November '09 Scrapbooker Spotlight

Barb Wong, a talented mom, scrapbooker, and government employee from Ottawa, Canada, designed our Scrapbook Ellaments cover layout for November 2009! Read on as this inaugural "Ella Friend" shares favorite layouts and a quick peek into her happy, scrappy life.

Barb's layout celebrates her parents' 1968 wedding. Barb's mom grew up in Macau (aka, the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China), which incidentally was the first and last European Colony in China. You'll notice that the lovely bride and groom are standing behind two women and one man. Barb's maternal grandmother was a concubine, or second wife, which was not uncommon in those days. Not pictured are Barb's mother's 14 siblings! But enough of the genealogical trivia, let's learn a little bit more about Barb!

My name is: Barb Wong
~We like that about you, Barb. Your answers are no-nonsense, direct, to-the-point, just like your name—which couldn't be any shorter if you tried. (Well, unless you decide to be just "Barb" in the tradition of "Cher.")

My cover layout was inspired by: the beautiful photos my mom gave me and the sense of wonder I have about my mom and dad's lives before I was born.

I've been scrapbooking since: 2004 and have met some of the best women in the world through this pastime.

I'd describe my scrapbooking style as: simple. Or maybe lazy. I like coordinating products and easy to use embellishments. If it's peel-and-stick, it's perfect for me!

A Favorite Layout: I like to keep things simple and focus on the story I'm telling. I also reuse my favorite designs to help me save time and stay sane. Supplies: patterned paper (American Crafts) • cardstock (Bazzill) • foam letter stickers (American Crafts) • rub-on letters and embellishments (American Crafts) • journalling sticker (American Crafts) • border punch (Stampin' Up!) • ink pad (Clearsnap) • black pen (American Crafts)

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My family is made up of: two boys (7 and 9), a cat (17), my husband (44) and me (age unspecified).

I spend my days: doing laundry. That's what it feels like anyway. When I'm not doing laundry, I sit at a desk in a government office where I create red tape for others to cut through. It's IMPORTANT red tape though.
~We'll thank you to keep your red tape on your side of the border. We don't need any more down here!

If I could go back in time, I would: have spent more time getting to know my maternal grandmother.

Another Favorite Layout: This layout really sums up what I do. I tell stories about my kids, and I use bright colours on my layouts. Supplies: patterned paper (BasicGrey) • cardstock (Bazzill) • chipboard letters and embellishments (BasicGrey) • brads (American Crafts) • photo corner punch (EK Success) • white pen (Sakura) • black pen (American Crafts) • white paint dauber (Ranger Industries) • ink pad (Tsukineko)

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I never thought I'd: take as many photos as I do! My non-scrapbooking friends think I'm crazy. Maybe they're right...
~Listening to a non-scrapbooker about how many photos to take is like listening to a vegetarian about whether to order prime rib or flank steak. You keep on shooting, sister!

In 10 years, I hope to be: happy.

If I could be a scrapbook supply, I'd like to be: a sheet of KI Memories patterned paper from their colorful line (Collection IV) because those bold, vibrant colours make me happy. That was my first scrap crush, and I still have a LOT of it in my stash, but I'm thinking I need to buy the digital versions of the paper, just to be on the safe side.

I've loved elephants ever since: I played "Baby Elephant Walk" by Henry Mancini in band when I was in grade 8.
~Warning: do NOT click on this link above unless you want that infernal tune stuck in your head for the next three days. The real fun starts about 40 seconds in.

People are always surprised to find out that I... I spent nine years in university and earned a PhD in chemistry. It's been a while since I've been in a lab, though. And these days, I'd be hard pressed balance a chemical equation or tell you what Avagadro's Number is.
~Well, we can promise WE'LL never ask you for Avagadro's number. He's not our type.

If I were to author an eBook, I'd title it: Scrapbooking: It's Cheaper than Therapy

My favorite Ella eBook is: Ooooh, this is a tough question. I love them all, but if I had to choose just one, it'd be Quick & Creative Quizzes. There are lots of fun, easy-to-use ideas to help me add insightful journaling on my pages.

Thanks, Barb. It's been a pleasure! If you'd like to get to know this scrapbooking dynamo better, visit her blog at scrappinbarb.typepad.com.