03 * 06

Jenn says, KAYA!





These pictures were already printed and ready to be scrapped even before October came, but because of too many things to do and a trip with friends, it was only today that I was able to do the layout. This layout was done in about an hour, as I was running out of time. I got a text message from my cousin that the Surf Break 4 in San Juan, La Union will be next week already (I was first told it will be in November), and because I am going to stay in La Union until the undas (my father was laid to rest in the same town), I only had this time to do this layout.

This was the only layout I created without a journaling. But talking about the pictures, these were taken 06 March 2008, when us three siblings went on a trip to Vigan a day after our father's 1st year death anniversary. It was our second time to visit the belfry of Bantay Church in Ilocos Sur, but it was our first time to climb up the belfry and enjoy the view. It was a bit difficult to climb up, but once at the top, the view was just breath taking.

I used my camera to capture the image of the layout.

Materials Used
Patterned Papers from my stash,
Flowers - Petaloo
Chipboard - Bella!
Ribbon - Love, Elsie
Pen - Sakura Pigma Micron 04
Embossed Sticker - JT
Others - lace, rick rack

About Me
A person with multiple personalities who's very much into blogging, traveling, photography, and eating. Trying to come back into scrapbooking and is hoping to create more layouts based on the pictures she took. Check her blogs at: Jenn Was Here and An Autobiography in the Works among others.

From My Kitchen

Jenn says, KAYA!

Problems with the monitor hindered me at first to resize and edit the pictures I intend to use for my challenge layout, but it proved to be a blessing in disguise as I realized that I needed to put a recipe for the layout. Thanks to Lee for telling about it.

My sister came home late last night, so it was only today that I was able to start and finish the layout. A buzzer beater for me. =)


Journaling:
When I was still much younger, I remember telling my brother that I don’t know how to cook. He told me that if I love to eat, I also must know how to cook, so I could sustain my love to eat. I cannot recall that particular time when I finally mustered the courage to handle oil splashes and the heat in the kitchen, but it was that particular message that really opened my senses to realize that as a human, I also must know my way in the kitchen.

Being born in a family of foodies, I am happy that my love of eating now goes beyond fast food and boiled eggs. Cooking is one great skill to know, and now, not only can I sustain my tummy, I can also sustain my food blog with some foods I cooked in the kitchen. These three dishes were just some of those I cooked. – Jenn (29 September 2009)





As for the recipes, I didn't really want to expose the recipes, so I decided to use three pictures and have the recipes hidden. Actually, the pull out journaling not only have the recipes for each dish, it also had some introduction about the dishes.

Creamy Carbonara
Before, it was just a dream of mine to cook carbonara, because I always fail whenever I make a roux. But, when I was invited by my SFC friend Ela to help with the carbonara dish she is serving, I realized I don’t really need a roux to make a delicious carbonara dish. This dish was cooked, served, and shot 10 July 2009, when
I needed to put an entry in my food blog. This dish was one of the easiest dishes I can whip up.

Ingredients:
250g. spaghetti, cooked
1 (250ml) box all purpose cream
1/4 kl. ham or bacon, cubed
button mushrooms, sliced
1 cup evaporated milk
3 big cloves of garlic, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of nutmeg
Dash of Italian seasoning
Cheese
1 tablespoon butter
Cayenne pepper (optional)

Directions:
>>> Sauté garlic in butter. Add ham or bacon just before the garlic starts to brown and allow the meat to cook for a while.
>>> Add mushrooms then pour cream and milk slowly. Stir a bit and simmer until the sauce starts to thicken.
>>> Upon your discretion, add some grated cheese to help the sauce to thicken, but it’s totally optional.
>>> Just before the sauce gets too thick, season the sauce with some salt and pepper and some nutmeg and Italian seasoning.
>>> Pour over cooked spaghetti, sprinkle with cheese and some cayenne pepper if you want your dish to be slightly spicy.

