Ling's Design Studio

Lily Pad Guest Designer

2012-02-08T10:43:00.000-06:00

Hi all. Just a quick note to let you know that I am the guest designer at Lily Pad today! And... if you scroll down after the interview, you might see another announcement there. :) I am thrilled to be joining these ladies whose most of them been my supporter when I first started blogging.

I am sharing 3 cards complete with instruction there and here's a look at one of my card that I share on Lily Pad.

Please check them out at Lily Pad. I am busy packing and getting ready. One more day before my trip!! Can't wait to see my mom and my brothers and their beautiful other halves.

Brella Fairy

2012-02-07T07:58:00.000-06:00

Back on Thanksgiving day, my stylish niece Maddy, expertly added a turquoise feather to my hair. Secretly, I always wanted to add wild colors to my hair. I know, I know... as goody, goody as I am, I do have a bit of wildness, you know. LOL, very, very little bit. And, the turquoise feather was a fun way to add color to my hair without actually coloring it turquoise (and she put it so well, that no one at the office ever know I had it).

Why do we talk about hair? Because, yesterday I went with blue hair for my fairy and today... I go with hot pink! :) Please welcome Brella Fairy to Some Odd Girl collection.

So, what do you think of the fairy collection so far? If you need more incentive or more samples, then check out what the DT gals created for Brella Fairy at Some Odd Girl blog.

Only 2 more days before I am flying out to Bali for my brother's wedding!! I will stay in Bali for a week, then off to Jakarta to spend more time with my mom and visiting friends and family. I better get busy and get things ready!! Thanks so much for stopping by here. :)

Lawnscaping Inspiration Challenge

2012-02-06T08:01:00.000-06:00

I am back for a second post for today. If you're looking for Some Odd Girl new release, please scroll down.

Time for a new Lawnscaping challenge #27. By the way, have you seen all the new Lawn Fawn stamps that coming out? Love, love, love them. Quite a few of them on my wishlist. Anyway, our new challenge is to create a project inspired by the above picture.

All those red and heart inspired me to create a loved dovey card. I gave this card to hubby already. I love toast, so I told hubby I love him like I love toast. LOL. And hubby often makes me awesome breakfast, so this image is just perfect.

You have 2 weeks to enter the challenge and for more inspiration please check out what the DT gals created at Lawnscaping. I am also entering this card for Moxie Fab cutting & trimming challenge since I did lots of cutting for this card (I fussy cut the the tray & toasts and use paper trimmer for the border strips). Hope you will play along with us.

SOG Flower Fairy

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning! Are you ready for some cuteness?? It's time for the latest digital stamp release from Some Odd Girl. I am so thrilled that Kristy decided to keep me and let me continue my journey with SOG. You can see her announcement on last Friday HERE.

I did meet with Kristy, Leah, and Melissa who are my team mates on SOG, but unfortunately our plan to spend some time and do coloring lesson, didn't happen. CHA was just crazy busy and we all with different groups, so things didn't go the way we planned it. But, hoping that next time we will, especially if SOG have a booth at summer CHA. Cross fingers that it will happen. :)

On to the release. It's FAIRY time. I love anything fairy related, so this is soooo up on my alley. One of my favorite fairy related story is The Fable Haven series by Brandon Mull. Love that series. Oops... back to SOG fairy. Hah... so easily distracted.

Today, we are highlighting Flower Fairy and I think she's a cutie and spunky, too. This time, I decided to be bold and let my fairy have blue hairs. I have to remind myself sometime, to color differently, that hair don't always have to be brown, black, or blond. That it can be ANY colors!

Challenges:

Lily Pad - Patterned Paper

Birthday Sundaes - Birthday Card

The new DT has created some superb samples for you all to check out. You can see them at Some Odd Girl blog.

4 more days before my trip to Bali!! My cousin Julia is flying out with me, so at least I won't be alone. Still o many things to do and so little time. Have great week everyone!

CHA Part 2

2012-02-05T19:05:00.002-06:00

Hi there. Sorry, for delay on my post for CHA. Thursday night, I had another cyst burst that pretty much put me in so much pain that all I can do just laid down on the sofa. And, I didn't have my post ready or scheduled. Luckily, when I was incapacitate I have this warm puppy that like to snuggle with me. Except when he wants to play! He is light, but when he bounced and landed on my stomach, he kind of took my breath away. :)

Let's get on with the CHA report, shall we. Now, there are tons and tons of booths to cover and I did take tons of pictures, but I am sure many of you already seen lots of sneak peek from other site. So, I'll just highlight my favorite collections.

First up, This & That and Note To Self collection from Echo Park. Gorgeous papers! You can click on any of the pics to view it in larger size.

I love, love, love Ali Edwards stamps for Technique Tuesday. Love her unique style and the stamps aimed at both card makers and scrapbookers.

The layovers from Hambly are so cool! On my wish list.

My Mind's Eye 6x6 paper pads and fab stamps. Love that their stamps only cost $5.99 a set. Gorgeous + reasonably priced = awesomess!!

Cute display at Paper Smooches.

Pebbles.

Beautiful paper pad from Studio Calico Take Note collection. Gorgeous overload! Right underneath it are some layout samples that were on display at their booth.

Card samples display at Penny Black booth, where I met the lovely & talented Elizabeth Allan who designs for Penny Black.

This one pic, I just had to share! This beautiful peacock was on display at DCWV booth and yes, people, it made of papers!! It's my favorite booth for their awesome display. They also have parrot, toucan, etc. Even the tree was made of paper leaves. Simply gorgeous!!

Fancy Pants collection.

Now, I know many people love Basic Grey and I wasn't one of them. Until.... I saw their newest collection. This one below is from their Konnichiwa collection. Gorgeousness!!

Basic Grey Konnichiwa stamps.

Basic Grey Pb&j collection.

So, which one is your favorite? All that I shown here... I like them all. Hard to choose. Now that I have enable you and make your wish list longer, let me share some more fun pics of the lovely peeps I met. BTW, Tori Spelling & Vanna White was there, too and I completely miss them. Things a bit crazy on the last day, so I totally missed Tori.

From top left: With Kelly Purkey, Elizabeth Allan, Kim Kesti, Kelly from Paper Crafts, at Paper Crafts meet & greet with Teri, Stephanie Washburn, Laurel Beard & Michelle Gross, Windy Robinson, & Heidi Van Laar.

I would do more comprehensive report, but Ii kind of short of time. I still have tons of things to do for my Indonesia trip. Hopefully these pics help satisfy your CHA curiosity and I hope next time I can meet many more of my online friends. Thank you all so much for stopping by here. Come back tomorrow for Some Odd Girls latest releases. Cheers.....

CHA Part 1

2012-02-03T09:33:00.000-06:00

Are you ready for a long post with tons of pics?? Hah! That's what happened when you go to CHA. You took tons of pics. :)

But, I sure am glad to be back home. I have 6 more days home before I go to Bali for my brother's wedding. Am trying to savor my moment with hubby, Ollie, and Eli. Hubby is so good to me. Every day while I was at CHA, he sent me pics and videos of Eli, our bouncy puppy.

Anyway, the trip was such a whirlwind. It was fun to be able to see all the new products that coming out soon. Lots of yummy goodness added to my wish list. But, of course the most fun is seeing old friends, meeting new friends, and getting to know those you only have met online before.

First night, I had dinner with with miss Lawn Fawn, Kelly Marie and her hubby, Mike, Laurel Beard, Ayana Posadas, Chari Moss, Jenny Suchin, and Nancy Krueger. I gave Nancy extra hugs from Barb when I saw her. Nancy and Barb supported me since the very beginning when I started blogging.

And, I was so thrilled to finally meet Laurel and Ayana my Lawnscaping team mates. Laurel is my enabler, the one who persuade me to go when I want to cancel on going. I have known both of them for quite a while, but this is the first time that we finally get to meet in person and I just love them! I called them my twins, lol, cause we're all shorty and we totally click. Laurel is just the cutest and Ayana is simply adorable. And she's like me like to touch things. :)

Here's a line up of pics for today and I'll share more tomorrow including some of my favorite products.

At Lawn Fawn booth with Laurel B and Ayana.

With my Some Odd Girl team mates, Kristy Delman, Melissa Andrew,
and Leah L'Orange. I am so lucky to be in their team.

With my Cards That Care partner, the cutest mom-to-be Jennifer McGuire.
BTW, love her dress. :)

Me, Ayana, Susan Opel, Tenia Nelson, Kim Wilson, & Maile Belles.

This group... I am so psyched to see them. Susan always so bubbly and full of energy. And Tenia, Kim, & Maile are just the sweetest. When it comes to Papertrey Ink, Maile's stamps are some of my favorites!! And, Tenia... look how stylish this new mom. Yes, she just had a baby a few months ago and look how tiny her waist already. Kim is sweet & adorable. Seriously, this pic filled with so much sweetness from these girls.

Yay... finally get to meet Michelle in person. Fab girl.

I adore Michelle. I was with her on a DT a while back and she's so supportive & thoughtful. Love her! She's the owner of CAS-ual Friday challenge, which is an awesome challenge site.

At Paper Smooches booth with Kim Hughes.

Adore Paper Smooches stamps very much and Kim is so sweet. Love seeing their upcoming stamps! Cuteness overload. :)

At Market Street Stamp booth with Angelica Suarez, Stephanie
Washburn, & Jenny Suchin.

My favorite pic, at Doodlebug booth. They have uber cute booth!

Ayana is so adorable. Had so much fun walking around with her. Love, love, love spending time with her.

With Jill Foster, who is the sweetest!
She has a smile that can brighten a whole room instantly.

Now, how about a peek at one of the product that I thought was just so cool? Join the revolution with Inkadinkado. I was just recording it with my i-phone. No sound, just want to show you how their new gear works.

So, what do you think of this new gear? I was super excited when I saw how it works. However we have to wait for a while before we can get our hands on this handy gear. They're shipping in August!!

Okay, be back with more people pics and products pics later. Get your wish list ready! Have a great Friday everyone. Cheers....

Thanks For Being You

2012-02-02T23:05:00.000-06:00

Hello sunshine!! I am back home from CHA. It was quite a trip. So many fab things to see and most importantly and the most fun part of course, meeting up with so many of my online friends. I am working on finishing up my CHA report and will be posting it a bit later today.

Meanwhile, I want to share this card that I made before I left for CHA for Sp & Company. I am using my favorite set called For Every Woman. I love the sentiments and the gorgeous flowers on this set.

The clean look of this card just makes me happy. Lots of white space. :) The strip patterned paper is from Echo Park. Speaking of Echo Park, I am super excited for their upcoming releases. They have some gorgeous paper pad coming!

Am entering this for Moxie Fab Cutting & Trimming challenge, since I did the fussy cut on this card with my trusted Fiskars scissors. The flower was stamped, fussy cut, and adhere to card with pop-dots.

If you're not familiar with Sp & Company, yet you can check out the store HERE and the blog HERE.

That's it for now and I'll be back with tons of pictures! :)

CHA Time

2012-01-28T06:00:00.000-06:00

This morning as this post go up, I'll be on my way to CHA! My heart kind of split in two places right now. I love going to CHA and meet up with all my crafty friends, but oh... how I will miss my little guy, Eli. He had his first shot yesterday and he's such a doll. Didn't even flinch when he got the shot. Of course, the fact that the vet helper holding a cheese whiz on a stick that he's so intently licking on has nothing to do with the shot. ;)

Yep, Eli was the center of attention at the vet. Everybody loves him. He sat quietly and just kept tilting his head watching everybody and absorbing what's going on around him.

I am excited for CHA as well. This is my first time attending winter CHA and everyone say it's bigger than the summer one, so I am excited for that. For the first night, I'll be having dinner with Laurel Beard, Kelly Marie, Ayana Posadas, Nancy Krueger, Jenny Suchin, and Chari Moss.

I'll be taking tons of pictures of course and sharing the pics as soon as I can. And, since I'll be out looking at new stuff, I thought I should at least try to use up some of my scrap papers. I am making this card for Moxie Fab die-cutting challenge and Lily Pad pattern paper challenge.

