I dream high - Buddhini's blog

11.11.11. - One Day on Earth

2011-11-21T01:05:00.002+05:30

This video was edited with the footages submitted for “11.11.11. One Day on Earth video project”. Shots seen here were taken from the surroundings of my residence.

The moon

2011-10-01T04:29:00.002+05:30

My entry for the Three Muses Challenge this week, the moon.

Everything is from the Paperstreet Supplies Digital Collage Sheets - Volume II.

Week In The Life Project

2011-07-24T23:03:00.002+05:30

Its been long time since I made my last blog post. With all other work, I was not able to update my blog and attend to any creative projects.

Yes, its true its kind of a downturn, but after seen Week In The Life Project 2011 of Ali Edwards, I thought its the ideal time to get my energy back. I am participating for the project for the first time and it would be a new experience to me.

Weekly photo - 3

2011-01-24T14:20:00.003+05:30

These were the beads I collected in July. And finally last week I started making few ear -rings out of them.

Weekly photo - 2

2011-01-24T14:17:00.001+05:30

Weekly photo - Week 1

2011-01-07T23:18:00.001+05:30

At last this year I am trying to do the weekly photo project. So this is my photo for week 1, the squirrel who comes to our house every morning...

Happy 2011

2011-01-01T19:20:00.003+05:30

Credits - everything is from Journal Your Art Out Kit By Fiddlette & NRJ Designs.

Future Express Sri Lanka - An island with a smile

2010-11-26T18:55:00.007+05:30

Last July I successfully covered the local production coordination for Future Express - Sri Lanka for Hof Films. The 30mins Dutch version was aired on 27th October 2010 in Netherlands.

Bekijk de video in andere formaten.

Director: Rob Hof
Assistant director/production/research: Gabi Wojtiniak
Camera: Andrej Kaluza
Editor: Rob Hof
Final editing: Theo Raben
Local production/translation: Buddhini Ekanayaka
Produktion assistent: Robert Weijs
Music: Rob Hauser
Commissioning editor: Babeth M. VanLoo
Producer: Hoffilm
Co-producer: Buddhist Broadcasting Foundation
©2010 BOS & Hoffilm

GFF Youth Film Camp

2010-08-20T19:27:00.007+05:30

I am having a great time these days with the GFF Youth Film Camp 2010. We had our first 10 day camp at Bandaragama from 3rd to 13th August and right now I am in Galle with the second camp.
Sponsored by the American Cultural Center, Sri Lanka and organized by the Galle film festival, this year the camp has got the participation of nearly 80 students ranging from 14 -17 years of age. Its an opportunity for young people to use film as a medium to tell their own stories. Here you can read more about the camp.

And here is a trailer of the documentary shot by the second year students of the GFF Film Camp.

Travelling with Future Express

2010-08-03T23:16:00.002+05:30

These days I am invloved in the Sri Lanka filming for the Dutch TV production "Future Express". The episodes of the Future Express programs are available to watch online on LinkTV.

So much to tell... no time to blog...

2010-07-01T09:53:00.004+05:30

This is our fifth week in DC. When I came here, I thought to make blog posts at least once a week about my time here. But I couldn’t :(

I am having a wonderful time here with all my other 19 fellows. Over the last few weeks we were busy with technical trainings, production work, a trip to New York and lots of other things. And last week we were at the Silverdocs / Discovery Channel Documentary film festival and there I watched 33 films!!! Right now we are in the post production stage of our 2nd film. So I have so much to share here, but since I was not able to make my regular posts, I am thinking of making a proper album when I go back to Sri Lanka.

Until then here are two videos that Center for Innovative Media has shared online about our fellowship program.

2010 International Emerging Filmmaking Fellowship Video #1 from Center for Innovative Media on Vimeo.

2010 International Emerging Filmmaking Fellowship Video #2 from Center for Innovative Media on Vimeo.

Edited - August 2010
And here is the third video of your fellowship.

2010 International Emerging Filmmaking Fellowship Video #3 from Center for Innovative Media on Vimeo.

Buddhini is in Washington DC!!!

2010-06-07T10:11:00.005+05:30

I am so happy to announce here that I have selected for an International Emerging Filmmakers Fellowship program at The Documentary Center at The George Washington University. This is an intensive six-week program that takes place from May 26 — July 9, 2010. Twenty emerging documentary filmmakers from across the globe has selected for the fellowship and this is sponsored through a grant by the Bureau of Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of state and the Panasonic Corporation of America. You can read more about the program on The Documentary Center website and meet the 20 finalists here.

One fabulous kit - two new layouts

2010-02-22T18:04:00.007+05:30

I am so delighted to play with "Heavenly Creatures" kit by Sylvie Wagner, Sausan Designs. Its a simple kit with a wonderful color them. The font I used in both layouts is Timtastic.

Its never too late

-The journaling reads -
My childhood dream of becoming an artist didn’t ever come true. Instead I became a TV journalist, and nearly a decade I was working for others, to report the stories what they were interested. Not only once, but several times, I felt that I am wasting my time and it’s not the life what I really wanted to live. But now I feel, perhaps what happened was good for me. Today, with all those years of patience, background of aesthetic studies and my experience of video storytelling, life has given me the opportunity to become a documentary film maker. Still I am a beginner, but now I know that this medium gives me the chance to express my thoughts more creatively. And I am so happy with who I have become.

In search of you

-The journaling reads -
I go from place to place, having few old newspapers and some pictures of yours in my hands…
I go looking for all the churches where you have lived, where you served the people, where you spread the love of God
And I know, soon I will find you dear Farther….
I go in search of you.

I belong to a Buddhist family, but my paternal grandfather’s great uncle, who studied in a catholic school, was so much attached to the church and became a catholic priest named Farther John Pahamune . It’s been more than 100 years, but none of our relatives ever wanted to find about him. My father once told me about him, and for the past few years, I have been searching his information. Through the Archbishop House of Sri Lanka I got some of his pictures, and some newspaper articles about him. So far I have traveled to four places where he was with his missionary service and I am thinking of making a short video documentary about him. I took this picture when I visit the Palagathure Church, at Negambo, Sri Lanka. This is a small note about my search for him.

Making twinchies

2010-02-16T12:10:00.008+05:30

This is my first attempt to try twinchies!!! twinches are simply 2" square collages. For Helga's challenge this week I used three inches from Helga’s Inchies word sheet with the words “My dreams”, “Think sometime of me“ and “I dream of a land of snow”.

Here is the recycled material used, a packaging of a camera case.

I used it to create backgrounds for all three twinchies I made.

Think sometimes of me

My dreams

I dream of a land of snow

Making Inchies and the Power of 3

2010-02-09T12:40:00.003+05:30

Here are my inchies for this week’s ARTchix challenge Making Inchies and the Power of 3!

I used a patterned paper from Inque boutique, ATC inspiration sheet from ARTChixStudio and a chocolate wrapper as my recycled material.

Thanks for the wonderful challenge Helga :)

The five elements

2010-02-02T10:54:00.004+05:30

Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space are the five elements of nature, and all beings are composed of a relation of these five elements. A perfect balance of them create the free flow of Soul, spirit and a better living.

I created these five inchies with the theme of “five elements” for the Helga’s blog challenge this week. Other than the words, background and the embellishments, everything else is from ARTChix studios.

