Greetings from Seattle

Hi peeps. Hopefully all my scheduled post will go up without a hitch. Today, I am in Seattle enjoying the cooler weather (compare to Texas hot! hot! weather). Not sure yet, what's on the agenda today. We plan to do sightseeing as much as we can. I have my comfy shoes ready for doing a lot of walking!

Today, is the official day for MyGrafico to announce their new DT. For today I have this patriotic color card. Plan on sending this card to Operations Write Home. Here's my card:

I used the digi stamp from Chi-Chi Memories 4th of July set.  You get 6 stamps in this 1 set! I am so excited of this new venture. MyGrafico working with many digi stamp artist, so there will plenty of images I get to play with. Yay!!

Don't forget this week is the last week to vote for Gallery Idol. From this week vote they will announce who's the winner for Gallery Idol. If you haven't vote please go to HERE to vote. Hopefully you'll vote for my card. :) Thank you all for the support. I wouldn't be in the Top 5 without your vote. Pretty please with all the yummy goodness on top, please vote and help make my dream come true.

Okay peeps, I am egoing to explore Seattle and looking forward to check out the famous Pike Market! Hugs, Vera.

B'day Bash Blog Candy Winner

Hi peeps. Sorry, I am late on posting  the winners of my b'day bash blog candy. I did pick the winners on the 28th though. :) For those who missed the freebie digi stamp, you can get it here. And here is the card that I posted that day showing how I used my doodle bird. Very clean look, which I love. :)

I wrote down all the names of you gals that joined the fun and have my hubby picked out the name from the bowl. And .... drum roll please.... the winner for the 1st prize package is...... TRINH!!! And the winner for the 2nd prize is... KAREN G (froggietalks)!!

Congrats ladies! Please send me your address and I will mail out your prizes next week after I come back from vacation. I am leaving today for a fun trip to Seattle/Vancouver! Can't wait! Cooler weather here we come!! I have all my post for my DT works scheduled and ready to go.

And don't forget to vote for Gallery Idol!! This is the finale! This week vote will decide who's the winner. My card is the pop-up accordion fold one with the picnic scene with all the animals. Thanks so much for all the support and you all have a blessed day! Hugs, Vera.

Gallery Idol Final!

Happy birthday to me! B'day gal in da house! :) One of my favorite day. Heh... yes, today I am turning 35! Don't feel like it, though. LOL, I am such a kid at heart, I think I'll stay young because of that. Let me warn you today's post gonna be long cause of all  the yummy details of my card.

On  top of celebrating my birthday, today is the start of the final round of Gallery Idol. It's been such an amazing experience. My creativity has been pushed all the way and I get to create beyond my wildest imagination. And thank you to all of you who always encourage & supported me. You know what my birthday wish would be, don't ya?? Please, please go check all  the final entries HERE, and vote for your favorite. Hopefully you'll vote for  my pop-up accordion fold card. :) This card has every thing that I love!

Here's the inspiration pic:

And here's my card. This pic  below shows when the card completely folded. The inspiration picture, makes me think of picnic time and I took the color combo of red, white, green, and orangey yellow. And since it's my birthday I thought birthday picnic bash is very approriate and the pic inspired my strawberry shortcake that the little mouse is carrying. :) I also want to represent my Gallery Idol journey from Top 10 to Top 5.

Stamps: Hedgehog & mouse Penny Black, all the other critters & tree Lawn Fawn,

tree stump Hero Arts, sun Tiffany Doodles digi stamp,

sentiment Papertrey Ink & Verve Stamps (hidden message).

From round 1 Creativity Heals theme, I took the tree and the swing. Remember my 1st card? Beside when  you send someone a birthday wish, it's because you're thinking of them, right? Then from round 2 of item found in a garage, I used sand paper for the rocks around the pond. From round 3 of creative use of ribbon, the pond. Isn't the pond looks so pretty like real water? Here's how the card looks half open. I love it that with every stages, you can get different look of the card. And all the critters start to pop up! You discover more treasure as you open more. There's even hidden message!

Duck, cattail, fence, cloud, & grass were cut using Silhouette.

Pond & rocks freehand cut. Layered ribbon

for the water.

Seriously, this card has so many goodness that I love. I love animals, I have a hedgehog pet named Coco, I used to have 2 pet squirrels, that's why there's 2 squirels in this card. I used to have a yellow lab, Hank who is now in doggy's heaven and yes he loved tennis ball, and you guessed it, I had rabbit pet, Thumper who gave a bunch of baby bunnies back in the day. I love snail image (the real thing?? not so much).  Oh, and the cake... The inspiration pic is overloaded with strawberry, make me thing of strawberry shortcake! 

