The versatile blogger award

Wow - Lucky me! I am delighted to receive this award from two great crafters:
 Bea at http://beadeesblog.blogspot.com/ and Fiona at http://beehivecards.blogspot.com/ 

Thanks so much for the joy - no wonder I love blog land! Full of loving, caring and sharing.

I am supposed to share 7 things about my self  in order to receive this award. I think most of you would be bored to death by now about my waffle with each and every post... But I will give it another go:

1. I have a dream to write a book ( I know I have mentioned this earlier on and not much has progressed since then... Somehow I feel that by putting it down in writing I just may move a step closer to my dream!) Lol!

2. I am one of those people who cannot be compelled to do something that I do not enjoy doing.

3. If I like something I cherish it for dear life... and if I don't I quietly walk away.

4. I have met the nicest people through blogging and it has become the most pleasant distraction of my life... so much so that I am busy blogging away when I should be getting cards ready for my charity batches.

5. When I go out to the cinema or for dinner with my family, I always carry some crafting tools in my bag - that can be off putting for others, you know but certainly not for me. Lol!

6. I have to order new craft cupboards as I am a bit fed up of the plastic drawers I use at present.

7. I cannot imagine that I started working at age 17 and gave it up at age 32 to have babies and tend to them.  Crafting helped me stay overboard and provided the most delightful stimulation for my mind. One day I hope to take my charity crafting to another level.

I'm going  pass it on to the following wonderful, wonderful bloggers who have changed my life for the better:

Sandra - http://rosepetalcreations.blogspot.com/

Shirley-Anne - http://shirley-anne-stampingforjoy.blogspot.com

Leigh - http://charitycrafter.blogspot.com/
Lynn - http://creativecraftsbylynn.blogspot.com/

Kym - http://kyms-crafty-cards.blogspot.com/
Sylvia - http://happycraftytimes5.blogspot.com/
Katrin - http://katrin-hobby.blogspot.com/
Monique - http://naturallymecreations.blogspot.com/

Aud - http://hippieaud.blogspot.com/ 

Terry -  http://terryeo.blogspot.com/

Sandy - http://angsandy.blogspot.com/
Helen - http://helenmade.blogspot.com/
Iram - http://artscraftsnhobbies.blogspot.com/

Catherine -http://catherineshandmadecards.blogspot.com/
Andrea - http://andreajbpiecesofmine.blogspot.com/
Elizabeth - http://nuttysnews.blogspot.com/
Beverley - http://isastampingoodtime.blogspot.com/
Cameo - http://blissmadedesigns.blogspot.com/
Susan - http://shogan03-timetoplay.blogspot.com/


I would be delighted if you could visit these awesome blogs and leave them some love. You will be the richer for that, I promise.


Just a small foot note - in case anyone does not wish to pick up this award for any reason, I understand ...



Hugs,

Monica

I am back

Hello everybody, 

I am back with my family to Indonesia at last. Thank you ever so much for all your kind wishes - DH is surely on the mend.

These are quick cards I made before I left for Singapore. 

The rose on the card above has been made by me from handmade paper from India in vintage gold. 

The scroll stamp is from Prima which was stamped with clay coloured stamp pad.

 I went over the squiggly designs with my metallic gold Sakura pen. 

I am getting a bit bored of the same layout I have been doing for weeks. I think I should consider taking part in challenges which will stimulate me to be more creative in my layouts.

The stamp on the card above is from an art and craft store called Hobby Ideas in India - this is a craft store which is fairly similar to Hobby Craft in the UK. I have to say that I do miss it because there is no such place like this in Jakarta. You would be amazed if I tell you that I paid a pittance for a set of such stamps in India while in Jakarta, I have to fork out crazy money for such stuff - something like five times the actual price of the stamp. Even Singapore is pretty expensive but still cheaper than Jakarta. Okay, that was enough rambling about the pricing bulletin of stamps.
I have used clay coloured stamp pad again with a Darwent water colour pencil in dark brown on top and went over it all with a metallic copper Sakura pen to make it more interesting.
The long patch of mocha you see behind the stamp is actually an earthy chalk from Plaid.
The sentiment is handwritten.

This is a variation of the second card except  card except that I have used  just the clay coloured stamping pad and I went over it with my metallic gold Sakura pen. 

