Sunday, April 15, 2012

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

7 comments:

  1. Lovely LO. What a fab photo too. I read through, backwards in your blog and am sorry you're having a tough time. I know I'm a stranger, living thousands of miles away (in the UK) but I want to send you a hug and say that I care. BTW I loved the Elvis LO too.
    Hugs,
    Mandy

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    1. Mandy,
      Thank you so much for your kindness. I know somedays I sound whiny (and I hate that) but I'm just telling it from the heart. I have ALWAYS wanted to visit the UK and am so enamored with all people and things related - so now your in my group of hero-worship!!!
      I hope you'll come back some time. I assume you got here from Shimelle's blog, so I'm going to look you up now.
      Sugar, Sugar
      Tammie

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  2. Can I send you another hug?? :-) I'm dropping in from Shimelle's too. I love your layout. The colors are just dreamy and Miss GiGi is so pretty--I love her facial expression in the photo! I pray that today is better for you.

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    1. Thank you so much Cynthia... I so appreciate your hugs - I need them today! Thank you also for my GiGi, she is not only lovely on the inside, she is a character and the queen of expression! I am so fortunate to have her in my life. Thank you again, your kindness means so very much! I will be checking out your layouts as soon as I can.

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  3. Your layout is gorgeous and so is Gigi! I also looked back & I love the Elvis layout. Best wishes to you. Sending good thoughts your way.

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  4. Thank you so much Debbie... She is a lovely girl inside and out- I truly feel blessed. Thank you about the Elvis layout as well. Hope all is wonderful with you.

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  5. Lovely blog, thanks for taking the time to share this

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