On top of all those yummy goodness, I get to used all my favorite stamps from  all my favorite stamp company. I used Her Arts, Lawn Fawn, Papertrey Ink, Penny Black, and Verve Stamps in this 1 card. Here's the view when  the card all open.

There's a hidden Irish blessings

that you can see when the card is open.

The cool thing is I think this card still has my clean style even with all the details. And one of the main thing, I want people to be wow, yet know they can do this, too. It's all about stamping a bunch of stuff & cutting. The only tricky details is doing the pop-up, but still very do-able.

Here's the close-up of the apple tree. All the "apples or berries" are made of thread tied in french knot tie.

I love animals (and stuff animals). And since I have great imagination, I like to think how cool would that be to be Dr. Doolitle. This card is my dream world where all living being get along so well, enjoying beautiful sunny day, and I can speak to the animals. I am not in the pic, as I am  taking the picture. LOL. Hey it's my imagination, I can dream it anyway I want, right?? :) 

This close up view of the duck is definitely one of my favorite. The ribbon water looks so real, I can't help but feel happy when I see this cute Mama Duck with her duckling. And the rocks? I *heart* this section. The cattail. Thank you, Silhouette! One of the best b'day present (got it last year).

And here's Coco my hedgehog is helping me celebrating my birthday. Remember there's kiwi on the inspiration pic? That's what Coco is eating. See those little dots on the thingy she's holding? I added those, so it looks like she's eating kiwi instead of cookies. :)

I put so much love in this card. It represents my Gallery Idol journey, it represents all the things I love. No matter what the end result, I know I give it all I have and I am proud of it. I hope you love it as much as I do. If yes, please VOTE for my card. :)

Oh yes, before we end this long post, why don't we finish with the rest of 15 random facts about me as I celebrated 35 years of wonderful life.

21. Each birthday I wish my family is here. Miss them so very much.

22. Scotland is one of my favorite place to visit. Hello, Sean Connery... :) We passed the school he went to on our tour.

23. I am very laid back.

24. I am a softie. I got teary eye even watching Up!

25. I scatter things around, but am also very organized. Does it make any sense? LOL.

26. The Lion King is my favorite animation. 

27. I know all the songs from Mama Mia! My feel good movie.

28. Every now & then I crave cotton candy.

29. I love to travel & wish I can travel more often.

30. My mom is my idol of all time.

31. I still miss my pug, Milo that I lost 6 years ago. Always will.

32. I don't have a green thumb.

33. I am not a good cook. In our household, my hubby is the chef.

34. I loved really spicy food. 

35. My life is wonderful. I am grateful for everything, the good & the bad, cause it makes me a better person.

Okay peeps. That's it. :) Have a blessed day and may your week be full of sunshine & yummy goodness. Hugs, Vera.

Random Facts

Hi peeps! Happy Sunday! Sorry for posting this late. But, it's been a crazy weekend! First thing first.

MYGRAFICO SUMMER RETIREMENT SALE

RETIRING SETS ONLY 1.00 USD

starts 26th, ends 30th midnight

Retirement SALE product downloads cannot be reactivated , as products will be gone ( retired)

Customers must download their products right away as items won't be available after July 2nd.

This promo only valid at MG RETIREMENT CATEGORY and cannot be combined with other promos.

I am getting ready to go on vacation next week, so this weekend I have to prepare all the DT assignment and finished the card for Gallery Idol Final. Needless to say, I was a bit overwhelmed. I was so exhausted that on Saturday when my gals Joy and Leslie took me out to lunch for my birthday, they  had to convince me to get dessert. That's when you know something is wrong with me. I never have to be convinced to have dessert.  :)

Actually all 3 of us were tired. It was kind of funny actually. 3 tired gals trying to celebrate. LOL. Love you Joy, Les for coming out for me even when you're so darn tired. All we could think of was we need a nap. To be safe we all had some coffee before we left. Love them!  

Since today is my last day of being 34, I thought I'll do some random fact about me. 20 short random facts and tomorrow the rets. Tomorrow gonna be a loooonng post as you wouldn't want to miss all the details of my final card for Gallery Idol.

Okay, 20 random facts about me:

1. My mom said I was born with lots of hairs.  To this day I stil have really thick hair. Here's my pic as a toddler. :)

2. I was born & raised in Indonesia.

3. My girl, Leslie likes to call me rainbow & sunshine

4. I love cheesecake & tiramisu

5. I love pugs

6. I have a hedgehog pet named Coco

7. I am a middle kid

8. I skipped school only once in my school life. And get caught. :)

9. Growing up I was totally rice girl. I had to eat rice everyday. 

10. I didn't like Western food at all when I was a kid.

11. Now, I love steak & cheese. Go figure.

12. In high school I wanted to be a journalist or fashion designer.

13. I think it's funny that all my close girls think I am very funny.

14. I am a procrastinator.

15. I am an organized clutter scrapbooker/card maker. I know where all my stuff despite the piles.

16. I am a kid at heart. I am easily amused.

17. I was the last one in my group that still used flip phone (finally switched when my mom gave me her i-phone. Yep... my family in Indonesia is more techno savvy than me).

