Meet Boo!

So we couldn't resist the sweetness of the little black and white kitty. Matt suggested "Boo" if it was a black kitty and he didn't like my suggestion of "Molly" so we decided to call her Boo! She is just a little darling and so is Ollie. They are quickly taking over our home to make it theirs.

We're expecting. . . KITTENS!

Oh yes—it is finally time—KITTEN TIME!

We are both so excited and tonight we are driving to Whittier to pick up our new friends. We are getting a little boy orange tabby that we will call Oliver, or Ollie for short. And we will choose between two black girl kitties; one all black and one with a little white. It will be hard to decide. I'll let you know later who we get. Feel free to add your name suggestions. Thanks to his current "human housekeeper and personal kitty servant" for this cute little photo of Ollie to share!

Obsessed with Color

Have you ever been obsessed with color? Can you guess the direction of my latest obsession? Photos from my vacation in Macau.

First glimpse of Macau

Here's our second night of vacation. Our first day was spent flying and checking into a room in Hong Kong. The next morning we got up and the guys got fitted for their suits in HK. Then we boarded the ferry for Macau. We got there in time for dinner with friends at the hotel. Here is the awesome view from our room. We actually stayed on the bottom island, Taipa; which is right by the University so we could see across the bay to Macau Island and see the new casinos. Isn't it pretty?

Our whole excuse for this vacation was so my Father-In-Law could guest lecture at the U of Macau and we could all visit with his professor friend, Henry. We got to spend lots of time with Henry and his wife, Miho. They were great hosts and tour guides.

A Bad Day to Live Through Twice

Well, I've been pretty scarce because we were on vacation in Hong Kong (yaaay!) I'll write more about that later, but First I will whine about the woes of traveling. You see when you fly from US to Asia, you cross the International Date line and you lose a day. When you fly back to US you gain the day back. So we left Hong Kong on Monday at 12:30 PM and we arrived in Los Angeles on Monday at 9:30 AM; 3 hours before we left. How's that for time-travel?

But it was a day nobody wants to live through twice; even if you like Mondays. My first Monday consisted of a workout at the hotel gym, packing and rushing to get a bite before we left to the airport and then a grueling 12-hour flight back to LA. We fly economy, of course, and there is nothing like being cramped in a plane when you can't sleep and you finished your good book in two hours with 10 hours to go. But we made it through the first Monday and finally landed—home at last.

But it was not a good Monday at home either. My Great-Aunt died when I was on vacation, and her funeral was at 1pm that afternoon. So we made it just in time (actually 10 minutes late) for her funeral and of course that was sad and emotionally draining. We were both exhausted wrecks and could barely make the drive without falling asleep. And we were in our airplane clothes; which for Matt meant a t-shirt and USC shorts. I didn't think about it until later, but I wonder what people thought about that. Hopefully they were forgiving and understood that at least we had made it to see my favorite aunt to her rest. If not, well then too bad; we did what we could. I know that our close family members understood and were glad to see us no matter what we looked like. And that's all that really matters.

So that was my Monday and my Monday Redux. I'm glad we made it through and I will never have to live that day over again.

Another Bathroom Story!

So what is it with me and bathrooms? I swear I have a bathroom jinx or something. I was traveling this week for work. I had to go to the restroom after I picked up my luggage. The handicapped (extra-large) stall was occupied, so I squoze myself into a regular stall, along with my laptop, briefcase, coat, and my suitcase. The problem was that somehow I got everything in there, but I couldn't open the door to get out! Yep—there I was trapped in the airport bathroom and I couldn't get the door open because my suitcase was in the way. I was jammed in the corner trying to squeeze my bag so the door would open around it. Nothing worked. Finally I had to put my suitcase on the floor and mash it down and push it under the door, inch by inch. Once it was outside the stall I could open the door and get out. Of course, my suitcase was covered in bathroom cooties, but at least I was free and I could breathe a sigh of relief as I ran to catch my shuttle!