I layered the scrap papers directly on the card base, then cut the deer shape out of white cardstock and using the negative space adhere it on top of the scrap papers. I love the way this card turn out and will definitely make more using this technique.

Thank you all so much for stopping by here and hopefully I'll meet many of you at CHA. Have a blessed weekend!

SOG Color Inspiration

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-06:00

Only a couple more days before I am off to CHA to get together with some crafting friends that I just adore!! It's always fun to catch up with old friends that I have met before and it sure exciting to meet up those that I haven't met in person.

I have to admit though, this time it's going to be a bit hard to leave because I have a little man (hubby loves to call our puppy, Eli, little man... heh...) at home that's super cute that I will miss a lot while I am gone. Hubby was asking if I'll miss him, too. LOL. Of course, I will! I'll miss my little guy and my big guy!! Hubby will be taking care of our little man while I am away for some crafting fun. Thanks, honey. :)

Besides getting together with fab friends, I am looking forward to get some coloring lesson from Miss Kristy, herself!! I love working with her Some Odd Girl images and been wanting to learn directly from her, so I can really make her images shine. And, speaking of SOG, we have a new challenge going on and you'll have 2 weeks to enter!

This time it's inspiration challenge to create a project inspired by this pic:

And, here's my card:

Can you see that I am ready for spring? Although, I can't complain this year. This year winter in Houston has been mild and me likey! It's so much easier to take the puppy out in the morning when you don't have to freeze your booty off. :)

This challenge marked the end of the current Some Odd Girl team. It's been such a pleasure working with the Odd Girls team and I am sure I will continue running into everybody on blog land. Please check out the DT final projects HERE.

Enjoy your Thursday!

Puppy Update

2012-01-25T12:07:00.003-06:00

Hmm.... anyone still coming here? :) I am a bad blogger this week and probably for the next few weeks. Saturday, I'm leaving for CHA. Then I'll be home for 9 days then off to Indonesia for my brother's wedding. Since I'll be away a lot, I have to work in advance for various DT projects and I am working on finishing my brother's scrapbook as well. So, I've been making lots of cards, just can't share them, yet.

Oh, and not to forget, I also have this super cute little fella that require lots and lots of attention & love. Eli is such a sweet & playful puppy. He helps heal our hearts and hubby and I are so in love with him.

He plays a lot and sleep a lot, too. To be honest, I have a hard time being away from him. I miss him when I am at work and can't wait to come home and play with him. So, going to CHA and being away from him for 4 days going to be pretty hard. And, then 3 weeks in Indonesia.... acck... I'll miss him SO MUCH. I hope he won't grow up too fast while I am away. :)

Eli is adjusting very well. He makes himself at home right away. He's learning to use the pee-pee pad, which is a huge bonus. And when he's tired, he'd give us this look that just melt your heart. Big sister, Ollie also starts to warming up to Eli and they start to play chase, often end up with Ollie's tail in his mouth. LOL.

Yeah, this new mommy will be bragging about this little fella quite a bit. Hubby and I joke that Eli is our first baby together. Before that hubby has Hank & Nick, and I have Ollie. So, that make Eli our first one that we have together. Hah!

Okay, let me drag myself out of puppy chat and move on to card chat. If you've been following y blog for a while, you know I L.O.V.E my Silhouette. So, when I saw Moxie Fab die-cutting challenge, of course I have to play.

For this card, I used Silhouette to cut a transparency film and the I colored the transparency film with Tattered Angel glimmer glaze. Once the glaze dry, I did a final coat with Tattered Angel glitter paint and adhere this shimmery peacock off the side of the card.

Thank you all so much for stopping by here. Have a blessed Wednesday!!

May Arts & Hero Arts

2012-01-23T16:44:00.002-06:00

Hi all. Quick post for today. It's my day at May Arts blog. You can check out my post HERE.

This week we are teaming up with Hero Arts!! And as usual, there's fab giveaway you can enter as well. All you need to do is leave a comment on May Arts blog. Here's a peek at one of the card.

Also, I want to wish a happy Chinese New Year to all my family and friends who celebrate it. May this year brings you health, joy, and blessings. Have a blessed Monday everyone!

Stitched Together With Love

2012-01-20T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hello there. Are you excited that it's Friday?? I am! We have a new little guy who took so much of my time that trying to juggle everything has left me exhausted this past few days. So, I am really looking forward to weekend! Hoping to get some sleeping time. Our little man, Eli, he is a sweetie. He steals everyone's heart with his playfulness & sweetness.

Although, I caught myself crying a couple times still. I can't help missing Nick and Eli sweetness reminds me of Nick. How I miss my big guy. My heart still ache thinking of him. Eli definitely helps us in moving on, but I think it'll be a while before I can stop crying when I think of Nick.

Anyway, let's talk card, shall we. Today, I have this simple and sweet card using SP Stamp Sewing Chic and for the life of me (sorry, lack of sleep), I couldn't remember the brand of the paper. But I know, you could get it at SP & Company shop. :)

In case you didn't know, SP & Company also has a blog where you can find many ideas and inspirations. Check it out HERE.

Next, I made a card for my exit from A Day For Daisies. Our term is ending and it's been such a pleasure working with Tammy's sweet, beautiful images. Here's my card using the latest release "Sitting In A Snow Globe".

Thank you all for stopping by and happy Friday!! One more week before I am CHA bound!

Birthday Sweetness

2012-01-19T10:26:00.000-06:00

Surprise, surprise!! To commemorate Some Odd Girl 2nd birthday, Kristy surprised all the girls on the DT with not one, but three super sweet birthday sets! Are we lucky or what?? Thanks, Kristy!!

Back then she called them the shush stamps. ;) But, without further delay, I am please to introduce you to:

Birthday Mae

Cupcake Mae

Baker Mae

What do you think?? I squeal when I saw these sets. They're just way too cute. To get you hand on these cuteness simply visit the SHOP.

Tomorrow, I will be sharing one of my favorite card using Some Odd Girl images made by non-DT member. Each of the DT member get to pick a favorite card, so come back tomorrow to check whose card we pick! :)

Speaking about sweetness, I have a sweet news to share. First of all, I want to thank everyone for their kind words on my post regarding Nick. First day was the hardest, to face the morning without his greeting. I cried so much that day that my face probably looks like a watermelon.

Anyway, both hubby and I were heartbroken and we spent the day after start looking for other dogs or puppies. We still have Ollie and we don't want her to be lonely. And, for those of you who love dogs, knows how hard it is to resist a puppy.

Well, we open our heart and house to welcome this little guy. At first, I did felt like it was too soon and maybe we were too emotional when we made the decision, but as this little guy look at us, I can't help thinking of how he has the same look that Nick used to give us.

I cried when we picked this guy up. I was asking hubby if Nick would understand that I am not replacing him. And, I was reminded that no dog can replace each other place. Each dog has its own special spot in your heart. We decided to go with another pug, since Ollie is getting old and grouchy sometime. Bigger dog might not be good for her.

At first we were going to name him Elvis, per hubby suggestion. He does looks like a hunk of burning love, doesn't he? But, mommy didn't quite agree with that name. Mommy wants to name this guy Jagger (since I love Maroon Five song) or Ham.

Anyway, we kept arguing back and forth. I think right now we settle on Eli based on one of my favorite TV show Eli Stone. I don't know if you remember that series, but kind of like Glee they have lots of singing and the guy was super sweet. And, this little man (the way hubby like to call him) tend to stop his play when he heard a song on TV. He'll stop and move his head side to side watching the TV.

So, even though I still cry when I think of Nick, I am happy to welcome this sweet little guy to our family. :)

Some Odd Girl Birthday Party

2012-01-16T07:30:00.000-06:00

** Please scroll down for Lawnscaping challenge post.**

Welcome to Some Odd Girl Birthday Bash week! Today, January 16th through January 17th we HOP! We are so thrilled and honored to have been able to share two whole years of Some Odd Girl madness, so we have a special treat just for you!

The Odd Girls will be sharing their TOP 3 favorite creations of their term with you. Why is this special? We're playing a little game, you have to name the Some Odd Girl stamps used in those creations! We promise no retired stamps, so if you aren't sure, just pop by the Some Odd Girl shop and find those names and place a comment with the answer in the comments section! A random winner will be chosen out of the correct answers from one of the Odd girl blog to win 1 of the 3 brand new Birthday Celebration Clear Stamp Sets! That means 3 winners people!

Here are my Top 3 cards from this term with Some Odd Girl.

Leave your guess on the comment section (I turned on the comment moderation for today and tomorrow's posts, so everybody can guess the name of the digi fairly & no peeking on each other's answers).

Remember you have two days to complete the task at hand and be sure to leave lots of love at each members post for more chances to win!

Here's a complete list of all the links for the hop:

Some Odd Girl Blog

Amy

Cor

Leah

Robin

Vera ----------------- You're HERE!!!

Melissa

Caz

Elena

Lou

Christina

Kristy

Make sure you check out Some Odd Girl blog this week as we have quite a few surprise in store for you.

Lawnscaping Winter Wonderland

2012-01-16T07:00:00.001-06:00

Hi all, short post for me. Just want to let you know about the latest Lawnscaping challenge. This time our theme is winter wonderland and we are sponsored by Lawn Fawn.

Please check out the DT fab creations at Lawnscaping blog. Thank you for stopping by here.

Rest In Peace Nick

2012-01-15T23:40:00.001-06:00

Tonight, my heart ache deeply. Hubby and I came back from our San Antonio trip early because we're worried about our doggy, Nick. My friend who doggy sitting for us called and told me how he's been throwing up.

When we came home, he gingerly stand up and then lay back down. I spent the whole afternoon sitting with him, caring for him. By night, he couldn't stand up. And I tried to make him drink by pressing wet paper towel to his lip.

About six months ago, he went through the same problem of throwing up and not eating. Vet said it might be liver problem and said he probably dying. I prayed that if it was his time then don't let him suffer and if it's not his time please let him be back to normal again. At that time, God gave him back to us. He was back to his bouncy self by the next day.

Tonight, I said the same prayer and God decided heaven is better for him. My heart ache so much and my head feel like it's hammering. He's my boy, my shadow. The one who follow me wherever I go, keep me company when I am in my craft room. My protector. My boy.

Nick, you took a piece of my heart with you. Rest in peace my dear boy. Thank you for your love, your loyalty, your companionship. Part of our heart will always belong to you. Till we meet again my Nicki boy. ♥

Last Wee Memories Challenge

2012-01-14T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Saturday!! Today marks the day of Wee Memories last challenge. Yes, you read it correctly. Jenny has decided to discontinue the challenge. As many of you know, card making is simply a little part of our life and we all have many other things going on. After much thought and consideration, she felt it is best to end our Wee Memories journey.

And, we want to go out with a BANG! :) For this sketch challenge we have 3 sponsors: There She Goes Clear Stamps, The Twinery, and May Arts ribbon.

And, here's my card using the cute ostrich from There She Goes Zoopendous set.

As we're closing this chapter, I hope you will join us on this challenge and help us close it in a big way!! It's been such a pleasure to be on this team and the girls on this DT has become a dear friend to me. I am sure all of us will continue to keep in touch with each other in the blog land.

Please check out the DT fab creations on Wee Memories blog. Have a wonderful and blessed weekend. :)

Rain or Shine

2012-01-14T01:00:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone. Today is my turn to post at SP Stamps blog. I am sharing this card below using Rain Boots set.

Would love for you to check my post HERE and would sooooo appreciate it if you could leave some love over there. Thank you so much!! Now, I am off to go to San Antonio to spend some time with my in-laws. Cherio... :)

Name Contest

2012-01-13T08:27:00.001-06:00

Hi'ya lovely peeps! We're only a few days away from, Some Odd Girl birthday bash. It will all start next week on Monday and continue all week long with fab surprise & giveaway!

While waiting... how would you like to play a game? Kristy created this special digi stamp for the celebration and we have a name game contest. First, a look at the digi stamp. :)

Now, what would you name this cute image? To put in your suggestion and be enter into the contest, please go to SOME ODD GIRL(starting at 2pm) and put in your two cents. :)

Thanks for stopping by here and my your Friday be a fabulous one!

