CeeMae

Glee - ful / less

2010-10-27T17:56:00.004+01:00

A post from an episode Jason watched.
He said it best depicts his "feelings" about our current entertainment arrangements ~ me and my girly shows first, him and his boy shows only on his days off.

I make him watch ~
Glee (he puts on his headphones when Lea Michelle comes on)
Desperate Housewives
Jersey Shore
Gossip Girl
Project Runway
Greys Anatomy
(at some point) The City and The Hills

If not for the rude comments he make ("who writes this sh*t?""dumb*ass""ugghh... girls..."), none of these will be half as entertaining.

Scrapzville Mini Album

2010-05-02T15:00:00.004+01:00

Butterfly mini album for Ebony, my partner for Felicia's April mini album swap.
I used Webster's Pages Lullaby and Lane paper pack, grunge board elements and lots of Prima bling. Lots of space for pictures and journalling. Metallic paint dabbers are brilliant I'm sure I'll be getting more.
I was such in a rush to finish and post it by the deadline I'd forgotten to film the album!
Hope Ebony likes it and more hoping it gets to her safely.

Enjoy!

Video Demo (lition)

2010-04-19T20:12:00.003+01:00

How I've missed crafting!!

This is what y'all get when I have had no proper days off in 2 weeks - 2 blog posts, 2 videos, 1 mini, 2 tags and a video demo! :) It's like being on diet and finally I get to eat a bucket of KFC.

I'm still new to YouTube and still don't know much about my camera to get a good quality clip. No partners assigned for the tag swap yet but thought I'd get ahead before real life gets in the way. Since the sun is up by 5am nowadays, I started experimenting on tags and came up with what I'd like to do for the April swap. Not only did I complete 4 tags (I will add more once I know how many partners I have), I was able to film myself TWICE making them - all in one day.

The finished one (more like the most decent!) is ok but I think I'd go visit my camera's manual to find out why my videos are coming out quite grainy. Also I need to find a better way of positioning the tripod.

For those YouTube veterans, have you got any tips? x

Regency Stills and Tag

2010-04-17T23:05:00.008+01:00

I made the tag using a stamp and some charms I picked up from the Ally Pally last weekend.

Regency Mini Album

2010-04-17T22:02:00.004+01:00

At last.... a new post!

I have been so swamped with work at one point I was working 11 days straight. My brain was fried after the 8th day, I was at work in body but not in spirit. ;)

Finally after a long time I get to share a new project with my scrappy friends.

Here's a mini album I did for my bf's mum's 60th. I finished a few days before her actual birthday so had to wait until she opened her presents on the big day. :)

I resisted the urge to pile up the pages so there's enough room for her photos. The pages were made from ordinary cardboard and covered with Papermania's Regency paper collection. I enjoyed distressing this little piece of fabric leftover from a previous project. Of course, my project will not be complete without Prima flowers and bling. :)

Enjoy!

Injoy Stampin' Blog Candy

2010-03-29T17:07:00.003+01:00

Robyn at Injoy Stampin' is hosting a super cool giveaway. Lots of gorgeous papers I've never seen before and those chipboard shapes! So yummy!

Please check out her lovely blog and get a chance to win.

Kimono Tag

2010-03-21T19:43:00.003Z

I recently found out that my tag never made it to one of my March tag swap partner. As much as it is sad because I can't bear the thought of someone cutting open other people's mail, I thought I'd make her another one to complete her collection.

I embossed French script stamp (can't you tell it's my fave?) on the tag, distressed in Frayed Burlap, stamped the images, coloured her dress in Aged Mahogany (dabbed in with a felt foam), gave her cute pearl earrings, flowers, fibers, a bit of Prima flourish pearls and a metal corner.

Isn't she cute?

Tag Swap Version 02

2010-03-12T22:14:00.004Z

Hey there! Here's what I came up with for the March Tag Swap hosted by Louise.

I will post these on Monday. Hope you ladies like them.

UPDATED on Monday 22 March 2010 : All tags shipped!

March Tag Swap

2010-03-07T10:50:00.003Z

Lovely to wake up on my craft day to find groups have been assigned!

