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
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
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 ! lolSunday, March 11, 2007
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." -
=================================================
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.
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.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
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 !
Friday, March 09, 2007
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.
Visit TODAYonline website at http://www.todayonline.com/
=======================
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.
Visit TODAYonline website at http://www.todayonline.com/
Monday, March 05, 2007
I'm an ART DOLL ! fancy that !
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
Definitely no qualms adopting the Dare to be Different motto !
Looking forward to taking part in their monthly design challenges now !
Sunday, March 04, 2007
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
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
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.
-----------------------------------------
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. "
Cards I received from Swaps in 2005
Well before craft blogging was in fashion there were yahoogroups to share your creations with.
& so before I post my card for the DCM card dare this week " Out of the Comfort Zone " I'd like to show the kinds of cards that would be totally "out of my comfort zone " for sure !
Received from Lavinia , Scotland , accompanying a scrap material swap we had with each other - she gave me loads of rubber stamped & embossed images !
& so before I post my card for the DCM card dare this week " Out of the Comfort Zone " I'd like to show the kinds of cards that would be totally "out of my comfort zone " for sure !
Received from Lavinia , Scotland , accompanying a scrap material swap we had with each other - she gave me loads of rubber stamped & embossed images !
Received from Yvonne, Uk - gotta love that dimensional punchart !
From Ana Stela , Brasil ! Before the chipboard craze , she used here cardboard, crimped, foam flowers & embossed leaves ! 
Parchment craft card from Nora, Australia !
from Fran , Canada - paperpricking & iris folding .
& another kind of card I wouldnt try to make either - decoupage card made by my Deborah when she was 10 & she made 2 at one go ! The other has been used !
Rubber stamped card with butterfly stickers from Thelma , US
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Can a girl ever have enough ribbons ?
A new finding for today ! - thanks to Michelle
of Scrapbooking with Vanilla
Congrats , grrl on making the Scrapbook Chalet design team !
An Australian website for ribbons !
& a chance to win their fab ribbons this month ! wahoo :
"We have up for grabs one Value Pack of Single Stitched Ribbons AND one Value Pack of Dotty Ribbons. To enter all you have to do is mention Really Just Ribbons in a post on your Blog site, with a link to our site on your sidebar. Once you have done this you need to leave a comment on our blog to let us know that you have done so, with your blog address so we know where to look. This competition will be running until the 14th of March, and is worth A$47.75, so be sure to enter for your chance to win these gorgeous ribbons"
Got published again on Scrapstreet.com
http://www.scrapstreet.com/magy2/ymarch2/features/green1.htm
Did I say enough that this is my best year in crafting ever ?
My layout "Sweet Boy , John Ross " was picked as one of the finalists for the cover contest - theme is " Green & Gold " . It made it to the first page of the article ! wahoo ! It is a thrill ! lol .
Scrapstreet.com has a unique online magazine for regular scrapbooking, digital & regularly features cards too !
Needless to say it is already a fave of mine !
Smiles , Pearl
Did I say enough that this is my best year in crafting ever ?
My layout "Sweet Boy , John Ross " was picked as one of the finalists for the cover contest - theme is " Green & Gold " . It made it to the first page of the article ! wahoo ! It is a thrill ! lol .
Scrapstreet.com has a unique online magazine for regular scrapbooking, digital & regularly features cards too !
Needless to say it is already a fave of mine !
Smiles , Pearl
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Monogram Cards
Rachel Asked : "Can I ask did you cut those letters yourself because they are amazing "
Thanks much , Rachel , for your lovely words !
Er ,no I don't do die cutting yet nor hand cutting for that matter . Still resisting the "impulse" to join the die cutting machine wagon - my instincts now tell me I oughta go with a machine like the Cuttlebug - ' cos I love the idea that you can cut ( & a lot of different type materials , not just paper ) & emboss ...however I do not love the idea that alpha dies cost way too much per set - even if we're disciplined enough to buy them when they are half priced ! So I am thinking now that the latest Quickutz Digital cutter - Silhouette may have to be acquired ( but it only cuts paper & no embossing ) if for the love of alphas ( we can cut true type fonts ! ) & one other machine like the Cuttlebug or QK Revolution for the cutting & embossing abilities . I'm still sitting on this idea for now .... lol ....
