Scrapin' Single

she sells seashells ...

2012-01-05T17:15:00.000+08:00

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what's really fun about Crop.Arty is the ability to admire each other's creations and re-interpret them into your own creations.

During the previous two Crop.Arty at Scrap-n-Crop.com's Scrap.Abode, a fellow scrapper brought this and I insisted that it was displayed during the session to inspire others.

Needless to say I was so inspired that I was half hoping the turn-out for the class would be bad … ha ha ha!

In any case, I took photos of the work below and started my own … which I completed that evening/night after the Crop.Arty itself for Becky's beach photos taken in New Zealand last year.
Talk about being inspired!

Thanks so much Missy XXX {anonymity requested} for sharing and allowing me to re-interpret your work.

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My version

oohhh… how I love the little cast-away bottle - I cheated and placed gold and distressed embossing powder in it rather than real sand! Gave the tag a layer of clear crackle after distressing it to add on the rustic feel of creating a weathered looking wooden board.

Again, I added the clear crackle layer over the leaves and seahorse, but to create a sandy feel on the seahorse I gently rubbed-in some distressed embossing powder over the seahorse when the clear crackle was bone dry, then dust them off. The blue star fish was treated with a layer of Glimmer Glaze … and of course real seashells were added on.

Using my current favourite product - Distress Stain (Broken China), I applied it liberally on the corrugated board. For areas where I wanted it darker, I just had to go over it a couple of times when it dries… so simple to use and simply lovely!

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

Patterned Papers used: Webster's Pages Seaside Retreat - (1) Far and Away, (2) New Discoveries, (3) Underwater Oasis, (4) A Seahorse's Legend

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

getting into the Christmas mood

2011-12-03T21:43:00.001+08:00

The Christmas cheer and spirit has definitely gotten into me!

Created this altered Christmas Theme 7 Gypsies Artist Tray last weekend but can't decide if I'm going to give it as a gift or keep it as a home decor. The problem with the latter is I am yet to hang up the altered Artist Tray I had made on Tuscany, eons ago {view HERE} … or completed the London one which I had started a good 2 years ago and have since been to London 3 times and back!

pro.cras.ti.na.tion

is amongst the many middle names I have.

The good thing is, with this Christmas Theme 7 Gypsies Altered Artist Tray, I'm able to host a Crop.Arty at Scrap-n-Crop.com to Val's delight … oh yeah, she's still stuck in her final lap of the grueling Groupon experience; of which I am immune and dulled by month two of packing!

In any case, being obsessed with details, a lover of all things 3 dimensional and a sucker for Collage … I just had to do something with the 7 Gypsies and Graphic 45 Christmas paper range that arrived. And with a boost of inspiration, I created some personalised and customised tags, rosettes from frilled ombre ribbon, miniature banners that actually swings!, a fluffy textured Christmas tree from Flower Soft complete with glittery rounded baubles, and shimmering snow icicles with Glimmer Mist!

Copyright - Penelope Gan

boooo!

2011-10-31T00:30:00.000+08:00

Scrap-n-Crop.com ties up with Groupon to give back more...

2011-10-10T01:31:00.001+08:00

gulp

not entirely sure if I should be feeling excitement or anxiety…

This Groupon Malaysia tie-up is the first of its kind in Scrapbooking in Malaysia for as far as it goes.

They are anticipating an amazing response which translates to:

many, many phone calls and queries
many, many, crazy after office hours of packing
lots of back breaking {age is catching up} and sleep deprivation for weeks to come as we fulfill the orders and field the incoming enquiries.

But this will also mean that Scrap-n-Crop.com is helping the scrapbooking hobby grow in Malaysia by allowing first timers, newbies and those who have been itching to try their hand at this hobby an opportunity to do so!

By just spending a mere RM 49.00, one will get a comprehensive thematic and coordinated kit worth over RM 200 … a kit that has more than enough goodies to make an impressive and complete mini album … and oh yes, the album is thrown in as well.

Well, staying true to our mission and purpose {despite having an obscenely expensive MBA, I still am a tat confuse with vision, mission, purpose … ok. vision I get… the other two? but seriously who cares when we are all pump up for creativity, gluey fingers, lots of scraps … }

But as I was saying, staying true to Scrap-n-Crop.com's mission of providing fair priced scrapbooking and/or craft items and employment to family and friends of brain injured children, we hope that this tie-up with Groupon Malaysia will enable more people to explore and enjoy this hobby; a hobby that is still very much in the infancy stage in Malaysia.

So, if it takes a Social Enterprise like us to do it, we are more than happy to lose money on every kit that we are selling on Groupon Malaysia this week.

Have fun and happy scrapping!!!

My Moleskin Attempt … Sri Lanka

2011-09-25T15:44:00.000+08:00

Copyright - Penelope Gan

I have been MIA (missing in action) for some time now.

Well, I don't update this blog very often anyways unless its about scrapbooking, craft, or anything along this line.

Since I'm been on the road {holidays - finally!} and prior to that on the road {work - bah!} … nothing much has been done on the paper-sewing-baking creative front.

My travel mate {first time ever travel mate} had suggested that we should keep a journal some months back when:

(a) he spotted moleskin being sold cheaply on Amazon.com, and

(b) thought it was about time we practiced our travel journaling skills if we were going to do the Silk Road trip sponsored - still an aspiration I'd say,

I had protested to this idea knowing that deep down in me, I am not the type who journals!

