Finishing the Challenges

This is the first time I have ever completed all of the challenges from a Cocoa Daisy crop! Yay, me! It did help that they reduced the number of challenges, but I'm still proud of my accomplishment. The first one is a scraplift challenge - I scraplifted a gorgeous layout by Martha and here is my take. Nothing like a little Christmas in July project.

The next was a challenge by Anna to create a project about home, without making a photo of your house the focal point. I decided to take a different approach and show our humble abode throughout the seasons. It represents not only the actual seasons, but also seasons of life. It's a reminder to myself that although things change, it's important to embrace the change and enjoy the moment. After all, there is beauty in every season.

I started with a 12x12 mixed media paper and taped off the 4 squares with washi tape. I used PanPastel to create the background. To create the tree, I stamped directly on the backside of my template and used a brayer to make sure the image came through. The leaves were created with a fun, little stamp from CD.

I truly love challenges, they help me think outside my comfort zone and push me to be more creative. Thanks, Cocoa Daisy for another fabulous and fun crop! ♥

PanPastel Love!

Although scrapbooking is my passion, I love to try new things and push myself creatively. On occasion, I attempt to do a little mixed media or art. The first time I was introduced to PanPastel artists' pastels, I was not overly impressed to say the least. In fact, it was my least favorite medium. When Donna Downey announced her PanPastel workshop, I said, "No, thank you, it's not for me." That was before my dear Canadian friends, Charlotte and Christine, gently urged me to join them. They were convinced I would change my opinion about this dreaded medium. I signed up for the workshop, but still had major doubts in my mind about the product.

If you've ever been to an event at Donna's studio, you know that half of the fun is seeing the goodies waiting for your arrival. Check these beauties out - talk about being inspired to create! Our first project was a bird. We were not allowed to draw the bird, we just had to start painting! For a split second, pure panic set in, but then I sucked it up and started painting. Would you believe within a matter of minutes, I had a complete change of heart towards PanPastel? I am not kidding, I fell in love with this product! Here is my first completed PanPastel project. .

Our final project was to choose a photo or piece of art that we would like to replicate. I chose a photo of our daughter walking up the driveway because I love the backdrop of the red barn.

This is my finished piece..

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I am still blown away by how much I learned in such a short time. This amazing weekend has opened up a whole new world of creativity to me. I'm so grateful to the Downeys and all the beautiful ladies that participated in the workshop. It was such a diverse group of wildly talented women, so willing to share and encourage one another.

Here are a few more photos from my amazing time in North Carolina. It's always a little sad when an event like this is over - I love hanging out with creative people and playing in Donna's fabulous studio. I'm so happy my friends forced me to attend the workshop. I not only had a fun time with friends, I now have a new hobby! ♥