Chicken Macaroni Soup
The chicken macaroni soup is one of my rainy day comfort foods. The hot creamy soup just helps ease up the stress, and is really a soul food in itself. It was through my mom that I learned that the way the dish creamier is to allow the pasta to cook along with the chicken, because the starch from the pasta will help in making the soup creamier, and it also helps in saving time in the kitchen. This dish was cooked, served, and shot 22 November 2008.

Ingredients:
205g. shell macaroni
1 (370ml.) can evaporated milk
Chicken, cut up to pieces
1/2 cup cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup carrots, julienned
celery and red bell peppers, chopped
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 medium sized onions, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Enough water to cook the pasta.

Directions:
>>> Sauté garlic and onion in butter. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until the chicken changes in color. Season with salt and pepper.
>>> Add the macaroni and pour enough water. Boil.
>>> Add the vegetables and milk and simmer until the pasta is al dente and the soup is creamy.
>>> Serve immediately.

Some Notes:
>>> Serve with garlic bread if desired. You can do that by spreading some butter in slices of bread and sprinkle with garlic bread seasoning. Toast.
>>> Some people serve this dish with toasted garlic bits on top. Try it, too, if you want.
>>> Other vegetables you can add include green beans and cauliflower. Explore and enjoy!

Buttered Prawns - Dampa Style
Once, we were quite tired eating the same old halabos na hipon every time mom would buy prawns. So when she bought some prawns sometime in 2006, I decided to check my brother’s collection of Food Magazines for a different prawn recipe. This recipe by Mayeth Toledo was published in the September 2005 issue of the said magazine. The picture I used for this was cooked, served, and shot 04 September 2008.

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo tiger prawns
1 cup clear soft drinks (7-Up or Sprite)
1 tablespoons cooking oil
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 tablespoons chopped onions
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 small ginger, crushed
3 tablespoons ketchup
3 tablespoons white sugar
1 teaspoon liquid seasoning
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoons chopped spring onions or leeks
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
>>> Marinate prawns in soft drinks for 30 minutes. Remove from marinade and reserve marinade.
>>> In a pan or large skillet, heat oil and one tablespoon of the butter and sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger.
>>> Stir in prawns. Add one-half of the soft drinks used as marinade, and the ketchup, liquid seasoning, salt, and pepper. When the prawns change color, stir in the cornstarch solution. Simmer until mixture thickens.
>>> Turn off heat. Blend in remaining two tablespoons butter.
>>> Sprinkle with spring onions before serving.

Materials Used
Patterned Papers - KI Memories, Cherry Arte, Basic Grey, DCWV, Miss Elizabeth, Love Elsie, and some papers in my stash that I don't know of.. =)
Fonts - Traveling Typewriter, Cambria, Century Gothic
Others - Tracing Paper (Canson), Thread (DMC), Glue (UHU), Pen (Sakura)

Techniques
Stitching, Letter Cutting

About Me:
A person with multiple personalities who's very much into blogging, traveling, photography, and eating. Trying to come back into scrapbooking and is hoping to create more layouts based on the pictures she took. Check her blogs at: Jenn Was Here and An Autobiography in the Works among others. But, if you want to check her food blog, please head on to: I Live to Eat! (life is short, eat all you can)

Off to the Countryside

Jenn says, KAYA!

This layout was supposed to be posted last week, but I cannot find my craft knife to cut out the letters for the titles. Good thing I found it last night, so now I can post this layout. Thanks for the challenge, Leica. This is now layout #2 for this year for me. I know it sounds funny, but it was more of a relief that I am slowly getting back.


Journaling:
"Coming home after our visit to the cemetery, brother and I decided to come with our Aunt and cousins back to their house for us to take pictures of the tobacco and corn fields. It was supposed to be for a cell phone photo contest I wished to join, but I think I got more than what I hoped for. Aside from taking the pictures, I was able to enjoy playing in the haystack with nieces Michelle and Ian, and I was also able to herd goats. A great day, indeed!"

