seasons of love

i miss creating layouts for journaling junkie!

i've been part of their design team but with my pregnancy, it's been hard catching up with the deadlines. my mojo for scrapping has been on and off plus i've been lazy to even take pictures of layouts i've finished.

this layout has been in my box for almost 2 weeks now and it's only now that i took a photo of it. 

well, better late than never.

the journaling prompt for challenge 98 is to talk about "what you love about the season you're in?"  or "what season you're in with regards your life?"

i created a layout about my parents and their relationship. i think this was very timely as it was also the season of love. i was inspired by the prompt and by the song "seasons of love" from the broadway play "rent."

journal: how do you measure your life in love? 

i look at the two of you and i know it's beyond that. 

through all the ups and downs, rain or shine, you've held on to each other as it should be. 

you've taught us the true measure of love. that it is beyond any seasons, 

beyond daylights and sunsets. 

it is all about remembering the love. (february 2011)

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper, flowers, felt backing, stamp - prima; chipboard - fancy pants, maya road; stickers - american crafts, pink paislee; ink - tim holtz distress ink; die-cut - american crafts, sizzix; ribbon - fancy pants; doily; lace; stick pin

sunday habit

the new challenge has been up at journaling junkie and my layout's just been posted. the task was to journal about our "weekend days" and to use 5 photos.

i tried something different with my layout this time around. the layout's fairly simple and i just sprayed on glimmer mist to add texture.  i went mist-crazy and sprayed on 3 different colors on the cream cardstock. i liked the overall effect it created.

journal:
It has become a staple part of our Sunday ritual. Before we attend mass, and in case we're not able to eat at home, we head over to McDonald's for our morning fix.  It's always any of the breakfast meals, juice and hash browns. No Sunday morning is complete without this stopover. And don't forget the spiritual fix after...

materials used:
cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper, banners - sassafras; buttons - making memories, autumn leaves, others; chipboard - provo craft; felt - prima; brads - making memories; glimmer mist - tattered angels

how do you do all that mom?

challenge #80 is ongoing at journaling junkie. it's about finding balance in your life as a mom.

Journal:
I've often wondered about it... How you were able to squeeze in everything in a day... taking care of us, fixing the house, doing errands in between, devoting a little "me" time for yourself... You do it all so effortlessly, it seems there is nothing you cannot do.  Looking closely, I realize, you're able to do it all 'coz of your love for us.  You care for us so much that there is nothing impossible for you. We may not have said this often but, thank you... thank you for your unconditional love, your time, and everything in between. We love you... 

materials used:
patterned paper, die-cuts - basic grey; journal spot - making memories; alphas - creative imaginations, american crafts; others - bling

easter egg-art fun

happy easter to everyone!

this was a long vacation given that it was the holy week. no out-of-town trips for us as we just spend it here attending church activities. plus, it was a chance for me to catch-up with general cleaning for the house and really just resting.


the new challenge is up at journaling junkie. perfectly timed for easter.  the task is to create a layout about an easter memory. or, traditions from childhood or any new traditions we have begun.

journal:
When we were kids, I remember always being invited by our neighbors for an Easter egg hunt after the mass. It was a lot of fun then, looking under the tables, the bushes, anywhere possible. Each egg will have a prize equivalent, the more eggs, the better. But as we grew up, this activity got lost in the daily grind of life. I think it was more because we matured, we've lost the magic it holds over us as kids.

But I don't want it gone forever. I want my future kids to have the same experience, to go through the same joy and fun of this Easter activity. Their hands getting all colored up while painting the eggs... Me, hiding it in the garden... Them running around everywhere searching for the prized eggs... All of us will be having fun together.

And just like me, they'll look back into that experience and embrace the joy of childhood once more. And so, the process continues for them and their future generations.  (Photo source: Flickr)

materials used:
patterned paper - sassafras, scenic route; stickers & journal card - sassafras; alphas - jenni bowlin, making memories; flowers - petaloo; rub-ons - rhonna farrer for autumn leaves; chipboard (unknown); metal clip - making memories; ink - chalkbox

where is it?

it's time again for another journaling challenge down at journaling junkie. for this challenge, you are to create, and journal, about what makes you mad, pet peeves or buttons that people push that makes you react or angry.