My poor neglected blog

2010-01-26T22:44:00.005+05:30

Almost a month past, since my last post here. Its very bad of me :( I have not purposely neglected my blog, but was not able to have enough time to sit and write a proper post. Most of the time I was traveling and away from home with the production of my first individual documentary film.

It seems this year is going to be a productive year for me. So far during the month of January I managed to work on several freelance job assignments on filming, translating, graphic and costume designing as well. Life seems so wonderful and I am happy that I started working on my own.

Well, today I have a good news. I was selected as the winner of Helga’s 9 weeks Art challenge. She has featured my shadow box on her blog and I also received a $25 gift certificate to Artchix studios. I really enjoyed shopping at Artchix studios and my package came today.

Here are the art goodies I received and I can’t wait to start playing with them.

Helga's Art Challenge #9 (of 9)

2009-12-26T20:27:00.006+05:30

In challenge 9 we are asked to combine 3 or more previous challenges and create a piece of art. And here is my take on the challenge. This was on old clock I had with me and I altered it with different kinds of decorative stuff. The size of the inner box is 5'' X 5'', and with the outer frame it ended up as a 6''X 6'' shadow box!!!!

Here I have combined the following challenges,
Challenge 5 - Get Inspired by things you enjoy - with packaging leftovers and adding something from nature like dried flowers, sea shells etc.
Challenge 7 - Get Inspired by Project - Mixed-Media Shadow Box project by Jenn Greenleaf
Challenge 8 - Get Inspired by scraps - most of the decorative stuff I used here are the scraps from recent previous challenges.

I used images from My Art Challenges Collage Sheet, Mini Delights Collage Sheet, Inchie Words Collage Sheet by Helga. And also used freebies by Gaby Braun, Stacy Stephenville and Moonlight Journey.

The theme here was again an inspirational quote by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity and an understanding of life that fills them with compassions, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."

I really enjoyed making this and this is going to be a center art piece on the wall next to my working table.

Helga's Art Challenge #8 (of 9)

2009-12-26T19:55:00.004+05:30

This time Helga challenges us to create something with scraps, with her 8 th challenge Get Inspired by your scraps. Of course, when I do art projects I too have 2 separate boxes on my working table to keep the remaining & leftover scrap papers and tiny paper pieces. So, I made these two greeting cards entirely out of scraps. I will scan them and send these as e-greeting this time.

Helga's Art Challenge #7 (of 9)

2009-12-26T19:25:00.006+05:30

I have been waiting to alter a book and thought I should try this as a project with Helga's 7th challenge, get inspired by a project. I first followed this simple project from Creativity Portal and then played with my own style. As the theme of my project I choose this quote by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross.

“Learn to get in touch with the silence within yourself, and know that everything in life has purpose. There are no mistakes, no coincidences, all events are blessings given to us to learn from.”

So, here is my altered book.

I kept the cover simple and have worked on 5 layers in the inside of the book. I placed a half CD on the third layer and placed the quote there. The main image I used here is from Helga's My Art Challenges collage sheet.

All you need is love

2009-12-15T03:02:00.024+05:30

Last week I took part in a global video production organized and produced by BBDO New York and Gorgeous Enterprises, London. On the 7th of December 2009 at 1:30pm GMT (8:30am EST), artists from 156 countries united with Starbucks Coffee Company for a simultaneous, live performance of the legendary hit “All You Need Is Love” as a single global concert, to help raise awareness for individuals living with HIV in Africa.

The live event was the launching point for a powerful worldwide interactive effort at Starbucks Love Project, where people will be able to participate by recording their own voice singing, “All You Need Is Love” and uploading it to the global chorus. Further leveraging the global community and staying true to the integrity of the event, for each submission contributed, Starbucks will donate an additional 5 cents to the Global Fund. The live participation of most nations together to sing this song was a Guiness record.

Rupert Greaves, Elizabeth Dorsett, Caroline Busch, Hannah May, Briony Hoare and all the team from Gorgeous Enterprises together with the technical support from Streaming Tank worked hard to organize this event.

Personally, I am really glad to take part in this event together with my team, on behalf of Watermelon Creatives. I invite you all to visit the Starbuck Love Project and post your own submissions; to add your voice to help collect more donations for RED to fight against HIV/AIDS.

And finally here are some photos taken during the shoot.

Music was conducted by Dilan Anguanawela and our group of musicians were, Shehan Jayasooriya on soprano saxophone, Lasith Gunawardana on Violin, Nuwan Gunawardhana on Devol bera ( Low country traditional drum), Sujan Madhuranga on Thalampata ( traditional two small cymbals joined together by a string ) and Wanshika Fernando on Pantheru (traditional metal rattle).

And a big thank to my wonderful crew :)
Camera - Sampath Serasinghe
Sound - Chaminda Gamage
Lights - DisshankaViraj
Technical support - Indika Prasad

Photos by Thushara Dharmawikrama.

The individual video of the Sri Lanka performers will soon feature online.

Helga's Art Challenge #6 (of 9)

2009-12-01T21:21:00.010+05:30

Here is the holiday collage I created for Helga's challenge 6 - Get inspired by your loved ones.

I used a most recent picture of me and Agra. I had several attempts to place the tiny house in different decorative backgrounds, with a title and a holiday wish. But was not happy with all... and finally thought to put it in a simple plain background. I enjoyed playing with gold and silver glitter. And here is my little princess with the card.

Helga's Art Challenge #5 (of 9)

2009-12-01T21:09:00.006+05:30

I got delayed with Helga's 5th challenge, Get Inspired by The Things You Enjoy!
But better late than never... So here are all the packaging stuff what I gathered.

With the Ice Mountains on the Toblerone chocolate package and the picture of a hermit on the hair oil package, I just got the mood to create something related to Himalayas.

I started with the background with layers of old book pages, white paint and glue. Then clouds... and arranged the mountains and the hermit. Made the polka dots with the bubble bag using blue and white acrylic paint in different shades of blue. Finally I used a dried leaf to create the bird and decorated it with a yellow color toffee cover.

So for me, this can be interpreted as a sage in Himalayas and his imagination of a golden bird. I enjoyed playing with this. Big thank to Helga for all the inspiration :)

Day

2009-11-30T21:27:00.003+05:30

"Day, n. A period of twenty-four hours, mostly misspent"
Ambrose Bierce

This is my entry for Three Muses Challenge this week. The theme is Time.

- Credit-

Vintage image - freebie from PaperStreet Supplies
Paint brushes - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Clock - Life is Art kit - Aja Abney
Background paper - Shabby Quilt Designer Papers by Gypsy Chick (Jodie Patterson)
Font - Broken 15, Old newspaper

busy with work.... and a single ATC

2009-11-27T01:31:00.007+05:30

My week was so hectic with a film subtitling assignment and a designing job I had to handle at the same time. Finishing them were more important with tied deadlines and I didn't have enough time to sit and create any art work.

I only somehow managed to create a simple digital ATC for ScrapArtist's new weekly altered / collage art challenge. ScrapArtist always has been my digiscrap home and I am so excited about these new altered art workshops they are going to have in the coming weeks. This week's theme is "fresh" and here is my entry for the challenge.

fresh thoughts

- Credits -
Shmootzy frame brush - Nancy Rowe Janitz
wings - Dreamer kit - Aja Abney
banner - Garden party kit - Christine Honsinger
background papers - Chai Latte kit - Gina Miller
collage Pictures - PaperStreet Supplies
Font - Old Newspaper

Happy thanksgiving everybody!!!