WHAT?!?!

Sure, I make travel journals from scrapbooking stuff … but often I NEVER complete them with the photos and notations and knick knacks and what not! lol … just when you thought otherwise.

Sure, I blog about my travels and often than note in great lengths and details, but believe it or not, all of them are from memory!

So yeah, I have elephant memory when it suits me…

I have the ability to regurgitate selective subject matters only.

Having toss the idea of spending MYR 99.90 on an almost blank with really inferior paper quality (marginally better than onion skin paper really) in Kinokuniya some months back with my 'uncle' in toll who had to voice how ridiculously priced the Moleskin Journal is, I finally took it and signed the credit card chit with a flinch - one after all needs to "fit in" with the travel partner and if MYR 99.90 is something I am not able to start with for almost onion skin paper sewed together and held by a hard cover and elastic band, I sure ain't gonna be able to COMPROMISE much for over 2 weeks on the road trotting over land from London to Sarajevo, Pristina, Skopje and where ever else planned.

See, COMPROMISE is not many Single.ton's middle name, so yeah, I am excused on this front.

No prosecution needed, thank you!

Having stared and handled the Moleskin journal from time to time, I was mojo-less.

Then… I decided, what the heck, let me scrap in up … since I can't stand my handwriting, best to cover the thing up with colours, pictures, photos, knick knacks and what not… then I realized how though this is because:

(a) is a pre-bound book - it's not very expandable - hence, I can't put much knick knacks, paste paper over it, create texture, let alone 3-D objects

(b) slightly thicker than onion skin paper quality means ink bleeds through it … limited stamping can be done and if this is done, careful planning is needed to 'take care' of the other side of the page where the ink has bled though.

gaarggghhhHHHHHHHHHHH

does remind me to listen to my heart {yet again}

But in any case, here's what I managed - photo sucks … that's me and my disastrous ability to handle the {on-loan}Leica M8.2:

Copyright - Penelope Gan

Embellishment: STICKERS Cosmo Cricket - Tiny Type Alpha Stickers | Rose Moka - Alpha Stickers | Making Memories - Tiny Alpha Stickers | GAFFER TAPE 7Gypsies Gaffer Tape | TISSUE TAPE Tim Holtz Ideo-logy - Sketchbook | OVERLAYS Making Memories - Clear Creations Travel Transparent Overlays | RHINESTONE Queen & Co - Rhinestones Classy Red | RUB-ONS Dove of the East - Indian Journey | My Mind's Eye - Magnolia | 7Gypsies - Elements | 7Gypsies - Whimsy

| 7Gypsies - Journal Arrow |

TWINE

- Farmers Market - Brown

Stamps: Making Memories - Passport Clear Stamps | 7Gypsies - Steampunk Clear Stamps | Pink Paislee - Butterfly Garden Collection | Inkadinkado - Life's Journey Rubber Stamp | Heidi Swapp - Travel Clear Stamps | Heidi Swapp - Date Rubber Stamp | Basic Grey - Elephant & Peacock Clear Stamp (can't remember which collection)

Inkpads: Brilliance - Graphite Black | Brilliance - Coffee Bean | Versa Magic - Sea Breeze | Distress Ink - Black Soot | Distress Ink - Walnut Stain

Others: Beacon's 3-in-1 Advance Craft Glue | Golden - Gel Medium Heavy Gel Matte

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

they don't come like they used to ...

2011-08-21T21:30:00.002+08:00

Copyright - Penelope Gan - M8.2 with 35mm Nokton -

thanks {you know who}, for generous the loan!

With her mom due to travel to New York soon, I thought I'd get her accustomed to not having mom on the weekend and suggested an outing.

Being extremely strong minded (and STRONG headed) even at 4 years, I had called her at 2-ish and asked if she wanted to have some fun time with me. After some protestation that she would only go if her mom was coming, the allure of hanging out with ee ee proved too strong and she agreed. I had told her I'd swing by at 4pm.

Then again, what does a child know?

Concept of time that is.

The actual duration is meaningless and sure enough she was all prep up and excited to go; bugging her mom every 10 minutes with "when is 4?" and "where is ee ee?"

Needless to say I had to fetch her at 3pm and brought her home while I ran some errands; juggling with the need to amuse her.

Being away from home for quite some time now ... on the road mostly ... and being the only weekend {plus 2 working days left, not counting water cooler chit chat, idle time, blog visiting time, extended lunches with the need to go geeky shopping - I lost one of my multi country power adapters!!!, one extra extended farewell lunch, one 4 hour vendor selection on Tuesday ... TIME?!?!??} I MUST run my other weekend and monthly commitment errands before I head to the Balkans for close to a month.

Errands!!! screamed my head.

Yes, it has to be done regardless of how pest-y and brat-y Becks turns out to be.

To my utmost surprise she wasn't.

Instead she took it upon herself to ensure that her tidbits / bites were packed by na na, put her little duckling to sleep with what appears to be Heritance Kandalama's gym towel that I had brought back as the little duckling's 'blanket', and got the itinerary planned!

