For Unto Us A Child Is Born

From our family to yours, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. May your day be filled with lots of love and blessings.

With lots of love,

Vera, John, Eli & Abby

Christmas Poinsettia

Happy Tuesday. I actually made today's card back at the beginning of 2014. I was making this for publication call and it didn't get picked up. But, I love the crispness & modern look of this design. 

And, I am happy to say that I got some pictures from our Caring Hearts elves in Wisconsin. :) Thank you Dawn L for sending these pics. 

I think our elves showed the Christmas spirit perfectly. I'll be sharing more pics as I also have received pics from our elves in New York.  

Seriously, Caring Hearts Card Drive is a gift that keep on giving. With each picture I got or note telling me how the people love it, I feel the joy again and again. Kudos to all our helpers who help distribute the cards all over. Thank you for all your help. I appreciate you so much!!

Quick one today. I have splitting, piercing headache as I try to finish this post. Be back tomorrow. 

Embrace The Moonlight

With the news of PC closing down soon, I was feeling melancholy and spent some time browsing through my submission folders. And, looking through some of my submission stuff, I realized that I never shared any of my project from PC Cool Tools 2014 edition. Of course, I have to correct that, right?

Here is my favorite project in this fun issue. I just love the way the red popped against the blue background. And yes.. of course.. the birds. I love projects with birds. :)

BTW, have you send in your cards for Caring Hearts Cad Drive? If you haven't, please send them ASAP. You have till November 28th! Wanna see some of the cards that have made it? 

Here's a peek into the pile of almost 3000 cards on my dining table. We rarely use our dining room as hubby and I usually just use our breakfast table for dinner, so... dining room turned into mailing room.

There are tons of gorgeous cards! I think whoever got these cards will be smiling ear to ear when they open it. It truly warms my heart seeing the support that you all pour into this card drive. Thank you so much for supporting us. 

I am sure, by this evening the collection number would change. Every day we received lots of packages. My goal is 6000 cards as I am hoping to support over 40 nursing homes. We can all dream big, right?

Gallery Idol Round 4

Happy Monday. Today, I continue my Gallery Idol journey. It's been fun & a bit nerve wrecking. Luckily my work keep me crazy busy lately, that I don't get to fret too much. I have to say that the girls in this GI blow my mind with their creativity. Everyone really step up and create amazing creations that makes me feel so honored to be among them.

For this round the challenge is to use border stamp creatively. This is quite a challenge as my stash of border stamp is pretty limited. And, I know that I don't want to use border stamp just as border. I have seen quite a few tribal prints on shirts that I found interesting and use that as the base for my card idea.

Lucky for me, I have this triangle border from Studio Calico Darling Sentiments set that fit for the look that I want to create. Bold, colorful, tribal pattern.

Yep, that triangle border on the bottom translate into the pattern on this elephant:

                                    

There was a lot of careful coloring. Finger cramp, check. eyes crossed, check. Aching shoulder & hand, check. I had to do one for practice just so I can decide on the color combo that I want to use. Once that decided, on to the real thing. It took me awhile to finish coloring this card. Hah... I feel like I almost couldn't straighten my fingers by the time I finished. But, I think the end result is worth it.

The bottom border was created using the chevron border from Lawn Fawn Chevron Background set. I stamped the chevron border twice, off setting the second one so it create diamond pattern border. Then color all those tiny spaces with Copic markers.

This card is definitely bold & colorful. And, there's also a hint of gold. I outlined the elephant shape with gold metallic paper.

I am very thankful that I have made it this far. I really, really appreciate your support & kind words & your vote. Wouldn't be here if not for your support. This Gallery Idol has definitely push my creativity, made me step up my work and I couldn't be happier with the cards I made.

If you love my bold & colorful elephant card, I'd love to have your vote. You have till Thursday morning to vote. Thank you so much and may your week be a blessed one.

You Are Loved

Hi peeps. I am so sorry that I am behind in announcing the winner from WCMD Thank You Hop. So, without further delay, the winner of my giveaway is........... MARCI COLLINS!!

Congrats, Marcy. Please email me your mailing address.

BTW, have you seen the latest Card Creations, Vol. 12? If you haven't, run and get one! Okay, maybe don't run, drive. LOL. There's many, many awesome inspirations in this one magazine. I have sticky note all over this one.

And, I am excited to share that I have 5 cards published in this one. Here's one of the card. I picked this one to share here, since it's so springy and I am ready for spring.