Good tress - Bad newspapers

2009-11-17T10:10:00.003+05:30

They kill good trees to put out bad newspapers.
- James G. Watt

This is so true, and I thought it's a perfect quote to match with my entry for Inspire Me Thursday challenge this week.

Really enjoyed working again with the Return To My Roots kit by fabulous Robyn England. She is a great artist and I creates wonderful designs.

Credits
tree - Robyn England
Newspaper scrap - Christina Renee
Paint splat - Michelle Godin

In your dreams

2009-11-12T01:03:00.004+05:30

Angles must be dreaming to go and meet Mr.Moon!!!

This is my take for The Three Muses Challenge this week with the the theme "In your dreams". What a wonderful theme and so many inspiring entries!!!

-Credits -
Background - a free printable by Milliande
Raphael's angel's - blog freebie from "My Artful life"
Postcard image - "Go make something" free printable
Dried flower and leave - Linda Gil Billdal

Vintage text - Hope Wallace

Helga's Art Challenge #4 (of 9)

2009-11-11T03:24:00.006+05:30

Its the 4th week with Helga's challenge and the theme this week is inspired by texture.

Last Saturday, after Agra's drama class we had a nice walk and had so much fun collecting all the gifts from the nature. So here are what we collected.

And here is my entry for the challenge.

I first layered an art paper with some old vintage book pages and then coated it with white acrylic paint. To make the imprints I used yellow, green and brown shades of acrylic paint.

Helga's Art Challenge #3 (of 9)

2009-11-04T18:19:00.004+05:30

Here is my take on the 3rd challenge inspired by colors.

My inspiration came from a page from a "Better home" magazine. Orange is my favorite color and I loved the combination of colors here.

And here is my entry inspired by the magazine page.

I used tissue papers, wrapping paper, acrylic paint and some dried leaves. To make circle stamps I used a glue stick lid, and to make dots I used a bubble bag.

Helga's Art Challenge #2 (of 9)

2009-10-27T12:06:00.006+05:30

On her second challenge Helga teaches us to play with reading materials... And here is my take on the challenge.

I got the pictures cutout from an old Femina magazine. To add pattern I stamped circles (with an old toothpaste lid!!!) with blue acrylic paint.

Helga's Art Challenge #1 (of 9)

2009-10-27T11:41:00.007+05:30

I am so glad to find Helga's Art Challenges on her blog My Artistic Life. She is so creative and she always inspires us with her wonderful mix media creations. We should be very much thankful to her, that she is sharing her creative spirit with us through her free online class "Get Inspired & Creative with Art Challenges!"

Here is my take on first challenge - Art Challenge #1 (of 9): Get inspired by Pattern!

I used watercolors, crayons and acrylic paints to make my pattern grid.

Long ago and far away...

2009-10-22T09:18:00.015+05:30

Long ago and far away they reached the king's capital safe and sound.

This is my entry for this week's three muses challenge.

- Credits -
vintage image - freebie from Vintage moth
Ink edge - Michelle Coleman of Little dreamer designs
Heart - Meredith Fenwick
font - timtastic

Celebrating 32 years and 32 reasons to live for...

2009-10-19T20:14:00.009+05:30

Its my 32nd birthday today and I made 32 inchies with 32 random words. This is all about what I feel right now and few reasons why I live for...

and here are the details...
This was a simple project.

- Print the words with an old print style font. I use the font Oldnewspapertype.

- Layer an old cardboard with color tissue papers / old book pages / handmade papers.... and with loads of white craft glue or Gesso.

- once its dry enough cut 1''x1'' squires and distress the edges with black acrylic paint.

- fix words into inchies and paste them into the panel.

Tips
- get print a whole list of words.... without thinking about the actual limit of words you are going to have at the end on the panel. This will help you to pick-up the words... with your mood while you are pasting the words. Just play with your words!!!!

- Can put some embellishments or stickers if you want to give a more decorative look to your panel.

- I used double tape to fix the inchies into the green color cardboard panel and pasted the words with glue stick.

I hope you will enjoy this project. Its going to be so fun !!!

Nest

2009-10-16T02:32:00.004+05:30

Here is my entry for this week's Three Muses Challenge - Hair !!!!

- credits -
vintage image - Art-e-zine freebie
bird - My artful life blog freebie by Stacy
next - free collage sheet from Altered bits
tree templates and cardboard edge - Aja Abney

A pink post

2009-10-14T02:54:00.009+05:30

Every 13 minutes a woman dies of breast cancer. And in many cases it's only during the last stage that most women get to know about their situation. Early detection can prevent the risk of breast cancers and the month of October has declared as the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Please take time to spread the word to the women you care about.

Here are two ATCs I did with the theme of breast cancer awareness.

Say yes to mammogram

Vintage image from Art-e-Zine freebies.
Stamp letters - Michelle Coleman
Font - OldNewspaperType
Everything else is from Paper Street Supplies challenge freebies.

detect, defeat

Font - OldNewspaperType
Everything is from Paper Street Supplies challenge freebies.

Me right now

2009-08-26T04:17:00.005+05:30

This is for this week's ArtTherapy Thursday at ScrapArtist.

- Journalintmsentg reads -

I'm right now
in search of peace
within my mind,
A big smile on my face.
More responsibilities
on my shoulders...
Moving ahead
with work, commitments and life.
A past of pain and tears
a dead past, indeed
I'm standing on my feet
I'm dreaming high
a better tomorrow ?
a better future ?
for the sweet little princess.
YES
I see the stars
going to stretch my hands
a hand full of stars to me
to light up the future.

- Credits -
Background paper, photo corner, brad - Life is Art kit - by Aja Abney and Michelle Godin
Doodles - Vintage fall kit - Aja Abney
Paper Swirl - Color me happy kit - Aja Abney
Word art - Just be kit - Aja Abney
Flowers - Blessed kit - Nancie
My FP's note book pages - Annar Russell
Paper wing - Hope Wallace
Fonts - Timtastic, Short cut

Left handers day !!!!

2009-08-13T17:53:00.009+05:30

Today is International Left Handers day.

My dear daughter is a left hander and she wanted me to create a page for her. I also scanned her recent hand print and used it in the page.

- Credits -
Everything is from Scrap Artist
Pattern Paper by Nancy Rowe Janitz - Mom's love SA collaborative kit
Orange paper by Aja Abney - Mom's love SA collaborative kit
Alpha - Cut It Out Dates and Alphabet - Lili

Watermelon Creatives

2009-07-30T07:33:00.000+05:30

I have a good news to announce here.

With the label Watermelon Creatives I started working on my own as a freelance TV producer / designer. Now I am working from home and I feel so relax with my new life style. You can visit my humble website on www.watermeloncreatives.com

Watermelon... and some good news!!!

2009-07-23T09:23:00.006+05:30

It seems my mojo is back. I did a layout after 7 months !!!! Well, it's a long time, since I did my last layout. This is for Art Therapy Thursday challenge at ScrapArtist. I took this picture, during my last visit to India in March 2009.

- The journaling reads -
Watermelon,
the juicy, sweet fruit of summer...
the luscious, red symbol of freshness...
that always make me feel cool and energize...

