{BCF} Best Cousins Forever

It is time again to share my layout. Let's Scrap has a new weekly challenge running this week based on a lovely sketch by Cheri O'Neill. I wanted my layout to be clean cut this time although I tried to skip sewing but that's just so impossible!

I wanted to stay true to the sketch and keep my creation simple. Pretty sketch eh =D

I especially like the 5x7 framed photo because I personally feel it is the focal point of the layout. I sew the photo border so yes, it is framed, lol. My focal point is the mango tree my Dad planted in 1999! Over the years it produced sweet mangos for us and as the tree grew bigger and bigger, my Dad thought it'd be fascinating to build a tree house but it was a big job and Dad was not in his best of health to do major carpentary work anymore. Somehow he saw off the big ladder to shorten it and put it against the tree tied with iron rod, bolts and nuts to allow his grandchildren climb the tree and play! His only warning was BE CAREFUL!

Sadly, the mango tree is gone now!

  

This young lady cousins' ultimate hobby is climbing the mango tree for escapism and free their soul! They are not afraid of height at all {count me in, hehe}. Whenever the girls are missing in the house, we know where to find them! 'Alyaa and Zahra' have been close buddies and bonded right from the start. Zahra' met 'Alyaa in the second week of January 2000; just a few days after my first child 'Alyaa was born. Zahra' was just 3 1/2 months old then and knows nothing of course. The first four months of 'Alyaa's babyhood, my sister Lili constantly took the opportunity to return to our parents so she can see me and talk crafts and her daughter Zahra' can play with her newborn cousin. I spent the four months at my parents for confinement before I moved to join my husband. The girls often meet up during school breaks, otherwise they get in touch via phone calls or write to each other.

Yeah, they do quarrel (both are headstrong, pfft); sometimes one goes sulky; the other would come forward complaining; one throws tantrum in the north; the other heads to south :( Both Lili and I never take sides except giving advices; we let them solve their own problems. Before we know it, they become best friends again! Isn't that normal?

My first intention was to create a title that writes BFF but 'Alyaa suggested BCF as she thought that would identify the actual relationship and outsiders don't have to question at all. I listened to her {when you think you know everything, kids are normally smarter than you are!}.

Spent a minute pondering what to write for the journal and the fact files came to mind! I think it's better to do their fact files than a write up as I prefered a clean cut layout so my journal must be clean cut too :) 'Alyaa was happy to see the finished layout when she got home from school. She loves the fact files so much...phew!

This paper flower is my new love, lol. I read a post by my friend  Desire on her blog recently and fell in love with her paper flower instantly. It's so easy to make.

HERE'S MY TUTORIAL

 

Looks cute huh! I hope you will try it out. Believe me; it's easy and quick!

   

What a sweet picture to reminisce! I hope the girls will keep in constant touch for as long as they live. I am so sure my girl will treasure this special layout I made for her keepsake...already she's liking it. Coming soon is a layout featuring her brother...he has been patiently waiting!!

Thank you for dropping by today. Have a great day. Hugs!