The ribbon is an addition and so is the twine ribbon which I bought from Hobby Craft in the UK some ten years ago.

 By now you would have guessed that I am a compulsive hoarder.... Lol!!! I tried my best not to expose this bit of my personality to my husband but sadly I have been caught out. And that is disastrous for me, you know. Lol again!

I am trying to build up a sizeable collection to sell for Japan and send the money to Japan Redcross.


I am going to enter the first card for Monique's linky party at www.naturallymecreations.blogspot.com

Now that I am back to full swing blogging, I promise I will come and visit your wonderful blogs.

Hugs until then and do stay well,

Monica

Card for my aunt



Hiya bloggers,

We are in Singapore to see my husband who has been unwell again... Poor guy, I hope he recovers soon and is back to his feet soon.

This is a card I made for my grand aunt in Baltimore as she is recuperating from a knee replacement surgery.

It is a simple card as usual with my handmade roses - they are made with a scalloped round punch so they are a little different.

The stickers are from Ek Success - wish the picture quality was better because the stickers look really rich in real life. The silver tissue paper and ribbon are from my stash.

I hope my lovely aunt likes this card.

Hugs and smiles to all of you. Happy crafting as well,

Monica



Card for Haeli

Hiya everyone,


While I was doing my blog rounds, I read the following on  Charlene's latest post:


This week's Teapot Tuesday Destination is a sweet little 6th grade girl named Haeli who is undergoing chemotherapy for ovarian cancer.  If you have a minute, please read Haeli's story here.   



Here is my card for the very arty - crafty Haeli. I hope it brings her cheer and makes her spirits better.

Materials used:


Solid creme coloured cardstock


Stamp: Penny Black - 'Out and About' coloured by Zeenya (my design consultant) with Darwent water colour pencils. 


Distress ink : Faded jeans


Flowers : you don't need to guess - my home made ones


Sprigs : actually from a tree punch!!!


Fiskar's border weave punch 


Ribbons - turquoise and royal blue from my stash


Gems - Papermania




I am going to enter this for : 


Michelle's Monday Linky party


www.squigglefly.blogspot.com/ - spring theme


www.cutedaisymay.blogspot.com/ - pile on the flowers


http://www.alyssundaychallenge.blogspot.com/ - anything goes


http://www.gingerloftchallenge.blogspot.com/ - use those flowers


http://sendasmile4kidschallenge.blogspot.com/ - anything goes


http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/ - flowers


http://cheerfulstamppad.blogspot.com/ - spring




Hugs,


Monica

Out of scraps lying on my table

Hiya everyone,


Hope you all are having a decent weekend... 


It is 11.25 pm as I write this post... frankly I ought to be in bed like a good being but blogging beckons me. Lol!


This is a card I made with literally scraps lying around on my table. Even the three black spiral roses were made by me from paper sitting on my table.


A very simple and easy card but creating it brought me lots of joy. 


I have stuck hand torn silver tissue paper on to a rich red, metallic card stock.


The black polka dotted ribbon was on my table as well.


The spiral roses were created in minutes and their stems have been cut from kitchen foil as I could not thing of anything else to match for the stems. 


The three gems on the left came with a Prima stamp.


The sentiment is handwritten.




I am going to submit this for the following challenges:


http://sarahhurleychallenges.blogspot.com/ - flowers


http://onestopcraftchallenge.blogspot.com/ - clean and simple


and am going to post this on http://www.ggcaa.com/ which is a green blog


Continue having a nice weekend... 


I think I will come and do my visits tomorrow as it is going to be midnight soon. So see you tomorrow...


Hugs,


Monica

Preparing for my next Charity card sale

Hello bloggers,

I made these cards yesterday with the same stamp... they are so different from each other, right? 

I am trying to build up a collection to have another sale but I am a bit laid back about it. 

This cards above was stamped with a Docraft square stamp using Jim Holtz  distress ranger ink in broken china.

Over the square blue layer I stamped the cherry blossom from Hero Arts which I just picked up from the book shop close by a few days ago.

I rubbed glitter all over the blue square after stamping the cherry blossom tree stamp to make it look more lively.

The shimmery flowers in blue and green are from my stash.

The strips you see on the side are scraps that were lying on my work table - collecting dust. They are pearlized handmade  papers in two colours. The cardstock is pearly white but it doesn't show in the picture. The Happy Birthday stamp is from Hero Arts, I think.

