MWL | December Layout

It's been a long time since the last update at this blog. I have been travelling a lot and I havent had the time to blog as much as I wanted to. I will probably do more updates before the school term starts. For now, I am here to share my December layout for Made with Love using papers and embellishments from the latest Crate Paper's Hello Love collection.

 Using the vertical black and white stripes paper, I aligned it to one side of the page, against the white cardstock paper. This creates the illusion that it was 'painted on' and it does give a really artsy feel. Then, it was time to layer embellishments onto it and I chose bolder and brighter ones for a greater contrast.

To create more depth in my embellishments, I have been loving to doodle. Notice those heart die-cuts? I used my trusty black felt pen and created some doodle lines for the fun of it!

And I finally made use of polaroids taken from the weddings I attended this year. It has been a crazy year, attending 7 weddings in total. I kept these polaroids taken at the free photobooths and I havent had the chance to use them until now. So glad I did.


All supplies are available at Made With Love, Singapore

Have a good week ahead.
Happy New Year and Happy 2016 in advance.
 

Wordless Sunday | Layout of the Week

MWL | Two Layouts for November

Hey all, I am back with another post for this week. This week, I got down to work on two layouts for Made with Love, using papers and embellishments from Pink Paislee's Cedar Lane collection, Jen Hadefield's DIY collection and Studio Calico phrase stickers.

Embellishments are a big part of any layouts that you work on. I bet  you will agree with me, that we all love embellishments and the more we get, the bettter it is. One such example would be the lovely PP Cedar Lane Ephemera Pack. It comes with a whopping amount of 76 pieces! Yay.

With that said, I wanted to share some tips on how I choose to use embellishments on my layouts. First up, I did a simple layout on Beth's recent trip to Penang. This photo of her with the amazing wall art was one I knew I had to scrap about.

 I chose to build layers around the photo first and thereafter, I used transparent ephemera pieces such as the leaves and acorns and tugged them behind the photo. In this way, they can contrast subtly behind the white polka dots background and still bring the attention back to the main highlight of the layout - the photo.

 Besides that, I used smaller ephemera pieces to fill in empty spaces of the layout, mainly focusing on the top and bottom parts. This seeks to extend the length of the page and it is one of my most favourite techniques I love to use.

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Up next, another layout was done with the same ephemera pack. With so many pieces left, I decided that I wanted to go the extreme mile to use as many pieces as I possibly could. I am not one who likes to pile layers of embellishments on my layout (which I find is really not my style) but what I find works for me is to do this ...

I choose a more controlled method and build a 'border' at one corner of the layout. From there, I allow myself  to 'go wild' and build it with embellishments of different sorts. I create layers, tug pieces beneath one another, vary the sizes and shapes of the pieces ... and the list goes on. In that way, my embellishments do not seize to overpower the photo but choose to complement it instead.

The potential of an ephemera pack is endless. Look carefully at each piece and see how they can best be used to fit your style. Use them to complement your photos, use them in proper proportions to balance the composition of your layouts.

All supplies are available at Made With Love, Singapore.

Have a good week ahead.

2nd Giveaway + Scraptastic Club DT

Hey all, I am back with another short post. This first giveaway (on my instagram) is now closed. Thanks to all who participated. As promised, the second giveaway is up for grabs. Likewise, 1) follow me on instagram 2) tag as many friends. This giveaway is open to both local and international scrappers. I will pick a winner on Nov 8th.

Next up, I have a piece of good news. Starting this November, I would be joining the talented Scraptastic Club Design Team. This montly kit club has been one that I have been following for quite some time and they have some of the best designers that I know of. I cant wait to receive my 1st kit and I cant wait to get started.

 

Have a good week ahead. 

Giveaway (1st of the 3)

House renovations started this week and with that said, there has been a lot of shuffling and intense frustration. As i was packing my stuff back, it daunted upon me by how much scrapbooking products I have hoarded in the last 6 years. Not good.

This hobby has given me so much and in return, I have decided that I will be giving 3 giveaways. The first giveaway begins today and all you have to do is 1) follow me on instagram 2) tag as many friends as you want on my instagram. I will pick a winner on 1st November. This giveaway is open to both local and international scrappers. 

Have fun and be sure to be back next Sunday for the next giveaway.
Have a good week ahead.

LOTW | Beautiful Mum

Hey all, I am back with a layout for this week. With more time on my hand, I have been trying to scrap and blog more. Yay. This week, I focused the layout about my mum and me, using the latest Maggie Holmes' Shine collection. (yet another!)

I think that there is no doubt in my heart that I love Crate Paper. This brand will always have a special place in my heart and I cant help but to fall in love with all their collections that they released.

I absolutely loved the floral patterned paper in the collection. A good way to ensure that it does not become too overpowering or to use the paper as a whole , I chose to use a section of it only. I chose other neutral patterened papers and built my layers with embellishments and a title. I love to finish the layout with some splatters of black ink and some stamping.

I also did a quick video on this layout so feel free to click on the video below.  :) Feel free to check out my channel for other scrapbook-related videos too.

More close ups on the layout...

Thanks for dropping by.
Be back next week.

