organised clutter

How to Create a Name Banner for Jenny

2012-01-07T08:52:00.000+08:00

Or for Alice. Or Desiree.

Ok, I don't know an Alice or Desiree. But if you do and would like to create a name banner for them just like how I did for my friend Jenny, here's how!

First, here's the list of items I used on this banner besides my adhesives: Mixed Scallop Triangle Banner Album, Bubblegum Metallic Mist, Glitters (Pink, Cherry Red, Iridescent and Sea Green), patterned papers, New York Lowercase Alphabet, Butterfly Chipboards, Die Cut Kraft Doilies, Vintage Pearl Trinket Pins, Leaves, buttons, paper flowers, Sizzix-ed 3-D Fringed flowers, Prima crystal swirls, self-adhesive pearls.

Let's begin creating our Jenny banner!

1. Mist the scalloped edges of your Banner Album pages with Bubblegum Metallic Mist (or any color that coordinates with your glitter color). Glitter the scalloped edges after mist has dried. Set aside pages to dry/set.

2. Paper the straight-edges pages with patterned paper.

3. Glitter your chipboard alphas with Maya Road's Iridescent glitter. After dried, mat each alpha on cardstock.

4. Glitter your Chipboard Butterflies. ps: Maya Road's Cherry Red and Sea Green glitters are my absolute-st fav glitter colors, if you haven't already noticed.

5. Begin assembling each straight-edged page that was papered earlier. Begin with a base of Maya Road's Kraft Doily (cut half here), a Sizzix fringed flower, Leaves, glittered Butterfly Chipboard and a glittered Alpha. I love that Sizzix flower because you can embellish the centre with anything! Here, I pulled out my jar of buttons and layered some on top of each other. Lurve!

6. Add some paper flowers to fill out the empty spaces.

7. Add some bits of Prima crystal swirls and self-adhesive pearls on the glittered butterfly. Push a Trinket Pin into the fringed flower.

8. Once you are happy with your assembly, pop up your embellished page on a glittered scalloped edge page.

9. Embellish each page using the same materials with slight variations. For Jenny's banner, some pages used whole Kraft Doilies, some had one Chipboard Butterfly while others had two. A little variety makes an interesting banner.

10. Join finished pages using ribbon bows and hang up completed banner to enjoy!

So that's how you make a Jenny banner! Or a Jasmine banner like this one here.

Oh if you'd like a great deal on a Maya Road Mixed Scallop Triangle Banner Album, all the Maya Road stuff in my Scrapbook Stash for Sale are going at a one-for-one offer. And yes, I have a couple of those Banner Albums (Item MR141) there too!

I hope you've enjoyed the above tutorial!

ps. Of course you can recreate above steps for any name. Not just Jenny, Alice or Desiree. lol.

A Blossom-y Name Frame

2012-01-04T03:08:00.050+08:00

During the long Christmas weekend, I spent a day clearing out my stash of alterables. I was resolved to be ruthless in getting rid of things I've been hoarding with the intention to alter. It included cheeseboards, wreaths, shadowboxes, even frames.

I rediscovered this pink frame during my clearing session and thought I should gift it to someone instead of keeping it. But kinda weird tojust give an empty frame to someone right? So I decided to create a blossomy frame for Siew's daughter, Jesmin. Don't you just love the spelling of her name? This frame is similar to the one I created for the Maya Road DT Blog some time back.

Siew was so in love with the frame, she asked 'but how do I preserve it? It's got to stay intact till Jesmin brings it off with her when she gets married!' Umn ok ... give this Aunty Lia a chance first yeah, Jesmin can deal with her PSLE exams in the meantime. lol. I have funny friends, I tell ya.

Oh on the subject of clearances, remember that today is the last day for you to enjoy 50% off everything in my Scrapbook Stash for Sale! Orders need to be in my inbox by 2359 tonight!

I'll be back soon with a mini-tutorial of Jenny's Name Banner. Yep, I'm all about names these days. :)

Hello 2012!

2012-01-02T02:09:00.024+08:00

That sounded more excited than I actually feel about the new year. Apologies ... but the pensive end of year feeling just hasn't left me yet. My mood will pick up, I'm sure. I only have 363 days for that to happen. :P

It's time to jot down my January Bucket List, though honestly I am not feeling particularly determined nor confident of achieving anything this week. What more in a whole month. Oh well. I'm seriously not the best company to have around these days.

Lia's January 2012 Bucket List

In random order

Reopen my Etsy store
Finish reading two books
Have two Starbucks drinks per week = 9 drinks this month
Finish Maya Road CHA projects and photograph
Send off Maya Road CHA projects
Purchase new containers to organize my shoes
Put up Blythes for sale

With the CHA-W show happening this month, I am feeling the pressure so I do expect my waking hours thinking and working on my assignments. I'd probably spend my sleeping hours dreaming of them too. lol.

In case you are curious, here's how I fared on my (extremely) ambitious December Bucket List.

Decide on a workout programme.
~~Buy a new camera.~~ I'm now the owner of a white Sony NEX-5N.
~~Clean out my wardrobe and remove clothes that are absolutely not presentable. Including fugly underthings.~~
~~Put up my Embellishment Tags on clearance sale.~~ They are here.
~~Finish reading two books~~. Well, sort of. I only finished one book this month - Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates.
Organize my shoes
~~Buy new contact lenses + eyeglasses~~ See my new glasses here.
~~Meet up with my bestie to see her with a belly bump!~~
Visit the dentist
Visit the gynae
~~Change the lights in the car~~
~~Celebrate Jasmine's 30(+1) birthday!~~ Here!
Take a daily photo with new camera
~~Edit pictures of Blythes for sale~~
~~Commisioned crafting: Wedding Frames cluster~~ Frames here.
~~Assignment crafting: 5 Maya Road CHA projects~~
Casual crafting: Frame(s) for Gerl's parents, ~~Frame(s) to add to Ling's wall cluster.~~ Here and here.

Till the next post, tata.

A Name Banner for Jas(minah)

2011-12-31T23:35:00.012+08:00

lol that typo was on purpose. This banner is for my good friend, Jasmine! She gave herself that nickname Jasminah for herself ... cos you know, she's such a Minah. And I'm an Amoy. :P

We each are planning on hanging our name banners at our workstations, and we're going to rope our friend Jenny in to do the same ... cos us NOL PAs gotta stick (and show off) together. lol.

If you'd like to know how I made this banner, hang around - I'll be doing a sort of step-by-step of the banner I made for Jenny. If you want to, of course. :)

Oh, three of us celebrated Jas' birthday this month - we had cute ballooons, yummy cookies and we gifted Jas a set of Biotherm skincare. Yes, I want to convert everyone to a Biotherm user. lol. Jenny took this picture for us and when I looked at it, I asked Jenny why didn't she warn me about showing off too much of my chest. She replied 'never mind lah, they're too big to hide.' ROFL! I have funny friends, and I'm so thankful. :)

A Couple of Family Frames

2011-12-28T14:28:00.000+08:00

As mentioned in my previous post, here are a couple of frames I altered for my bestie Ling and her family.

I luuuurrvvee that Kaiser mdf LOVE sentiment I glittered red. It looks so ... luxurious! :)

I thought I was done with altering stuff for the family but you know what ... I might just make a couple more!

Till the next time.

Toodles

For Kyan and Charlotte

2011-12-26T23:59:00.000+08:00

One of my besties, Ling wanted to decorate her kids' room and requested that I make some stuff for the room. I of course said yes! Who would say no to these adorable kids. Kyan and Charlotte, these are especially dedicated to you from Aunty Lia!

Warning: pictures overload!

I also did this set of mini frames for these cuties. Doesn't Kyan look so cute in those glasses!

I'll be back with a few frames for Ling's family portraits. :)

Toodles!

A Cluster of Wedding Frames

2011-12-24T10:31:00.002+08:00

My friend Jasmine and her other pals wanted to gift a special gift for another friend Elaine who is registering her marriage today - congrats Elaine!

While she requested for one altered photo frame, I suggested 'why not a cluster of frames?' ... you know how excited I get with frame clusters - can't get enough of them! I was so thrilled when Jasmine entrusted me with this special gift for her friend and I got to working on three frames for the happy couple.

