My Baby Boy Announcement

Baby Boy Announcement
Left : Front
Right : Back

Today is my baby boy, Jaxzel Kew full moon (Chinese tradition of one month old baby celebration and announcement). Thus, I made some baby announcement cards to be included in the red eggs distribution.

Close-up : Front

The whole card is on blue hues and shades as it is a baby boy! First, I stamped the wrapped baby onto a white cardstock follow by the sentiment "Baby Boy" below it. I paper piece the cloth that wrap the baby and colored the baby face with Copic marker. Then, I distress the white card with Broken China and it is my first time trying distress technique! The finished product is then attached onto a light blue rectangular card.

Close-up : Wrapped baby with paper piecing and brad

Close-up : Back

The announcement details frame is stamped on a white cardstock and distress the white card with Broken China as well. The finished product is then attached onto another light blue rectangular card. Some blue circle gems are attached to the four (4) corner of the announcement details frame.

Close-up : Announcement details frame and gems

I use a brad to hold the blue ribbon which coordinate with the cloth bow that wrap the baby. Then both the front of the card (wrapped baby) and back of the card (announcement details frame) are attached to each other to hide the brad finishing.

Bags of red eggs with announcement cards

Here are the baby announcement cards which has been inserted into a red organza bag which contains two (2) red eggs (the eggs are hidden behind the card). I purposely made the baby announcement card to fit the organza bag.

Close-up : Baby announcement card inserted into reg organza bag with two (2) eggs

Dimension : 7.6cm x 8.9cm or 3" x 3.5"

If you would like to have a similar design of these items or individual item, please e-mail us at msgkeeper@gmail.com for order. Please do include the color or theme you prefer, purpose of the item(s) (farewell, retirement, birthday and etc) and message (if any).

Stamps and tools used :

Savings on Hero Arts Stamps!

I browse through Stampin' Treasures store in early December 2011. It is been known for months that Stampin' Treasures is closing down their online business after 14 wonderful years in business. They slashed their prices a lot especially on Hero Arts which up to 75% off retail prices!

I actually eyed few items months earlier when I got to know Stampin' Treasures is closing down but due to the high shipping rates, I did not buy from Stampin' Treasures. Furthermore, during earlier, the items I eyed are not so much been discounted. However, when I browse through their store this time, there are a lot of Hero Arts stamps been offered at 75% discount. I could not resist and selected three (3) items that I want.

From left to right
CL412 Prince Charming
CG155 Hugs and Kisses Birds
CK153 Friends Card Kits

The total price for these three (3) stamps, as shown above cost is USD$10 only! The CL412 Prince Charming is selling at USD$15 but I get it for USD$3.75. Finally, I have a cloud image stamp! I been looking for cloud image stamp for a while.

CL412 Prince Charming

CK153 Friends Card Kits

The CK153 Friends Card Kits is the most valuable item of all as it is selling at USD$15 but I get it for USD$3.75 as well. The great thing is that this kit contains a CG106 Friend cling stamp, a small 'Thank You' Stamp It clear stamp, four (4) blank notecards and matching envelopes, pre-cut papers and embellishments.

Inside CK153 Friends Card Kits :
CG106 Friend and 'Thank You' Stamp It clear stamp

CG155 Hugs and Kisses Birds

The third stamp is CG155 Hugs and Kisses Birds which selling at USD$10 but I get it at USD$2.50! However, the shipping rates really killing my purse a hole as Stampin' Treasures is charging USD$15.99 flat for order below USD$60. After much calculating, the total is about USD$26 and after currency conversion, it is about RM84 which is very worth as I get three (3) stamps which normally will cost me total of USD$40.

I placed my order and made my payment on the same day but there is no update from Stampin' Treasures after good six (6) days that my items has been shipped. I been to worry if Stampin' Treasures really closed down their business and do not want to ship my order. I calm myself that it is December now and they might have many orders to process. Then, on the sixth day, I received an e-mail from Stampin' Treasures that my items has been shipped which gives me a relief.

After a week, my items has not been seen on my doorstep and I began to worry again. I check the tracking number provided and it is said that the parcel was on its way to Malaysia. I persuade myself to wait till next week as it is now December whereby a lot of shipment for Christmas. 