Layout of the Week | October 2015

Hey all, I am back with another quick post for today. I managed to find some time over the weekends to scrap more. It's been a very busy term. Finding the time to scrapbook in the midst of everything has proven to be more challenging than I thought.

With that said, this is the completed layout I managed to finish today. I love the new collection from Maggie Holmes' Shine collections.

For this layout, I kept the background to a neutral black and white shade. I cut out some of the rectangulars and backed them with patterned papers. This certainly help made the layout 'pop' out even more. To add on more colours , I used a tiny brush and brushed lightly over areas I wanted to emphasize. Since my layout was centered in the middle, the water colours also helped to draw the eyes back to the focal point of the layout.

Onto the journalling aspects, I was really inspired by the numeric numbers pattered paper in the collection. I cut them up and placed them near the photo. Each number represented aspects of my life that I am thankful for. Often, we scrap about people around us but not about myself per se. I had a good time reflecting. Using stamps and minimal embellishments, I filled the areas around the numbers.

That's it for this week. I will be back shortly with some exciting news to share.
For now, have a good week ahead.

MWL Sept Layout | Oh Hello Life

Hello everyone. It is been a long time since the blog has been updated but I am finally back to post my layout for Made With Love. This month, I got to work with lovely products and papers from Bo Bunny , Simple Stories and Teresa Collins.

This time around, I opted for a more 'centralised linear structure' on the layout itself. Using my photos, I placed them in the middle of the page, to act as a central focal point. From there, I built the page by adding suitable embellishments on the top and bottom of the page.

Arent these Simple Stories embellishments oh-so-cute? I had to stop myself from overpiling them onto the layout.

A good technique of mixing papers together would be to try this method -  BIG PRINT + NEUTRAL + SMALL PRINT.

So take for example this layout that I have created- I took the sheer polka dots paper and mixed it with the pink striped paper and the yellow neutral cardstock. Try not to mix patterned papers of the similar patterns too e.g. circles, lines. Varying the sizes and prints of the patterned papers help to keep the layout fresh and textured.

That's it for this month. I hope you find the tips useful.
Have a good week ahead.

LOTW | SG50 Project

Just this last weekend, Singapore celebrated its 50th birthday. Indeed, it was an incredible milestone since gaining independance in 1965. I am so proud to call this place my home and I couldnt be any happier than being able to celebrate it with my fellow Singaporeans by seeing the parade live at the floating platform.

Speaking of the national day celebrations, the MWL design team has created projects for this special SG50 birthday on what it means to be Singaporeans. Be sure to check the blogs that I have linked below.

Priscilla Lim : Growing With Gabriel
Stacy Koo : Doraecyscraps
Goh Daolin : Prism Craft Design
Jelissa Mei : The Art Medium
Aida Haron : Life and Paper Crafting

For me, I created a mantlepiece that I quickly put together with the lovely Prima flowers I received in my DT package.  The Graphic 45 sticker 'H is for Home' was so apt for this National Day project. It really spoke to me as I was reminded of my favourite song.

'This is home truly, where I know I must be, where my dreams wait for me, where the river always flows. This is home, surely, as my senses tell me. This is where I wont be alone. For this is where I know I'm home.'

Using the Prima flowers, I quickly created two flower clusters on both sides of the frame. To extend the frame a little more, I mounted it on a kraft cardstock (which I embossed) and supported by a recycled chipboard. Using some Tim Holtz rubons, I placed some black butterflies and phrases rubons', to complement the bold colours on the white frame.

Thanks for stopping by this week.
Have a good week ahead. :D

MWL August Layout | Having the time of our life

Hey guys, I wasnt able to blog last week and I came down with a really bad asthma and fever. That triggered lots of bed rest and hence, I havent been able to blog much but I am finally back to share the layout for this week.

This month, I worked with the papers and embellishments from Kaiser Craft, American Crafts, Pink Paislee and Crate Paper.

 

I knew right away that I was going to work with brighter colours and to complement the overall look, I opted for a black die cut (title) and a whiter background that would go well with the colours. I diecut the quote and added textures to the title by stamping randomly with my Basic Grey Background Stamp. That gave the title more interest. :D 

Also, I did some fussy cutting of 'clouds' from the Kaiser Craft patterned paper to complement the Sun sticker I had. Back to my old roots, I like!  Notice those blackish trianges? Sometimes, you can fill in those excess gaps by not only adding embellishments, but shapes. I thought triangles were fitting of the fact that the photos were taken at the Grand Canyon.

Overall, I loved how this layout turned out and it was good reminiscing on my beautiful memories at the canyon. Even though it was the beginning of summer in Las Vegas, it was really cold by the time we were at the top of the canyon. It was our escape of getting out of the hot dry Las Vegas city.

 All supplies are made available at Made With Love, Singapore.

Have a good week ahead. :D

Layout of the Week | Everyday

For this week, I did a short video showing my start-to-finish process on a scrapbook layout. I have been trying to use up my scrapbook stash recently and I have been loving how I find the 'new' in my old gems and scrapbook supplies.

Enjoy. Till next week...

