1st altered notebook by a budding Thai Scrapper !

Her first project was a mini album & now this is only her 2nd papercrafting project in crafting adventures .

Using only my stash & her ideas !

http://janellerichmond.typepad.com/sketchthiscards/

sketch this: cards week 6

using : Scenic Route Laurel stickers & chipboard , Bazzill Bling CS , DreamDesigns silk flower , AC ribbon

Di Hickman's sketches - Card Sketch Mar #7/Easter cards

http://dihickman.blogspot.com/2007/03/card-sketch-march-7_28.html

Using :

Paper Salon Blossom pp , die cuts , Prima Pop Ups ( embossed flowers ! ) & Sprites , Dimensional Felt stickers

DCM Mid Week extras - Sunshine !

www.daringcardmakers.com

..a Little Extra Challenge on a Tuesday for you. This time we'd like to give you just one single word as your inspiration, and that word is:

SUNSHINE
==============

Not game for the twins or triplets card dare so... a little sunshine helps !

Fun in the sun !

in tropical Singapore !

USing Prima Big Blossoms - baby boy - maxie can - Hydrangeas ( memory trends releases ) , Q&Co bon bon brads

Caardvarks ! Fastenating Buttonality challenge / contest - Apr 2 !

A new card challenge blog has emerged !

Check it out at :

http://caardvarks.blogspot.com/

It's such a fun time for cardmaking , isnt it ? lol

Time to button-down for a new challenge. Show us your buttonality! Make a fastenating card! Ok well the title of this challenge may be dorky but c'mon, we know you love your buttons and staples as much as we do! Use buttons and staples on your card front! We want to see your creations using these items we all have sitting around our craft tables. Please link us to your card(s) in the comments section of this post by April 2nd. We'll add entries to the gallery as we go along. The winner of this challenge, along with an announcement of the next challenge will be made on April 5th!

My take :

Using Prima's essential collection - MODA - & a fabric flower.

Di Hickman's sketches

http://dihickman.blogspot.com/

A great new resource by published paper & digital Designer , Di Hickman

Cards & layout sketches available !

& if you would like to make card & layout samples for her sketches ( do it on paper , digital or hybrid ? you choice ! )

do hop over to :

http://dihickman.blogspot.com/2007/03/looking-for-some-layoutcard-sketch.html

No pressure .

Make when you can .

If you can't make it in time , it's also cool ! lol

I have joined her crew ! wahoo ! fun ! fun ! fun !

Mar Card Sketch #5

Mar Card Sketch #6

A wealth of ideas for using Primas / blossoms

Front : held closed with a bulldog clip

card opened up

Silly ole me , after years of cardmaking

I've finally decided to invest in a good ole bone folder ( Making Memories' ) .

Soooo liberating a simple tool !

I can now really get into major folding anywhere & everywhere !

& also because I would love to have a go at that MAZE book project

instructions over at Craft TV ! :

http://www.crafttvweekly.com/player.html?wid=79

This is my first accordion fold card (featuring Prima Sprites !!! yes! yes! I love using new stash versus leaving them on shelf to be admired ! lol )

made using instructions over at

one of my current fave stamper's blog

( I have discovered sooo many new faves recently ! ) :

the lovely Michelle Giraud

http://twisted-chick.blogspot.com/2007/02/fun-with-folds.html

Supplies : Bazzill Bling cardstock , Paper salon blossom pp & die cuts

Prima Sprites ! & new Prima Pop ups ! ( embossed shapes !!! )

Dimensional stickers

Here's more than 30 ideas to kickstart some new projects !!!!

Thanks everyone for them !

I'm sorry if I unintentionally left out anyone -!

1. Susan said...
How about: * decorating a container for Easter egg goodies? * Or making some ATCs?* Or dressing up a folder you want for a special purpose?* Or making some cute magnets?

2. Anntaurus said...
You could make some lovely little boxes or a stationery gift set or just about anything would look fab with those jewels!

3. Paula said...
You could make a minibook of colours using flowers to decorate each page in the relevant colour along with co-ordinating ribbons & your favourite quotes.