 

 

I do love the way this card turned out. I basically create my own stencil using my ever reliable Mr. C (Silhouette Cameo). Once I cut the diagonal stripe  background, I used sponge dauber to dab in colors in the opening. And, using matching color, I stamped the flowers from Papertrey Ink Mini Blooms set into the wood veneer butterfly. The sentiment is from Elle's Studio.

 

Oh yes.... guess what?? Tomorrow we'll have a fun Card Creations Blog Hop to celebrate this issue!!  Hope you'll join the hop and I'll see you tomorrow.

 

Oh, oh... one more thing...., I am up on i {heart} papers blog today. I'd love for you to check it out. Thanks so much.

You Make Me Smile

Happy Monday! I am so happy that my mojo finally coming back. During the holiday season, I had no mojo whatsoever and was struggling when it times to create. This weekend, finally after hours of browsing on Pinterest, my mind finally start whirling and I spent my Sunday in my craft room. Yay... 

For a while, I was worried that my creativity and passion for card making is fading away. Soooo happy that it's still here. :)

I created a few projects, but they are for submission. So, for today I am sharing an old project that I believe I hasn't share here.

I love this red bird. I used my trusted Silhouette to make this bird from acetate sheet. To color it, I used Tattered Angel glimmer glaze, then stamped with the handwritten background and heat embossed with gold. And, the pretty silk ribbon is from May Arts. They have the best silk ribbon!!

Oh... and today is  my day at CardMaker blog. My first post as their DT member!! So excited. For my first assignment, I get to share my crafty space. Eeekk.... There were some cleaning frenzy going on after that to make everything looks decent. LOL. I am a messy crafter.

You want to see my crafty space? Check it out at CardMaker blog. Do you have pic of your crafty space? Leave the link on the comment below, so I can check them out. :) Have a fabulous week,everyone!!

BOOYAH!

Happy Halloween everyone! I am not one into scary stuff, so I stick to cute. And, yes this particular skull is trendy and like to be different. Instead of just saying "boo" it prefer to say "booyah!". And, mind you, if he had hand, he would say this with jazz hand. ;)

Have fun celebrating to those who celebrate the day. 

Moxie Fab: In Transition

When I first saw this week Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger: In Transition inspiration pic, I wasn't sure if I want to play along or not. Here's the inspiration pic:

I think it was because at the beginning I was too focus on the stripe. Then, I saw CASE Study challenge # 157 and suddenly it struck me how I want to do this challenge. Love it when 2 challenges work it ways into 1 card.

And, this is what I came up with:

This time instead of focusing on the line, I focus on how the color change. To create this card, I first cut the herringbone pattern background using my Silhouette. Then I used it as a template/mask. Using the sponge dauber I dab the colors one by one. I love how the bright color combo make this into such a happy card.

Then I stamped the sentiment on a piece of vellum and adhere the vellum to the card. Added a couple enamel dots. You know.... I resisted this enamel dots for so long and now I am hooked! Love it more than rhinestone or pearl sticker.

Bright color card makes me happy. :) Hope your weekend been a happy one!

Triangle Birdie

This weekend is a slow one for me. I finally get a chance to just chill out and catching up on some magazine and did a Glee marathon. And also play in my craft room, of course.

It took me a while to catch up with the triangle trend. Finally decided to give it a try. And what do you know.... I combined this trend with my love of bird.

To make this card, I first cut the bird and then cut all the little triangles and adhere them to the bird. LOL, I think about one third of the way, I started to re-evaluate my idea. Almost decided to chuck the whole thing. It feels like it took forever to cut and arrange those small triangles. But, I am glad that I kept going as I am pretty happy with the result.

I am making this card for Moxie Fab Trendy Triangle and Simon Says Stamp Triangle challenge using goodies I got from i {heart} papers. The patterned paper are from Echo Park Bundle of Joy Girl and Bundle of Joy Boy Dots & Stripes 6x6 pad. The sentiment is from Neat & Tangles Across The Card set.

So, what do you think of the triangle trend? Yay or nay? I am still on  the fence about it. Well, that's it for me for this weekend. Enjoy your weekend, peep.

Ikat Print & Mister C

I was never really big into flower stamp. But, the moment I saw Wplus9 Fresh Cut Florals set, I know I want it right away. Normally, when it comes to flower stamp set, I'd wait and ask myself again in a couple days if I'd really use that flower set often because based on previous experience, the few flower stamps I have just sit there, collecting dust.

A good, fun flower set really makes all the difference. I love how I can create awesome layering with this set. Since, I am so in love with this set right now, I have to play along with Wplus9 Monday Mood Board.

