Tuesday 17 May 2011

Scrapbook Challenges Earth Day Challenge {Nature in all her Splendour} plus "Remember to Pray" Layout







In order to "catch up" with what is going on "on the scrappy front" right now I am going to have to blog like a maniac for a while!! 

So if you see a lot of posts showing up in your reader & they're all from me, don't say I didn't warn you!

YOU NEED TO SIT DOWN WITH A CUP OF COFFEE FOR THIS ONE! {to keep you awake if nothing else :)}

I have so many more deadlines to meet with all my new DT commitments & I really should be blogging "as I go" so I am going to have to change my style to something quicker & less detailed at times, just to get through it all.

I also want to mention here that I have spent hours blog-hopping tonight & trying to get up to speed on my commenting.  If I left you out by mistake please give me another chance :(  I am now adding my new commenters straight into my blog roll but I know I've missed some out over the last few weeks along the way.

That Blogger problem definitely ate up some comments.  I noticed that today when I was catching up on all the blogs I comment on regularly - and comments I DEFINITELY left were not there!  I tried to fill in the gaps but bear in mind that from Wednesday last week things started going AWOL in Blogger cyberspace...

                                                                                                                                                                  

So my very first DT commitment at the beginning of the year was at Scrapbook Challenges.

It's a big Ning community with a lot happening.  The DT is split into the Sketch & the Challenge team.  I am learning so much on the challenge team & it is so awesome to be given almost total carte blanche on setting MY OWN challenges & I get such a kick out of seeing what everyone comes up with based on my criteria - it really is SUPER FUN.

I set a challenge a month & probably haven't blogged about them all so here are the links, for posterity! 

MARCH - THE ABC'S OF ME - LETTER C CHALLENGE (We are going through the whole alphabet & compiling an album week by week).

MARCH - BY THE NUMBERS CHALLENGE (With these I decide on a specific amount of each item required to be used on a page - ie: 3 brads, 6 flowers, etc...)

APRIL - ABC'S OF ME - LETTER L CHALLENGE

MAY - NATURE IN ALL HER SPLENDOUR CHALLENGE This was an earth day challenge involving recycling, etc

MAY - PRODUCT CHALLENGE - here the idea is to encourage the use of certain products, with the focus being on specific products (mine were patterned paper,shape punches & computer journaling)

We also take it in turns to spend time in the forum with the QOTD (Question of the Day) each day for a week per person & also to welcome new members, wish them happy birthday, etc.  I have had one week of QOTD/INTRODUCTIONS/BIRTHDAY duty too.

It's been a fun ride & I'll be sad to say goodbye when my time is up :(

                                                                                                                                                                   

My Earth Day challenge was really well received (which was a HUGE surprise as I really made the girls work hard for this one - but they rose to the occasion & LOVED it).  I promised them I would share their layouts here so this is going to be a LONG POST!

This was my example.




I did blog about this earlier in this post because my April RAK was up for grabs to the winner! 

I REALLY CREATED A HUGE CHALLENGE WITH 19 DIFFERENT REQUIREMENTS THAT YOU CAN READ ALL ABOUT BY CLICKING THIS LINK.

(Or just read them all here)

1)  Seeing as it's Easter & all, you need to create a layout documenting YOUR FAITH, YOUR BELIEFS or just a PHILOSOPHY THAT YOU LIVE BY...

2)  Use craft paper as your backing base

3)  Use flowers on your layout as my challenge isn't called "Nature in all her Splendour" for nothing!

4) Use eyelets on your layouts - because aren't we all trying to get rid of them LOL...

5)  Use PLAIN BRADS - not the gorgeous decorative ones available these days...('cos aren't we all trying to get rid of those plain ones too...LOL) by plain I mean metal - any shade - sliver, gold, copper, etc...

6)  Photo/s must be taken OUTDOORS and include some element of nature - sky, grass, leaves...you get the idea...

7)  Your patterened paper can only be strips - OFFCUT STRIPS and nothing new from this year please - this is to use up your OLD STASH!!