18. I still get homesick.

19. I've been in the States for 15 years.

20. I like pretty colors.

Okay, that's it for today's list. Now, I need to pack for our trip. Excited to see what all the gals will come up with for Gallery Idol final. Sorry, no card today. I just feel like rambling. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday eve. Hugs, Vera.

PTI June Blog Hop

White, Raspberry Fizz, Orange Zest, & Simply Chartreusse

Yay... time for Papertrey Ink Blog Hop! Just a quick post for me as I know you have lots of blogs to hop to. I decided to use the Asian Fusion set as I haven't touch this for awhile and I don't want it to feel ignored. Heh... :)

Simple card, except for the french knot that I added for the flowers.

Here's the close-up of the knots. Sometime I wish we have more than 24 hours in a day. Would love to do more cards with french knots, but it does take require some extra time. :)

Hope you like it. I still need to brainstorming for Gallery Idol final. Only have this weekend to come up with something great! Oy... pressure. Thanks so much for stopping by and I really appreciate it if you please leave a comment & let me know you stopped by. Hugs, Vera.

Gallery Idol Top 5

Good morning my lovely peeps! Thanks to all your vote & support, and after a long torturous day and night of waiting, I am happy to announce that I made it to the final Gallery Idol Top 5! So humble and grateful by this whole experience. What I saw on my computer screen early this morning. Sigh.... I almost forgot to breath when I went to check. It's worth the sleepless night. :)

This week has been so nerve wrecking for me. I mean when I checked out everybody's work (which is like a couple hours before the vote began), I had to pick up my jaw of the floor. Everybody really bring it on for this challenge and I almost cry when I saw their amazing cards. I thought my card was too simple looking, eventhough the process wasn't that simple. And, I am so relieved when many of you said you love my fish! Thru the whole competition, I want to stay true to my style. Which is clean style and I am humble that it has take me this far. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to all of you who voted for my cards.

I am grateful for many things and in restrospect I love wishing people thay may they always have things to be grateful for. One of my favorite blessing to say is this Irish blessing that I used on this card. I combine Hero Arts stamps with Verve stamp. I actually think this will looks nice framed, you know.

This whole card reminds me that there's beauty even in the simplest things, even grass. :) Looking at this makes me feel peaceful. To create this, I stamped Hero Arts Silhouette Grass with Mellow Moss ink. Then using chalks from bottom to top, I layered the colors, green, pink, orange, and blue. I've been really enjoying using chalks lately as you can create soft background with it. After I am done covering the background with chalks, I stamped the Blessings (from Verve Stamps).

And, I also have new challenge from Mami Doodles. This week the it's color challenge, use the colours Blue, Green,white with a touch of Red. The prize will be the last 3 images released (Mimi, Sinead and Leah), plus one of your choice. Cards using Mami Doodles images - including freebies - will have two entries on the draw. Here's what I made. Opposite from the above card, this one is cutesy looking! :)

This card going to my Card for Kids Drive pile. Pretty much all  my cute, kids related cards go to this and once I collected enough I'll be sending them to Jennifer. For more information go to Jennifer McGuire's blog. I hope you like the cards I have for you today. This afternoon I'll be back with a new post for Papertey Ink Blog Hop. Again, big hugs to you all and I hope you know that I appreciate each one of you for all your supports. So very grateful for you all. Hugs, Vera.

Paper Play Challenges

This is my 2nd post for today. For Digi Doodle Shop's Best post please scroll down. :)

Well, officially my work for Paper Play Challenges don't start till next week. But, since their challenge this week is pretty fun, I joined in anyway.  Heh... Although, in all honesty I think I got a bit mix up, too as I just compiled all the list of cards I need to make before I leave for my vacation next week. Extra card never hurt, right? LOL. So, here's my card for this week "It's Sunny" challenge.

Kind of love the paper piecing look. The cutting part, not so much. *grin* I guess, the final result make it all worth it. What do you think of the cute sun? Right now, it's one of my favorite sun stamp. You can get it here and it's free. Thank you all for stopping by and please cross your finger for me that hopefully I make it to Gallery Idol Top 5. Gonna be a loongggg day and night waiting.... :)

DDSB Everything Goes

Happy Thursday peeps! Time for another Digi Doodle Shop's Best challenge. This week it's easy peasy, everything goes! Create whatever you want, no restriction whatsoever.