Journal:
I am not a well-organized person. But I do know where my things are. Despite the clutter on my desk, I know where I last placed my scissors or my ruler.  It's the same thing even with my documents and other stuff.  So if you intend to use my things without asking first, make sure you return it at the same spot!  Don't even try denying it when I ask you 'coz I know, I always know...

materials used:
patterned paper - fancy pants, sassafras, sei, autumn leaves; stickers - sassafras, hambly, making memories; ink - chalkbox; buttons

sing your heart out

this is my take on the challenge #75 at journaling junkie.  the task is to journal about music, what's on your playlist or how does music makes you feel.

join any of the 2 march challenges and you might get a chance to win a spot at the online class of debbie hodge. how i wish i can get a spot for that class.

i used here a sketchabilities sketch that was perfect for my photos.  i always revert back to sketches when i feel my mojo is lost.  a great way to jump start your creativity with lots of room for adjustment.

notice that i used mainly basic grey stuff on this layout from the lime rickey collection. this is the 4th layout i've done using this set of papers.  that's the most i've actually used any basic grey products. i just love this collection, perfect for male-oriented layouts.  need i say more who's on this layout... lol!

Journal:
Oh yes he does! He is one frustrated singer.  Every time he gets a chance, he'll open the viedoke and check out the playlist.  Standard ballads are his favorite and his staple song - "Simple" by Ariel Rivera.  As he sings that song, my heart melts for him.  Seriously, he really can sing!  He loves music and singing them with the videoke brings out the best in him.  That's why I just let him sing to his heart's content.

materials used:
cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper, die-cut & alpha stickers - basic grey; die-cut - sassafras; googly eyes; pen - staedtler triplus

plant whisperer

challenge 74 is up at journaling junkie - create a layout that celebrates one of your talents, journaling about it and how it affects the people in your life.

do join in for the february challenges (challenges #73 and #74) to get a chance to win a spot for the "get it scrapped" online class by debbie hodge.

i created a layout about my mom and her talent for gardening.  her plants are always a showcase piece in our house and she loves spending time with them.

journal:
Have you ever imagined growing up in a home without plants surrounding you?  I can’t!  Ever since I can remember there were always flowers, plants & shrubs surrounding our home.  And I have my Mama to thank for it!

The smell of freshly nipped leaves, the feel of damp soil watered down early in the morning, the seemingly whispering leaves and flowers around our home.  All made possible by her love of gardening.  Her nurturing hands help bring life and beauty to these natural creations.

We never did inherit from her this natural talent.  But we are her big admirers.  Our home is much cosier and happier with her plants around us.  It is just one of her talents that makes us love her even more.

materials used:
cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper - fancy pants, scenic route, sassafras, scrapworks, prima, mme; rub-ons - basic grey, 7gypsies; alphas - pink paislee, creative imaginations; metal clip - making memories; glimmer mist - tattered angels; ink - colorbox; butterfly punch - martha stewart; vines

rain or shine

a belated valentine's greetings to you all!  we had fun with our valentine day celebration yesterday, nothing fancy, just a stroll at the mall, lunch date and capped it off with dessert. 

speaking of valentine's day, our assignment at journaling junkie was to write a love letter to someone. the letter needs to be handwritten and we need to use non-traditional valentine colors.  no reds or sappy hearts.

hidden journal:
Love, remember this photo? It suddenly rained that night, New Year's Eve (2009).  But there we were out on the street.  It seems cheesy but it's so sweet! You were holding the umbrella making sure we don't get wet, and me holding to you tightly. That rain didn't stop us from neighbor-hoppig. It's been like that with the two of us for the past 5 years. Never mind the rain or setbacks. We just hold on to each other, we go with the flow and make the most of the situation. And it is no surprise that we see a ray of light, a glimmer of sunshine that makes us smile, laugh and enjoy every minute of being together. I'm sure we will continue to be like this for a long time. Rain or shine, it will be you and me always!

tips:  to create a semblance of raindrops, i scattered bling around the titles to give it that dewy feel.


