Panoply...

Well, I have been following Shimelle's weekend crop and it has been fun - in a way.  We all know that I have been suffering in every imaginable way - physically, no ink, no inspiring papers, etc.  So actually I have not participated, but have commented as they are so interesting and, let's face it, I can't help myself.  And it's not been all about layouts, there's been conversation starters as well in the form of "How Do You...".  I must say that even while wallowing in my self-pity, I have completely enjoyed following along.  And then Challenge 11 came along and I couldn't help myself.  I completed the following layout because, well, I had a photo of GiGi hanging here, and I do have some paper that's just sitting there (and has been forever).  Without further delay, here is my layout using two totally opposing patterns as a background:

Challenge #11:  Use 2 contrasting patterns as a background

Now, first of all,  I gotta learn how to photograph my layouts to post on the internet.  It's rather sad actually as I can, 8 out of 10 times, get good photos.  I just can't get the layouts to look worth a darn.  Then, you know I have to go outside to photograph them as there is absolutely no light in the RV.  And, because there's just no where else to do it, I hang them on the shed.  Trust me, they all look better in my album.  (Maybe that's because there's no light in here, hmmm.) 
Let's talk a little about the page - I kind of cheated I think, but not really.  I did use just 2 pages from 1 line of paper (Martha Stewart) for the entire layout.   The embellishment are Colorbok with the exception of the butterflies and the 'perfect' paper (almost forgot about that).  Those are cut from My Minds Eye Lost and Found.  Journaling tag: Prima.  Letters: AC thickers and K&Co.  Punches: Martha Stewart & Fiskars. Pearls: Queen & Co.  Brad: Making Memories. Ink: Tsukineko. Pen: Sharpie (Brown).  Photo by GiGi via IPod. There I think I gave everyone credit where due except that photo program GiGi uses about which I have no clue.
 Back to business:  the reason the layout is not really a cheat, is because I would never have done this for a background paper. I would have used solid cardstock or one paper and then layered on top of it. So I actually did the Challenge.  And I also actually did some scrapbooking!! Even though I've used this same pic more than a couple of times.  It just lends itself to artistic endeavor!
Speaking of which, I asked a question in the comments to Shimelle a few days ago... and she actually emailed me back.  Isn't she the sweetest??!.  Also, Aeryn Kelly-Reitmeyer has visited our little part of blogland and left the nicest comment.  I love it when people take the time to be kind to people they don't know.  It really lifts my heart.
Also, today's post had absolutely nothing to do with it's title. I just like the way it sounds. Panoply. Hmmm.

Well, go on now - get inspired!  Create something!  Feel good!

Cheerio.

P.S.  I'm making a list of the "when it rains it pours" crap going on... I got hot while typing this so now my face hurts; I have no ink; I have no TV; I have no batteries for my camera; I have no way to rectify any of those things.  I think I'll just sit here and wait to see what comes next.  C'est la vie.

"Creativity is a drug I cannot live without."  - Cecil B. DeMille