tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-306262022024-03-13T18:27:15.506+08:00{iCreate}imagine.create.express.Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.comBlogger155125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-13589067494587513972014-07-14T23:01:00.003+08:002014-07-14T23:03:48.078+08:00Moodboard Monday #1<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Hello!!! I’m still alive! </span><img alt=";)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://aireescreates.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; height: auto; line-height: 21px; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> Oh how time flew so fast I realized I didn’t post anything in the 2nd quarter of the year, yikes! I may not be posting here often but I’m actually more visible on Instagram (@airees21). I’m cooking up something new in the coming weeks and will share some snippets here. For starters, I’m sharing with you my first post for Moodboard Monday.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was never a pastel person actually but lately, I find myself drawn to these colors and I’ve been using them on my watercolor projects. I’m doing some projects that play around this palette and I will share them with you here in the coming days. What do you think of this color palette? Can paper and this palette go together? Thank you for your thoughts. <span style="height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://aireescreates.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" style="border: 0px; height: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle;" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></span></div>
Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-62586520007735154472014-03-18T09:47:00.005+08:002014-03-18T09:52:17.378+08:00Thursday Thoughts<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
NOTE: This was posted last Thursday on my new <a href="http://aireescreates.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’m feeling hormonal today…I wonder if this is normal for people nearing a new decade in their lives! As I tried to examine my feelings this morning, if they are valid or just plain biological, I started to count my blessings. I just got a good health report (after a series of roller coaster emotions and paranoia!); i have smart and good-hearted children; thoughtful parents and siblings; funny and caring friends; i have Smirnoff (no, not the drink, hehe! She’s my 2-year old chocolate Labrador) to keep me company throughout the day when the kids are in school; I get paid doing what I love to do in the comfort of my home; i have a roof on my head; a comfortable bed and room to sleep in; we have enough food to last us for days; I have a car, though quite old, but still gets me to where I want to go; I have a dear cousin who’s always there to help me out; and I have a very good, understanding, hardworking husband who, though a man of few words, patiently hears me out on days like this. I know he doesn’t understand everything that I say especially when I get too emotional, but he is there to just listen and make sure that I feel it. I am richly blessed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So after all the drama-queen-thingy speech this morning, I felt I needed to have some “me time” with God through Joel Osteen’s podcasts. Its my way of reconnecting to Him and listening to His words for me. And yes, He is all I need. I just wanted to be assured that “all is well”. And I realised that I just feel <em>physically tired</em> of doing the daily chores around here and lately, I haven’t been creating something. I MAGNIFIED them as if I have a huge problem when really, its just that I am plain tired and needed some crafty time for myself! See how the <em>enemy</em> can ruin our day, and lives in general, if we allow one negative thought to take root! It really pays to COUNT OUR BLESSINGS and BE GRATEFUL because they drive negative forces away!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And so, I had to switch to “feel-good” mode. First, I decided to cook my comfort food: my Aglio Olio with Grilled Shrimps :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I type this post, I’m feeling positive again…(bipolar lang any peg?! LOL!) and quite excited in the coming days! :) For some women, celebrating their 40th won’t be complete without new shoes, bags, clothes and make-up. But for me, I decided to enrol in my top favourite artist’s (<a data-mce-href="http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com" href="http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com/" style="color: #0088cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://kellyraeroberts.blogspot.com</a>) mixed media e-course.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I knew about this course last November 2013 but when I saw the course fee, I felt a bit discouraged, to be honest. I sent it out to the Universe and believed that it IS for me without thinking of how can I afford it. A friend of mine told me that anything for self-improvement is always a good investment! What an "enabler"! ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">A few days before the e-course opened, my hubby gave me the go signal to enrol in the course! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Truly, when you really want something and you send it out to the Universe, it will conspire to make it happen for you!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Its self-paced for for 6 months but I haven’t started mine. Hopefully after the kids’ final exams, I can start playing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I chanced upon another favourite artist of mine (<a data-mce-href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com" href="http://christytomlinson.typepad.com/" style="color: #0088cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://christytomlinson.typepad.com</a>) will be offering her first ever watercolour class and when I saw it, I felt deep down that this is for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The class opens on April 1. Now, this is one April Fool’s Day that I look forward to! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have 2 more ‘LEARNINGS", one I’m taking in currently and the other one will be a day after my birthday that I’ll be saving for my post. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What book, short course or any hobby have you done/taken lately as a personal investment? When was the last time you counted your blessings? Love to you all!</span></div>
Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-37914255201343710992014-03-02T17:51:00.002+08:002014-03-02T17:58:53.088+08:00My First Illustrated Recipe: Aglio Olio with Grilled Shrimps<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 26px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<i><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">NOTE: I moved to a new home on the web months ago at: <a href="http://aireescreates.com/">aireescreates.com</a> but for some reason, I still see returning visitors on this site so I might as well update this whenever I can. Be sure to check out my new site as this may not be always updated. Thank you!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last week, I managed to cook Aglio Olio with Grilled Shrimps. I was so delighted to garnish it with fresh basil leaves from my own garden that I took a picture and posted it on my Facebook. (it only means that my basil plant survived my black thumb! LOL!) A lot of my friends liked and commented on my post asking me for the recipe. I promised I will post it after dinner but I was exhausted after that I decided to post it the next day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Saturday came and my migraine was starting to get nasty that I decided to just rest and try to sleep but the thought of my promised recipe kept me from sleeping! Ugh! And then OC-ness attack: I don't want to type the recipe with just pure text. It would be nice if I infuse some of my drawings and watercolor. Haha! This is what happens when OC-ness & ADD problems happen at the same time. You see, I should be doing something else more important and here I am starting another project again!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, I really had fun making this and I thought it would be nice to draw family recipes like this and frame them and give as gifts. Don't you think? Additional "career" eh?! Haha!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here it is...hope you'll enjoy this simple recipe. I didn't include any measurement at all because it all depends on your taste. Start with just a little of chilli flakes if you're not into spicy foods then slowly add some more according to your taste. :)</span></div>
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Happy Cooking!</h3>
Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-2276385655619999732013-12-17T09:25:00.000+08:002013-12-17T09:25:49.780+08:00Gratitude CrafternoonBeing a work-at-home mom, my routine usually entails mommy duties in the morning until the kids leave for school then working on my pending projects from 9 in the morning until 5 in the afternoon. I would switch from local tv shows to CNN and BBC and Bio channel. After typhoon Haiyan swept Central Visayas, the Philippines became the center of news everywhere. Images and footages of the victims, survivors and devastated areas flash across tv channels. I began spending more hours tuned in to CNN instead of Lifestyle Network or HBO. I cannot help but cry seeing a lot of my countrymen died, children orphaned and families homeless, wet and hungry.<br />
I've got to do something. I cannot just sit on my comfortable chair and just watch. But how? Usually, the first thing I reach for is my closet. Time to sort my wardrobe and give away clothes that I haven't worn for a year and some that I hope I would still fit in! Dream on! Next, my children's clothes. Next, my bed sheets. What else? Shoes, slippers, pillows. I felt it wasn't enough...giving away something you don't really need anymore is so easy. I wanted to put more of "myself" into what I am giving.<br />
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<strong>November 12, 2013</strong> - During dinner, I explained my children about what's happening. Yes, they are aware. They've seen the news but I wanted them to emphatize. I told them how blessed we are to be spared from the damage of Haiyan and how we should always be grateful for what we have. But, gratitude does not end there. We should look beyond the walls of our comfort zone and see if there's someone whom we can share our blessings. At some point in our conversation I cannot help but be emotional and I cannot explain why. At least, my kids didn't tease me!<br />
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<strong>November 14, Thursday</strong> - A few more days passed by, every channel I tune in is all about typhoon Haiyan and Central Visayas especially Tacloban City. I don't know if its a hormonal thing or i am just getting old but I essily get emotional lately and find myself crying many times during the day. It wasn't just tears of sadness because of the devastation Haiyan brought my country and its people, but I am just overwhelmed at how everyone in every corner of the world is doing to help in any way they can - US, Austalian, British troops began sailing in to help, food supply from United Nations down to two "kariton" boys donating their day's earning. Haiyan may be the worst typhoon in the history of the world but sure it brought out the best in humankind - COMPASSION. I've never seen help in this magnitude only now. And seeing that, I felt SO GRATEFUL to everyone, Filipino or not, Catholic or not, rich or poor. The feeling of gratitude as if literally fills my heart and I want to explode! I need to express it or I might have a heart attack!<br />
I can't sleep...I can't get off the words GRATITUDE and HOPE on my mind. Gratitude for the donors and the volunteers, hope - i want us to spread hope to everyone affected...we should be a beacon of hope for them.<br />
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<strong>"Hope is a good thing...maybe the best of all things....- Shawshank Redemption"</strong></h3>
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And I thought what can I possibly do? I don't have lots of money to donate. I wanted to volunteer but who will take care of my children when I'm out there? (My nanny of 12 years recently retired) <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">I want to involve my children...to give something from our hearts...not just things we don't have but a part of us. </span><br />
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I have papers (did i say i love papers?!), embelishments for cardmaking and scrapbooking, color pens, washi tapes and cardmaking is what I do best (invitations, technically speaking). Okay, let's make cards - Gratitude cards and Hope Cards. Gratitude for volunteers because more often that not, our focus is always on the survivors. We forget to acknowledge the great help those volunteers do in times like this. For now, the momentum to volunteer is very high but eventually, it may go down as<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"> they are humans, too, they get tired and emotionally exhausted since they are on ground zero and they have families, too, back home. We need to keep the spirit burning. I want to let them (the volunteers) know that we appreciate their efforts and a simple, handwritten and handmade card is a tangible proof of our gratitude.</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">Hope cards for the survivors...we hope thru these cards, they will be reminded that we think of them and there is hope. But when I told this to one of my bestfriends, about the idea, she said it might not be the right time to give them the cards. They are hungry, wet, maybe injured, no shelter...you know, they need the basic necessities in life right now-food, shelter and clothing. She has a point. Maybe <em>not</em> now. Maybe we can focus on the volunteers first.</span><br />
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I knew I just have to do this or else I would regret not doing it for the rest of my life. My husband asked me how can we possibly give the cards to the volunteers??! He has a point...I don't know! What I do know is that THERE IS A WAY, I may not know it right now but I BELIEVE By God's grace there will be a way even if it seems there is no way. I told him that question will not stop me from making this happen. I sounded a bit offensive/emotional but I apologized to him soon after.<br />
I called up my 2 of my bff's and asked if they can come and bring their kids to join us on Sunday, 17th of November. I invited the "patintero" kids (not kids anymore!) in the neighborhood as well. I wanted to invite everyone in my friends list but I was a bit hesitant as I really don't have enough space in the house and no time for food preparation! I just knew we have to make this happen!<br />
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<strong>Novermber 17, Sunday</strong> - After hearing mass, we just ordered lunch since we have to prepare the tools and materials for cardmaking. I never thought I have so much stuff to last a lifetime until I started putting them out! LOL! At least now I will put them to good use. :) My kids prepared iced tea (that's the least we can give for the cardmakers!) and we have a jar of Sticko and some assorted nuts. By 2 pm, people started coming in and soon enough everyone is busy making their cards! I secretly shed a tear feeling overwhelmed with the kids' support and the time they are willing to give for this when they should be somewhere else probably malling with friends. I am just so GRATEFUL. I told myself, I can die now, but no, no Lord, not now. I still want to travel the world! :)<br />
Here are some pics of our Gratitude Crafternoon. Special thanks to my new friend, David, whom I bugged last Friday night to come up with a nice wording for e-vite since I'm already a scatterbrain. He's also the one who coined <strong>Gratitude Crafternoon - </strong>thanks, David!<br />
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<blockquote>
<h3>
<strong style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"God would never start something that He could not finish."</strong></h3>
</blockquote>
I believe that God has put this whole idea in my heart and He will arrange things in our favor. True enough, when I thought of asking Mayor Len Alonte-Naguiat, a friend of mine, to connect me to possible person/s to give the cards to the right people, I got an immediate reply- that she and her constituents will be going to Villamor Airbase the next day to bring in some doctors to check on the survivors flying in from the affected areas. She offered to bring the cards to personally hand over them to pilots and other volunteers who are in Tacloban and Cebu.<br />
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<strong>November 18, Monday</strong> - I met Len at her office and gave her the box of cards we made. Finally, I was able to give her my promised gift for her birthday last year!<br />
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<strong>November 19, Tuesday</strong> - woke up with an Instagram notification from her. Everyone who participated was excited to see that our cards have reached the right people. If only we could make more....<br />
<strong><a href="http://aireescreates.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_9267.jpg"><img alt="IMG_9267" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1124" height="640" id="blogsy-1387241373577.9758" src="http://aireescreates.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/IMG_9267.jpg" width="640" /></a></strong><br />
Nevertheless, I am more than grateful to everyone to participated and helped out in making this happen.<br />
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<h1>
Maraming, maraming salamat!</h1>
Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-7137832108719395052013-10-10T12:36:00.000+08:002013-10-10T16:57:27.746+08:00My New Home: Everything I love under one roof<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vg5Z8_nqHaA/UlY5nIbsR3I/AAAAAAAAA9A/8b9QSJsXRDM/s1024/Photo%25252010%252520Oct%25252C%2525202013%2525201%25253A20%252520pm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="aligncenter" height="375" id="blogsy-1381384816512.5042" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vg5Z8_nqHaA/UlY5nIbsR3I/AAAAAAAAA9A/8b9QSJsXRDM/s500/Photo%25252010%252520Oct%25252C%2525202013%2525201%25253A20%252520pm.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Come and visit my new home @ http://aireescreates.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://aireescreates.com/" target="_blank" title=""></a></div>
No, its not Paris (not yet, hehe!), but a new website for everything I am passionate about. And fi<span style="line-height: 1.3em;">nally, after 3 days and sleepless nights of ftp's and resetting my server, my site is up! This is big deal for a Wordpress newbie like me so give me this moment. :)</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br /></span>
I want my new home to be a place for your creative inspiration and would it be nice to feature fellow crafters as well. Hopefully, in the next couple of weeks you will get to know them. <span style="line-height: 1.3em;">For now, I am sharing the things I'm most passionate about - handmade paper invitations, scrapbooking, mixed media and other paper crafts and some snippets of my life.</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 1.3em;"><br /></span>
May I invite you to take a look at my new home at <a href="http://aireescreates.com/" target="_blank" title="">http://aireescreates.com</a> - comments and suggestions are welcome as its still a work in progress. Thank you! <br />
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<h3>
AND, don't forget to SIGN-UP for updates and freebie alerts. I'll be hosting a giveaway soon. Thank you!</h3>
Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-55019356809332507292013-08-30T16:40:00.003+08:002013-09-06T20:44:29.384+08:00Oh, hello blog! (long post!)Its been more than a year since I last posted here. Ever since I came back from the States, life has been B.U.S.Y. I must admit, Facebook and Instagram provided an easier venue to post status and photos. But there is something about blogging that makes it different from the two - I can write whatever I want, in a more personal way just like a journal/diary. I don't have to think about how many likes I get...just plain ol' "journal writing" for me to look back someday I have record of a time in my life.<br />
Anyway, here's a rundown of the happenings from Sept. 2012 - present. (I have poor memory so I am just writing here the most I can remember! LOL!)<br />
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<ul>
<li><strong>September 2012</strong> - hang out most of the time in Washington, DC frequenting Anthropologie (lots of eye-candy and inspiration here!), Urban Outfitters, Gap, Paper Source, Papyrus - most of the shops in Georgetown! I didn't shop much but mostly feasted my eyes on colors, patterns and designs to keep me inspired (but my brother has been picking up a lot of boxes from Amazon and Joann's 2-3x a week!) I've been hooked to Instagram and gained new crafter friends that I look forward to meeting as soon as I get back to the Philippines.</li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">October 2012<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> - Back to home base. Joined a craft fair in Manila and finally showcased my Collage wallets and passport jackets. They were almost sold out and I got featured (along with other crafters) on TV5 segment for gifts for Christmas. I joined Craft MNL's Etsy Party and met fellow handmade crafters I "met" in Instagram. A few weeks after that, I joined a Craft Soiree in QC. It was a different kind of high to spend a day with fellow crafters - not necessarily paper crafters - but all sorts.</span></span></li>
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<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">November 2012 - Joined Hey Kessy's Washi Party in QC. It was FUN! Met some more fellow crafters and we spent the day indulging ourselves with washi tapes! Yes, we are members of WTA - Washi Tapes Anonymous!</span></li>
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<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBndAlQmXsE/UiA7gYelFlI/AAAAAAAAA58/F8Yfh8FhShM/s1600/IMG_4900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="" height="640" id="blogsy-1377866314565.9075" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GBndAlQmXsE/UiA7gYelFlI/AAAAAAAAA58/F8Yfh8FhShM/s640/IMG_4900.JPG" width="640" /></a></b><br />
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<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">December 2012 - I tried to finish orders for my Collage wallets and passport jackets and invitations by the 2nd week so I can reserve the last 2 weeks for my family. I just want to enjoy the Christmas season with my family and friends. Lots of eating (as we, Filipinos, love to eat!) and chatting. I hosted our annual Christmas party with red, black & white theme and lots of DIY crafts like buntings, placemats (with our daughters as little helpers in stamping) and washi-fied paper cups, paper plates and wooden spoons and forks. We decided to serve only "healthy" foods and veer away from the usual "fatty & high-calorie dishes". Shrimp garlic pesto, baked salmon, fresh fruits, not-necessarily-healthy-but-oh-so-yummy fish sticks and infused water. Friends from the US and Australia "joined" us for photo-op via Facetime. :) On the family side, we drove down to a resort in near Taal Lake for some bonding moments with the kids.</span></li>
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<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">January 2013 - Did a lot of crafting - sweet reunion with my stamps and ink pads! Made some postcards. My washi tape collection grew to 116 rolls (exclusive of the duplicate designs) in a span of 4 months and that earned my place in Philippine Daily Inquirer's article on washi tapes. I joined some fellow addicts, este, crafters during the photo shoot.</span></li>
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<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOjeRZoTHL8/UiA-cxZXybI/AAAAAAAAA6s/sCsqCckI2Ps/s1600/IMG_5526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="456" id="blogsy-1377866314608.7893" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOjeRZoTHL8/UiA-cxZXybI/AAAAAAAAA6s/sCsqCckI2Ps/s640/IMG_5526.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">February 2013 - Joined the Condura Skyway Marathon again. This is our 2nd year and this time, hubby decided to fly in from Singapore to join me and my son for the weekend. We ran 6K this time (level-up from last year's 3K) We decided to book a room in a nearby hotel to avoid the hassle of securing a parking space on the day of the event. Actually, we booked there for the buffet breakfast for 2, haha! Monday after the marathon, hubby and I were just 3 hours flight apart on our way to Singapore. I'll be spending 3 weeks with him eating out at our favorite restaurants, go scrapbook supplies shopping, run and I, will be meeting up with former colleagues and crafter friends.</span></li>
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<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yo33-BSNvsg/UiBFMPniG2I/AAAAAAAAA68/PxsW-1tig6s/s1600/blog-Feb2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="725" id="blogsy-1377866314579.0745" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yo33-BSNvsg/UiBFMPniG2I/AAAAAAAAA68/PxsW-1tig6s/s1600/blog-Feb2013.png" width="600" /></a></b></div>
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<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">March 2013 - A week after I came home from Sg, my parents arrived from the US for a 1 month vacation. I've been driving almost everyday for them so my crafting took a backseat. Its our birth month, too, so a lot of eating and reunion with friends filled this happy month. :) I managed to squeeze in a Macaron Class at Enderun, too! But I guess I have to put off baking this until I tweak the recipe to a lesser-sweet one.</span></li>
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<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1YR4ejWjc0/UiBGlQDLQ3I/AAAAAAAAA7I/LhbR_hyW4aw/s1600/Macaron+class.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="640" id="blogsy-1377866314619.307" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1YR4ejWjc0/UiBGlQDLQ3I/AAAAAAAAA7I/LhbR_hyW4aw/s640/Macaron+class.png" width="640" /></a></b></div>
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<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">April 2013 - After my parents left for the US, I met up with 2 friends in Manila. One for lunch and one in the afternoon. I haven't seen them for years! It was so good to reconnect with them - never-ending chats and ideas. A few days after, I got sick. This usually happens to me after a month of driving for my parents. As soon as I recovered, I signed up at the nearby gym. This is another DARE for me - with the excess pounds I gained after months of eating out (and lesser runs), I just have to do it NOW. I tell you, its NOT EASY but its all WORTH IT. Started eating right and I can see the benefits. I feel lighter and have more energy which is what I actually needed for the next 6 weeks of driving (again!) and going with the kids for their summer classes. In addition to that, I had to work on a pending order for my handmade collage passport jackets and wallets (which is a LOT! #thankful) for an Australian client. April has seen us attending the Balik-Bukid Country Fair - it was our first time and it was F.U.N.! We even won in the Family Category for the Mud Dash Run! :)</span></li>