First is a shadowbox - with a very lurvely glittered Love piece on top.

Next is a name frame of the couple - this is a very blossom-y piece with lots of my favorite flowers. I think we all need some spring colors to brighten up this dreary weather we've been having!

Lastly is a frame of their very special date!

Congratulations again Elaine and thanks Jas & friends for letting me be a part of this special day!

A Giveaway ... and a Very Handmade Sale!

2011-12-22T13:08:00.000+08:00

I'm back as promised! A couple of things to address today. :)

First, I dug out the box of handmade goodies I meant to relist on Etsy ... from like 10 months ago? yikes. So again, as we are approaching the end of 2011, I'd like to let these handmade goodies (made with much tears and blood - no sweat) go at slashed prices. So if you've been eyeing a pretty metal bottlecap embellishment tag or framed ATC on Organised Clutter, this is the time to get them. Once they're gone, they.are.GONE.

Each Metal Bottlecap Embellishment Tag is going at S$8, while Framed ATCs are S$10 each. Details are available on the Handmade Goods Sale page.

Next with the season of giving and sharing reaching a peak in 4 days, I'd like to give away one Metal Bottlecap Embellishment Tag to a special someone. If you would like a chance to win below Tag, let me know how you are celebrating this very festive season. I myself will be spending it at home with my loved ones. Just being together and enjoying each other's company. Wouldn't that make any time of the year festive? :)

So I will be announcing the winner of the above Tag next Monday, 26th December. If you'd like to purchase one for yourself in the meantime, remember they are on my Handmade Goods Sale page.

The 50% discount of my Scrapbook Stash for Sale is still going on! So grab your favorite supplies while they last. That gallery might not be available anymore after 4th January!

New things are coming up for Organised Clutter in 2012, and I can't wait to share them with you!

xo

A Big Sale

2011-12-21T15:21:00.001+08:00

With the new year looming in 10-ish days, I've made the big decision to have a major big sale of the remaining stuff in my Scrapbook Stash for Sale gallery.

From now until 4th January 2012, all items in my Scrapbook Stash for Sale are going at 50% discount off the stated price (excluding postage). Orders need to be received in my inbox by 2359hrs 4th January 2012.

I've added some new stuff in there, so remember to take a look and grab all that you've been eyeing in the gallery. Because who knows what will happen to the remaining stash after the sale ends. :)

Also stay tuned to this space, I have another sale announcement and I'd like to do a little giveaway - I'm in the mood for some sharing. :)

Till tomorrow!

Hopes for a Monthly Bucket List

2011-12-09T11:22:00.002+08:00

I wanted to begin something new this month ... listing a goals list for each month and reporting an update the following month when I list next month's goals. I know it's a little late for December since it's already the 9th but heck, who's checking right?

I wanted a little accountability, especially on goals that I've put off again and again. And again. Though I have to insert a teeny disclaimer. I don't know how long I can maintain this.

Anyway here goes.

Lia's December 2012 Goals

In random order

Decide on a workout programme.
Buy a new camera.
Clean out my wardrobe and remove clothes that are absolutely not presentable. Including fugly underthings.
Put up my Embellishment Tags on clearance sale
Finish reading two books.
Organize my shoes
Buy new contact lenses + eyeglasses
Meet up with my bestie to see her with a belly bump! Can't wait for this.
Visit the dentist
Visit the gynae
Change the lights in the car
Celebrate Jasmine's 30(+1) birthday!
Take a daily photo with new camera
Edit pictures of Blythes for sale
Commisioned crafting: Wedding Frames cluster
Assignment crafting: 5 Maya Road CHA projects
Casual crafting: Frame(s) for Gerl's parents, Frame(s) to add to Ling's wall cluster

Phew! Am I crazy to be so ambitious? We'll see! I honestly can't wait to get started :)

A Not-So Christmas-y Wreath

2011-12-08T17:13:00.000+08:00

I have kept a particular styrofoam wreath for ohhh 3 years before I actually created something with it a few weeks ago.

The two little boys in the house had lots of fun with that wreath prior to my creating though. From announcing that it's a BIG (capital) O, wearing it as a head accessory (halo) and even as a prop for pretend games (around the waist as a swimming float). At times they even fought over that thing. Until the day they broke it into two, afterwhich the younger boy announced that the piece in his hands is a BIG C.

Seriously.

I wasn't going to throw the piece(s) of styrofoam away, not after hoarding it for 3 years. So I joined the two BIG Cs together with some strong glue, and set on embellishing that thing as below.

1. Wind Maya Road Organza Primrose Trim around the wreath. Don't ask me how long of that trim I used - I had a whole roll to play with. Hee. You'll end up with a ruffled BIG O. Like below. The more ruffly you want it to be, the closer you gotta wrap the trim. Meaning you need more trim.

2. I wanted this wreath to have our apartment unit number, so I blinged some chipboard numbers with Iridescent Glitter and once dried/set, I pasted them on a background of stamped images. Pop that up on another piece of patterned paper, so the numbers pop out that much more.

3. Glue your board of numbers on your wreath. If you have any 'bald spots' on your wreath that didn't get covered by the Trim (like below picture), cover it up with your board.

4. Adhere a cluster of blossoms and pins around your board of numbers. I used Ruffle Blossoms, Velvet Pleats, paper blossoms, and my favoritest Trinket Pins.

5. To bounce off on those pearl Pins, I scattered some gorgeous Pearl Centers around the wreath - particularly useful to cover more 'bald spots'.

6. Tie a big satin bow at the top with some tulle trim.

7. Hang up your wreath to enjoy!

I think a wreath with your name or a greeting (NOEL! SWEET! LOVE! BIG O!) would be just as prettily-functional. :) I hope you enjoyed the tutorial above ... and appreciated how adorable little boys are. Hee.

In Search of the Perfect Skin

2011-12-07T18:54:00.000+08:00

I recently had to renew my Singapore Identification Card. It's apparently something that all 30-year-olds need to do before they turn a(nother) year older. I was more than happy to do this because if you ever had the chance to look at my 16-year-old self (and the 16-year-old me on the old IC) ... ohhh dear, I would win 'Most Improved'. Hands down. :P

I faced the dilemma of taking a new 30-year-old photo for the IC, or using my favorite 24-year-old photo. Yes the one where my skin was perfection, like smooth tofu. Oh how I miss and yearn for that complexion. My skin unfortunately took quite a beating in recent years from late nights, seriously lacking in hydration and bad skincare habits. So as my 30th birthday passed, I was determined to do something about the state of my skin and changes in my lifestyle had to be made.

First was no more late nights, or at least I need to be in bed by midnight. Latest. I know my skin will suck the next day if I don't get enough sleep and no matter how much I apply it, my makeup would suck even more.

Second, I stocked up on Vitamins. I eat two capsules of Vitamine E daily, along with C and Evening Primrose Oil. We get our vitamins from GNC, mainly for economic reasons as we have a membership discount there plus the staff are always knowledgeable and not pushy. I fall sick less often too with the addition of vitamins in my diet.

Drinking water regularly was probably the most dificult to add to the new lifestyle. I bought pretty bottles and printed notes for my table to help motivate me to gulp down the H2O (did you know water improves the elasticity of your skin?). It's a slow progress, and till now I'm still not sure if drinking water will ever become second nature to me. Basically it's because I hate to pee so much. Though I hear that would clear out the toxins in your body (?).

Then I made the biggest investment to the skin renewal mission - my skincare regime. The one thing that I apply religiously now and 6 years ago was my Biotherm products. Between then and now, I thought nothing could take away my good complexion. Not even a stop to basic cleansing and moisturising. But that thing called Youth does go away and that suck-y thing called Age replaces it with yucky lifeless dull complexion, age spots, enlarged pores ... eugh! Biotherm was my first 'adult' skincare product :) and I'm so glad to have gone back to it.

I use a basic system of Aquasource's Cleanser/Lotion/Moisturiser, along with the Skin.Ergetic Serum. I'm still looking for a fantastic eyecream, but right now am pretty happy with the Aquasource Eye Perfection.