I'm thinking I'd rather acquire some new clear Alpha( sooo many wonderful brands out there ) & other patterned stamps & a heat gun to emboss anywhere & everywhere if it so strikes my fancy - I think that would cost way less & yet be a lot of fun ! Just like I'm sitting on the fence on acquiring a DSLR to take better people pics ! lol - I think I would need to read a few books on the technical aspects of photography more before I run out & acquire these gadgets ( even if they seem like gotta haves ! ) Just my own thoughts ....would still love to hear others' on these ....
Thanks much , Rachel , for your lovely words !
Er ,no I don't do die cutting yet nor hand cutting for that matter . Still resisting the "impulse" to join the die cutting machine wagon - my instincts now tell me I oughta go with a machine like the Cuttlebug - ' cos I love the idea that you can cut ( & a lot of different type materials , not just paper ) & emboss ...however I do not love the idea that alpha dies cost way too much per set - even if we're disciplined enough to buy them when they are half priced ! So I am thinking now that the latest Quickutz Digital cutter - Silhouette may have to be acquired ( but it only cuts paper & no embossing ) if for the love of alphas ( we can cut true type fonts ! ) & one other machine like the Cuttlebug or QK Revolution for the cutting & embossing abilities . I'm still sitting on this idea for now .... lol ....
I'm thinking I'd rather acquire some new clear Alpha( sooo many wonderful brands out there ) & other patterned stamps & a heat gun to emboss anywhere & everywhere if it so strikes my fancy - I think that would cost way less & yet be a lot of fun ! Just like I'm sitting on the fence on acquiring a DSLR to take better people pics ! lol - I think I would need to read a few books on the technical aspects of photography more before I run out & acquire these gadgets ( even if they seem like gotta haves ! ) Just my own thoughts ....would still love to hear others' on these ....
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Dutch dare #8
Dutch Dare #8
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The challenge this week is to make something small and tiny.It can be a lo, a card, an atc…whatever you choose to make is fine, as long as it is tiny.Size is not the only requirement for this weeks dare… you are only allowed to use 1 colour only. It can be different shades of the same colour, light or dark…but use just 1 colour only. Of course the photo can be any colour you want.
http://www.dutchdares.blogspot.com/
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Just discovered this site today & was so inspired by the dare team's creations .
I would have preferred to try an altered canvas or coaster project but resorted to familiar ways instead when I realised it had to be a monochromatic project as well !
So here's my monogrammatic monochromatic take ! lol
A Male monogram card - for someone middle aged - ahem !
- will probably become a birthday card.
( yupz I am so loving the DCWV glitter cardstock still coupled with monogram ideas ! )
supplies :
DCWV glitter CS, MM shimmer stickers , satin striped ribbon ( fm Shanghai )
DCM - Monogrammatic
And so to this week's Little Extra:Initials are BIG news at the moment, so here's your chance to make your mark with a monogram themed card.
It can be any letter you like, made in any way
- just so long as it's Big and Juicy!
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well hard to pass up on the chance to make more monogram cards ! lol
Made these with Mother's Day in mind altho' I havent added any sentiments as I would like to get hold of some Mother's Day sentiments - rub ons if I come across them later on - never made Mother's Day cards before .
I haven't also decided if I would use them as Monogram cards per se ...
Trying out the latest BG Perhaps ( bought by mistake - I was thinking they were the Phoebe collection - love that best - can't say I'm terrbly excited about the latest BG papers )
Not wanting to cover up a lot of the design I simply added Prima Say it With Crystals to it .
I'm not very good at handling these patterned blings I have to say ! they all went awry !
M Monogram is Tinkering Ink .
This card is making use of the remaining DCWV paper that I had cut up for the other DCM 20/20 vision card Tag is BG Phoebe
Prima flower
M monogram - Tinkering ink
CS is DCWV
Pencillines Sketch #21
http://www.pencillines.com/
Finally able to have a go at a sketch for a layout !
trying out Bampop's Vol 2 papers & die cut for a lark !
