How to Make Wedding Invites in ___ Days

My friend's sister has asked me to help make her wedding invitations!  I am so psyched to do this thing, and it's a good "activity" to do during my thesis breaks (like today, and yesterday, and the other day, and the...).  Anyway, after a couple of weeks of planning, searching for materials, and deciding on the final layout, I've officially started working on it yesterday - my birthday!  (Segue:  Nothing really significant happened on my birthday, except that I got a beautiful, small box cabinet as a gift from my teacher friend, and that I lost 500 pesos!!!  Yesterday, I didn't really feel like the birthday girl--  I felt like the girl who lost her money!  Oh well, I guess there's no point crying over that anymore.)

Going back to the invites, I have planned to really document everything that I do for this, as in step-by-step, 'cause this is my first major "project".  But turns out, it's not that easy - I don't want to stop in the middle of cutting and pasting to get my camera and take pictures.  Nevertheless, I took a couple of shots using my phone.

I stole some office hours and used the office guillotine cutter to cut all the needed papers (but I still need to get 10 more sheets - blame it on my wrong math).

Do you see red??

I cut each sheet crosswise and lengthwise to get to the right size.  I also cut smaller sheets for the inside pocket.  I was taking my time cutting each piece that I didn't realize the time it took and what it did to my hands:

After cutting about 90 sheets of paper, my fingertips turned red!!

I went home early yesterday for my simple birthday dinner, and to work on the invites.  So, that night, I asked my cousin to come over and help out.  We managed to do a lot of stuff, I could say.  It's really a good thing to have a helper.  She's also my runner, by the way ;).

I used my corner chomper 'cause I don't want to have that plain, straight corner.

 (And just so I can use my chomper. Haha!)

Then, we were also able to put the lace- the bride's peg- on about 40 invites.  Poor thing the lace we got wasn't enough (go ahead, blame my math again), we could have finished everything that night.

Ta-dah!

We were also able to put a red lace over the middle part of this lace, but I failed to take a picture 'cause it was my cousin who was working on it.  Hehe!

Oh, I was also able to score, fold, and emboss the inside pocket.  It looks like this:

This will be pasted inside

 Here's a closer shot:

For additional mush... Hehe!

 So, that's Day 1, folks!  I've accomplished quite a lot, don't you think?  Haha!  Tonight, if I still don't have the energy to face my thesis again (and all its insignificant results!!), I'll work on the invites. I'll probably paste the pocket flap in the inside, and tuck the laces on the side. Yeah, that I'll do.  My cousin might go back to Divisoria within the week to get the extra lace we'll need, plus some more materials.

There's still much to do - the monogram, the adding of the beads, and most importantly, the inside details.  But that can wait, I guess.  As long as I finish before the second week of December.  I think I can. ;)

Until Day 2! :)

An Attempt to Postpone Working on the Thesis

I love blog-hopping and reading about the lives of regular folks I don't even know.  Now, I read one that was very touching and true, I would say.  And the thing is, she was not talking about any drama, she was just simply narrating.  I was wondering why that blog had that impact on me - I felt like I knew her, I suddenly felt the urge to email her and just let her know how wonderfully she writes, and I found myself genuinely praying for her growing family and baby delivery (stalker mode: on).

Then, I realized I never write like that anymore.  

All I write about are things going on in my life, and not even the major ones at that.  I talk about the things I like, sure.  But I have stopped myself from talking about my dreams and innermost feelings.  I used to say that my blog was not meant for daily chronicles, but it has become such.

I've always been a reflective person, a very introspective one.  Friends know that I'm fond of talking about love, life, God, and stuff along that line.  That's true.  But now, to be honest, I guess there's a part of me that wants to push that "drama queen" away.  I don't know - maybe it's my form of defense, or my desperate try to not add any more seriousness in this world.  Or, maybe I'm just scared to go all out and put my vulnerability out there.  Yeah, it's the third...

But in truth, I really am a serious person.  And as I read a couple of my entries, I think I'm not sending that image at all.  I miss that image.

Going back to that blog I've read, I am inspired now to immortalize the rather regular days, by being honest and bold with my emotions.  I won't be scared to be judged, or to be branded as a "drama queen".  Hey, I'm used to that term anyway.

Well, it's just a shame that now that I'm about ready to pour out whatever it is in me and open the gates, I have to put a period on this little episode and start working again on my paper (which has no tiny space for any emotion).  How ironic!

Where art thou, my crafting space?

Now, more than ever, I find the need for my parents to get a new house.

You see, lately, I've been so hooked with paper crafting.  And please don't laugh when I say that by paper crafting I mean not literal paper projects, but browsing the internet day after day, checking for cheap crafting tools to buy and looking at crafting spaces to drool over.

I want one!  I want one!  I don't even ask for a crafting room, just a little conducive space.  And at the risk of sounding like a spoiled brat, I really feel that a crafting room is not just a luxury, but a necessity.  Because the thing is, when I need to do something, say, just one card, I'll have to bring out everything from my cabinet, work on my paper stuff, then, when done, put everything back in!  The cleaning time takes a longer time than doing the actual project itself, so often, I feel lazy to work.  See, it's really important to have a space dedicated solely for crafting.  Not that I'm saying that the world will be a better place when I get a space of my own, but it will definitely make a happier me!