4.Chris said...
They would look great on altered items or some really cute spring themed cards.
5.Sarah said...
They would look great on Easter goodies, cards, boxes containing mini Easter eggsor a lovely mini book or album.The spotty ones are adorable.
6. stefanie said...
They'll look great on cards or layouts for summer.
7. saffiertje said...
That Lo is fab!!!! Great flowers yo have and such a nice colors...I would make a photo frame Lo and decorate the frame and the Lo with them.You also could use them for a canvas scrap...works good on it...
8. mamaluke said...
I'd like to make an alterd mirror for a ladies bedroom, with primas all round the frame.


9.Nura Keif said...
You can use them on altered frame, on cards/tags, mini album, canvases, wooden stuffs, lunch boxes/tins, or even layouts to create circles, hearts etc.Creative imaginations bare elements, 7 Gypsies stuffs and Making memories chipboard shapes are cool to altered.
10. Esther said...
Ooo allsorts... erm I could use them to complete my altered puzzle project!
11.Kathy said...
oooh aren't they lovely!If I were you, I would put them all on a shelf - like mine (pic on the blog.....)for instance just to admire them for a week or too then, and only then I'd think about using them on cards, LOs, an album cover - or how about a jar like the one I did for my niece?
12. Chris said...
Congratulations on being published :) As for using your primas... ooooh on everything ...Make some mini handbags and decorate with your primas, or use them on ..... curtains, quiltcovers, lampshades, stick em on your shoes and in your hair... decorate your walls, notebooks and anything else you can stick or sew a flower on..... and then if you've got any left... do cards :)but will you REALLY want to use them lol
13. Anonymous said...
ohhh Primas!!! Those are awesome looking! What could I do with them??? I would love to do a layout about me for a change. Most of my supplies are geared towards boys (I have four!). You have me drooling here.. and cards.. ahhh some wonderful spring cards too!Libim7761@sbcglobal.net


14. Mara said...
Congradulations with the Prima! You deserve it. All your work is fabulous. You could make a Spring time wreath with all the flowers. lolOr send them my way. (wishful thinking)
15. Gillian Hamilton said...
awww...they are so lovely Pearl, hows about using them to make cool hair pretties for little girls... you know on clips..with bits of ribbon sticking out and beads threaded and hanging too... I reckon you'd be amazing at this sort of stuff.. :o)

16 . Nancy said :
Congratulations on your guest designer status! How wonderful!You could just give me ALL of the Prima's you've gotten and let me play with them... then you don't have to do a thingLOL!
17,. Nancy said...
Yes Primas can go on just about anything. I've added them to cards. How about trying some on a name plate?
18. Michelle said...
Loving these primas! I think the sprites are my new favorite. How about a shadow box or other type of wall art? Primas would look great in a frame.
19. scfranson said...
How about making a floral topiary with them?
20. Linda Shaw said...
Congrats...I can see why you were chosen, you are such a talented designer:) I love any & all Primas, especially the polka dots. I think they look so great any of the spring cards or scrapbook layouts. Spring wouldn't be spring without hundreds of flowers. Linda SS

21. doverdi said...
Congrats! What a pretty collection of Prima's. I just love the colors. I would use them to decorate mini books, cards, baskets, etc. The uses for these are endless.

22 .Dawn Mercedes said...
What about decorating a pair of little girl sunglasses with some primas? That would be sweet!

23. Donna said...
Pearl, love your layout those flowers sure do accent and add to the beauty.Idea...add some to a pair of plain flipflops to give them a bling!I would love to play with this assortment they would make some great spring goodies.Nettie
24. Bonnie Weiss said...
Congrats on your new "designer" status...kudos to you!I think the Prima's would be adorable, mounted on chipboard and attached to giant paper clips (seen on SCS) and then used in altered journals as an embellishment or bookmark.
25. Peggy said...
Such a great way to celebrate spring... I would love to see altered art covered with these flower - like frames, mini-albums, etc. Thanks for the chance!