8)  Hand-journaling please - ESSENTIAL - this is a must - gotta get those thoughts down!!  (and no need to waste alpha stickers on that...or computer ink for that matter)

9)  Use a decorative border punch - or if you don't own one you can just cut your paper with decorative scissors or even just scallop it freehand or something..

10)   Use an old book page

11)  IF you want (this is the only optional part of this challenge :)) you can use THREE NEW EMBELLISHMENTS just to bring your layout up to date!  I have used 3 new Crate Paper "Emma's Shoppe" stickers - can you spot them?!

12) Use PAINT on your layout -  I used GOLD paint around the edges - I just squirted it directly onto my page - rubbed it on/in with my fingers then cleaned my hands with the baby wipes I keep on my desktop - no mess at all!

13)  STAMP on your page using something from AROUND THE HOUSE - I used the lid off one of my mists - just turn in a circular motion directly on your inkpad then STAMP!  Can you see I have 3 sets of circles creating a visual triangle on my page?

14)  Use ANY TYPE OF FABRIC, BANDAGING OR GAUZE on your layout - see mine under my tag cluster on the right hand side of my layout??

15)  Use a TAG (bought or hand-made - mine is from the stationery shop/newsagent)

15)  Use something weird you wouldn't normally put on a layout (something that's not "meant" for scrapbooking) here I have used a strip of old camera film :)

16)  Use staples or paperclips - one or more (I have used 5 staples)

17)  Use TWINE or string/embroidery floss...I have used some natural twine that I took off a swing tag from some trousers my husband bought himself recently

18)  TEAR some paper on your layout - you'll see I have 2 torn strips included

PHEW - so there you have it!!

The layout with the MOST POINTS WINS but if there is a tie I shall choose the layout on merit - so give it your best shot people!

                                                                                                                                                                   

The winning layout went to Paloma Carvalho of Brazil & hopefully she will be receiving my RAK any day now as I sent it a while back now... 

Here is her STUNNING layout & this is what she has to say about it:-

My inspiraton for this layout was the nature and all blessings I got from God. This picture was taken in a beautiful day, we were in the beach watching the sunset...and that moment makes me remember how blessed I am and how gorgeous is God´s creation...I´m so thankful that we can enjoy all His creation and I´m so thankful for the special husband He gave to me....
I choose earthtones : orange, green, that matches with the craft paper color.

My reasons for choosing Paloma's layout are:-

Great colour scheme (very soothing)
Very creative use of the eyelets/twine & cupcake liner - most unusual!
Love the paper tearing/curling down the right hand side with the music paper peeking out from beneath - lovely!!
The fantastic hand-made flowers she incorporated - these are simply fab :)
                                                                                                                                                                   

Below is a work of art courtesy of Fi - of Australia - who I met through Colour Combos Galore as we are both regular contributors there.

Take note of her embossed metal bunting - created with fizzy-drink can metal - inspirational!

                                                                                                                                                                 

Next up we have Ekawati Indriani of Indonesia - who has this to say about her wonderful work of art...
Thanks so much for your wonderful challenge, Helen. I am trying to be a zero waste girl, that's why I was super excited! I have lots of junks in a special drawer: hangtag, cookie cans, shoeboxes, wedding invitation cards, candy wrapper, etc. I learn from your challenge, that scrapbboking doesn't need to be costly. It just takes creativity, spirit and lots of junks! The most fun part is when I was trying to dry up the jasmine-tea-smell-newspaper with hairdyer, my boys came closer and started sniffing the papers. :)

                                                                                                                                                               

  Yolande Sowden of Johannesbury - South Africa (Woo to the Hoo!!!) who had this to say:-

I really had so much fun completing this challenge, Helen! Even though I use paint and non-scrapping items quite regularly on my layouts, the great mix of items that you selected gave me the opportunity to experiment and play even more, creating a layout that is a little different to my usual style, and I love that. I really enjoyed figuring out how I wanted to incorporate the various items on my layout, and the fact that I was creating a layout with such an important message for my daughter, made it even more inspiring. This challenge was exciting, enjoyable and an inspiration. Thanks so much for an absolutely fabulous challenge! :)


                                                                                                                                                                   

 Sylvia van der Steen from The Netherlands who tells us this about her lovely layout:-

I really loved this challenge, because it pushed my creativity one step further. I love to travel a lot and enjoy nature when visiting other countries. That's why I choose this picture of a beautiful sunset in South-Africa. There is so much out there to watch, enjoy, see, hear, feel and smell, if you just take time to notice it. This challenge made me realise at the same time, that people tosh away lots of stuff instead of reusing it. Take the plastic I used on this layout, normally I would trow it in the trash, now it has been recycled and got a second life. Thank you for your inspiration, Helen!!