Materials Used:
I seriously can't distinguish all - for my papers were quite old, some I bought from scrapbook sales, some were given to me by the ever nice and generous scrappers, but I do know some papers were SEI, Cherry Arte, and Making Memories. The font for the "countryside" is Syncronous, and the font for the journaling is Century Gothic. I also used DMC thread for the stitching, and a jelly letter sticker (the letter "J" in the middle of the flower) from Craft Express.

Techniques:
Stitching, Distressing

About ME:
A person with multiple personalities who's very much into blogging, traveling, photography, and eating. Trying to come back into scrapbooking and is hoping to create more layouts based on the pictures she took. Check her blogs at: Jenn Was Here and An Autobiography in the Works among others.

One Sweet Day

Jenn says KAYA!

I finished this layout February 12, but as I was supposed to upload it here, I realized that I overlooked one key rule in this month's challenge. The layout was supposed to be about love, and unfortunately, my layout wasn't about it. This layout is definitely disqualified, but I will still share it - just to say I am back to scrapbooking. =)

Journaling:
"...although the sun will never shine the same, I'll always look for a brighter day..."

I could say that I handled my dad's death fine, but after a few months, I could also say that I had a hard time coping with the loss after reality has sunk on me. So on this day, along with the sun setting, I am letting go of all the negative feelings brought about by dad's death. Time to move forward and embrace the sweet fact that life is indeed beautiful.

Materials Used:
The last time I created a scrapbook layout was June of 2008, so I already forgot the labels of the materials. Sorry.

I used the song "One Sweet Day" by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. I thought I could still do a layout before the deadline, but I attended the Singles for Christ International Conference in Cebu City then made a side trip to Tanjay and Dumaguete cities in Negros Oriental, I was out from Feb 18 until yesterday. I am actually going to hit the road again later tonight to attend the Panagbenga Festival in Baguio City, then to La Union for my dad's death anniversary. Promise to make up next challenge.

To Craft Fairy, thanks for the challenge. I may not be able to do it correctly, but your challenge really made me go back to scrapbooking.

About Me:
A person with multiple personalities who's very much into blogging, traveling, photography, and eating. Trying to come back into scrapbooking and is hoping to create more layouts based on the pictures she took. Check her blogs at: Jenn Was Here and An Autobiography in the Works.

A Treat for Mom?

Jenn says, KAYA!

Every year, my Aunt Julie visits the Manaoag Church in Pangasinan. When I heard about the roadtrip she and her former high school classmates are having, I went to La Union to come with them. I decided to come a day before her birthday for I also would like to come with her as she visits the church. It wasn't my first time there, but the last time I went to the church August last year, I didn't know there's a part in the grounds called "the Rosary Park." That's what I wanted to check.

We arrived in the church grounds pretty late, and the park was closed during lunch time, so instead of the usual lunch at the mall in Urdaneta, we all decided to eat at Chowking, which was just across the church, so we can check back the park after lunch. Thinking what to order was a bit difficult at first, and brother made a joke and asked Aunt to order the salu-salo treat for mom instead. You see, Aunt Julie is still single at age 50+, so we (her nephews and nieces) always tease her (all in good fun, though). Anyway, at first Aunt brushed off the idea, but when I saw that the meal package includes free Halo-Halo for the mom, I told Aunt maybe they won't really require people to have a "mom" before you can order the meal. And if they ask, for sure they won't doubt that either is of us is a mom since there are 16 year old young ladies who are mothers already. Whew, we were stressing so much about the food! =)

Journaling reads:
"Neither Aunt Julie nor I were mothers, yet we opted to order the Salu-Salo treat for moms when we went to Manaoag Church in Pangasinan. Actually, it was the free Halo-Halo that we (or I) wanted to have. And why not? With the summer's heat, I am sure anyone would opt to have at least one serving of Halo-Halo, regardless if you're a mom or not." - Manaoag, Pangasinan 20 May 2008

Materials Used:
Patterned Papers: DCWV, Miss Elizabeth's, and Cherry Arte (among others - some of the papers were given as prizes and I don't know their labels)
Others: cardstock stickers (Basic Grey), cardstock button and embossed corner (bought at Simplejoys), Flowers (Prima), blings.

