Playing with Challenges

Over winter break, I took time to get back into my craft space. Although I was still going through a lot with my dad after my mom's passing, I was able to find time to just create. It felt good. I was reminded that crafting is relaxing, soothing, and for me, a way to escape and therefore, therapeutic. But I didn't want to think a lot while crafting, I just wanted to DO. So, I used challenges found around the net. I love me a good challenge or springboard idea, so I also found myself signing up for Studio Calico's Bright Ideas class - a class with 20 different challenges and inspirational ideas. The first one went up on Friday, and it was a good one... use a stencil. I created a cut file, and then used the negative of it to follow along with some watercolors.

When I was done, I outlined with my pen. But still the colors were too pale. So, this morning I added more depth and shading with some of my old Pebbles Inc. chalks! Man, I'm glad I held onto those! 

The Thickers were shaded with some distress ink and then topped with Cream Maya Mist.

I also created a little journaling card using some Laina Lamb designed stamps . I'm a sucker for a good journaling stamp, and I love this little bit of notebook paper look on this one. I trimmed a bit, added the "for the record" image and added to the look with my EK Success notebook border punch. I love the way it came out! 

I was also playing along with a "lift the person above you" challenge and well, I got to lift the amazing Gillian Nelson. Her layout is here: File This Under . Isn't she amazing? I told you! 

Here's how my full layout came out. 

This was a bit out of my box, but that's what makes scrapping fun. Hope you're having some fun this week too! 

For more challenges, come check out my new challenge blog and my fellow hoarder's challenge for you today over at Shop Your Stash

Comments

[caz hancock]

What a fabulous layout, i love the colours and your sunray's and what a great lift of G and you are so right that girl is AWESOME!!!

If you are interested i would love to help out on the challenge blog, i do not really have stash but i can help others use theirs :)

[Denise Morrison]

love the painted rays.
I do love to just create without thinking too much.
It's so fun and relaxing.