Now just in case you're the kind of person who wonders what kind of moron wouldn't go to the bathroom first *before* they got their suitcase, I would like to assure you that I did go first, but the shuttle took so darn long that I had to go again! Sigh—travel is rough!

Copic Comparison

Here are some comparison details of Alcohol Based Markers. This information is written to the best of my knowledge. I own each of these types, so have been able to compare them at home. I have supplemented the info with research from online and brochures. Please let me know if I have made any errors.

Prisamacolor
+ Cheapest (< $25 for 12 at Dick Blick) + Sold at M's with coupon

+ 156 colors

+ Easy to use brush & fine point like SU! markers
+ Coordinates with same colors of Prismacolor Pencils

- My least favorite marker shape - too bulky to use easily
- Hard to tell which end is broad/fine
- Lids hard to remove
- Case is opaque and hard to remove lid
- Stinkier
- Less light-fast—will fade faster

Fine Tip
Chisel Tip

Copic Sketch + Ciao
+ Easy to see which end is brush/chisel
+ Nice clear plastic case
+ Easy to find at online Scrap & Stamp stores!
+ Nicely named color scheme makes it easy to choose
+ 322 Colors
+ More shades of grey
+ More light-fast

Brush Tip
Chisel Tip

Copic Sketch

+ Sets to coordinate with Stampin' Up colors (Ellen Hutson.com)

+ Shape is flat so it won't roll

+ Color listed on top of lid
+ Holds more ink
+ Compatible with Airbrush out of box

- Most expensive (~$60 for 12)

- Harder to fit into case since they're oval

- Changing chisel to fine point is expensive

Copic Ciao
+ Cheaper (~$50 for 12)

+ Easier to hold

+ Smaller case
+ Easier to fit into case since they're round
+ Compatible with Airbrush with modification (put dimensional foam dots on can.)

- No fine point tip available

All

Replaceable Tip

Refillable

Alcohol Ink based (can use on plastic or glass)

Acid-free when dry

268 Steps - My Motivation

Here's my latest motivation for working out! Yep--268 steps to see the giant Buddha in Hong Kong. I have to see him and oh, I hope those steps don't kill us. We are expecting 80 degree temperatures and 80% humidity! And 268 steps.

So we have been working out three times a week since January to train for this big event. I am just barely starting to see any results--I'm guessing it's because I'm in such bad shape. No, really; I'm probably the worst-shape person you know! I have asthma and have barely exercised in the last 10 years due to some health issues and problems with my feet. But I am ready to get back into shape again (I mean, some shape besides "round", LOL!)

It is hard because just doing the elliptical for a half hour makes all my muscles sore (even my back for some reason, and I don't even use the hand part of the machine) And my feet just ache and I limp the next day from it. But I am doing it anyways. At first when we started I would do it as easy as possible and not push myself at all. I have had trouble in the past with getting sick whenever I try to work out. I guess it just pushes my poor body past its last reserve. (pathetic, huh?) So I kept it easy and kept it up. I was angry at first; really angry every time we had to work out. I mean, I would feel rage about going there and I can't even explain it. I would scowl and sulk, even though it was my choice and I know I need to do this.

After about 4 weeks I stopped feeling angry and after another few weeks I don't even dread going. So after two months, that's my progress--I don't hurt *as* much and I'm not so angry. I still almost died climbing a hill in San Diego 2 weeks ago. I still have not lost even one ounce. My pants are still too tight. We walked on the beach yesterday and I still ached all over. But Matt said he noticed I was breathing a little easier on our walk and I stopped less. So progress is slim and slow but at least there is progress.

So say a prayer for me that I don't have a heart attack or pass out or something when I go to see the big Buddha on our vacation--I gotta get up there for the photo ops!