26. Scrapbook WithVanilla said...
My sweet Pearl... things are certainly moving in the right direction for you! Can't wait to see everything you come up with next!!!!!! And as far as project ideas... CLose your eyes and look deep inside you... I am quite confident you will come up with the best project!!!Take care Hugs, Michelle
27. Adelina said...
Those are beautiful. I've never used Primas before, I'm new to this craft. I think they'd look great on just about anything from a card to a journal!
28. annikki said...
I love these primas, and all your creations!How about decorating a maze-book with them? Try it you'll love it!
29. jodene said...
I have yet to add these to my collection,yet they are just beautiful!!!I believe they would be nice on a mothers day card,a coaster box,a decorated joural,a mini calender,well just about on everything!!
35. Leslie Brown said...
Congratulations!Maybe you can use the extra Prima's to make a "fake" flower arrangement. Mount the flowers on dowels and insert into a pretty vase.Thanks for sharing!Leslie
36. Jen said...
Congrats on the guest spot, that is so cool. I think those pretty flowers look good on ANYTHING, alterables, cards, scrap pages.........

Blog Candy Winner ! Card RAKS too ....

Hey Everyone

Many , much heartfelt thanks for all your good thoughts , well wishes , project ideas

& taking part in my first Blog Candy draw !

( will have a post to summarise all the wealth of ideas for everyone ! ) .

We have a Prima Blog Candy winner !

RAINNOWGIRL

http://rainowgirl.blogspot.com/

( please email me : paperfections@yahoo.com with your mailing address )

CONGRATULATIONS !

(using CPS #7 sketch )

& decided to randomly RAK 2 others with Easter cards

1. Susan

http://cardmakingsaga.blogspot.com/

2. Dawn Mercedes

http://dawnmercedes.blogspot.com/

( please email me too ! paperfections@yahoo.com )

A little Prima showcase ! Prima Blog candy winner to be picked on Mon, 26th Mar !

I'm Prima's latest Guest Designer !! Blog Candy to celebrate more Primas !

Just leave a comment to be entered into a draw to win this little Prima sampler to jumpstart your Prima stash to or simply grow that stash ! lol

included in this sampler : Primas from 5 of the new products that I received yesterday including Prima Sprites , older products include the Memory Trend released Country Cuties & Got Impressions ( matches BG Lily Kate pp )

5 different products in this random sample mix

I will let this run for about 3-4 days for starters ?

EDITED on : MAR 23

HOT OFF THE PRESS !!!

http://prima.typepad.com/prima/2007/03/meet_our_newest.html#comments

I'm Prima's latest Guest Designer

on their blog !

kept this under wraps since mid Feb ! lol

To celebrate further

I will add on to the above Prima sampler

a mystery variety package

of designer embellishments

-do let me know if you have any favourite brands in your comment here ;-)

===================

updated this layout( based on a March DT sketch challenge over at JADS ) with the new Prima Sprites & crystals !

www.jeansartdolls.com

Do you have any project ideas for me with my new Prima goodies ?

I'd love to hear your thoughts !

edited : Mar 23 : wow a wealth of ideas here so far ! loving them all !

Smiles, Pearl

My first altered cd card - thank u

Inspired by Sarah's round card !

http://stashstashandmorestash.blogspot.com/



I decided to try an altered cd card project with my some of new Prima goodies .

Supplies : New Urban Lily paper ( the black & white pp )

Bazzill Bling CS

Ribbon - from Gill ? ( not sure - it looks like AC )

Prima Sprites

Prima Say it with Crystals

Making Memories Clip & Brad ( Valentine range )

Provocraft letter stickers

You can glue the paper down or use mod podge - but for me I love my 3M A/F double sided tape .

The papers were hand cut to fit the CD - simple trace unto your choice of paper & with your tool of choice - lol ( scissors or craft knife etc ) cut out -

I hand trimmed the excess paper after taping it down .

a circle cutter would probably be best if you prefer cleaner lines but I havent tried that yet .

A post to inspire you ! thank you , Prima Marketing !

I just received this in the post today from Prima Marketing !

& wanted to share a little story in the hope it might inspire someone else like me ! lol

When I started posting creations on the Prima gallery , I can't say I always knew what my main objective really is - apart from the joy of wanting to share my ideas & creations .

Cardmaking is definitely my first passion in papercrafting!

So it was my happiness when Prima requested for some card images ( of some of my creations already in their gallery ) in January this year for their use in their catalogue .

I didn't dare ask too many questions as to whether they were eventually published in their catalogue ( no experience before this of manufacturers using my images ) so it was really lovely to hear from them 2 weeks ago or so asking for my mailing address to send me a catalogue.

And now I have the box in hand ! what fun !