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<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Un2nRXofk84/UiBJcwENpoI/AAAAAAAAA7U/dYB7T2yVXkI/s1600/blog-Apr2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="725" id="blogsy-1377866314609.654" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Un2nRXofk84/UiBJcwENpoI/AAAAAAAAA7U/dYB7T2yVXkI/s1600/blog-Apr2013.png" width="600" /></a></b></div>
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<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">May 2013 - Loui's taekwondo class has been extended! So is my driving! :) But its ok. I'm proud of her. So many times we asked her if this is the one she really likes to pursue and she proved it. She earned her blue belt and even scored points against a brown belter! I resumed my crafting adventures and this time made a wish box for a friend's client to be used on her 50th birthday. It was something I haven't made and I'm glad they liked it. I've been going to the gym regularly now and my body has adjusted to the routines - TRX, spinning, Zumba, weight training and plyometrics. I've always wanted to paint but I was not confident enough since I didn't have any formal art class so I enrolled in an online art class called "Daring Adventures in Paint" by Mati Rose. It was fun. I learned how to just let go of the fears and inhibitions and just paint! Hubby came home for a 2-week vacation and that meant frequent eating out! We booked at a hotel in Tagaytay for some bonding moments with the kids (and more eating! waaahhh!!!)</span></li>
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<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCGrybehD4c/UiBLflO6O7I/AAAAAAAAA7w/XCfdDuCrJiI/s1600/IMG_7737.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="640" id="blogsy-1377866314611.3584" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LCGrybehD4c/UiBLflO6O7I/AAAAAAAAA7w/XCfdDuCrJiI/s640/IMG_7737.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">June 2013 - A week after hubby left, it was my time to leave for Singapore again. Sort of a "vacation" for me after 3 months of driving and killing myself at the gym (lol!). But before I left, I had to make sure the kids' school stuff are in ready. This year was kinda different - I taught the kids how to cover their books with plastic - something I've been doing by myself for the past 7 years. I guess I'll be in semi-retirement soon. ;) We celebrated Loui's birthday with her taekwondo classmates. And the books I'm currently reading, I had to pick just a few since I expect to bring home a lot of stuff I left in Sg. It was heartbreaking for me to leave my washi tapes, books and stamps for a month! haha! Looking forward to Central Thai for their veggie spring rolls, pineapple rice and lemon chicken; organic pasta and meatballs from Ikea (our neighbor!) and teriyaki chicken chop in aglio olio pasta at Hot Tomato and rosti and pizza at Marchè. And not to miss is our favorite shrimps at Glutton's Bay. Also, this time, we went to see Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands. I finally gave in and got myself an iPad mini. Now blogging comes easy (easy daw o! haha! I'm actually typing this post on my laptop!) Of course, I can't leave Singapore without a new set of pens, washi tapes, stencils, books and scrapbooking stuff! :)</span></li>
</ul>
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<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efWca44dnLU/UiBOTzZEi5I/AAAAAAAAA78/P-gSjXMUO0A/s1600/blog-June2013.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" class="" height="725" id="blogsy-1377866314602.89" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-efWca44dnLU/UiBOTzZEi5I/AAAAAAAAA78/P-gSjXMUO0A/s1600/blog-June2013.png" width="600" /></a></b></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">July 2013 - Started the month learning Wordpress. I've been meaning to move my blog to a self-hosted Wordpress site since it offers more flexibility when it comes to design and functionality. Plus, I'll be working on my supplier's website...really excited about this coz I know this will be a great help in their marketing efforts. I stopped going to the gym but continued with my diet and running...I just don't have the time right now since I will be leaving for a trip down south for a week to gather stuff for the website and do some product development as well. It was a fun trip! Managed to run uphill with friends and then took a dip at the clear river. It was my first time and I was just glad that I did it. After swimming, we had freshly-picked buko juice. Oh, i love this place! Got stranded at the airport for 18 hours due to bad weather condition. Thankful for my iPad and power bank for they kept me sane throughout my entire stay. I came home with a box full of lansones from my friend. I've never eaten lansones this much in my entire life! Yummy! But not everything was fun this month....I had asthma attack after a I came home and that kept me from working for a couple of days. At least, I'm thankful that I don't need to be confined in a hospital this time. A week after, my former bride client who became a very close friend of mine came home for a vacation. We, together with our common friend, went to see Side A Band live at 19 East. Wow! Its been 21 years since I last saw Joey G. sing but his voice has not changed a bit. Galing!</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">August 2013 - Busy month! Worked on invitation orders while doing the website but I am #thankful. Hubby came home for a long weekend and we booked in another hotel for a much needed break. After he left, back to work which means Wordpress, Photoshop, printing and assembling of invitations. In the midst of busy-ness around here, I still find time to be with friends once in a while and I've been spending a day/week at Starbucks bringing my work with me. Its my way of finding my center and gathering my thoughts. I call it "a date with myself". :) Though I haven't been back to the gym, I've been running regularly 3-4x a week at 5K. This month, me and my BFF's had a mini reunion with our friend whom we haven't seen for 20 years! Typhoon Maring left some parts of my town devastated and under water. We were blessed enough to be spared but others were not as lucky. In this time of great need, I've seen how we, Filipinos, are ready to extend help to those who need it most. </span></li>
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<li><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">One last note, I DARED myself to finally join the rally #MillionPeopleMarch. I was not able to join the EDSA Revolution back in 1986 coz I was just 11 years old. But this time, I have to. I am fed up with all the corruption happening in my country and its time to take stand. And I am glad I did it.</span></li>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I will soon be migrating to Wordpress and this blog will be transferred to a new domain. Hopefully it will be up by 2nd week of September 2013 (not 2014!). The blog header is a sneak peek of what to expect in my new website - a collection of all my loves, my passion. Hope to see you there soon!</span></span></div>
<b style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </b>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-32639209955852737842012-08-11T02:30:00.001+08:002012-08-11T02:30:18.749+08:00Shop is NOW OPEN!After checking out handmade online shops and even trying to put up a self-hosted online shop (my OC-ness kicked in and I wanted my own design of the entire set!), I still went back to good ol' Etsy! Its good for now for a number of reasons: established online portal for handmade sellers; secure payment via Paypal and easier to upload my products.<br />
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Take a peek at my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/aireescreates" target="_blank">shop</a>:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/aireescreates"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">http://www.etsy.com/shop/aireescreates</span></a></td></tr>
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I'll be adding more wallets and other handmade products soon. Kindly bear with me. Thank you for supporting handmade artisans like me. :)<br />
<br />Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-6896653124085295522012-08-03T03:56:00.002+08:002012-08-03T03:56:37.344+08:00Setting Up Shop Soon!!!I used to have an <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/aireescreates" target="_blank">Etsy shop </a>but I wasn't able to maintain it for years because I wanted to focus on my handmade invitation business and family life. And besides, our mailing system in the Philippines back then was a pain in the neck, lots of red tape, sad to say but I think it has improved quite a bit and I can see more and more Flipino online sellers.<br />