Copic Obsession

Yes—I have fallen under the Copic fever that everyone seems to have! At the last stamp show I attended I saw some at the Lost Coast Designs Booth. She had a sample pack for us to test and I could tell how much I liked them. I decided to splurge on myself and got both sets: Earth & Air and Fire & Water. This gave me a nice collection of muted tones; the kind of colors I love to work with. I used them in the card above; supplemented with some of my Prismacolor Alcohol markers for the bright yellow, red and black colors. I also had to use some of my Stampin Up! water based markers for the lighter grey and stone tones.

This made me decide to supplement with some more Copics from Ellen Hutson's store. I also got a blender pen which I highly recommend.

Then, since I am obsessed I decided it wasn't enough so I found this great bargain at Dick Blick. Click on the image to see more. This was a fabulous addition because it has all the primary colors plus black. It came with a pad of paper, which is almost a thin, tracing paper, but it shows off the colors so well. I have just used it to practice so far. The kit has a litle carrying case (for all my singles I bought!) and a great book on Manga & Anime. Even though I can't draw a stick figure, I have always wished to be an artist, so I read the book completely to get ideas and learn coloring techniques. I do recommend the book—even if you are just a crafter like me. It gave lots of tips on shading and coloring and some images you can photo-copy to use for coloring practice if you like.

So, here's my Copic Tip for you that I learned from the book and haven't read anywhere else. When you are coloring, put a layer of the blender pen first and lay it down on the paper like a primer. This will help the colors to blend together easier. It really does help. You can, of course, also use it on top of the colors once you have colored your image.

Macau's a go!

Yahoo! I thought I'd better update since we got our tickets--thank goodness for Frequent Flyer Miles! I will update more soon! We fly into Hong Kong and take a boat over to Macau! We are hoping we can meet Johnny and Manami from Japan in Hong Kong for our last 3 days.
:)

Postage People ATC's

I joined a swap to do some postage people ATC's, which are all the rage right now. Basically, you find a postage stamp with a person or animal head and then find a body image to match and make them into an ATC.

Sounds easy, right? Well, it's much harder than it looks. Dymphie suggested that we find a body that is facing the proper direction and then color on the stamp to help blend the head into the body. That helped a lot.

I was lucky enough that I had a stamp that would match thes Paul Revere stamps. I hope none of the "Daughters of the American Revolution" members or some other heritage group get mad at me for dressing him in "drag", ha ha!

There are some fabulous examples of postage people here on the bockel24 site. Dymphie is another great postage people maker. And don't forget to check out Linda's who is the hostess for the swap I'm in! For more inspiration, check out this interesting photo form that is very similar to postage people, called Sleeve Face Photos

Patterened paper by foofala. Cardstock by Club Stamp and Stampin Up! Chocolate & Lady stamps from Club Stamp, zig-zag from Hero Arts, and postmark from Sugar Lump Designs

A Valentine from Random

That's what my friend Sue sent to me on Thursday! She is so very sweet to send me pictures of the CHA show this year. That's the huge Scrapbook Trade show that is held in Anaheim every year. They were needing cat photos to show of the new pet line from Sonburn Studios called "Reigning Cats & Dogs". I tried to find a link to see the entire line, but I guess nobody's posted it yet.

Here is the layout they made of Random and pictures of the booth at the show. I can't even tell you how excited this made me--I wish I could have seen it in person! Prince Random is indeed the Reigning Cat and he took center stage.



The layout was made by the designer of the line, Helen Naylor. I will ever be grateful to have this last, fitting memorial for my sweet friend. Meridith, my online pal and representative for the company said they are going to mail me the layout so I will have it to put in my scrapbook forever. Photo by Matt Vigil; Random's on-staff photographer!

The answer to where...

Well, I know you've been on pins and needles wondering where we're going for our first vacation in three years! I know I have been too. I'll tell you, but it's not finalized yet, so I hope I don't "jinx" it! Are you wondering where in Europe we are going so we can see the remains of that lovely 17th century cathedral? Well, guess again! That cathedral is in China—can you believe it? Well, it's in Macau, to be precise. Macau was a Portugese colony much like Hong Kong belonged to the British for many years. It has reverted back to China, but there is a definite European feel from all I have seen. I know next to nothing about Macau, but it looks fabulous—a wonderful blending of East-Meets-West. Exotic and old-world rolled into one.

