Cardmaking Hiatus is OVER and a CONFESSION!!!

I still remember when I discover the cardmaking community.
I was happy and excited to see that there's so many people who love and enjoys making hand made cards. <3 Because making something makes me happy. Cardmaking is my stress reliever.
But reality sets in. I got so overwhelmed with too much products, tools and techniques. I watched youtube tutorials, subscribed, followed blogs, liked fb profiles and followed instagram accounts.

I bought the basic tools for beginners. Slowly, I am buying cardstocks, mini-ink pads, stamps and etc., But what I have seems not enough. Every tutorials I watch feeds my brain that I need those to get the same beautiful outcome for my cards. My list that I need to buy grows longer. I get stress out when I want to make a card and I don't have the tools that I need.

I like giving away my cards but I have to think of some ways of how can I afford this hobby. The solution is to sell my hand made cards. I did sell some and get great encouragement from them. As I started making more, I become the worst critic of my own work. If I don't sell a card then it was not good enough.  And negative thoughts keeps piling up. Cardmaking doesn't help me to relieve my stress but it added to my things I over think.

I ruined it with my greed and wanting to be perfect :(

I wasn't giving up. I just have to stepped away from it. Stopped buying stamps and etc.,
I tried lettering and watercolor for a while just for fun. I enjoyed it and it become my new outlet. If I wasn't careful, the same thing would happen again. I would want things for my watercolor and lettering hobby. I thank God that my bible study group, church activities, work and my daughter kept me busy to dwell on things I thought I need. I learned that I'm being greedy with material things and neglecting the other part of my life.

I started taking care of myself first and spending more time with family and friends. I still miss making cards but I am happy. And I plan to stay that way.

Last night, I made a birthday card. My brain was stuck and I can't seem to transfer the idea that I have to the cardstock. I wasn't exactly happy with it but I'm more calm..hahahaha :) I said to myself, I'll try again tomorrow and let's try clean and simple. I little pep talk before bedtime :)

Few hours ago, I sat down and think about what I want.
I want a clean and simple card. I want to use the stamps from the craftbox themed "Let's Party" and not mixed it with other brands. If I have to use some paper pads, I want to use the pads from the craftbox too and I want to use only materials that I have on hand.

I didn't use the paper pads from the craftbox but all my "wants" are checked. 

I don't have copic markers so I use my daughter's colored pencil to color the cake and my sharpees for some small details. I have the mini-ditress ink pads and diy's ink blender I learned from a youtuber. 

My aim for this hobby is to make cards for my own pleasure and to share it to people who appreciate it.  It doesn't have to be par at someone else standards. It doesn't have to have all the cool materials like other crafters. Use my own doodle and writings if I don't have the stamps I want in it. I want to be a HAPPY CRAFTER <3

Quick post: Simon Wednesday Challenge - Thanksgiving/Thanks

The following cards is for Simon Wednesday Challenge :) I am a fan of Simon Says Stamp <3 If only I could get my hands to all of their stamps, dies and other products....hahahhaha...

Somehow, I made more vellum banner type card this week some are not in the picture. I will skip the process how I did it since I made them in a hurry... My time is limited and I grab every chance I get to craft ;)

Stamp is from SSS November CardKit and I use circle dies to create solid circle stamp - fun!

I am sorry if the presentation isn't good. Stayed tuned... I will try to present my on-going project next week. 

Thank you and have a nice day!

signing off,

asianmom07

Share Handmade Kindness Day 1

My goal for the "Share Handmade Kindness" is to send handcrafted cards to 25 people.

I was cleaning up last Saturday from the mess we left preparing for the church activity Hallow Him. I grabbed my combat boots to put back in the shoe box - when I discovered Christmas cards in it (O_O) I thought I mailed those cards. Guess what? Those Christmas cards is like 2-3 years old =/ Sad.

So, when I learned that Jennifer McGuire is challenging everyone to share handmade kindness - I jumped in with the idea. I have a lot to thankful for and I can't express myself through speeches. I am just too introvert for that. But I really like leaving sticky notes to my friends and love ones - mostly to my daughter :)

I am still a beginner to card making. I discover the card stamping community last March but buying the materials is slow since I can't afford them at once. I love learning and grateful to youtubers who shared their time and talents.

NOTE: I didn't come up with this design.The design is from LAURA BASSEN.

By: Laura Bassen

 I am using SSS October Card Kit for the first time since it arrived on my mail.