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One of my goals for 2012 is to revive my Etsy shop but I am also looking into other venues like Big Cartel or my very own online shop. I've been out of the loop for quite some time in Etsy and I think I need to "review again" hence, its been quiet up here.<br />
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But in my collage wallet area, mojo is still up and I've been making them every week. I just haven't posted them up yet since I am in the midst of thinking where to sell them online. Anyway, here are 2 of my creations I made 2 weeks ago.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmI5PikbEs0/UBrZbsnp2WI/AAAAAAAAA1A/0-GeXl1KB8c/s1600/Collage+-+Eiffel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kmI5PikbEs0/UBrZbsnp2WI/AAAAAAAAA1A/0-GeXl1KB8c/s640/Collage+-+Eiffel.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collage Wallet #11 - Eiffel</td></tr>
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Here's the close-up:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9FOuaVqGvU/UBrZ1L75cFI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/FGvXpAP1UpQ/s1600/PaperWallet+-+Eiffel1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9FOuaVqGvU/UBrZ1L75cFI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/FGvXpAP1UpQ/s640/PaperWallet+-+Eiffel1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-8-EcG5h5Q/UBrZ729QS4I/AAAAAAAAA1g/jxsN0MPyyrU/s1600/PaperWallet+-+Eiffel3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-8-EcG5h5Q/UBrZ729QS4I/AAAAAAAAA1g/jxsN0MPyyrU/s640/PaperWallet+-+Eiffel3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj5yjTWxSJY/UBraJvFXlII/AAAAAAAAA2U/gnKTm3Kn_Po/s1600/PaperWallet+-+Eiffel9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mj5yjTWxSJY/UBraJvFXlII/AAAAAAAAA2U/gnKTm3Kn_Po/s640/PaperWallet+-+Eiffel9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collage Wallet #12 - Postmarks</td></tr>
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Close-up:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyCCN0YBgbU/UBra6maLv3I/AAAAAAAAA2g/FpRZoBQPvO0/s1600/PaperWallet+-+Postmarks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pyCCN0YBgbU/UBra6maLv3I/AAAAAAAAA2g/FpRZoBQPvO0/s640/PaperWallet+-+Postmarks2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JIRUpeVY3GQ/UBra9b4B6uI/AAAAAAAAA2o/5XlKe8tBRLA/s1600/PaperWallet+-+Postmarks6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JIRUpeVY3GQ/UBra9b4B6uI/AAAAAAAAA2o/5XlKe8tBRLA/s640/PaperWallet+-+Postmarks6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYmc2zI5jQY/UBrbBLno9yI/AAAAAAAAA2w/CVtHid00Wlg/s1600/PaperWallet+-+Postmarks7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYmc2zI5jQY/UBrbBLno9yI/AAAAAAAAA2w/CVtHid00Wlg/s640/PaperWallet+-+Postmarks7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yZHJxM0tSE/UBrbG_zmdLI/AAAAAAAAA24/BZJLo7_r5Kw/s1600/PaperWallet+-+Postmarks8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yZHJxM0tSE/UBrbG_zmdLI/AAAAAAAAA24/BZJLo7_r5Kw/s640/PaperWallet+-+Postmarks8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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To all who expressed their interest to buy my collage wallets, I will let you know as soon as my shop is up. Soon! Thanks for your patience. :)</div>
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<br /></div>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-68664409253218008022012-07-28T06:03:00.001+08:002012-07-28T06:03:02.727+08:00Happy Weekend!I spent the day reading a very good book in the nearby library I discovered today. Then I found this quote and decided to write it on my Starbucks journal and played with my Smash tape. I placed it on the week that I'll be home soon and I can't help but feel excited, re-energized and happy! I think it is much more effective to lift my spirits up than my last trip at Michael's. ;) <br />
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Have a great weekend! <br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o1fhSRho4ts/UBMQEr0nwtI/AAAAAAAAA0k/VWwg5vQl86g/s640/blogger-image-715306410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-o1fhSRho4ts/UBMQEr0nwtI/AAAAAAAAA0k/VWwg5vQl86g/s640/blogger-image-715306410.jpg" /></a></div>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-32703510121885953942012-07-27T05:45:00.001+08:002012-07-27T05:56:26.446+08:00Collage Wallet #10: Love in the Midst of ChaosA few weeks ago, I was on an emotional roller coaster ride. I was hurt, angry, depressed and my self-esteem is at its lowest. Back home, its very easy to just get out and maybe talk to my closest friends but where I am right now, its not easy. To help myself, I pulled out my papers and wallets to create some designs. I didn't know why these images of hearts kept on popping in my mind. I am angry, yes. But why hearts?!? I began to think if I'm "bipolar"?!?! <br />
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I started cutting the cute red paper into hearts freehand. No drawing, no pattern. Just freehand cutting. And this is the result. <br />
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As I take another look at my finished work, I realized no matter how angry, hurt and depressed I am, I am still capable of loving. In fact, I still love te same person who made me feel this way. Then things become clearer in my mind...I began to understand better and accept some things I cannot change and acceptance without resentment is harder to practice but it is essential to a relationship. <br />
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On a lighter note, I feel better now. Still finding myself falling in love with the same person after 15 years! :) Wishing you all love, love, love everyday of ypur lives! Happy weekend. <div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xwAPAKyrdkA/UBG6fpZsdGI/AAAAAAAAA0A/TZ3u2c3kHr8/s640/blogger-image-1964185164.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xwAPAKyrdkA/UBG6fpZsdGI/AAAAAAAAA0A/TZ3u2c3kHr8/s640/blogger-image-1964185164.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PlMg-qU2NpI/UBG6gVfqZ6I/AAAAAAAAA0I/hQV4yRKu7L8/s640/blogger-image-1565037250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PlMg-qU2NpI/UBG6gVfqZ6I/AAAAAAAAA0I/hQV4yRKu7L8/s640/blogger-image-1565037250.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oxx_5Vx1mXE/UBG6hH4NhgI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/7GAQJpT4buA/s640/blogger-image-1062312414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oxx_5Vx1mXE/UBG6hH4NhgI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/7GAQJpT4buA/s640/blogger-image-1062312414.jpg" /></a></div>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-2282206046301300752012-07-21T10:00:00.000+08:002012-07-21T10:00:01.248+08:00Collage Wallet #9: "It's the Little Things"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks, Vanessa! </td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">One of the best things that happened during my short stint at Made With Love, a scrapbook store in Singapore, was I made new friends at work. We were all passionate about scrapbooking and we understand each other when we palpitate on the sight of boxes of New Arrivals every Wednesday afternoon! :) One of 2 fellow Filipino co-workers I've made friends with at work is </span><a href="http://vanessamenguitagutierrez.blogspot.sg/" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">Vanessa</a><span style="background-color: white;">. A very talented scrapper who always wins in online contests especially in the Prima Flowers challenge every month! Apart from her amazing talent is her positive outlook in life. She taught me how to always think that we have $$ even if our wallets don't tell (blame it to the 40% off promos at work!) that because that is how you attract abundance. Last summer, she gave me this stamp for my birthday.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msh0kHxZraI/UAY4DhyeACI/AAAAAAAAAzs/y5CnDUQjvGI/s1600/Collage+Tweet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-msh0kHxZraI/UAY4DhyeACI/AAAAAAAAAzs/y5CnDUQjvGI/s1600/Collage+Tweet.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Fast forward to July 3, while I was gathering papers for me next collage paper wallet, I came across the phrase "It's the little things" in one of the paper sheets. Another reminder for me, maybe, not to be overwhelmed by what I thought to be larger-than-life issues but to cherish the little things I have been blessed with. I've always believed that God sends us these </span><i style="background-color: white;">gentle reminders</i><span style="background-color: white;"> when we need them most. We may not always realize them at once but surely they are not just coincidences. I hope that through this design, whoever will own this will be reminded what my friend taught me. :)</span></div>