Feeding her some 'tea' {in her case organic biscuits and milk, and a strong dose of coffee plus some extra fattening loads of unwarranted calories white chocolate} before we head off to what I had thought my selected destinations were ... to buy some last minute stuff for the trip, post some letters, pay off some bills, she said:

"ee ee you like my t-shirt? it's a PINK dog t-shirt. i wear the PINK dog t-shirt because the dogs in the shop wants to see this PINK dog t-shirt. so we go see the dogs in the shop? yes? we go see dog in the shop?"

No matter how I reasoned that the real animal dogs (as she calls them) are sleeping, or that the real animal dogs can't talk to the PINK dog in the t-shirt … sigh! to no avail.

It was decided that we were going to go to the pet shop, not because Becks loves visiting the pet shop, but because the dogs in the pet shop had requested to meet the PINK dog in the t-shirt.

"do you want to visit the pet shop Becky?" I had enquired.

"no" was the respond I got with her shaking her head … but, just but … looking up at me with pleading eyes she had added, "the animal dogs want to see the PINK dog t-shirt and told me to wear the PINK dog t-shirt"

sigh

kids. they aren't all that innocent and straight forward as we were …

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oh how I LOVE thee ...

2011-06-17T22:18:00.000+08:00

… and it breaks my heart to share them with … well, scrappers, crafters, card-makers etc. in Scrap-n-Crop.com.

A hoarder by nature and a lover of all things lovely - well, blame the planet alignment for that! I didn't actually have a hand in selecting my zodiac - I had long hoarded vintage buttons, trims and laces.

Since it's becoming such a hit in the scrap booking world, and where in the past Val and I had only reluctantly parted with them in Scrap-n-Crop.com Kits of The Month (even then, the one-of-a-kind kits only) and Crop.Arty, she had somehow talked me into contributing the rolls and rolls I have.

Fair enough, I have not even open the plastic bags and tissues they are wrapped in for > 5 years and in the case of those bought in France and Belgium, errr… we're talking 8 to 10 years at least!

Surprisingly (and knock wood) no silver fish, no bookworms (they do exist!), no mould, no moth stains, no nothing … still pristine white or the natural off-white colour they come in!

Oh well, what the heck … here's to mankind and goodwill.

We'll be listing some lovely Vintage laces in Scrap-n-Crop.com soon.

The fruits of my labour or combing through flea markets and fabric markets of the world.

The pain of shipping over excess baggage.

The nightmare mom gets over when Jumbo Box DHLs arrives to her door steps long before her daughter(s) do when on vacation.

Oh by the way, our latest fascination are cake trays, bird cages (for Val at least, since mine addiction existed while back in university), and terrarium containers!!!

10 minutes Picture Frame for Father's Day

2011-06-12T20:55:00.000+08:00

Whokay, truth be told, this definitely took more than 10 minutes as it required some cutting … flowers, girl and the "I Love You" banner out of the patterned paper.

Nonetheless, you get the drift… it's an easy and fast to put together kind of project that requires very little supplies too - 2 patterned paper with the motif, adhesive and a pair of scissors.

So, there you go a rather quickie fix for a Father's Day gift from Becks … well, sort off!

{and all this was done while ee ee who has a (well, peculiar (being polite here)) fascination for war photographs was watching a documentary of James Natchwey}

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

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10 minutes Layout: Sibs - Family, Friends and memories

2011-05-21T22:38:00.001+08:00

Another great layout - primarily cos it takes less than 10 minutes !

For this, I used:

one patterned paper (American Craft's Dear Lizzy)

2 cardstocks (white Bazzill and craft paper)

bits of American Craft's trims

bits of a Kaisercraft Pearls

Ranger Walnut Distressing Ink

part of Unity Stamps collection (quotes at the bottom), and

Marvy corner punch

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

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Becks - she's definitely Penelope Jnr

2011-04-28T23:45:00.001+08:00

oh well, besides the tantrums, mannerisms, habits, preference and choice of words - all of which that are rather hard to describe, Becks has taken on another obsession with a flair ...

photography

I'll let 'a picture speaks a thousand words' do the 'talking' here and since she was so engrossed with the Leica D-Lux 4 that I had insisted Val and mom brought on their recent New Zealand trip, you'll have a feast of 5,000 words with these photos.

enjoy!

sure the focus is a tat out for a few ... but hey, this is a 3-1/2 year old we're talking about!!!

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in memory of our beloved 'baby'

2011-04-16T22:36:00.003+08:00

...the timing cannot be worse.

fourteen April

14-4. A bad day by the Chinese

But this is not really what I meant by bad timing.
Rover was almost 12 years old (human age). In dog years that would have made him over 80 years old.
His eye sight had been failing, he was a tat short of hearing, physically weak and... well, most of the time he can't even tell where his food or snack is even when his nose was in physical contact with it.

So yes, the kind thing was for our darling 'baby' to go on to a much better place.
And for almost 3 years we have been talking about his 'future'.

Mom had wanted to call a taxidermist.
Val and I had thought it was a bit too morbid and scary for Becks.
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So we explored the pet cemetery - besides the exorbitant costs, it's just too far away to make it meaningful. It was agreed an allocated space in our garden would be better.
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Then the brilliant idea of a memorial rock came into play and it was decided that's what we would do.