This is another variation of the same card... used Brilliance ink in pearlized beige on shimmery blue cardstock to stamp the cherry blossom tree from Hero Arts. 


The strips at the bottom are bits of ribbon and pearlized papers from scraps lying around on the table. The tiny white shimmery flowers are from my stash. Don't know whether this looks like a perfect "thank you card"... looks more like a "sympathy card" I think!


The sentiment is handwritten... I seem to be getting back my confidence to write with a pen...


Hope the daffodils are beginning to smile...




I am going to enter in the following challenges:


www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/ - anything goes


www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com - anything goes


www.aspoonfullofsugarchallenge.blogspot.com - vintage or shabby (I hope the first card is shabby!)






Hugs to a very special lot of crafters,

Monica

My delightful goodies from Sandra

Hiya everyone,

Am I not lucky and blessed to receive these lovely Christmas stamps from dear

Sandra( rosepetalcreations.blogspot.com)  in the post today...?

They are actually for Zeenya but looks like we will both be targetting them. 

Aren't they all so sweet? 

So generous and thoughtful of Sandra to send them all the way from the UK. 

I feel touched and honoured , to say the least.

Look at this stunning card Sandra sent along with such a loving message. 


I kept admiring the card for hours just marvelling at it's beauty. Sadly, it looks far prettier in real life. 


If you would like to see more of her lovely stuff, do visit her blog. Amazing work! 
Sandra designs super stuff for Tellen's place as well. 


Thank you, Sandra, for making my day! Bless you!


Hugs,
Monica

Baby boy card

Hiya everybody,


Both Aleeza and Zeenya are asleep so I thought I would post another card... 

This card is rather simple but you will not believe how long it took me to complete - FOREVER!!! 


Materials used:


White cardstock


Ribbons and woolen yarn: all from my stash


Embossing done with Cuttlebug pram 


Distressing with Jim Holtz Ranger distress ink - broken china


Rounded the corners of the rectangular patch with Ek Success corner rounder


Used double sided foam to give the pram more dimension


Sentiment - printed ribbon which I cut and pasted
Ribbon weaving - with my Fiskars border weaving punch (love affair gets stronger...lol!) 






Am going to enter this card in the following challenges:


 www.ynschallenges.blogspot.com/ - feeling blue (no I am not, lol)


www.alyssundaychallenge.blogspot.com/ - anything goes (my fave challenges when it is anything goes)


It is a simple card but they do seem to be in demand at my charity sales, you know.


Hugs,


Monica

Leigh's birthday blog candy

Hi bloggers,

It is dear Leigh's birthday (www.charitycrafter.blogspot.com/ ) on March 22nd and her friend Debbie will be giving out a blog candy for her. How sweet is that...

It is dear Leigh's birthday on March 22nd and her friend Deb will be giving out a blog candy for her. 

How sweet is that...

I have copied Leigh's post from her blog below so that I don't miss out anything:

Hi all, my friend Debs over at debsdoescrafts blog has given me some blog candy to offer for my birthday on 22nd March x I will be 45 years old this birthday and cannot believe how quick it has gone x I will be adding a few things along the way if my followers go up enough x 

In order to enter

A) Please leave a comment on this post to let me know you want to be entered.
B) Please be a follower.
C) Please post my candy on your blog (Post or on sidebar is fine x If you do both please have 2 comments = 2 chances).

Thanks all and good luck x  I shall be drawing the candy on my birthday 

x Leigh x

Green and yellow monkey card

Hello bloggers,


It is almost 7 pm in th evening as I post this card...


Zeenya made the yellow-green circular background with her Staedler flourescent markers on plain card stock - all she did was draw circles in green and yellow in  a zig zag way. And I stuck 3D stickers on top.


I had to get this card ready for a sale and Zeenya said that it would never sell...But it sold instantly to a little boy's mum at Aleeza's school.


I was going to submit this card for the following challenges:


www.charismacardz.blogspot.com/ - four legged animals


www.meljensdesignsdt.blogspot.com/ - animals


www.sendasmile4kidschallenge.blogspot.com/ - anything goes


Love,


Monica

Card with Leigh's delightful goodies

Hiya everybody, hope you had a good weekend... I did and am so happy about that. I saw a film called,  Prada to Nada...  For those of you that haven't seen it, it has been adapted from Jane Austen's novel (sorry, forget the name). The film seems to be a low budget one but the story is really grasping and the main female characters is just so likable as is the  lead male actor. 