After two (2) days, the parcel reached to my hands. However, the parcel is not in its perfect condition as there is a sticker on one of the opening which says that the parcel was found opened or torn and it is officially secured using the sticker. I begin to worry if my items are all inside the parcel. When I open the parcel, I am glad that my three (3) items are all inside the parcel!

It is a huge saving for me this time! I only forked out USD$26 compare to normally USD$56 which equals to about RM174!

Brads

I am looking for small brads for my next project and again, eBay is my source. There are many sellers selling different kinds of brads, designs and sizes.

Finally, I managed to find one seller and store, sfcdirect that sell the size of the brad that I want. I am looking for 5mm in diameter brads which is perfect for my next project. Furthermore, this seller offers 200 pieces of mixed colors brads in a reasonable price, USD$3.99. The item is located in Hong Kong and when I check the shipping charges, Malaysia is not listed in the shipping and handling cost.

200 pieces of brads in various colors

As I need these brads badly, I decided to e-mail the seller to ask if he can ship to Malaysia by quoting me the shipping and handling cost to Malaysia. The seller replied on the same day that they are unable to comply to my request. It is a disappointing for me when I read the first line of the reply. But when I read on, I am happy as the seller have another store know as SuntekStore that sell the same thing. The best part is that it can be shipped to Malaysia with free of charge!

Close-up : Three (3) different colors of brads

When I click on the link the seller gave, it display the item I am looking for. Guess what! The price offered is at USD$2.59, USD$1.40 cheaper than the price the seller published in their eBay store. It is a saving for me as the price is lower and I no need to pay the shipping and handling cost!

I quickly placed the order straight away and made the payment for it. However, I did not get any update on the next Monday that they received my payment or shipped my item. Thus, I e-mailed the seller for status update. The seller replied the next day that my item was shipped on Monday itself.

About eight (8) days later, the item has arrived on my doorstep and I can begin my delayed project!

Heart Pearl Buckles/Ribbon Sliders

In mid November 2011, suddenly I am interested in buying some buckles/ribbon sliders so that I can incorporate this embellishment into next my projects. Thus, I look around in eBay.

There are a lot of sellers in eBay that sell this buckle in different designs, quantities and prices. In the end, I settle for the one I want which is the heart pearl buckles. I choose heart design as I am about to make some wedding wishes cards. This seller, peikuan123 has a store in eBay known as Please Come In. She has this heart pearl buckles package which she bundled 100 pieces of the heart pearl buckles in mixed colors which is suitable for me as I am using various colors of buckles in my projects.

100 pieces of heart pearl buckles

She sells in Australian Dollar even she is located in Penang, Malaysia. For 100 pieces of heart pearl buckles, she selling at AU$6.99 which equals to about RM23.14 with free shipping. Since she offers free shipping, I decided to e-mail her to confirm on the shipping method before placing the order to see if the price is worth that as well as the safety of delivering the item. She replied on the next day that she will use registered post if I purchase this item from her.

Close-up : Various mixed colors of heart pearl buckles

I placed the order on the same day she replied and made the payment. The item was dispatched two (2) days after my payment using registered post. However, when it was delivered on 18 November 2011, I am not at home and was informed to collect from the nearby post office. Then, on Monday, 21 November 2011, the package is collected from the post office.

The total shipping cost of the package is estimated at about RM1.80 and she is using her own printed brown envelope whereby at the back of the envelope, there is a printed customs declaration, her store name, Please Come In and return address. I would say she is professional in selling these craft materials.

Venturing Into Distress Ink

I been stalking Oh My Crafts online store for a while in October 2011. The items I am looking for is distress inks as they offered the cheapest price of all the online stores I visit. Furthermore, they have recently launched double dip discount coupon whereby you can have discount on selected items follow by the store wide discount coupon which means you save twice as much! Imagine that you can get the distress ink at USD$3.84 at Oh My Crafts after both discounts while other online stores are selling at at least USD$3.99. It maybe little but for me, after exchange rate conversion, it means a lot and not to mention taking shipping cost into account as well.