I didnt know whether to expect any Prima goodies together with the catalogue - I did keep my fingers crossed ! lol So it was better than Christmas to see these very latest Prima Sprites ( embossed & polka dotted ) , Say it with Crystals !

So my inspiration point is ? I'd say -

be not afraid to share your work where you want to !

lol

We never know where it leads to ...

Thanks ever so much , Prima !

now off to think up some new projects ! ;-)

DCM Mid Week extras - To Make You Feel Better

http://daringcardmakers.blogspot.com/

We have a Themed Little Extra this week.A little encouragement to make those cards you usually have to make in a hurry - see how we like to help you?
So this time we'd like you to make "Get Well Soon" type cards.That's it - nothing too tricky or complicated this week, just a little nudge in the "Be Prepared" direction.

==========================

based on a Di Hickman sketch

Card Sketch Mar #4

http://dihickman.blogspot.com/2007/03/card-sketch-march-4.html

& Using DCWV glitter CS , Prima Flowers , Q&CO brads & flower sequins ,stickers

Always good to try to make cards that I haven't before !

Happy Birthday , Paula !

Happy Birthday, Paula !

Rawk on !

http://minibookpixie.blogspot.com

Finally the day has arrived for the reveal ! lol

Based on CPS sketch #1 !

www.cardpositioningsystem.blogspot.com

supplies : Tinkering Ink monogram & die cuts , Q&Co Beadifuls & bon bon brads , glittered Prima Hydrangea , Lil Davis Love Affair cardstock

sketch this cards: week 4/ JADS DT challenge

http://janellerichmond.typepad.com/sketchthiscards/

To jumpstart my Father's Day card collection : i used Week 4's sketch for inspiration ! LOL

Loving the Bo Bunny Play Hard papers , actual washers ,nuts , spanner charm , Q&CO brads.

This is also for the JADS DT challenge to use at least 2 household items on a card/layout.

DCM - How Random !

www.daringcardmakers.com

This week the fantastic Kel has set a brilliant dare that is a real challenge.

Firstly make a list of 10-20 crafty items you have in your stash, whether it be brads, ribbons, peel-off's, craft robo, dies, stamps, glittter, buttons, flowers, patterned papers, paint... You get the idea! Give them all a number or print them out a sheet and pop them in a hat all folded up.
Next, ask someone non-crafty to either pick 3-5 of your numbers or pieces of paper from your from your hat.

Finally, make a card using ONLY the items chosen. A card blank, some sort of sticky stuff and your basic craft tools are allowed If you want to make it really challenging, list plenty of items that you haven't used in a while, or thought you may never use again!

=================================

& so pulled out of the bunny's hat by JR for moi ! :

pp ( yah ! ) , stickers, eyelets , epoxy alphas !

& chugging along on my happy objective to be just a little ahead of the festive seasons this year etc

I went on to make my first Easter Card

( to be mailed to Canada !

to a long time wonderful friend who's sent me wonderful Easter goodies before ! )

Also at the back of my mind is to use older stash or very new ones

( so that non gets left unused ! lol )

& so using Bazzill Bling CS , Doodlebug Easter Ribbons pp , flower eyelets ,

Jolee's Stickers ( got them last year ) & very newly acquired epoxy alpha stickers

Thanks for helping me along making more "ready to use " cards every week , DCM ! ;-)

JADS altered item Mar DT challenge

T'was a challenge to alter something that we havent tried out before !

I went with this pulp coaster mini album - which I started probably in Dec or Jan ! Only too glad to finish this simple Ali Edwards inspired project .

www.jeansartdolls.com

JADS' DT layout sketch challenge

I wondered if I could go beyond cards when I first got this glitter stack ! Over at JADS , With a sketch as inspiration I tried it out with the circular Memories Complete stickers as the base to build the design up .
Ran out of Rhonna Farrer chipboard alpha "R" in the colour I wanted so I conveniently drew an R from the negative ! Hmmm perhaps I should have cut out the negative lol ! will KIV that for the future !

DCM Mid Week extras

www.daringcardmakers.com

Great to have a go at these ! lol But I will skip the SuperHeroes dare .... just not me to do one about Heroes at this point in time ! chicken me ! lol - unless i find WonderWoman stickers or images easily ! ;-)

Friends Always card - for the DCM Simply Super Sketch

For this week's Little Extra challenge we've got a sketch, template, plan - call it what you will, and we hope you'll enjoy using this one as much as we have. Remember you can stretch, twist, shrink or even turn it upside down - just as long as we can see the template is there anything goes!

