, Bracket and Flourish, Creative Imaginations 3d Sticker Flowers and Butterflies, Blue Grosgrain Ribbon from local haberdashery, Dotted Ribbon (sorry I can't remember), Pink Flower Trim and Sticker alphas from Making Memories, Thickers Foam Alphas, Beacon Glue and 3D Pop up foam.

Layouts todate: 70

For the love of DS

2010-09-02T06:31:00.000+08:00

Its always a pleasure having friends visit especially when friends with kids who gets along with mine. :) Adam has always played well with Sean. Jessy took these photos of Sean and Adam totally engrossed with their DSes and the comraderie between the two is most apparent. I was so happy to see the bond between the two.

I thought I will scrap all the photos that Jessy took and again - this is another multi photo layout and I must say that I am beginning to love multi photo layouts as they are really fun to work with.

Materials used:

Cosmo Cricket pps, Bazzill Black cs, EK Success Puncher, Jenny Bowlin Adore Card and Sticker alphas, Thickers Foam Alphas, Tim Holtz Key Grungeboard, Theresa Collins Chipboard Sayings, K n Co Bottle Caps Brads, 7 Gypsies Label Stickers, Making Memories Sticker Alphas, Versamgic Ink, Blue little cabochon gems from local shop, Small Metal Stickers from Lincraft Australia, Circle Cutter, Beacon Glue and 3D pop up dots.

Layouts todate: 69

Scrap-it-Lah September Scraplift Challenge

2010-09-01T09:16:00.000+08:00

This month at Scrap-It-Lah, we thought of this very fun challenge which was to scraplift the DT's work. This was such a fun challenge as I have long admired my co-DTs work and there were lots of layouts which I wished I could have copied. Hence this challenge was really good as I could just pick any layout to my hearts content and just scrap it.

I know that there are lots of debate whether one should scraplift or not but my view would be that as long as we have the permission of the creator and make sure we credit them, that should be ok. Another scrapper friend of mine said something which I thought is very important. Even as we are scraplifting, it would not be a bad idea to inject a bit of your own design or idea into the layout and thus this will not make the layout look like a total photocopy of the one that you have scraplifted.

I had the pleasure of scraplifting our newest DT Amelia. I chose this layout of hers. Here is my take:

It was Nerd Day at school and I took these pictures of Clarissa. I have to say that she makes quite a cute and pretty nerd. :)

Materials used:

Me and My Big Ideas Glitter Paper, Bazzill cs, Making Memories Notepad, PRima Flowers, blings and packaging, Trims from local haberdashery, Pearls from local shops, Thickers Chipboard alphas, Maya Road Chipboard Alphas, Corrugated Board, Beacon Glue and 3d pop up foam.

Layouts todate: 68

Malacca Trip

2010-08-26T21:17:00.000+08:00

Time to update the blog again. I have been quite busy the last weekend and this week, I took a day drive with my friends to Malacca which is 1 hour and 40 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur. I have always loved Malacca for the historical sites plus the antiques. Malacca is also listed as a historical site under UNESCO - pretty cool huh? Here are some pictures that I took that day.

This is a typical street in Malacca. This is Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock.

Check out the detail on the colonial shophouses. I love them as they seem to look like icing on top of the shophouse.

A typical restaurant - such chinese flavours. This one was selling the famed Chicken Rice Balls and chicken of course.

As I was taking this photo, this maid stood there holding the baby and I thought I would just snap away then. Photo turned out pretty well.

I know I overexposed the temple shot - but I didn't have a choice - it was drizzling and if I turned teh ISO down - I couldn't get the details of the temple.

This was a unique mosque that was built in the 16th century and if you go in - its amazing - so many influences in its architecture on the inside.

It will be Mooncake festival soon and lanterns are in profusion at this shop in Chinatown.

Diving for the first time

2010-08-22T22:09:00.000+08:00

My friend Lysha took these photos of Sean after she taught him how to swim in her parent's house in Singapore. At that time, Sean must have been 5 years old at the most. I will always be grateful to her for teaching him how to dive. Thanks Lysha.

Materials used:
Bazzill Kraft cs, Scenic Route pps, chipboards and sticker sayings, Pink Paislee Alpha stickers, White grosgrain ribbon from local haberdashery, Making Memories Alpha Stickers, Beacon Glue and 3d pop up foam.

Layouts to date: 67

Accomplish

2010-08-19T06:05:00.000+08:00

There is a chinese saying that all mothers wishes their sons to become dragons. In ancient chinese days, sons were favoured and the males are always treated like "Gods". This saying also implies that sons are entrusted upon carrying on the family name and also to look after the parents when the latter are aged. Hence - to hope the sons to succeed is akin to wish their son as dragons. Dragons also signify the ultimate as the emperor is often referred to as one.