To my tag swap partners:

Donna
Kimberly
Tracey
Cheryl

A couple of you have asked to follow the email link on their profiles to exchange contact details. I am so sorry - my browser does not support Microsoft Internet Explorer. I have left comments on your blogs with my email address. I hope you are able to pick them up.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

More importantly, looking forward to seeing your work!

Sizzix haul and Swirlydoos

2010-03-02T22:32:00.009Z

Hello there! I've had the sniffles for the last couple of days and felt really run down. Tonight I filmed this clip, uploaded it on YouTube and played around with the features - all by myself! Not bad for someone riddled in cooties (yep, I say it like a 6 year old).

For those in the UK, Sizzix has a super sale on dies. It's awesome. I found the site by chance and saw some amazing prices for as low as £1! I made the order on Saturday and got them today. Gotta do arm stretches now - my Cuttlebug will get some serious workout in the next few days.

Enjoy the video!

P.S. You might want to turn down the volume halfway. The music is a bit loud. :)

Jacky's Tag

2010-02-20T22:27:00.003Z

Look what came in the post today!

Thanks for this lovely tag and the goodies that came with it! :D x

Tag Swap Version 01

2010-02-15T19:53:00.005Z

To my tag swap partners, here is what you're getting from the post hopefully soon.

I decided to make all tags the same to simply find out if I could re-create one design on each tag. I enjoyed this so much I can't wait to participate on the next one!

The manila tags I had on hand were a little bit smaller than required for this swap so I backed it with a slightly wider cardboard. I coloured the edges using Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pad in Vintage Photo. Then I sprayed Glimmer Mist in Brick or Pinecone (oh boy I can't remember which one!) over a flourish mask . I stamped the tag with lovely French script and embossed it. Crackle paint, a strand of fibre, couple of ribbons, bling and Prima flower ... there you go!

The other side is a surprise for each of the lovely ladies in my group. :)

I really hope you will all like it.

UPDATED Friday 19 February 2010 : All tags shipped today!

ZettiBetti's Tag Swap

2010-02-07T19:38:00.005Z

To my group mates:

Louise
Ebony
HeidiPinkett
Catherine

Jackyr64

So excited to meet you all! I'm looking forward to seeing your lovely work.

Please post a comment.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Valentines 12x12

2010-02-05T17:10:00.011Z

I recently subscribed to Swirlydoos and received my first kit. I love their kits! There's an element of surprise, you don't know what you're going to get. When you get it, it's loaded with lovely stuff. :)

This kit came with a bunch of 12x12 paper, including a dollie, tons of flowers, stamps, bling, chipboard alphabet and hearts, Tim Holtz crackle paint in antique linen and my most favourite, canvas screenprint.

I'm really into tags these days so what better way to incorporate them in this project than use the curves as inserts. The hearts were distressed using Aged Mahogany and crackle paint. The tags are made of the canvas screen print, stamped flowers and bling. BE MINE letters were sprayed in Glimmer Mist.

Happy Valentine's everyone! :)

P.S. : For my FIRST blog follower - Jason - I will never forget the day you gave me a gigantic CAULI FLOWER for Valentine's day. I'm sure the grocer was curious why you bought the biggest one in the shop! :D

Blog Candy Alert

2010-02-01T11:22:00.003Z

BLOG CANDY !

Cathy from The Scrappy Knitter has some delightful Tim Holtz stuff to give away. Anything Tim Holtz will drive any scrapper to bliss.

Please visit her blog - The Scrappy Knitter and get a chance to win!

Have a lovely Monday! :)

Mini Album Stills

2010-01-18T18:36:00.003Z

Here are a few still shots my mini.

Have a great week!

Mini Album Delight

2010-01-18T11:22:00.003Z

My first completed mini !

I had so much fun making it and used all the techniques I've learned from lovely generous ladies who share their love of scrapbooking. You know who you are! Thank you so much.

Making the video was a riot! Between wobbly filming and deciding on whether I should put in my fave cheesy tunes (risking getting it pulled out because of CI), I was able to produce a decent clip with an interesting track in the background. It was posted in You Tube last night and had my first comment this morning. How cool was that?

Enjoy! :)

Itchy Sneaky Peaky

2010-01-08T10:22:00.004Z

If you are lucky enough to know me in real life, you will say I am rubbish at surprises, gift-giving and anything that involve patiently waiting for something when it is THERE and for some reason I can't have it.