I tried checking out the third floor of our house.  It could make a good space, if I throw my sister's stationary bike and buy a table with lots (and lots!) of drawers.  There's also a wooden bar counter on one corner.  I could also make do of that, especially since it has many shelves and layers where you're supposed to place wine bottles (we have empty wine bottles, thank you).  I could do that but I just have to be okay with my dad scolding me whenever he sees me doing stuff he doesn't get!  But the main thing is, it can get really hot up there, especially when summer comes.  So... I don't want that.  I want a space that will entice me to craft.

Then there's my tiny bedroom.  In my room, I have a foam bed, a study table, a big cabinet (for clothes, books, and my crafting stuff), and a TV stand (with cabinet as well).  Now, I've tried all the possible way in my head to turn these pieces of furniture around, but a crafting space is still not possible.  I could remove the study table, since I don't really study there anymore (patungan lang siya!) and get a new table.  But, the area is too small.  Think one meter.  Fail.

Then, my cousin who's a former interior design-major suggested that I get rid of the big cabinet and get a smaller one or a hanging one.  That's a nice idea, but it could get pricey.  Another idea would be to get a double-bunk bed.  Upper bunk will be my bed, and the lower part will house a table.  I like this idea the most, but I have low ceiling!

I have tossed and turned around the idea of "improvising" a crafting room, but to no avail.  That's why, the best solution is- you're right- get a new house!  Haha!  When will that be?  I wanna know!

Take a look at some of these photos which give me sleepless nights (and by sleepless I mean about five to six hours):

How can you not love this??
http://www.countryliving.com/homes/makeovers/transform-closet-into-office-0310

I love L-shaped tables!
http://www.sarahyoude.com/2009/06/the-craft-room.html

Simple and neat, and a space that you can hide when it gets dirty :)
http://wahkunamaelyn.blogspot.com/2011/01/crafting-spaces.html

A closet that they transformed into a crafting space...LOVE!
http://www.makingthishome.com/2009/05/08/lauranas-little-craft-room/

You'll be surprised at how many results you'll get when you Google pictures of crafting spaces.  Here I just included the results for "small and cheap crafting spaces", I did not even try to save in my hard drive the crafting ROOMS and a crafting COTTAGE (you should see Martha Stewart's!)!  You gotta hate those lucky people.  Haha, kidding!

Anyway, before I leave and make another futile search online, let me post this other picture.  I've wanted this thing before I even got to the phase of constantly thinking about crafting.  Look and weep for cuteness!

This looks like a bed for a teenager, but I still want one!
(I have this saved in my laptop for so long that I lost the link.  Got it from Tumblr. Apologies.)

I tell you, never did I have this strong desire to win the lottery.  I guess I should start betting...

Teacher's Day 2011

Got a couple of little "something's" from the boys last September for the Appreciation Day celebration.  That made me happy, of course!  But more than that, the gift itself, it's really the thought that touches the heart.  Imagine, the boy thought of me while he's in the house?  The mom managed to spare a few minutes of her shopping time to buy me a present and bake some cookies?  Sweet.

I'd like to share with you a gift card that came along with home-made cookies and instant coffee from Starbucks.

Thanks a latte for all you do I am one smart cookie because of you!

Aww... Nag-abala?  This may be a template, but it's edited and personalized.  I was teary-eyed when I got to read it.  Card pa lang, solved na. :)

Thank you, dear parents.  And thank you, my dear boys. :)

Something for a Bridal Shower

A co-teacher and a good friend of mine is getting married on Saturday.  And I'm a bridesmaid!  Last Friday, we had a little bridal shower for her.  It was very simple and we actually didn't have a lot of time to make it more special.  It could have used a little more preparation and budget allocation (harhar!), but somehow the circumstances didn't permit those.

Anyway, just to add a little something, I made some "souvenir" boxes for the shower.  I used the leftover papers from my cousin's invitation, stamped here and there, adhered a ribbon color-coordinated to the wedding theme, and put inside some chocolates I secretly purchased while shopping with the bride-to-be.

The gold balls on the left are the chocolates I put inside

And since I used only the leftover papers, there were only like 13 of the triangular boxes.  Guess who wasn't able to take home one.  Me!  But that's okay, I'm more than glad that the teachers liked them.  And the bride-to-be, too!  That's enough for me.  It's just unfortunate that my scoring tool didn't come earlier. I would have gladly made the souvenir boxes for the wedding itself, as per the bride's request.  That's how you level it up, people.  Haha!

Looks cute when assembled like this, huh?
This served as the "cake" for the shower.  Cheap us!

My favorite thing to do - stamping the back part!
I deliberately did not put my name anymore coz I got shy.  Haha!

Hope there'll always be occasions, which will incidentally fall on my light days, where I can put my crafting stuff to good use. :)

In other news, it's October already?!  Where has September gone?  I want September!  Bring back September! :p

A Birthday Party and a Birthday Boy like No Other

High School friends meet at least three times a year – there’s our annual Christmas party, Valentine’s Day dinner, and, not to be overlooked or undermined for its significance,  the class clown’s birthday – Jessen’s.