So is my skin perfect? Of course most definitely not. A facial therapist informed me that my age/sun spots will never go away. As for my pores, I probably will start using this soon. Plus I've just learnt that I have sensitive skin, and some products (yes, even from Biotherm) can be too much for me. So while I don't mind taking photos with a naked face now, don't be surprised if you run away thinking you've just seen a ghost when you see me makeup-less on the street. LOL!

While improvements still need to be done, I do count my lucky stars that I don't have to deal with huge pre-menstrual breakouts like I used to in my youth, all thanks to Mr A. I mean doesnt everyone have a partner who gets pimples when your period is coming? Ha!

Next thing I'd like to improve is the skin on my arms and legs. Because that is a whole unchartered territory a little daunting for me. I wonder if 32 is too old to begin improving that.

Do you have a particular skincare product or regime you'd swear by?

A Different Take

2011-11-19T00:08:00.002+08:00

If you thought that this was going to be another Maya Road Shipping Tag post, you're wrong! lol. I am going to show you these tags however, that I used the Maya Road Wood Die Cut Doilies as a base. Oh dear. I think I could have found myself a new addiction. Acks! Those doilies are so gorgeous!

These tags were made for a blog swap the Maya Road DT is having with Lily Bee Designs this week. Drop by the DT blog for your chance to drool over the projects the team has created, and also a chance to win a Maya Road prize pack!

Here are some closeups.

Chat with you soon!

A Laundry Line of Tags

2011-11-18T14:55:00.000+08:00

Remember the slew of projects I created when my friend Joyann got married earlier this year? Well guess what? I made another one for her over the weekend. Not of her and Benny though. Of her new bundle of joy! Yes, she's a very happy mama of little Lucas! :) A splitting image of his father, this boy is so adorable! And I love the smell of new babies. They're so yummy!

I made this laundry line of Maya Road Shipping Tags (which reminds me - I need to put in a new order of those tags!) for the little baby. By the 5th tag, I was sprawled out on the floor - inspirationless! I told you, I can't make non-girly stuff!! Still pretty happy with the finished project which I papered with papers from October Afternoon and Cosmo Cricket, and layered with Maya-Misted (metallic bubblegum) Chipboard Frames and die-cuts from K&Company and Pink Paislee. :)

Now I'm just praying that my bestie is expecting a baby girl cos I don't think I can handle anymore boy projects!

Toodles

Do You Love Your Maya Road?

2011-11-15T17:19:00.000+08:00

Hi everyone

Ready for the next Sale on my Scrapbook Stash for Sale? This time it's on my favorite Maya Road goodies! If I had the space, I would really hoard all things Maya Road. Nope, you won't even catch a glimpse of the teeniest chipboard in that gallery of Stash for Sale. lol. Unfortunately, I don't have that luxury.

So for the next 15 days, get a 15% discount off purchases of S$15 and above (excluding postage) on the Maya Road goodies in my Scrapbook Stash for Sale. That's the items beginning with MR in the item codes.

Offer is good till 2359hrs November 30th, so make sure your orders get in my inbox by then! :)

On the subject of Maya Road, here is a tag I created for my new boss' birthday last week using a page from my favorite Shipping Tag Coaster. :) I have to reiterate though ... I hate making non-girly projects! So that big satin bow on top - that's staying true to my style. hee.

See you guys real soon!

xo

A Birthday Celebration

2011-11-05T22:33:00.000+08:00

Heya everyone! It's someone's birthday next Monday *ahem* and to celebrate this long weekend holiday, let's do a 15% sale off purchases $20 and above on products in my Scrapbook Stash for Sale. How does that sound? :) I hope you're mighty happy with that piece of news!

I began my Scrapbook Stash for Sale to destash my mountains/shelves/floors of scrapbooking supplies. I felt it was necessary after a wakeup call on my crazy buying/hoarding behavior (lol) and also an immense desire to surround myself with lesser possessions. I knew I could create with lesser and I just wanted to live a simpler life.

So I think I've hung on to the boxes of my stuff for sale, for far too long. I'd like to target finishing selling the stuff by end of the year so look out for more sales - product-themed - going forward. In the meantime, enjoy the 15% birthday sale! I also added some more stuff in there today. :) Orders need to be emailed to me by 2359hrs November 7th so get a-clickin'!

I also wanted to share this tag I made recently for a colleague. Question: how would you like if I did a step-by-step tutorial on such a tag ... and share it here? Let me know. :)

Toodles.

Thank You!

2011-10-23T23:02:00.002+08:00

Hey everyone

Just wanted to drop a quick note to thank you for your support of my Moving Scrapbook Stash for Sale :) Ok, I just made that name up. You guys know what I mean. My boxes are a lot lighter for my move, and I appreciate that so much.

So perhaps we'll do another sale soon. Perhaps in the first week of November, on the 7th day? Just to celebrate along with me. :) So keep checking this page ok?

To tide you over, here's a commissioned frame I created some time ago. I was initially indignant when I found out that the client chose not to disclose the frame wasn't one of her own creation. But you know what, I'm learning not to sweat over the small stuff. We all need to grow sometime yeah?

Have a good week everyone. Let's chat real soon.

xo

I am Moving

2011-10-08T00:38:00.000+08:00

which means my Scrapbook Stash for Sale need to go. You know the crazy prices they were already going for? Give yourself a 10% discount if you spend a total of at least S$10 (excluding postage).

Oh, and the Crafty Readings? Get a 20% discount off all publications (excluding postage).

The idea of moving everything I have on sale is stressing me big time, so I need to lighten the load. Sale begins today until 2359hrs on 21st October. :) Have fun. :)

xo

I have been creating ...

2011-10-05T00:48:00.003+08:00

Yes sometimes after the room has got a good clean and when nothing looks out-of-place, the last thing I should do is begin creating and mess everything up again. You really can't fight the urge though, when each tiny blossom and chipboard seem to have a voice of their own and each crying out to be a part of your creation. So I have been fighting this seemingly vicious cycle, but what can you do after you're covered with glitter and Maya Road tins are scattered on the floor, other than accepting the fact that you need to do this? :)

So yes, I have been creating. Not surprisingly, mostly featuring Maya Road goodies. You know that I love them right? Well these couple of frames should convince you that I do, and should convince you that you definitely need to love Maya Road too! lol.

Firstly, I had hopped on to Sarah Jane Studios from decor8 on one of those latenights/earlymornings occasions and was so inspired by her work that I made this frame featuring lots and lots of Maya Road blossoms. Details are on the Maya Road DT blog.

I love getting my white frames from IKEA. This one below, I had in my stash. And I had an extra print of that family photo. Into the frame it went. Needed a little something though - to cover that man in the background. lol. What else but Maya Road to the rescue, along with some Sizzix-ed flowers and glitter. :) Pretty corner cluster. Pretty frame. Pretty happy me. :)

By the way, did you know Maya Road is now on Pinterest? Oh the amount of inspirational projects there, you could die.

On the Organised Clutter front, I still have lots more projects to share. I'll schedule them for future blog updates as I'll probably be gone for a while ... new opportunities and experiences await me at 456 Alexandra Road. I'm grabbing on to them with a smile and a little tear.

So till the next update. Don't miss me too much. :)

When Best Friends Get Together

2011-09-11T14:39:00.003+08:00

Ling, Geraldine and I have been planning for such a day for the longest time, and each time something always crops up to postpone it. Finally this happened, and it was so wonderful to have the gals over. First reminiscing over the rooms that we spent many a night staying up to complete school assignments, and then of course catching up over some (yummy, I hope) food. :) Mr A also came home during his lunch break and finally he got to meet these crazy girls I call friends! lol.

We did a mini photo session in my room (don't you love the lighting in there!), and I so love these pictures. I will treasure them forever, especially when Geraldine takes a hiatus to join her hubs in the US.

The picture above is blurred but I think it's my favorite one. :)

If you're wondering who that little munchkin is in our pictures, she's our little star Miss Charlotte - Ling's daughter. She's such a sweetie!