materials used:
cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - wrmk; alpha - american crafts, doodlebug designs; metal clip - making memories; ink - colorbox; fiber; dmc floss; bling

hope springs eternal

hope -- my word of choice for 2010.

over at journaling junkie, we were to choose our word for 2010 and reflect on that word and how that will play a part in your life for the year.

and thus, my choice is HOPE as it is the one thing we can never loose in our life. here's my journal on why i chose the word:

"A lot has happened in our lives, good and bad. Still we moved forward as each day passes. These experiences have made us stronger and more resilient. Our lives are not perfect but it's ideal. It's the life we have somehow wished for. We are almost complete, almost. Every year we can only look forward to our faith, our hope that we will soon be completed. This coming year, we will continue hoping, praying for total completeness for our family. (12-31-09)"

materials used:  cardstock - american crafts, ki memories (used as mask), bazzill; patterned paper - scenic route; journal pad - fancy pants; chipboard - scenic route; alpha - american crafts, ek success;  glimmer mist - tattered angels; paint - kaiser carft; glitter - pink paislee; brads - making memories; trim - fancy pants; rub-ons; felt; ink

last layout created in 2009

this was done for challenge 71 at journaling junkie.  the layouts were to talk about our preparations during christmas. i used photos of our christmas trimmings back in 2008.

Journal:
Christmas is a much anticipated season in our home. You know it’s time to decorate once my mom starts pulling out the Christmas tree and trimmings by the 2nd week of November. She chooses a color motif each year and everything in the house is coordinated with that color. We always enjoy her enthusiasm and excitement in preparing for Christmas. With all decorations up, it warms our hearts appreciating all my mom’s efforts and just can’t wait for Christmas day to come…
December 2008


materials used:  patterned papers - webster's pages; chipboard - basic grey, kaiser crafts; stickers - making memories; glimmer mist - tattered angels; glitter glaze - lil davis; glitter - leeho; bling

split personality

challenge #70 is up at journaling junkie. we were to document the negative. journal not only about the positives - document a negative aspect of someone, somewhere or something that we love dearly.

do join in on the challenge. check out the other dt's take on this for added inspiration.

Journaling:
Nelo would often complain that I am so stubborn and hard-headed. I want to get things my way. I react on impulse and only listens after the fact. But in spite of that, I am a loving and caring wife who gives him unconditional love. And he'll immediately forget whatever negatives there is to my personality. So sweet of him!

materials used: patterned paper - creative imaginations, october afternoon, wrmk; die-cut - elle's studio; chipboard - maya road; glimmer mist - tattered angels; sticker - scrapworks; diamond glaze - judikins; bling; brads

loving sister

here's my entry for journaling junkie's challenge #69.

this was a recipe challenge, we were to use a set number of patterned papers and embellishments in creating our layouts. i decided to use double sided patterned papers so i can maximize the design i wanted. in the photo are my nephews enzo and paul, and my niece pam.

journal:
"A sister is the best friend who leads her brother at every step."

Life wouldn't be the same without you for these two. You've given them support and encouragement in the absence of your mom and dad. You are their anchor, their protector. Continue to nurture them with your love. They are lucky and happy to have you as their sister.

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned papers - pebbles, inc., basic grey, american crafts; die-cut - bella blvd.; rub-ons - daisy bucket; brads - making memories; bling - prima; alpha - creative imaginations, american crafts; ink - chalk box; others - thread

sweet sugar rush

i told you i have a few new layouts using sassafras goodness! i just really can't get enough of them!

this is my niece gabbie. she's really a charmer and such a cutie! these photos were a perfect match to the sassafras papers. and a big thanks to my friend april for giving me some of her scraps. i cut-out those images from one of the "me likey" collection papers. i even added googly eyes on them. really cute!

journal:
A cry baby but totally adorable and charming. Sweet and dandy for wanting that candy. Busy as a little bee, buzzing with delight and happy with her treats. A pocket full of candies, sweet, sugary and everything nice.

this is also for challenge 68 at journaling junkie. the prompt is to create a layout using mainly adjectives for your journal.