About ME:

A scrapbooker, blogger, food tripper, and now a traveller and a trying hard photographer. Read my blogs at: http://www.jennwashere.com/, http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com/, http://shutterhappenings.com/, and http://familiakhuletz.blogspot.com/

When You're 64

Jenn says, KAYA!

So many bad things happened that I thought I won't be able to join this month, but happy now that even on the last day, I was able to submit this one.

What I came up with is just a very simple layout for my mom. I didn't want to complicate it, because I know my mom would appreciate simple layouts more than the super embellished ones. I was actually having a hard time doing this because my mom would always check up on me while I was doing it. I guess seeing her in the picture aroused her curiosity. =)

I was trying to keep it from her that I forgot to take a picture of it before I seal it! My mom's really nosy -- if I left it hanging, for sure the whole purpose of this layout is already busted.

Journal on the layout reads:

"To my mom (age 58), This picture of us taken in Villa Escudero last 29 march 2008 is certainly my current favorite. For someone who doesn’t really smile in pictures, I am happy to see you smile here even just a bit. I am happy, too, that we looked so sweet in this picture. I guess time has certainly changed us a lot. I hope that the closeness we are now sharing will remain forever. I love the fact that we are real good friends now. This layout may have been done in 2008, but I inserted a hidden letter for you, which you can only read when you turn 64, six more years by now. I got it all sealed, so don’t waste your time and energy trying to peek on it, okay? Don’t worry, as long as we live our lives a day at a time, we will just be surprised that six years have already passed. Do come back on this layout in year 2014, on your 64th birthday. And yes, this one’s based on the old Beatles’ song. Love you mom. Your Daughter Nene (age 27)"

The hidden journal will have to follow -- I wrote it from my head and I sealed it right there and then (yeah, st*pid me). I have to wait until tommorow to open it because mom's here, if I open it, she might read it.

Sorry for the poor image - I took a shot of this around 8pm and that I was using my cell phone.

Materials Used:

Patterned Papers - Basic Grey (thanks to Nina for these papers), DCWV, Teresa Collins, Imaginisce

Others - Canson Tracing Paper, Petaloo flowers, Colorbox Ink, Staedtler Triplus pen

About Me:

Mom's newest best friend. You can read more about me in my blogs - http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com/ * http://shutterhappenings.blogspot.com/ * http://familiakhuletz.blogspot.com/

Relax

Jenn says, KAYA!

After a few tries, I was able to download the kit. Lotsa thanks to Diane who made this challenge come to life, and to Danielle Young for providing the kit for us to use.

Our computer still cannot recognize the Photoshop CS2 disc so I feared Imight not be able to submit a layout for the challenge, but my brother, who also tries to do simple digital scrapbooking, said Microsoft Visio can read .png files and I can merge all elements as well as save it as .jpg, so thankful that I can join this month's challenge. This layout may be very simple (Visio can't do compilcated photo editing like the way Photoshop does), but through this I had more respect to the digital scrapbookers - it really wasn't that easy, but I do agree that digital scrapbooking can be so addicting. I love that I can hit the "redo" button everytime I misplaced an element - something a bit impossible to do with traditional. So here it is, my layout:

Journal Reads:

"After nine long years, I was able to set foot in Bolinao, Pangasinan again. I, together with my family primarily went there to visit ailing grandpa, but on this particular day, we went out to enjoy the magnificent views. It was a great way to relax and seeing God's creations was pure bliss. I cannot wait to be back here again. Macanlaoan Beach, 04 November 2007"

