ACOT times two!!!

I opened my e-mail at 2 am today and saw a message from A Cherry on Top with the subject line, "A Gift Certificate for you". I know what was in that mail even f I don't open it hehehe. How do I know? It's my 2nd time to win from this site hahaha!

My layout, "Live Out Loud" layout was announced as one of the winners for the 4x6 Contest. You may view the announcement here. Honestly, I wasn't expecting to win since there have been a number of great entries. Thanks to ACOT for picking me as one of the winners.

Now I'm off to bed.

-Pia

{Together}

Jeff and I rarely have our photos taken together. These photos are just two of the few taken by the Master herself, Iris Uy! Luckily, we also have photos from Ria, Meng and Phylline! (Yup, there were four photographers present that time!)

I loved these pictures of ours. I know it's getting more and more difficult for Jeff to carry me (kasi kahit siya hirap sa sarili niyang weight hahaha!) but I appreciate all the efforts whenever he would.

I really enjoyed making this layout. I couldn't get enough of those beads! By the way, I got this idea from Scrapbooks Etc. and from my friend, April Lim.

Title: Together

Materials used: Collage Press Fresh (Blooms, Vines and Mille Fleur), Fresh die cut, Making Memories Pebble brads - courtesy of Scrapbukan, Bazzill cardstock, safety pins, Sakura Aqualip black pen, Uniball Signo white pen, beads, and Colorbox ink

Journaling: Jeff, I know that marriage isn't always a bed of roses. But in times like these, I look at our photos, I smile and tell myself ... it's all worth it after all!

Photography by Iris Uy

TFL!

-Pia

Let Go ... Have Fun!

Last Thursday, I opened my e-mail and found one mail on my SPAM folder. The mail has a subject line that reads RIG0208. So, what do you usually do with Spam mails? Delete, right? That was what I was about to do when I just thought to give the mail a look!

When I opened and began to read the mail, lo and behold a congratulatory message greeted me! The mail is actually from Memory Makers! Now, I remember ... I sent my layout for the February page call at MM! Oh my, I never thought RIG0208 stands for "Reader Idea Gallery Feb. 2008" hehehe. Holly Davis, Associate Editor of MM sent me a letter that my layout was selected to appear at the MM February issue! Wooohooo!!! Finally, I'd be publish in a magazine!

What makes it even more exciting is that I'll get published with my friend and co-designer, Iris Uy. The Filipino scrapping community is very very proud and happy for having a Filipina included in the 2008 Masters Class. I'm very thankful for Memory Makers for recognizing our works and opening doors for scrappers here in the Philippines!

I have learned another important thing again after this. If I'm pressured to do something the more that I couldn't get it done. I'm sure we have all felt the same when we are joining a contest or a challenge or when we want to submit to publications. We pressure ourselves to create masterpieces! But when we start to have fun ... to let go ... things change, it becomes easier and we no longer feel the pressure.

When I created my layout that will be published on Memory Makers 601 Idea Book, I did the layout because I wanted to not because I wanted it to be published. I happen to see the call from MM and I have 2 layouts that I've not posted in any gallery. So I submitted those 2 layouts without expecting anything and one from the two got in! Not bad right? I was happy I did that layout and having it published is just a bonus! Same with this layout for the Feb 2008 issue ... it was not meant for the call, in fact it was my layout for Scrapbukan but it fit the call for that issue so I submitted it. And yes it was accepted!

Easier said than done? Oh I know that I've been there many times too. But will try to keep this in mind all the time. Let go ... have fun!

--Pia

Now I can share my layouts ...

I was the Discovery Paper Designer for the Month of August at Scrapstreet. Every month, they feature one designer and I was lucky to be chosen!

I love what Lindsey of Scrapstreet wrote about me. I have never even thought of those ... when people ask me to describe my scrapbooking style, I will just tell them that I love bold and bright colors. But I realy couldn't explain things further. When I read her intro, I was amazed as to how she decribed my scrapping style. She really did hit it!!! As what I've told her, that introduction is something I will forever cherish! Here's what she said:

Each month a new and fabulous paper scrapper is featured here in Discovery Drive. This month, we spotlight Pia Salem-Lopez. Pia is a ball of energy on and off of her layouts – the word that comes to mind while flipping through her scrapbooks is BOLD…and beautiful! Whether it’s her color choice, choice of medium, gorgeous photos or strong shape, Pia’s design just jumps right off the page! Personality and passion, Pia’s got a flair for this art!

---Lindsey Krauss

As part of the feature article, these three layouts along with my "Because I Love You" layout were posted as well and as agreed I wasn't allowed to post those layouts till September. So, now that it's already September I'm so excited to share them here in our blog.

Title: "Mahal Kita Mom"

(translation – “Mahal Kita” means “I Love You” in our language).

One night, as I was carrying Ethan, he kept on playing with my hair. Peeved as I was, I asked him to stop. He then held me on the cheeks, turned my head towards his face … and said, “MAHAL KITA MOM.” This was the first time I heard this from him. I was stunned … and could only reply, “MAHAL DIN KITA ETHAN,” as I hug him. Truly, motherhood could be very rewarding!

Materials used: Fancy Pants Kewl - Groovy, Chipboard: Fancy Pants Biggest Board (flourishes and heart) and flower (fuschia pink), Bazzill cs, BasicGrey Block (courtesy of Scrapbukan), Zig Writer, Uniball Signo, and Sakura Aqualip pens, Heidi Swapp flower, Bam pop journaling block, acrylic paint, and button

Photography by Jeff Lopez

Title: Live Out Loud

Materials used: Scenic Route - white blue grid, Cape Town - Penz Striped, Savannah – Sailmaker Lane, Bazzill cs, office die cut arrows, Sakura Souffle pen(courtesy of Scrapbukan).

Photography by Owee Salva

Title: Dad

Journaling: A Dad is a person who is loving and kind, And often he knows what you have on your mind. He’s someone who listens, suggests and defends. A dad can be one of your very best friends! He’s proud of your triumphs, But when things go wrong, A dad can be patient and helpful and strong. In all that you do, a dad’s love plays a part. There’s always a place for him deep in your heart. And each year that passes, you’re even more glad, more grateful and proud just to call him your dad! Thank you, Dad … For listening and caring, for giving and sharing, But especially, for just being you! - Author unknown

Materials used: 7Gypsies, Basic Grey Scarlet’s Letter – Revelation, Flourish, Fancy Pants Biggest Board, Creative Imagination stickers, Karen Foster brads, Staz-On ink, Li’l Davis glitter rub on, Paper Salon flourish stamp(courtesy of Scrapbukan), fiber, ribbon, charms and acrylic paint.

Photography by Pia Lopez

TFL!

--Pia