===========================

Have I said enuff about how fab these DCWV glitter cardstocks are for cardmaking ! lol - very economical & i have yet to exhaust all the designs in this 12x12 stack !
really good value DCWV creates with their stacks.

Using the leftover papers from my boy birthday retro cards . Other bitz & bobz : MM Fresh Anthology metal index tabs , Q&CO bon bon brad, Prima Maxie Can Baby Boy big blossoms & daisies , mesh ribbon from Shanghai !

http://daringcardmakers.blogspot.com/2007/03/three-x-three.html

For the DCM 3x3 dare :

We have another of our recipes for your Little Extra challenge this week.This time the ingredients are:3 buttons, 3 different papers, and 3 different ribbons.

=====================

based also on the sketch here : http://papersquares.blogspot.com/2007/02/card-layout-challenge_07.html

Bitz & Bobz used : SEI winnie's walls ribbons , Memories Complete Die Cuts , SEI buttons , Rouge De Garance pp

JADS 4th birthday card - DT challenge

Will be mailing this over to the US ! lol to celebrate www.jeansartdolls.com 's 4th birthday !

Love the colours of this range of Creative Imaginations papers & accents !

New Layouts ! Multiple photos etc new findings ...Pt 3

New findings I had to try out : 7 Gypsies stickers , CI journaling block , flower patch flowers ! Bo bunny rub ons & stickers , DCWV glitter chipboard .

I printed out 2 different types of photo sizes for this 6 photo idea inspired by Marci Lambert

of

http://makearteveryday.blogspot.com

New Layouts ! Multiple photos etc new findings ...Pt 2

Trying out the new Winter CHA findings : CI scalloped paper & journaling spot , KI memories stickers , Heidi Swapp plastic letters ,Scenic Route stickers , 7 Gypsies stickers , Doodlebug chiboard button , Making Memories fresh anthology stickers & button, HS Blossom , Bazzill Bling CS

Pic of a relative with just 2 of her 6 kids ! what a terrific mum she is ! lol

New Layouts ! Multiple photos etc new findings ...

Using a Rhonna Farrer overlay - I loved the layout idea that came with the overlay & got round to using my Canon compact photo printer for this simple idea ! lol - I finally got round to using my some of my "altered " primas made quite a while ago - now I know where i can use them ! lol

Housewives are worth billions...now they say !!!!

Published today ... a continuing thought from Housewives are no Bums !

=================================================

Monday March 12, 12:17 PM

Source : Channel News Asia

Housewives are worth billions

Just how much is a homemaker worth?

What they do every day — clean, cook, balance the household budget, care for the children — is worth an average of 34 per cent of the Gross National Income in places such as Europe and North America, according to research studies.

Nanyang Technological University's Economics head, Associate Professor Euston Quah, puts the figure for Singapore at about 5 per cent, or $10.2 billion, attributing this difference to the "unique" prevalence of domestic help here. In his calculations, he took into account items such as the average wages of a small-time manager and the cost of hiring a private tutor.

The Singapore housewife brigade, which numbered 360,922 in 2000, has often been relegated to the back of the nation's consciousness. This disparate brigade ranges from the lower-income, middle-aged with limited work experience to the former professionals typically in their 30s.

The absence of Budget goodies for homemakers this year prompted several Members of Parliament (MPs) to speak up for them in Parliament. Many say homemakers deserve to be treated similarly to senior citizens and NSmen.

Said West Coast Group Representation Constituency MP Ho Geok Choo: "Even a token sum (like what NSmen and senior citizens get) is a recognition that makes homemakers feel included in society."

In 2005, homemakers — especially those who left the workforce, albeit by choice, to raise their young brood — looked on with envy when the Working Mother's Child Relief was introduced to give working mothers 5- to 25-per-cent tax relief on their earned income.

In recent years, while the Government dished out goodies for specific profiles ($200 million was allocated for NSmen as a one-off cash reward last year) and this year's Budget yielded good news for senior citizens to receive up to $1,000 over four years, homemakers never had such bonuses to look forward to.