MM Valentine's Day RAK arrived from Utah !
Whoa ! They really filled a whole box full !
What do I know ! A whole box load of embellies ! lol ! Gotta lurve !
Blog visiting is highly recommended these days !
Loads of Blog Candy being served up too !
Alison's Blog has loads of fun links : check them out !
Monday, February 26, 2007
CPS sketch #3 / DCM 20/20 Vision
I love combining challenges together lately !
Love killing a few birds with one stone so to speak !
lol
& So Inspired by sketch no 3 & cards over at
& wanting to use my Heidi Swapp bling with 22 rhinestones for the 20/20 Vision Dare over at the daringcardmakers blog :
Well this week it's my turn (Kathy) and I'm going to dare you to use 20/20 Vision for your cards.I'd like you to use 20 of one particular thing on a card - be it blooms, papers, brads, ribbons the choice is yours - you can use other things too, but there must be 20 of one item/component - not 20 things altogether, that would be much too easy.For instance, can you use 20 different papers on one card? 20 Ribbons?
Or 20 Blooms - well surely that one sounds easy...
Enjoying the monogram approach as well for cardmaking & using :
DCWV glitter cardstock
DCWV chipboard expression
American Craft Felt thickers
Prima flowers
vellum
Royal epoxy stickers from Shanghai given to me
by my dear neighbour , Bon
( card also made with her in mind ! ;-) )
What the Postman brought .....
The postie was here with a pizza box of goodies from Carole Janson , Queensland , Australia just on Saturday !
Right smack in the middle of our Chinese New Year festive season here - adding on to the joy of the season ! lol
Now to print a whole bunch of pictures from the Chinese New Year feasting & merrymaking
& to see how to use these new goodies well ! lol
Thanks ever so much , Carole !
Thursday, February 22, 2007
CPS Card sketch #2 - Tinkering Ink , MAmbi ,Prima Bling
Just discovered http://cardpositioningsystems.blogspot.com/
I'm just loving the combination of using the latest & greatest findings
with sketches these days ! lol
latest findings here :
Lil Davis Love Affair Double Sided PP,
Tinkering Ink perfectly Posh Die cuts
WRMK felt flower patches
Fabric Brad
Mambi Bling
Prima Say It with crystals
Inking
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
DCM - mid week extra - Oh Boy!!!!!
for this week's Little Extra that's what we'd like you to make -
a card with a male in mind.
Be it Baby boy, Little boy, Teenage Boy or BIG "boy" -
just make him a card and let's see.
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Made for a 16 year old "boy" , Chris , in mind !
I haven't decided if I would give it with the big blossoms or not ! lol .
Supplies :
DCWV Argyle glittered cardstock ,
band of striped satin ribbon from Shanghai
( brought home by my dear neighbour , Bon who lives in Shanghai!
thanks muchly dear ! love them all )
Rhonna Farrer Holly Jolly Glittered Chipboard Alpha
Prima Maxie Can Large Blossoms Baby Boy
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I added more details to these boy retro cards :
DCM - In the Fold
I'm daring you to make a card that has to have more than one fold -
so it can be a gate fold card, or a 3 panel card with an aperture
or a card with multiple folds
OR you can incorporate paper folding on the actual card itself.
It can be on any theme.
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This is only a concept card for me -
trying out gatefold & monogram ideas
Using here the scrumptious monogram made for me
by dear Gillian .
I'm still thinking of a better way to make use of the monogram -
like on a tin accordian album for instance.
Loving my DCWV glittered cardstock !
Thursday, February 15, 2007
DCM - Back in Time #1
Now, for our extra little dare this week we thought it would be fun to step back in time and make a card inspired by a particular decade - so we'd like you to think "the 70s" - remember all that brown and orange wallpaper? Flower Power? Hippy Chicks through to the beginnings of Punk Rock?
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Here's my go at retro cards :
I finally succumbed to getting the DCWV glitter stack !
42 sheets of retro glittered fun !
Wish more manufacturers had embossed & glittered cardstock ideas like these !