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<br /></div>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-20628498261088935822012-07-20T15:30:00.000+08:002012-07-20T15:30:03.435+08:00Collage Paper Wallet #8 - Pink + Teal and of Possibilities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ews2X6QCmhY/UAYu6heOIhI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/7wop3fg2ac0/s1600/IMG_3941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ews2X6QCmhY/UAYu6heOIhI/AAAAAAAAAzQ/7wop3fg2ac0/s400/IMG_3941.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Aside from vintage travel designs, I find myself drawn to English garden-designed papers lately. I love Webster's Pages papers that I was inspired to make a collage design out of them. During the process, the phrase <b><i>"Be open to possibilities"</i></b> struck me. My one little word for 2012 is actually POSSIBILITIES. I guess the Universe is reminding me to believe in the possibilities of my dreams.<br />
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Sometimes life's happenings has their way of sucking out the joy in us and we become closed doors to all the possibilities that the Universe can give us. This statement reminds us that every day is a new day, a new beginning and no matter what happened in the past, as long as we stay open, we allow the Universe to work in our lives in the best way possible.Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-30810571904457449282012-07-20T09:00:00.000+08:002012-07-20T09:00:03.828+08:00Paris in My Mind & Tribute to Hey KessyThis is my 7th Paper Wallet Design...whoohoo!!! :)<br />
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I've been dreaming of going to Paris and the rest of Europe for years now. I bought stickers, papers, stamps - everything Europe for my vision board. It may not happen this year but I will make it happen in my lifetime! :) Hello, Universe!!!<br />
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So to put my stamps in use, I decided to incorporate them into my wallet design and <a href="http://www.heykessy.com/" target="_blank">Hey Kessy</a> washi tapes. By the way, Hey Kessy is my source for washi addiction in the Philippines, lol! ;) They have nice and affordable collection of washi tapes and their projects are enough to make you fall in love (and make you buy, haha!) these pretty tapes!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBNZzjpEu9k/UAXz_3yZnYI/AAAAAAAAAyo/TRdeUTR_YSI/s1600/Collage+-+HeyKessy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBNZzjpEu9k/UAXz_3yZnYI/AAAAAAAAAyo/TRdeUTR_YSI/s1600/Collage+-+HeyKessy.png" /></a></div>
<br />Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-22277130520146361742012-07-19T15:00:00.000+08:002012-07-19T15:00:08.617+08:00Collage Paper Wallet #6: Missing Loui....I was on a roll in making the collages...I need to do this to keep me sane. I miss my children very much. Everyday seems to be a lost opportunity for me to spend time with them. But this is just temporary, I know. Though we keep in touch throughout the day, thanks to Facetime, iMessage, Photo Stream and emails, being physically with them doing things together like biking, walking with our Lab, Smirnoff, making assignments, baking or just watching TV together, is a lot different.<br />
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While going through my papers, I found myself drawn to these colors and I kept on thinking about my daughter, Loui. I don't know why...maybe I am looking forward to spending time with her, do girly stuff like shopping, watching movies, eat waffles and create art.</div>
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So here it is...a design I made with Loui in my thoughts and I'm sharing this with you.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiYDE593TbE/UAXYE-9byHI/AAAAAAAAAxg/ADvmP2kY4Dk/s1600/Collage+-+Playtime.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CiYDE593TbE/UAXYE-9byHI/AAAAAAAAAxg/ADvmP2kY4Dk/s640/Collage+-+Playtime.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7q6cpAeUJXU/UAXaWRh7r8I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/8xqabiu-AwI/s1600/Paper+Wallet+-+Playtime4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7q6cpAeUJXU/UAXaWRh7r8I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/8xqabiu-AwI/s640/Paper+Wallet+-+Playtime4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside: Holds 4 cards and a paper bills</td></tr>
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<br /></div>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-38116587452722138962012-07-19T09:00:00.000+08:002012-07-19T09:30:53.969+08:00Collage Paper Wallet #5: Inspiration: Vintage + TravelMy love affair with vintage travel-themed scrapbook items and stamps began in 2010 when I had the chance to fulfill my dream of working in a scrapbook store in Singapore even just for a short time. I found myself buying (my "reward" for a week's work = spending my earnings to buy scrapbook stuff! ==> craziness!) anything vintage-looking designs of papers, stamps and embellishments. I love the look of postmarks, the Eiffel Tower, anything about Paris, old postage stamps, etc.<br />
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So to put my collection "at work", I made this collage design. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kb59YIVm9p4/UAXLoTmdMPI/AAAAAAAAAug/L3iS2TiMwHk/s1600/Collage+-+VintageTravelFold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kb59YIVm9p4/UAXLoTmdMPI/AAAAAAAAAug/L3iS2TiMwHk/s1600/Collage+-+VintageTravelFold.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folding wallet</td></tr>
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I made another one this time on my long wallet style. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_PgqkJ9kbI/UAXMpLeq8nI/AAAAAAAAAvY/Fsq126mRvKw/s1600/Collage+-+VintageTravel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V_PgqkJ9kbI/UAXMpLeq8nI/AAAAAAAAAvY/Fsq126mRvKw/s1600/Collage+-+VintageTravel.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Long Wallet</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">Wouldn't it be nice to make a coordinating passport jacket to complete my ensemble of my vintage travel accessories and one day travel to these countries I only see on the map??? :)</span></div>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-54693506179224117622012-07-18T02:47:00.002+08:002012-07-18T04:48:11.396+08:00Collage Paper Wallet #427 June 2012 - I did this collage wallet in under 30 minutes! I love the flowers & the bird design. I used an old pink tear-resistant handmade paper for the wallet to add a vintage feel to the overall design. Take a look! Comments & suggestions are welcome. :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtzrSZEYT-Q/UAWyvODPb7I/AAAAAAAAAtI/52mo1tM64Fs/s1600/Collage+-+English+Garden.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vtzrSZEYT-Q/UAWyvODPb7I/AAAAAAAAAtI/52mo1tM64Fs/s640/Collage+-+English+Garden.png" width="448" /></a></div>
Closer look:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1Hl1YqIJpI/UAWyxeYsgjI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/0Bp2xw6q6Z4/s1600/PaperWallet+-+EnglishGarden1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J1Hl1YqIJpI/UAWyxeYsgjI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/0Bp2xw6q6Z4/s640/PaperWallet+-+EnglishGarden1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQZSL44HgV8/UAWyz5LqN2I/AAAAAAAAAtY/W0J-5D1A9pA/s1600/PaperWallet+-+EnglishGarden2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IQZSL44HgV8/UAWyz5LqN2I/AAAAAAAAAtY/W0J-5D1A9pA/s640/PaperWallet+-+EnglishGarden2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UjgQWU5Qc4I/UAWy2SlJViI/AAAAAAAAAtg/LE098R1rKw0/s1600/PaperWallet+-+EnglishGarden3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UjgQWU5Qc4I/UAWy2SlJViI/AAAAAAAAAtg/LE098R1rKw0/s640/PaperWallet+-+EnglishGarden3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks for looking! More designs to come. :)Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-46735632601799029882012-07-18T02:14:00.003+08:002012-07-18T02:16:07.252+08:00Love Your OwnOn ordinary days (ie. running errands like grocery, going to the bank, etc.) I prefer wearing jeans/shorts & shirt & flip flops since we live in a tropical country. I just need my car keys, mobile phone & wallet. I'm not usually fond of carrying bags everywhere I go. So when we came up with our own version of handmade paper wallet I gave my big, thick & heavy (not because I have lots of money but the wallet alone is!) Girbaud wallet a permanent vacation. I took with only the essentials - a few bills, 1 ID, 1 credit card, 1 discount card & 1 ATM card. That's all I need. Talk about simple living and I love it! Now, I can just put it on my back pocket or in my wristlet along with my phone. :)<br />