- Credits -
Everything is from ScrapArtist
Paper - Artistic Solids papers - Micheline Martin
Beach postcard - Ocean Picnic SA collaborate kit - Jenna Beam
Water drops - Ocean Picnic SA collaborate kit - Grazieli Niclass (Lili)
Sun - Here comes the sun - Grazieli Niclass (Lili)
Font - Timtastic!

During the past few months, I sorted out all the legal issues which I was going through, and I got the custody of my daughter. After a very hectic period, now I have started a new chapter, both in my personal and professional lives.

Now, life seems so fresh and simple.... each day... every moment... I enjoy my new life.

Sharing some birthday pictures....

2009-07-14T00:41:00.007+05:30

Pictures from Urmi's 5th birthday

Happy Birthday Urmi

2009-07-13T00:04:00.002+05:30

Today is my darling daughter Urmi's 5th Birthday. We have planned a simple birthday party at home for this evening. We will be having few games with her friends and I am sure its going be lots of fun!!!!!

The victory

2009-05-19T15:52:00.003+05:30

Our President Mahinda Rajapaksha has declared the country "liberated" from Tamil Tiger rebels after a 26-year war. Today is the most significant day of our history. Throughout the country people are celebrating this moment with flags and firecrackers.

We look forward for a peaceful future, where people belong to all different communities can live with harmony. We all waited for this day, and now it's the time for all of us to get unite and build our nation.

The government also has declared tomorrow as a national holiday.

Hope

2009-05-17T02:58:00.005+05:30

Today, we are seeing the most significant and crucial time period of Sri Lankan history of our days.

During the past weeks thousands of hostages has being rescued by the Sri Lankan government, who were forcefully captivated by LTTE as human shields. The whole country has gathered to help these innocent Tamil people, our brothers and sisters.

For nearly 30 years, we have being living with an ongoing war and we always had a hope for a future with peace, where all Sri Lankans can live with harmony. That day is not so far......

Please visit Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka for more details.

An update

2009-05-15T12:00:00.002+05:30

First of all, the good news is that I bought a new computer. I am even thinking of arranging my new working space at home and will post some pictures here soon.

For me, this month is full of family events. We have four weddings, two religious ceremonies and many more. So once I get free time with all these, I should get back to my work.

My friend Ruth has featured some of my layouts on their web site Voyage films. Thanks Ruth :) I am so happy and I invite you to go through the layouts on "A scrapbook tale from Sri Lanka".

Have some new ideas to scrap and I am thinking of working on them during the weekend.

Poor me :(

2009-04-21T16:13:00.002+05:30

My computer has started giving problems again :(........ and again :( and I was not able to work on my "Documenting a Week" project, as much as I was expected during the new year week. I know its time to go for a new machine, but my budgets are tight at the moment. So for now I have to manage with what I have; I am trying to fix it, and will be taking it to computer repair center this evening. I hope at least from this weekend I would be able to start back my regular work properly.

Need a trigger

2009-04-08T16:02:00.003+05:30

With my plans to have a change in my work, I was not able to give enough time for my art works during past months. So since I am getting my festival break from tomorrow I am thinking of starting the "documenting a week" photo journal for the next 7 days. Last year with the Christmas break I recorded "The last week of the year 2008". I was glad I did that and everybody in my family enjoyed it. Its a nice keepsake to remember those days how we spent together.

With the Sinhala and Tamil New Year here in Sri Lanka, coming week is going to be excited, and I think its worth recording. And definitely I hope it will trigger my work during the coming year.

Pictures from Kerala

2009-03-29T04:12:00.010+05:30

Here I am posting some pictures from my visit to Kerala during the second week of March. Kerala is known as Gods's own country and it's an enchanting place on earth. I was lucky enough to visit few Kerala temples and some festivals.

First here are two pictures I took at Chinakkathoor Pooram festival. It's an annual festival held at the Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple, at Palappuram in the district of Palakkad in north Kerala.

Then I visited a Kathakali performance staged at Mathur village. The story they presented was Ramaayan.

As a student I have studied about Kathakali dance drama and watching a traditional performance at Kerala was something like a dream.

I want to be free

2009-02-27T09:52:00.004+05:30

Few weeks before a close friend of mine asked me to watch the following YouTube video by Metroamv.

This video really touched me. Family is more important than work. With whatever the work we do with our daily routine, we need sometime to sit with our families and loved ones.

I too felt that this is a time for me to take many decisions. I want to stay more time with my daughter, as I will never going to get back these days in my life. Every evening she has so much to share with me, about all what she did at school. She has many stories to tell me. And I can see the glow of her face when I am there with her to listen to all what she says. I need to enjoy the most simplest, most warmth and most cheerful moment in my life. These precious moments, will never come again.

So I am planning to take a break... and I definitely need a change in my work. What most important is the "peace of mind".

Filming at Philippines

2009-02-14T01:41:00.013+05:30

I am back in Sri Lanka and here I am finally uploading some of my photos taken during my visit to the Philippines.

It was with a series of short videos producing by TVEAP I was doing this location filming in the Philippines. The production was coordinated by Ruth from Voyage films. I was so delighted to work with Ruth. I had a proper crew briefing day prior to the shoot and it really helped each of us to understand the kind of filming what we needed with these videos.

6th Feb 2009 - At Santa Rita town

All the photos I have posted here from day 1 filming was taken by Chuck Gutierrez. Thanks Chuck :)
We left early from Manila, at around 4.00am and reached Santa Rita before the sun rise. I was very glad that we were able to capture the shots with early morning light. Our cameraman McCoy and sound recording David Lagman was very supportive, it was so easy to work with them.

Our first story we filmed at Mrs. Soledad Alvis's house. Behind her house is a beautiful paddy field.

Me, Soledad and DavidFilming with Soledad and her grand daughter
End of day 1 filming
Getting ready for next day's filming

7th Feb 2009 - Baguio City

Second story we filmed at Baguio City with Mrs. Judy Balatazar's family.

After filming we had some time to go around Bagio and do some shopping.

And also visited the "Oh my Gulay" art gallery and vegetarian resto. This is the place I liked most during my visit to Philippines.

And here I am in Baguo traditional dress.

This filming assignment was a very good learning experience for me and also it gave me self confident with my work. Ruth was there for me during my stay there at Manila and she is a very talented young filmmaker. I look forward to work with her again.

Me and Ruth

Writing from Manila

2009-02-09T19:21:00.004+05:30

I am on an official visit to Philippines with some location filming and writing this post from Manila. This is my first visit to Manila and I have so much to share about Philippines.

I finished my work last evening and today I got a time to visit Helen, the owner of Memory Lane store. It was so nice to meet her there and she has a fantastic store. I bought some scrap stuff and can't wait to play with them.

Finally.......I finished the album

2009-01-25T23:07:00.012+05:30

At last after three weeks, I finished the album of my "Last week of the year" project. Among the other work I was not able to work on the layouts at a stretch. This was my first attempt on a this kind of project and I am not fully satisfied about my pages. But this was a good exercise and next time I will make it better than this.

I am going to print the album on 8"X16" paper. I used the "Solid Boys" paper pack by Amanda Rockwell as my theme paper kit. The color combination of Blue + Yellow + Brown was easy to coordinate with all the pictures. I followed a simple 2 page layout style for each day, but since I didn't have enough good photos for 29th and 3oth, I combined both dates to a single layout.