I always look forward to getting together with my favorite girls, they always cheer me up and I feel so good being around them. How do you define a good friend? It's someone(s) who bring the best out of you. That's what these girls do. :) More pictures of our crazy antics are here. Told ya, we have so much fun together.

xo

A New Class Commences

2011-09-04T00:25:00.000+08:00

You guys know I love my smallies projects. When I have a piece of Maya Road ATC Shadow Box in front of me, with 6 individual smallies slots for me to create ... it's like being served a piece of birthday cake on a silver platter. :D

I'm not one who can work in single colors or layers, and this box I feel sums up my scrapping style. It is a piece that combines classic romanticism and bold pops of color. It is scattered with glitter in many forms, blossoms and tactile touches of my favorite trims. At every corner your eyes rest on, there are many layers to discover. I created this Box using Ernie's wedding photos, but I feel that it would be perfect for photos of any themes. I personally feel photos in black and white would look gorgeous amongst the intense colors of this Box, if you are so inclined. :)

So, I can't wait to share this project - which is one of my favorites - with you at Made With Love Singapore. :) Reserve your space at 6238 8770 okie? See you in class!

xo

One Wedding Frame (Of Many)

2011-08-31T17:14:00.000+08:00

My bestie, Ernie's wedding was earlier this year and I've been slowly making her gifts using her wedding photos - mostly frames. :) I recently made this frame of Maya Road Shipping Tags, and it's featured on the Maya Road DT blog.

I used papers from Webster's Pages' Let's Celebrate collection on this frame. If you'd like to play with some Maya Road and Let's Celebrate yourself, check out Made With Love's schedule of workshops coming out on 1st of September okie? :)

Till the next time, toodles!

xo

Hello

2011-08-09T23:23:00.000+08:00

I've enjoyed the long weekend as we celebrate Singapore's National Day today, despite falling sick on Saturday. I had a long list of To-Dos that I wanted to complete and although all the body wanted to do was give in to the meds and spend all day(s) in bed, I pushed myself and got to cross off some items from The List.

Call me a traditionalist but writing out a To-Do List really helps me focus on what I need to do. I hate to admit it, but age is catching up and while I'd like to survive on just 2 hours of sleep the body betrays me with its raising the white flag by midnight. :P That means less hours to do what I want/need. Striking off tasks is simple gratification that my waking hours are not wasted.

This weekend, I bagged lots of stuff for the Salvation Army, giveaways and sale. It's crazy just how much schtuff I still have, but I'm comforted that the goal to live a leaner life and surrounding myself with things (and people) that I love is growing near. I just updated my Scrapbook Stash for Sale page, and I'm looking forward to get more destashing work done during my lunch breaks at work as we're in the midst of Ramadhan.

Tomorrow, I'll be sharing another Maya Road Shipping Tags frame on the DT Blog. So I'll chat with you then. :) Good night!

The Good Stuff

2011-08-08T15:05:00.001+08:00

I think most of us would agree that some relationships made at the workplace end up being some of your most treasured ones. I mean, we spend more than half of our waking hours with our colleagues - it's inevitable that strong bonds are created with a chosen few.

It's very sad when these friends choose to progress to a new job, or to a different phase in their lives. On one hand we want to be the most supportive friend, while on the other we fear the loss of someone close. I have to say though that this is the first time I was asked to create a scrapbooking project to convince a friend to not resign from her job! lol.

I created this frame for Jasmine to gift Fiona - to convince her that resigning from NOL would leave such a gape in her heart, she'd regret it for the rest of her life. lol. Dramatic right?

I don't know how responsible this frame was in Fiona's decision to stay but yes, she is still our colleague! lol.

Jas also asked for a tag card for her boss' birthday. There's that Maya Road Butterfly again. :)

A Frame for GenGen

2011-08-07T20:08:00.003+08:00

Here is another Maya Road Shipping Tag frame, this time for a dear friend and colleague. This frame features Jasmine's darling daughter, Genevieve. Remember I made a couple of frames for this little cutie here and here for Maya Road's CHA booths?

Well this one I made as a gift for Jasmine ... just because. She's such a wonderful generous friend, and I don't know what I would do without her support these last couple of months. She's such a God-sent!

I laughed when Jasmine told me her husband, Paul grabbed for the frame before she even got into their car the day I gifted this to her. lol. I think I should make one with a picture of both his wife and princess for him! Well, add that to my already mile-long To-Do list ay? :)

xo

A Birthday Frame

2011-08-06T13:28:00.001+08:00

I framed some Maya Road Shipping Tag Coasters over the last couple of weeks, and here is one of them.

This is a birthday gift for Kak Rosey. I had intention to use the remaining supplies from Emeline’s class I took at Made With Love Indonesia on this frame. That Webster’s Pages paper pack sure can tide you over lots and lots of projects, I tell ya. I probably still have enough supplies to do at least 5 more of these frames! I’ve shied away from using anything Webster’s because of all the fussy-cutting one expects to do with the papers (where do you start and end – the flowers are all layered together!). I was dying to attend Em’s class in Jakarta to get a touch of Webster-ing and now I have a tad of courage to work with these papers. Thanks Em!!

Besides the frame, I also made a little tag card with a glittered Maya Road Butterfly. Love those fly things! If you manage to get your hands on some, I'd recommend you grab all that your arms can bear. You won't have trouble finding a place on your crafting projects for at least one. They are gorgeous EVERYWHERE.

Thanks for dropping by! I'll have more Maya Road Shipping Tags frames to share in the next few days. Till then!

xo

Maya Road DT Canvas

2011-08-01T09:36:00.003+08:00

Here is the final project I created for Maya Road's CHA-S 2011 booth! Each of the Maya Road DTs created a piece of canvas for the booth, and I think this was the perfect way to display our individual scrapping style. At one glance, you could see the variety of creativity of the team and it makes me so proud to be amongst this extensively talented bunch of ladies.

So here's my humble DT canvas. :)

New Maya Road releases used on this canvas are the Houndstooth Pumpkin Winter's Rose, Turquoise Ruffle Blossom, Cinnamon Tulle Pleat Trim, Wood Vintage Spool, piece of Apple Mums Vintage Lace Trim and Milk Daisies Vintage Lace Trim.

Still don't believe how many pieces of canvas something I did for the show. lol. I hope you guys have enjoyed the recent blogposts, and I'm sure you are jumping in anticipation of the new Maya Road yummies hitting your LSS. They're coming, I promise! :)

xo

Maya Road Metal Bottlecaps Canvases

2011-07-31T10:30:00.007+08:00

This is my second-last set of projects I created for Maya Road's CHA-S booth, I hope you're not sick of my sharing them as yet! lol.

These teeny canvases that measure just about 4" across made me squeal in the middle of the crafts aisle! They are sooo adorable! When I was done adding those embellished Maya Road Super Mega Bottle Caps on the canvases, I wished I had more of them. I could imagine how a bigger cluster of them would look like at the Maya Road booth! I'm definitely making more of these for the next CHA show!

The pink version had new Maya Road Pink Vintage Satin and Lace Trim, a piece of Mauve Daisies Vintage Lace Trim and a stamped image from the new Blue Ribbon Sentiments Clear Stamps Set.

The blue version had new Coffee or Tea Mini Chipboard, Wavy Layerable Banner Chipboard, a Vintage Paper Rose, a Vintage Round Pearl Trinket Pin and a piece of Milk Daisies Vintage Lace Trim.

Oh and speaking of canvases at the Maya Road CHA-S booth, here's a picture of my Soar Butterfly canvases that my boss Caroline took! I was grinning from ear to ear when I saw this! :D Thanks C!

Be back soon with my final Maya Road CHA-S project. Till then!

Toodles!

A Family Canvas

2011-07-30T22:03:00.003+08:00

I really can't stop scrapping with this family picture! :)

A beautiful picture (if I say so myself), embellishments for a Maya Road Jumbo Bottle Cap, lots of glitter, a Maya Road Kraft Shipping Tag and Kraft Die Cut Doily and a simple piece of canvas ... that's all you need for a one-of-a-kind piece of home decor.