I hope for the same for Sean. That he would be successful in what he does. It doesn't mean he has to earn big bucks but more a sense of fulfillment and accomplish whatever he wishes to excel in.

I chose to do a messy layout this time to contrast his sister's clean lines lo. I managed to dig out this very old transparency which I bought ages ago from Singapore and I am not even sure that they still make these. Aaahhh... the joy of destashing.

I haven't worked on Coredinations pp for a while and I have just embossed and sanded down embossed area. To add to the messiness, I added some red acrylic paint and when the paint dried, I used my fingernails to light scrape the paint off creating more mess in the paint. I also added some red paint into the photos, transparency and the coredinations pp.

Furthermore, I found another stash of Tim Holtz grunge boards and used them too. Most importantly, I found some old Lil Davis bottlecaps from 2004! Added them as well. Boy - by this time I really felt very good with the destashing. Here is my simple layout using the contact sheets from photos taken by Sarah Grasset. (No Rachel, I have not found the CD nor the rest of the photos. I honestly don't think I will cos I have been looking for 3 years now.)

Materials used:

Collage Press pp, Clear Expression Transparency from Artistic Expressions, Jo Sonja Red Acrylic Paint, Black Coredinations pp, Cuttlebug and Embossing Folder, Lil Davis Bottle Caps, Tim Holtz Grunge Boards, Boy Rubons from Kaiser, Jenny Bowlin Sticker alphas, blingds form local shops, Beacon Glue and 3d pop up foam.

Layouts todate: 66

Ponder

2010-08-18T11:35:00.000+08:00

As my daughter goes through her adolescent years, I hope that she doesn't rush through things - any thing. My wish if for her to choose wisely and ponder when she is making decisions. I want her to learn that not to rush and hurry her decisions. Thinking things thoroughly is more important.

Ooopsss... Just realised that I have cut the paper a bit askew. I was kind of distracted - watching re0runs of Criminal Minds. Its one of my favourite TV series. Never mind - its done - Ali Edwards says that one should embrace imperfections. I find myself using it ALL the time as if you look closely, I have a lot of flaws in my layouts. But I am alright with them as I created them as I am - not a perfect soul.

I dug into my old Scarlet Lime kits and I must say that it feels good to finally use up some old stash. I look forward to using up more. Will try to scrap more as I go along. I am scrapping nearly everyday lately and sometimes I scrap 2 layouts in one day. I am most happy when I achieve that.

Materials used:
Scarlet Lime kit: Cosmo Cricket pps, Stacked Flower , Chipboard.
Own material: Velvet Ribbon, White trim, White DMC Embroidery Thread, Doiley, Pearl Blings, Making Memories Sticker alphas, Thickers Foam Alphas, Glitter Glue, Beacon Glue and 3d pop up foam.

Layouts todate: 65

Girls just want to have fun

2010-08-17T06:23:00.000+08:00

I am a very careless person by nature. This little trait of mine cost me dearly this time. Sarah Grasset - a photographer friend of mine took these photos of Clarissa in 2005. for the life of me, I seem to ahve misplaced both the Cd and these printed photos. All I have is the contact sheets of the shoot itself.

Ah well, I thought I might as well just work with the contact sheet as I just can't resist scrapping these beautiful photos. Got the idea of the layout from the contact sheet itself. Just a simple, messy layout. I couldn't choose the photos and hence, I tried to add nearly all the photos. Hee hee... Photo choosing problem solved!

In the meantime, I dusted off my heat gun and finally embossed the GIRLS Maya Road chipboard. Used remnants from my Scarlet Lime kit. Its a simple layout but I love the total effect.

Materials used:
GCD patterned pp, Bazzill Black cs, Kraft Cs, Maya Road Raw Chipboard Saying and wooden number, Corner Puncher, AC Zing Embossing Powder, Making Memories Felt Alphas, K n Co lace sticker trim, Hambly Doiley stickers, White Jo Sonja Acrylic Paint, Farmers Twine, Pearl blings from local shops, Beacon Glue, Gingham Ribbon from Scarlet Lime kit and 3d Pop up Foam.

Layouts todate: 64

I used to be like - {A Poem by Sean}

2010-08-16T06:55:00.000+08:00

Its Monday here. I feel the need to start the week with something motivational - at least for me. This story today started in a "oh -oh", went to an "a- ha moment" and ended all heart warming. Sean came home one day and tells me that he made his teacher cry. I was like "oh-oh", half expecting the teacher to call me and telling me what he did wrong. As I braced myself and in between trying to keep calm and refraining myself from screaming at him what he did - I asked him what actually happened.

