If being a scrapbooker and being a Filipina gives you so much pride you can't say “I'm Filipino” often enough to every person you meet, and “stamp” that same pride in every work you do, then you must be Ana Cabrera. And to think she has not been in the Philippines since she left as a kid. False pride can only go so far, and often would not ring true. In Ana's case however, years after leaving, and now with three beautiful daughters to triple her joy, the pride remains strong. One doesn't have to make a hard guess to know it can only come from her heart that beats in tune with every popular Pinoy ditty she belts by heart, karaoke style!

Ana was the associate editor of Scrapbook Answers. She was responsible for some of the eye-popping cover pages of the magazine not to mention articles that are well thought of and often, written with a dash of humor. Her articles covered various aspects of scrapbooking --- from product reviews to page design, from tips and techniques. Ana was also the producer of the Answers Disc, the CD that came with every issue of the magazine. She was on top of every aspect of the disk production --- from conceptualization to video production, up to what gets included in every disc.

Scrapbook Answers gained a strong following beginning from its maiden issue in October 2005 until its untimely “demise” last month. In spite doing quite well on its first year of publication, the magazine had fallen prey to their parent company's decision to shut down their entire section of women's publication.

In the blink of an eye, Ana lost her regular paying job. It came as a big blow to a single mom with three kids who had just moved to a new house. It also hurt that something she has put so much of herself into is suddenly taken away from her and her colleagues. But Ana remained unfazed. Here's one tough cookie ready to face any challenges head on. Come to think of it, for someone as talented, hardworking and as versatile as Ana, we are pretty confident she will find something bigger and better. One thing is for sure, you haven't seen the best nor the last of Ana Cabrera!

MyScrapworks is proud to present an exclusive interview with Ms. Ana Cabrera

"Ako ay Pilipino!" I am a proud Filipino... 100% baby! I was born in Quezon City at St. Luke's Hospital. My father is from Pasay City and my mother is from Lucena in Quezon Province. I came to the States when I was just a baby… but I am a strong Pinay. I love my culture and share it with everyone I meet. I have one Tita still in Manila ... and no... she doesn't scrapbook. I also have relatives in Lucena and Quezon Province as well. I am the only one in my family who scrapbooks; although my mother is very creative. She is an amazing seamstress and home decorator. We also grew up with lots music. She owns a music studio here in the US. We have performed professionally since we were all very young. ( Anj : Pssst …did you know Ana's sister was a contestant in the previous season of American Idol? She made it as far as the Hollywood round!)

I miss PI very much. What do I miss most ..the food of course! Particularly suman and latik , buko , lanzones , and REAL bibingka!

How did you get into scrapbooking? What were your scrapbooking beginnings?

I have been a paper artist for as long as I can remember. I have always had a love for stickers, stationery, pens, photos, and even office supplies. I have been scrapbooking in the form we know it today, for about 10 years. I started like many people... with a Creative Memories party. I loved what a creative escape it could be. My style has certainly evolved, but it is still in its root, very much the same. The basis of my style is graphical in nature. Think commercial advertising. (I have been a freelance designer since I was out of High School. So I am highly influenced by commercial art and packaging.) As far as being published, until I became an editor, I have NEVER been published. I have not even really submitted! In fact, my career list before this job includes: Wedding Singer, Hip Hop Dancer, Freelance Designer, Professional Chef, Editor and Disc Producer of Scrapbook Answers.

Not exactly what you would expect huh? So to all you dreamers...DREAM ON!!! You can get whatever you want... just go for it.

How would you describe your scrapping style now? Is there a particular process you follow when you scrap?

I like to think that my style is graphical meets Martha Stewart meets paint brush. *Clean Collage* so to speak. I love to add non-scrapbook elements to my pages. And I am always looking "outside" the box for ideas. I like lots of stuff on my pages. I don't measure things. I try not to over think my design. As for my "process" haha... Well, I do most of my creating in the wee hours of the night. So I often drink a REDBULL... flip on the TV... then go through some of my supplies. If I am using specific pictures, I put them out on the table. I grab some cardstock...then... I just go. Do I sketch? Sometimes. But when I do, it is usually when I am not actually creating something. I sketch when I'm in line somewhere or waiting for a plane etc.