                                                                                                                                                                    

Next up is Annette Ysseldyk of Canada, who tells us


Thanks for a great challenge Helen! It taught me that I just need to let loose and try new things when I scrap, and not be so methodical and planned all the time. The picture reflects my kids letting loose in their own ways; I need to take some pointers from them. :) I had the most fun playing with paint and figuring out how to incorporate twigs into the LO. I enjoyed it so much, I ended up doing two more challenges using twigs and two more using paint right after this one. Thanks again!


                                                                                                                                                                  

Nicolle Kramer of USA told us all about her pretty layout :-

The picture I chose for my layout is one of my daughter Jolie in 2009. She loves the outdoors and we enjoy going to the Erie Basin Marina to enjoy the beautiful breeze, see the flowers and sounds of nature by the lake.  I chose to make this as an earth friendly layout because I found it very appropriate seeing as though I believe us humans can take our earth for granted. In doing this challenge by Helen I learned  to step outside my comfort zone and use things I would not normally use on a Scrapbook layout. I had a lot of fun thinking outside the box. Thanks for this wonderful inspiration scrappy friend.;)


                                                                                                                                                                  

 And, last but not least  Julie Hearn of Australia entered this lovely layout :)


                                                                                                                                                                  

What I LOVE about the online world is that I can compete & communicate with people from ALL OVER THE WORLD - literally, here we have SIX DIFFERENT CONTINENTS REPRESENTED - quite amazing!

These girls all deserve a special shout-out for their competitive spirit - for rising to the occassion - and the wonderful creativity that resulted - WOO HOO GIRLS!  Spotlight's on you!!! :) :) :) 
                                                                                                                                                             

Here are the close-ups I took to show the painting & stamping detail.



The tearing , punching & eyelet detail




The use of brads & the old book page {thanks to Jessy for that!}



The hand-journaling, misting & spiritual connotation to the title.





The tag, twine, staples & a new "Emma's Shoppe" sticker!



The gauze I used as my fabric (remember to add that to your shopping list when you next go to the Pharmacy!) & the strip of old camera film...




Supplies:-

Craft cardstock (taken from packaging of papers in transit)
Yellow mist - Tattered Angels Lemon Zest
Green paint - Grass Stains (Making Memories)
Orange Ink - Pretty Colour
Gold paint - Pebeo
Lace Cardstock - Basic Grey
Misted with Studio Calico Mr. Huey Clover
Metal brads - stash
Flowers - Prima & others from stash
Book page - stash (RAK from Jessy in Malaysia)
Stickers - Emma's Shoppe by Crate Paper
All printed papers - offcuts from stash
Punch - EK Success
Tag - stationery shop
Twine - clothing packaging
Gauze - Pharmacy
Film strip - stash
Staples
Alphas - Delish


I HAVE A PRODUCT CHALLENGE RUNNING RIGHT NOW right HERE if you fancy playing along :)  and if you have reached here I really need to give you some type of long-service award...





19 comments:

lovesscrapbooking said...

Oh Helen my sweet scrappy friend thanks so much for putting my page on your blog...(became a stalker of your blog). Your challenge really helped me think out of the box. You always leave sweet comments on my work and I so appreciate it. You have a awesome sense of humor and reading your blog puts a smile on my face. You Rock! Big hugs!...:)

Lisa Amiet said...

hehe I made it to the end. Love your layout! That is one BIG challenge, you got some great entries! Will have to check out the product challenge and see if I can squueze it in xoxo

Jasmine S said...