Best example is Christmas time. I will whine, bitch and pester anyone who gives me a gift and tells me I CAN'T open it until Christmas Day. My rationale? Why Not? It's got my name on it! And so, Christmas tags on gifts will say "Do not open until Christmas".

In the past few weeks, I've been making my first album ever. I originally planned to finish it first before posting pictures but I've been spending so much time at work, I scrap one day a week at the most.

So true to my nature and the fact I'm a big spoiler even on myself, here's a sneak peak .... Anyway, sharing is caring, right?
I made the tags using the technique in this tutorial by weeziechk
She is sooo talented and she is so generous to share her work and techniques.

I hope to finish the rest of the album soon.

For now, enjoy !

Happy Christmas !

2009-12-25T16:52:00.008Z

(photo credit)

I hope Santa has brought you nice things to scrap !

Simon Says Stamp haul

2009-12-22T18:45:00.004Z

I am a big believer of giving your own self monthly treats. It makes all the hard work bearable knowing at the beginning of every month I have something special to look forward to. Actually, the thought of all that money going to bills and taxes makes me want to splurge even more.

This month, I chose scrapbook bits galore! I saw a great review from ZettiBetti about Simon Says Stamp and tried it. International orders over $150.00 you get free postage - an absolute bargain considering their prices are quite competitive.

Prima flowers, Graphic 45's Renaissance Faire 12x12's and Tattered Angels Glimmer Chips are my faves in this batch!

Jason only had one comment (he's been saying this a lot lately!) : "I see you buying but not making."

I can't help it - I want them all !

Always Vintage

2009-12-13T22:51:00.006Z

I completed this last week but somehow forgot to post it. Not a productive week so far as scrapping is concerned because of all the Christmas prep and the madness that comes with it. After a day's carefully planned shopping, I can say I am DONE. Time to relax, turn the TV off (so as NOT be enticed to buy more stuff) and have a cup of tea.

The tags were from the Fashionista range of Graphic 45 and the fabulous lace was from Bluemoon Scrapbooking. Flowers are Prima of course!

The story of this tag is one of discovery.
Not one thing I did in this tag turned out as I excepted.

First, I stamped the script upside down. Second, the lion stamp bled coz the tag was still wet. It was my first time with Tim Holtz' ink blender so I got a little carried away, hence the sharp lines at the sides as well. Third, I wanted to emboss the lion but somehow the embossing powder worked everywhere else but the lion. Lastly, after taking out the Perfect Pearls from the packaging and chosen a pot, I opened said pot on the wrong end so I ended up with glimmer powder all over the tag and my work mat. The reverse side was just as messy - I went nuts using the crackle paint, remembering Tim Holtz putting on layers and layers of it in his tutorial. It's so thick, the tag seems so rubbery. It turned out quite unique!

To Steph and Louise

2009-12-08T21:54:00.003Z

(photo credit)
OMG! I opened my blog to find comments from two of my most fave scrapbook idols (Steph and Louise) on MY blog. Yes, THIS blog. They both said lovely things about my work, encouraged me to carry on and just have fun scrapping. What a pleasant surprise!

Thank you!

Bluemoon Scrapbooking haul

2009-12-04T12:06:00.004Z

My first Bluemoon Scrapbooking haul.

On my days off, my get -up could rival a hobo. Pajamas in puppy prints, brown socks, pink slippers, jumper riddled with stains and a Pebbles Flintstone hair. I don't have to care - it's my day off. The polished business woman 5 days a week is forgotten and reduced to a TV/Internet drone/slob.

So anyway, I'm in my fashion choice of the day when the door buzzed. I ran to grab my dressing gown from across the hall and answered the door. A big box was handed to me by a disgruntled man who was rightly annoyed because it took me ages to answer the door. If I had more time, I would have gargled mouthwash and put a decent face on.

I first took a picture of the box with my name on it (how sad is that!), opened the box and found some lovely goodies. I thought of taking a video like a professional scrapbook person so I could post and share to my ONE follower (thank you for your support, baby ko. I will cook your favourite food always). I can't seem to manage to save the 2 videos I made. I kept on putting the stuff in and out of the box while the annoying red flashing on my Blackberry does not make sense and won't stop (is it recording yet??).