My family ... I'd do anything for them, and they are my Number ONE. I wouldn't choose a friend, or even a job opportunity over them. I once had an acquaintance diss and threaten my sister when she refused to be cordial to a person who was taking advantage of me. Well, you shouldn't be surprised that I let that person out of my life in a heartbeat. I know that my family and I will always be there for each other. I love them and I'm so blessed to have them.

xo

Recipe For a Happy Child, Version 2

2011-07-29T20:16:00.002+08:00

We are busy with quarterly results at work, and we go through so many checks of just one deck of slides before the actual results release that I've begun to label everything by Version Numbers. :P

Anyhoo if anyone remembers, Version 1 of Recipe For A Happy Child was created for Maya Road's CHA Winter booth last year. It was pretty well-received, and Maya Road even turned it into a Recipe Card - how appropriate right! I was sooo honored! :)

Here is Version 2 of Recipe For A Happy Child on the new Large Square Coaster, made for Maya Road's CHA-S 2011 booth.

The cover has new CHA-S releases like a set of Kraft Note & Envelope, and a piece from the Mauve Daisies Vintage Lace Trim - so love that trim!

The inside pages feature pieces of new Coffee or Tea Mini Chipboards - these are sooo adorable!

Will there be any more versions of a Recipe For A Happy Child? There just might be! I think the recipe is so precious, an album containing it would be a treasured keepsake for anybody! Let me know if you make one too ok! :)

xo

Maya Road Framed Metal Bottlecaps

2011-07-24T12:14:00.022+08:00

How about a couple of embellished Maya Road Jumbo Bottlecaps today? Framed up too, just for you. lol.

The first one features a glittered Maya Road Butterfly Chipboard with a sparkly Vintage Trinket Antique Button (I'm obsessed with these) and of course a variety of Maya Road Blossoms. New Maya Road releases are Time Flies Kraft Clock, Cream Ruffle Blossom and Vintage Round Pearl Trinket Pin.

The next frame has glittered Sew Cute and Still Sew Cute Chipboards, How's The Weather Mini Chipboard and Antique Gem Trinket Pin. New Maya Road releases are Daisies Vintage Lace Trim, Wood Vintage Spool and Aqua Satin Pleat Edging.

Embellishing Maya Road Bottlecaps might be my most favorite thing in the world! lol. Hope you had fun looking at these! Have a great weekend y'all.

xo

It's All About The Family

2011-07-23T15:47:00.002+08:00

Here is another project I created for Maya Road's CHA-S 2011 booth, featuring my most favorite material from Maya Road - CANVAS! So NOT. And Caroline knows it. Which is why she'll send me an email to pre-empt me when I have canvas albums in my assignment boxes. lol. As usual, I try to make do. I'm still finding my way to translating my style (whatever it is) to canvas albums, and it's a slow progress. :P

On this new Maya Road 4" Canvas Binder, I used pictures of my bestie Ling and her beautiful family. On the album cover, I used new Aquamarine Winter's Rose, new Yellow Small Organza Roses Ribbon (am so in love with this color), a Canvas Mini Tag Piece and a piece of Wavy Layerable Banner Mini Chipboard. All MUST-HAVES.

My friends and I have had many conversations regarding relationships especially in recent months. Much has been going on with our families, other friends and colleagues and listening to each other's opinions on what the other is going through is really comforting. My group of friends are my pillars. Besides my family, they really do know me. I don't need to say much and yet they still know what I'm feeling and most importantly, they know what to say. I can always count on them to always be there.

As we get older and the number of years I've known this group of friends grow, I've come to the realisation that I don't need a huge group of friends to be happy. I know it is to some people who'd rather lose a friend and gain ten more. That's not me. The people I call friends, who know everything about me, who tell me off when I need it, who are always on my side, who loves my family ... they are all I need. They are MY family too.

xo

Probably My Favoritest Maya Road CHA Project Ever!

2011-07-22T00:06:00.000+08:00

Today I'd like to share two frames I created for Maya Road's CHA-S booth, featuring Maya Road's Shipping Tag Coaster. Each Coaster set consists of 6 pages - the first page with a die-cut heart. Sooo adorable! And I used 3 pages on each frame, filled to the max with lots of Maya Road of course!

I'm really lucky to have friends with adorable daughters, and I love nothing more than to create projects featuring their angels. :) I used pictures of Charlotte, my bestie Ling's daughter and also of Olivia, Caroline's daughter on these frames. Enjoy!

I used new Mauve Ruffle Blossoms and Vintage Paper Roses on Charlotte's frame. :) Love!

Yellow Flower Trinket Pins and Vintage Paper Roses are also used on Olivia's frame. :)

Each CHA, I create that one project that is my favoritest and luckily for me for CHA-S 2011 I have a few! This set of frames is one of them, and you will soon see evidence of because I created a few of them for gifts! :)

Till then!

New Maya Road Class @ Made With Love

2011-07-21T12:14:00.046+08:00

Honestly sometimes the days go by seemingly with a quick snap of your fingers, don't you think so! I had wanted to let you guys know of my latest class at Made With Love Singapore, and oooh boy it's already in the second half of July!

In this class you will be working on a Maya Road 5x5 Chipboard Binder with Tab Pages - that has 4 chipboard pages AND 4 kraft pages! The inspiration behind this binder was keeping record of inspirational words or phrases, accompanied by a multitude of ways you can work a piece of Maya Road chipboard. Fuuuun! With lots of Maya Road flowers and frilly trims, this will be a pretty piece of inspirational binder you'll want to keep near and dear to your heart. :)

Give the store a call at +65 6238 8770 to book your space ok, the next class is on Saturday, 23rd July! Can't wait to see you!

A Sew-er's Dream

2011-07-20T23:03:00.000+08:00

This next Maya Road CHA project features the adorable Still Sew Cute Chipboard pieces on an Acrylic Journal Stand with Chipboard Pages. If you remember, Maya Road had a product exchange with Bella Boulevard and I used the same papers on this project as those for the exchange project. :)

So without further ado, here's the pictures onslaught!

So till the next Maya Road CHA project! :)

xo

Just Gotta Share!

2011-07-15T23:59:00.000+08:00

Maya Road has started CHA-S 2011 sneaks, and I swear I am so blown over by the vastness of products my favorite brand is introducing this show! I'm so in love, and you will be too! We have prize packages to be given away so make sure you drop by the Blog to drool over the gorgeous display of Maya Road products and inspiring DT projects.

Here's a set of canvas panels I created for the show, featuring the new Soar Butterfly Album. I lovelovelove this album because it comes with two diecut pages - GORG! I was so excited to use these new family photos we took in April on the panels. Even my Dad admired these when they were done! :)

Will be back soon to share more projects! I can't wait! :)

xo

Maya Road & Bella Boulevard Blog Swap

2011-07-02T19:22:00.000+08:00

CHA fever is running high over here, and I am trying my best not to let it get the better of me. :) While working on my CHA projects for Maya Road, I remember my journey with my favorite brand. When I was invited to audition for the Design Team three years ago, it was like a dream I never dared to fantasize about. Now three years on, I feel like I've been in the Maya Road family forever. They are so fun and encouraging, they've given me confidence to be myself and love me as I am despite my imperfections. So very honored to be on this team. So yes, sometimes CHA assignments can be stressful - something I don't think will disappear no matter how long I am on this Team. But y'know if you love your job, and you love working for the people you love ... a job is never 'work'.

So while we're all busy with preparations for CHA, the Team took some time this week to create some projects for a blog swap we are having with Bella Boulevard. Each time I update the swap blogposts with the Team's work, I am always amazed at how creative these ladies on the Maya Road DT are. They humble me with their talent. I try to make do though. lol. This is an altered alphabet I created for the blog swap. It's for a friend who is soooo generous and kind, so sweet and loving, so patient and adorable, and I love that she has a sense of humour. :)

So hop on over to the Maya Road DT Blog now, drool over the Team's projects and leave us a comment or two. You might just get picked to win a Maya Road prize package!

A Maya Road Pennant for a Maya Road Feature

2011-06-15T00:49:00.002+08:00

How do you begin blogging after a period of absence? If someone knows, let me know because I am a little out of sorts here at blogland. :) For the moment, I'm just going to let a long series of pictures do most of the talking.

I do want to let you know that we're doing a Maya Road Design Team feature with projects showcasing each DT's favorite Maya Road product(s). My project is up on the Design Team blog, and below are lots of close-ups on this new banner I whipped up over the weekend.