Heartsy Mae

2012-01-12T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hi'ya peeps! Today, we continue with more sweetness from Some Odd Girl to introduce to you. Let me introduce you to Heartsy Mae.

Is she a cutie or what? I love her expression and her outfit is pretty darn cute, too, don't you think? I think that's part of why I love SOG images. When you play with it, it kind of remind me of playing dress up. :)

To see more cute samples using Heartsy Mae please checkout Some Odd Girl blog. Speaking of SOG, 2 more weeks till I get to meet some of the girls from SOG. Several of us are going to winter CHA in California at the end of the month and I am soooo excited to finally meet Kristy, Leah, & Michelle in person.

I actually almost cancel on going as I have my Indonesia trip coming up in 4 weeks. But, some girls are quite persistent and one super sweet girl (you know who you are... Laurel B..... LOL), really know how to get to my heart and convince me to change me mind. Granted, it will make things a bit... okay... a lot more hectic for me, but it'll be worth it. It's always a blast to finally meet the people that you've been talking to forever online. :)

For the next 6 week, my blog post would probably be a bit scatter as I am trying to get all my assignments in before my trip and of course while I am in Indonesia blog post would be minimal. However, I plan on blogging about my brother's wedding. I am sure the wedding would be a blast & memorable.

That's it for me today. Thank you so much for stopping by here and thank you for all the lovely comments you left on my post at May Arts blog. You are awesome!

May Arts Ribbon Wreath Card

2012-01-11T10:48:00.003-06:00

Hello. Quick post, just to let you know today is my day at May Arts blog. I am sharing tutorial on how to make this card below.

I actually made 2 cards. You can check them out on May Arts blog.

Sorry for the short post. I am super swamped lately and I really apologize if I haven't commented on your blog as often as I'd like to. I do still visit many of the blogs, just short on time for comments. I try though whenever I can. Things should be back to normal after February. I have CHA and my brother's wedding coming up, and I have tons of deadlines. Please bear with me.

In February I have some exciting stuff coming. Let just say, I am super excited for something that's card related that going up at the end of February. ;)

Thanks for stopping by here. Cheers....

SOG Coy Kaylee & Valentine Card Drive

2012-01-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning! Wow, what a way to start the week. Yesterday, for the first time since my 16 years here on this part of Texas to see tornado warning for our area. Well, actually they said tornado touchdown in our county. Luckily, our area only got the heavy rain.

Our street was flooded and I ended up staying at home instead of going to work. Thank goodness my boss agree with me that me driving in the flood is a bad idea. So, hubby and I spent the day at home with the doggies, who barked at every thunder. Sigh.... Can't complaint, really. Last year we had such a bad drought, we needed the rain. I am just glad that our house and us are safe. :)

Now, on to card. This week, Some Odd Girl is releasing a bunch of fabulous & adorable Valentine's digi stamps. It started yesterday, actually with the release of 2 Hearts Kody and Mae. In case you missed it, you can always check it out at Some Odd Girl blog.

Today, we're showcasing the second image. Here's Coy Kaylee.

Ack... how cute & flirty she looks?? I am also quite happy with my hair coloring on this one. Coloring with Copic still a learning process for me as everything that I do truly based on trial and error and watching other people coloring. Am hoping that when I meet Kristy (the girl behind SOG), Leah, and Melissa at CHA, I can learn a thing or two from them, since they're so good at coloring. :)

Also, another thing I want to mention. A sweet card maker, whom I met through Gallery Idol, Winter Sims is doing Valentine Card Drive and I would love if you could help and send some cards for this cause. Winter is collecting Valentine cards for the kids at St. Jude's, Vanderbilt, and TX Children's Hospital.

Feel free to help spread the word for this awesome cause. Thank you for stopping by here. I really appreciate you all.

Avocado Arts Part 2

2012-01-08T09:44:00.002-06:00

Hi peeps! I have another card to share with you for my stint at Avocado Arts.

I really love the set I received from them, Sweet Treat Sweetie! This set is so sweet just like the name and very versatile. You can use it for Valentine, thinking of you, birthday, etc. And it match my CAS style perfectly.

To see the previous cards I made for Avocado Arts, simply scroll down. :) Or you can see them HERE and HERE.

For this card I used watercolor technique to create the soft color around the cup rim and the heart. Love, love, love the tea cup design on this set.

Here's a look at the set.

Pile of yummy sweetness in one set!

Their DT have tons of fab samples using this set. You can find their DT links on their blog Avocado Arts. Check it out! Thank you for stopping by here and have a great Sunday.

To Lisa and the Avocado Arts team, thank you so much for having me! :)

Wee Memories Mini Challenge

2012-01-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Saturday! This week challenge from Wee Memories is all about mini card and our fabulous sponsor is My Favorite Things.

Since, I love catching up with friends over coffee, I decided to use A La Modes I Miss You A Latte set from My Favorite Things. This is my first set of the A La Modes series and I really like it. Adding this series to my stamp wish list that's already long.

I think this would a fun and cute card to send to friend that you haven't seen for awhile (Lori Janise... I know you're reading this, hint.. hint... :) ).

Please join us on this fun challenge. For more inspiration and for challenge & prize detail please checkout Wee Memories blog. Have a great weekend!

PS: Attention to CHERYL YAMASHITA, one of the lucky winner from Cards That Care, Jennifer and I've been trying to email you and it kept bounced back to me. Please email me so we can mail you your prize. Or, if any of you know her, can you please let her know. :) Thanks so much!

I Cherish This

2012-01-06T12:12:00.000-06:00

Just a note, this post is not a card related post. :)

I am really thankful for today's technology. As much as my heart ache that I couldn't be there for my mom's 70th birthday, I am grateful that through today's technology, I can still share the moment. One of my cousin recorded part of the party and post it on Facebook.

I have so much mix emotion when I saw this clip. I laughed because of some funny moments, like when my brother joining his fiance singing with his off key note, I cry because it makes me feel like I missed this moment by not being there, happy because I get to see my family celebrating my mom's birthday.

Here's where you can view the clip:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=3034097050399

The lady who serenaded my mom is my brother's future mother-in-law. She's a well known actress/singer in Indonesia and I think she still performing to this day. The girl who duet with her, her daughter, my future SIL. It warms my heart to see that my brother is marrying this beautiful, kind, amazing, down to earth girl. She makes my brother happy and she blends in so easily with our family.

It's also makes me wish my dad still here. How much he would have enjoyed this moment. My dad love the folk song from our province where I grew up. I think back then, in our family, only my dad appreciated the folk song and Indonesia singer. I only learn to appreciate these kind of songs after I am away and more mature. Now, I realize more than ever that my home country has so many richness & beauty.

I just want to share this moment with you all. I know it's not card related, but now & then I just feel the need to share some personal stuff that means a lot for me. :)

SP & Company Stamps

2012-01-06T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hi lovely peeps!! Yay for Friday. For me it seems like this week goes by pretty fast. Maybe because it's only 4 working days? Glad it's almost weekend again. I have so many things to do before my trip for CHA and for my brother's wedding. Even though it's been super hectic for me, I really been enjoying scrapbooking again.

As I am making progress for my brother's album, I am savoring the feeling of seeing how it slowly but surely coming together. I think that's why I enjoy scrapbooking. Because not only I am making it for the people I love, but most of all, I enjoy working on pictures of people I love. It really helps in getting the creative juice flowing. :)

Anyway, some of the thing I am working on are my cards for SP & Company Stamps. Today, is my first post for them and I am so excited for this new adventure. It's always fun working with fabulous stamps and creative ladies as I am sure many of you will agree. :)

Well, for my very first card, I get to play with this beautiful Sewing Chic set. I want the image to shine, so I keep the rest of the design CAS. Love the dress form and that thread spool. The sentiment is also from the same set.

I guess fussy cutting must be my favorite thing to do. Quite a few times I find myself reaching out for stuff to cute when I feel stress out. The cutting process let me to just let my mind wander.

You can find more fab stamp set at the SP & Company store and fun inspiration at SP Stamps blog.

Enjoy your Friday, everyone!

SOG Bling Me

2012-01-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning, peeps!! Time to share more cuteness. Some Odd Girl latest challenge is "Bling Me". We want to see at lots of blings and at least 2 types. Option include but are not limited to pearls, rhinestones, stickles, loose glitter, foil, misting glaze, and the list goes on.

And here's my card.

Challenges:

I actually use 3 kind blings. It's hard to see on the pic and I would have taken better picture, but after almost risking making a disaster on my desk, which currently filled up with so many stuff as I am working on several different projects, I gave up and just go with t his pic.

I used pearl for the center of the green flower, fine glitters on the cupcake, and I traced the outline of the chef hat with glitter pen.

The DT has created some fabulous samples and you can check them out at Some Odd Girl blog. I hope you will join us on this glittery, full bling challenge. :)

Also, I just want to mention real quick that today is my day at May Arts. I made a clip board decorated with lots of ribbons and you can check it out at May Arts blog. Thanks so much for stopping by here. :)

Happy Wishes

2012-01-04T08:47:00.001-06:00

Lawn Fawn is one of my favorite company. So, when I saw their Lawn Fawn CHA Winter 2012challenge, I just have to play along.

Last year, I made a similar card like the one I made today. I pretty much keep the same concept and keep the log background. But for the polaroid pic, I decided to go with more colorful look, so it looks more cheerful. :)

Speaking about happy wishes, I want to say thank you as well to those who left such a sweet comment & wishes for my mom's birthday. We both appreciate it very much. Wanna see a couple pics from her surprise birthday party? My SIL is so awesome. So, I wouldn't feel left behind, she sent me a bunch of pictures as soon as the party done, so I could share the moment. :) I love my SIL.

Do you see that cake? Isn't it humongous and gorgeous?? The rose cake was surrounded by 70 red roses. Leave it to my SIL to plan amazing goodies.

This, is my FAVORITE picture!! My cousin-in-law took it. I laughed as soon as I saw it. I am guessing it's my little brother's idea. He and his fiance always take a pose where he picks her up and vice versa. Yep, that slim girl in red... she's strong! :)

I love my goofy & fun family. Counting the days till I see them again!!

I Adore My Mom

2012-01-03T09:44:00.000-06:00

Today, my mom is celebrating her 70th birthday. If you have follow my blog for awhile, you know I adore my mom to pieces. So, this post is for my mom as she celebrates this milestone. :)

Of course, growing up, just like any other teenager, we had our differences. But, as I become an adult, there's nothing more that I want then hoping that when people sees me, I hope they see her in me.

I realized (and I am proud of it) that I am quite a bit like her in many ways. We're both the serious one in the family, yet we can be very goofy as well. I get my love for boxes & organizing from her. Yes, if you looks at my messy scrap room, you'll be like huh?? But, you can drop us at The Container Store and we'll be happy browsing there & checking out the cool & cute boxes, drawers, etc. She's a master in packaging efficiently.

My "Goofy" mom. :)

From her and my dad, I get my work ethic. To work hard, give your best, make sure you get your job done, ask question when you don't know. She's thoughtful and generous. She helped sending some kids to school, simply because she knows the parents couldn't afford it. No, she's not rich either, but she would put aside what she could to help them. And, only us, her kids, and the people she helps that know this. Her random act of kindness inspires me.

Me & my mom.

She thought us that the most important things in the world is family. That everyone else could come and go, but not family. Appreciate & love your siblings. She's the strongest person I know. And, most practical. My brothers and I sometime joke that she has a man's attitude in viewing things. She's honest and speaks her mind.

Growing up, I struggle because I was so shy and wish constantly that I could be confident like her. One time I asked her how can she be so confident. And she told me that many times she's just as shy, but she push herself to face the fear. She taught me life is not always easy, but it's all about how you view things. She taught me to be optimistic, be positive, and be grateful for what I do have.

Christmas 2010.

Of all the things I treasure of our family, I treasure our family bond. That no matter how old we are, we still do things that we did when we're kids. Including, we still like to snuggle with her. LOL, especially me and my li'l brother, we're the babies!! Since we were kids, every time we're together, we always spend time in our parents room and everybody just piled up. This is where we share our stories, goofing off, or just simply enjoying each other company.