Well luckily I had a cuppa in hand as I logged on today. And wow, these LOs have so much inspiration in them. Just loved looking at so many details in one hit.
Have a fab day (or night...depending on your time.)

Yolande (pronounced you-land-a) said...

Thanks so much for an AMAZING challenge Helen! It was truly inspiring and loads of fun..your challenge rocked! Thanks so much for featuring my layout on your blog...you are a sweetheart!

All the other ladies who participated - Wow, you all did such an awesome job! You are all so incredibly talented, and it was great to see all the different interpretations of the challenge.

Keep up the good work Helen! Have a super day!

P.S. Thanks for the awesome comment you left on my blog for my "Beautiful" layout. Coming from someone as talented as you, it means the world! :)

P.S.S. You mentioned something about a long service award....hehehe... :)

FiKenward said...

Hi Helen

What a fun challenge that was, the hardest part was ensuring that you got all those products on you page...lol. The great thing about these sort of challenges it gets you using you stash or in this case some trash which has got to be good for the environment but you end up with something great at the end. Thanks for the challenge.

Stefanie said...

This is going to take an espresso I'm afraid.
Welcome back. I will have to bookmark and come back to click through the links.

scrapsylz said...

Hi Helen,
Thank you for featuring my layout on your blog! It really was a fun challenge to take, the hardest part was getting all 19 requirements in one layout, LOL!
Anyway, it made me think twice about using old stash and "trash": recycle is the word as from now!
Keep up the good work!

Rachael Funnell said...

WOW!WOW!WOW! Soo many Awesome LO's here Helen....
YES! with the blogger thing i've missed alot of postings, BUT i'll will go with it & just start commenting again from now!!!
XXX

Paloma Scrapbook said...

Hello Helen..Thank you so much..I'm so proud to be here in your blog.
I didn't receive my parcel yet. But post services here are really bad, it take almost 2 month to get international orders...but I can't wait to get it. :)))) Let me know about new challenges!!!!

Mel said...

Oh wow, wow, what eye-candy for this post, I love your layout and the others are amazing, thanks so much for showing them. what important journalling on your layout, I love it, so many ideas, and how bout that soft drink can banner. Melx

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

That blogger issue was a pain, wasn't it?? I lost a lot of comments also... I loveeeeeeeeeeeeee your lo and all the others too!! ABSOLUTELY gorgeous!! Everyone's creations are just WOW WOW WOW! :):):):):):):)

Annette Ysseldyk said...

Thanks so much for sharing my work on your blog, Helen. It was such a great challenge, and I had a lot of fun! Also, thank you for your sweet comments on my latest LO, "Blessed". I look forward to tackling the next challenge! xx

Irini said...

Helen you are a star!!!!!
What a challenge!! I will try to enter...
Your layout is gorgeous and full of rich detail yet again!!.....love looking at the details!!

Bente Fagerberg said...

Great challenges here Helen. I think you are awsome for doing this. You are also a wonderful poster. Even if it was loooong it never got boring!
Loved looking at the gprgeous entries. I saw Fi's already on her blog and I got so much inspiration from the other talented ladies too.
I am also a bit upset about all the missing posts. They said they would get them back to us, but no sign so far!!

Charmane said...

What a fabulous challenge! Wish I knew about it before!! That is one crazy challenge, how gorgeous are those layouts!!!
thanks for visiting Chat with Charm, and giving me heads up on "once upon a sketch" too :)

xoxo Charmane

Jessy Christopher said...

I could recognize that vintage page, FYI it is like 40-50 years old. No kidding! Got that from a junk shop at a very cheap price. Glad that it is so useful to you. Wow, you have a bunch of awesome scrappers that played along with your 19 requirements. Lovely layouts!!

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Oh wow wow wow... just a lot of talent here!!!!

Sharm Nidyanandan said...

oh wow! gorgeous page Helen! all that 19 requirements in one page is amazing! it's awesome that you had so many scappers that played along! beautiful projects by them too! and so sweet of you to showcase their work! Thanks for sharing!! :)

Kerryn said...

Love your layout and so many fabulous entries too!