I love the Maya Road die cut kraft doilies and on this banner, I treated each piece of doily differently on each pennant. L's doily was completely covered with Cherry Red Maya Mist, I's doily kept natural and A's doily was lightly misted from a distance for the 'splatter' effect. Love? Love.

So that's all from me for now. Till the next blog update, hopefully I'll be a little bit more eloquent then. :)

Toodles!

A Little Sneakie

2011-05-28T18:10:00.001+08:00

Have a good weekend y'all! :)

My Week

2011-05-22T22:01:00.002+08:00

Honestly each evening after dinner, chores and a daily session of Clean House all I want to do is just veg out on THE bed. It's an effort to do otherwise, and I have to admit that I gave in most nights this week. lol. Hey, I have good reason to!

I did get some crafting done this week though - because I had a whole long list of crafting to-dos, and I suppose I should at least cross out two off the list. cough. :)

I wanted to add a couple of new pillows to the bed and the HASTVEDA (which has been reassigned to a 'rilek one corner' of the bedroom), so armed with my trusty sewing machine, a meter of BERIT fabric and lots of Maya Road Trinket Blossoms I quickly whipped up these covers. Remember I made a similar cover before?

Then I seemed to be on a tad of creative overdrive after my debut class at Made With Love and quickly decorated these alphas that I owed my sis and her hubs. Hee. Yes, after 2 years I can finally cross this task off my list! lol.

Oh, so how was the Made With Love class? I was really pleasantly surprised that after so many classes, this is the first where my hands weren't cold, my heart wasn't palpitating and I didn't have a backache at the end of the class. lol. I have to say that I was really blessed the 10 ladies were such great scrappers - they were really positive, friendly and independent. Having the instructions on the projector screen and also a copy included in each scrapper's kit really helped make this class a smooth one - thanks Aida for this great tip!! Thank you ladies for making my first MWL class such a great experience. I hope to see you guys really soon!

So I'm counting down the hours to the start of another week. I'm hoping that we get to spend some time together this week because when I don't get any facetime with him I just get super grumpy. And negative. And that's the last thing I need more of in my life. Here's hoping this week will be chirpier than the last! And wishing you a super-cheery one too!

Oh Dear ...

2011-05-18T02:31:00.000+08:00

It's been quite a while hasn't it, since my last post? Well let's start with announcing the winner of the Maya Road trims giveaway from my last post. Congratulations, Sophie S L - you're the chosen one. lol. Drop me a note at lialuvsblythes@gmail.com with your addy okie, and I'll mail out those yummy Maya Road trims to ya.

Next piece of Maya Road news, I will be teaching a couple of Maya Road projects in the next few weeks. My debut class at Made With Love Singapore begins this Saturday and I'm really excited (and nervous) about this project! We'll be creating with the super cute Maya Road Home Tweet Home chipboard album (hence the class name) and fun Pink Paislee Hometown papers and embellishments. We only have time for one session of this project in May, but do look out for more class slots in June!

So the other Maya Road project class I will be teaching will be conducted at Made With Love Jakarta. Yep, Jakarta! To celebrate the grand opening of the new store, I will be teaching a class there alongside a couple of great designers - Irene Tan and Emeline Seet! For those attending my class, we will be embellishing a Maya Road Villa, with all sorts of Maya Road Trinkets and Echo Park's classic For The Record Collection Kit (yes, you get a whole Kit each!). The Villa also comes with a cute mini-album for your treasured memories. I am so very thankful for the opportunity to share creative time with the Indonesian scrappers, and also to be in the company of such GREAT designers this weekend in June - I can't wait to sit down in their classes and immerse myself in all their talent and love of scrapbooking.

There are also fun Maya Road news for the Bruneian scrappers - that will have to wait though. :) I assure you it's great news so it'll be worth it!

Ok last piece of Maya Road news for today. We are collaborating this week in a Blog Swap with Little Yellow Bicycle, and the Maya Road DTs have had lots of fun creating projects using both Maya Road and Little Yellow Bicycle and we can't to share them with you guys. So check out the Maya Road DT Blog for an opportunity to win a Maya Road prize package - and lots of inspiration!

In other matters I am trying to organise my Scrapbook Stash for Sale page, which has recently been updated with new patterned paper sets. New books have also been added to the Crafty Readings page. Besides that, a new page is also under construction which will house home / room decor stash. I have had to be quite ruthless in my destashing to make way for the new bedroom, and what I can't or won't keep will be put up for sale. So look out for that if you're redecorating like I am.

So till the next chat! Toodles!

Blog Swap Week with Glue Arts!

2011-05-01T19:18:00.002+08:00

Blog swap fun was going on over at Maya Road this week, with our collaboration with Glue Arts adhesives. I had super fun creating this tag that is packed full of Maya Road touches.

To celebrate the collaboration, we're giving away a Maya Road prize pack to a special winner so check out the details on the Maya Road DT Blog. And if you hop on over to the Glue Arts Facebook page and give them a Like-ing, you get a chance to win a Glue Arts prize too! Check out the Glue Arts blog too, it's packed with so much inspiration you'll be panting after each post. :)

I would like to do a giveaway too, I haven't done one in so long it seems. So if you would like to get below package of Maya Road trims and ribbons just drop me a comment on this post. :)

What a fun week of generosity we're having, I love it! :)

Excited Over Paint

2011-04-26T21:08:00.001+08:00

I have been on a quest for a while, I have mentioned manymany times before that there is constant destashing going around here. What started off as a mission to minimize my scrapbook stash, has moved on to my other possessions. There is actual empty hanging and shelf space in my wardrobes now. My reading materials only occupy 3 shelves in a Billy bookcase instead of 3 Billys. lol. Instead of 2 overflowing Billys of scrapbook materials, I only have one glass display worth (still overflowing though).

Now that my room looks so spacious, the decorating imperfections can no longer hide. I inherited the master bedroom from my sis and her hubby, who inherited it when my late Mommy passed away. The last time this room saw new paint was before Mom got really sick. And although the mattress is new, the bedframe isn't. The room has always been cozy, but it's looking terribly tired now.

So I've been slowly mulling over the future development plans of this room. It definitely needed a new splashing of color, and today we went and got ourselves a few tins of Nippon. Everyone identifies my creative work by the touches of turquoise, and apparently I look pretty good wearing the color too. lol. And boxes of Tiffany blue always make my heart pitter-patter. :) So we chose Nippon's Raindrop and Seabreeze for the walls, with Apple White for the ceiling as my conceding to someone's liking for green. hee.

I know it's silly to be so excited over paint. But I am! You understand, right? :) Ikea doesn't excite me anymore, as I hear a certain LEIRVIK calling out my name each time I'm there. All I can do is whisper 'I'll be back for you after the walls are painted, promise. Even though a certain someone thinks you could be a sturdier bedframe.'

Hee.

Wish I could share photos of what the room looks like now, y'know the 'befores'? But you might think I've been sleeping in a foreign worker's dormitory for the past 5 years. lol.

Anyhoo, since we're on the topic of decorating your living space I'd like to share this frame I made for my bestie's sister.

So I'm going back to getting the room ready for some paint love by packing my stuff into boxes. This part of the process, I don't consider fun. :P

New Class

2011-04-21T00:58:00.000+08:00

at Shabby Chic Brunei!

Remember I mentioned that a particular Maya Road Sweetest Days Shadow Box was going to be taught someplace soon? Well the time has come and Shabby Chic Brunei has announced its very limited run of the class on the store blog!

Not just for the lovey-doveys, this kit will be a fantastic project for a mommy-child bonding session and your finished project makes the absolute perfect Mother's Day gift. Imagine creating this with your child and then presenting your finished Shadow Box to your Mom - 3 generations enjoying (loving) one project!

So remember, spaces are veryvery limited so you need to book a slot NOW by giving them a call at +673 242 4440. And good news - while I'll be leaving the teaching of this class to the good hands of the ladies at Shabby Chic, I'll still be peeping in during the class sessions via Skype to have a chat with you guys! Fun! I can't wait to see you then!

Metal Bottlecap Tags Comeback!

2011-04-14T20:08:00.001+08:00

I made these for Joy and Jess, and no they are not sisters.