25th Dec 2008

26th Dec 2008

27th Dec 2008

28th Dec 2008

29th and 30th Dec 2008

31st Dec 2008

:Credits:
Word Arts - The Story wordArts - Ali Edward
Paper - Solid boys paper pack - Amanda Rockwell
Acrlic Paint brush - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Stained Glass Stars - Valjs
Christmas Whimsy_WordArt - Keri Schueller
Oh Christmas Tree Chipboard - Jan Hicks
happy Wordart- Summer Punch kit - Amanda Rockwell
Beauty word labele - Aja Abney
LIfe is good stamp - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Fun tag - Cheryl Barber
Sunny days word art - Sunny days kit- Aja Abney
Orange button - School days kit - Aja Abney
Bule house - Garden Party elements - Aja Abney
Heart - Mom's love kit - Aja Abney
Fonts - Arial, CK_Alis_Hand_Of...

Photo Project - week 3

2009-01-25T02:12:00.000+05:30

My princess....

Photo Project - week 2

2009-01-17T04:35:00.000+05:30

In this journey of life, these feet will take you to different places.... passing many milestones and moments . I truly love them.

2009-01-13T13:59:00.000+05:30

Three paper birds

Three paper birds made with love - hanging in an old necklace with a little charm !!!

This was our craft project during last weekend. Agra and I was going through different craft sites and was looking for an idea which is simple and bright. And we decided to try the Earth Day Massage Card at Kaboose. The template was provided there and the steps were easy to follow.

I started the project thinking of making the same bird with a steel wire. But as usual, while proceeding ahead step by step, new ideas popped into my head and I ended with three birds. I made them with two old greeting cards. (so, its from trash to treasure!!!). Then I used an old wire necklace which I bought from a trade fair in Delhi 10 years ago; which was faded and I was not wearing it any more. So I hang the birds on the necklace and gave a little bit of glow with sequins and glitter. And here are few detail shots of the project.

2009-01-05T01:12:00.000+05:30

Photo project - Week 1

Here is my first photo for weekly photo project. Last evening we had few visitors, and we served coffee on these cute cups. When I saw them again this morning with the pleasant sunlight I just thought to capture them.

And here are the other photos from my photo collection this morning. Love all the bright colors and smiley faces.

2009-01-03T05:15:00.000+05:30

A little word + 52 weeks

It's a beginning of a New Year and I want to be more productive with my creative work this year. And I have few ideas to organize myself for year 2009.

My word for this year is "Rise". 2009 is very crucial for me and I need to rise and prove that I deserve a happy, successful life. So this little word will give me more courage to be who I am, both with my personal and professional lives. If you too are interested to have a new word for New Year, I invite you to visit Ali Edward's blog for more inspiration.

During this year more than my scrap work I need to give extra attention to try mixed media art. And also want to learn and practice new photography skills. Scrapbookgraphics has announced a 365 days of photography project. I too registered there, but with the workload I have, I won't be able to capture good pictures everyday. So my project will focus on showcasing a one good picture per week, therefore it's going to be a 52 weeks project.

Yes, 52 weeks ahead !!!!! and I have another idea to start a weekly kid's art project with Agra. As she is so interested with her paintings, drama class activities etc. every weekend I hope to do a kind of art project with her. I found some interesting project links at Crayola, Kids Craft Weekly and Art Projects for Kids. I still not sure what we will do this weekend and I want Agra to decide how we going to start this.

Well, so many ideas and I look forward for a creative year.

2009-01-01T00:23:00.000+05:30

Happy New Year

- credits -
Star element - Glow kit - Michelle Coleman

2008-12-31T23:38:00.000+05:30

Last week of the year - Day 7 photos

2008-12-31T01:18:00.000+05:30

Last week of the year - Day 6 photos

2008-12-31T01:00:00.000+05:30

Last week of the year - Day 5 photos

2008-12-28T23:56:00.000+05:30

Last week of the year - Day 4 photos

2008-12-27T21:20:00.000+05:30

Last week of the year - Day 3 photos

2008-12-27T02:57:00.000+05:30

Last week of the year - Day 2 photos

2008-12-26T01:10:00.000+05:30

Last week of the year - Day 1 photos

2008-12-25T07:17:00.000+05:30

Merry Christmas !!!

2008-12-24T15:59:00.000+05:30

Last week of the year

I have been a bad blogger again. With work and other issues I have neglected my blog for the past few weeks. Today is the last working day of the year and I have report back to work on 1st of January 2009.

And I can't wait to start the "Last week of the year" - the most cheerful week in the year. I have many many plans... plans to make it the most wonderful week of the year.... and want to enjoy this 7 days from 25th to 31st of December 2008. I want to forget everything - no emails... no phone calls... no work.... and just want to celebrate this wonderful week with my family. Oh, I am spending 7 days with my daughter!!!!!

Surely this time I need to start back the "Week in the life" project by Ali Edward. The main reason why I couldn't complete it last time was the trouble I had with lack of photos. On weekends I have captured plenty of good photos. But on weekdays with my work, I was not able to capture many different shots of my daily routine. On the other hand with the security reasons of this country, sometimes it's difficult for me to take pictures in the road on my way to office. I ended up with some morning and night shots of my time at home and I was not happy to complete my project with what I had. But this time I am going to spend 7 days with my family and for sure I can capture some precious memories with my loved ones.

And I plan for some art projects to do with my daughter. My mother's birthday is also coming....Well, so much to celebrate.... and I look forward for a terrific week!!!!!

2008-12-09T02:36:00.000+05:30

Beautiful

This is my entry for ArtArazzi challenge 1 - Beautiful.

The beautiful lady here is the renowned Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. I love her work and its fascinating how she express the feelings of her real life through her art. You can read more about her here.

- Credits -
Vintage Postcard - Art Fusion kit - Christina Renee
paper heart - Meredith Fenwick
freebie picture of Frida – from Belinda Schneider
Crown - Dreamery elements - Dana Frantz
Ribbon - Quiet love kit - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Flower - summer punch kit - Amanda Rockwell

2008-11-28T00:19:00.000+05:30

Make a wish

Here is my entry for Art Creations Friday - Challenge 1.

Make a Wish

Digi products used here -
Vintage text - Hope Wallace
Album page - Anna Russell

2008-11-25T02:30:00.000+05:30

A new beginning

I have not being scrapping for last few months for different reasons. I had many things to deal at home with my personal life and at office with my work. So among all, I quitted from scrapping, thinking that it will give me more time to relax. I resigned from my scrap teams. But, soon I realized…….. I was wrong. It was a huge mistake I made.

During last two weeks I was so disappointed and I couldn’t focus on anything. Debts, family matters, legal issues, video edits, bills…. etc. and I felt that I am stuck among all these things, more than ever. Nothing seems going correct for me. I was totally puzzled, confused, tired and truly depressed. I understood that I have forgotten the part of artist within me… and I am loosing me… my own time, my own style, my life. Finally I thought that I should start doing some art creating work again. So that at the end of the day I have some work to finish that I love to do, and I am enjoying doing.

I started digital collage. From the beginning my scrapping style was never linked to altered/collage arts. Most of my layouts were featuring my daughter, my family, my day to day life and just simple happy moments. But with the painful period I am passing right now in my life, I need some other way to express the thoughts I have. So I think collage will help me to get rid of daily stress.

Dear friends, please wish me good luck with my new venture. I started with two challenges at ScrapArtist this week.

Spread Magic

This is for the Altered/Collage Challenge this week at SA.