Materials Used:

Font - NevisonCasD and Kindergarten

Alphabets - Erica Hernandez for Two Peas in a Bucket

All Else - Springtime Feeling Kit by Danielle Young

About ME:

A 27-year old lady who has been into crafts since high school but just officially dived into real scrapbooking September of 2006. Even though I think I am probably the poorest of all the scrapbookers here in the Philippines, I don't see financial constraints as hindrance for me to create layouts about my life’s memories. Actually, with the very few materials that I have, I am now doing my fourth album. Style wise, I love to do multiple pictures in my layouts, and as much as possible, I want to put as much memories from a life’s event into one layout. Aside from scrapbooking, I am also into cross-stitching, card making (though I only create cards for select people), and altering boxes to accommodate my knick-knacks and old letters from friends. To know more of me and my scrapbooking, please check my blog at: http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com/

3 Wishes

Jenn says, KAYA!

January is the time of the year when people do lists. May it be their goals, resolutions, missions, wishes, etc. People just list down things!

This month’s Kaya Challenge is no exception. Sheryl challenged members to scrap three of their wishes for this year using a 5R black and white photo. I have so many wishes for this year, so trimming it to just three was a bit tough for me.

Obviously, I resort to sketches again. I don’t know why, I just love to use sketches in making my layouts! Anyway, my execution was just simple. At this point in time as a scrapbooker, I no longer care much about creating a layout everyone would like. I just want to scrap, that’s all.

Journal reads: “New Year, new life. It has been said that no one knows what will happen tomorrow, so one can only hope (or in this case, wish) for the best. I got so many wishes for this year, but my top three are: To see at least five places that I haven’t seen before, to keep up with my own fitness program, to finally break free from my paranoia, which been eating my sanity for the last six months.”

Materials Used: Decorative Cardstock – Chatterbox Inc. * Patterned Papers – Chatterbox Inc., Cherry Arte, Basic Grey, Urban Lily, Craft Express, My Mind’s Eye * Pen – Sakura Pigma Micron 04 * Rub-On – Mambi * Letter Stickers – Miss Elizabeth’s * Ribbons – Love Elsie * Thread – DMC * Others – Rick Rack, Photo Corner

Cheers to a new year!


About ME: A 27-year old lady who has been into crafts since high school but just officially dived into real scrapbooking September of 2006. Even though I think I am probably the poorest of all the scrapbookers here in the Philippines, I don't see financial constraints as hindrance for me to create layouts about my life’s memories. Actually, with the very few materials that I have, I am now doing my third album. Style wise, I love to do multiple pictures in my layouts, and as much as possible, I want to put as much memories from a life’s event into one layout. Aside from scrapbooking, I am also into cross-stitching, card making (though I only create cards for select people), and altering boxes to accommodate my knick-knacks and old letters from friends. To know more of me and my scrapbooking, please check my scrapblog at: http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com/ or head on to my personal site at: http://janujennifer.multiply.com/

Pieces of Me in 2007

Jenn says, KAYA!

Here's my take on the challenge, a very simple and plain one. =) I used Sun Cellular's logo for my inspiration. The ribbon on top can be pulled out to read hidden journaling.

Journal Reads:

"You're Unique" * "I am a person who loves taking pictures of myself. This layout is dedicated to such vanity. -25 NOV 2007 -"

Materials Used:

Patterned Cardstocks - DCWV Old World * Patterned Papers - Karen Le Mieux by Provo Craft, Scrapworks, Around the Block * Cardstock Stickers - Cloud 9 Designs by Provo Craft * Pens - Sakura Souffle (orange), Staedtler Triplus (brown) * Others - sequin flowers, ribbon, foam tapes, beads.