His reply was that he made her cry as he was such a "pro" - meaning professional. I was dying to know by this time - what pro I asked. His reply was - professional poem writer. He proceeded to pull out this poem from his bag. I was in tears too after reading it. The "Aha" moment came when I realised that this child in spite of what other teachers said, had so much potential if nurtured the right way.

Sean is very happy in his current school and he had a tough time in his former school. The least said is better and I am so happy that he managed to express himself through this poem. I asked him to write it down and I hope you can read his scrawl - if you can't - here is a copy of the poem:

I Used To be Like by Sean Ku, Grade 4, 25th May, 2010

I used to be like an ant roaming around in circles,

Now I am a giant that knows where to go.

I used to be like a ball of fire destroying everything in my path,

Now I am like the sea, cool and calm.

I used to be like a paper plane that couldn't fly,

Now I am a metal jet plane, faster than a rocket.

I used to be like a glass of water that had turned red with food colouring,

Now I am a jug of water that had been filtered ten times.

I used to be like a caterpillar scared and always closed,

Now I am a butterfly that is happy and open to everyone.

I am now a true and firm believer in good schools and good teachers. I have no doubt that he had help from his teacher but she assures me that the ideas was all his. how could one not cry when one reads this poem - knowing how he struggled from his former school. I am happy that he is NOT what he used to be. What a happy ending. :)

Materials used:

Sassfras Lass pp and brads, Thickers alphas, Beacon glue, 3d pop up foam, ribbon from local haberdashery and normal ball point pen.

Layouts todate: 63

Let your hair down

2010-08-15T13:03:00.000+08:00

Another simple layout today. I make no apologies - its Sunday after all ;) Aida gave me some Prima flowers and papers early this year and I have yet to finish using them. I found this beautiful piece and I love the bright colours. I must admit I was very reluctant to cut the paper up and I have to say that the paper suited what I had in mind.

Hence, I just added the photos, a couple of flowers, a Prima butterfly from Iris - thanks dear, and voila. I have also realised that I love scrapping 3 photos pages. Wonder why tho... Hmmm... Anyway - here is a simple layout to remind Clarissa that she can always let her hair down sometimes. She takes things far too seriously and I sometimes wish she would let go of her perfectionist view and just relax and enjoy what life throws at her.

Materials used:
Prima pp (Thanks Aida), Prima Butterfly (Thanks Iris), Doiley (recycled from Thai snack packaging), Prima felt and flowers, Thickers Alphas, K n Co Butterfly brad, Making Memories Sticker alpha, Trim and lace from local haberdashery, pearl blings from local shop, Beacon glue and 3d pop up foam.

Layouts todate: 62

A boy and his DS

2010-08-14T22:32:00.000+08:00

Once upon a time, there was a little boy named Sean who was addicted to his Nintendo DS. He would just spend hours on it. His way of justifying playing on it is that - he was feeding his dogs (Nintendogs), he is training his eyes (Yes, there is actually a program called Sight Training), reading and doing his maths. Need I say more? He was totally addicted!

These photos were taken by her and her hubby. This was one of the first photoshoots that they did for us and I almost forgot to scrap these photos. Thanks for the memories and I finally dug up some more old Cosmo Cricket stash to scrap the photos.

Materials used:
Cosmo Cricket pps, Thickers alphas, Jenny Bowlin Sticker alphas, Tim Holtz Edge Distressor Tool and 3d pop up dots.

Layouts todate: 61

Best Friend

2010-08-12T21:40:00.000+08:00

I would say that Izzie is one of my best friend. She is always by me when I am sad tolerating my unending hugs and kisses. She has an internal radar - she will rarrely leave my side when I am sad. Here is a layout - a tribute to Iz.

I have tried my hand at a 8.5 x 11 layout this time. This is my first time and I must say that I am not pleased with the results. Never mind - I will try harder next time. This layout is a little messy - as usual - I tried to squeeze too many things onto the layout.

Materials used:
Sassa Frass Lass pp, Lily Bee Design pp, Bazzill cs, Doiley from local shops, Ric rac and ribbon from local haberdashery, Maya Road Wooden Numbers (dunno what they are called exactly, Chipboard Tag from We R Memory Makers, String from Ikea, 3d pop up foam and Beacon's Glue.

Layouts todate: 60

Contemplate

2010-08-11T21:29:00.000+08:00

Having a 12 year old middle schooler is sometimes very very challenging. I can't begin to start on how challenging these 12 year olds are but I just wish that sometimes that she will just slow down and think over or contemplate on her choices. Right now, decisions are rushed and poorly made without even thinking. Sigh... I hope that she grows wiser in time and take the time to think and contemplate.