Who or what inspires you?

I am inspired by Commercial Design. I get a lot of my inspiration from commercial graphic design houses and products. I am also greatly inspired by messy artists like Emily Falconbridge, Traci Bautista, Kim Kwan, Rhonna Farrer and Kristina Contes to name a few. These women are a few of the ladies that have inspired me to take clean graphic design pages... and mess them up... just a tad. And now I am hooked! Whenever I meet a wonderful designer, I try to take a little something from them. I am constantly learning... I spend a lot of time researching new techniques... looks... products.

Any tools or products you can't scrap without? Favorite techniques?

Well, I can't live with out my Crop-A- Dile . I love chipboard and the Crop-A- Dile makes short work of putting holes in it! And of course, ATG 700. I love Making Memories of course. It is probably obvious since almost EVERY layout I make uses Making Memories. Hambly Screen Prints is another of my faves for sure. The papers and overlays are so graphical. They make me feel like I am back to my roots. Finally, to round out my top 5, Basic Grey (if you have not used those magnets yet, you have to try them), Matisse Derivan an Australian Paint company that has the the best acrylics ever, and then a lot of no name stuff like crystal rhinestones or vintage bits I find while antiquing.

My favorite technique is smearing. I love to smear paint or texture medium onto a clean layout. It mixes things up. Currently I am stuck on painting over rub ons!

What particular scrapbooking trends do you foresee emerging in the future?

My personal prediction: more cross over crafting. I think that you will see more and more "general crafts" get into the scrapbook market. Why? Honestly, because those manufacturers want a piece of the scrapbooking pie. I also see a trend toward using old school supplies in fresh ways. I think this is a product of people wanting to use what they have. Besides, it's like fashion, it always comes back in style.

Is there anything uniquely Filipino that is reflected in your work?

Well, I have great handwriting. All Filipinos have great penmanship, don't you think? What makes it unique, well, I would have to say the subject matter. My personal books and pages are filled with everything that is uniquely pinay . Our extremely strong family ties... our food… our traditions. I will say though, that in general, I feel that art knows no cultural bounds.

Any advice you can give to Filipino scrappers?

Something I tell anyone who wants to be a better or more artistic scrapper is learn and observe. Look for inspiration, learn technique. Take the time to find something you like, then deconstruct it. Try to find out WHY you love it. What about it makes you tick? Is it the color? Is it the overall design?

And to my pinay scrappers… PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE... incorporate local products into your work. I am DYING to use items and materials used in our traditional handicrafts on my pages.

As you all know by now, Scrapbook Answers bid adieu to the scrapbooking world with their November 2006 issue. It was indeed a sad day for everyone, more so for the people who put their heart and soul into the magazine. Here are Ana's thoughts on her experience working at Scrapbook Answers. She also gives us an inside scoop as to what she has in store for all of us.

My friends... The ride at Scrapbook Answers was a great one. I am so very proud of the work I did there. I am proud to have been a part of something so wonderful. The magazine closing was like a bad break up... but as one door closes, a window opens. But the support of my scrapbooking friends (like those right here!) and my faith have helped me land on my feet. I am working on several very exciting projects. 2007 will be a big one for me, and you will see me in print very soon. I am once again working where my heart truly is, as an independent artist and freelancer. I am happy to say my mojo is flowin ' as I develop new concepts and ideas, which I will share with you all soon.

"I have been asked if I will be staying in the crafts publishing biz... the answer is YES . I can not speak to actual specifics right now, but I am writing for some major publications. I have signed a deal for 2007 and will announce this soon. There are many wonderful opportunities that have presented themselves, and I will keep you all in the loop at the appropriate time. Your prayers and support have meant so much to me and my family at this time!"

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