I used Canson XL 140lb watercolor paper. Heat emboss the heart and also the sentiment "you're pretty fantastic" using Zing White Embossing Powder (opaque finish). I keep messing up the sentiment since I don't own a detailed embossing powder =/ But after the fifth try - I got the hang of it..hehehhe. I used the hello die that was included in the kit on the same watercolor paper and another one on a fun foam for extra dimension. Instead of using "ink smooshing" from Laura Bassen tutorial - I used Spectrum Aqua watercolor pen. I used the border arrow clear stamp (also from the kit) instead of cutting some cardstock and made a stitched using sharpie black pen. Added some sequins I got from walmart :D I add another fun foam at the back of the card for 3D effect :) Learned that technique from Jennifer McGuire <3 I draw a stitched around the heart using uniball signo in a last minute idea :)

I am going to post all the handcrafted cards from Sunday - Saturday when they are all ready to mail. 

Have a blessed day everyone!

Signing off,

asianmom07

A Month Recap

Month of APRIL

I started a journal a.k.a diary ^__^ Unfortunately, I think I skipped a lot of dates. I tend to do that when I get so busy or just lazy (─▽─) I also started Prayer Journal. It helps me more to pray for my love ones and include other people I know. And that one too stops when I'm so tired from work or just get lazy. I know it's very bad. I have to work with my attitude about giving up half way. This month had been so busy from work to personal appointments but it's been fun too. I finally got to hang out with my girl friend :) Done some shopping and just goofing around with her without breaking my wallet - when we are together we always catch a good sale. Celebrated my nephews birthday too.

Month of MAY

We're half way in this month. Some busy schedule I got this moth too but I think it was all balance out. Half work and half fun :) Attended Mother's Day Banquet @ FABC. Though I was late and the first one to go home - it felt ok to see everyone I know. And those little kids before are now taller than me...Hahahah! Finally, decided that I'll go for Family Camp so I better start saving up. And I'm back baby sitting which I'm thankful for extra income. Missed Sunday service @ PICF but went to LMCC for the Mother's Day Sunday  than not going to church at all. Got some special surprises from my daughter :)

I thought she like the Park and the Exploration V the most but now I know it changed (-＾〇＾-) I wonder if the upcoming PICF Church Annual Picnic @ Fort de Soto this upcoming Saturday influence her mind. I was surprised with the second one. I don't usually cook but my heart swells whenever she like the food I make and when she gives me compliment <3 And yes, most of the food I cook is SOUP! And I guess I'm going to wear more dress - hahahha^^ 

And I got to pull my older sis out of the house to walk around the Lake Morton for Mayfair. 

I'm excited too for the Church picnic. My friend Kasie will be there plus I don't have to work that weekend. No pay but it's good to have a break too.

Signing off,

asianmom07

Birthday and Me

Happy Birthday to ME!!! Whew, how did the time go so fast? I'm already at this age? what?!!! Hahaha... Anyways, my birthday is not exactly what I envision (╯_╰) but I'm still thankful for the people who greet me and let me feel loved <3 I'm thankful for God's grace =)

 My very unique cake...It's a chicken patty decorated with m&m peanut ^_^ I got my nephew and my lil'Sunshine for lunch.

This ring is given to me by my pretty lil'Sunshine. I never expected it, the letter? yes. But this? no. Letter + diy ring = one happy mommy <3

So many thing happened a week before my birthday and a long week after my birthday...but those things are lost in the past now... Looking back - I'm more emotionally sensitive that time. Maybe because I don't know....Well, Happy Birthday to me :)

February Project

home ec·o·nom·ics

Noun: Cooking and other aspects of household management, esp. as taught at school.

I dislike home economics (-＿- ) I was never into girly stuff. I'm not really sure. I just don't care much back then. I remember during 4th grade we have sewing project - I honestly don't know how I passed it (^_^) 5th to 6th grade is more into cooking. What I don't like is the cleaning part after you cook..hahahha (lazy~~~)

During high school I'm dreading to choose what to take... Fortunately, I transferred to a small school. Instead of choosing - they'll assign it. 3rd yr HS: calligraphy fonts - I did good and very much like it. 4th yr HS: Architecture - my favorite <3 We design and built a miniature house <3

Now, I am learning to sew.... I've been searching the internet for few easy sewing projects to do for my lil daughter <3 And I bookmark most of the stuff - it makes me giddy and excited^^ The only problem now is the materials but I finally finished some before Valentines Day.

My February Project is a DIY Paper Bag L-O-V-E Skirt (✿◠‿◠)
The original tutorial is without the paper bag style. But I fell in love with it while surfing the internet.
The L-O-V-E is bigger than I imagine so it occupies all the space in the front. I added a bow so the back would have some colors a bit.