But none of this was materialised when we found him cold and hard in his 'bed' just as we had left him reluctantly in the morning upon discovering that my house had been broken into and the thieves had managed somehow to haul my safe and emptied my dri-cabinet containing 5 professional bodies and 6 lenses ... amongst other items such as my MacBook and what not that seem negligible by comparison of having lost Rover, the safe and all my camera equipment.

With all the commotion from neighbours and the patrolling policemen, Val dug a hole in the garden, battling with the remaining day light upon rushing home from work and we quickly wrapped him in his existing blanket and covered him up. All this and our goodbyes were done in a daze and hurry as we had to take turns distracting Becks from the sight for fear of traumatizing her.

My sole consolation is:

I held Rover and stroked him for over an hour in the morning, talking to him and urging him to cross over to 'the better place'... that we will continue to love him and remember him in our hearts.

I had the funny premonition of removing this compact flash card from the camera...

and replacing it with another just in case Val returned earlier than me and wanted to take a few shots of Rover in the evening. Thank god for all this {despite all the bad things that had happened} ... this was the last of my cameras that the thief took and stuffed into my overstuffed backpack with camera equipment as he made his last round after loading the safe into the waiting vehicle.

These few photos are simply priceless ...

Rover, hours before ... he had lost so much weight and 'aged' over 48 hours ... not wanting to drink or eat anything even when forced-fed.

The pair of innocent eyes looking confused and uttering ... "ee ee ... Rover is very sick. When can I play with Rover again?"

Good bye darling ... We love you ...

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~ Rover | 2000 - 2011 ~
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10 minutes Simple, Clean Layouts: Jill

2011-04-08T15:59:00.001+08:00

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Always found that one of the best, quick and personalised gifts for friends {or acquaintances} are a quick and simple layout, or a mini album, depending on the time you have to spare.
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This was done in less than 10 minutes utilising:

one patterned paper (Fancy Pants Lilac House Collection) and some scraps for the paper lace (EK Success border punch) and self made tags at the bottom,
2 Jenni Bowlin tags,
1 Maya Road heart shape pin,
bits of Fancy Pants pom-pom trims,
bits of a Bo Bunny fabric coiled rose trim,
leftover Prima felt alphas,
Kaisercraft string of pearls,
old collection of Heidi Swapp clear stamps (chandelier and quotes at the bottom), and
an even older collection of Making Memories magnetic alpha rubber stamps (for the custom "IOWA, USA" notation at the bottom)

... and when you're dead bored at work, downright unmotivated ... with mind wondering to scrapbooking {and my latest Polaroid obsession - done with the Leica for the moment (read: bankrupt!!!) } ... well, blog!

lol

(this last "tip" is not to be taken seriously or replicated!)

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

The Circus is in Town!

2011-04-01T08:08:00.001+08:00

It's that time of the year again.
Where smooching {I am convinced this year} does work.
And after months of hard work and cutting internal data and market data to present a record 19 different scenarios, the Board finally agreed on a Bonus payout and Market Adjustments for salaries; albeit lesser than the quantum originally asked for.

And so with that ... the "circus was in town!"
It's been crazy ... but thankfully I wasn't present at work to be confronted with the colourful events that follows. But I have been busying myself nonetheless with a more appealing circus.

Can't help it, I was terribly inspired by Graphic 45 new Le Cirque Collection; so much so I had to make something. In line with the theme, I sure did spritz my fair share of Smooch Spritz - ahhhh.... what lovely, splendid creations that left me dumbfounded by my own foolishness of procrastinating on getting some myself and using them.

Along with Smooch, I had fun with Tattered Angels Glimmer Glam too - whilst not entirely a glitzy glitter person, I have to say its subtle enough to bring out bits that you want to showcase without being glaring and in your face.

More photos and complete project once I am done with the Crop.Arty for April 2011.

Ciao!

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

the V-Day project Details

2011-03-27T21:37:00.000+08:00

oops!!!
As usual I forgot... heh heh

So, here goes ...

Note: One KIT left in Scrap-n-Crop.com.

Please contact us at Scrap-n-Crop.com's CROP.mmunity Blog to inquire.

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

the V-Day project

2011-01-24T08:18:00.001+08:00

I'm far from being suitably suitable for executing a Valentine's Day project but ...

Anyways, being rather hung-up on mixed-media-cum-collage off late, I decided to make a apply a bit of both on a mint box with a miniature 3-D pop-up album in it; a project that I will be teaching in Scrap-n-Crop.com this coming February 2011 {if I can make the time}.

sneak peek of the mint box - uh huh ... that's why I went 'rust'-ing tins recently.

combining 3-D pop-ups with overlays to create 3 layers on 3 dimensions!

whokay, that should suffice as far as sneak peek goes ... ahem! well, before someone lets this on to Val who would kill me. OK. maybe not kill, kill. But we'll definitely have a big row.

Will publish the finish project in details post the Crop.Arty.

cheerio

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

'rust'-ing tins ...

2011-01-18T08:18:00.003+08:00

today I created 'rust'.
{this blog is a few days late (obviously) as I am @ work 2day and can't possibly be creating 'rust' other than a fried/rusted brain}
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Well, I had wanted to rust a tin. And with enough knowledge in Chemistry {just enough}, I knew how to create real rust ...super fast ... yup, you don't want me near your precious car for sure! heh heh

So, anyways, I set about looking for a container that would not react to the mixture of solution and a container I could throw out after I was done.

