Scrapbook mats with a hint of magic sometimes called scrapbooking papers or background papers, are a popular and essential component of any scrapbooking project. These mats serve as the foundation for creating beautiful and eye-catching layouts that showcase cherished photos and memories. While many scrapbookers opt for traditional mats in solid colors or patterns, those looking to add a touch of magic to their creations can explore the wide array of specialty mats available. These magical mats come in various designs, including shimmering metallics, glitters, holographics, and foils. They often feature intricate patterns or embossed designs that add texture and visual interest to the page. Some mats even incorporate magical elements like stars, fairies, or unicorns, making them perfect for whimsical or fantasy-themed projects.
Xu-Xian, now an orphan, lives with his friends Panda (an immature Giant Panda) and Mimi, a Red Panda, in a tumbledown little house. Mysterious music responding to his flute playing and the mischievous Xiao Chin lead him and his friends to Bai-Niang, now living in a magically restored great estate nearby. While youth and maiden woo, their three sidekicks frolic. Their antics bring a wooden dragon decoration to life and the comedy relief is carried off, to plunge through the roof of a state treasure-house. The maid-servant finds two jewels shaped like stars and she gives them to the lovers.
Bai-Niang travels through the heavens to the Dragon God, Master of All Spirits, who for the price of her immortality and magic powers gives her the Flower of Life to restore Xu-Xian. Fa-Hai now gives the young couple his blessing; Bai-Niang and Xu-Xian sail off together under a rainbow sky, Xiao Chin returns to her life under the sea, and Panda and Mimi wave a tearfully joyous farewell.
Some mats even incorporate magical elements like stars, fairies, or unicorns, making them perfect for whimsical or fantasy-themed projects. The addition of these specialty mats can truly elevate a scrapbook page, giving it a unique and enchanting touch. The magical mats can be used as a backdrop for photographs or cut into shapes to create embellishments such as borders, frames, or accents.
PowerOfBabel
If anyone had asked me a few months ago what was the first anime that had engaged me, I would have said that it was the run of Dragonball Z on Cartoon Network that premiered about twelve years ago. Then with a start I might have remembered Alakazam the Great, Toei's take on Monkey and his journey to the west, which I had watched and enjoyed as a toddler in the Sixties. But what had become a vague, fugitive memory in my brain, and which was just as old, was Panda and the Magic Serpent.
Panda and the Magic Serpent (a.k.a. Hakujaden, Legend of the White Snake, The Great White Snake, The White Snake Enchantress) was the first color anime feature film, created by the Toei Company and released in Japan in 1958 and then (edited and dubbed) in the US in 1961. Although it had won awards overseas, it did not do as well in an America with its expectations set by Disney, and in less than a decade Panda was appearing on TV. This is where I saw it, before I was even in first grade.
The movie begins with a vast, supernatural storm striking China. In its wake, a magical white snake is transformed into a beautiful maiden, Bai-Niang, and a stranded fish is turned into her maid-servant, Xiao Chin. Years before (in snake form) Bai-Niang had been friends with a boy called Xu-Xian, whose fearful parents had parted them. Now that she is human she goes in search of him once more.
Xu-Xian, now an orphan, lives with his friends Panda (an immature Giant Panda) and Mimi, a Red Panda, in a tumbledown little house. Mysterious music responding to his flute playing and the mischievous Xiao Chin lead him and his friends to Bai-Niang, now living in a magically restored great estate nearby. While youth and maiden woo, their three sidekicks frolic. Their antics bring a wooden dragon decoration to life and the comedy relief is carried off, to plunge through the roof of a state treasure-house. The maid-servant finds two jewels shaped like stars and she gives them to the lovers.
Fa-Hai, a local monk with a magical crystal, has been on the trail of Bai-Niang and Xiao Chin, whom he believes are evil spirits. When he hears the jewels are missing, he sends the local authorities to the magic palace. The girl and her maid escape, but Xu-Xian remains and takes the fall. He is arrested, convicted, and exiled to a distant province. Panda and Mimi go in search of their friend. Fa-Hai follows the boy, feeling sure the spirits will seek him out.
Panda and Mimi finally find Xu-Xian, with the help of the White Pig Gang, whose gigantic leader Panda has defeated (making him the original Kung Fu Panda, by the way). Bai-Niang sends the boy a dream, telling him to meet her at the Thunder Pagoda, but the monk finds out about it on his crystal ball. He interferes before they can embrace, and a magical battle ensues.
Bai-Niang and Fa-Hai ascend to a spiritual space and match their powers against each other. The resulting fight leaves the monk hanging from a rooftop by his robes and the lady weakened and reverting to her serpent form. When Xu-Xian hears from the monk that he has defeated the evil spirit, he rushes back to Thunder Pagoda to find her.
