MWL DT: LO | Singapore

Hello! I am back, posting as Made With Love DT today!

This time, I am sharing a layout done with Singapore as the theme. Afterall, National Day is coming right up, and amidst the celebrations, I wanted to do something for this special day!

I am proud to be a fellow Singaporean. No, it is not perfect, but Singapore has provided me and my family a safe place to live in. It has given me stability which I yearn for and a place I can call home. Being a regional engineer for most years of my working life, I have experienced many outstation visits, where life was hard and many systems not in place. It always made me appreciate home very much and never take anything for granted.

These 2 very beautiful drone photos (amongst the many beautiful shots) were taken by a very good and talented friend of mine. Eugene has taken so many nice shots of Singapore, inspiring me to get this layout done! Thank you Eugene for lending me these photos!

I started doing up this layout with 3 important parts - a flag, Vanda Miss Joaquim and of course the crescent and stars. These signifies our country very much, and I wanted to have these signatures in my layout.

For the flag, I die cut the Sizzix Bigz Die- Mosaic #661194 multiple times (4x4 format). Then I grabbed some white cardstock and embossed them with the Sizzix 3D Embossing Folder - Botanical #662716. If you have not tried the 3D embossing folders yet, you should! They give such delicate and pop up details! Our flag comprises of the red and white elements, so for the top half, I used a red pattern paper as the backdrop.

Vanda Miss Joaquim was all fun to play with! I must say that I felt really "allergic" to the color purple ha! However our Vanda Miss Joaquim does really deserve to be colored in the correct tone. I used Distress Makers and a thin paint brush for this. Check out this helpful Sizzix video on how you can make your own orchids for your layouts or craft projects! Instead of using the same dies as mentioned in the video, I chose to use the Sizzix Bigz w/ textured impressions Butterfly Embellishments #662442. They work the same wonders, have fun experimenting!

The crescent was cut using 2 circle dies of different size. The framelits are my most used dies. Basics are so important to any die-cutters - got to have some in your collection! To further enhance the white foil crescent, I ran it through with a swirl embossing folder. Textures are important for me on my layouts. One way to add texture is having embossed images. For the stars, I used the Sizzix Bigz Die - Stars #656339.

I have a few of the Alphabet XL dies in my collection, and I truely appreciate the ease of use for them. Today I am using the Sizzix Bigz XL Alphabet die - Typo in Upper Case #661198.

For the subtitle, I decided on a smaller font. I love this set - Sizzix Thinlits Holiday Block Words #660057 - the alphabets cut out individually, so you can always mix and match whatever titles you want! I use my xyron sticker machine to add adhesives to these small letters, and then adhere it onto a strip of cardstock. This helps me plan where I want to place the subtitles easily, instead of moving the small little pieces!

Have a great week ahead leading up to National Day! (P/S: We all look forward to that public holiday don't we? *wink*)

Materials used are available at Made With Love.

Made With Love B2-08, 313 Somerset, Orchard Road Tel : 67337630 Facebook |  Instagram

Supplies Used:
• Sizzix Bigz Die- Mosaic #661194
• Sizzix 3D Embossing Folder - Botanical #662716
• Sizzix Bigz w/ textured impressions Butterfly Embellishments #662442
• Sizzix Bigz Die - Stars #656339
• Sizzix Bigz XL Alphabet die - Typo in Upper Case #661198
• Sizzix Thinlits Holiday Block Words #660057
• Xyron 1.5" Sticker Maker

MWL DT: LO | LOL

Hello hello! I am posting as Made With Love DT today, sharing a stitched layout this time. It was Father's day yesterday, so today's post is really dedicated to my hero. Happy Father's Day, daddy! You are always my hero and first love *kisses*

When I started out this layout, I knew I wanted it to be in a geometrics theme. My dad is an engineer, he is also the one who had inspired me to be one. So when I laid eyes on Paige Evans' Pink Paislee Pick Me Up collection, I immediately got inspired by one of the papers.

Pink Paislee - Paige Evans - Pick Me Up Collection

What do you see from this paper? I literally saw diamonds jumping at me! So I took out my trusty scissors and immediately cut those shapes up, knowing they would well fit onto my layout. In addition, I did have them matted onto another pattern paper in the same collection just to give it a boost of contrast on the layout.

Oh, but I really had to add some more texture to the entire layout. Of course there had to be stitching! I decided to use another geometric design as the background, hence deciding to fill it up with a hexagonal/diamond pattern. Adding stitches adds a whole new dimension of texture and outlook to the entire layout, so I really love to add these stitches to my layouts.

Journal on your layouts! This is such an important part of layouts, but most commonly neglected. Most are afraid to write, but documenting memories really means recording the thoughts of the photo or layout. I use my trusted WRMK typecast for my journal purposes. It can take in 12" papers, and that is one big bonus for scrappers! In this case, I chose to cut them out in strips and adhered them with adhesive foam.

