Scraplifting A Layout

It's been a while since I made a layout. I was prompted by Basic Grey's Blog's "Scraplift This !". See the layout here . I took the sketch and tag idea and ran with it...

These are my daughter's photos taken from last year's trip to Disney World. While we were at the gift shop, she put on the grad hat. At the time, she was going to graduate with a B. Sc. degree from university in 2 months. Stephanie has been a Disney fan all her life, so what's more appropriate to wear a Disney grad hat? She is now in graduate school for her Masters' degree.

Here I used Basic Grey's Indie Bloom paper. I also created a pocket with the Big Ticket to hold the tags. 

Thanks to my lovely blog friend Alexandra, I was lucky to receive some fabulous office tag from her (thanks, Alexandra!). I stamped the tags and two corners with my brand new stamp Zig Zag.

 While I was posting this, I noticed that the Hero Arts Blog happen to showcase a how-to in making the embellishment flowers (see video ). This set is one of my many new toys! Oh happy days are here!

Originally I was going to add buttons for the flowers, but then I used the twines instead. That way it gives a more cohesive look with the tags.

I used SRM Stickers Everyday Girl for this layout . The stickers really makes the page come together easily! It felt so good to be back at scrapbooking! I shall try to scrapbook more! We are having freezing rain in my part of the world. Perfect day for crafting! YAY for new stamps! 

Fun Time in Orlando (Part 1)

Are you ready to take a mini vacation with me to Florida...like...right now?

 Today's photos and two videos are from my last week's trip to Orlando, Florida. We stayed in Portofino Bay Resort. It is one of the three resorts at Universal theme park. This resort is practically a replica of the little fishing village in Portofino,Italy.I felt totally immersed in the Italian atmosphere.

There was always Italian music coming through the halls and court yard throughout the resort.Every evening there will be Italian opera singers performing live on the balcony in front of the piazza. If you watch this video, you will know what I mean...

 

 How amazing is that? You can see Stephanie, David and Dr. John at the end of this video. Kind of  cute!

There are a few wonderful ( and expensive) Italian restaurants right at the resort.

We took the 10-min water taxi to and from the Universal Studio theme park. What a fun way to travel!

There are quite a few vespas near the harbor.

 Aren't these vespas cute?

The architectural details are fantastic as the city clock tower simply speak for itself! I also love the  warm color tones of the walls and buildings!

The grounds are immaculate and beautiful. Everywhere I looked, there was always something that were captivating. 

As you may know, I met up with Lin on one of the days. We had a wonderful and leisurely lunch at the Salvatore  Restaurant. The food choices were from Antipasto, Panini, gourmet pizzas to gelato!

 Lin and her DH Denny also took a tour along with us to the nearby Royal Pacific Resort. The following photo was taken on the little ferry boat.

And of course, what's Italy without the fountains?

 and Italian garden?

 After the water taxi, we reached the Royal Pacific Resort and did a little touring....

  Courtyard in the Royal Pacific Resort. This resort is South Pacific-themed.

 Here is a funny photo of Lin, Denny and David. It's a paparazzi shot from Dr. John....

Wondering what Lin was doing? Perhaps she was feeling immensely inspired by the flowers (LOL)!? These are one of the many gorgeous orchid displays in the lobby at Royal Pacific Resort.

 Lastly, here is a fun video in Universal Studio's Flight of the Hippogriff. Notice that Dr. John had his hands up high the entire time? He loves the little coaster ride and this shows that he is still a little kid at heart! (Video-grapher: Stephanie)

In part 2 (some time next week?), I will be sharing more photos from our visit to Harry Potter rides and shops from Universal Studio. Hope you enjoyed this mini vacation!! Till next time! 

Stamp and Emboss

I have this new set called Silhouette Vines

 +  Basic Grey Piccadilly

= this"Thank You" card

AND.....I am BACK from Florida! My head is still spinning from the traveling! However, I surely had a blast staying at the resort, visiting Universal Studio and riding all the Harry Potter rides! I was so happy that I met up with Lin on the 23rd!
(Lin, Denny, Virginia, Dr. John and David- photo credit: Stephanie)

 It's been a year since we saw each other last in Feb. 2011! Well, we both are getting a dose of Florida sunshine together and our family got to spend an afternoon exploring the grounds at the resorts.
 
We looked pretty relaxed and happy, don't we?
 This was a photo of our resort--Portofino Bay Resort at Universal Studio, Florida. It's a replica of Portofino, Italy. The resort is amazing with the luxurious amenities and beautiful architecture details.  It was an ideal getaway!  

I will have a travel post in the next few days. Lots of fun stuff to share!

  I miss reading your sweet comments.....and thank you for sticking around! 

From Zero to Hero (take two!)

Remember these poorly-stamped images from this post ?

Well,  I revamped the images and turn them into two book marks. I am sending them to my two dear stamping/blogging friends.