However, due to the cheap price, most of the inks has been sold out. I tried to e-mail them to ask when they will restock the inks in late October 2011 but they have no idea when is the next shipment coming in. That really disappointing a bit as those discount coupons will expire and you never know if they come up with another discount coupons.

Left : Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Tea Dye
Right : Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Broken China

I still stalk Oh My Crafts online store occasionally after that to see if they have restocked the inks. Finally, my efforts paid off in early November 2011 as the new shipment has been arrived and most of the colors are in stock! I quickly select the colors I want which is broken china and tea dye as starter. Since I am newly venturing into distress ink, I also bought the blending tool. Payment is made on the same day I order the items but Oh My Crafts did not process my order until two (2) days later. I guess it is because of year end and the high volume of orders. Even the processing took some time and finally I am informed that the package is shipped on 06 November 2011.

Inkssentials Blending Tool

After patient waiting of ten (10) days, finally the package arrive to my doorstep today! Now, I can use them on my new projects which I have on my mind. Hopefully the outcome is nice as I afraid I am not too good in using the distress ink.

Thank You

Thank You card - Front

I made this thank you card for the nurses and staffs of the Pantai Cheras Hospital surgical ward whereby I was admitted last two (2) weeks ago.

Card Positioning Systems (CPS) #244

This card layout is inspirational from Card Positioning Systems (CPS) #244 sketch/challenge as shown above as well as Lawnscaping Challenge #21 - Thank You.

Close-up : Own creation of pattern paper

I create my own pattern paper using one (1) of the stamps from Hero Arts CL266 Mix and Match Elements. I stamp the stamp onto a yellow cardstock using gold ink. Then, it is layer onto a red cardstock which layer on dark blue card.

Close-up : Corrugated strips and sentiment

As suggested in the layout, I use two (2) light blue corrugated strips to make the bottom of the card. Then, the sentiment "Thank You" from Lawn Fawn 'not-for-sale' or free edition stamp is stamped onto a pink circle which layered on a blue scallop circle. The blue scallop circle is then attach onto the center of the two (2) light blue corrugated strips.

Some textures are added onto the card whereby gold circle gems are attached to the center of the stamped stamp. In the sentiment, a diamond is attached to the 'O' of 'You'.

Thank You card - Inside

Since the dark blue background makes it a bit difficult to write a personal message, I have added a yellow inlay inside the card. I also attached a hat on the right side of the inlay to give some creativeness.

Close-up : Stamped hat on the inlay

Theme : Thank You

Title : Thank You

Dimension : 10.16cm x 15.24cm or 4" x 6"

Type : Vertical fold

Inlay : Yes with stamped image

If you would like to have a similar design of these items or individual item, please e-mail us at msgkeeper@gmail.com for order. Please do include the color or theme you prefer, purpose of the item(s) (farewell, retirement, birthday and etc) and message (if any).

This card is entering the challenge(s) organized by :

1) Card Positioning Systems (CPS) #244 (ending 19 November 2011)

2) Lawnscaping Challenge #21 - Thank You (ending 16 November 2011)

3) Creative Card Crew - Thankful (ending 21 November 2011)

Stamps and tools used :

Wish List Accomplished - Hero Arts CL145 Baby Girl

Finally my top wish list to have Hero Arts CL145 Baby Girl has accomplished!

For the past few days in end of September 2011, I been searching the whole eBay for this Hero Arts CL145 Baby Girl. Since it is a discontinued product, Hero Arts itself did not sell this stamp anymore. Thus, I have to look at other alternative which is eBay. 

After an intensive search in eBay, finally I found a really cheap price of the clear stamp at USD6.50 from this seller known as djlaw899! The usual price for this 4" x 6" size clear stamp is USD15 which means I saved about 56% and it really put a big smile on my face! The shipping fees is reasonable as well at USD2! The whole total cost me USD8.50 which I cannot get at anywhere else for the stamp that is on my top wish list! I made the payment on 26 September 2011 and the seller confirm the shipment on 28 September 2011.