- credits -
Anne & Frederick papers - Aja Abney
Stamp - Friends kit - Robin England
Vintage text - Hope Wallace
Antique Paper Star - Meredith Fenwick
Wings - Dreamer kit - Aja Abney
Doodle - Mom's love kit - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Card board edge - Linda Gil Billdal

Tree

This is for Art Therapy Thursday this week at SA.

- Credits -
Paper - Linda Gil Billdal - from Garden in the rain SA August Collaborative kit
Tree, doodle leave - Return to my roots kit - Robyn England
Paper Swirls - Hope kit - Amanda Rockwell
Font - francis_mirtha
Indian Lady Clip art - Freebie from Christy Hydeck

I started reading online on digital collages, ATCs and found some weekly challenge blogs too. I will start participating on challenges from next week and would also like to try mixed media works. Let’s see, as I always believe everything happens for the best.

2008-11-08T00:44:00.000+05:30

Back from KL

I was attending a workshop at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and just returned. This was my second visit to KL. The theme of the Workshop was Culture, Conflict and Communication and it was organized by Asia Pacific Institite for Broadcasting Development with Govt. of Switzerland.

We TV and Radio producers representing 17 countries from Asia and Africa were present at the workshop. We talked a lot about our cultures and shared our experience as journalists. Here are some pictures from my stay at KL.

Me at Petronas twin towers

Shobnam from Malaysia, Manisha from Mauritius, me, Agung from Indonesia and Mobassera from Bangladesh.

Mobassera, Manisha, me and Shobnam

Yashika from South Africa, me and Suprasanthi from India

Emily from Fiji and Dharmesh from India

We representatives of SAARC region

Me at the workshop

Me, Yashika from South Africa and Suprasanthi from India

Me with Manisha from Mauritius

Me with Luong from Vietnam

All of us after the workshop

we at hotel lobby

Me on my return at Changi Airport, Singapore.

2008-10-19T01:44:00.000+05:30

Its My Birthday today..........

Happy Birthday to Me :)

2008-10-17T12:04:00.000+05:30

Quick update

I have been selected as the random winner for ScrapAritst - Art Therapy Thursday 1 with my layout "Be who you are". I won a $5 gift certificate for designs by Lili. I am so happy..... Thanks Lili :) & Thanks ScrapArtist :)

And here I have some pictures to share with you all. We, the staff of TVEAP went to the Dehivala beach last 30th, and we really enjoyed our time there. It was so much fun and here are some pictures from the day...

2008-10-12T17:25:00.000+05:30

Art therapy Thursday.

Finally, after two weeks today I finished a layout. This is for "Art therapy Thursday" the new weekly challenge started at ScrapArtist. The template is my dear friend Gabi Butcher.

Here is my take on the challenge.

Be who you are...

My daughter Agra is very much fond of drama and theater. She creates her own stories and acts. Here she is playing with a mask.

Credits
Everything is from ScrapArtist.

Paper by Lili - Once Upon a Dream - Colab kit with Emily Merritt
Doodle paper strips - Lili
Buttons - Butterfly Garden - Lili
Giggle wordybit by Kate Hadfield - Circle of friends - Collab kit by Lili
Joy word lable - Color me happy kit - Aja Abney
Paper swirl - Hope kit - Amanda Rockwell
stars doodle by Emily Merritt - Once Upon a Dream - Colab kit with Lili
Alpha by Kate Hadfield - Circle of friends - Collab kit by Lili
Font - Timtastic

2008-10-01T16:45:00.000+05:30

A week in my life

Life has become so different for the last few weeks and I have totally lost my mojo to scrap. At the moment I have more things to deal with my personal life than creating art. I wanted to create my album with the photos I took at India, but I still couldn't start it.

At last I thought to start with Ali Edwards' documenting a week in your life project. This is the first time I am doing such a project and I am pretty much excited.

So from Monday the 29th Sep 2008 - 5th Oct 2008, I will document the moments of my life, with pictures where it's possible. According to the project the first week is to capture photos and take notes. And during next week we are suppose to create layouts and organize the project. I haven't yet decide how I am going to do the album/photo book or whatever, but at least will try to come up with 7 layouts. My end project will going to be in mixed media. I am planning to do my layouts in digital and then print print them. May be later I can add more real stuff like note papers, stickers, decorations, etc.

Here are some pictures I have with me so far withing last two days...

2008-09-20T03:15:00.001+05:30

I am alive

Its been more than three weeks since I have posted my last layout here and sorry that I couldn’t update about my sudden missing. I was in India with some location filming as a part of my office duties. I was covering a story from India titled “Kude se dhan” for the documentary series titled Saving the Planet. The filming was happened at Dindugul and Palani at Tamil Nadu state, India.

I was so glad to get this opportunity to carryout this filming. I love India and it’s like the second home for me. I was only 19 when I got a full-scholarship from Indian Government to study in the prestigious University of Delhi. It is where I started to live on my own for the first time away from my home. I spend three years in India with my studies, and it was a great period of my life which I always cherished.

I met many wonderful people during my filming this time at Dindigul and Palani. The technical and professional support was given by PepperMint Productions, Bangalore and I had a very supportive response from the team. I can’t wait to start scrapping the pictures and I am hoping to post all the layouts here within coming weeks.

In many ways this filming experience was so special, and also filled with wonderful moments.

2008-09-20T03:15:00.000+05:30

Self Portrait

Here is the first layout with my pictures from India
I took this picture at the hotel room during my stay at Dindigul, India.

- credits -
Everything is from ScrapArtist
Overlay by Nancy Rowe Janitz - Back to school SA collaborative kit
Paper - Solid boys paper pack - Amanda Rockwell
Flower and paper swirl - Color me happy kit - Aja Abney
Fonts - Timtastic, shortcut, broken 15

2008-08-29T09:25:00.000+05:30

I dream high

This is for Simply you challenge this week at ScrapArtist.

And its also featured on the Gallery standouts blog today.

- Credits -
Everything is from Aja Abney

Yellow paper - Sunney days kit
White paper - Golden holiday papers
Wings - Life is art kit with Michelle Godin

Font - CaslonAntT

2008-08-25T01:38:00.000+05:30

An evening with a kite and two quick layouts

I had lost my Mojo for past few weeks and couldn't create any good layout since 2nd August. And finally today I have got two layouts to upload here with this post.

Its kite flying season here in Sri Lanka and we had a nice time today at a nearby ground. I took lots of photos and was able to scrap some of them soon. Here are two layouts of Agra with her beautiful kite.

Fly

Let's go fly a kite

2008-08-02T07:42:00.000+05:30

Dreamer

I really loved creating this page. Its about my life, my art and my dreams.

- Credits -
Everything is from Life is Art kit by by Aja Abney & Michelle Godin

2008-07-27T05:57:00.000+05:30

Never too late

Its true, that I am happy about what I am as a TV program producer. But sometimes I feel, that I might, or I could become something more.

Because as a kid I spent most of my time with music and dance lessons and always wanted to become a performing artist. But that dream never came true. Yet, still I believe in me. And I believe on what George Eliot once said.

"It's never too late to become what you might have been"

This is for Collage/Altered challenge at ScrapArtist this week.