The title meant a lot to me. While acronyms are part of our lives, my father is trying to decipher the acronyms that commonly arise during our Whatsapp conversations. While the official meaning of LOL is "laugh out loud", my father really thinks otherwise. On one occasion, he asked what is the meaning of LOL, and he thought it was "lots of love"! Creative for sure! That is how LOL got its new definition and definitely something special between my dad and I.

To create the alphabets, I turned to my WRMK Mini Alphabet Punch! It provides me with easy access to title making, and also covers a good area on my layout, making it prominent.

I must say, I am really a fan of fussy cutting. I added dimensions on the diamonds with smaller diamond/triangle pieces from the same pattern paper. As the word fussy suggests, cutting papers in rough fashion, so there is really no stress about it. Trust me, even if there was an over-cut in the paper, no one will notice! That is really the beauty of scrapbooking!

Another element I love to add are vellum. They are translucent, so they create a whole new detail without over emphasis. To adhere, simply use glossy accents where the glue dries clear so the glue stains will not be apparent.

Nowadays, we are also lucky to be able to use foil and glitter paper onto our layouts! That little bit goes a long way, and it helps to highlight the details on our layouts!

Finally to complete the layout, I added some clear and blue dew drops. They fill up the empty spaces without over cluttering - that's why they are my favorite! (And I really must add, MWL has just recently stocked many different colors of dew drops!)

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there! Hope you have enjoyed the walk through of this layout! You can learn more about stitching on layouts at Made With Love, we have a new workshop "Stitch and Sew" coming right up in July!

Materials used are available at Made With Love.

Made With Love B2-08, 313 Somerset, Orchard Road Tel : 67337630 Facebook |  Instagram

Supplies Used:

Pink Paislee - Paige Evans -
Pick Me Up Collection

WRMK Typecast

WRMK Mini Alphabet Punch

The Robin's Nest Dew Drops

MWL DT: LO | Sew Cute

Hello crafty friends! I am back on the blog as Made With Love DT, with a layout using the lovely WRMK products today!

I must say, the WRMK products have made my life much easier as a crafter. In this layout, I made use of 4 punch boards, Typecast and Stitch Happy.

Isn't my niece cute! She is such a gem, and this is one of my favorite photo of her.

I started out with the WRMK tab punch board to create a tab. This tab piece helps to create an interesting matting to the photo. It also helps me create a link to add word sentiments! Here, I have used my (mint) typecast and typed out the word "precious".

Creating the title was easy with the WRMK mini alphabet punch board. All I had to do was to cut down pattern papers to size (1.5"x2.5") and then open up the Alphabet punch board app! 

This app made it very easy for me to get to the alphabets I needed to punch out!

Of course I had to use the sewing machine! Sewing is my favorite thing to do on a layout. It creates dimensions and a different texture on the layout. Mint is also my favorite color, I own both the typecast and sewing machine in mint. (Though I am also loving the sweet touch of pink!) For this layout, I did some straight stitches from the cloud to the tiles below, creating a visual of a baby's mobile on top of their cribs.

Here is the bottom of the "baby mobile". I cut 2 pieces of square pattern paper and slided them into the WRMK frame punch. I am using the 0.25" frame width on this layout. In one of the frames, I typed a little message to my niece using the WRMK typecast! Love to be able to customize a short message or journal on my layout!

Last but not least, my brand new toy! I recently got a new toy - WRMK happy jig! So many possibilities! I love that the happy jig is so easy to use! Included in the package is a booklet of ideas (and 3 colors of wires to get started with!) For additional inspirations, you can also look for @werhappyjig on instagram! 

For the word baby, I decided to give it a try to fix the pieces on my own. (The engineer in me just had to give it a try!) Viola! It was quite a smooth process! 

I found it easier to staple the wire words in place. Just 2 staples holding the start and end of the word, it works! 

Thank you for joining me today in my layout walk through. Hope you enjoyed it, and gotten insights of how you can make use of the WRMK tools. 

Materials used are available at Made With Love.

Made With Love B2-08, 313 Somerset, Orchard Road Tel : 67337630 Facebook |  Instagram

Supplies Used:
• WRMK Tab Punch Board
• WRMK Frame Punch Board
• WRMK Typecast
• WRMK Mini Alphbet Punch Board
• WRMK Stitch Happy
• Simple Stories "Oh, Baby" Collection

MWL DT: Album | Dream & Explore

Hi everyone! How has March been for you? I am feeling refreshed after a week long holiday with my family, and now catching up with my work. Before I went on this holiday, I thought of making an album for my parents as we rarely get to go on a trip together.

I wanted to house as many photos as it could in one album, and I was right to think of that - we took over 1500 photos in this trip! Gosh, thank God we are living in a digital era. Films would have been expensive!

After some experimentation, I made some adjustments so a pivot swivel card could be used in an album format. What do I mean? Well, I will be getting to that soon.