About ME:

Currently in a relationship with an American Psychologist who loves me way more than I love him...lists spaghetti, pizza, and fried chicken as favorite foods, but is now limiting intake of fatty and salty foods due to high cholesterol levels and pre-hypertension...striving hard to make myself fit, and is happy to lose a dress size after months of walking and food control. Hopes to learn how to use Adobe Photoshop CS2 so I can make my own Blogger and Multiply header. Learn more about me at http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com/

Ma-Cho Temple

Jenn says, KAYA!

I really had a hard time thinking how to execute this challenge without pattern papers, but I was happy I was able to pull it off. I am not really a cardstock type of a scrapper, so imagine my relief when I finished doing this one.

The idea of this layout is from a layout of CD Muckosky, published on Creating Keepsakes April 2007 issue. Since I cannot stitch some thread here, I just mimicked the cross stitching by using strips of cardstocks. This challenge also made me reunite myself with the very first craft I learned = papier-mache.

Journaling Reads:

"Built as a 'thank you' gift to God for saving his life, stepping inside the grounds of this temple was truly majestic. The intricate details in the architecture was splendid, and even though I was not able to see how the temple looks like inside, having to see its surroundings was enough to make me feel the love invested to make this place come to life. Ma-Cho Temple, San Fernando, La Union, 15 August 2007

Techniques Used:

Layering, Papier-Mache, Handwritten Titles and Journals, Doodling

Materials Used:

Cardstocks - Karen Le Mieux by Provo Craft, Filstar - All About Scrapbooking, Miss Elizabeth's, DCWV * Pens - Sakura Pigma Micron 04 (black), Staedtler Tripus (brown) * Others - Elmer's Craft Bond, water colors

About ME:

Currently in a relationship with an American Psychologist who loves me way more than I love him...lists spaghetti, pizza, and fried chicken as favorite foods, but is now limiting intake of fatty and salty foods due to high cholesterol levels and pre-hypertension...striving hard to make myself fit...hopes to learn how to use Adobe Photoshop CS2 so I can make my own Blogger and Multiply header. Learn more about her scrapbooking at http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com/

FRIENDS 'til the bitter end

Jenn says, KAYA!

Here I am again, beating another Kaya Challenge deadline. I don't have any excuse but procrastination, as I have already planned this layout since the week the challenge was announced. Yesterday, I was so shocked to realize it's already the 26th, and I feared not being to submit a layout because our computer got re-formatted and brother cannot install MS Office. Having slow computer and Internet connection also threatened me, but I am happy to pull this off in under three hours. Since we don't have MS Office, I cannot print anything, hence my handwritten journal. Biggest challenge was choosing the papers to use, as I am not really that good in picking papers for my layouts.

This layout is about me and my friend Ahdz when she came to sleep over in our place last July 14. In our 8 years of friendship, this had only been the fourth time we've seen each other personally, yet I could tell in an instant that she's one of the closest friends I have.

Layout based on a Becky Fleck sketch. Sorry for the poor scan.

Journaling Reads:

I met Ahdz nearly a decade ago when I signed up at a Hanson fan listing in hopes to gain more pals who are just as crazy as I am, Hanson-wise. We started as pen pals, and as time passed, not only did we share stories and opinions about the band, we've also shared things about ourselves. Now, we're constant text mates and closer than ever before. We rarely see each other, but our communication keeps our friendship growing. I am so blessed knowing a sweet friend like her. She's definitely a friend for keeps.

Materials Used:

Patterned Papers - DCWV, Craft Express, Imaginisce, Miss Elizabeth's * Pen - Sakura Gelly Roll (brown), Sakura Pigma Micron 04 (black) * Flowers - Prima * Others - Rick Rack, mini flower brads (AAS)

Techniques Used:

Layering, Inking (I don't have any stamp pad, so I lined my paper with my black pen)

About ME:

A 27-year old lady who has been into crafts since high school but just officially dived into real scrapbooking September of 2006. Even though I think I am probably the poorest of all the scrapbookers here in the Philippines, I don't see financial constraints as hindrance for me to create layouts about my life’s memories. Actually, with the very few materials that I have, I am now doing my third album. Style wise, I love to do multiple pictures in my layouts, and as much as possible, I want to put as much memories from a life’s event into one layout. Aside from scrapbooking, I am also into cross-stitching, card making (though I only create cards for select people), and altering boxes to accommodate my knick-knacks and old letters from friends. To know more of me and my scrapbooking, please check my scrapblog at: http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com/ or head on to my personal site at: http://janujennifer.multiply.com/

Full Circle

Jenn says, KAYA!