                                              

It's really fun to see the ikat pattern become such a trend. Although growing up in Indonesia, and on occasion have to wear traditional costume, I used to think ugh... ugly pattern. LOL, like many people, you appreciate your country beauty and richness once you're no longer there. Many of Indonesia traditional dress has the ikat pattern on it. Did you know that the word "ikat" is Indonesian word?

Anyway, even though I have the ikat pattern stamp set, I decided to create the pattern on my card using my Silhouette. First, here's the card:

Second, not only that background was created using Silhouette, but I was using my spanking brand new, early birthday present from hubby Silhouette Cameo. Yes, I retired my old Silhouette SD, Mister Q and with a slight guilty feeling (because Mister Q been so loyal and actually still work like a champ) replaced it with Mister C.

Can you tell that I am geek out over this?

I've been wanting to upgrade since Cameo came out, but I am one of those people who doesn't like to throw out any tool if it's not broken. I just couldn't justified spending out that much money when the one I have still working. Anyway after a couple years of thinking, I finally broke down when hubby pointed out that I am always so good at saving and I need to pamper myself now & then.
 

Besides he argued that I work hard with my cards, I need good tool (although he's real reasoning is this way he doesn't have to stress out to find me a good birthday present... hah!). And of course, I did find a good deal on this. I ordered this from Dickblick.com. Normal Cameo price is $299.99 and dickblick normal price is $269.99 and we're lucky that they have 30% off promo going on when we checked the site, so mine only cost $189. I think that's the cheapest you can get Cameo anywhere online. So, if you've been thinking of getting one, watch dickblick.com website for special offer.
 

And shipping was free. They estimated that my Cameo should arrive on 6/24, well, it arrived on 6/15!! Hubby was saying I have to wait 13 more days before I can use it and I was like, no, no, no, no, no... this is the one exception. Have to use now. :) ps: I wasn't paid by dickblick to promote them in anyway, I am just sharing my good experience here. Doing my good deed of enabling. ;)
 

Thank you for stopping by here and please stop by again as I'll be doing a birthday giveaway soon!


Instagram Smile

On Monday, I got a surprised when I visited Moxie Fab World. Cath has chose to showcase my camera gift card holder as published on Paper Crafts 350 Cards & Gifts.

Here's how the card looks like. Can you see the hidden gift card holder?

And, here's how the card looks like once you pulled out the gift card holder. Yep, I created a little gift card holder than can be pulled out when you detach the rainbow stripe. The super think velcro tab hold the stripe in place.

This card will be going to my brother (who is a photographer) for his birthday. I know he'd appreciate this card. :) Thank you for letting me share my excitement here. Have a blessed day everyone.

** Smile and the world smile with you. **

You Color My World

A while back, Paper Crafts had a submission call that required the use of watercolor. And, I've to say it was a fun call, that even after the call ended I continue to play with watercolor.

Then, I saw Moxie Fab the wonder of watercolor challenge. I know right away I want to play along. I have this silhouette cut out that I colored with Luminarte H20 shimmer watercolor paint that I've been wanting to use and this challenge is just what I needed. 

Here's  my watercolor wonder.

This silhouette is just so pretty and I think the watercolor gives it an ethereal look. I simply love the way this card turn out. My love of colors and CAS design all in one. This girl is happy. :)

Well, my countdown to my vacation time is starting. In about another week, I'll be on my way to Paris to meet my mom. I am super excited. The only downfall is hmm... I have to be away from our baby boy for a little bit. With our jasmine in full bloom, hubby took my pic with our li'l guy. I can't even begin to tell you how much this li'l boy color my world.

That's it from me today. Hope you all have a lovely day.

Glittery Chandelier

Hi peeps. I was going to get all creative last night, till I remember that Thursday is my TV night. I usually skip watching TV, except Thursday. I love Grey's Anatomy & Scandal. They're my favorite shows, so instead of playing with papers, I browse bunch of catalogs & making my wish list, & watching the show.

I do have a card that I want to share, though. This card was published on Paper Crafts Creative Die Cutting.  And, I kind of proud of this card, since I think it's slightly different than my usual style. It's CAS, but it's elegant, not cutesy. And look, it's non-white background. ;)

And, I love that I get to use my American Crafts POW glitter paper that I've been hoarding. Best glitter paper out there. It's glittery but smooth. It works really well with Silhouette. Cut like butter. L.O.V.E it!

There are actually 3 layers on this chandelier for a 3-D effect. Thank goodness for super tiny pop-dots. 