However, after about three (3) weeks of patient waiting, the item has not arrive. I e-mailed the seller on 15 October 2011 since the estimated arrival date has been due on 14 October 2011. The seller replied the next day and informs that he will send another item on the following Monday, 17 October 2011 and estimated to arrive within seven (7) to ten (10) working days.

Hero Arts CL145 Baby Girl

Finally, the Hero Arts CL145 Baby Girl is on my hand today! I hope I can ink up this stamp set very soon as I have some projects idea on my mind even before I purchase this stamp set!

More Hero Arts Stamps!

I dropped by at Simon Says Stamp! blog on 09 October 2011 and discovered a great news whereby they are having eBay clearance sale! According to the post, there are almost 1,000 active auctions starting under USD1 and most deals are over 90% off which are ending in the next day or two! 

I quickly navigate to Simon Says Stamp eBay store to check out the auctions. Guess what? Some of my wish lists are in auction starting from USD0.99! I am particularly looking at Hero Arts 2" x 3" sparkle clear stamps. I browse through the auctions and weighing which clear stamps I should bid. Furthermore, some of the items has been bidden by someone. Thus, I need to weight on the cost as well even it is starting USD0.99 as I plan to bid few items. More savings means I can bid more items and not forgetting the shipping costs as well.

Finally, I made up my mind on which items I want to bid and the maximum amount I can afford. However, I did not place the bid immediately as I like to bid in few last minutes to ensure I can win the items. Due to different time zone, the items will be ending at about 3+AM Malaysia time. Thus, I need to get up in the middle of the night to monitor and bid the items. It is the first time I done such a thing even some of my friends did the same regularly. 

From left to right
CL179 Party
CL187 Coffee
CL188 Tea

But the efforts are well paid off as I won three (3) of the bids for the items I want as per above! The best part is that the total amounts of the three (3) Hero Arts 2" x 3" sparkle clear stamps including shipping costs is about USD12 only! Usually, one (1) Hero Arts 2" x 3" sparkle clear stamp costs USD6 but now I get three (3) of the Hero Arts 2" x 3" sparkle clear stamps at USD12! It is indeed a great deal!

Finally, the items arrived to my doorstep today! I am so happy that I completed some of my wish lists with such a saving! I hope to get them ink up soon!

My First Penny Black Stamp!

Penny Black 30-063 Mimi & Miles

Finally I have my first Penny Black stamp!

I actually did not plan to purchase anymore stamps after the recent purchase of Hero Arts CL145 Baby Girl (which is yet to arrive by the time I am writing this post even that stamp was shipped earlier!). Somehow, my husband persuade me to buy another stamps or craft supplies I want.

I always have a habit of buying direct from the manufacturer. Thus, I go to Penny Black website to check out. However, their International shipping fee is very expensive (cost more than the stamp I want to purchase) which I quit the intention to buy direct.

I look for Simon Says Stamp store and the shipping fee is very expensive too but when I look at their eBay Simon Says Stamp store, the shipping fee is reasonable. I been weighing between buying two (2) Hero Arts sparkle clear stamp (2"x3" size with gems) which cost about USD5.99 each or buying another brand stamps. Well, I finally settled to buy another brand stamp since the amount I pay is about the same. So, why not buy another brand stamp that is on my wish list, right? 

Thus, I look for the stamp I want which is Penny Black 30-063 Mimi & Miles. The price in eBay Simon Says Stamp store is about the same in Penny Black website but the shipping fee is way cheaper. However, I always look for saving in my money whereby I search for another intensive search in the whole eBay for the cheapest price. Somehow, only eBay Simon Says Stamp store offered the best price inclusive shipping fee.

I made my payment on 29 September 2011 and they confirm my shipment on 30 September 2011. After about a week, finally the Penny Black 30-063 Mimi & Miles arrived on my doorstep! I hope I can get this stamp set inky as soon as possible especially on these few months as there are many couples getting married (due to good months of Chinese lunar calendar).

Octo Wedding Wishes

Octo Wedding Wishes - Front 

Made this wedding wishes card for my best friend who is getting married this Sunday. I heartfelt wishes her and her husband have a wonderful marriage finally since they been dating longer than me and my husband (not to mention that I am going to have my second child soon).