J and J strike again!

Man, believe me when I say how this is one of the occasions we look forward to.  You could say that this is one of those well-attended affairs – even if it falls smack in the middle of a rainy season.  It’s already a given that whenever high school friends get together, fun is sealed and guaranteed.  But in this “annual” party, what we love all the more is that here, the food is divine!  It’s almost like an eat-all-you-can kind of a thing, if only one is not too lazy to get off one’s butt, step away from the chit-chat’s, and get some food.  That’s how it is for me, at least.   And then there is, of course, the abounding hospitality from the birthday boy’s family – really like no other. J  Plus, you’re never really obliged to bring gifts! :p  For this year, I guess it was a present enough that the birthday boy was able to shoot Mike Defensor several times.  Too bad it was just in a laser tag match. :P

After a tiring game at Lazer Maxx, Centris

After eating dinner at the birthday boy's beautiful casa :)

This year’s birthday is extra special since this is his last as a single person!  As a gift to him, his fiancée, our friend, hired a mobile bar where everyone can hide their apprehensions and unleash their “drinking self”.   This, undoubtedly, was the star of the night. 

Pretty and Sexy Divineee as the bartender (who owns all the pics in this blog post, hehe!)

Oh, wait!  Not to be overshadowed is the new game they bought.  It’s called Guesstures.  It’s pretty much like charades – only more organized and more fun because of the time pressure involved.  You know, normally, when we would play, it’s boys versus girls.  But, I would like to propose that this has to end – teams should be mixed in the future.  The way boys trick and cheat themselves to a championship is something I can no longer tolerate. :p

The girls won the first round!  And since you weren't there,
I'm gonna say we won the second round, too! :p

I hate that I had to go home before anyone.  I have an early appointment the next day, and though I was extremely having fun, I was already sleepy (sign of aging #1).  I was jealous that they had another round of Guesstures, lasing edition this time!  Nevertheless, I drove home that night smiling as I recall the happenings, thankful for the gift of the birthday boy's person.  After all, he is, possibly, the funniest, pinaka-kaladkarin and pinaka-game person and most reliable friend alive.  I pity anyone else's barkada which doesn't have a Jessen like we do.  And I believe I speak for everyone who was there when I say that we slept a good sleep that Saturday night as the inner child was recharged.  That night truly was, borrowing from a children’s book whose title escapes me now, “What fun, what fun!” :D

Goofing around by the bar and improvised photobooth ;)

To you who were born in the stormy month of September, walang sinabi sa ‘yo si Ondoy o Pedring.  You bring rains.  Rains of laughter and friendship which keep the heart healthy and the memory young, that’s what.  Let this be my written gift to you.  Happy birthday, Tsong!

Handmade and Homemade Invites :)

Since the paper crafting thingy that I wanted to purchase last August gave me sleepless nights (spell "overacting"), I just decided to buy it!  And boy, was I glad to know that there's a scrapbooking store right here in San Juan!  My gosh, to think that I was so ready to buy the one from eBay and wait for it 'til a friend from the States come home by November, thank God I was able to hold out a little bit longer.  Anyway, in between my busy days working on the thesis, I tried it out and made some couple of scratch, sample projects - like boxes, envelopes, etc. (making them was a breeze!)

Well, the best thing about my paper crafting thingy is -wait, fine, I'll call it by its actual name: scoring board - the best thing about my scoring board is I was already able to use it to make some "real" paper products.  You see, my cousin is turning 18 this October, and she was still in the gray area of whether to have a party or not.  Initially, I was against the whole party thing as it would cost a lot.  But as you may have guessed by now, after I've gotten my scoring board, I'm of course all for the party, provided that I'll be the one to make the invitations.  Hahaha!  That will serve as my gift, too, syempre.

After about a week, of looking for materials, figuring out the design, etc., here's what we (I hired some help) came up with:

Look, Ma, it's a purse invite!

I got the idea from the video tutorials with the scoring board I got.  Then, we tweaked a bit to adjust to the black-pink-gold theme (don't ask me, teenagers are weird), using materials both local and imported.  Since the base paper is black, I had to get me some opaque ink pads (thank you, San Juan scrapbooking store!) for the embellishments.  It was also a good thing that I was able to use the flower border stamp I just bought - at least nasusulit!  The middle picture shows how the inside looks like.  When you open the "purse", the inside paper will spread out instantly.  :)

For the materials, not counting the money I used to buy the stamps, I spent about a thousand.  If I were to divide it by 70, the number of cards we made which, apparently, is still not enough, then I think it was worth it.  Even if I include the blow-to-my-pocket price of the scoring board, it would still appear that we spent less compared to when we order the invites from someone.  Not bad, eh?  Now, if there's one more set of invites that I'd have to make in the future, then that would truly seal my money's worth. ;)

And so if I already got my money's worth here, the that gives me permission to get a new paper crafting tool!  I already know what to buy next!  Yey!

I wanna think I did a good job here.  My mommy said so, anyway! :p