When you join the family, you simply join this tradition. :) I have to say that our family is very blessed that not only we love each other very much, but we have amazing in-laws. I think my mom can tell you that she's very lucky that all her children-in-laws love her. That says something, isn't it? Hubby loves to call her mama-san. :) And, yes, hubby adores her and wants her to move here with us. He did silly stuff with her constantly when she's visiting us.

Celebrating my mom's 69th birthday.

Today, my brothers and SILs are giving her a surprise birthday party, where they invited my mom's best friends, our uncles and aunts, and people that matter to her. My heart ache and I cry a bit, because I couldn't be there. But, I know she knows that I love her so much.

She always said she may not be rich in a material way, but she's so rich in love and family, and that she has a very blessed life (even though she had some tough times growing up). She's still amaze every time we dedicate something to her (my brother dedicate his very first book to her).

She doesn't realize her own value sometime. Or the impact she has on people's lives. Mom, you make a difference in your own way. All 3 of us have you to thank for all our good values. Thank you for raising me the way you did. For teaching us and be an example for us, to be kind to others, to stand up for yourself and what you believe in, to always appreciate one another.

Mom, I love you and I say it before and I say it again, I am so lucky and blessed to be your daughter. You're the best mom for me. Love you so much. Happy birthday and may God continue to bless you with all the things that makes you happy. xoxo... your daughter. :)

Avocado Arts

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

A couple months ago, Lisa from Avocado Arts asked me if I' be interested to join them as their guest designer. Of course, I immediately say yes. So, here I am as their January guest designer. Did you see their post yesterday? I giggle as soon as I saw it. The title of their post Ring-A-Ling cause of my name!

Growing up with the name Ling, trust me I heard it all. Ring-a-ling, ting-a-ling, etc. My brother used to tease me to no end, and the funny thing is I ended up liking it. I think it has such a cheerful ring to it. :)

I shared one of the card on yesterday's post. And today, I want to share the other card that I made (this one actually was shown on their blog yesterday).

I love the simplicity of this card. And, yep been playing with my spray mist again. I am really glad that I get to play with their January set as it is so cute & sweet.

Check out Avocado Arts blog for more fun inspiration from their DT. Thank you all so much for stopping by here.

Lawnscaping Birthday

2012-01-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

Did you see this POST at Paper Crafts blog? Heh... I just found out, that my New Year card was featured for their last post for 2011!! That makes me so happy! I didn't even know it, till I saw Jenny's post at Wee Memories blog. :)

*Also, make sure you scroll down this post to see my card for my guest designing at Avocado Arts. *

Now, on to Lawnscaping first challenge for 2012!! And, this also marks the day Lawnscaping turns 1. To celebrate, we are going with "Birthday" theme and we are sponsored by Simon Says Stamp.

I love Lawn Fawn stamps since their very first debut and it's been a pleasure to be part of this team of Lawn Fawn lovers. Without further delay, here's my card.

I used stamps from 5 different Lawn Fawn sets for this card, including a very tiny piece that come from Pa-Rum-Pa-Pum-Pum set. Can you guess what is it? Hint.. hint... it's supposed to be part that connect the train on this set. Except.... here I used it as candle. :)

Check out the DT fun creations and I hope you will join us on this celebration. As our thank you for playing along our challenge all this time, there's a freebie available at Lawnscaping blog courtesy of Melania.

And... another exciting thing... I am the January guest designer at Avocado Arts. I made a couple cards using their January release, Sweet Treat Sweetie. Just like the name, this set is super sweet. Here's one of the card and you can check out the second card on their blog. Would so love & appreciate it if you could leave some love on their blog. :)

Have a great Monday, peeps!

Gratefulness & Welcome 2012

2011-12-31T22:15:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year, everyone!! I hope all of you start 2012 wonderfully. I am looking forward to this year. :)

As 2011 closing, I want to take a quick trip down memory lane & look back at 2011. Many things happened this past year, but above everything else, I am grateful that all my family members are healthy and doing well.

Thankful that my mom is still doing great and healthy. My big brother get promoted as vice director for the cardiology department at the hospital where he works. My little brother got engaged. My SIL, Regina, took the big leap to quit her corporate job and pursue her dream of opening a bakery. My future SIL, Denada, is doing well with her career and of course, she got engaged to my brother. :)

So very grateful for my hubby who's been there for me through all the ups and downs. With him, I know we can face anything. He's strong, compassionate, and so supportive, loving, and thoughtful. Thankful that he continue to love me the way I am, imperfection and all. Very grateful that God lead me to him.

Grateful for the time I had with my foster dad. What I learned from him will stay with me for the rest of my life. Grateful for my dad who passed away almost 10 years ago, because I know he's still watching over me. Grateful for my foster mom and brother who enrich my life with their presence. For my amazing parents-in-law who welcome me to their family with open arms.

Grateful for all the friends I met through card making. For the enjoyment & fulfillment that I received through it. I spent so many hours of my days doing this and it's something that I truly enjoy. I simply have so many things to be grateful for. I am grateful for this life and all it has to offer.

While we're looking back, how about looking at some of my favorite cards from 2011? Here we go:

Not often I do what I consider fancy card, which means lots of layers. And this one,not only it has lots of layers, I even did a french knot for added details.

This one capture my love for animals. And of course, for Lawn Fawn critter sets!

I guess, this one what I would call my favorite reject. It didn't make it for submission, but I really love the bright and cheerful colors on this circus theme card. And the cute elephant.

I sent this card for World Card Making Day. I just love the overall design of this card & the colors.

My super CAS card with a dash of bright color. Love how the bright colors stand against the white background.

One of my favorite CAS card using Penny Black stamp. I have this stamp forever, it's an oldie but goodie. :)

This year, I am blessed to be joining Some Odd Girl team and this was one of the first card I made for the DT. Again, love the cheerfulness of the card. Did you notice a pattern here? Me and bright colors?? Yep... I love cheerful card. :)

One of my favorite Christmas card. I bought this stamp set because of these birdies. Funny, I used to think I am a pastel color kind of girl, but I realized I am actually a bright color kind of girl.

As we welcome 2012, I wish for all of us that may 2012 bring us health, joy, prosperity, and blessings. Thank you for your friendship, for your visits to my blog, for all your encouragement and support. I really appreciate you all. Have a blessed 2012!! Cheers.....

Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hi peeps! Happy Saturday, happy New Year's eve. I've been super quiet this week due to mojo refusing to work with me. Kind of freaking out a bit as I really need to finish my brother's scrapbook album. Only about a month left and I am still far from close to finish.

Anyway, today I am here to share the last Wee Memories challenge for 2011!

With the new year coming, new beginning, new chapter, you can guess our challenge theme is "NEW". Create anything that's new related. It could be using new stamps, or celebrating new addition to your family, or happy new year card, etc. For my card, since today is the last day for 2011, I go with Happy New Year card. This card actually recently published on Paper Crafts A Card A Day.

I love the CAS look of this card. The word new & year were cut using my li'l engine, Silhouette. Sigh.. have I told you how much I love that li'l engine? ;)

For more inspiration please check out the DT creation at Wee Memories.

Looking back at 2011, it's been quite a year. But, I am thankful that it's been mostly good, that through everything that happened this year... I still have my family that I love oh so much (very grateful that I got to start the year with them), that I have a new job, met new friends, have a home to come home to, hobbies that allow me to unwind and be creative, etc.

I am optimistic and hopeful that 2012 is going to be a great one. As long as I have my loving and supportive family I am good. And, I wish you all that may 2012 be a prosperous year for you and your family and may it be filled with great moments, great joy, and blessings.

To my mom, my brothers and their other halves.... I love you all so much and cannot wait to see you again. Love to you all and cheers for 2012!! xoxo

Love Inspiration Challenge

2011-12-26T19:04:00.003-06:00

I am late, I am late, I am late! Yikes.... I am totally spaced out and forgot to blog for Some Odd Girl Love Inspiration challenge. So sorry. This month has been such a crazy & busy month that I forgot things constantly.

The challenge at Some Odd Girl is to create a project inspired by this pic:

I just love the little hearts and re-create it using Echo Park hybrid collection. And here's my card using Romantic Gwen.

I am loving Romantic Gwen at this moment. She's just so sweet! I hope you will join us on this fun challenge. :)

Merry Christmas...

2011-12-25T10:25:00.000-06:00

To you and yours! :)

Last year, I was lucky & blessed that I get to celebrate Christmas with my family in Indonesia. Just being there with them was the best present ever. The joy that I felt just being with them reminds me what Christmas all about.

Being with family, enjoying each other company. Creating a joyful family memories. A time to reflect and count your blessings. I will never forget the laughter and merriment of all of us together. To hear my mom saying how happy she was to have all her kids gathered together and hear all the laughter.

This year, I am with them in spirit. I get to skype with my mom, my brothers, and my SILs last night. It was great that I could see all of them, even though just through the internet. And, yes, all the dogs get to make appearance as well.

I am counting the days till I get to see all of them again at my brother's wedding. Yes... my little brother is getting hitched and I can't wait to see him marrying his funny & loving fiance.

From our home to yours, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and may your Christmas be a joyful and memorable one. May you always remember the reason for the season and may Christmas blessings be with you all year round. Merry Christmas with lots of love from me to you!!

Christmas Cheer

2011-12-23T09:12:00.000-06:00

Hi all, today is my day at May Arts blog. This week we are teaming up with Bazzill Basics (love, love, love them!) and I get to play with super cheerful papers. I made a card and a tag.

Here's a look at my happy card:

Want to see what the tags looks like?? Check it out at May Arts blog. And, would be so awesome if you could leave some loves. Spreading love is good, right. ;)

Let's see what else going on my world. How about crazy?? LOL, this year I am so behind. I am afraid I didn't even get to send out too many Christmas cards. I am working on finishing my brother's scrapbook like crazy. I want to give him and his fiance a meaningful presents and I always believe scrapbook is one of the most personal and meaningful present you can give.

I have about 6 weeks left to do this. You might say that's plenty of time. Not for me. When it comes to scrapbooking, somehow my perfectionism come out full force. Like everything has to be super straight and perfect. Especially because I want this album to be as special as can be. I can whip up a card in no time, but scrapbook, I am S.L.O.W.

Oh... and another exciting news. See this?? That's my li'l brother's house-studio on the cover on Home Living magazine (Indonesia edition)!! Accck.... How awesome is that? I asked him to buy a copy for me. :)

Congrats, Jerry!! If you check out that link, you'll be entertain by some amazing photographs. I couldn't be more proud of both of my brothers. They're both so successful, but most importantly... they love me like nobody business and spoil me whenever they can. I couldn't ask for better brothers. Love them both so much!

Thank you all for stopping by and enjoy your long weekend!!

Cards That Care Winner List

2011-12-23T05:00:00.000-06:00

Good morning, peeps! As this post go up, the cards from Cards That Care are being distributed to many happy recipients across the States and Canada. Thank you to all of you who send cards for this cause. With more than 3800 cards collected, we are able to bring joy to many nursing homes.

Thank you all for making this card drive such a success. To the participants and to the generous companies who support this drive... we couldn't have done it without your support & generosity.

Without further delay, here's a list of winners for the card drive. Congrats ladies!

Bella Blvd package: Wanda Knott

Hero Arts 6 stamps of your choice: Lisa Haines

Lawn Fawns stamps package: Shannon Winbun

May Arts 3 spool of ribbon of your choice: Mary Pat Siehl

Paper Crafts 1 year subcription: Christine Fitch

Paper Smooches $25 GC: Debbie Kissel

PSA Essential package: Donna Przybylowski

Simon Says Stamp $25 GC: Amy Page

Some Odd Girl $20 GC: Jenny Riedel

Market Street Stamps $25GC: Krista Baginski

The Twinery Sampler Twine: Ruth & Erin Gauss

The Crafts Meow stamp package: Dixie Cohcran

Sweet Stamps Shop stamp package: Donna Hanley

Penny Black 2 cling stamps of your choice: Sherrie Mannion

Avocado Arts stamp package: Linda Wetterlin

Jane's Doodle $25 GC: Leesa Berry

Eclectic Paperie $25 GC: Divine Elamparo

Inspired Stamps package: Jacqueline Smith

True Scraps class: Sheryl Pierce

There She Goes Stamp $25 GC: Cheryl Yamashita

Again, we want to thank each and everyone of you who's been so generous with your time and participation. This card drive is a success because of you.