Joy is a super-talented pattern-creator of fabric flowers and cute outfits for little girls. Her gorgeous products are available from her Etsy store and she also has a very inspiring blog. Joy contacted me for a products exchange and of course I say YES! I got all her patterns, and she's getting an Organised Clutter ATC frame and a Metal Bottlecap Tag made especially for her. :) Joy, sorry for getting these so late to you but they are on their way!

Jess is our go-to person at Maya Road and is most efficient - at a level I obviously can never reach. Me, I am obviously most inefficient. :P Jess, your box of stuff including this Metal Bottlecap Tag is on its way to ya! Hope you enjoy the contents of that box.

Toodles!

I'm still cleaning out!

2011-04-14T15:24:00.001+08:00

Quick post today!

I have these CDs to giveaway and was wondering if anyone would like to take them off my hands. Just drop me a comment or email - lialuvsblythes@gmail.com - to let me know which one(s) you'd like. CD titles are below.

I'll send the CDs to anywhere - that a postal personnel can get to that is. :)

Lenny Kravitz: It Is Time For A Love Revolution
Snow Patrol: A Hundred Million Songs
Little Boots: Hands
Juicy: Compilation
Kaiser Chiefs: Yours Truly, Angry Mob
Power Hits: Compilation
Kanye West: 808s & Heartbreak

xo!

My Creative Therapy

2011-04-14T00:32:00.000+08:00

Here are a couple of Creative Therapies I'd like to share with you guys.

First is for Catalyst 127: What's your word for 2011?

My WORD obviously coincides with my goals for 2011, which I posted here before.

While this is for Catalyst 128: What would you be giving your children that you wish you'd had?

My parents gave their all to us kids, and I promised myself that when I become a parent I will be the same and give my all to my children.

I love Creative Therapy and Karen's monthly catalysts. They help you to look inside yourself and while some are quite difficult to explore, I think they're such a joy to help kick-start your next creative project.

Maya Road Going-Ons

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

Ok first of all, we're hosting a creative challenge over at 2Peas In A Bucket! The fantastic news is that THREE lucky winners will win a $50 Maya Road prize package each, AND a feature on the Maya Road blog! You have till 16th May to submit your projects on 2Peas, so get your Maya Road goodies out and start creating! More details are available here.

Next is an update on the Sweetest Days Shadow Box Retail Kit. We are nearly sold out of the kits (thank you!) and remaining ones are now available for sale from the Maya Road website. *happy*

A little birdie did tweet to me that this kit will be taught in a special class, at a special LSS, in a certain sultanate ... hmmn ... :) will update more on that soon.

Till then, toodles!

Geraldine

2011-04-07T22:39:00.001+08:00

March is a month of celebrations for me. It's full of birthdays, beginning with my lahling Melissa, then my Sis, then my childhood bestie Nani and the month ends with one of my best girlfriends Geraldine's birthday.

Geraldine is one of two treasured friendships I was blessed with from our years at Nanyang Polytechnic. Our friendship is one of the few that has lasted the tests of time. She's seen me at my worst and best, she's been happy and indignant for me, she loves me the way I am, she makes me feel beautiful even when I'm next to her (I mean, look at her!) and she never makes me doubt myself. If you had a checklist of the characters of a good friend, she'd have a tick in all boxes.

The framed bloom wasn't a birthday gift, but I thought the picture of her and her hubs would look good nestled between those petals. :) I'm right, wasn't I?

Love you Gerl. I'm so glad we are friends.

Rolling In The Deep

2011-03-24T22:29:00.001+08:00

A month ago, I grabbed Adele's latest album, 21 and it turned out to be one of my ever-greatest CD buys. Seriously. I mean, seriously. If you need convincing to fork out $20 on a CD, then listen to this.

Then today, John Legend posted his cover of Rolling In The Deep on Facebook. I swear, my heart lifted the moment I heard the first note. OMG. Seriously how much sexier can this guy be!

Which version do you prefer? Honestly I don't need a reason to spend money on Mr Legend but if I required one, this cover definitely sold it to me. Mr Legend, won't you please make this a record? You'd make me smile all day, everyday. Thank you so much.

Core'dinations and Maya Road Blog Swap!

2011-03-20T13:07:00.002+08:00

We had a blog swap over at Maya Road this week with Core'dinations Cardstocks and phew what an inspiring weekend this has been! The team showed fabulously how great Maya Road works with Core'dinations, and to celebrate the beautiful collaboration we're doing a giveaway of a Maya Road prize package!

Here are the two projects I created for the blog swap.

The Core'Sage made out of Core'dinations Cardstock, I learnt from the tutorial here.

Totally love that scalloped roof made out of Gemstones Core'dinations! And that gorgeous Maya Road Antique Button Jewel!

So if you want more inspiration, check out the Maya Road blog - also to nab a chance to win that prize package! :)

xo

Joyann and Benny's Wedding Photos

2011-03-05T00:35:00.088+08:00

I was over the top excited when I got my hands on Joyann and Benny's wedding photos because that meant more lovey pictures to work with! I'm so honored that they gave me free use of their gorgeous pictures, and I have been (crazily) using them on lots of projects. Hee. So let's start on the documentation of J and B's love. :)

It took a while for us to get hold of the pictures, but that didn't stop me from creating a mini album for Joyann and Benny as one of my Maya Road CHA-W 2011 projects. I can't wait to get this Love Word Chipboard Album back so that we can all see how it looks like with actual photos added.

For their wedding though, I had a blast with their photos! I created a similar 7Gypsies Artist Printers Tray for them like what I did for Geraldine and Victor here. And just like before, the newly-weds also displayed this tray at their wedding dinner reception table. Totally sweet.

While this project did not use their photos, I had super-fun altering a plain basket with items Joyann chose for her flower girl basket. Adorable, isn't it?

The picture I used on this altered cheeseboard is one of my favorites of the couple. So sweet and serene. So lovely. :)

I think sometime in the past, I mad a promise with myself that all my married friends would have below framed Bloom. lol.

And finally (for now), much to Benny's anticipation *grin* is a long frame for their new home, featuring Joyann's favorite photo.

I hope you enjoyed the onslaught of photos. I totally enjoyed creating these projects. :) Congratulations Joyann and Benny!

Something’s brewing

2011-03-03T12:02:00.001+08:00

at Maya Road! I’m so honored for the opportunity to create a project for the Maya Road Retailer Kit Program - although to be honest, it was a heart-thumping-nervous-breakdown creative process! When I was done with this project though, I loved it so very much and was pretty pleased with myself. lol. It was made easier using those pictures we took two years ago, and I feel this was the perfect retirement project to end the use of these photos.

So this kit, named The Sweetest Days Shadow Box Kit features Sassafras Lass’ Mix and Mend patterned papers and of course, lots of Maya Road goodies. You get a whole bunch of Maya Road blossoms – fabric, velvet, resin, lots of ribbons and trims, cute trinket pins, my favorite mini chipboards, metal bottlecaps and even your own retail-sized bottle of Maya Mist! This kit is so very packed to the brim, you wouldn’t believe how much you can fit into a 7.5” Maya Road Trinket Box.

The kit (including a full-set of color instructions) will be sold to retailers. So if you’d like one for yourself, make sure you ask your LSS to carry it. Or get them to teach the project! I sincerely hope that either way, you will enjoy creating this. From my heart to yours. :)

More information available here.

xo

Flowerlicious indeed!

2011-02-26T23:19:00.006+08:00

Kris commented this when I posted a sneaky of the below frame on my Facebook wall. This is the brainchild of my bestie, Ernie - she wanted to cover a small window in her room and had the bright idea to cover it with a frame and fill that (huge) frame with lots of flowers. My first thought was hmn ... good luck with that! But of course I won't leave my bestie in the lurch with her non-crafty hands. lol. I would never leave my friends in lurches.

So what you see above is the finished frame. Nothing complicated, basically pasting the flowers a small portion at a time. Balancing the sizes, textures and colors of the flowers were the only 'headaches' in this project. I then added clusters of satin bows embellished with strings of pearls.