Now, I've been wanting to step up my game a bit. My goal for this year is to get get out of my comfort zone more. Many of you have followed my blog for a while and you know my style. What do you want to see me try? Give me a challenge that's related to paper crafting (cause I would not take bungee jumping challenge, in case you think to suggest that... hah...).

Looking forward to reading your suggestion. Have a fabby Friday.

Just The 2 of Us

My adventure in paper crafting starts with scrapbooking  and to this day I still love it. I don't often find time to do it, but when I do my heart actually flutter with joy. Yes, that's how much I love it. There's something of working with your loved ones pictures and combining it with pretty papers.

Last year, for my brother's wedding present I made an album of him and his wife from when they first met. I plan to share the pages here, but then completely forgot. And yesterday, browsing my files, I realized how much I love the pages I made for them and it's time to share them here.

So, no card today, but a layout. :)

Yes, still sticking to my clean and simple style. When it comes to scrapbook, I want the picture and the journaling to take center stage.

I will share more layouts and after CHA I am pretty sure my brain will be buzzing (it already start to buzz) and my creativity will be in high gear. Truly hoping that I can balance scrapbooking & card making this year.

And, yep I am already filled with anticipation to see my crafting friends. I will get to meet many new ones this year and I am super thrilled about it. 2 more days before it's time to fly out! Yayness.... :)

Merry Christmas

Dear all, wishing you a very merry Christmas. May Christmas fill your home with family and friends, fill your heart with love and fill your life with happiness and joy. May the wonder of Christmas touch your life and may the spirit of Christmas stay with you all through the year. 

And, as we celebrate it, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas. It's not about the presents. It's about love, spending time with family, it's about being thoughtful and kind to others. Let us remember that there are many who are less fortunate than us and that we can make a difference in other people's live by a simple act of kindness. 

Let us remember that despite many bad things in the world, we can make it a better world, starting with ourselves. We can be Santa. That our presents to the world is our very own act of kindness.

Challenge: Simon Says Stamp Anything Christmassy

To my mom, my brothers, Jeff & Jerry, my sister-in-laws, Gina & Denada and my sweet niece, I love you all and missing you so very much on this Christmas day. 

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FROM OUR FAMILY. God bless you all.

Santa Gift Card Holder

Sometimes when you don't know what to give for present, gift card would be the next best option. 

Hah... like I told my boss when he was asking about gift ideas for the concierge lady who help us distributing checks to the vendor, I told him that especially for woman please do not give gift basket. Many of us already over indulge during the holiday season, that it's better to give gift certificate, because that way at least they can purchase something they really like.

And, to compliment the gift card, tuck it in a cute gift card holder. :) Like this fun gift card holder I made (published in Paper Crafts Holiday Cards & More Vol. 7). Here's how it looks close. 

And, when open the card... ta... da.... gift card holder inside.

Hope your Thursday goes off wonderfully. We finally get a cold front. Time to wear the boots. :)

Treat Box

Yesterday, our town center had their annual Halloween celebration. I love watching the kids dressed up all cute & funny. But, I do not like creepy, scary, gory stuff. Not liking it a single drop. I am a chicken when it comes to scary stuff. I don't even watch horror movie. Not even the preview.

Sorry, I'll pass for all of the creepy stuff. I like my dream to be sweet dreams and not scary one. Yep, Halloween is not one of my favorite holiday, just because of the scary stuff. I hate going to a store and suddenly being greeted by creepy voice that make me jump. Or on one case, here I was browsing FB before bed and suddenly a scary zombie face pop up on one of my friend's pic that almost make me throw my laptop to the floor. Ughh....

Okay, enough whining from me. Only 2 more days and then we can all move on from Halloween. I don't mind doing Halloween project though, as long as they are in minimum quantity. Hah...

Here's my Halloween project that I made using my all time favorite machine, Silhouette a.k.a Mister Q.

For the web, I used wax paper on the inside and I stamped the sentiment before I put together the box. Beside using it as a treat box, you can also hang this on your door know. I think it'll be a sweet surprise for any kid to find candy hanging on their door, right?

I am entering this to The Cameo Spotlight Halloween challenge. Have a blessed day everyone!

Saying Hello

Hi'ya everyone! Yep, yep... this blog still exist. So sorry for the lack of post lately. I was away on vacation for a week and it took me longer to recuperate from it than what I expected. LOL, I need a vacation from the vacation. Does it  make any sense?