Besides watching the film, I made this card with Leigh's (Charity Crafter) lovely candy that she sent me via snail mail a while ago... wonder how it reaches me in Indonesia everytime... 

Do go and check out her awesome blog in case you dunno who she is  - full of love and great deeds that she does beside making the most wonderful cards.

Don't you love these papers?

 I stuck my FAMOUS handmade roses that I make from a Sizzix mini diecut. One day I will share the tutorial for sure... 

The sentiment is handwritten with a gold pen and the little gold dots on the brown strip are done with the same gold pen.

I wanted to punch some sprigs and stick them with the flowers but my design consultant asked me not to! 

BTW, I am sure you know who that is - Zeenya!

I am going to enter this card in the following challenges:

littleclairesdesigns.blogspot.com/ - flowers

http://www.toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/ - favourites (which are my flowers and the colour combo)




http://michelle-pinkpaperparadise.blogspot.com/ - weekly Monday linky party

These are the lovely papers that lovely Leigh sent for the girls and me - a great assortment.

This is a close up of the embellies Leigh sent for Zeenya and Aleeza. They were overboard with joy! But you know who will use them, right??? Me, me, me!

Have a happy and healthy week. 

Hugs,

Monica

Hello bloggers,

I am back again with another card... I am just so happy to be blogging away. It takes me to a whole new world which is almost like fairy tale, you know!!!

Materials used:

Base card stock - light blue

Striped paper - it is actually gift wrap

Scroll stamp - from Hero Arts

Metallic flowers - from my stash

Silver ribbon - from my stash


By the way, this is the first time I have stamped on already printed paper. I have learned this from blog land and videos on You Tube - apologies that I cannot remember the name exact source.

I am going to enter this for the following challenges:

www.cceestampers.blogspot.com/ - swirly designs

www.peartreedesigns.blogspot.com/ - ribbons

http://oldiebutagoodiechallenge.blogspot.com/ - - spring's in the air

Apart from the challenges above,  I am going to submit this card for the weekend linky party at www.naturallymecreations.blogspot.com/




Hugs and TGIF,


Monica

Matching gift wrap and card

Hello bloggers, I am back again... 

I hope the sun is shining more and it is less cold...

I made this card recently to match a gift for Zeenya's friend's birthday party. 

The gift wrap was done at the toy shop - it is a bit plain, I have to say and not even worth sharing with the high standard stuff I see in blog land.

 I had all of ten minutes to get the card ready and this is what I did.

The satin roses are store bought but the little crochet flower peeping out on the top was made by me.

Rather quick and simple but Zeenya was happy with it and so was I.

I am going to enter this card for the following challenges:

www.cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/ - signs of spring

www.ccmonthlychallenge.blogsgspot.com/ - Easter

www.delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/ - welcome spring

www.doyoustackup.blogspot.com/ - green on your card


www.dutchdare-cardchallenges.blogspot.com/ - who's who in the zoo

I am sorry you have to bear with the woven ribbon yet again but I do LOVE it!

Happy crafting and have a great weekend,

Monica

First card for March

Hello bloggers,

I have not been able to post a card since last Thursday...  just been caught up with mundane activities and the like...

I have been seeing your lovely cards and it is always so enrichning for me to learn new techniques and styles when I visit your blogs.

Here is a clean and simple card with my famous handmade flowers...

Materials used:

White cardstock

Polka dotted paper from dear Terry's blog candy

 Plastic ribbon with lemons that I bought from a close friend's closing down store sale - I loved it the first instant I saw it

My famous handmade flower diecut with Sizzix using ordinary yellow tissue paper - curled with my quilling tool

Beads - recycled from Zeenya's braids when we went on holiday to Krabi, Thailand some nine years ago (talk of hoarding!!!)

Hope you like my quick and easy card.

I am going to enter this for the following:


http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/ - anthing goes

http://cinspirations.blogspot.com/ - in the garden (hope I qualify)

http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com/ - spring has sprung

http://crazychallenge.blogspot.com/ - spring themed projects

http://robynsfetishchallengeblog.blogspot.com - be creative with your punches and dies

Hugs,

Monica