I wish you all a very merry Christmas and may your Christmas be filled with joy, love, and happiness.

Lawnscaping Texture Challenge

2011-12-19T05:48:00.001-06:00

Good morning peeps! Today, I am back with Lawnscaping challenge #24. This will be our last challenge for this year and our theme is all about texture. You can use felt, flocking, embossing, etc. For playing along you will have a chance to win a set of your choice from our sponsor Lawn Fawn.

I am a bit worn out with Christmas cards, so I decided to make a thank you card, instead. :) Here, I went with embossing for texture using Tim Holtz wood grain embossing plate and adhere the cutie dog with pop-dots for dimension.

I hope you will join us on this fun challenge. For more inspiration please check out Lawnscaping blog. Can't wait to see your creation! Have a blessed Monday everyone.

Wee Memories Free For All

2011-12-16T21:50:00.002-06:00

Happy Saturday, peeps! It's time for another Wee Memories challenge. This time the challenge will run for 2 weeks due to the holiday schedule. To make it easy peasy with everyone busy schedule our theme is "Free For All" a.k.a anything goes.

You can find challenge and prize details at Wee Memories blog.

For my card, I used the mice from Penny Black' Bubbly set.My favorite from Penny Black stamps always the hedgehog and the mice. This time, I figure this smiley mice on top of the champagne cork is perfect for a card to celebrate New Year.

Please check out what the DT gals created for this challenge at Wee Memory blog. Short post today. Need to take my card to the shop for service. It's been making this ticking noise that drive hubby crazy. :) Enjoy your weekend!

PS: In case you don't know, I'm now an affiliate for Two Peas In A Bucket. Whenever you shop there, I'd love for you to shop through me. To do that simply click on Two Peas logo or link on my blog. It has special link that let them know you're coming from my blog. They're having a year end clearance sale going on right now. Thank you & hope you can take advantage on this sale.

Year End Clearance Sale! Save an additional 10% off clearance items. Discounts up to 75% off. Discounts good 12/17/2011 (12:00am CST) through 12/31/2011 (11:59pm CST)

Free shipping through the end of the year when you cart totals $35 or more in non-digital/non-phaseout product domestically shipped. Starts at midnight CST on 12/17/11 runs through 12/31/2011 (11:59pm CST).

May Arts & Graphic 45

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

** For Some Odd Girl new release post, please scroll down. **

Hello and welcome to May Arts and Graphic 45 blog hop!! In case you missed it, May Arts and Graphic45 is doing a blog hop for this whole week and you could win some fabulous goodies.

And, today is my day for the hop! You know, honestly this is my first time playing with Graphic 45 and at first, I was a bit worried. Most of you who's been following me for awhile, you know vintage is definitely not my style.

But, low and behold, I created a set of Christmas cards and they're all vintage looking!!! Aaannndd.... I love them! The papers coordinated beautifully and make it a breeze to create these cards. On top of that, their papers works awesome with my Silhouette. No need for double cut at all. I tried this for some cards that I made for submission and I am now hooked on Graphic45.

For all the cards I used Graphic 45 Christmas Emporium set. They're gorgeous!!

For this first card, I used May Arts 1/4" silk ribbon (SK26). The silk ribbon is definitely my favorite. They're so silky and easy to work with. The music scores all come from 1 sheet of patterned paper. Is that a good deal, or what? This set goes a long way!!

This second card is using May Arts sheer twinkle ribbon CT16. One of the sheet of paper has a bunch of tags that you could cut apart and I fussy cut one of the Santa. The greeting image below came from the same sheet.

Now, this card.... I {heart}. I think this card is my favorite. Simple and May Art silk ribbon (SK16) compliment the greetings perfectly. Less is more is definitely a do for this card, don't you think?

And, this last card totally capture children's joy on Christmas. Somehow it reminds me of our Christmas when we were growing up, where my cousins would come over and celebrate Christmas with us! On this card I simply adhere the ribbon behind the image panel.

So, what do you think of my venture to the vintage side? Yay, nay? Kind of fun pushing myself outside my comfort zone. :)

Now, you ready to hop? Today's hop include:

Kimberly Jones

PeggyCain

Vera Yates <---you're here
Tara Orr

Nancy Wethington

Nicole Eccles

In case you missed any other days, be sure to hop on over to these blogs too:

Thursday's Hop:

Jinky Kowalski
Britta Swiderski
Karen Baker
Sherry Cheever
Hilde Janbroers

Wednesday's Hop:Jenifer Cowles
Jingle
Robin Shakoor
Yuka Hino
Gloria Stengel

Tuesday's Hop:Ellen Sosnoski
Charlene Driggs
Jen Shears
Laura Denison
Melaine Forbes

Monday's Hop:

Thank you for stopping by here and have a great Friday!

SOG In Stitches Tia

2011-12-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

Ack.... Did you hear me squealing last night? Did you see this post at Papertrey Ink blog?? Yep, yep.... I am the lucky girl to win ALL the December stamps from PTI. I almost missed it, too. I just scrolled down and wasn't expecting to see my name at all. I've been entering for the past 2 years and never get picked. Till last night!!

I want to scream with joy, but I couldn't since hubby already asleep. So, I just made a tiny squeal. ;) I mean, truly blessings comes in many ways and sometime when don't even expect it. So grateful. This brighten my day so much!! Happy dance!

With such happy news, how about a happy card? Today Some Odd Girl is revealing the last set for this month new releases. Let me introduce you to In Stitches Tia.

Challenges:

Delightful Challenges - Anything Goes

The Paper Variety - Anything Goes

All images and sentiments are from the set. I popped a couple of the button with pop-dots for extra dimension. I'll be giving this card to my niece, because she is awesome and yes, she can sew better than me. I still can't sew a straight line.

I can still remember how my dad used to joke all the time whenever me or my mom start sewing. He would acted so surprise and asked us whether we poke ourselves or sew our fingers together. :)

The DT gals has created some fab samples to showcase this set and you can check them out at Some Odd Girl blog. Enjoy! :)

SP & Company

2011-12-15T12:50:00.003-06:00

Ack... I am excited to announce that I'll be designing for SP and Company stamps!!!! I am one of the part time designer. :)

Here's Samantha's official blog post: http://www.thescrapmaster.com/2011/12/meet-new-sp-team.html

SP & Company makes great clear photopolymer stamps that are produced right here in the USA. Lots of great images and sentiments, plus cut files, and other crafty goodies too (paper, twine, die cuts). If you're not already a fan hop on over and follow Samantha's blog and would be awesome if you could let her know I sent you. They are also on facebook if you'd like to like us. :)

I truly love card making and all the doors it has opened for me. I met so many wonderful people and really blessed to be working for some fabulous companies!!

Tomorrow.... be ready for some May Arts & Graphic45 goodies!! I'll be sharing projects that's not my typical style... which is... VINTAGE! See you tomorrow!

Nutsy Kaylee

2011-12-14T22:37:00.002-06:00

Are you ready for more cuteness from Some Odd Girl? Today we are highlighting Nutsy Kaylee set. Trust me, Kaylee is not nutsy at all. She's sweey. Now... the squirrel... hmm... could be different story. He is nutsy about nuts!! :)

I love this set. I know I said that about each set. But, seriously, this month new releases are my favorite. All of them super cute and even better that I can use it for all kind of cards.

We're continuing with my medium size card. I can't really call it mini, so medium it is. Both cards measure 3-1/4" x 5-1/2". Here's Kaylee with her adoring look. I actually shared this card last Friday for Some Odd Girl blog hop. But, since she's so cute, she can popped in here twice. ;)

Next, is the cutie pie squirrel that also come in Nutsy Kaylee set. This set is definitely a must have for me. Besides, since our family used to have pet squirrels, I do have soft spot for them. The string is from May Arts.

These cards makes me smile. Need to make more of this. I love cheerful cards.

On the card drive update, please bear with us. We will pick the winners soon. Sorry for the delay. Have a great and blessed Thursday. :)

Some Odd Girl Gwen

2011-12-14T08:46:00.002-06:00

Hi peeps! Today, I have a couple cads to share showing the two new Gwen sets from Some Odd Girl. I know, everyone is busy getting ready for Christmas, but it's nice to take a break from making Christmas cards. You don't want your mojo to get bored and take a hike and abandon you, right?

And with chilly weather, I think some cute images are in order to warm the heart. ;) All the sets release this week are all about Valentine. But, you could definitely use all the images for any occasions. That's why I love Some Odd Girl stamps. Pretty much almost all of them can be used for any occasion cards.

First up is Romantic Gwen. I know I want this stamp the moment I saw it. Here expression is just too sweet. Both sets measure 3" x 4" and comes with Gwen image & 3 sentiments.

Next is Crushin Gwen. That heart with the "u" comes with the set. I thought the design is pretty cool. And the arrow... hm... would be fun to use to make your own background background.

You can check out Some Odd Girl blog to see more fabulous samples by the DT gals. I'm just so lucky to be part of this amazing DT. Some of the girls are just simply a coloring master. I continuously leaning something new just from seeing their works. My coloring skill is definitely getting better because of them.

Thank you for stopping by and hope you all have a great Wednesday.

A Fox & A Light Bulb

2011-12-12T12:48:00.000-06:00

Yay... it's time for Some Odd Girl new releases. Starting today, you can pre-order all the fab Some Odd Girl 's Valentine sets HERE.

Today, we're highlighting Foxy & Electric Love. Don't you just love the name, Electric Love? Reminds me of Debbie Gibson song that used to be very popular when I was in junior high, Electric Blue. We even had a dance performance using that song. :)

Okay, okay, back to card. Here's the cute foxy. LOL, in case you didn't notice, I love cute stuff. I even still have a collection of small stuff animals, and yep... I do have a fox. If we ever have any kid, we don't have to buy stuff animal at all. Have plenty! Hah!

Next, is Electric Love. I like this card a lot!! The clean design, spray mist, the sentiment, the washi tape... just love the way it came out. :) Oh, and I am really into making small card lately. This one measurement is 5-1/2 x 3-1/4.

Check out Kristy's blog as well for more samples. Have a great Monday, everyone!!

Cards That Care Report

2011-12-11T22:24:00.004-06:00

Hi peeps! Hope you all enjoyed your weekend. I spent all Saturday morning sorting and packing cards for Cards That Care. I am super duper thrilled to report that we collected over 3800 cards!!! My scrapbook room floor was totally covered as I pack the cards for shipment.

More than quadruple the amount of card that I received last year. I can't thank Jennifer McGuire enough for agreeing to teaming up with me. And huge thanks to Jana Millen as well for helping us and to all the ladies who help us distributing the packages. We're bringing joy to at least 19 nursing homes across the States and Canada. When I found out the total amount, my heart just swell.

I mean, in this tough economy, so many of you still willing to help and donate for this cause. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I appreciate your participation very much. Giving back to the community is important to me and the fact that I am able to do this by doing what I love (card making) makes it even more awesome.

As for the prizes, please bear with us. It's quite a bit of work to line up everything. We're working on finalizing everything. Should be able to announce soon. Between holiday, work, etc., there's just not enough hours on the day. :)

Now, after the update, how about a fun card? I needed a break from some serious stuff that's going on in my personal life, so I decided to make a funny card. I made this card for Moxie Fab Random Fun challenge. As I was thinking what sentiment to make, mustache-licious came to mind. :)

Next, is a CAS card. This one is for Moxie Fab Pay It Forward challenge. Super simple but I believe in less is more. What do you think?

Thank you for stopping by here and thank you again from the bottom of my heart for supporting our card drive. You are awesome.