materials used: patterned paper - sassafras lass; alphas - american crafts, making memories; stamp - scarlet lime kit; pen - staedtler triplus; others - googly eyes

my brother's keeper

i just noticed lately in my new layouts that i've been using a lot sassafras papers. it's my current favorite and i love the fact that i can still mix and match their different lines together. even loved it more when they included their die-cut borders in the paper design. genius! those borders are just perfect if you want to spruce up your design a bit.

here's one layout using sassafras goodness! this was for journaling junkie's challenge #66. we were to create a layout about our relationship with our siblings.

i cut-off the "dream big" paper and layered it on top of the "full bloom" paper. i just aligned the color rays to make it appear like it was a single paper sheet. and i also added rub-on phrases on the rays as added descriptions for my brothers.


journaling:
It’s a love-hate relationship that I have with these two. What can you expect with three different personalities living together all their lives. Being the eldest doesn’t really help all the time. When you exert your authority, it’s either they listen or they argue with it. Add to it that I always want control and order, while these two employ a carefree and happy-go-lucky attitude. I know I also frustrate them at times with my personality as much as they do to me.

But despite our differences, I love these two. Yes, I sometimes wish they were different but that only happens when I’m really mad at them. They have really helped mold me to be the person that I am, the sister who continues to love and support them no matter what.

Yes we argue, we fight, we have disagreements. But we also laugh together, share stories, enjoy each other’s company, we support and we love. That is who we are. I will be the eldest sister that they can count on, supporting them as much as I can. I will continue to be my brother’s keeper.

materials used: cardstock - dcwv; patterned paper - sassafras lass; buttons - autumn leaves; rub-ons - creative imaginations, 7gypsies; stickers - pink paislee, 7gypsies; chipboard - heidi swapp; brads - 7gypsies, making memories; dmc floss

lazy sunday

after the storm that hit us over the weekend, and on my birthday to say the least, there's a lot of things i suddenly miss. and that's having moments like this...


Journaling:
I love Sundays! It means I can spend more time in bed, cozy up and do nothing. I can just relax, catch up on my reading, watch my favorite TV shows and scrap to my heart’s content. But best of all, it is quality time spent with the ones I love.

this is also challenge 65 at journaling junkie. the prompt was to scrap about those little moments that makes up an ordinary day.

materials used:
patterned paper - jenni bowlin, luxe design, scenic route, american crafts; cardstock - dcwv; stickers - creative imaginations, pink paislee, october afternoon; rub-ons - fontwerks; puffy glitter glue - deviant art; bling; glimmer mist - tattered angels

home sweet home

time for challenge 64 at journaling junkie. the task this time was to follow a sketch from little shop of sketches. no specifics on the theme, we have a freehand on the topic as long as we use the sketch.

i created my layout a little differently. i wanted to use this kraft paper i've had for the longest time. by using it, it's not a direct lift of the sketch but the essence is still there. i think it worked well on my design. plus, i was able to use (again) these studio photos of our family.

(hidden) journal:
"Everything begins and ends with family." They are the people who completes my life. I feel joy and contentment when I am with them. Hardships are easier to endure with their support. They will not judge you. Instead, they will accept you body and soul for who you are. Triumphs are sweeter when shared with family. We are not perfect but we all fit. Do I change anything with them? Probably not! I am who I am, they are who they are. Together we are a family. The bonds are stronger, the love eternal. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but beside them, with them and for them. They make me happy. And for that, I will always be thankful.

materials used: patterned paper - scenic route, october afternoon; die-cuts, stickers - october afternoon; flowers - prima; buttons, leaf - autumn leaves

sometimes i wonder...

this is my layout at journaling junkie for challenge 63. the challenge came from stephanie howell and it was to "journal how you feel in your heart at this very minute."

i created a simple layout and focused more on my journaling.

journal:
(Sometimes I Wonder)

What you are thinking about… How you really feel… If you get tired at times of our daily routine. You are a quiet man, not one to easily talk about how you are feeling at certain times. All I can do is look at you, feel what you might be feeling, and understand what you might be thinking. But I do know that inside of you is a sensitive heart, a man willing to endure lest he might hurt with his words. A heart filled with love for his family. I only wish that you will be more open so others can also know who you truly are. (August ’09)

materials used: patterned paper & die-cuts - basic grey, sassafrass; journal note - luxe design; chipboard - heidi swapp, provo craft; brads - provo craft, making memories; alpha stickers - making memories; pen - zig, uniball signo

adorable possessions

meet my most adorable possessions, my cuddly bears!