Here is the album I have made as Made With Love DT - a paradise and travel themed album using Kaisercraft Havana Nights Collection. This collection is gorgeous! Not only does it have the bright elements, it also has the geometrics to match up!

Now let's flip the pages! I am always intrigued with albums with some moveable elements, and this pivot swivel mechanism was the fun thing to make! As the pages open, it unfolds a series of pop up page in a swivel motion.

There you go! Each page consists of this special swivel element, and I bet my parents will not only be thrilled to see the photos but also play around with the album!

Here is another page with the same construction. I left enough space for some journalling, and still debating if I should add more photos!

Materials used are available at Made With Love.

Made With Love B2-08, 313 Somerset, Orchard Road Tel : 67337630 Facebook |  Instagram

Thanks for joining me today and hope you have enjoyed the walk through for this project! Time to get your hands working for a travel album! 

MWL DT: LO | Love

Hello crafters! Happy 2018! I can't believe it, 2017 has wheezed past so quickly, and I am writing my first blog post of 2018! Here's wishing all of you a blessed, happy and healthy 2018 ahead!

Today, I'm am inspired by the pretty Crate Paper - Good Vibes collection available at Made with Love! Just a walk around the shop gives me great inspirations!  

The elements and vibrant colors in this collection are gorgeous! I was so excited and nearly fussy cut 3 pieces of the pattern paper! Adding elements of fussy cutting does give me much joy. I find that the layout becomes less rigid, and the variation of shapes makes the layout look more alive. Here's a couple of the fussy cutting. I do them while watching TV or waiting for my food to arrive. After all, it's a much better activity to do than using the handphone all the time!

Another inspiration I got off from the collection was to use some thread / twine and hook them up so that they look like tassels all around my photo. To do this, I made use of the Sizzix Framelits Die Set 9PK - rectangles, dotted and die cut a rectangle. Then I used the dotted markings to pierce a hole and attach the thread.

Adding layers behind the photo helps to enhance it. Here, I've cut some tags from the collection and randomly added some fussy cuttings to accompany the layers.

Lastly, to finalize the entire layout, add journaling. I tend to forget the details of the photo after some time, so I make sure to add some details. Sometimes, the photo says it all, and in that case, I would add the date. Journaling is one of the most important detail for a layout, yet also the most commonly forgotten by a lot of people. I make use of my WRMK typewriter to do my journaling. It is not only a pretty sight, but also my favorite tool for layout journaling.

Supplies used are from Made with Love:

• Crate Paper - Good Vibes Collection
• Sizzix Framelits Die Set 9PK - rectangles, dotted
• WRMK Typewriter, Mint
• American Crafts Thickers

Thank you for joining me on this new year, hope you have enjoyed the walk through. Have a blast in 2018 and stay creative!

MWL DT: LO | Joy

Hello fellow crafters! Today I am sharing a layout on Made With Love with some chain stitching!

Stitching on layouts are one of my favorite things to do. They always inspire the outcome of the entire layout.

This time, I was inspired to stitch a Christmas tree geometric image with chain stitches. I have always wanted a Christmas tree for Christmas. Singapore homes are just too small to house a tree! But I always loved seeing the different decorated Christmas trees online or while visiting my friends' place.

Chain stitching are the basics of book binding. I like to use them on layouts! For this Christmas tree, I started with measuring the distances, and piercing the points for sewing purposes. The stitching was so therapeutic! This time, I am using the Mayaroad waxed hemp. I like that it gives a more solid feel, and the Christmas tree looks real!

After the stitching was done, I started layering the photo and added sticker embellishments. Since I am layering these embellishments, I used the powder tool so that the sticker elements won't stick to the wrong places.

Behind the photo, I decided to use some water color to spice up the layout. Using the Gamsai Tambi is a breeze. Just spritz some water to the color palette you intend to use and brush it onto the cardstock. Then, I added some light number stamping in Versafine Grey. Let it dry or use a heat gun to speed up the drying process. Afterwards, decorating is like the sentiment "oh, what fun!"

To finish up the layout, I used the Sizzix die and cut out the letters J, O and Y. Large alphabet diecuts are my favorite! They are prominent on a layout! Add some embellishments and sentiments around the title to create interest.

I had fun with this layout, and hope you enjoyed the walk through! All products used are from Made With Love, thanks for dropping by my blog today! 

Supplies Used:

• Gamsai Tambi Water Color
• Mayaroad Waxed Hemp - Yellow and Green
• Simple Stories | Oh What Fun! Collection - Combo Cardstock Stickers
• My Mind's Eye | Oh What Fun! Collection - Wreaths
• My Mind's Eye | Oh What Fun! Collection - Santa
• My Mind's Eye | Oh What Fun! Collection - Wonderland
• My Mind's Eye | Oh What Fun! Collection - Minty
• Sizzix Bigz Alphabet Set 7 Dies - Serif Essentials
• Sizzix Bigz Die - Stars