Here's what I made for this week challenge. I just love this cute owl (you can get it here). And I thought he looks even cuter after I added a couple wigle eyes. What can I say... I have a weakness for owl and cute stuff.  :)

To make the card even nore fun, I added the tire swing and the squirrel. Both from my new Lawn Fawn stamps that I recently received! Go to Digi Doodle Shop's Best blog to enter the challenge.

And, have you vote for Gallery Idol? Only a few hours left to vote. Click on the widget on the right side of my blog to go vote. I hope you will pick my card as your favorite and help me get to the Top 5. We will find out tomorrow morning. Yikes... the waiting is driving me banana! So very nervous... Hmm... what kind of munchie can I have to calm the nerves... Suggestion?? *grin* Have great day peeps. Hugs, Vera.

My Grafico DT Announcement & call

Good morning peeps! Thank you all for making my day with all your sweet comments on my goldfish. I am glad that many of you think he's cute! I am going to try to do tutorial on the fish. I am going on vacation next week, so I will do the tutorial after I come back. Between getting ready for it and all my other commitments, I don't think I have the time to do it this week. :)

Meanwhile, for today, I have this beautiful card to share with you. All stamps by Hero Arts.

Oh, I have another exciting news to share with you all. I am joining My Grafico DT! If you're looking for great digital stamp selection, they have a bunch as they represent several different artist.

And guess what!! If you own a Cricut or Silhouette die-cut machine, and interested to join our DT, please send in your application! My Grafico offers SVG images to use with Cricut and we're looking into making GSD format as well to be use with Silhouette. We need a few more people that has experience with this. You have till June 30 to send in your application to tazzabdevilish@gmail.com.

I am excited with all the new adventures and I hope to continue inspiring you with my creations. Again, I really appreciate all your support. And have you vote for this week round of Gallery Idol?? You have till Thursday to vote. Thank you so much. Hugs, Vera.

Gallery Idol Round 3

Hi peeps! Are you ready to vote again? Please say yes!! :) From this week vote they will pick the Top 5 that go to the final. I would love to make it to the Top 5. But, I need your help to make it to Top 5. You can click on the widget on the right side of the blog or you can go here to vote. You have till Thursday 1PM CST to vote.

So, the challenge is creative use of ribbons. And Kelly (Paper Craft Editor) said they're looking for creative, “outside the box” applications. Boy, I am not one to make masculine card, and never thought I'd say this, but I found this challenge harder than using stuff found in the garage.

Something different with ribbon?? All I can say, my angel must  have watch over me, cause out of the blue I found out that there's what they call "ribbon sculpture". Do you know it? I didn't. But after some research, I found amazing creative use of ribbon. Now, I don't have instruction on this, so I pick something that I can figure out on my own. Peeps, here's my happy goldfish. :)

I am proud to say I figured out this goldfish all by myself through trial & error. Took a couple try, but I thought it turned out pretty darn good. For the goldfish, I used grossgrain ribbon. All I can say, my patience sure was tested when I did this. LOL. I am very picky with my fish. Like I told hubby, not all stuff animal created equal, some are just cuter than the other even if they're from the same manufacturer & same type of animal. Same as my fish. The first one was  too skinny. Looks like I didn't feed it enough food. After 3 or maybe 4 tries, I end up with pretty healthy fish.

For the water, I layered 2 different sizes sheer ribbons. The tricky part is to only taped part of the ribbons, so the bottom part hang loose to create the water ripple effect. Even the bubbles are made with ribbon as well. I used Love My Tapes adhesive, best one to use with sheer ribbons.

The rest of the card, I want to keep it clean. I stitched all around the edges and that's it. I want the water & the fish to be the main focus. Taking the pic just as hard as I want the fish to look like it's pucker up and said, Oohh... someone's having a birthday partay!!" *grin* When it comes to animal stuff, I have great imagination. Heh.. What do you think? You think it's unique? I sure hope so! Would you be interested in tutorial for this fish? I thought of doing a tutorial, but only if I have enough people interested.

So, how about going to Paper Craft Gallery & vote. Pretty please, with cherry and all yummy goodness on top. And again, thank you all for your supports & vote. If I could hug each of you, I would. I am a hugger. *grin*

Don't forget to enter my "B'day Bash Blog Candy". You have till June 28 to enter for a chance to win some goodies. And tomorrow, I have another announcement to make. I am joining another awesome company as part of their DT. Details coming up tomorrow. Okay peeps, may your week be a blessed one. Hugs, Vera.