Just a simple layout to commemorate the event of all events (so far) – watching the concert of my most favorite band of all time: Hanson.

Journaling Reads:

“I have been a Hanson fan since summer of 1997. Like any fan, I, too, have collected different Hanson memorabilia and merchandise, to the point that most of my college classmates have teased me being *overly obsessed.* Can they blame me? Not only do these brothers possess good looks, they also have great talent. Of course, I have also dreamt of
seeing them performing live here in my own country. That dream came true in 2004, when finally, the brothers went here in the Philippines as part of their Underneath World Tour. I was overjoyed when I heard the news, and although I bought my tickets late, I managed to get a center seat. I may be in the tenth row from the stage, but I felt I was sitting on the best seat in the house. Funny though, I was the only one wearing an office uniform in the concert. =) Seeing them personally and hearing them perform live was one of the best things that could happen to me as a fan. It gave me that overwhelming feeling that will forever remain in my memory. Being on the same building with them, sharing the same oxygen, and singing along with them completed me as a fan. It was that day that my being Hansonite has became ...”

Materials Used:

Ephemera – newspaper article, concert ticket

Patterned Papers – HOTP more ephemera papers, Provo Craft, DCWV

Cardstocks – Miss Elizabeth’s

Flower Stickers – Jolee’s Boutique

Font – American Typewriter-Light (Journaling), Café Rojo (title)

Others – paper flower, film template

Special thanks goes out to my co-Hansonite, Mina, whom I met during the concert. She sent the pictures thru my e-mail address three days after the concert, as I didn’t bring any camera on the event.

About Me:

A 27-year old lady who has been into crafts since high school but just officially dived into real scrapbooking September of 2006. Even though I think I am probably the poorest of all the scrapbookers here in the Philippines, I don't see financial constraints as hindrance for me to create layouts about my life’s memories. Actually, with the very few materials that I have, I am now about to fill my second album. Style wise, I love to do multiple pictures in my layouts, and as much as possible, I want to put as much memories from a life’s event into one layout. Aside from scrapbooking, I am also into cross-stitch, card making (though I only create cards for select people), and altering boxes to accommodate my knick-knacks and old letters from friends. To know more of me and my scrapbooking, please check my scrapblog at: http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com or head on to my personal site at: http://janujennifer.multiply.com

Five Words: ...and this, too, shall pass

Jenn says, KAYA!

The whole idea of the layout was to write myself a letter. During my high school and college days, I always gave all sorts of unsolicited advice to my friends, when I myself needed one. I guess all of us are like that – we can advice other people, yet we can’t even advice ourselves. They said that the best thing about talking to yourself is you know that someone listens. If I know I can give advice, and if I know that I needed one, I guess I can listen to myself giving myself an advice. I hope you are not confused with my explanation.

The above-mentioned idea, plus my favorite quote – “There is always a light at the end of the tunnel” and the advice I could give myself – “This, too, shall pass” – are what made this layout come to life. I think all of the ideas worked well with the black and white theme, as I interpret black and white as a dark phase. That was just my interpretation; one can always make a happy layout using the color scheme for the challenge.