I will try again but for now, this is all I can show off. I may have to set it up properly, otherwise one will hear a mixture of an Ugly Betty episode, traffic and washing machine.

Tunbridge Wells

2009-12-01T23:20:00.005Z

Taken while waiting for my ride back to Brighton. Many meetings held in this hotel but never stayed in this room longer than ten minutes. Lovely period features.
How come we can't have meetings in this room, Wesley? (Me to my boss)

Nothing's Stopping Me From Scrapping

2009-11-29T19:15:00.006Z

Despite feeling under the weather today, I managed to distract myself from the aches and pains of the flu, by scrapping. I got to apply a paper flower embossing technique by Velma and this time I have more stuff to play with.

Mini Envelopes

2009-11-29T19:00:00.003Z

I made several envelopes a week ago but somehow the project didn't get my creative juices flowing. I went back to it several times this week and it's very BLAH. Even looking at it here in my blog makes me go BLEGH.

I'll set these aside for now and hopefully I will get some sort of use for them in the future.

Craft Fair Jems

2009-11-22T19:09:00.003Z

No rain nor wind could make me miss the Brighton Craft Fair today. It's only on for 3 days (20, 21 and 22 Nov) so I thought I'd check it out for kicks. There were lots of stalls dedicated to arts and crafts. I must admit I felt (and looked!) like a fish out of water within the first 15 minutes of getting there. The last thing on my mind was to look for gift options and I was prepared to be blown away.

Well, there were definitely lots of shiny pretty things and interesting mediums. Jewellery designers dominated the scene with some really unconventional work. What caught my eye was fabric art by a nice lady named Seiwa Cunningham. Check out her website and you'll see. In my newbie term, she does fabric collage/scrapbook.

Where do I now find the time to look for tutorials? I might have to squeeze them between scrapbooking and reading "The Lost Symbol".

Pocket Album

2009-11-10T14:10:00.013Z

This is my first completed scrapbook ever. I found a link on the tutorial from steffogal1's blog. Starting small increases the chances of completion, especially for someone like me who gets insanely focused on completion and does not believe in procrastination (except for the boring bits in life - dishes and laundry).

On one intense discussions on art, I came to realise that being creative is mostly about the journey and discovery.... that it is ok NOT to plan every detail and for it NOT to make sense.... AT ALL..

So here it is! A pocket scrapbook made up of bits, both old and new, paper, metal, plastic, feather and fabric...

Have a nice cozy Tuesday!

Scrapping Week

2009-11-10T12:53:00.012Z

(photo credit)

I've had a few days off work and looked forward to a week of serious scrapping. That means, I can make as much mess as I can without the chore of putting it all back. Yey! I was designated a small (and I mean tinny) area for my "craps" (as my lovely partner in crime likes to put it).

I started the week with a the biggest scrap haul I've done within the Brighton area. There were a few discoveries, like I know it's worth visiting Clarke's, WHSmith and British Bookstores every week for new items and sales. I still think Brighton needs a proper scrapbook store. I looked on line and the nearest store is at the furthest part of Sussex.

I find it amusing that when I hit town I no longer charge into clothing stores, especially if there is a massive SALE sign on the window. Instead, I power-walked my way into stationery shops and browse the paper section, feeling delightfully at home with pre-teens nagging their moms for glitter and ribbons and middle-aged women on their next card-making haul.

The scrap pages below are from a chipboard page I split into two. I'm still mastering the skill of eyelet setting. I'm sure my neighbours do not appreciate the hammering, try as I might to do it with some sort of rhythm.

Enjoy!

Rainy Sunday

2009-11-01T17:35:00.007Z

More Scraps

2009-10-30T21:06:00.003Z

Before and After

2009-10-30T11:37:00.008Z

Before...

After...

I recently received my first Tim Holtz Distress Ink Pads in Tattered Rose and Vintage Photo. Jason and I had a go using the techniques in Tim's tutorials . The following morning, I found it stamped with pretty corners.

The other bits were from a spending spree at Clarke's that does a wider range of scrapbook materials than WHSmith. Lovely.

