Christmas . . . for Challenge YOUrself and Art Journal Journey Monthly

Hi everyone! I’m thrilled to announce that Challenge YOUrself’s new March challenge is open. It’s their third challenge of the year, and I’m very excited to join in.

Challenge YOUrself #135 opened on March 7th and closes on April 4th at midnight:

This month's theme is all about BLING!  Feel free to go all out and use a much bling on your page as you like, just remember to include at least one photo with YOU in the frame.

Here is the mixed media scrapbook page that I created:

The photographs were taken in New York City during our family’s visit to the Christmas Spectacular (featuring the Rockettes) last year.  The paper that I used is from the 'Simple Stories’ Simple Vintage Holly Jolly collection. I applied bling to the 'Christmas' title, the word 'Joy,' and the holly leaves, which already had a subtle sparkle.

Attending the Christmas show in New York City was an amazing experience for my family and me. Traditionally, we had attended with my mom, making this year’s visit particularly poignant and nostalgic. It felt like we were 'home' again, surrounded by all the cozy memories of our childhood.

I hope you’ll take a moment to check out Challenge YOUrself this month!  We'd be thrilled to see YOUR projects.

I am also linking up my page to Art Journal Journey Monthly's challenge for March.

Erika from BioArtGal is hosting this month. Her theme is Home Sweet Home.  She says:  "Your project can be about your own home if you want.  Remember, there are many types of homes.  You can also think about things inside a home or even what makes a home.   . . . Just make sure your page relates to the idea of home."

I really enjoyed joining in on the fun at Art Journal Journey this month. Making my page brought back wonderful memories that felt like Home Sweet Home for me. 

I hope you get a chance to check out AJJ.  You don't want to miss all of the beautiful artwork made by talented artists from around the world!

And thank you so much for stopping by my blog today.  Happy March! 

Feeling the Love . . . for Challenge YOUrself!

 Hi everyone!  Today I am sharing a layout that I made for this month's theme at Challenge YOUrself:

The theme for November is this "Home for the Holidays mood board."  And the fun part is that you can pick the holiday!

I knew exactly which photo I wanted to use - it is one of me and my sisters taken in 1996 when we were at Cathy's home helping to decorate her Christmas tree.  

It was a moment that made us all laugh and makes me smile just to look at it.  Pictured from right to left are Patty, me, Karen, and Cathy.

I am also linking my scrapbook page up to the Art Journal Journey Monthly challenge!  This month's challenge is all about birds and is hosted by Wendy K. 

I added penguins to my Christmas-themed page as they are considered birds, not mammals.  (Yes, I looked them up!!!)  They are "aquatic flightless birds"  according to wikipedia.

And here is my finished page:

I used a mish-mash of old stuff that I had in my stash - simple stories paper, Pink Fresh Christmas Wishes pieces, and various old journaling cards.

Here are some close ups:

I really enjoyed making this page - brought back so many happy memories Christmases gone by!

I hope you get a chance to play along with Challenge YOUrself and Art Journal Journey Monthly, too.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today.  Hugs and healthy wishes to one and all!!