Wee Memories Holiday

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

** For Lawnscaping or Some Odd Girl Valentine's Release blog hop please scroll down. **

Happy Saturday, everyone! It's time for another Wee Memories challenge. This week our theme is holidays and we are sponsored by Sister Stamps. I fall in love with their stamps from the moment I laid my eyes on them.

And, this week, it's my turn to do altered art. Since this year I promise myself to add more handmade ornament to our Christmas tree, I decided to create a sweet ornament.It didn't show well on the pic, but the snowman actually has a nice glitter as I trace the snowman outline with Stardust stickles.

Here's how the ornament look on our Christmas tree.

The snowflake/doily pattern was cut using Silhouette. I really love my Silhouette. Hubby asked if I love Silhouette more than I love i-phone. And without any hesitation I said yes, absolutely. Hubby was like, hmm... I think you're the only person who would say that. LOL.

I LOVE my Silhouette. I told hubby, you know those ads where the girl get so excited when they get a diamond, that's how I was when I got my Silhouette. Yes... Silhouette, you really should pay me as your spoke person since I gush so much about your machine. ;) And, I still have the old school one. Would like to up-grade to the latest Silhouette Cameo, but I don't think I can do it any time soon. Besides, my current Silhouette is so good to me, I'll keep using it as long as it's working.

Here, I went babbling all over the place. Sorry... Make sure you check out what the girls created for this fun & super easy challenge at Wee Memories. Thank you so much for stopping by here and have a superb weekend!

Some Odd Girl Valentine's Release Hop

2011-12-09T07:00:00.001-06:00

** For Lawnscaping Blog Hop please scroll down **

Welcome to Some Odd Girl Valentine'sRelease Hop! It may be cold outside, but we have some sweet images to warm yourheart. Our new release will make you want to pinch cheeks and give love to allyour love ones.

Want to take a sneak peek at the newreleases that you can start ordering on Monday? Well, you're on the rightplace. Hop to the Odd Girl's blogs and get some virtual love & crafty hugat every stop!

I think this is one of my favorite releases. Allthe stamps are super cute, sweet, and adorable. Here's one of the card I made.I cannot wait to share with you the rest of the cards that I made for thisreleases.

Challenges:
Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

CASE Study - Challenge # 69

All images onthis card is from "Nutsy Kaylee" set. Isn't Kaylee just the sweetest? And thatheart with the woodgrain pattern... LOVE it!! I've been playing with spray mista lot more lately, as you can see on the background.

Here's acomplete list for the hop.

Some Odd Girl Blog

Leah

Amy

Vera <------- YOU ARE HERE

You can hopthru Sunday December 11th (midnight EST). Make sure to comment at every stopbecause then you'll be entered to win a stamp set from the new release! We'llbe giving away 1 of every set and announcing the winners all next week when thestamp sets are revealed.

Are you readyto feel the love? Get to hopping and enjoy some fab eye candy. :)

Lawnscaping Blog Hop

2011-12-08T23:18:00.000-06:00

Hello and welcome to Lawnscaping Blog Hop! So glad you’re here to join us! You should have come to me from Pia Overgaard blog. In case you get lost or you arrive here for your usual visit to my blog, you can always find a complete list of the participants at Lawnscaping blog.

Our blog hop theme is all about RED!!! And here's my Christmas card showing some red.

Challenges:
Cute Card Thursday - Anything Goes

Forever Friends - It's All Christmas

Freshly Brewed - Christmas

The hop runs from Friday, December 9th to Sunday, December 11th! Make sure to comment on all of the blogs because there are some awesome prizes to be won! Lawn Fawn, Mold Muse and Whiskers Graphics has generously offered some fabulous prizes!

All the details can be found on the Lawnscaping home page. Remember, you have till Sunday, December 11, 2011, 11:59pm EST to leave comments on all the blogs to be eligible for the prize. The winners will be announced on Monday, Sept. 12th.

From here please hop on over to Crafty Math Chick. Thank you so much for stopping by here and hope you enjoy the blog hop and find lots of inspirations. Cheers...

Happy

2011-12-07T23:46:00.001-06:00

Hi peeps! How are you doing? I am already start to count the days till I get to see my whole family again. :)

Yep, happy news... I get to go home in a couple months to attend my brother's wedding. And, on op of that, it'll be a family reunion as well. I have uncles, aunts, cousins coming from all over the place. We have pretty international family. I think so far we'll have attendance from Germany, Malaysia, US, New Zealand, and Australia.

Some of them I haven't seen in over a decade. Family is very important for me and especially with us scattered all over the globe, it's even more important for us to keep in touch and getting to know each other better, so the family ties continue getting stronger and not fading. I missed the previous family reunion, so I am super excited that I'll be able to make this one.

Just the thought if seeing my family again is enough to make my heart flutter. L.O.V.E them. :) So, with all the happy, I made a card to reflect my feeling. Made this card inspired by Moxie Fab Inspired in the Kitchen challenge.

I love the fresh colors on this pic and the pattern on the glass reminds me of doily pattern. So, here's my card:

And, tomorrow will be a busy day!! I have 2 blog hop for you. One for Lawnscaping and one for Some Odd Girl, showcasing our latest new release. You will love the new stamps. They're super cute and they're my favorite stamps for the moment. :)

Please join me here tomorrow. Thank you for taking the time to swing by my blog. I really, really appreciate it. Ah yes... next week... giveaway to celebrate reaching 400 followers. Have a superb Thursday!

Say Cheese

2011-12-05T22:51:00.001-06:00

This past weekend, we spent some time with hubby's parents in Galveston. They have our nephew, Max staying with them for a week. And also, first weekend in December, is when Galveston have their annual Dickens on the Strand, where people dressed up like the Victorian time and there's vendors & music.

We don't get to see Max often as he lives in Illinois, so it was fun that we get to spend some time with him. At the festival, I love listening to the band playing Irish song. Makes me want to jig along. :) It makes me wish that hopefully our current or next generation continue to learn some of the old school music instruments and preserve the the culture.

Another highlight for me was when we get to ride an elephant together. I get to touch and play with the elephant trunk. It was stubbly. Hah! Here's me and Max. We look tiny or what??

Of course, when you have a cute boy around, there's a lot of "Say Cheese" going on. So, I thought this Say Cheese card is appropriate. I am entering this card for Moxie Fab "Celebrating Hobbies" challenge. This card will go to my brother, who's a photographer and he actually has a good collection of cameras, including old school ones.

All the papers are from Bella Blvd.

Speaking about saying cheese, how about some cheesy pics? Grandma bought fun, outrageous hats for Max to bring home for his siblings, and we decided to give them a try. :) We love being silly.

Thank you all for stopping by here. I truly appreciate you all. BTW, Jennifer and I are still counting all the cards for Cards That Care and I think it's safe to say we doubled the amount from last year. Yay!!! :)

Lawnscaping Challenge

2011-12-05T10:14:00.001-06:00

Hello and welcome to a new Lawnscaping challenge. This time we are sponsored by the generous Simon Says Stamp ad our challenge is to create a tag or treat bag.

I decided to go with tag using the bear from Pum-Ra-Pum-Pum set. And what I love about my tag, whoever receive it, can also use it as ornament afterwards. :) Added some glitter for some glitz.

Check out what the DT gals created for this challenge at Lawnscaping.

I've been a bit quiet lately. Between working for submission and DT works, I also going though some other stuff at home.

This year, I have went through lots of up and down. From losing my dad, to dealing with mean people, to being laid off, and now going through unfortunate situation with hubby's employment. He hasn't received his last 2 paychecks and no, his employer didn't tell him either when the paycheck is going to be late. We had to find out the hard way, which means come paycheck day and surprise... no paycheck.

So, yeah... to say we're under stress is a mild statement. On the other hand though, I always believe that my angels always watching over me and my family. That is something that I believe with all my heart. So, even tough I am a bit stress out, at the same time I know things will work out the way it should be.

Just like when I got laid off. It was a blessing in disguise. I was miserable at my previous employment, yet didn't dare to quit because of the economy, I was just thankful I had a job. But, you know what, I think God knows I was miserable and did it for me. Enough is enough and literally within 15 minutes after, I got a job offer. Granted it was just small contract works here and there, but at that time, I needed that.

And now, I have a part time job working with someone who truly appreciate my skills. And my back finally healed from all the back stabbing & bullying I endured. Yes people, bullying don't just happen at school, it happen at work as well. And yes, I am beyond relief that it's behind me now. Right now, I cannot see yet where the road lead us, but I know that we'll be okay. Just have to go through some rough patch first. Can't see the rainbow unless you go through the rain, right?

Card making help keep me sane. :) I thank you for the friendship.

Update on the card drive, we're finalizing things and we'll announce winners hopefully sometime this week. Have a blessed Monday everyone!

Wee Memories Free For All

2011-12-03T06:00:00.000-06:00

Hi all. Happy Saturday. We have new challenge here at Wee Memories. This week our challenge is "Free For All" or in another words anything goes. And we are sponsored by Artful Delights. You can find all the challenge detail and prize detail at Wee Memories blog.

And here's my birdie card.

I actually made this card for Paper Crafts and it was published on the recent A Card A Day. I have 4 cards in there and this one is my favorite. I tend to love cards with bird. :)

Due to the holiday month and everyone getting busy, we are not holding our monthly blog hop. But, I sure hope you will still join us on this super fun & easy challenge. For more inspiration from the DT gals, please check out their fab creations HERE.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend.

PSA & Cottage Cutz Blog Hop

2011-12-01T23:04:00.000-06:00

Hello and welcome to PSA Essentials & Cottage Cutz Holiday Card blog hop. If you come here from Pearl Liu then you're on the right track.

Here's my card using the cute PSA Essentials Hello Kitty stamp. The ornament frame was cut using my favorite tool, my li'l machine that keep on going, yep... I am talking about my Silhouette. Hah... I am very affectionate toward my Silhouette. :)

Now, now blog hop would be fun without giveaway, right? Want to win some PSA stamps? For every readers who hop to each of the blogs, comment at each, and are a follower of PSA Stamp Camp will be entered to win the “Holiday Card” prize. This prize contains 3 Peel & Stick stamp sets, 1 stamper, 1 black ink & 1-2 color ink from PSA Essentials. The winner will also receive a $50 gift certificate to The Scrapping Cottge for the grand prize. There are also 9 opportunities to win a 3 x 3 die from The Scrapping Cottage.

From here please hop on over to Janice Wilson. In case you get lost, below is a complete list of the blog hop participants. Thank you so much for stopping by here and may your Friday be a fabulous one!

· Kay Norman

· Angie Holden

· Lorie Souther

· Kim Schofield

· Pearl Liu

· Vera Yates <----- You are here

· Janice Wilson

· Jennifer Holmes

· Lori Leng

· Jeanne Streiff

· Gini Cagle

· Kim Moreno

· Erika Taylor

· Meylssa Connolley

· Angelica Suarez

· Cheryl Walker

· Mae Armstrong

· The Scrapping Cottage

· PSA Essentials

SOG Easel Challenge

2011-12-01T17:48:00.001-06:00

Yikes... I almost forgot to post this. Today is the start of our new challenge at Some Odd Girl. The challenge is to create an easel card. And, here's my card using Tiny Baker Tia. She's one of my favorite.

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Whimsical Wednesday - Layers

Stampavie and More - Easel card

Check out the DT fabulous creations HERE. Thank you for stopping by here and hope you will join us on this fun challenge. Cheers....

May Arts & Lawn Fawn

2011-12-01T09:37:00.001-06:00

Hi peeps. Today, May Arts is sharing my projects on their blog. If you follow May Arts blog, then you know this week May Arts is teaming up with Lawn Fawn. And I just love it! Many of you now that I love Lawn Fawn. :)

Anyway, here are my cards that I share at May Arts. You can find the tutorial at May Arts blog.