Scrapbooking is My New Thing

2009-10-18T19:20:00.013+01:00

Since I am on an artistic streak, thought I'd have a go at scrapbooking. I came across a scrapbooking blog by a SAHM (stay at home mom) named Marion. That was about a week ago. Between work and a few days Jason stopped by before leaving for another painting project, I watched You Tube tutorials and read blogs until the wee hours of the morning.

Last night I sketched some of my favorite designs. I got hungry a little after midnight, hence the plate next to my sketch book!

So today I went to town to get materials. It is a shame the shop that actually supplies craft materials (and cheap too!) is closed on Sundays. I even strategically planned my route so that it's my last stop. But when I got to the front door and saw it shut I was closer to home and couldn't really be bothered to go back to the mosh pit that is Brighton on a Sunday afternoon.

Here are the goodies ! The Scrap Pad To Go got me excited. The prints featured my favourite colours with rustic, slightly distressed look and all pages are printed on both sides. WHSmith does not have a lot of choices and the prices are quite dear but it offers a little bit of everything - stamps, inks, glitter, cutting machines, ribbons and tools.

I also bought an old book full of aged and yellowed pages, stickers, glue and cheap envelopes.

Like the mad woman that I am, I got everything out and made a mess. That way I could figure out what I'd want to do with the stuff available. The small uncovered area on my floor was where I sat cross-legged throughout the time with a cup of tea of course.

I found a bingo card in the 99p store made of chipboard and figured it may work as a starter scrapbook. I cut about 5 pages of plain coloured paper, folded the sides and used the clip to bind. This way, I could easily work on the pages individually and not waste the expensive paper in case I make a mistake.

After all of that fuss and mess, I managed to do just ONE page!

CeeMae Mood: YES! I can draw!

Black Beads

2009-10-12T15:44:00.003+01:00

My Sunday project turned into a Monday project. For some reason I was under the impression it's Sunday today and was about to rush to the nearest car boot sale to mooch for junk. Then I remembered a house full of children under 6, the smell of fried chicken and the chatter of 50 Filipinos in my mum's living room -- my nephew's 4th birthday (Scobby Doo - ish) yesterday.

I made these to go with my work clothes.

CeeMae Mood: Will and Grace Season 4

DCs for me

2009-10-11T23:05:00.007+01:00

I've always believed trainers are for sporty types, of which I am definitely not. Plus, no heels mean pulling a calf muscle and tripping half of the time. The ones I own are purely for comfort especially worn for long trips involving running around catching trains. I have a pair of kids white and a pair of black trainers - nothing exciting. Then one fine day I saw these on a shop display and fell in love with them! The colours and detail are cool enough (autumn!) without being too girly. They are very comfy too so definitely looking forward to my next long trip! x

Sunday Musing

2009-10-11T00:50:00.010+01:00

(photo credit)

After another busy working week, I find myself yet again drawn to pretty and delicate things much like the pictures above. Eversince I consciously decided to get a hobby and do something creative to fill my days off (not that I get a lot!), a different layer of my personality emerged. And that layer is proving to be a complete opposite of the structured, no-nonsense, big boss, ice queen being that is ME 60 hours a week.

No, I am not hearing voices in my head. Well, not yet anyway ...(queue X-Files theme....)

I still don't know what this blog is going to be about. At the moment it's all a mixture of stuff I like and my jewellery. There's so much I want to do -- jewellery, paper, packaging and stamps. Bring on Sundays.

CeeMae Mood: High School Musical (figure that!) x

Japanese Prints

2009-10-04T01:13:00.005+01:00

Some samples of antique Japanese prints.

They've Arrived!

2009-10-02T18:41:00.010+01:00

Brass jewellery bits from Etsy arrived today! Having the day off made it much better. I love the colour and they were made from surprisingly light metal. They're so versatile I made these in no time at all!

The background is one of 5 wallpaper samples I received yesterday as freebies. It took me ages to design the borders, having to switch applications from web tutorial windows and trying them out on this picture. Enjoy!

CeeMae Mood: Scrubs Season 4 - Ted: "It won't smooth down!" x

Faking a British Accent

2009-10-02T16:15:00.007+01:00

(photo credit)

Today marks my 5th year in ye ole Great Britain. Sure I now swear like a builder and my english grammar has actually gone worse but this little princess has found her place.