Having turned mom's cupboard inside out for the container, followed by the garden shed for a mask {thank goodness (only in this instance) for the H1N1 epidemic and whatever flu there may be, we have boxes of masks stowed away}, I then headed for the pantry in search of vinegar {one of the "ingredients" needed to create real rust}.

hmmm....
S&Ws were all we had.
A quick glance at the bottles sitting on the shelves, my eyes 'caught' sight of the price tag.
whoa... Heck with real rust!!! I shall re.create rust.

Faux rust that is ... and so out came the alcohol ink, heat gun, embossing powder, tissues ... loads of tissues. Must say, the outcome ain't too bad!
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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

Finished product/piece to be reviewed later - after February's Crop.Arty at Scrap-n-Crop.com.

Ahem... {hint, hint} we shall re.create rust.

the Travel Log + Collage + Scraps for Scrap-n-Crop.com's Crop.Arty

2011-01-14T14:49:00.002+08:00

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Finally!
Yes, you could say I am a procrastinator. It's my middle name.

... or I am perhaps seriously facing early onset of Alzheimers.

Whatever the case, I've only remembered and managed to squeeze some time in to blog about this Travel Album / Log / Scraps / Collage I did for a Crop.Arty at Scrap-n-Crop.com on 30th October 2010 (read HERE).

hmmm...
One quarter of a year (plus 2 weeks) passed ... not too bad seriously! that's just 27% of the year.
{heh heh}

Any how since I'm stealing some time off during lunch to do this at work {a destresser really}, I don't have the particulars of the items/products used other than a generalisation of:

Patterned Paper and Card Stock

Graphic 45 | K&Co | Scenic Route | Bazzill

Album

7 Gypsies Cover, 7 Gypsies Book Handle | Zutter 1" Brown Ring

Others

Stamps

Making Memories | 7 Gypsies | Maya Road | Dark Room Door, personal collection

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

Tuscany Artist Tray

2010-10-15T08:18:00.002+08:00

above: the Tuscany Artist Tray

gosh!

These 3D effect things ain't cheap I tell ya! In fact the smaller they are the more they cost ... seriously!

ok.ok.
That's because the little silver 'globe', old fashion 'car' and 'airplane' are charms from my old charm bracelet which I have sort of grown out of ... and had cut off the loop long before Val brought Blue Moon Jewellery stuff to Scrap-n-Crop.com which makes great and cheap charms for scrapbooking and craft projects ... so yeah ... it's totally:

arrrggghhhHHHHHHHH

Anyways, I'm rather proud of this project, purely from the standpoint that it was completed within a week of me being back from the trip. Normally, photos have a gestation period of about 9 to 18 months. Travel itinerary takes about 2 years if I am being bugged by friends.

Craft project???
ha ha! ... almost never ... and if I do start them, it hardly ever gets completed. My mom will attest to this as she has cupboard loads of my incomplete projects that ranges from knitting, crocheting, tatting, sewing, painting, et cetera

Well, enjoy the details below ... I spent my time looking for 3D stuff that's small enough to fit the 7Gypsies Artist Tray the entire trip, puzzling museum shop keepers, magnet sellers ... you name it! The most prized possession {not featured here} was a sage green Vespa model I bought from a Ferrari showroom in Firenze! The Vespa below is an el cheapo 3 euro magnet set against an advertisement for a day tour around the country side on a Vespa ... no thanks! I survived driving a left hand drive teenee weeney car, with google maps as our only guide - had no local sim card, hence no GPS as it was way too expensive (£1/MB) to download data with our Vodaphone.

(read HERE for the journey if you're interested)

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BELOW: details of the top half and bottom half of the Tuscany Artist Tray

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BELOW: more closeups and details of the Tuscany Artist Tray

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

the Travelogue birthday gift

2010-09-17T17:19:00.000+08:00

Besides the fact that I LOVE to travel (exotic places especially), being single, there's really only so much you can scrap about ... especially if you are a shutterbug who's stuck behind the lenses all the time {read: no self portraits and such narcissistic endeavours to shout about}.

But this time around, I decided to make a Travelogue for a friend who loves to travel too, as a personalised gift for his birthday. Not knowing where he was headed this summer - just a brief description that sums up as "Europe" - I kept the theme as generic as possible, with elements of London, Paris (yeah, yeah, the most commercialised and available scrapbook travel themed products available) and for some strange reason Germany - only because I have a rubber stamp that's probably one-third of my age with a Germany theme.

Having brought it to the Scrap.Abode some 3 Crop.Arty ago to finish off some final touches - it's tough when half my personal stash is at the tool.centre (so is Val's despite us opening lots of new and repetitive stuff for the tool.centre and for Crop.Art-ies ...) it received much enthusiasm and I've been coaxed into giving a Crop.Arty of similar theme. Looking at my (pack) schedule (that's lacking in sleep time), the only dates void of travel (work and personal) is probably the 2nd or 4th Saturday of October. With that in mind, Malaysia Day was spent making two new projects: another Travelogue for the upcoming Crop.Arty, and a 7Gypsies' Printer Tray on Tuscany, Italy.