I remember back in the times when I was in university, a very wise professor said this to me, "When you have to make a decision, always think it through. The thinking process should be akin to water boiling - the rolling of the bubbles being your thoughts."

I have dug into my old stash and uncovered some very old treasures: Some KI lace cardstock, Heather Bailey pp - (they are so beautiful!) and some old Prima Felt (which looked great here). Feels good to finally use up more of my older cs and pps.

Materials used:
Heather Bailey pps, Bazzill cs, Ki Memories Pink Lace cs, Prima Felt Mat, Thickers alphas, Cosmo Cricket Sticker Alphas (Thanks Aida for buying them), EK Success Punch, Martha Stewart Punch and 3d pop up foam.

Layouts todate: 59

My Football Dream

2010-08-07T05:16:00.000+08:00

This little munchkin only loves one type of sport which is football or soccer (which is the American term for it). Sean has been having football training for nearly 2 years now and I must say that there is some improvement to his football skills and he thoroughly enjoys the game.

On a recent trip to Singapore whilst waiting to board the plane, he gazed longingly at the jet plane that was parked there. He suddenly said that, "I want to be a professional footballer. I can make 30 million pounds a year and in 3 years - I can buy a jet plane."

So here it is - a layout of his football dream. When I scrapped it - I wrote the journalling down as him quitting after 3 years. He is right behind me now telling me that he will NEVER quit playing football. All I say is that mummy certainly hope that you can achieve your dream. I am waiting to jet set around on that plane.

Materials used:
BG Ambrosia pps, coordinating die cut stickers and border stickers, Martha Stewart Punch, Versamagic Black Ink, Prima Felt Alphas, Momoyo black brads and 3d pop up foam dots.

Layouts todate: 58

CHOWCHOWSCRAPS

3 layouts and guess who is a happy camper?

Hi... I am Back - Alive and Scrapping :)

Back in KL and hope to be blogging soon

Taking a break

My favourite soccer memories

Happy Together

Art Journal - First Page {Hope for Emma}

HOPE and My little Chef in the Making

2 Unique Girls

All Grown Up

You are so beautiful

My Peeps

Lucky to Have You and SIL Last Anniversary Challenge

Set Me Free

Ribstix in the Pool

Photo Op - Not...

He's All That

Are you showing off your Abs? and SIL Anniversary Challenge No 6

Winner Announcement

Scrap-It-lah Second Anniversary Blog Hop - Challenge No 5

Everything matters

Scrap-it-lah Second Anniversary Blog Hop No 4

Best Friends Forever

Always Be Yourself

I'll be right here waiting and Scrap-It-Lah Challenge No 3

Create your own Path

Fun at the Playground and SIL Challenge No 3

Believe

Scrap-It-Lah Anniversary Blog Hop No 3

Help Needed

Title-less Birthday Layout and A painful neck sprain

SIL 2nd Anniversary Hop - 2nd Challenge - An altered folder

Reach for the Stars and SIL Ongoing Challenge No 2

April Memories

Delight and SIL Blog Hop 2

SIL Blog Hop No 2 and Create Your Own Bliss

Friends layout

Challenge No 2 is up at SIL and an Altered Canvas for Yuzz (*updated*)

Sonshine

Learn to pause

Adore

Enjoy - a destashing layout

Peekaboo

Cheeky

Exciting News from Scrap-It-Lah (Updated)

Why blogging is getting harder...

A Day in the Life of a Wannabe Chef

Scrap-It-Lah March Moody Challenge 2011

Create Music

Cherish Each Other

8 Lazy Days in the Gold Coast and Brisbane

Chinese New Year Celebration in School

Scrap-It-Lah February Lovey Dovey Challenge

First Recorded Temper Tantrum

Trying Kimchi

Snow Fun

Prima Pocket Layout - Random Acts of Kindness

Playing catch up layouts

Scrap-it-Lah January 2011 Hobby Challenge

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2010

Scrap-it-Lah December What's In a Name Challenge - Take 2

Scrap-it-Lah December What's In a Name Challenge - Take 1

Best Pals

Bob and Me

Put a Lil Heart in Everything You Do

Lights, Camera, Action and Football 101

Picture Perfect

The layout that was ruined by my incessant UTEE

Scrap-it-Lah November Flaggy Challenge

Courage

Wacky Tacky 2010

Bad Blogger and Positive Attitude

What Is In My Bag Scrap-It-Lah October 2010 Challenge

Mid-Autumn Festival, Mooncake aka Lantern Festival

U And Me

Chinatown Walkabout

Rules of an Athlete

Tale of the Rabbit Satay

Total Gleek

Challenge No 2 is up at SIL and an Altered Canvas for Yuzz (updated)