The extra exciting part of this destination; to me at least; is that is is just 40 miles west of Hong Kong. Ah, beautiful Hong Kong, home of "Pool-on-the-roof". Yes, whenever times would get tough over the last years, Matt would turn to me and ask where I wanted to stay. Many times my answer was "Pool on the roof!" You see, hotels are reasonable in Hong Kong, and you can get a wonderful skyscraper place with a beautiful pool overlooking Victoria Harbor! You can click the photo to see the hotel.

Doesn't this look like an exciting trip!? I will keep you posted if we get to go--we are going to discuss it with Matt's family in more detail this weekend. The whole reason we will be able to go is if we go with Matt's Dad to visit a professor friend of his. We will use our frequent flyer miles for the plane and then we will know someone in Macau so our trip will be affordable--yahoo! Cross your fingers for me!

Where in the World....?

Immediately after our last vacation (almost 3 years ago) we started dreaming of our next vacation. First we read up on the Carribean and looked at each beautiful island! What a paradise they look like! We both love snorkling and swimming in warm, beautiful water so that looked like a perfect destination.

But then Matt wanted to go somewhere with his dad and Polly and that's not their type of vacation. South America looked like just the place to go! We got the book for that and looked at each country. Polly really wants to see Argentina and wow does that look so neat to visit! I've always wanted to see Rio and Sugarloaf Mountain and their huge statue there. And one of my lifelong dreams is to see Machu Pichu someday! Well, it turns out that Diego knows someone who is an anthropologist in Peru and knows all about Machu Pichu. Can you imagine how excited I was to think of going there with an expert? Even if it required some camping (which I detest, LOL!) I started dreaming of ancient civilizations and mysteries.

Right after that, though Polly decided that where she really wanted to go was England. They travel a lot and she is usually not a huge fan of going places, so it was fun to know she would love the trip we planned. I've only been to two foreign places so I'm thrilled where ever we go. We went home with England travel books and spent hours pouring through lists and websites and trying to decide the best places to go. I really want to see The White Cliffs of Dover (I'll explain more someday when I have time!) and of course Stonehenge (more of my mysterious ancient civilization obsession!) We must see London. Would we have time for Wales?

I have a friend in Scotland and I was dearly hoping to get there to meet her too! Really, I'd love to see Scotland more—how much time could we spend there? Edinburgh and Glasgow and oh there's so many places to see! England and Scotland are where we need to go.

Right after this a bomb fell on our plans. Literally—a bomb went off in the London subway and there was no way in this world that Polly was going to England. Oh, curse those terrorists! But there's always Ireland. That looks like one of the most beautiful countries of all. Every photo shows rolling green hills and I am in love. We went to the store to pick up Ireland books. Which cities are the best? Of course we have to see the book of Kells at Trinity College. Some small towns, some pubs, some ancient ruins. Rolling hills and ocean views. And sheep. Don't forget the lovely sheep. And Guiness, of course and an Irish Whisky factory. Ah yes, Ireland is superb for a vacation destination.

Very shortly after we bought the books we found out about Random. I refused to travel when he was sick and the vet told us he had less than 2 years. I was convinced it would be much sooner and was scared to leave him. Matt was sweet and patient and we kept planning for when our vacation would eventually come. Every day he would find a new destination. Hong Kong, Bangkok, Shanghai. Those earned a call to a travel agent and brochures. Vietnam. (Vietnam? Well, maybe not!) Budapest, Sweden, Canada. Prague, Paris, Italy. Greece. Chiappas, Mexico. Carribean cruise. Alaska cruise. Mexico cruise. Hawaii. Denver, DC, New York, Savanna, New Orleans. Barcelona and beautiful Spain—we even got the books for that!