But for now, I'm showing off {ahem} the Travelogue I made for my friend for his birthday.
The Travelogue below is not the Crop.Arty's sample (I wished though! but it's been given away ...)

For the Crop.Arty, we'll be making a different Travelogue for the class. Perhaps the only common elements to the Travelogue album featured here and the Crop.Arty version are:

made by Penelope Gan
scrapbooking
brown-red tones

The Crop.Arty version incorporates techniques commonly use in collage ... and that means: LOTS of FUN!
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the Travelogue for my friend ...

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above: the Travelogue cover (side view) | below: the Travelogue (internal pages)

Papers:

CARDSTOCK - assorted Bazzil Cardstock

PATTERN PAPER - Collage Press Margot Collection - Port Royal | Graphic 45 Rennaisance Collection - Triumphant, Communique Collection - Typography and Society Page | K&Co On The Road Collection - Travelogue | 7 Gypsies Conservatory Collection - Magpie | Stamp It Yesteryear Collection - Heart and Home and Read All About It |

Embellishments:

STICKERS - 7 Gypsies 97% Complete Stickers - Gypsy, Travel Voyage, Journey Voyage, Adventure, Yummy

STRAPS, BELTS & BRAS - 7 Gypsies Leather Journal Belt Black with Square Buckle

DIECUT & TAGS - 7 Gypsies Naked Pocket ATC, Naked Pocket Multi Pack, Photo Holder Naked Kit and Naked Heavyweight Cardstock Envelope | My Mind's Eye - So Sophie Savvy Die-cut Cardstock Accessories Cards - Ticket

HARDWARE - 7 Gypsies Assorted Photo Anchor Kit - Silver, 7 Gypsies Circle Metal Index Tab - Red, Circle Metal Index Tab - Antique Silver and Paper Clips - Nottinghill |

Stamping:

STAMPS - Making Memories Stamps Clear - Passport Collection and - Ornaments Collection | Heidi Swapp Stamps Clear - Destination | Maya Road Stamps Clear - All Abroad Singleton Stamp | 7 Gypsies - Ink Alphabet | Darkroom Door Rubber Stamps - Essential 3 Photography | and other personal collection over the years ... too many, too lazy to list!

STAMP PADS - StanzOn Jet Black, Blazing Red | Ranger Perfect Medium Clear | Distress Ink Fired Brick, Tattered Rose, Vintage Photo, Walnut Stain, Antique Linen, Forest Most |

GLITTER, PAINT & PIGMENT - Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist - Cinnamon

below: the Travelogue (details)

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

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Collage Bookmarks

2010-05-01T20:53:00.001+08:00

I decide to remake the bookmark I made here, initially for a friend as explained.

I had decided that it was much too girlie for a guy. A journalist on top of it. More so one that covers conflict reporting {that's really sexy, in my opinion, especially if you are a photojourno} and dreadfully boring elections reporting.

So anyways, I re-made 3 bookmarks as intended while last month's Crop.Arty at Scrap-n-Crop.com was being held. Well, it's just much easier to do it at the Scrap.Abode these days as a vast majority of my stuff and all my tools are at Scrap-n-Crop.com's Scrap.Abode for Crop.Arty, classes and general utilisation for anyone who visits the Tool Centre.

Being the first attempt for collage type work, I naturally was beaming with pride over my work but {heh heh} pride wouldn't have me admit openly to Val. Mom? Well, she's not bothered. She'd say something like: why can't you make me garden signages or go translate my sourdough bread recipes instead.

gahhhHHHHHH

Well, that left me putting them into an envelop, bringing it up to my four poster bed {a shrine for all things I LOVE - cameras and 'glasses', mac, a few treasured books, (smelly) Teddy ... }. Having done that for 2 nights in the row, I brought it to work with the intend of stealing some time off to pen a short note before mailing the bookmarks off.

Naturally no time was stolen and they are still with me, and last night before leaving for a photography show + tell session with Palani Mohan {muah2}, I showed the bookmarks to my ex-staff, a metrosexual who's creative and all. After the usual oohss... and ahhhss... and close inspection on techniques et cetera came an exclamation:
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ha! this IS individualisation*. I told you so.

after I had explained the significance of each bookmark and story behind it.

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Sojourn: London-Oxford

{ Off to Oxford on a Fellowship }

above: front view | below: details

Base: Graphic 45 Renaissance Faire Collection - Triumphant Patterned Paper | Dark Room Door Giant Tag

Embellishment: Jenni Bowlin Studio Tag | Blue Moon Tokens Metal Charm | Scrap-n-Crop.com Eyelets, Brads and Ribbon | Kaisercraft Rhinestone

Stamps: Unity Stamp Vintage Postcard | Collections - Man in Hat | my own collection of 'London Underground Transport' and 'Metro Advert Board' (hologram embossing effect used - not visible in photo)

Inkpads: StanzOn Jet Black | StanzOn Blazing Red | Ranger Perfect Medium Clear | Distress Ink Fired Brick | Distress Ink Tattered Rose

Others: Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist - Peach Delight | Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist - Sage | my own collection embossing powder - Hologram

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Typography

{ writing a book }

above: front view | below: details

Base: Graphic 45 Communique Collection - Society Page Patterned Paper | Dark Room Door Giant Tag