I added a bit of Stickles on the little birdies and stamped Newspaper Background on Kraft card stock. I like how warm and sweet these two book marks look.  Now when you want to throw some boo-boos away, think of a way to re-use them. You will be surprised what you can do!
Thanks for brightening my day!

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge # 41

It's Friday and that means it's CAS-ual Fridays time! This week's  challenge is Jest for the Pun of it-create a CAS card using a pun. 

 Sponsor: Skipping Stones Design

 Thanks to the generosity of Skipping Stone design, we DT get to pick a stamp set to work with. My choice was Birthday Purses.
 
 Isn't this set FUN!? I happened to have a few Coach bags and all these bags resemble mine! I paper-pieced the main image (middle one) with Basic Gray paper.  All the inks are from Hero Arts' new mid tone inks (Filed Green, Butter Bar)The curvy lines are from SRM Stickers. It sure makes the design pop! Please link up your CAS project to CAS-ual Fridays by Feb. 29 Wednesday midnight Eastern Time.

I have been enjoying the special time with my family down here in Orlando, Florida. We stay right in the resorts of Universal Studio and I even met up with a VERY special stamping friend ( you'll find out later)!  I hope to share my trip photos in the next week or so. It's time to be back to the Great White North--Brrr!  Till then! 

Sex and The City Card!

I'm still here.....

 I am supposed to take a blog break this week, but I can't help making a card for the CREATE Blog challenge Girls' Night Out.

 I decided to trim two of the girl's  hairdo short. I fussy-cut  all four images after stamping them in (from left to right)  Hero Hue's Cup O' Joe,  Chalk Ink (punch), Butter Bar And Hero Hue (black) . The Newsprint Skyline was stamped in Wet Cement.

Stamps: Newspaper Skyline, True Friends and Style is Eternal.
I took the sentiment from the cling stamp True Friends and I think that stamp is so versatile since you can take ANY sentiment from that stamp and cut it out and use it! 

And yes, everything is better with a friend. Over Hero Arts Flickr, my friend Cheiron mentioned that this card reminds her of Sex and The City ! It kind of does, isn't it?
( left to right) Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte!

Virginia's View Challenge #2

 This is my 2nd post of the day. For CAS-ual Fridays' Challenge, please scroll down or click here.
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 I am so excited to share our latest Virginia's View #2 over Lily Pad Cards. Here is the V. V. Challenge #1 result in case you missed it. It was so fun to see the amazing entries inspired by the photo!  Let's get on to Virginia View Challenge #2 (details are here) .

Is this delicious or what? Our sponsor is Sweet Stamp Shop

Lucky for us to use a stamp set from SSS. I have this Scootin By and this is what I came up with. 

I love the color scheme from the inspiration photo. The dotted lines and circles from the cake and cake stand create some very interesting visual textures (without the bulk).

If you think the photo is not quite your cup of tea type of dessert...have no fear! Here is a sketch designed by the talented Deborah .

 I did a double take on the sketch AND photo inspiration with this cute raccoon from the set called Furry Friends Forever.
 
and a close-up. I made the triangle into a little pocket and attached the twine in between the stamped cutout of the racoons. I think this card is perfect for kids,too!

Here is how you can play the Virginia's View Challenge #2 :
---->use the photo inspiration (like my scooter card)

or 

---->use the sketch
or
---->use both photo and sketch (like my raccoon card)
Hope you get to join the fun with us at Lily Pad. Thanks for scooting by! 

CAS-ual Fridays Challenge # 40

Woohoo! It's CAS-ual Fridays! AND you know, when you see the sponsor is May Arts, that means..... it's ribbon time! 
 
Since Mardi Gras is Feb 21st, we are celebrating it by creating a party themed card with ribbon

I had a blast making this party card as you can tell! I punched a few holes and strung the May Arts ribbon through to create the row of ribbons effect! This is a GREAT way to showcase the assorted ribbons that you may have.That row of green "let's party" is from SRM's new border sticker! Isn't it FABULOUS!?? The paper I used is from Bazzill Grandma's Feather Bed. I stamped the birthday image with Hero Arts Untitled Word Shadow.

Doesn't this card make you want to P-A-R-T-Y!!?? Please link up your CAS project to CAS-ual Fridays by Feb. 22 Wednesday Midnight Eastern Time. How about some party music to get going..

Notice Shania's top matches my color combo!?
Party on! 

A Card with Ribbon Tabs

Today's card was prompted by the CREATE Blog Challenge (ribbon tabs). I find that I don't use ribbons enough since tying ribbons is really not my forte. BUT ribbon tabs? I think I can handle that!! 