Pink {INK} Sketch Challenges Sketch #7

This card layout is inspirational from Pink {INK} Sketch Challenges Sketch #7 sketch/challenge as shown above. I decided to use gold as the color of the card as my best friend mention that she likes gold when she hand me her wedding invitation. I decided to incorporate some red which in Chinese symbolized happiness events.

Octo Wedding Wishes - Different angle

As the layout suggested, I used lots of layers of papers and pop dots to make dimension for this card. The first layer is a red patterned paper of happiness in Chinese character (cannot see the character much as it was covered by the top layer). Then, I layer a gold corrugated paper on top of the red patterned paper. The third layer is a red strip secured with a white lace and red ribbon.

Close-up : Red strip with white lace and red ribbon

The circle is the fourth layer. Inside the circle, I make a sand bed by tearing up the yellowish paper but it cannot be seen much as the king and queen octopus has covered the sand bed. I decided to use 'king' and 'queen' because the whole card is gold based which is perfect for kingdom theme. Furthermore, marriage is once in a lifetime and people always make the best out of it which I think you can be 'king' and 'queen' for a day!

Close-up : 'King' and 'queen' octopus

In regard to that, it gives me opportunity to use lots of gems too on the 'king' and 'queen' octopus! I just love the bling on the crowns! I stamped "Heartfelt Wishes" on top of the circle in gold ink too!

Theme : Octopus

Title : Heartfelt Wishes

Dimension : 13.97cm x 13.97cm or 5.5" x 5.5"

Type : Vertical fold

Inlay : None

If you would like to have a similar design of these items or individual item, please e-mail us at msgkeeper@gmail.com for order. Please do include the color or theme you prefer, purpose of the item(s) (farewell, retirement, birthday and etc) and message (if any).

This card is entering the challenge(s) organized by :

1) Pink {INK} Sketch Challenges Sketch #7 

2) Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything Goes

3) Lawnscaping Challenge #19 - Dimension

4) Cute Card Thursday - Challenge 184 - Animal Crackers! 

5) Paper Sundaes Challenge #89 - Lots of Layers

6) Charisma Cardz Challenges - Challenge #39 - ♥♥ Love ♥♥

7) Lothian Crafts Online - Challenge 19 - Anything Goes

8) Papertake Weekly Challenge - Anything Goes 

Stamps and tools used :

Ocean of Thanks!

Ocean of Thanks - Front

This card is purposely made to enter Lawn Fawn's World Card Making Day Challenge which I think this is the first time Lawn Fawn organize a challenge through its own blog. As the requirement of the challenge need this card to be send to someone physically which I decided to post it to my best friend.

Card Patterns Sketch 135

This card layout is inspirational from Card Patterns Sketch 135 sketch/challenge as shown above but I decided to take a total revamp of the sketch as explained below.

Close-up : Top portion of the card

The top portion of the card, it is the ocean and I decided to have turtle, fish and hermit on the scene so that the middle of the card is focus for the sentiment. I do not have any "thanks" sentiment from Lawn Fawn. Thus, I used "thanks" from "thanksgiving" from Lawn Fawn Hats Off to You. :P I added some gems to resemble the bubbles from the sea animals.

Close-up : Dimensional layers

As per the sketch, I should have ribbon or scalloped strip on the bottom of the card with three (3) circles. However, like I inform earlier, I decided to revamp the sketch. Thus, I turned the strip into three (3) layers of ocean bottom or sand which I dimension the layers. I purposely tear each of the layers so that it looks more like ocean bottom or sand.

Close-up : Ocean grasses

As for the circles, I decided to stamp three ocean grasses to represent the circle. I really like the outcome whereby it is really looks like ocean!

Theme : Ocean

Title : Thanks

Dimension : 10.16cm x 15.24cm or 4" x 6"

Type : Horizontal fold

Inlay : None

If you would like to have a similar design of these items or individual item, please e-mail us at msgkeeper@gmail.com for order. Please do include the color or theme you prefer, purpose of the item(s) (farewell, retirement, birthday and etc) and message (if any).