Here is the link for the L-O-V-E skirt tutorial: http://www.somewhatsimple.com/all-you-need-is-love-skirt/

And I added a hairband from left over fabric from the skirt. As in left-over -> those tiny ones that cannot be used. Well, they have purpose after all ^^

Here's the link for the headband: http://www.scatteredthoughtsofacraftymom.com/2012/04/kid-craft-scrap-busting-headband.html

Then here comes the shoes :) Not in the plan... I was planning to paint it like oxford shoes but my lil'girl said it's too grown-up. Uhm, ok. And she saw this tutorial: http://www.dreamalittlebigger.com/post/i-love-these-sneakers-diy.html Instead of "all you need is love" I wrote"Jesus loves me" on the shoes for the the left foot and "Mommy loves me" for the right shoes. My lil'girl colored all the heart too. Unfortunately, I have to limit this kind of project or she'll have tons of shoes that will be used once only. Plus she's a growing kid...she'll outgrown it soon. I like for her to really enjoy whatever shoes she got. SO far, this is her favorite plus it's a practice for her in tying shoe laces. Lucky for me I only heard to whines from her..the rest "I can do it". Now, I'm a happy mom <3

Lastly, the Pleated Bubble Skirt. I love bubble skirt <3 I can't just stop myself...so, here's my practice skirt. She wore this at church too. I needed more practice and I'm a willing learner now too...hahhaha.

Here's the link for the skirt: http://seekatesew.blogspot.com/2012/04/pleated-bubble-skirt.html
And for her bracelet: http://sewcraftcreate.com/2011/05/rope-bracelet-tutorial/

P.S.
I almost forgot about the Mailbox I did for her. It was a surprise :) And the look on her face - priceless. And now, she keeps asking when I'm going to send her a mail...again.

Month of February: Busy, Fun and Blessed. There's some problems but I won't get into it :) God is good!
That's all for now, it's a super late blog but oh well....

Signing off,
AsianMom07

L-O-V-E

Last year, I asked myself "what is love?"
And today, I read something from the facebook. I just want to share it.
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A Must Read...♥

ARE YOU WITH THE RIGHT PARTNER..???

During a seminar, a woman asked," How do I know if I am with the right person?"

The author then noticed that there was a large man sitting next to her so he said, "It depends. Is that your partner?" In all seriousness, she answered "How do you know?" Let me answer this question because the chances are good that it's weighing on your mind

replied the author.

Here's the answer.

Every relationship has a cycle… In the beginning; you

fall in love with your partner. You anticipate their calls,

want their touch, and like their idiosyncrasies. Falling in love wasn't hard. In fact, it was a completely natural and spontaneous experience. You didn't have to DO anything. That's why it's called "falling" in love.

People in love sometimes say, "I was swept of my feet."Picture the expression. It implies that you were just standing there; doing nothing, and then something happened TO YOU.

Falling in love is a passive and spontaneous experience. But after a few months or years of being together, the euphoria of love fades. It's a natural cycle of EVERY relationship.

Slowly but surely, phone calls become a bother (if they come at all), touch is not always welcome (when it happens), and your spouse's idiosyncrasies, instead of being cute, drive you nuts. The symptoms of this stage vary with every relationship; you will notice a dramatic difference between the initial stage when you were in love and a much duller or even angry subsequent stage.

At this point, you and/or your partner might start asking, "Am I with the right person?" And as you reflect on the euphoria of the love you once had, you

may begin to desire that experience with someone

else. This is when relationships breakdown.

The key to succeeding in a relationship is not finding the right person; it's learning to love the person you found.

People blame their partners for their unhappiness and look outside for fulfillment. Extramarital fulfillment comes in all shapes and sizes.

Infidelity is the most common. But sometimes people turn to work, a hobby, friendship, excessive TV, or abusive substances. But the answer to this dilemma does NOT lie outside your relationship. It lies within it.

I'm not saying that you couldn't fall in love with someone else. You could. And TEMPORARILY you'd feel better. But you'd be in the same situation a few years later.

Because (listen carefully to this):

The key to succeeding in a Relationship is not finding the right person; it's learning to love the Person you found.

SUSTAINING love is not a passive or spontaneous experience. You have to work on it day in and day out. It takes time, effort, and energy. And most importantly, it demands WISDOM. You have to know

WHAT TO DO to make it work. Make no mistake about it.

Love is NOT a mystery. There are specific things you can do (with or without your partner), Just as there are physical laws Of the universe (such as gravity), there are also laws for relationships. If you know how to apply these laws, the results are predictable.

Love is therefore a "decision". Not just a feeling.

Remember this always: God determines who walks into your life. It is up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let GO....!!! ♥

 

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