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I've been using this wallet for several months now and its still okay. The original print is a damask design (see <a href="http://aireescreates.blogspot.com/2012/06/do-more-of-what-makes-you-happy.html">previous post</a>) but I just found myself "playing" with one of my washi tapes and decided to give it a new "look". ;)</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSYAWYguv8M/UAWrAu-zotI/AAAAAAAAAsY/bU31AgM7Uvs/s1600/Collage+-+MyBlackWallet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSYAWYguv8M/UAWrAu-zotI/AAAAAAAAAsY/bU31AgM7Uvs/s640/Collage+-+MyBlackWallet.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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Up close:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RAUkCNrWN2Y/UAWrEbirBpI/AAAAAAAAAso/ENKK-b6GcjM/s1600/MyBlackWallet-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RAUkCNrWN2Y/UAWrEbirBpI/AAAAAAAAAso/ENKK-b6GcjM/s640/MyBlackWallet-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_d5-ENjfcnk/UAWrGt2klSI/AAAAAAAAAsw/s1tvr6is_Jo/s1600/MyBlackWallet-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="352" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_d5-ENjfcnk/UAWrGt2klSI/AAAAAAAAAsw/s1tvr6is_Jo/s640/MyBlackWallet-3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll be posting more of the new designs I made for the past 2 weeks. I hope you'll like them :) Have a great week to all of you!</div>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-20937160733682911672012-07-02T06:40:00.003+08:002012-07-02T06:40:18.104+08:00Wishing you a bright sunny Monday!Hello and good morning, Philippines! I know its been quite rainy over there for the past days (while its freaking HOT as to where I am now!) but I hope this post will brighten up your day. <i>Remember, it cannot rain forever! :) </i><br />
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So, I wanted to post my own paper wallet that I've been using for months now. But since I wanted to send a bright and cheery vibes to all of you, I decided to post this first.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snKVR9oEDMs/T_DQOstLAgI/AAAAAAAAAsE/0fvQkagb0mA/s1600/Collage+-PaperWallet-Citrus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snKVR9oEDMs/T_DQOstLAgI/AAAAAAAAAsE/0fvQkagb0mA/s640/Collage+-PaperWallet-Citrus.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My washi-fied paper wallet using Made With Love's washi tapes (except the zigzag design)</td></tr>
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I'm not an orange person but when I saw these tapes at Made With Love wow, I fell in love literally! I love the combination with red & light blue & white. The sky design, hearts & orange scallop design are enough to brighten up one's day, don't you think? :) May you all have a great week ahead. CHEERS! :)Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-32594096229468412562012-06-27T22:00:00.001+08:002012-06-27T22:00:16.711+08:00It's Not About Ideas...It's Making Ideas HappenSo after months of ideas swimming around my head, I took out my "precious" papers that I've been hoarding for the past __ years. Like what I said in my collage post, it was liberating! I get to use them and see them transform before my eyes. Plus the feeling of being free to do whatever you want to do without the fear of making a mistake was something I missed for quite some time.<br />
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So here's what happened to Collage #2:<br />
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From this:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cK4YqMILIU/T-sO3591pDI/AAAAAAAAArc/pwZNwi7jgpA/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9cK4YqMILIU/T-sO3591pDI/AAAAAAAAArc/pwZNwi7jgpA/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="444" /></a></div>
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To this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd8mCjGnWvo/T-sO_oWpZtI/AAAAAAAAArs/tTazSJxQLXk/s1600/Collage+-+MoroccanSpice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Bd8mCjGnWvo/T-sO_oWpZtI/AAAAAAAAArs/tTazSJxQLXk/s640/Collage+-+MoroccanSpice.jpg" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I added a gel medium over the the collage BEFORE sewing to keep the<br />papers intact during the process and also, to make it smooth & strong.</td></tr>
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From Collage #3, I call it Pretty in Pink. I love the softness of the color especially when combined with white doilies. I'm not really a pink person but I think this one "soften" me. ;)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-hEiWQSWiM/T-sO7Mm3-PI/AAAAAAAAArk/8VD-AllQj4s/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h-hEiWQSWiM/T-sO7Mm3-PI/AAAAAAAAArk/8VD-AllQj4s/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="416" /></a></div>
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Into this:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99B_-70FPGU/T-sPAlFHJRI/AAAAAAAAAr0/6UBTVWb-Dkc/s1600/Collage+-+PrettyinPink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-99B_-70FPGU/T-sPAlFHJRI/AAAAAAAAAr0/6UBTVWb-Dkc/s640/Collage+-+PrettyinPink.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>
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The wallet is STURDIER than the Tyvek paper wallets I've seen in Singapore. Although the latter's purpose is for traveling so it was made to be lighter but still tear-resistant. My paper wallet is tear-resistant as well but I think it caters mostly to people who prefer a "more chic" version. :)Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-78703149062088171242012-06-27T06:30:00.003+08:002012-06-27T06:30:37.263+08:00Do More of What Makes You Happy!It all started when I saw an imported paper wallet in Singapore last 2010. It was just very simple, no sewing, just lots of folds and then that's it! I, being an OC (obsessive-compulsive) person, I wanted to have my own version of paper wallet, the one I would be proud and happy to carry anywhere I go. :)<br />
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So when I did my product design & consultation stint for my handmade paper supplier last June 2011, I suggested we try to make our own version of paper wallet - an eco-friendly with a lot of "chic-ness" in it. ;)<br />
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One of the designs in the 1st batch of paper wallets released last year was the Damask in black. I super love it and decided to give all my girl BFF's one as a Christmas present. Then sometime in the wee hours of morning in February 2012, an idea popped in my mind! I want to design my own paper wallet using a collage of scrapbook papers & washi tapes! I must admit I am addicted to these 2!<br />
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True as they say "Its not about ideas...its about making ideas HAPPEN." It took me months to make it happen...designing & creating took a backseat when families came over, Holy Week celebrations & it was summer! :)<br />
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It started with this:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqIijP36Y7I/T-o1Uzwv1MI/AAAAAAAAAqY/OvGBqPPJH9E/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xqIijP36Y7I/T-o1Uzwv1MI/AAAAAAAAAqY/OvGBqPPJH9E/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then this:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5A96gVUwKQ/T-o2QPWxEOI/AAAAAAAAAqg/Kt3m_7vKXV8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M5A96gVUwKQ/T-o2QPWxEOI/AAAAAAAAAqg/Kt3m_7vKXV8/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="460" /></a></div>
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Into this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bThyAq9VpSs/T-o2np78OII/AAAAAAAAAq4/c2qfJgMr-7Q/s1600/Collage-PaperWallet-VintageRed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bThyAq9VpSs/T-o2np78OII/AAAAAAAAAq4/c2qfJgMr-7Q/s640/Collage-PaperWallet-VintageRed.jpg" width="453" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From collage to machine-sewn paper wallet. <br />The base for the collage is handmade paper and the collage is coated with a glossy gel medium for protection</td></tr>
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I was super duper happy when I finally saw the finished product! :) Makes me want to create MORE of them everyday. I actually did (see my previous posts on collages) and will show you on my next post what happened to the other 2 collages I posted previously. **excited!**Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-68080124975353228502012-06-27T01:54:00.000+08:002012-06-27T01:54:53.428+08:00On Painting Our Canvas<b>NOTE:</b> <i>I just found this blog entry in my drafts folder dated 26 May 2012. I thought I would share this anyway for it has been a part of my journey and will continue to serve as a reminder for me that I am the Picasso of my own life.</i><br />
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The past few days were a sort of emotional roller coaster ride for me. Just when things are falling into place and I am "unusually" feeling calm amidst some uncertainties, some people tried to talk me out to follow the "normal" path as to what they believe will lead me to success. <br />
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I have always been a different - no, not to the extent I am weird! I just see and do things differently. Not for the sake of being different, no, I am not KSP (kulang sa pansin or lacking attention) but according to some people close to me, I am "ahead of my generation" (which would require another separate post!).<br />