Challenges:
Simon Says Stamp - Anything Goes

Want to win some May Arts ribbon & Lawn Fawn stamps? Then checkout May Arts blog and leave comments there. Hope you have a wonderful Thursday. :)

Cards That Care Update

2011-11-27T22:53:00.001-06:00

Good morning and happy Monday! Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and if you did the Black Friday, hope you scored some great deals. :)

I am so thrilled to see all the packages that been coming for Cards That Care. I have received over 700 fabulous cards! That's not counting the ones that being mailed to Jennifer! And, they're still coming. You have till November 30 to mail your cards. So, you're not too late yet, if you want to join our effort in bringing Christmas joy to the elderly.

And, I had a couple people who graciously donated some fund to help with shipping the packages to the nursing homes. You didn't have to do that, but I so appreciate it. Your kindness & thoughtfulness touched my heart. I was telling hubby, at time like this where many bad things happened around the world, this is a great reminder that there are also still many good people out there.

I have a few girls who sent in 77, 56, 38 and 31 cards!! You girls are amazing. For those who can only sent a couple, thank you to you, too. Because every single card counts. Whatever you can send, we appreciate it very much.

Wanna take a peek at some of the gorgeous cards?? Here they are (you can click on the pic to get bigger view):

I also want to thank you for your sweet notes & comments. Many of you said such a nice thing that made me blush. :) LOL, I am definitely not a rock star. I'm just a girl who loves cards and love doing nice things for others. Simple as that. But, thank you for making my day with your notes.

This weekend, I wasn't in card making mood (I know, what are the odds, the one time I had long weekend, I had no inspiration). So, for today, besides the card drive update, I'll share my interactive card that was published on Paper Crafts Holiday Cards & More Vol. 6 (page 109).

Here's a pic to show how the card looks with Santa's hidden and popped up. Fun, right?

Thank you for stopping by here and may your week start off wonderfully. In my neck of the wood, we start off our week with a 36F temperature. Brrr.... Time for boots & jacket. :)

Two Peas In A Bucket Sale

2011-11-23T13:24:00.001-06:00

Hi all. As I mentioned earlier this week, now I am an affiliate for Two Peas In A Bucket. I would love for you to go shopping at Two Peas through me. If you go to Two Peas through my blog I get a commission and that would go towards my crafting fund. :)

Simply click on the Two Peas badge on my side bar or click HERE.

Two Peas special for Thanksgiving!!

20% OFF all regular price product in the Two Peas in a Bucket store. Product must be non-digital & non-phaseout product. Starting at 12:00am (CST) 11/24/2011 through 11:59pm (CST) 11/28/2011.

Cyber Monday Only: Receive FREE shipping with a minimum purchase of $35 and receive a free gift when using coupon code 2PBFCM at checkout. All product must be non-digital & non-phaseout product.

Have fun shopping!!

Gratitude List

2011-11-23T08:53:00.001-06:00

I am thankful for my family, thankful that we are close with each other, and that I get to start this year with them in Indonesia.

The Wirianta clan. :)

I am thankful that on my last night in Jakarta, I decided to follow my heart to turn around and gave my foster dad one last hug and told him thank you for everything he did for me, because that was the last time I'll ever see him. He passed away in March.

I am thankful for my thoughtful hubby who loves me for who I am and totally supportive of me. And that he's a good cook, because I am not. :)

I am thankful that my li'l brother finally met that special girl and she fits in our family so well. Now, I have 2 amazing SIL that I love.

I am thankful that I got laid off earlier this year as it open new window of opportunity for me. Now I have a part time job that I love (with great working hours), working for someone who appreciate my skills, and gives me the flexibility that I needed so I can pursue my card making passion.

I am thankful for my doggies, cause they make me smile every.single.day. My dogs are my kids and I love them with all my heart.

I am thankful for my upbringing in Indonesia. It allows me to appreciate both the Eastern & Western world.

I am thankful for my love of reading, because it has taken me to many wonderful, amazing places. Imagination is a wonderful thing.

I am thankful to know that there are still many decent & kind people in this world, who think of others.

I am thankful for Pinterest. Get so many great ideas there. :)

I am thankful to be alive and to experience what life has to offer. I have a loving family to share my life with (biggest blessing of all), a roof over my head, food on the table, bed to sleep in, and many more. Life is great, even with it's up and down.

I am thankful for the people who touched my heart and made a difference in my life.

With that note, here's a card I made for Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger challenge that simply said, I'm Grateful For You. I love the colors and the woods on this pic.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! May your Thanksgiving be filled with wonderful family time.

Vertically Challenge

2011-11-21T10:18:00.001-06:00

I've been posting short & to the point post lately. Now, it's rambling time!! :)

Growing up, I often wish that I am not vertically challenge (I refuse to call myself short. Hee... :) ). But, now I accepted the fact and am actually quite fond of being small. After all there's quite a few benefit for being small. I notice people tend to be nice to me, or sometime they treat me like I'm a doll, which is more than fine. I love being treated nicely. Hee....

And, people always think I am younger than my age. Just a couple years ago someone was asking if I was going to a prom since I was shortening a long dress. LOL, since I was already 34 then, I was like are you serious? And, yes... she was serious and she made my day. :)

Anyway, speaking about long dress, looking for one is now the only time when I wish I was taller. I'm exactly 5' even and for my brother's upcoming wedding, I am hunting for a long gown and my future SIL is helping me. She was saying she found some lovely dresses, but they all are too long for me. That's when I laugh. As far as I can remember, I don't think I ever have any long dresses that doesn't need to be shorten (except for my very first long dress that I got when I was 4).

I've been browsing online A LOT as I kind of give up of finding one locally. So, if you have any suggestion as where I should look, please let me know. And... no... kids or junior section, please. Hah!

Enough rambling, here's a quick card I made for CAS-ual Friday sketch challenge. My card totally inspired by Kryssi, who is one of my favorite card maker. Her CAS style is ah-mazing! Also entering this card for Ribbon Carousel holiday challenge.

I love it when a card has such a clean look. Oh... and do you see that I almost reach 400 followers? I want to say thank you to all of you who choose to follow my blog. I really appreciate it. I think we should do a giveaway soon to celebrate, yes? Right now, I am focus on Cards That Care card drive (and many prizes there). So, I'll do a giveaway first week in December.

Till then, thank you for stopping by here, for all your lovely comments, and for those who have sent cards for the card drive, I have received over 400 cards!! That's just from my end. I think between Jennifer and I, we'll break last year record of 700 cards. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!! :)

Lawnscaping

2011-11-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

Wow, I haven't watch American Music Awards for the past few years. But, I'm glad I get to watch it this year. They had pretty good line up and I actually enjoy almost all of the performance, with just a couple exception. This year, the women's nominations are strong and I love it. Lots of fun music that makes me want to dance. :)

Anyway, I have a new card to share with you for Lawnscaping new photo inspiration challenge. Have I ever told you that I found making fall cards is not my strong suit. I love fall colors in nature, but for cards, not so much. I couldn't come up with fall related card, so I focus on the color from the pic and use that as my base to create thank you card.

For the spray mist, I used Studio Calico Mr. Huey's. And just by luck, the concentrated part of the spray is right where I want to put the doggy. I think it works well for this card. :)

I hope you will join us on this fun challenge and you can get more inspiration from the DT at Lawnscaping. Hope your week starts off great.

Woodland Animals

2011-11-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Saturday, everyone! Welcome to Wee Memories challenge #77. This week our challenge theme is "Woodland Animals" and we are sponsored by The Craft's Meow. And in case you didn't know, they sell Jenny's super cute owl sets.

Here's my card using the Christmas owls.

Challenges:

Lily Pad Texture Challenge

Aren't the owls super cute? I just love them! After all, I love everything that's cute looking. :)

Since next week is Thanksgiving and we all will be busy with family stuff, this challenge will run for 2 weeks. Plenty of time for you to play. Check out what the DT created for this challenge at Wee Memories blog. Thank you all so much for stopping by here and have a great weekend.

ADFD & Copic Sale

2011-11-17T14:02:00.001-06:00

Hi, late post here. Starting today, for a week only, A Day For Daisies is offering this Holiday Mail digi for only $2.

And, here's my card using this adorable image.

Challenges:

Cupcake Craftroom - Sweet Christmas

By The Cute & Girly Challenges - Christmas Girl

And, I also want to mention that now I have sign up to become a Two Peas In A Bucket affiliate. Which means if you shop at Two Peas through my blog (simply click on the badge on the side of my blog), I'll earn a commission. I'd love for you to shop there through me.

For those of you who love using Copic, Two Peas is currently running a special on Copic. Purchase any 2 Copic markers (even the ones on sale) and receive a various ink refill for free. This special will run until 11:59pm 11/25/2011 (Times are CST). I have ordered 10 copic myself and got 5 free refills!! Quite a big saving there.

Hope you'll take advantage of this special offer. :)

SOG Recipe Challenge

2011-11-17T08:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm slacking off big time this week with my blogging. I have a feeling that blogging for the rest of the year will be kind of like this week.

Anyway, today I have a new challenge to share from Some Odd Girl. This time it's a recipe challenge. Create a card using 2 patterned paper + colored cardstock base (no kraft or white base) + button + punch/die cut.

Following this recipe, here's my card. My patterned paper is the green text background and the polka dot paper. I was determine to achieve a pretty clean look while still following the recipe and am pretty happy with the result.

Challenges:

Totally Gorjuss - Christmas Tradition

For the ornament, I want to get a glittery look, so I covered it with fine clear glitters. For more inspiration, please check out the DT creations HERE. I hope you'll play along with us. :)

And, just a reminder that you still have time to send in your cards for Cards That Care card drive. Any single cards counts. You have till Nov. 30, 2011. Thank you for stopping by here. I really appreciate your sweet comments & visits to my blogs. Have a blessed day everyone.

Happy News

2011-11-15T09:01:00.000-06:00

Today I want to share a personal stuff here, since I do use my blog to keep in touch with my family and for me to record life events. :)

I'm so thrilled to share that my li'l brother is getting married!! He officially asked his fiance's family for her hand in marriage. I was sad that I couldn't be there with all my family for this moment. The down fall of being the one who lives on the other side of the world. They sent me some pics, but still, I miss being with them.

We are a very closed family and I do thank my mom, my brothers, my SIL and future SIL for all their emails in keeping me inform of what's going on. I was excited that when I google them, I was able to find a clip from one of the TV station regarding the event. Here's a peek from the engagement party. Simply click on the link. Sorry, it's in Indonesian. You might be able to use google translate. :) I want to post it here, so I have it for my record.

Liputan6.tv :: Denada Dilamar Jerry Aurum ::

I adore my brothers. They always there for me. My little brother was the first one that sent my mom to visit me in the States when I went through some personal hard time. He is my almost twin brother (hmm... we're only 11 months aparts). And I am so happy that he finally find the girl who's beautiful inside out. She's funny and so down to earth. When I first met her, what really caught my attention is how much she & my brother laughs together.

She complements his silliness really well and really a good sport at taking his jokes. He's the clown in our family. She's very attentive to him. Even hubby says that seeing them, you could see how in love they are and how perfect they are for each other. So, congratulations, Denada & Boy (okay his real name is Jerry, but Boy is his nickname)! Can't wait to see you for the wedding. Love you both and wish you all the very best.

Edited to add: Almost forgot. Today is my day at May Arts blog. This week we are collaborating with Echo Park. Here's a look at my project. You can find the tutorial on May Arts HERE.

Thanks for stopping by here. :)

WMC Birthdays & Parties

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hi all and welcome to a new Wee Memories Challenge! This week our theme is birthdays and parties and we are sponsored by Niki Sivils.

For my card today, I decided to try something different and use neon color party straws. Cut them into small pieces and arrange them like a birthday cake. Top it off with a real birthday candle. I love those neon color straw. They're super fun to play with.

For more inspirations please check out what the DT gals created HERE. Thank you for stopping by here and hope you have a super duper fun weekend. Cheers....

Freedom Is Not Free

2011-11-10T22:59:00.001-06:00

I saw this pic on Pinterest and the note underneath said: "A reminder that whether you like to admit it or not, whether you agree with it or not, your freedom is not free. It never has been, it never will be. Someone gave all for YOU."

This pic totally stopped me in my track and the quote is so true. It also reminds me that for all the soldiers that serve our country, their spouse, their kids, their parents serve with them. They're the ones that have to live with the day-to-day worries whether their wife, husband, or kid will be safe or not in the war zone. They're the ones who has to be a single parents while their spouse serve in another place.