& also made these with a 2-in-one objective -
the first 2 cards were also made based on sketches over at
These 3 cards were economically made out of one DCWV cardstock -
I cut an A4 size first ( then then into 2 A5 notecards & the remnant is enough to create a mtachbook type card - lol - I hate to waste anything ! )
Also found these AMM Occasions alls Bauble Gums - Birthday Boy
These are 90% complete as I didn't want to ruin my manicured nails- duh !
painted nails soo don't go with cardmaking for me ! -
I might finish them off with brads or eyelets ...
Made with 9 year old boys in mind !
although I'm not sure they will mind the retro look ...
Another RAK ! from Making Memories ! Valentine's ...............
I had no idea at all when I left a comment !
In fact I have forgotten about all the blogs that I have visited recently that had RAK drawings too !
hey hey - heart stopping times we're living in !
I just want to say a huge THANK YOU too
to all who so kindly take the time
to leave me sweet & lovely comments on my blog too ..............
Me ? A RAK winner .........Thanks soooo much, Carole !
Definitely my best crafting year in history ! 2007 !
http://carolejansons.blogspot.com/
Wahoo wowie ! Fancy winning a RAK from the fantabulous Carole Janson of 3Dimensional Me fame ! lol - thank you sooooooooo much , Carole! A girl can never have enough stash ,what can I say !
This side of the Asia Pacific, she sure is one tour de force of dimensional , textured work for me ! Love her use of colour & glitter as well !
& always breathtaking.....you must see to believe .... lol
http://carolejansons.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Happy , happy cards
Happy discoveries for the month : ;-)
Patterned Primas , Doodlebug Design papers & paper frills , Provocraft stand out stickers
Sunday, February 11, 2007
new Prima findings - had to try
Patterned Primas from Memory Trends release ....
So much stash , so little time ! lol
DCM - All things Media - wishing you a wonderful Lunar New Year ahead !
It's around us no matter which way we turn, and all designed to get our attention. Ads designed by graphic designers who know all the tricks & techniques to draw our eyes to the product in question. You only have to glance at a Newspaper quickly to read headings with 'Shock' titles & 'Clever' puns all designed to make you want to read what the article is all about!Maybe you have been inspired by an Ad in a magazine, the colours or design that has been used. Or incorporate actual magazines & newspapers onto your card; maybe chop up letters (ransom note style) to create the sentimentSo grab that latest edition of your favourite Mag, or pick up your newspaper, because there is so much inspiration there, Just waiting for you to discover!
===========================
It's Chinese New Year season here in Sunny Singapore
& not to mention the season of love ....
So loads of wonderful adverts in our newspapers here ...
I chose to use an image of a painting used in a shopping centre newspaper advert ,
attached it to a recycled Chinese New Year Square card
& my Lunar New Year wishes for you , dear crafting friends,
near & far ,
across the miles
May wealth always come your way
May your New Year be auspicious and as you wish
and I added a charm to my New Year greeting card to bring you :
Satisfaction And Happiness Year by Year
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
DCM - weather report - from Sunny Singapore
our midweek special:
Whether the weather be fine
Or whether the weather be not
Whether the weather be cold
Or whether the weather be hot
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather
Whether we like it or not.
Whether the weather be fine
Or whether the weather be not
Whether the weather be cold
Or whether the weather be hot
We'll weather the weather
Whatever the weather
Whether we like it or not.
====================
Well the sun is out in full force here in tropical Singapore !
I like these Rouge De Garance cards for their tropical feel ....
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Everyone is Speshal Dare #39
Our dare is 'On the cards' - we challenge you to make a scrapbook page that is also a card, any size you like as long as it will fit in one of your albums - we have made ours to give as valentines cards, but you can chose another theme if you wish.
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I wanted a large format to keep in the album .
DCM - Celebrate the Romance - my little Valentine
Celebrating my little ( often funny ) Valentines with this one .
My kids are my greatest joys in life !
I really wanted a large format greeting
- well it's more of a layout at 12x12 " ;-)
He makes my heart sing
Friday, February 02, 2007
DCM mid week sketch challenge
cards for pre-teens
materials : MME Magnolia paper, Provocraft stickers , MM rub ons
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