This card is entering the challenge(s) organized by :

1) Lawn Fawn's World Card Making Day Challenge

2) Card Patterns Sketch 135

3) Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Anything Goes

4) Lawnscaping Challenge #19 - Dimension

5) Cute Card Thursday - Challenge 184 - Animal Crackers! 

6) Paper Sundaes Challenge #89 - Lots of Layers

Stamps and tools used :

Graduation Celebration!

Graduation Celebration card

This is my first attempt to make a graduation card and it is for my cousin who is recently graduate from a local university. I did not attempt to make any graduation card before because I do not have the right stamp until I purchase Lawn Fawn Hats Off to You recently.

Lily Pad Cards' Hero Arts Sketch Challenge

This card layout is inspirational from Lily Pad Cards' Hero Arts Sketch Challenge sketch/challenge as shown above - simple and clean!

Close-up : Graduation hat

Three (3) different patterned paper strips are attached to a blue card according to the sketch. Then, the graduation hat is stamped on a white scallop circle and colored using Copic markers. I dimensional the graduation hat using pop dots.

Close-up : Sentiment "Let's Celebrate"

At the bottom of the card, sentiment "Let's Celebrate" is stamp and color using Copic markers. I used sentiment "Let's Celebrate" instead of "Happy Graduation" or "Congratulations" because it is an event to celebrate!

Theme : Graduation

Title : Let's Celebrate

Size : 10.16cm x 15.24cm or 4" x 6"

Type : Vertical fold

Inlay : None

If you would like to have a similar design of these items or individual item, please e-mail us at msgkeeper@gmail.com for order. Please do include the color or theme you prefer, purpose of the item(s) (farewell, retirement, birthday and etc) and message (if any).

This card is entering the challenge(s) organized by :

1) Lily Pad Cards' Hero Arts Sketch Challenge

2) Creative Inspirations Challenge 130 - Let's Celebrate!

3) Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Use Dies and/or Punches

4) Paper Sundaes Challenge #88 - Anything Goes

5) ..Wee Memories.. Challenge #69 - Patterned Paper

Stamps and tools used :

Birdie Thinking of You

Birdie Thinking of You - Front

Made this card to enter this month Hero Arts challenge. It has been months that I missed Hero Arts challenge and I decided to enter the challenge this month (in last minute, :P). 

Birdie Thinking of You - Inside

We do not have autumn season here in Malaysia. Thus, everything autumn theme is out of question even though I can try to make some Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival cards but it has been passed. Color challenge is not very my type as well. Thus, I only have the last option to use in order to enter the challenge which is window cards. I really like window cards as it give us mystery and surprise sometimes. I could not search a sketch that can be used for window cards. Thus, I come up with my own simple sketch. 

Close-up : Branch and sentiment

A light shaded blue cardstock is used as base for the sky. Then, branch with birds on it is stamped on the top of the card and colored using Copic markers. Sentiment of "Thinking of You" is stamped on top of the birds. Then, it is attached onto a yellow card. 

Close-up : Punched hole

A hole is punch below the branch and a birdhouse is stamp inside the yellow card together with sentiment "Today, Tomorrow and Always" above it which makes the whole message of "Thinking of You Today, Tomorrow and Always". A string is attach on the front of the card just above the birdhouse. Colored birdhouse is attach on the stamped birdhouse dimensional.

Close-up : Inside the card with sentiment 

Close-up : Ribbon that looks like grass and flowers

Green gems are added to the bubble message and birdhouse. The bottom of the card is decorated with some ribbon that looks like grass and flowers. 

Theme : Bird Title : Thinking of You Today, Tomorrow and Always 

Dimension : 12.7cm x 19.05cm or 5" x 7.5" 

Type : Vertical fold 

Inlay : None but with stamped image and sentiment

If you would like to have a similar design of these items or individual item, please e-mail us at msgkeeper@gmail.com for order. Please do include the color or theme you prefer, purpose of the item(s) (farewell, retirement, birthday and etc) and message (if any). 

This card is entering the challenge(s) organized by : 

1) Hero Arts September 2011 Challenge - Featured Technique - Window Cards 

2) Simon Says Stamp Challenge - Use Dies and/or Punches 

3) Paper Sundaes Challenge #88 - Anything Goes

Stamps and Tools Used :