In honor of Veteran's Day, May Arts is taken part of OWH Blog Hop. With the other girls in the DT, am sharing my card on May Arts blog. You can check out what we all created HERE.

And, this is my card:

I am using bleach to stamp my flower image and I really love the way it came out on this particular cardstock. Instead of just coming out washed white like the typical result when you used bleach for stamping, this one came out like teal color. LOVE!

Thank you to all our troops & their families for our freedom. Thank you for reminding me not to complain about minor things. If you have a house to come home to, have a bed to sleep in, have food to eat, really we have nothing to complain. We're luckier than so many people. Not just the troops (who often have to sleep in dirt, deal with harsh weather), consider the homeless, the people in poor country, the people who lives in war zone, you'll realize how blessed you are.

As I count my blessings, I am also grateful for this hobby. :) Making cards bringing me lots of joy. Here's another card for Cards That Care card drive, using the latest releases from A Day For Daisies.

Thanks for stopping by here and happy 11.11.11!! :)

Last Day With Kelly

2011-11-09T23:05:00.001-06:00

For my last day of pairing up with Kelly Latevola, we use this pic for inspiration.

Isn't this pic just gorgeous? I love the soft colors and use that as my base to create this CAS card.

Thank you, Kelly for doing this with me. It's always a pleasure teaming up with you.

Also, yesterday, Some Odd Girl released 3 cute Thanksgiving images, that you can get HERE. And here's my cards showcasing the latest releases. The first card is using Indian Tia.

Then, I have this second card, using the Turkey image.

Challenges:

Aud Sentiment Challenge - Thanks

Penny's Paper Crafty - Give Thanks

Challenges:

Whimsical Wednesday - Thanksgiving

Creative Card Crew - Thankful

I have heard from half of the winners from Cards That Care blog hop. For those of you who haven't send me your info, please do so ASAP please. Thank you so much and have a blessed Thursday everyone! :)

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

2011-11-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

LOL, cheesy title I know. But, I've been wanting to say it. :)

I know I already say it, but I will say it again, I really appreciate everyone's participation for Cards That Care blog hop and for the card drive itself. You make it possible for Jennifer and I to make it successful. :)

Now, let's get on with the winner list, shall we. I randomly choose which blog to pick the winners from using random.org, then from there again randomly choose the winners.

Here's the list of the prize & the winners. I listed the prize, from whose blog I pick the winner from & the lucky winner.

Avocado Arts Stamp sets

From Laurel Seabrook's blog: Lisa

Hero Arts 4 stamp of your choice (clear, cling, or wood)

From Amy's blog: Judy1223

Jennifer McGuire Holiday Boot Camp Class

From Cristina Kowalczyk's blog: Crafty Texan

Lawn Fawn Pa-rum-Pa-Pum-Pum, Making Frosty Friend, & Winter Fox set

From Wendy Morris blog: Erin (Handmade Cards By Erin)

Mami Doodles - 5 digital stamps of your choice

From Amy Tsuruta's blog: Gail

May Arts - 3 spool of ribbon of your choice

From Nicol Rixon's blog: Tanya

Monika Wrights I Love It All Print

From Kathy Racoosin's blog: Jennifer Rzasa

Penny Black - 2 cling stamps of your choice

From Anita Recksiedler's blog: Michelle

Sweet Stamp Shop Thanksgiving Owl-Fits & The Core of it set

From Trinh's blog: Emily Keaton

The Crafts Meow - A set of stamp of your choice

From Monika Wright's blog: Samantha Mann

Ladies, please email: wirianta(at)hotmail.com with your information. On the subject line please put which prize you won. Thank you again everyone and congrats to all the lucky gals!

Day 2 With Kelly

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

Continuing my pairing up with Kelly Latevola, today we're making card inspired by this cute pic. Isn't this shoes just so adorable?

I love the colors on this pic and use that for my cards base. Every time I make a card using hedgehog stamps, I can't help but remember my own spiky critter, Coco, whom I got for Christmas about 3 years ago. She went to critters heaven last year. Now, since I used to own a hedgehog, I can't help but feeling very partial to hedgehog images. And, the ones from Penny Black are my favorite. If I have unlimited fund, I'd get their whole hedgehog collection. :)

And, to my delight this time I actually able to capture the glitters on the shawl. You know how it is with glitters, sometime they're just hard to capture with camera. I am entering this card for Lily Pad texture challenge.

Please check out Kelly's card HERE. Next post.... winner list for Cards That Care blog hop!! Yay...

Day 1 With Kelly

2011-11-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

A few months ago, when I went through a creative slump, Kelly Latevola invited me to pair up with her in doing a challenge. We decided to do it again. This time we pick some pics from Pinterest as our source of inspiration.

I am addicted to Pinterest. So many gorgeous images and so many things you can learn about. Anyway, for the next three days, starting today we'll be sharing our project. For today we based our card on this gorgeous bird pic.

And, here's my card. I know, Kelly, you must be gasping right now... that I actually use flower stamp. LOL, for our last challenge, I whined on how hard it was for me to use flower stamp. Seriously, as much as I love flower stamps, it's always quite a challenge for me to use them. But, this time, I am pretty happy with the result.

I am also making this card for Hero Arts monthly challenge.

Well, thank you for stopping by here and don't forget to come back tomorrow to see the winner list from Cards That Care Blog Hop. See you then and don't forget to check out Kelly's card. :)

Lawnscaping Challenge

2011-11-07T00:00:00.000-06:00

Wow, your response to Cards That Care blog hop is amazing! I so feel the love from all of you. Thank you to all of you for your support for this card drive. It means so much to me and your creations for the blog hop are simply fabulous and I gained so much inspirations. And thank you to all of you that hop along with us and left us with wonderful comments. We really appreciate it.

I will pick up the winners either later today or Tuesday. Winners will be announce on Wednesday.

Now, how are you adjusting with daylight saving time? I don't know about you, but it always kind of messed me up a bit. Just wasn't feeling the best. And, to top it off, hubby is down with cold. He sound so horrible with his nose all stuffed up. Haven't seen him this sick for a long time. I am taking airborne, so cross fingers I wouldn't get sick, too.

Anyway, it's time for a new Lawnscaping challenge sponsored by Simon Says Stamp! Our theme is "Thank You" and here's my card for the challenge.

This time I used my Faber-Castell color pencils to color the leaves and use Copic marker for the fox. For more inspirations please check out the DT gals creations HERE.

Hope your week start off fabulously! :)

Wee Memories Blog Hop

2011-11-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Saturday everyone and welcome to Wee Memories blog hop! If you arrive here from sweet STEPHANIE, then you're on the right track. As always, you can find the complete list of the blog at Wee Memories.

Do you realize that this week Wee Memories challenge marked our 75th challenge? I just want to say thank you to all of you who join our challenges. We really appreciate your support & loyalty. This week we are sponsored by Oh My Crafts! and our challenge is to create handmade gifts, tags, boxes or bags.

Hope you'll join this challenge and who know you might be the lucky gal who win this week prize of bundle of paper.

For my project, I decided to use a small paint can container. I think this would be great to hold candy, small jewelry, etc.

Made the penguin using my beloved Silhouette. Love that machine! I like to think of it as the little engine that keep chugging & makes me happy. :) Well, I am your last stop. To start from the beginning, please go to Wee Memories blog. Thank you for stopping by here.

Cards That Care Blog Hop

2011-11-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hi and welcome to Cards That Care blog hop! Cards That Care is run by the sweet & fabulous Jennifer McGuire and me. Our goal is to collect as many cards as we can for the elderly who lives in nursing homes.

And, for your support & generosity, we have many offer many prizes as well. You can find all the details for the card drive HERE or by clicking on the badge. Just a reminder: you have till Nov. 30, 2011 to send your cards.

Now, to help promote the card drive, we're hosting a blog hop. We have quite a few fabulous & generous sponsors for the hop (see below for complete list of prizes) and you have the whole weekend to complete the hop. So, make sure you leave your comment by Sunday, Nov. 6, midnight CST. We will pick the winners from comments left on the participants blogs. So, the more blogs you left comment on, the better your chances are.

I made a couple cards for this hop. Here's a look at the first one, using stamps from my favorite companies. The cat is from Penny Black, background from Hero Arts, & sentiment from Papertrey Ink. BTW, Penny Black & Hero Arts were the among the first stamps I owned when I started stamping back in '97. And, yes.... still love them to this day!!

Lots of layers on the cat & wreath image. Looks more 3D if you see it in person. Next, is another CAS card using another favorite of mine, the Lawn Fawn stamps. I used the masking technique for this card & used stardust stickles for the snowy hill.

Now, are you ready to hop? From here, you'll hop to the gal that everyone know as the stamp guru, Jennifer McGuire. I am sure you'll find fab inspiration from her blog.

Here's the complete list of the hop participants:

And, of course, no blog hop is complete without fabulous prizes!!! We have some superb & fabulous companies who donated these awesome prizes for this blog hop. Please visit them when you can. They have tons of great products. Huge thank you to all of you for your support & generosity.

OUR AMAZING PRIZES

Avocado Arts

4 stamps of your choice - clear, cling or wood

Jennifer McGuire

A spot on her Holiday Boot Camp Class

Lawn Fawn

4 digital stamps of your choice

3 rolls of ribbon of your choice

Monika Wright's I Love It All

8 x 10 print of this gorgeous design

2 Cling Stamps of your choice

A Stamp set of your choice

Ling's Design Studio

Lily Pad Guest Designer

Brella Fairy

Lawnscaping Inspiration Challenge

SOG Flower Fairy

CHA Part 2

CHA Part 1

Thanks For Being You

CHA Time

SOG Color Inspiration

Puppy Update

May Arts & Hero Arts

Stitched Together With Love

Birthday Sweetness

Some Odd Girl Birthday Party

Lawnscaping Winter Wonderland

Rest In Peace Nick

Last Wee Memories Challenge

Rain or Shine

Name Contest

Heartsy Mae

May Arts Ribbon Wreath Card

SOG Coy Kaylee & Valentine Card Drive

Avocado Arts Part 2

Wee Memories Mini Challenge

I Cherish This

SP & Company Stamps

SOG Bling Me

Happy Wishes

I Adore My Mom

Avocado Arts

Lawnscaping Birthday

Gratefulness & Welcome 2012

Goodbye 2011

Love Inspiration Challenge

Merry Christmas...

Christmas Cheer

Cards That Care Winner List

Lawnscaping Texture Challenge

Wee Memories Free For All

May Arts & Graphic 45

Thursday's Hop:

Thursday's Hop:

Wednesday's Hop:Jenifer CowlesJingleRobin ShakoorYuka HinoGloria Stengel

Tuesday's Hop:Ellen SosnoskiCharlene DriggsJen ShearsLaura DenisonMelaine Forbes

Monday's Hop:

SOG In Stitches Tia

SP & Company

Nutsy Kaylee

Some Odd Girl Gwen

A Fox & A Light Bulb

Cards That Care Report

Wee Memories Holiday

Some Odd Girl Valentine's Release Hop

Lawnscaping Blog Hop

Happy

Say Cheese

Lawnscaping Challenge

Wee Memories Free For All

PSA & Cottage Cutz Blog Hop

SOG Easel Challenge

May Arts & Lawn Fawn

Cards That Care Update

Two Peas In A Bucket Sale

Gratitude List

Vertically Challenge

Lawnscaping

Woodland Animals

ADFD & Copic Sale

SOG Recipe Challenge

Happy News

WMC Birthdays & Parties

Freedom Is Not Free

Last Day With Kelly

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

Day 2 With Kelly

Day 1 With Kelly

Lawnscaping Challenge

Wee Memories Blog Hop

Cards That Care Blog Hop

Wednesday's Hop:Jenifer Cowles
Jingle
Robin Shakoor
Yuka Hino
Gloria Stengel

Tuesday's Hop:Ellen Sosnoski
Charlene Driggs
Jen Shears
Laura Denison
Melaine Forbes