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Anyway, at this point in my life, I practically know what I want to do and to become. I am now confident in my own skin unlike a decade ago. I know I have taken a different path as compared to my friends and classmates but I am happy with what I did. But that feeling did not come easy. I went from being insecure to self-pitying to finally appreciating myself and what I do. It took me years and hard work and appreciation from other people and other creatives as well to get me out of the rut and I don't have any plans of going back!<br />
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I wrote this on my Starbucks planner to remind me that I am that my life is a masterpiece meant only to be painted by me. My life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns but I have no regrets. Every experience, people I met, decisions I made, mistakes I committed, all added colors to my living canvas and I am damn proud of it!<br />
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</div>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-82441340168123980442012-05-24T08:33:00.001+08:002012-05-24T08:47:49.431+08:00An All-Pink CollageThis is the 3rd collage I made right after finishing the previous 2. But things got busy over here and I had a 3-day Boracay getaway with BFF's last week, hence, a super delayed post! <br />
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As I gathered my papers for this collage, I kept reaching for the ones in pink shade so I just went for my instinct and this came out after half an hour. <br />
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It was LIBERATING to just CREATE for the sake of creating and not think about any "rules" in designing. It frees up the mind with "what color should go here, there, etc". Just like in life, sometimes we need to break rules, explore and let go so we can DISCOVER new things or even new ways of doing the same thing. We must let go of our inhibitions because they only confine us in our comfort zones. For it is when we take that single step out of our comfort zone we open up ourselves to possibilities and let the Universe work in our lives. <br />
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How far have you gone out of your comfort zone? :)<br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ioLNVQXYSXw/T72FMbZwmiI/AAAAAAAAAqA/IG_4Ma00NLY/s640/blogger-image--1981588025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ioLNVQXYSXw/T72FMbZwmiI/AAAAAAAAAqA/IG_4Ma00NLY/s640/blogger-image--1981588025.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hUe5VZHIlUk/T72E2dpsXeI/AAAAAAAAAp4/QoFusel9ZvI/s640/blogger-image--1381836071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hUe5VZHIlUk/T72E2dpsXeI/AAAAAAAAAp4/QoFusel9ZvI/s640/blogger-image--1381836071.jpg" /></a></div>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-73246731711945405142012-05-11T08:07:00.001+08:002012-05-11T10:34:12.066+08:00Collage 2012After making my <a href="http://aireescreates.blogspot.com/2010/06/my-starbucks-collage-series-1.html">Starbucks Collage series</a> some years back, I fell in love with the process. It was liberating in a sense that there are no rules - just tear, cut, paste, smudge - it doesn't matter. You may not appreciate the beauty yet but after putting the pieces together you can now call it a masterpiece...your own masterpiece. <br />
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It was early morning sometime in March when an idea popped in my head - using my collage paper for the product I helped developed last year. I was so excited with the idea I even made a digital mock-up of how I want it to look like. But making the actual collage paper & the product took a backsear when several family members went home for vacation. Of course, I took a vacay, too! Hehe! ;) <br />
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And so, after everyone left last weekend, it was only yesterday that my lazy b*tt got up and WORK! And truly, the hardest part in making something is to get started. But once the mojo is there, wow, there's no stopping until it was time for me to clean up my mess or else, we will sleep side by side with my gel medium, paintbrushes, stamps & inkpads and bits of paper! LOL!<br />
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As for doing something again after quite some time, it takes a while for me to gather my thoughts as to how the heck I'm gonna do this???? It takes courage to just tear that piece of paper I've been keeping (coz I don't want to cut it up, just look at it! Haha!) and glue wherever my hand takes me. In between those cutting & pasting, thoughts about life cross my mind. But...I will save that for my next entry. Hehe! ;)<br />
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Anyway, going back to my 1st 2 collages for 2012, the 1st one is more on vintage + dark red. I want to see how it looks like AFTER it has been transformed into the "product". <br />
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The 2nd one, the process just started with a piece of an "old" Chatterbox paper in orange & brown tones. As I cut it up, pictures of cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne & curry powders started popping in my head. And so I moved into that direction picking up papers in warm shades of orange, brown & deep reds. <br />
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I didn't notice that it was dark outside already and I managed not to turn on the AC the whole afternoon amidst the summer heat! (my hubby will be very happy to know this! Hehe!) That's how I got engrossed with the process and slowly, I'm realigning to my center again. :)<br />
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<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5SVh_Ngn0gQ/T6xdefrWj4I/AAAAAAAAAps/gDLzj34dQx0/s640/blogger-image-1274997628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-5SVh_Ngn0gQ/T6xdefrWj4I/AAAAAAAAAps/gDLzj34dQx0/s1600/blogger-image-1274997628.jpg" /></a></div>Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-22681111244740280692012-05-09T12:57:00.001+08:002012-05-09T13:04:51.128+08:00On aligning my center...<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As I
waited for the kids to finish their summer classes, I grab the opportunity to
catch up with my blog reading. Its been 6 weeks of busyness with balikbayan
families and I rarely had time to follow my “routine”. Although I cannot say
that I am a “routine” person, somehow, a bit of structure like having my to-do
list for the week; my glancing at my favorite Kikki.K planner several
times a day, give me focus; direction on the tasks at hand. Otherwise, I
will be lost in my sea of papers (handmade, scrapbook, journals, scraps) and
washi tapes; baker’s twines on my table! Oh, and I forgot to mention a
pile of magazines & books I bought BUT haven’t read!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">After
reading Kelly Rae Roberts’ blog entry <i>“on
getting further and further away from the center”</i>, I now know the “term”
when I write on my journal tired, sad & empty – its not really what those
words mean but its more of “losing myself and getting further away from my
center and not being present”. I just need to make that everyday decision ALIGN myself with my CENTER and BE PRESENT. The too many hats I wore several times a
day for the past 6 weeks took a toll on me and I am totally lost and don’t know
where and what to start. When I look at my growing lists of to-do’s (re: work,
kids, house, what I really want to do), book wish list (not to mention the
unread books list! LOL!), to learn, files to backup, I am completely
overwhelmed! But I know now… and I just have to START WHERE I AM NOW, work with
whatever is at my command, and I know, better tools will be found as I go
along.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Abadi MT Condensed Light';"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30626202.post-50592913374836500542012-04-10T22:43:00.000+08:002012-04-10T22:43:05.581+08:00Postcard<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xmIBbcmJ0A/T4RFRLMQu3I/AAAAAAAAApE/k9RSyezKV_Q/s1600/postcard+from+client.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xmIBbcmJ0A/T4RFRLMQu3I/AAAAAAAAApE/k9RSyezKV_Q/s400/postcard+from+client.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was tidying up my work area weeks ago when I found this postcard sent by a former client of mine from Canada. I never met her (the bride) personally, only via email. Even so, she was very polite & pleasant to work with. Not all of my clients took their time to send me a thank you note, for which I do understand because of the busyness before & after the wedding. A simple "thank you" is enough for me. But a written note all the way from the other side of the world is HUGE for me. It inspires me to continue with what I do and do better. :)<br />
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In this age of SMS & Facebook & Twitter, nothing beats a handwritten & snail mailed note!Aireeshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14802974122464913388noreply@blogger.com1