Embellishment: Graphic 45 Communique Collection - Typography Patterned Paper | Graphic 45 Botanicabella Tags | Scrap-n-Crop.com Eyelet, Ribbon

Stamps: my own collection of 'Script' (clear embossing effect used - not visible in photo)

Inkpads: StanzOn Jet Black | Distress Ink Vintage Photo

Others: Scrap-n-Crop.com Clear Embossing Powder

above: front view | below: details

Base: Graphic 45 Communique Collection - Society Page Patterned Paper | Dark Room Door Giant Tag

Embellishment: Jenni Bowlin Studio - Red/Black II Vintage Paper - Coupon | Graphic 45 Communique Collection - Typography Patterned Paper |

Scrap-n-Crop.com Eyelet, Ribbon and Lace

Stamps: 7 Gypsies Ink Alphabet Clear Stamp

Inkpads: StanzOn Blazing Red | Ranger Perfect Medium Clear | Distress Ink Antique Linen | Distress Ink Walnut Stain

Others: Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist - Cinnamon | Tattered Angles Glimmer Mist - Juniper | Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powder - Old Paper | Tim Holtz Distress Embossing Powder - Tea Dye

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Keys 2 Success

{ "key" - inner self + typewriter keys }

above: front view (details)

Base: Prima Marketing Morning Song Collection - 'Sunday Paper' Patterned Paper

Embellishment: Graphic 45 Communique Collection - Society Page Patterned Paper |

Bazzill Basic Vintage (Canvas Texture) | Bazzill Basic Saltillo (Canvas Texture) | polka-dot Patterned Paper scrap (can't remember!) | Scrap-n-Crop.com Eyelet, Brad, Twine | Prima Marketing Velvet Alphabet Sticker

Stamps: Making Memories Ornaments Clear Stamp with Folder | Stampers Anonymous Tally Ho Rubber Stamp | Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection - Bingo Rubber Stamp

Inkpads: StanzOn Jet Black | Distress Ink Antique Aged Mahogany | Distress Ink Forest Most

above: back view | below: details

Base: Assortment of Stamp It Yesteryears Scrapbooking Paper - Shorthand Patterned Paper | Daisy D's Timeless Romance Collection - Timeless Music Patterned Paper | and my own scraps (can't recall manufacturer)

Embellishment: Graphic 45 Communique Collection - Typography Patterned Paper |

Stamps: Stampers Anonymous Tally Ho Rubber Stamp | Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection - Bingo Rubber Stamp |Unity Stamp Vintage Postcard | Making Memories Magnetic Rubber Stamp

Inkpads: StanzOn Jet Black | StanzOn Blazing Red | Distress Ink Antique Black Soot

Others: Ranger Distress Crackle Paint - Walnut Stain | Uni-ball Signo Rollerball Pen - Creamy White | Uni-ball Signo Rollerball Pen - Black (0.7)

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* My Gallup Strengthfinder says: Relator . Strategic . Achiever . Ideation . Individualisation.

I have been making a great deal about not having "Analytical" as part of it and hence friends who are familiar with Gallup Strengthfinder has been mulling over my Top 5, giving their own interpretation and confirmation of it ... with the more daring ones saying,

"geez Penny. You've got a split personality. It's hard to tell."

more gahhhHHHHHH

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

Minis for Claris Lee

2010-04-25T11:35:00.001+08:00

... I should be saying Claris Lee's parents!
@ a mere 1 month old, it's unlikely that she knows she's getting a presie, let alone a mini.

I made this for my dear colleague - Geek-in-Crime, Georgie-boy- who together we had busted through some conventions and big no-nos in the Bank, technology wise that is, to the point of being recognised for our anarchy attitude and given rights to server space and a 'stamp' in the DMZ of the worlds of techie infrastructure.

Of course none of this would have been possible without the encouragement and tutelage of Geek #1 Grandpopsie Robbie ... ok, ok ... we've gone ahead to implement our very own internal 'facebook', our very own internal 'wikipedia' and some drill down scorecards that pull data from the central core banking system et cetera. I guess that's as "speak English" as I can go {with regards to the above} ... and I shan't bore you any further with this Grammy Award wannabe speech or geek-gab.

So, when I was told Georgie's wife is about to deliver a baby ... naturally my jaw fell open; the force of gravity had not only doubled but was at least 10 times stronger. I was shocked.

I mean, OMG! OMG! and here I was going in my typical appreciative fashion of "thanks dear!", "ooohhh... wow! Georgie - big hugs!", "muah2 I can kiss you!" whenever he accomplished some anarchy work or geek crime.

So, not only did I discover I have been such a shameless slut (in words - only), a bun is about to come out of the oven!

Gosh... the embarrassment, I tell ya.
But geeks being geeks, we have very little room for emotions. Ha!
... hence, all was ok after 30 seconds.