Proponents cite the impact of homemakers on the country's current and future manpower resources. Husbands can perform effectively at work when there is a stable home environment.
As the children's primary caregiver, housewives play a key role in moulding and sustaining Singapore's future pool of manpower and leadership.

What the society should be paying for is not the benefits that only households enjoy, but the positive benefits to society, said Prof Quah.

National University of Singapore sociologist Paulin Straughan links a lack of parental attention to juvenile delinquency, a problem for both the family and society.

But if homemakers rule the roost and the family is often lauded as the bedrock of society, why are they left out of the goodies?

A key reason is the lack of clarity over the work they do and how much it is worth. Its output, price and quality cannot be determined easily by market forces of demand and supply, Prof Quah said.

Also, the decision to stay home is a private "family arrangement", Madam Ho said.

TODAY reader Fanny Chan also pointed to the intangible rewards a full-time mum gets in bringing up her children and pointed to examples of career women who have successfully brought up their children, and equally, numbers of full-time mums whose kids turn out otherwise.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment and Water Resources, and South West District Mayor Dr Amy Khor, who called for a one-off bonus for homemakers in Parliament, cautioned against "sending the wrong message" while recognising homemakers.

There is some concern that upping incentives for homemakers will encourage women to leave the workforce, which can be detrimental at times of economic expansion, talent shortage or when the authorities are trying to promote a work-life balance.

Executive director of the Singapore Human Resources Institute David Ang suggested a tiered system to commensurate with homemakers' years of contributions. This could mean a larger bonus to the older housewife with little working experience and no CPF contributions, and less for their younger counterparts who have just stopped working.

To stay-at-home mum Swee Bee Lan, 34, however, a better allocation of resources would be more helpful, especially for the better-educated and higher-skilled ones, such as part-time or even full-time employment that suits their educational qualifications and work experience.
Said the mother of two: "A lot of jobs for homemakers who want to work either do not match their qualifications or pay so little it doesn't warrant their time away from the family."

Ms Chan urged the Government to do more to make it easier for women with young children stay in the workforce.

And even if no concrete measures are taken now, what Singapore needs are more detailed studies on this.

Prof Quah pointed out: "Measuring that component — the economic value and benefits to society — is critical. We should encourage more studies to understand how we can better reward homemakers." -

Fun with FONTWERKS ! Apr 21 , 2007 - Booked 2 workshops with Kah Mei Smith here ! wahoo !

Kah-Mei Smith from Fontwerks Inc will be coming down to Singapore to conduct a full day workshops on Saturday, 21 April 2007 for the customers of TVC!http://thevelvetcat.blogspot.com

Some sneak peeks from Kah Mei's blog here : http://kahmeismith.typepad.com/living_dreams/2007/03/got_a_couple_da.html


She's got sponsorship lined up with the likes of Papier Valise and Strano Designs and Lazar Studiowerx and Maya Road and products from Scenic Route, Heidi Swapp, Hambly, Prima, etc etc and of course FontWerks!!!!!!!!!!!" Lots of stamps and glitter and utee and rub ons and tags and... well - lots more " ...said Kah Mei on her blog !!!!!!!!!!!!!!...... can you tell each month of the year has been better than Christmas '06 over here - lol - !

Some workshop details :

Workshop 1: I, Woman (9 am to 1 pm) by Kah-Mei Smith -

Who are you? What do you want to leave behind for your loved ones to remember you by? Done with a sophisticated twist, this "all about me" project will enable you to create pages that truly reflect the person you are, and leave your handprint for generations to come.

Using a Maya Road chipboard album, you'll capture seemingly random facts about you which will prove priceless (and perhaps, even hilarious!) for the future. Record your dreams, your secrets, your hopes and your desires in this artsy journal - not only for yourself, but also for all those dear to you.

Throughout this class, you'll be exposed to a myriad of stamping and scrapbooking techniques, such as creating your own background papers, creating texture and also, how to add that signature touch of yours to all your pages.Your class kit will include clear stamps and papers from Fontwerks and other products from brands like Maya Road, Scenic Route, Heidi Swapp, Paper Valise, 7Gypsies, Lazar Studiowerx, Strano Designs, Making Memories and more, and has a retail value of approximately SGD$100.00, including products which are not available in Singapore.

