This & That, Photo, and Valentine; Card

Howdy.  I am sharing with you a card I made last night.  And I didn't get a chance to photograph it, until this morning.  I am using some new pattern paper from Echo Park.  These pattern papers are not Valentine Day themed, but I thought they worked very well for this card.  {smile}

I am entering three different creative challenges with this card.  Please check out the challenge host sites for a ton of inspiration!

My first stop was Really Reasonable Ribbon Challenge #134 - anything goes.  These lovely ladies use ribbon on everything!  How fabulous is that!  And I am a sucker for some beautiful ribbon, and it is one of my 'standards' on a paper craft.  

My next stop was Just Us GirlS Challenge - WORD week: Valentine.  They ask that you keep it nice and simple.  I love this challenge blog, because the design team has so much inspiration, that they will entice all crafters to play along.  Now, if you know me, I don't really do 'simple'.  But this card is pretty 'simple' for me {smile}.   this card was selected as the winner,  for their word week challenge #329.

And finally, my last stop was Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge #433 - Contest Week.  Because lets just face it, they have some very user friendly sketches!

Ok, without further ado, here is my entry:

Recipe:  I used Basic Grey card stock by Stampin' Up! for the card base.  As you know, they make some wonderfully sturdy card stock for this type of project. {smile}

I used a solid paper from Echo Park for the main matt.  I wanted a color that matched perfectly, and didn't want to spend time trying to match or getting close to a match, so I purchased the solid color.

The two floral pattern papers are from the same collection 'Photo' from Jenni Bowlin Studio @ Echo Park.  I just love the blossoms, and polka dots, the pinks, and reds, and dark grey.  Beautiful.  

The ruler pattern paper is from the collection 'This & That' from Lori Whitlock designs @ Echo Park.  I just love the mix of fonts and colors of the rulers.  I matted this piece onto a light weight pale pink card stock by Amuse Studios.  

I added a simple machine stitch border.  I just love the look of hand made cards with a bit of machine sewing on them.  

I wrapped this country red gingham ribbon around the front of the card  and added some machine stitching to help hold it in place.  Then I tied the ribbon into a simple bow.

I took at journal card from the Photo collection and cut it down to 2-inch square and matted it with basic grey card stock.  I adhered this piece to the front of the card.  I then used the same reddish solid paper from Echo Park and cut a scalloped edge heart.  I then used a different journalling card from the Photo collection and punched a heart shape.  I adhered the heart to the scallop heart with foam tape.  To help give it some dimension.

I added a deep red paper blossom at the bow, and tied a silver tone key to the bow with some beautiful cream, charcoal, and silver bakers twine.  

My sentiment I hand stamped onto a scrap piece of very vanilla card stock, in Basic Grey classic ink, using the Teeny Tiny Wishes stamp set by Stampin' Up!.  I used a small square punch to create the banner ends, and adhered it to the heart, off center.  

Thank you for looking!  I hope you have been inspired to play along with these challenges!

Creative Challenge

Good Morning.  I know from the title of this post, you are probably expecting a paper craft challenge.  But, no.  I have something else in mind.   Last year, I joined a 'team' and took part in the '100 day challenge'.  This challenge required you to take a photo of something that gave you joy that day, and post it.  Sounds simple, right?  Well, did you try it?  I did.  Twice.  And yep, I wasn't able to complete it.  My biggest obstacle was the photography.  I don't want photos of my kids, grandkids, husband, or home on the internet.  Call me paranoid.  But, something things I believe should NOT be on record.  And so, I didn't complete the challenge.  My own obstacles kept me from completing it.   Sad, but true.  

I was at the store the other day and saw the latest Somerset Life at the newsstand, and picked it up.  It is one of my favorite magazines.  I love this magazine for its articles.  Articles on creative people, how the juggle everything life throws at them, and articles on creative projects.  Beautiful, creative projects.  While reading this beautiful magazine this morning, in the quiet, with a hot latte, and my dog at my feet, the pages just turned themselves on inspiration from other bloggers.  

The article that totally captivated me, was 'The Simplicity of Showing Up: the 5 x 5 Creative Challenge'.  This article was written by Christina Rosalie (pg 17-23).  Very creative, very articulate, very motivating.  Her challenge is 5 photos and 5 min of writing a day.  Ok, I couldn't do the 100 day challenge of 1 photo a day.  So, to keep my spirits up, and my motivation right there with it, I have modified this challenge.  Instead of a 5 x 5 daily challenge.  I encourage you, to do the 5 x 5 weekly challenge with me!  Within a week (7 days: Sunday thru Saturday) take 5 photos of what documents your life, and gives your cause to pause and reflect on your blessings, and write one minute for each photo.  Sounds easy enough.  So, in your life of 'busy', 'not enough time' panic, and the continuous chores, slow down.  Take notice.  And document.  

Slow down in your own life, to notice these things.  As Christina says in her article, "Remember right now...  The dreamy, hazy golden light on the coast the day before your birthday... holding hands with your littlest... walking your dog under the streetlights past the rosemary and lavender bushes... remembering the taste of mint leaves and pomegranate in your salad... or the view lifting off at the airport at sunrise.  Document life with a simple noticing of the smallest moments."

You can either share with the rest of the world and post your challenge photos and writing, or simple keep it for yourself.  Make your own life documented book.  But do it!  I know for myself, these days have been jammed packed with deadlines, requirements, obligations, and necessities of life.  But it doesn't have to be mundane, or torturous, or unfulfilling.  It's your life!  Make it count!  Make memories of sweet moments!

So, to give everyone a chance to embrace this challenge, get organized, get creative, and find your own platform to 'share', this challenge will officially begin August 1, 2015, or now.  My commitment to you, is to share at least 2 photos a week here!  Somethings I just don't want out there on the www.  I do hope you join me.  Help yourself give your life sweet memories, and an inner joy.  {smile}