these cuddly little things were part of my wedding theme. when we were still planning our wedding back in 2004, nelo and i were in agreement that we wanted little bears as our souvenirs. we spent practically a whole day in divisoria searching for these cuties!

and when we were in clark prior to our wedding, we saw these 2 blue bears (our color motif was blue) and i knew that they were the perfect accent for our centerpiece along with the cake.

so if you were wondering before why my blog is named as such, well, this is the answer. and by the way, i married my own adorable, huggable bear! lol!


journal:
Meet my sweet cuddly bears. They are endeared to me for the past five years and for many years to come. They both played a major role in my wedding. The brown ones were my souvenirs and the blue ones, well, they were our mini me –our little bride and groom. One of our priceless possessions that reminds me so much of the joy we had preparing for our wedding. With those cute eyes, little button nose and soft, huggable bodies, who could actually resist their charm?

this layout was created for challenge #60 at journaling junkie. i also used the june sketch from coordinates collection as inspiration for the layout. again, i've used my old stash for this layout - stemma and two scoops collection from basic grey.

materials used: patterned paper - basic grey, stemma; flowers, bling, journal note - prima; rub-ons - daisy d's; clip - making memories; transparency - hambly screen prints; ink - chalkbox; die-cut - mme; embossing powder - ranger

papa knows best

this is my layout for challenge 59 (father's day) at journaling junkie.

note: this was just picked as lotd (6-29-09) over at create my keepsake. yipee!

i created a layout about my father-in-law and included all of his kids' photos as well. i asked nelo to write the journal and i just edited it, the title also came from him.

notice the papers i used. that's from the vagabond collection of basic grey. again, had it for years already and was only able to create 1 layout from it back in 2006. practically the only new item here are the fabric alphas and that extra pattern from crate paper..

here's a tip:
- try customizing your own frame for your photos
- i created the photo frame for my fil's photo by using my fiskars apron lace border punch
- i then inked the edges with black paint and then heat embossed with utee for 3x
- it created a jelly-like texture which added a different effect to the photo

Journaling:
Blessed, that is how I feel to have you as our father. We are lucky to have been guided and inspired by you. You have been a very good teacher and have taught us most of what we know about raising our own family. As you always say, we should live life to the fullest. We are living it the way you would have wanted us to do it. And still, we know that you are thinking of us ahead of your own self. Supportive and selfless, nurturing and protective, that is who you are, because father knows best.

materials used: cardstock - bazzill; patterned paper - basic grey, crate paper; chipbaord - tim holtz, american crafts, heidi swapp; rub-ons - creative imaginations; felt - american crafts; bards - provo craft; acrylic paint - adirondack; utee; ink - versamark, chalkbox; border punch - fiskars

photography by jeff lopez

@ twenty

i took the lead for this week's challenge at journaling junkie. this is week #58 and i do hope you can join in our challenge.

this is a layout i created for my brother, paulo, our youngest sibling, when he turned 20. i journaled about the significance of him reaching that age.

this is the challenge:

They say age is but a number. They're probably right. But behind that number is a meaning, a realization of what that age brings to that person's life.

Create a layout using "age" as a title. Journal about the significance of that age for you or that person you are scrapping about. What realizations do you have as you contemplate on that particular age.

journal:

Can you believe it? Twenty years has passed since you first came into our life. You were such a tiny baby that we never thought you'll grow up to be this big. You're already a man and old enough to make decisions of your own. We hope that we have nurtured you enough to be the best that you can be. We are your family and know that we only want the best for you. There is more to experience with life. Reach for your dreams and always persevere. Life is what you make it and we know that you deserve the best.

materials used: lace cardstock - ki memories; patterned paper - scenic route, prima, fancy pants; chipboard - rusty pickle, basic grey; alpha sticker - making memories; acrylic paint - making memories; glitter glaze - lil davis