When the bun was out, errr... we got the first MMS of Claris, a chip from the old block, which isn't very flattering to look like daddy geek when you are a few hours old wrapped up in a wooley blankie with bows like all girls should be. Realising this fact days later, Georgie asked if I thought Claris would be pretty if she looked like him! :)

Geeks!!! {I adore them whokay - and if my insanity is not part of me, I would have been a geek through and through - so, thank god for the insane dimension to my life}

In any case after some consoling and illustrated example of real ugly duckling in the world of Hollywood that turned out into Swans ... he was relieved. I decided to make him a sweet girlie mini album in addition to chipping in to the totally Ceena {Chinese} baby gift of a gold bracelet. Not being cheap, but I have to say, this practice has to stop, especially when gold is at such high prices!

The finish product with a simply ribbon and tag to go - the 'wrapping' so to speak.

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

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Patterned Paper by:
Cosmo Cricket Earth Love Collection
(1) Elements (2) Remember - Turn Over A New Leaf

Crate Paper Lilian Collection - Harmony

Scenic Route Sarah Milne Designs
Brighton Pink on White Dots

C3 Crochet Flower
Ribbons, Trims and Antique Lace from Scrap-n-Crop.com

Ranger Stickles - Cotton Candy

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... probably more bookmarks this weekend

2010-04-23T09:54:00.001+08:00

with Val hosting a Crop.Arty this weekend at Scrap-n-Crop.com ... making a gorgeous 14-page mini album that uses a multitude of materials including fabric, acrylic, chipboard and embellish them with a wide array of embellishments (sneak peek below), I'll probably busy myself, making some Vintage-Collage book marks.

Time Holtz would be the source of inspiration.
My muse remains ... errr... none. (darn! little A's not coming. heh heh ... purely to tease you Rachel!)

Up! Up! Up! Bookmark from Scraps

2010-04-06T00:09:00.000+08:00

Whadayya do with scraps?
Scrapbooking!!! of course!!!! lol

OK. Not so funny. But recently when Scrap-n-Crop.com had their Open Day for Beginners I got really bored and started checking out every nook and corner of the Scrap room and I found a stash of really miserable scraps of this and that left over from the SnC 2010 Celeb Art Retreat.

With very little, I decided to make a bookmark for a friend who's off to Oxford University.

But now that it appears all too girlie and I'm off to one of these top echelon snob appeal places myself later in the year, maybe I'll keep it close to me to remind me of the happy days {also the arguments} I've had with Val on Scrap-n-Crop.com. How petty they will all seem when I am missing home, Val, mom, Bryant, Becks and Rover (but of course Rover and Bryant! The boys in the family!)

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Copyrights - Penelope Gan

All items used are available at Scrap-n-Crop.com

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Patterned Paper by: Webster Pages

Rubber Stamp - Penelope's own

Stanz On Black Stamp pad

Vintage Lace

{available in limited quantities in Scrap-n-Crop.com this month only}

the Scrap.Abode transforms ... rather EXPANDS! yet again

2010-02-28T00:19:00.000+08:00

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Clearly I have been the sucker yet again!
The other three obvious points are:

I never have a break on public holidays ... now weekends included
Its been written in my fate somewhere that I, Penelope shall paint walls at least once a year {I'm very good at it too - thanks to practice and practical tips from professional painters, but dream on, I ain't painting your walls}
Scrap-n-Crop.com is in dire need of more reliable volunteers!

A worth mentioning fallacy is: painting does not built or firm or tone your muscles. Trust me on this one. I used to paint {plenty of} walls to de-stress. I can paint an entire room (2 coats) in 2 hours. I would have cursed, swore and applied a lot of negative energy and pressure on the walls. I feel sorry for the inhabitants of those walls I painted. The bad chi I have left behind. It takes me longer when I am calm and happy.

A caveat exclusively for Rachel.
errr... the back room is not as you have imagined / dreamt.
I know Val checked with you ... but no, sorry babe... but hang on. Wait-a-minute! What on earth were you doing dreaming about the Scrap.Abode and its expansion plans.

hmmm... you reckon your dream jinx me into being a coolie? {wink}

oh well, whatever the case, it's late. I've got to drive to IKEA tomorrow morning, then continue at the tolling away at the Scrap.Abode. Darn! I had really wanted to go for a photo shoot two weekends in the row now. Two weekends occupied with other people's work.
pfff...

woooo ka ka ?!?

2010-02-20T10:00:00.000+08:00

rofl laughing was my reaction when I read the name given by Val for February's Scrap-n-Crop.com's Kit Of The Month name - woooo ka ka

This dates back decades ago when I was still in pig tails running around naked in the house and thought I looked great in my batik bikini in Mimaland. Yes, those were the days when Val and I would dunk one another in the pool, pull each others' hair and scream "MOMMY!!! SEE WHAT {insert sister's name} DID!!!"

Those were also the days when there was a strange and scary looking wood carving hanging in our home which we were both terrified of at just looking at it. Mom had called it affectionately (to her eyes at least): woooo ka ka

Whenever we were disobedient ... uh huh ... you guessed right, she would say "woooo ka ka will come and getcha," and that was enough to send us girls screaming the house down and running hay wire. Merely mouthing "woooo ka ka" was all it took to send shrills down our spine, evoke the look of terror and well... all the discipline it needed to keep us girls in check.

So, in our innocent little minds, woooo ka ka means monster ... very apt for February's KOTM with monster clips, Sassafrass Lass Monster pattern paper ...

Check out Scrap-n-Crop.com's KOTM HERE

{ sold to non-subscribers too - while stock lasts }