Some of the places were picked out of thin air or something we saw on the travel channel and wanted to explore. Some are places that Diego was going for work. We discussed places where Matt's nephew was playing in hockey tournaments. We looked at so many places and researched planes, hotels and attractions.
Every day before work Matt would show me wonderful places on the internet. We looked forward to the Sunday Travel section of the Times to show us a new wonderful place. We armchair travelled everywhere for the last 3 years; I almost feel like I've already been to some of those beautiful spots.

I hope you enjoyed travelling with me today. Next time I may reveal the trip we are currently planning. I won't know if we will be able to go until February. Thanks to the wonderful travellers who took these stunning and inspiring photos.

A Very Sad Post

Well, this is a hard post to write. Most of you already know this but in case you don't I will put it here. Random, my sweet kitty and best friend of 17+ years is gone. It is so quiet and lonely in the house without him. I keep talking to every shadow because I forget he's gone and I think he's snuck up behind me. I miss him. I'm holding up ok, but it's sad. My friends and everyone have been so sweet because they knew how much he meant to me. Thank you everyone! I'll stop now--sigh!

Crafty Hoarding: Fabulous Fabrics—Using Fabric with Stamping.

Here's an article I wrote a few years ago. The projects may be old, but there are still some great tips I wanted to share.

Using fabric on your cards is a fun way to add color and texture to your stamping. You may have bits of fabric in your studio already, but even if you don’t fabric is an inexpensive purchase. A fabric store will probably sell small lengths that are just right for you. An eighth of a yard will measure four and a half inches by the width of the fabric. This should be sufficient for almost any card-making project you imagine and it won’t set your stamping budget into a spin, either.
100% Silk Peau de Soie is stamped using dye ink. Nylon tulle is added underneath the fabric flower for extra depth and interest.


Buy several different types of fabric and experiment to see what effects you can get at home. You can stamp on silk or cotton, organza or linen and you will get wonderful results!
Purchased Linen Tag is stamped using pigment ink.

You local store will have just what you want, or you may find ready-made fabric items elsewhere that are just begging to be stamped!
Pre-made Organza Pouch is stamped with pigment inks.

Tips on working with fabric:
1. If you fabric tends to ravel, you can bond it on the back with fusible interfacing, stitch it with a zigzag stitch on your machine, or use a product such as June Tailor’s Fray Block.

2. Try letting your fabric fray on purpose and make a fringed/frayed edge.

3. Fabric that is cut on the bias (45 degree angle cut diagonally from the edge) is less likely to fray.

4. When stamping on a sheer fabric, be sure to place a piece of cardstock underneath the fabric to soak up the extra ink. Let the fabric dry completely before moving it.

5. Experiment with stamping a solid image onto a textured fabric like linen or burlap to make in image and remove some ink from the stamp. Do a second stamp onto cardstock to get an interesting pattern from the weave of the fabric!

6. Striped or patterned fabric cut or torn into strips makes a great ribbon accent on a card.

Credits:
1. Floral & Paisley stamps from Stampin Up. Sentiment stamps from Purple Onion Designs. Paper from Bazzil, Club Stamp, and unknown. Organza drawstring pouch unknown. Brilliance metallic inks used on cardstock, Colorbox pigment inks used for stamping on organza. Vellum pieces inside pouch are stamped with Stampin Up dye inks.

2. Stamps from Home Impressions, Hero Arts, & Stampin Up. Linen tag, patterened paper & chipboard alphabet tiles from Lil’ Davis. Bread twist ties and acrylic purse tile from Club Stamp. Brilliance pigment inks used on linen, and Ranger Distress Inks used on cardstock.

3. Stamps from Club Stamp. Cardstock from Bazzil; patterened paper from Close to my Heart and Creative Imaginations, stitched with Coats & Clarks rayon embroidery thread. Hand-dyed pearl cotton is from Minnamurra. Button, flower & hatpin unknown. Stampin Up dye inks used for all stamping.