This is a relatively easy-peasy project to make and honestly, if we weren't gossiping so much and looking at our freaking-ugly pictures from >10 years ago, I would have taken less time to finish this. *ahem* I had taken a day's leave from work to spend time with my bestie on this project and after years of not doing that, I think I had enough excuse to just sit back and enjoy our time together undisturbed. Oh then we went out to get more flowers. And Ernie had her first Koi. lol. Then we had our favorite fried calamari for dinner.

I love those jumbo yellow flowers from Oopsy Daisy, available at Scraplicious (though I think we might have wiped the store clean of the yellows). These flowers are so rich in color and texture, and while they come packed flat-ish, you can raise the petals and antennae to give the blooms so much dimension. You don't regret my suggestions at all now, do you Ernie? :)

ps. If you were wondering, the frame length is 100cm. Yes. My bestie's known for torturing me. Though not as much as the other Ernie in my life - my sis! lol.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T08:28:00.002+08:00

Here's another project I made for Maya Road's CHA-W 2011 booth. This is a newly released Scallop Heart Chipboard Album ... perfect for a lovey-dovey album. Perfect to share with you on a day to celebrate love. :)

Wishing each of you a day filled with affection with all of your loved ones. :)

Baring my 2011 goals to you ...

2011-02-11T00:36:00.005+08:00

In 2011 ... I have big plans. This album was created to document my goals for the year. I was so ready for 2010 to be over, and I really need 2011 to be better for me. The only day this year that I will remember in memory of 2010 will be 20th February, and that will be the day I will allow myself to wallow.

Anyway so on to this album I created for Maya Road, using the new CHA-W 2011 release Mixed Half Circle Chipboard Banner Album. My favorite parts of this album are that cluster of flowers on the cover, as well as the Satin Pleat Edgings around the smooth-edged chipboard pages. But you guys already know I love those Satin Pleats. :)

This will be the year I will have a tighter hold on my pursestrings. So my favorite shops, it's not that I'm avoiding you because I found somewhere else preferable to shop. I just am avoiding spending, as much as I can. ;) I'm going to work veryveryvery hard to help me hasten the day I achieve economic freedom, and I'm so thankful to those who are helping me on my way.

This will also be the year I have a hold on my time. I need to get on top of my schedules of creative work, and also on the work/job that pays me my base wages. :P I hate getting overwhelmed with catching up, and this is one of the more important changes I need to make in 2011.

As always, I am going to continue paring down my worldly possessions. My bestie came to hang out over the weekend and her first comment was 'omg your room looks so different'. My dad also agreed, though he was still up with helping me dismantle my bed to make way for a new one, which I think will make the room look even bigger. I'm going to continue simplifying my life, working with what I have, and totally love doing it. :)

Other things I'm going to work on this year is getting my health back. I was so diligent in my health train in 2009/2010 but fell off the routine in June last year. That was when all things fell apart in seemed, and I just need to get back on the horse so to speak. I can't do much on the emotional aspect, but I can do something about the physical part of my life. Gym and yoghurt will be my first loves again. I also went for an eye health check last week and thankfully despite my late nights and constant eye rubs, my eyes are healthy and not prone to eye infections. I just need to love my eye-cream and work on smoothing those lines and clearing the dark circles. Regular visits to the dentist and gynae also will be scheduled. Both not enjoyable, but necessary I know. Eugh.

I also want to strengthen my relationship with God this year, not call upon Him only when I'm in trouble. I need to renew my faith and believe that despite everything, He still loves me.

I have big plans for 2011 ... and high hopes that each will work out.

Something Sweet

2011-02-07T00:24:00.000+08:00

I made this cute mini album for Maya Road's CHA-W 2011 show, with sweet baby Gen in mind. Remember I created an album for her during the last show, using the Picket Fence album? That was a hit with her parents - my friends Jasmine and Paul and I can't wait to see how this new Royal Crown Coaster Album would look like with Gen's new photos.

Hope your Monday is sweet!

Honestly sometimes I surprise myself ...

2011-01-28T23:14:00.001+08:00

Before joining Maya Road, I had never altered a chipboard album. Nope, not a single one. I was always a layouts girl, and look at me now - I haven't scrapped a layout in ... ohh ... more than 12 months?

Then after Maya Road, I never thought I wouldn't cringe at the sight of a piece of canvas. That's tough love for you, Caroline kept packing canvases into my boxes and hey, can't argue with the Boss right? lol. So let's like (if not love) canvases. Here is a cluster of artist canvases I contributed to Maya Road's CHA-W 2011 Booth, each featuring a piece from the new Heart Coaster Album. I particularly like the heart edged with that gorgeous Mauve Satin Pleat Edging. Sighs. Who would ever have guessed my heart would beat wildly over some canvas?

Which one do you like?

First Maya Road CHA-W 2011 Project Reveal!

2011-01-24T23:41:00.001+08:00

Sneak Peaks of new CHA-W 2011 Maya Road goodies began last week on the Maya Road blog, and I am so excited to begin sharing the projects I did for Maya Road's CHA-W 2011 show!

I'm a huge fan of Maya Road mini chipboards, they are perfect for all the smallies projects I love to create! This season, my favorite bosses did not disappoint - there's so many of those new cuties I love!

Here is a frame of altered Maya Road Super Mega Bottlecaps, each with its own set of Maya Road minis - some new, some older. But all I *heart*. :)

One of my favoritest CHA-W release - the Portrait Mini Chipboards - aren't they just adorable! You'll see more in projects coming up. :)

I requested for some clouds, and those in the new How's The Weather Mini Chipboards set do not disappoint!

See that teeny Tiny Banner Mini Chipboard on the equally cute Journey Tin? Yikes! Could be one of the cutest combinations ever! I folded a teenier accordion album to fit into that Journey Tin to pen a couple of secret lovenotes. :)

Oh, I forgot to mention that my Dad made that frame for me using some scrap wood. Cool huh? :) So look out for the next scheduled project coming up tomorrow!

It was Christmas sometime somewhere.

2011-01-08T17:36:00.034+08:00

The photo-organising continues. As can be seen from these projects in this post (and for many future posts, I assure you), I was horrible at organising my photos. That will hopefully change in 2011. But of course, it's only the first week of the year ... :)

These are Christmas-themed projects created for Scraplicious.

Altered MDF Monograms featuring October Afternoon papers and Maya Road chipboards. The latter two being my favorite scrapbooking items in the whole world. :)

An altered wreath, with lots of sparkly bits. Even includes a glittered acrylic snowflake from Maya Road hanging from the bottom of the wreath. *hearts*

Creative Boost Wednesday

2011-01-06T17:09:00.003+08:00

Hi there! One of my 2011 resolutions is to get organised, well that is something I perpetually try to achieve so perhaps I shouldn't call it a resolution. I do aim to stay on top of my photo organising this year - on my hard drive, on my SD card(s) - mostly photos of my projects, and of course that includes sharing them with you guys on this blog.

Since my hard drive crashed during my recent holiday to Bangkok, I do have a lot less photos to edit and organise. Though I'm not exactly thankful for that. :P But it is what it is. So I've got myself an external hard drive to store my creative works. One question - do external hard drives crash, do I need to backup an EHD? Sounds like a silly question, but I'd like to know.

Anyway, I'm tackling recent photos since I'm stuck in bed with a bad bout of flu and found a few projects of altered frames to share. I love altering frames, the smaller the better. Well, not too small. lol. I do love to stuff small-ies with embellishments and you can't stuff too much into too small areas can you? :) I think altered frames make the perfect gift-solution to a gift-problem. Just remembered someone's birthday? Personalise a frame. Need to tell someone you're sorry or that you love them? Gift a frame. Perfect, I tell ya.

Here's a Thank You frame that my sister ordered for her school's Parents Support Group.

Here's a gift frame for my friend Karen Grunberg. She's ... the sweetest with the most noble of characters. She doesn't judge and is most encouraging. She inspires me to be a better person. I wish I could meet her and just give her a big long hug.

Here's a housewarming gift for a colleague's nephew. You've seen similar frames on this blog before, and I really can't tire from creating such. I love the addition of the family members' names in one of the panels on this one.

Finally a Christmas-themed frame.

So see, I told you that an altered frame is the perfect something for any occasion. Are you inspired to create one now? It can be as lavishly embellished or zenly simple as you make it, I'd love to see. Drop me a link, won't you? :)

Toodles,