MWL June Layout | Sun-n-Fun

Hey all, it is the time again where I share with you this week's layout for Made With Love. This month, I challenged myself to work on brighter and bolder colours and revisited my old roots by trying to in-cooperate flowers into my layout.

The layout + close ups...

When it comes to dealing with  bold coloured patterned paper, you can choose to tone down the overall look by layering a white cardstock on top of it, allowing some parts of the original pattern to be seen. 

The follow up is simple. Focus on a few colours from the patterned papers of your choice and be consistent in-cooperating embellishments (of the same colours) into the layout.  In this layout,  I focused on the colours - red, yellow and teal. 

Flower clusters can be tricky. Sometimes, we are so tempted to put more and sometimes we put way less that what is desired. Follow the rule of building a visual triangle and everything will aligned accordingly.

In this case, I focused on two clusters of flowers on the left and the top right while the title at the bottom completed that visual triangle. To create more textures and layers, I layered some Prima flowers beneath the flower die-cuts. 

All supplies are available at Made With Love, Singapore.

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Have a good week ahead.

LOTW | Flower Embroidery Hoops

Hey all, I am back for another weekly post. This week features some DIY project by converting some embroidery hoops into flower wreaths that will be great for display at home. What's more is that I prepared a video showing you the step-by-step tutorial.

I used papers and embellishments from the Maggie Holmes' Open Book Collection by Crate Paper. Embroidery Hoops were bought from Spotlight. What is different about this was that I used 'satay sticks' to line the back of the hoops so as to layer the embellishments on top. :D

Enjoy. :D Do leave some feedback on how I can further improve my future videos.

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P.S. A similar tutorial was also done last year on the Crate Paper's blog. Do check out the post if you have not, by clicking on this link.

Have a good week ahead! 

Layout of the Week | Amazed

Hey all, I am back with a promised blog post. Each week, I will feature a layout and I will be sharing more tips and techniques with you. It is probably the best I can do with a tight schedule and I do hope you will stop by and check out the posts.

This week's layout features photos that I captured in Tokyo during the beginnings of the cherry blossom season. It was my first trip to Japan and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The highlight of my trip was definitely seeing these sakuras at the Ueno Park.

The layout uses papers and embellishments from the Crate Paper's Craft Market and Confetti collections.

Do not be afraid to use colours in your layout. The photos lend itself a perfect opportunity to use bolder-coloured embellishments to complement and contrast against the striking white flowers in the photos. 

Try using a more neutral background paper to allow yourself to go 'wild' on embellishing bolder elements in your layout. 

Washi tapes is one of my favourite thing to use. Why? It helps to create interest and easy layers. It is easily to manipulate the tape to any length and size you want, simply by ripping them off to a desired outcome you want. 

For this layout, I used them to create layers below the photos so as to minimise white space on the bottom half of the page. With the layers done, I embellished more elements on top of them to finish the look. 

That's a wrap for this week. I hope you found the tips useful and I hope to see you around.

Have a good weekend ahead! 

You got me at Hello (again)

Life and other priorities got the upper hand!  Reasons that I dont have to go into details and can be seen clearly from the lack of blogging for the past 1 year. I have allowed myself to do so simply because scrapbooking was taking a toll on my hectic lifestyle. 

I have been scrapbooking since 2008 and along the way, the interest waivered. I havent been scrapping much besides the given assignments from the design teams I am in and I wasn't scrapping because I want to do it for myself. It used to be like that, isnt it? And it should...

Then, I went for a scrapbook class at my local store yesterday. It has been a good number of years since I last went for it. I found myself, remembering and loving what I was doing. I found myself enjoying the process and recalling all the reasons why i still love this hobby. It has never changed.

To me, scrapbooking is and will always be an important part of my life. I do it because I want to create and preserve memories for myself and my loved ones. I do it because it is a moment and a time where I can find myself and be true to who I am.

So what does this all mean?

I am back! I am going to get back into doing what I love and I am going to be creating more and sharing more on this blog. 

Be right back. 

Made With Love May Layout | Happiness Here

Hey all, I am back today to share with you my layout for this month. It has been a busy week thus far with all the exams marking and it has been hard to say the least. So this week, I pulled out my stash of goodies that I got from MWL and decided to use them.

Here is the layout and close ups...

As you can see, the Confetti Collection from Crate Paper is simply adorable. I simply love the pops of mint, yellow and gold in this collection. This time, I opted for a different approach by centralizing my photos and embellishments. I kept the layers simple and balanced out the embellishment cluster on both sides of the photos.

Thereafter, I realised that there was too much white space and decided to use splatters of mint around the layout to complete the look. The splatter idea was inspired by this one particular 'paint brush' sticker and I loved how it gives the illusion of a messy arty painting.

If you would like to know how I did the splatter work, check it out below..

1) Spray a good portion of mist into the bottle cap
2) Use your hand motion and aim at where you want it to appear on your page

* Tip - the more mists you spray in the bottle cap, the bigger the splatters.

For more techniques, you can click the link here.

In Singapore, these supplies/products are available at Made With Love. Do check out the store today. 

Have a great week ahead.