Workshop 2: The Firm (2 - 6 pm) by Kah-Mei Smith -

Office inspired products are all the rage now, and you can expect to see everything from manila folders, lined papers, stamps, tabs, calendars, fasteners, bookplates and more being used to create a one-of-a-kind album in this workshop!

You will be creating a unique album using everyday office words like Staff, Agenda, Evaluation, HQ, etc. But fret not! This isn't your annual appraisal! You'll have lots of fun playing with stuff from Fontwerks, Hambly, Making Memories, Maya Road, Waste Not Paper, Tsukineko, Lazar Studiowerx and more, while experimenting with techniques like concepting, mixing patterned paper, and even bookbinding!

Your class kit will include clear stamps and papers from Fontwerks and other products from brands like Maya Road, Scenic Route, American Crafts, Hambly Screenprints, Bazzill Basics, 7Gypsies, Making Memories, Strano Designs and more. The class kit has a retail value of approximately SGD$100.00, and includes products which are not available in Singapore.

A cherished thought on my Sunday today !

I don't know about you "out there " - yeah for cyberspace isn't it ! lol

If you have need a place to vent I'm here ! lol , leave a thought in the comment box !

Not comfortable with that ,

do

email me : paperfections@yahoo.com

My cherished thought for today !

" I just don't know how I'd get thru the hardships, difficulties & challenges in MY life if I didnt have the faith & hope that I do in JESUS " ( partly inspired by dear Gillian Hamilton ! ) lol

Indeed Jesus, take the wheel ! is the best prayer at times ,

for me !

HOUSEWIVES ARE NO BUMS

Sharing an article from at http://www.todayonline.com/ . written by Tabitha Whang . ( no not by me ! but my sentiments exactly !

=======================

HOUSEWIVES ARE NO BUMS

Friday March 9, 2007

They stay at home for the family, not to watch daytime soaps

I WAS in Shenton Way doing some banking errands for my husband when I overheard the conversation of two well-dressed women. They were talking about the Budget Debate calling for more privileges for housewives."These women should go to work instead of asking for handouts," one said. She disappeared into a lift - presumably to go make her valuablec ontribution to the economy - before I could correct her.The sad thing is, I think she's just voicing the thoughts of many otherwage earners, who believe that housewives are no better than streetbeggars, preferring bumming to doing something worthwhile with theirlives.

I wonder if any of them have bothered to find out why these women choose to drop out of the rat race.Regular readers know that I quit my job because, after losing two babies for various reasons including work stress, I am taking a break to relax and start a family. Since then, I've met many other housewives and found that while one or two have quit for "selfish" reasons - such as wanting to have time for themselves - almost all say they're doing it for the kids.The main problem is the lack of family support.

More Singaporean elderly couples now prefer to live alone than with their children, which means an end to free babysitting of the grandchildren. Even women with extended families are finding it tough. A woman I met at a party told me: "My husband said we should live with his parents so theycould look after the kids. But when I became pregnant, my mum-in-law told me she wasn't going to waste her retirement years babysitting."Maids are an option but some women have had such bad experiences with them that they decide to look after their kids themselves.

Being a housewife is not a soft option. The women I spoke to knew that quitting their jobs meant downgrading their lifestyles, but they were willing to pay the price. They're not asking for charity, just help and respect while they bring up Singapore's next generation. And housewives do contribute to the economy indirectly.

Britain's Institute for Social and Economic Research did a study in 2005 on theeffect of marriage on the salaries of 3,500 men. It concluded that amarried man whose wife stays at home earns about 4 per cent more than asingle man. This advantage disappears if the wife also works 40 hours perweek. The survey authors, Dr Elena Bardasi and Dr Mark Taylor, suggest two reasons:- Marriage may allow a husband and wife to focus on tasks to which they are most suited. Traditionally, this means the man can concentrate on paid work, enabling him to increase productivity and, as a result, his wages.

Marriage may increase the amount of time a man has to hone work-related skills, which could lead to better pay. Looks like the men benefit from marriage, as do their employers and Singapore's economy as a whole.But what about the women who sacrificed part of their lives to make this possible? They're relegated to a spot somewhere between the unemployed and the blue-collar workers, I guess.

