challenges.

i recently set a goal to make 24 layouts this year. i guess that might seem low. it definitely is low compared to how much some people scrapbook, but i think it's realistic for me considering there might be a month or two where i don't make a thing. i'd love to make way more, but i'll be happy with 24. i've already made my first two. studio calico is hosting various weekly challenges, so i decided to participate this week. i spent thursday shadowing in the pharmacy. when i got home that night i was ready for some "me" time. these challenges were the perfect way to spend the rest of the evening. :]

this first layout is for a challenge to make a tiny banner. these cute little banners have definitely been rising in popularity it seems, and after making one myself i can see why. i loved stitching it together, then admiring it when i was finished. i almost didn't want to put it on the page because i was having so much fun with it. so don't be surprised if you a few more of these from me. [i've also seen some cute sneaks from jenni bowlin and maya road for mini banner products that will be released soon. can't wait.]this layout is definitely on the simple side for me, but i wanted the focus to be on the photos. once i added the banner, i just didn't feel like it needed much else. i've had that piece of white cardstock that i used to test the lemon maya mist sitting on my desk for a while now, and i'm happy that it was pretty much perfect for this page. i need to mist more, it can add a subtle touch that i like.
everything is from the studio calico december kit called whodunit, except for those making memories bamboo alphas. i have four packages of those, which you'd think would allow me not to hoard them, but that's exactly what's been happening. i'm glad i finally used a few of them. :]

the next layout is for the sunday sketch challenge. every time i use a sketch it makes me wonder why i'm not more into using them. they can be a great starting point. i didn't follow the sketch exactly, but i think that's just fine. this layout came together pretty fast, and i'm sure i have the sketch to thank for that... it eliminated my usual paper pushing habit for the most part.
this one was also made with the whodunit kit, but i added that brown velvet scalloped trim from my stash. and the yellow twine is from the studio calico shop, not from the kit. i'm sure it becomes more and more obvious that i hate making new bobbins for my sewing machine since i use yellow thread exclusively. it seems to work on basically any layout i make though. i used it one both of these. :]
the scalloped chipboard is part of a mini album that came in the kit. i'm still planning to use it to make a mini, but i thought the shape was perfect for a journaling spot, so i used one of the pages. i added the lemon mist over the chipboard a little too excessively. it ended up looking gold. not the look i was intending, but it works. and i think those sassafras button flowers are some of my favorite embellishments ever.

i'll be back soon to post about our disneyland trip. i enjoyed getting away, but i was ready to come home once it was time.

for now i'm off to find some tights. carol's bachelorette party is tonight. i "accidentally" found two cute dresses yesterday, but i want some fun tights to wear also. they seem to be sold out all over town. one sales girl said that new year's eve wiped them out, and they haven't been able to get a shipment yet. so hopefully i'll manage to find some today!

hope you are all enjoying the weekend. :]