For the additional color, I chose yellow, for it is the happiest of all the colors, and that for me, it symbolizes light – as in sunrise. The color will give me the affirmation that things will be alright, and yes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Journaling:
Only you know how your life really went. You’ve got friends, yes, but having real good friends doesn’t really guarantee that you are able to share to them certain things about your life. All of us have experienced dark times. Don’t think that you’re alone in your situation, because somewhere, somehow, there is also one person who is going through the same phase as you do. We all have our own share of disappointments, heartaches, and pains, and it is okay to stop for a while and feel the pain within. It is a privilege, and no one is going to take it up against you if you want to entertain how you feel. Just remember five words when you encounter some dark moments in your life: and this, too, shall pass. For it indeed will pass. Life is a cycle, at times you’re on the top, and at times you are on the ground. With everything that is happening and will happen in your life, always remember that you are surrounded with wonderful people who will understand you and love you unconditionally. Hold on tight to your faith, Jenn. You are a great person and the light you are trying to see will come sooner than you think. [30 may 2007]

Technique Used:
Hand-cut letters (for the title)

Materials Used:
Cardstocks – Fabriano; Patterned Papers – DCWV (all black and white), Provo Craft (title and base flower), Craft Express (upper flower); Tracing Paper – Canson; Fonts – Desyrel (title), Calisto MT (journaling); Embellishments – Eyelets (All About Scrapbooking). Black lace (bought at Carolina’s), White lace (bought at JoAnn’s)

About ME:
A 27-year old lady who has been into crafts since high school but just officially dived into real scrapbooking September of 2006. Even though I think I am probably the poorest of all the scrapbookers here in the Philippines, I don't see financial constraints as hindrance for me to create layouts about my life’s memories. Actually, with the very few materials that I have, I am now about to fill my second album. Style wise, I love to do multiple pictures in my layouts, and as much as possible, I want to put as much memories from a life’s event into one layout. Aside from scrapbooking, I am also into cross-stitch, card making (though I only create cards for select people), and altering boxes to accommodate my knick-knacks and old letters from friends. To know more of me and my scrapbooking, please check my scrapblog at: http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com or head on to my personal site at: http://janujennifer.multiply.com

Tulip Blossom '99

Jenn says, KAYA!

This month's challenge came in at the right time, for just last week, while I was emptying a clear book so I could have a place for the printed scrapbook sketches I gathered through the Internet, I saw this drawing made in 1999 by my college classmate, Nathaniel, featuring my favorite flower, the yellow tulip.

What I have in this layout is the original drawing he made using colored pencils and is drawn on a normal bond paper. I have another one of this drawing, which was color-photocopied the same year, and is framed and hanged on my bedroom wall.

Journalling:
While taking a break from our theater play practice, Nathaniel and I got to talk about political issues, current state of the country, and other socio-civic issues. How that chat veered its way towards us talking about our personal dreams and aspirations, I cannot recall now, but I do remember telling him that I dreamt of seeing a real yellow tulip farm in the future, for it is my most favorite flower. Being a good artist that he is, I then asked him if it's possible for him to draw me a yellow tulip farm (complete with windmills, of course). Months later, I received this one through mail c/o my best friend Lhyne. It's like seeing a real tulip farm, although I still dream of seeing a real one someday. I thought at that time he had already forgotten about my simple request, but he never did. Thanks a lot for this, Nath! (journaling 04 may 2007)

Materials Used:
Patterned Papers – Me and My Big Ideas (background), DCWV (journal strips); Aida Cloth (grey and white); Embroidery Floss – DMC' Letter Stickers – Miss Elizabeth's; Font – MKAbel; brown ribbon.

Techniques Used:
Stitching

About ME:

A nearly twenty-seven year old lady who has been interested in crafts since high school, but only dived into “real” scrapbooking September of last year. Though I have been scrapping for eight months now, I still consider myself a “newbie” for I still have to try different techniques. Style-wise, I prefer to scrap multiple pictures, and I always try to be inside my comfort zone, that is, making simple layouts. I am also a certified scraplifter and sketch user. You can check my scrap blog at: http://janu-jenn.blogspot.com or head on to my personal site at: http://janujennifer.multiply.com