Bai-Niang decides that she can never be with Xu-Xian unless she becomes truly human. She changes to her astral form and starts to leave; Xu-Xian rushing into the top of the tower sees her, tries to follow, and falls to his death. Fa-hai sadly takes his body to the Temple of the Golden Isle.
Bai-Niang travels through the heavens to the Dragon God, Master of All Spirits, who for the price of her immortality and magic powers gives her the Flower of Life to restore Xu-Xian. She returns to earth, where Mimi is waiting to lead her to the Golden Isle, where Panda and the White Pig Gang have followed Fa-Hai. The monk does not believe the now-mortal maiden, and will not let her boat land on the island. He turns the maid Xiao Chin back into a fish, and the Flower of Life falls into the sea.
But Xiao Chin still has her powers, and with the help of the Great Dragon Fish stirs the sea into a storm, and another battle with Fa-Hai and his crystal begins. Bai-niang's boat capsizes. Mimi and Panda retrieve the Flower of Life and restore Xu-Xian to life; seeing Bai-Niang in trouble on the stormy seas he plunges in to save her. Fa-Hai finds the Flower and realizes that the girl was telling the truth.
The monk tosses his crystal ball into the sea, which stills the storm and transforms into a boat, rescuing the lovers. Fa-Hai now gives the young couple his blessing; Bai-Niang and Xu-Xian sail off together under a rainbow sky, Xiao Chin returns to her life under the sea, and Panda and Mimi wave a tearfully joyous farewell.
The version of this film most widely available is presented by "Cartoon Craze" (Digiview Productions), and seems to have been created from stock in very poor condition. It is full of skips, jumps, and scratches; the beginning is particularly rough. This is a film that could truly benefit from a restoration and remastering, perhaps even a new editing and English dubbing (though it would be a shame to lose the narration of Marvin Miller, whose voice-overs included work on Pink Panther and Rocky and Bullwinkle; his most famous job was as Robby the Robot in Forbidden Planet). A little polish on this historical gem could really make it sparkle.
But even in its present condition it is full of considerable nostalgic charm, redolent of old times and different sensibilities. To me it speaks of long summer afternoons, when you could lose yourself for a few hours in strange worlds of fantasy and adventure, and sudden unknown by-ways to distant lands and ancient legends could open up before unsuspecting eyes. It is a splendid kind of movie for little children, whether in front of the TV or inside the heart.
They can also be layered with other papers or embellishments to add depth and dimension to the page. One of the benefits of using magical mats is their versatility. They can be easily incorporated into various scrapbooking styles, whether it's traditional, vintage, modern, or themed projects. They can add a touch of sparkle and enchantment to wedding albums, baby books, travel journals, or any project that could use a dash of magic. When using magical mats, it's essential to consider the overall theme and color scheme of the scrapbook page. The mats should complement the photographs and other embellishments, enhancing the overall design rather than overpowering it. By strategically placing the mats and coordinating them with the rest of the page, scrapbookers can create visually stunning layouts that capture the essence of the magical moments being preserved. In conclusion, scrapbook mats with a hint of magic offer a fun and creative way to add a touch of enchantment to scrapbooking projects. Whether through shimmering metallics, glitters, holographics, or foils, these specialty mats can elevate a page, making it truly magical. With their versatility and ability to complement various themes and styles, they are a must-have for anyone looking to create captivating and whimsical scrapbook layouts..
Reviews for "Crafting Magical Memories: Scrapbook Mats with a Twist"
1. Deborah - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to try out these scrapbook mats with a hint of magic, but I was highly disappointed with the results. The magic aspect just didn't live up to my expectations. The colors were dull and the patterns did not have that magical touch I was hoping for. The mats also didn't stick well to the paper and would often peel off, ruining my projects. Overall, I wouldn't recommend these mats if you're looking for that magical touch in your scrapbooking.
2. Richard - 1/5 stars - I had high hopes for these scrapbook mats with a hint of magic, but they turned out to be a complete waste of money. The so-called magic element was barely noticeable. The mats were just like any other regular mats I've used before, with no special effects or sparkle. Not to mention, the quality was poor as well. The mats started to tear and warp after just a few uses. I would advise anyone interested in adding a magical touch to their scrapbooking to try a different product.
3. Sarah - 3/5 stars - While these scrapbook mats with a hint of magic did have some interesting patterns, I was disappointed with the overall quality. The mats were quite flimsy and would easily bend and tear. The magic aspect was also underwhelming. The patterns did shimmer slightly, but it was not as noticeable as I had hoped. If you're in desperate need of new mats for your scrapbooking projects, these might do the trick, but don't expect anything too magical.