Some days ago, I wrote a cheque to the Central Provident Fund Board to top up my account. An officer called back the next day: "Is this for yourEmployee account?""No, I'm not an employee any more.""So you're self-employed?""Not really ..." Silence."I'm not sure where this money will go."

Thankfully, I get a small income from my freelance work, which I'm paying taxes for, so we settled on calling me self-employed. According to the form I later filled to change my account, I'm now listed among the hawkers and taxi-drivers.But at least I fit into a category. Where do housewives with no income fit in?They work more than 14 hours a day, perhaps more if they have babies waking up through the night. They're on duty all day.

If they were salaried workers, we'd be up in arms, fighting for better wages andworking hours for them.So, surely we can't resent them getting their long-overdue day inParliament now?

Tabitha Wang is keeping her CPF account topped up just in case her husbandruns off with some dolly bird and leaves her with nothing for retirement.

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I'm an ART DOLL ! fancy that !

www.jeansartdolls.com

I became a Jean's Art Doll Professional Artist on March 5th , 2007 !

and a part of their Design team .

Jean's Art Dolls is a unique community with a forum for scrappers & /or rubber stampers .

Warm , gracious, supportive , full of talent this community .

"Jads is for the artist who doesn't like to be smothered with rules and deadlines " -

to quote Jean , JAD'S Queen Art Doll & Owner

I'm full of already !

Definitely no qualms adopting the Dare to be Different motto !

Looking forward to taking part in their monthly design challenges now !

A layout using Bo Bunny's Play All Day

Got round to trying out the latest Bo Bunny Winter CHA released Play All Day accessories . I love the Anna Sophia collection best but as our LSS here had an incomplete collection of the entire range I went with Play All Day .

Bo Bunny embellies are : Cool Clipz, Wrapped in Ribbon ( I used all the ribbons in the pack ) , stickers , rub ons , Bodacious Brads

Non Bo Bunny supplies : Bazzill CS , EK Success Phrase cafe stickers , fibres, Lil Davis glitter chipboard , inking

CPS #4

http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/

One thing I can say is making cards using sketches seems to be way easier than creating layouts . lol .

I will never get a block these days with cardmaking . Too much joy in creating them ! ;-)

Trying out a rare type of card for me to make : for a baby girl .

Using the latest Dooblebug Design Baby Girl paper & Whimsy Wafers , DB paper frills , CS sticker,

Bazzill Bling cardstock , DCWV CS , Q&Co bow

DCM - Out of the Comfort Zone

www.daringcardmakers.com

This week its my turn (Bondgirl aka Tracie) to dare you all. I looked at my cards last week and thought hmm they are ok but they are all very similar - white square card, double matted embellishment, printed greeting. Dont get me wrong there is nothing wrong with doing what you are good at, I bet we all have our "signature" ranges but I realised what a wealth of techniques and styles I wasnt trying. So this week I dare you to step outside your comfort zone and have a go at something new - be it something you have never tried, or something you havent done for ages.

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So after chickening out making the kind of card I would not normally begin to try ( see below post on the various types of cards I received from swaps that are perfect examples of what I can't or wouldnt do - lol ) , I thought to make a card using as much of Q&Co products as I possibly can ( never did that before ) & to use white cardstock ( which I rarely do & a non textured one at that ) - even though I thought I had a bit of various types of Q&Co products , it was frustrating still to say the least of not having the right colour or size brad or porduct that I would have preferred to use . & to move away from the usual square cards that I love too -a rectangular card made out of 8x8' size cardstock.

I also wanted to try doing a sentiment in a curve versus the usual straight lines - & as I wasnt about to go to any LSS' here this weekend - I was frustrated that I didnt have the right font ( a thicker , curvier , chunkier one could do the job better perhaps ) .

As the Fab sequin flowers were the main focus I tried to continue the plastic feel for effect & added an icicle type embellie from Spotlight ! I just dont have any Q&CO brads in that colour anymore to do that dotty effect ! lol

Some Oriental inspiration - cards , handmade book

Received these in 2005 , all from one or 2 card swaps for oriental inspired cards .
from Jeane , Australia

This is a precious handmade book , came with a self explaining card

"A mini shikishi of hand-painted bamboo in the traditional style ornaments the cover of this simple deco. The pages are dyed with green tea. Lightly stmaped with watermark images, and bound with vintage-look fibers. "