I literally had to come in to work straight from the airport to help my boss with some urgent stuff. Yep, I came in with flip flop and all. Then, dealing with jetlag. But, I am happy to report that I am back. Well, kinda. Hah... my work is still kind of crazy and I still want to spend as much time as possible with my mom while she's here, so not much crafting happening lately.

Good thing for publication rejects!! I have quite a few and they work nicely to fill in the blog. :) Including this birdie card. I love using bird image on my card. And, I notice the color gray kind of grow on me lately. I may have or not shared this card. I really can't remember. Sorry, if it's a repeat.

Now, since this blog also my way to keep in touch with my siblings that live in Indoesia, hope you don't mind if I am sharing some vacation pics & story. :)

We started with 8 hours flight from Houston to Honolulu. My hubby is tall, so he definitely couldn't wait for the plane to land. No fun being cramped in the small seat. The day we arrived we just took it easy. But, for the next day we booked a tour that picked us up at 7 am and dropped us off at 10.30 pm!!

Crazy  schedule. We had loads of fun as we went to visit so many place including Pearl Harbor, Dole Plantation, North Shore beach, and the Polynesian Cultural Center. The tour ended with an amazing show at the Polynesian Center, but I think almost half of the tour people were fighting sleep by then even though it was a 7 pm show because many of us just arrived the day before & dealing with jetlag. I was struggling to keep my eyes open to watch the show because I was sooo tired. But all in all we enjoyed our stay in Honolulu.

Here's some pic from our stay in Honolulu. 

With Pearl Harbor survivor Alfred B.K. Rodriguez.
Bought his book about Pearl Harbor.

With my mom at Hanauma Bay.

Hanauma Bay. The color... L.O.V.E!!

At Pali Lookout. It was so windy that you can pretty
much forget about good hair day. Am hiding behind my hair. :)

Our fabulous tour guide. Showing off our Fiji "tattoo". ;)

BTW, I was never a hat kind of girl, until I found this fedora. I am in love with this hat! LOL, when I met up with the super sweet Joscelyne Cutchens at the airport, she just saw me from the back,  but she recognized my hat! (I had posted a pic wearing the fedora on FB). Joscie is just super sweet. She made the trip to the airport just so we can meet before I leave for Maui. Her boy took our pic. LOL, he took better pic of us than hubby. Thank you, Joscie for taking the time to meet me. I love meeting you!!

Pic courtesy of Joscie.

Tomorrow or Wednesday, I'll share some pics from Maui. And, I notice quite a few new followers to my simple blog. I want to say thank you and welcome. I appreciate your visits here very much. Mahalo. :)

Hubby of Mine

Today we are celebrating hubby's birthday. We started the celebration yesterday with a fabulous crab leg dinner, courtesy hubby to try out the new induction cooktop he got from my mom. And it will continue today. :)

There are so many reason why I am so thankful for my hubby. My family loves him, too and they all think I am so lucky to have him as a hubby. My mom think he's the best son-in-law (hm.... I wonder if she says this because he cooks for us, hah...). No, for all seriousness,my family love him because he is sweet, thoughtful, and kind.

He is the kind of husband who saved the best piece of steak for his wife or given up the last piece of dessert because he knows his wife love dessert. The thoughtful hubby who woke up super early in the morning to let the dogs out, so his wife can sleep in. A strong man who doesn't mind sharing household duties, a supportive hubby who let his wife going to CHA because he knows how much papers and stamps make his wife happy. A quiet man who can be so silly and goofy. A thoughtful man who treat me like a princess.

He makes me a better person. Nope, he is not perfect, just like I am not perfect. But, we are good for each other. I am grateful to have him as my life partner and I want him to know that I appreciate him very much.

Below, is a layout I made of his 40th birthday. Isn't he so cute?? Honey, I know it doesn't sound manly, but I am your wife, I am allowed to say you are cute. Hah... Sorry for the crooked pic, I couldn't figure out how to take a good pic of 12x12 layout.

So, happy birthday to my best friend, my co-worker (yep, we work for the same company), daddy to our pups, hubby of mine. I love you and I wish you many happy blessings.

Neon Sweet 16

A quick post to share this card that I made using Mister Q (no, it's not a new brand of cutting machine, just my affectionate name for my Silhouette). :) And entering this card, super last minute, for The Cameo Spotlight number challenge.

Decided to jump in the neon trend. I rarely used black cardstock, but I think it show off the neon color much better than a white background. Well, really short post as I have no idea what to write at the moment.  Too many things swirling in my brain, yet none of that has anything to do with blogging. 

Thanks for swinging by here. :)