Kitty needs a home!

My friend Sonja needs a home for her two cats. Her apartment doesn't allow pets and her mom is unable to take care of them anymore. Here is a photo of her cat, Oscar, isn't he gorgeous!? I'd love to have such a beautiful cat, but our vet says no cats right now because of Random's health. It would put too much strain on my poor kitty. Please email me and I can have Sonja get in touch with you if you know anyone who can have another cat!

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Today is the official saint's day for St. Nicholas. If you're not Dutch you probably don't celebrate it, but it is such a fun holiday I decided to adopt it for my own [in case you're wondering, I'm Polish and English/Irish/Welsh]! On St. Nicholas Eve, he comes on his white horse and brings all the children candy and small gifts. Behind him is Black Peter bringing switches and coal for all the naughty children. Click on the button on the left to go to a site with more St. Nicholas fun and stories.

This year I got treats for all my friends at work. I printed a St. Nick ATC for everyone for fun (you can see it on the right). Some people got chocolate initials and Dutch sweets and mints. I also got some bakery items to share with everyone. You can see the mound of goodies I bought in the post below. Do you think I got enough?

I went to the Holland American Dutch Market in Bellflower on Saturday to get all the treats. It was super crowded because it was the last weekend before St. Nicholas Day. I felt so lucky because Sinterklass (St. Nicholas) was there in person to greet people and take photos. I've never seen him before, so I was very excited!

I got some Dubbel Zout (double salt) salty black licorice for myself, but I usually don't share because most people don't like that at all! It's an acquired taste and you must really like licorice to appreciate it.

Stroopwaffels are a little wafer sandwich with caramel in the middle and are so yummy! Speculaas are spice cookies; similar to delicate crispy ginger snaps. I got an extra pack for us and a pack for my mom.

I also got some imported Dutch Gouda cheese because, you know after all that candy I figured I needed some protein, ha ha! But then I only ate cheese and crackers for lunch the next day and it made my stomach hurt from all the junk. I have been snacking on all the rare treats for the whole week—a bit of cheese here, some salty licorice washed down there with a cookie and some mints for dessert. Luckily for my health, this holiday only comes once a year and I only make it to the Dutch Market every few years!

ATC is made using image from Vintage Workshop. Stitching and tag from Scrapgirls. Pointsettia from Susan Long. Font is FetteFraktur.

Feasting on Dubbel Zout!

What do you think this mess is on my kitchen table? What did I do on Saturday? Who did I get to meet in person for the very first time EVER? What the heck is Dubbel Zout!? Why did my stomach hurt so bad on Sunday? All these questions and more will be answered on Thursday! Come back soon!

Decorative Christmas Bag

Here's something I put together this weekend to hold a little gift. I made it out of a 12x12 piece of double-sided decorative paper from Rusty Pickle. I also used a small tea doily, a snowflake charm, a stamp by Studio G (J's $1 stamp) and my Spellbinders Nestabilities Petite Scalloped Circles dies.

I made a rough template for you to use if you like. You can find it at the bottom of this post. Download and print it off to use as a pattern. Cut on the outside edges. If you want to use your circle punch, I cut the top flap it in a rough rectangle and then stuck the rectangle so only the part I wanted to cut was in the punch. The rest I wrapped to the backside where it wouldn't get cut when I ran it through the Wizard.

Crease one direction on the darker lines and the 2 lighter lines crease the other direction. This photo Shows what it looks like once you cut and fold it.

Use some glue strips to glue the bottom pieces together then glue down the side, making sure to tuck the small 1/2" end underneath the larger side so it doesn't show. The side ends will pinch closed like a lunch bag now. If you like you can glue a pretty doily onto the inside of the flap so just the edge shows when the bag is closed. Use whatever you like to seal it. I stuck the circle medallion down with some glue dots and then I can tuck the scalloped top edge underneath to close it and reopen as needed.