 I had this stamp Farmer's Market for a while now. This rooster image made the first debut in my blog! As you can see, I used the stamp-kissing technique with the Envelope Pattern. That way it makes the image more interesting. The sentiment is from SRM Stickers. I love how the ribbon tabs add the pizazz to this card!  AND.....Did you know that I ALSO submit this card for the last Stamp It publication call? Well, it's another reject!! I still like it a lot. And thank you for the wonderful comments about my previous post about DT/submissions. I really appreciate your encouraging and heartfelt comments.

Next week I am taking a small blog break. I have been blogging feverishly since the start of the New Year. Dr. John jokingly said that I am tiring my followers out! He sure HAS a point! However, there will be CAS-ual Fridays and Lily Pad posts coming up, so please stay tuned!

Facing Rejection

One of the challenges when you enter the card-making challenges and pub submission call is facing rejection. Yes,...you know what I am talking about! I must say that I am dealing with it better as I go along. As the time goes by, my skin has grown thicker and thicker...and thicker.

  I don't jump up easily on the chance to apply to some design teams. However, just not too long ago, I did apply to The Twinery DT and I was not picked. ( I guess I suck at using the twines from The Twinery?) And guess what? My latest selected Stamp It card that was picked has ---lo and behold---TWINES (a few of my published cards have THE twines...come to think of it)! Surprisingly, I didn't feel too bad about not getting picked for the Twinery DT. Guess I didn't want it as badly as I thought....or perhaps the sheer rejection was just part of the whole deal. Yup, I am still here--blogging away about it. It's kind of liberating actually to be able to share my thoughts with you.

Still, it is not all that easy to see your card that you created from the heart not getting picked or noticed. Instead of feeling sad and sorry, I am sharing a card today that is one of the many rejects from my card submissions (using paint). The stamps are from Hero Arts Farmer's Market. The sentiment is from SRM Stickers. As you may know now, they are my go-to supplies. 

I honestly believe as long as you are passionate about what you do, it really doesn't matter what the outcome is ( yes, it stings a little...but do tell yourself that EVERY time you get a rejection, OK?). Just ask Jeremy Lin. Yup, I have gone Lin-sane on this kid who conquers the barriers of the stereotype of NBA basketball players. He is truly an underdog and I simply love the energy that Lin brings into the NBA. Hey, if you can get a 50-year old Asian lady super excited about watching basketball game, your. job. is. done! It's the little things that count. Thanks for visiting me here! 

OLW #78

This week's One Layer Wednesday is all about Circles, Circles, Everywhere. I decided to do a little "exercise" and join the fun.

I think a little masking really creates a great focal point and leaves room for a bit of Oomph! This is my 2nd attempt of this design.  The first time I went overboard on circles. ( I think I had close to 20 circles!!).

On another note (not card-related), my daughter Stephanie has been caught up with the Linsanity lately . This Jeremy Lin is the new break-out basketball star/phenom in NBA. Stephanie thinks he is simply awesome in all his playing and mostly, he lives his Christian faith out in public....AND he is Taiwanese American. (I'm from Taiwan originally)

A conversation between me and Dr. John
(watching a You Tube video of Lin's playing)

Dr. John: Hey, he is wearing no. 17...my number! (Dr. John's birthday is on the 17th)

V: Sure, I think Jeremy and I are related!

Dr. John: Yeah? 

V: we are both Taiwanese!

Dr. John: Sure, you also got the tall genes!( I am 5 feet 3--with heels!)

V.: No chocolate for you!

Happy Valentine's Day!  

edited: Feb. 12--11:36pm

 Check this out!! I am officially LIN-Sane!

Runway Inspired Challenge #5

The 2012 Spring fashion is upon use again...what's a card-maker to do? I am jumping on the creative wagon over Runway Inspired Challenge #5 to honor Spring.

For me, it was truly a challenge to come up with something very light, soft and subtle. After playing with a stamps, I decided to use vellum and butterfly to interpret the light colors and hues in this gorgeous photo.

In order to capture the light in the inspired photo, I stamped partial Envelop Pattern for the square and embossed the the butterfly stamp (from Lauderdale Floral ) in white over blue vellum. I also did some scoring to mimic the skirt of the model.  I chose the sentiment from SRM Stickers (Faith) because it seems perfect for this design. I am thankful to God in many things...creating for the fun is one of the many blessing I have. Have a blessed day!

From Zero to Hero!

One of the best things about card-making is to turn the a piece of "waste" into something that you can actually use again! Case in point, I had these envelopes left from previous project (see here)

 I still have quite a few left on my craft desk...what to do? I turn one into a pocket card!

EVERYTHING will almost always look good when you pluck a butterfly on it....?

Not sure if this fits the theme of Moxie Fab World Challenge (see Around The House  challenge), but I am entering it just for the fun of it. Anyhow I hope this will make you look at the everyday household items with a different perspective!

edited: I thought this card is such a ho hum ordinary project and that no one is going to notice! However, with all the wonderfully positive feedback and responses, I am overwhelmed and I will now try to come up with more ways to use. those. envelopes!  So please stay tuned!