- Credits -

@ScrapArtist

Background paper - Once upon a dream kit - Lili & Emily Merritt
Swirl - Essential colors mini kit - Lili
Vintage words - Hope Wallace
Negative piece - Hope kit - Amanda Rockwell

Other
"Me" word by Jen Wilson

Fonts - Shortcut, Sanskrit 2003, timtastic

2008-07-20T22:51:00.000+05:30

An interview

Last Friday we had to take Agra for an interview to get admission at Musaeus college upper nursery. She says that she answered correctly to all the questions which she has been asked. I felt very sorry that I had to take her through this process in a very young age. It has become a huge competition here in Sri Lanka to get admission into a good school, and personally I don't like to run with it. If there is any good school nearby I prefer to send my daughter there rather than sending her to a far away school. Lets see...

I even didn't do anything to prepare her either, and if she is lucky enough she will get selected. Other than that I don't keep much hope.

And here is Agra with her new dress which we sewed for the interview.

- Credits -

@ ScrapArtit

Sew Perfect brushes - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Template - Multi Photo Templates Aja Abney
papers, pink yarn - Sunny days kit - Aja Abney
Buttoned flowers - Aja Abney

- Other -
Measure tape frame - Syrin Seamstress kit - Lie Fhung

- Fonts -
In my closet, timtastic

And I am trilled to say that this also is featured on Gallery Standouts Blog.

2008-07-18T19:07:00.000+05:30

Make a wish

My layout "Make a wish" is featured at Gallery standouts blog today. Its a lift of the layout Convention 2008 by EricaLa.

- Credits -
Almost everything is from the new kit "Going Green" by Micheline Martin @ ScrapArtist
Flower, doodle - Once Upon a dream kit - Lili and Emily Merritt
Brackets by Amber Clegg - From Soho Spring SA collaborative kit
Vintage text label - Hope Wallace

2008-07-13T23:38:00.000+05:30

Happy Birthday Agra...

It's my daughters 4th Birthday today and I did a hybrid project as a simple gift to her.

This is a mini album with some of her birthday keepsakes like her code clip, our hospital identification tags, some pressed flowers from the bouquets we received, etc. I also included a paper clipping of a poem which my father wrote on the day my daughter was born, (and was published on a local newspaper). I have placed a picture of two of us and some journaling too....

I altered an old chocolate tin to keep this mini album with the stuff like her first baby dress and other keepsakes from the day. She really got surprised to see this and I too really enjoyed creating this.

See credits here and this is for the Hybrid Tin Challenge - July 2008 at ScrapArtist.

2008-07-10T11:40:00.000+05:30

Inspirations

Since I have started blogging I always used to post here my layouts and other info related to my digiscrap world. But recently I felt that I should get bold enough to share my thoughts here apart from my scrap life.

During past few months, with the miserable experiences I went through in my life I have started collecting inspirational stories, videos and quotes which make me keep positive with every step I take forward. So, I started to maintain a note book, sort of an art journal, where I can write my thoughts and things which makes me inspired. And now I feel some of those ideas I have collected can be share here with my web friends.

And today my first inspirational post I would like to start with a poem by Dr Maya Angelou. It was when I did an online search to find the source of the poem "I have so much" for my layout "Life Lessons" I first found out the official website of Dr. Maya Angelou. You can read more about her life and her work on Wikipiedia. She is a great poet, actress, speaker, author and a person with multiple talents. Below is one of her most acclaimed poem, which really touched my heart and I feel it's true.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ....
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams
wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a youth she's content to leave behind....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
one friend who always makes her laugh..
and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
a good piece of furniture not previously owned
by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honoured...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
a feeling of control over her destiny..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend
without;
ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK
AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods....
when her soul needs soothing....

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

Photos by G. Paul Bishop, Jr.

My web friend Rani also has shared this poem on her blog Scrap Yoga. I hope all our girl friends will enjoy this poem.

2008-06-28T05:29:00.000+05:30

Be Bold

This is for Altered/Collage Challenge - Jun 24 - July 8th: Eduardo Recife

Be calm when you win - Be bold when you loose

- Credits -
Not ordinary grunge papers - Lili
Leave - Fall for you - Linda Gil Billdal

brushes - by Eduardo Recife
Fonts - Broken 15, Shortcut, selfish by Eduardo Recife

2008-06-23T10:38:00.000+05:30

My Agra, My whole entire world...

I just finished this layout and really enjoyed creating it. And its featured at Gallery Standouts blog too.

- Journaling -

You are my precious little girl and you have made my life complete.
Everyday I feel so proud to be your mother and I will be there for you in every moment in your life.
You are my dream...
You are my entire world...

- Credits -
Everything is from the "Once Upon A" collaborative kit by Lili and Emily Merritt.

2008-06-18T04:09:00.000+05:30

Life Lessons

This is for Mojo Monday this week at ScrapArtist.

- Quote -
"I have so much I can teach
her and pull out of her.
I would say you might
encounter defeats but you
must never be defeated.
I would teach her to love a
lot. Laugh at the
silliest things and be very
serious.
I would teach her to love life.
I could do that."
-Maya Angelou-

- credits -
Everything by Aja Abney

Background papers - In the garden papers
Green paper - Maryann Rose papers
Paper flower, stitch - Tender Love kit
Buttons - Mud Pies and grass stains elements
Frame - Tree forts and Tire Swings elements
Grungy Alpha
Font - Timtastic

2008-06-12T12:09:00.000+05:30

Friends

For Simply you week 24 at ScrapArtist we are featuring layouts with our friends. Please find more details about the challenge on ScrapArtist forums.

And here is my sample layout.

We met during the Television workshop we had in Kuala Lumpur last February. Narada, Sashini and me from Sri Lanka and Iman, Ashraf and Walid from Egypt... Every evening we were talking in the hotel lobby till midnight. We shared a lot of our experience as TV journalists and as friends. During our previous production "I am..." video series each of us produced individual video stories.

- credits -
Everything is from ScrapArtist
Hand cut paper alpha - Lili
Doodled paper stripes - Lili
Navy paper by Aja Abney from Mom's love collaboration kit
Brackets by Amber Clegg from Soho Spring Collaboration kit
Font - Timtastic

2008-06-12T11:41:00.000+05:30

I finished these four layouts during past two weeks but I couldn't post them here.

2008-05-26T13:27:00.000+05:30

Two more layouts of Agra.

New haircut

It was Agra's first visit to a saloon and for the first time we got a proper haircut.

- credits -
Everything is from ScrapArtist
Paper Golden Holiday kit by Aja Abney
frames Summer Punch kitby Amanda Rockwell
Cardstock Basics: Crinkly Doodle Alpha 1 by Lisa Whitney
Splendid Sequin Spills by Christine Honsinger
Arrow - Soho spring collaboration kit
Font - Timtastic, jamaistevie

Agra's tea party

Agra serving tea for me.

- credits -
Everything is from ScrapArtist
Quick Templates 2 by Lili
Fun Times alpha by Amanda Rockwell
pattern paper, doodle and brush - Tea cups and tearas kit by ScrapArtist designers and CT
Font - Timtastic

2008-05-25T00:12:00.000+05:30

Sharing some good news.

The short video titled "I am a child of the sea" which I produced as a part of an international television co-production is now online on YouTube.

As a TV producer I really enjoyed doing this short video, and I was so happy, when our CEO Mr. Nalaka Gunawardene invited me to write my experience during the production of "I am..." for a TVEAP news article. I would like to invite you to read more about the production on TVE Asia Pacific website and on Nalaka' personal blog.