I remember watching "The Full Monty" and not understanding this strange accent very different from the uppety stereotype. The second time I saw it I didn't have to sit so close to the TV.

What I love about the UK:

1. Weather. Much to the bewildered amusement of many.

2. Humour. I only got it after seeing Russell Brand and a few episodes of Shooting Stars.

3. Scotland. Raved about the place. Been there twice. Think I was a Scottish wee bonnie lass in a previous life.

4. Gordon Ramsay. If only I have the same pair of .....

5. You don't have to conform. I've never felt so free.

CeeMae Mood: TGIF. x

More Gold Chains

2009-09-30T22:20:00.004+01:00

I think I over did it this time with the gold chain. One more and I will have a collection that could rival Mr. T's.

I can't wait for the arrival of some brass materials I ordered from Winter Rose Designs courtesy of Etsy. I went vintage Victorian mad when Jason's sister-in-law suggested pieces inspired by the Anne Boleyn's "B" necklace (now popularised by Ugly Betty). Shall I do a necklace with a "C" / "CM"?

Where are my jewellery bits, Mr. Postman! Creative juices just don't flow, yah know! x

CeeMae Mood: US Fall shows - Family Guy, Rachel Zoe, Desperate Housewives and Melrose Place (lovin'!)

More Pics

2009-09-22T00:05:00.006+01:00

From another Photoshop lesson.

Indoors

2009-09-14T21:58:00.004+01:00

Been out of town for 4 days on a trip to sunny Wales and Colchester. Loved it!! Back now to cold and dim (but oh so familiar) Brighton. Stayed indoors to recharge and get creative.

Bracelet - gold-plated chain and lots of charms. The key charms were pendants from an old necklace. The brass bits are my absolute favourites - I always buy a few on every trip to the bead shop. I have used them in my last 3 pieces. The small chains make it a bit more modern.

CeeMae Mood : Ugly Betty reruns, cups of tea, blue pj's in puppy prints and bedhead all day. x

James Jean

2009-09-10T08:12:00.012+01:00

I came to know this talented artist last year when Jason asked me what fashion season it was. Like, HELLOOO... Spring 2008!

Bear in mind his interest in fashion magazines consists of looking at the pages upside down from the opposite side of table when he is finishing his cappuccino while I go through Vogue AND Elle (minimum number of pages: 800) like a mad woman.

His fave artist James Jeam has teamed up with Prada for their Spring 2008 collection NOTCOT.

Now that I'm starting to love colour, this picture says it all!

Absolutely divine...... ProcessRecess

Tambourine

2009-09-08T20:25:00.004+01:00

Had a crash course in Photoshop (free!). I can't believe the difference from an ordinary digital camera... well in my case, a 3.2 mega pixel Blackberry camera phone. My flat gets really bad light and shadows even during the day so it's quite good I have something more than your average contrast and colour options.

This weekend I focused more on getting some really good photographs of my work. I experimented with different backgrounds and bought a lavender gift wrapping sheet made out of recycled paper. I also started snooping around Jason's art things. I came across pieces he is saving (or left overs???) for a future (past???) project. He pasted pieces of newspaper print on wood, covered it with dye and gold spray paint and drips (graffiti lingo...) and glued pages from a calligraphy book.

First I thought it looked busy with all that writing on the background but it turned out pretty good! x

Channeling Granny Chic

2009-09-05T22:34:00.013+01:00

At a risk of pink overload, here is my latest work. Think china porcelain tea cups, lace and French balconies. Romantic.

Cake.Coffee. New backgroud.

2009-09-05T00:28:00.014+01:00

I have changed my page background with a hint of pink. The last one actually gave me a headache after a few views. Bin it!

It pays to have a boyfriend with super-combined computer and artistic skills. Payment consists of a big slice of cake and a cup of joe.

Key to My Heart

2009-08-31T22:17:00.003+01:00

Second piece. 'Thought I'd try making one of those dual-chained necklaces I see at Topshop stores.

My sister loved this. She begged me to give this to her as a going-away gift. I'm still thinking about it....

Starter Pack Bits

2009-08-31T21:54:00.002+01:00

Look what I made from the jewellery-making starter pack!

I thought the bits are for a kindergarden class art project but I did get kudos from my Facebook friends.

Not bad for a Sunday project eh?