Meanwhile I have won the digiscrap award for Best Graphic Layout Submitted at 2008 Scrapper's Choice Awards for my layout "You are special at Digishoptalk.

The gift certificate I have won is only to do some online shopping. But I am definitely going to buy some gifts for Lakshani as she also deserves the credit of this layout. The photo was taken by my colleague Amal Samaraweera at TVE Asia Pacific.

Thanks,

Buddhini

2008-05-16T09:40:00.000+05:30

Being your mom...

I did this during the weekend as a Mother's Day project, but couldn't post it here. From this I am hoping to make two book marks for Agra and me. She really liked it and I too enjoyed creating this.

- Credits -
Everything is from ScrapArtist
Paper, heart and doodle - Mom's Love Collaboration kit by ScrapArtist Designers
Date Stamps - Amber Clegg
Font - Timtastic

2008-05-13T02:40:00.000+05:30

Few more layouts I finished during past week.

Three Generations.

This is for last week's heritage challenge at ScrapArtist.

- Credits-
Everything is from the Teacups & Tiaras kit
Fonts - Carpenter ICG, Fox script

Dont' Quit

This is for this week's Simply You Challenge at ScrapArtist.

- It's when things seems worst, that you must not quit-

This is truly the mantra of my life right now.

- Credits -
Everything is by Aja Abney.
Background paper and buttons - In the Garden kit
paper flower and stitch - Tender Love kit
Ribbon - Bold Satin Ribbons
Font - timtastic

Love

- credits-
Papers, flowers and swirl - Essential Colors I - Lili
Doodle paper strips - Lili
Playing with Shapes {Templates} - Aja Abney
"Love" brush by Nancie Rowe Janitz - Mom's love collaborative kit
Font - timtastic

2008-05-09T09:37:00.000+05:30

Extreme Makeover

As a part of our birthday celebrations at ScrapArtist we all the CT members redid our first ever digital layouts. Its amazing that how much we all have developed with new scrap techniques and our own styles. You can find layouts from all the ScarapArtist CT members here at the hub.

And here are my layouts.

My original : My first layout I posted on ScrapArtist on 6th March 2006.

- Credits -
Pattern paper from Spring Inspiration Page Kit Valeri Brumfield -
Black daisy - Michelle Shefveland
Doodle - Angie Briggs
Stitch - Sarah Batdorf.

My makeover:

- Credits -
Everything is from ScrapAritst
Paper - Not ordinary grungy papers - Lili
Cherryslush alpha - Nancie Rowe Janitz
rickrac, fabric flowers - Blessed elements - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Overlay - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Buttons, heart, Ribbon pieces - Home sweet home kit - Amanda Rockwell
Buttons, knotted bows - Hope kit - Amanda Rockwell
Blue button, stitch and sequin flower - Summer Punch kit- Amanda Rockwell
Art Inspiration alpha - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Good Life alpha - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Mud pies alpha - Aja abney
Buttoned beauties - Aja Abney
Cloud - Guest Goddess Collaboration kit - Aja Abney
Card, photo tape corner - Sentiment elements - Linda Gil Billdal
Buttoned felt - Amanda Rockwell
Font - Carpenter ICG

2008-05-06T04:55:00.000+05:30

Wonder

I took this picture during some filming I had with these kids with my video production " I am...". Most of them even don't have a TV at their homes. When my cameraman showed them the visuals through the camera, they all were so surprised to see themselves. It was their first filming experience and they enjoyed it. I too learnt a lot from them. Filming with kids is not an easy thing.

- Journaling -
During our filming you all were so amazed to see yourselves on camera view-finder. And throughout the day we had a great time sharing many things among each other. Thanks for all what you taught me.

- Credits -
Everything is from ScrapArtist
Paper and negative piece - Home sweet home kit - Amanda Rockwell
Stamp - Amber Clegg
word label - Hope Wallace
Font - Timtastic

2008-05-05T11:03:00.000+05:30

I am Buddhini

For our 3rd birthday celebrations at ScrapArtist we all CT members did AAM pages for introductions. I am so glad to be a part of them and really enjoyed doing this layout.

- Credits -
Everything is available at ScrapArtist.
Solid blue Boy's paper - Grab bag - Amanda Rockwell
Green paper ( Blended) - Soho Spring kit - Amanda Rockwell
Pattern Papers - Soho Spring kit - Gypsy Chick
Sequin flower - Summer Punch kit - Amanda Rockwell
Paper Swirl, Orange Sequin - Hope kit - Amanda Rockwell
Paper flower - Soho Spring kit - Lili
Urban letters Alpha - Lili
Splendid Sequin Spills - Christine Honsinger
Flower stamp - Blessed elements - Nancie Rowe Janitz
Font - Timtastic

2008-05-03T10:42:00.000+05:30

Simplicity

Usually my layouts have dark bright colors and lots of elements. But recently I try to experiment with light and soft color themes in my layouts. Here are two examples I created for last week's challenges at ScrapArtist.

Little Me

Just "little me" for Mojo Monday challenge.

- credits -
Everything is from ScrapArtist
Papers and frame - Shabby Sunday add-on minikit - Cori Gammon
Alpha - Urban letters - Lili
Flower by Lili - Guest Goddess kit
Button bits - Amanda Rockwell
Font - Sir Talks A Lot

Friendship

This is my mother at the age of five with her pet kid. This is for heritage challenge - Ancestral Pets

- credits -
Everything is from ScrapArtist
Background paper- Eclectic Elegance kit - a collab kit by Amanda Rockwell and Karin M Designs
Bracket frame - Shabby Sunday add-on mini kit- Cori Gammon
Flower - Fall for you nature - Linda Gil Billdad
Ribbon piece, swirl and buttons - Home sweet home kit - Amanda Rockwell
paper corner - Sentiment elements - Linda Gil Billdad
Friendship vintage text - Hope Wallace
Font - Timtastic

2008-04-28T22:02:00.000+05:30

Celebrating 3 years!!!

I also designed few papers for Scrapartist goddesses collaboration kit and its going to fun there during the birthday celebrations. Hope you will join with us.

2008-04-28T14:37:00.000+05:30

Two new layouts.

Window

- credits -
Everything is from In the garden kit by Aja Abney.
Font - Sir Talks A Lot, Timtastic

Little carpenter

My cousin Kavinda busy with his work.
This is my first attempt to do a BOY layout.

- Credits -
Everything is from ScrapArtist
Papers, ribbon pieces and tabbed frame, Green button - Home sweet home kit - Amanda Rockwell
Cardboard circle - Psycho kit - Amanda Rockwell
Eyelet - Ophelia elements - Linda Gil Billdal
3Dwheel shape, hinges - Sentiment elements - Linda Gil Billdal
All boy stamp - Amber Clegg
Blue ribbon, brown button - Mud pies and grass stains elements - Aja Abney
Doodle Crinkly alpha - Lisa Whitney
Fonts - Timtastic, 2Peas GG Mix

2008-04-24T11:40:00.000+05:30

My family tree

This is for this week's Heritage Challenge at ScrapArtist. I scrapped my family tree for the third time.

- Credits-
Background paper - Solid boys papers - Amanda Rockwell
Tree and leaves - Twiggy - Amanda Rockwell
Frame - Return to my roots kit - Robin England
Alpha - Urban letter - Lili
Fonts - timtastic, Carpenter ICG