Delicate?

ETA: I'm pleased to share with you the news that this layout won the For Scrappers, From Scrappers challenge.  Maggie would be proud.  :)

On very rare occasions the scrapbooking stars align, and I am able to create one layout sparked by three challenges.  Today is one of those lucky days!  I created a layout about my cat Maggie, inspired by the following challenges: Scrap Around the World, CSI #75, and From Scrappers-For Scrappers.

Supplies: woodgrain paper by KaiserCraft; pink/green paper strip by Basic Grey; pink plaid paper & fussy-cut rose by Graphic 45; all other patterned paper by Lawn Fawn; tulle by Wyla; all ribbon by Scrapbooking Fantasies; paper flower by Petallo; title stickers by October Afternoon; canvas stickers by AMM; mini envelope by DMD; doily by Royal Consumer Products; chevron stamp by My Mind's Eye; ink by Tsukineko; paint & Distress Stain by Ranger; tape by 3M/Scotch; sequins upcycled from old jewelry.

Here is how all three sites inspired me...

Above is the mood board & sketch for SATW.  I loved the cool pastel colors on the mood board, so I decided to use them on my layout.  I also liked the one big, pink flower on the green camera, so I decided to use one big, pink flower on my layout, too.  I followed the sketch pretty literally--it's a delightful, playful sketch.

CSI # 75 has similar pastel colors, so it was easy to combine it with the SATW challenge.  Additional inspiration I drew from the CSI menus includes: chevrons, hearts (on the white ribbon), pops of gold, and the "15+1" list journaling prompt.

The challenge at From Scrappers-For Scrappers is to include a handmade fabric/ribbon flower.  I handmade my flower by folding a strip of tulle fabric in half and sewing a running stitch in the pattern shown above.  I pulled the thread tight, and the flower sprang into being--it really is that easy!  When I sewed my flower to my layout, I added a gold-edged ribbon bow.  I learned this method of flower-making from a book called Elegant Ribbonwork, though the addition of the bow was my own idea. 

And now, here is a look at a few detail shots of the layout...

I added a spiral of the same gold-edged ribbon above the title.

The journaling is on a pull-out sheet, which resides in the mini envelope to the left of my cat's photo.  I typed up (on my typewriter) a list of fifteen of Maggie's characteristics/habits, and put a star by item 15, which says the she "is definitely NOT delicate!"

Below is a closer look at the flower.  While I was adding paint to some of the page elements, I swiped a bit of white paint onto the flower as well, for that added bit of interest.

The banner is made from cut-up and painted-over bits of leftover canvas alphabet stickers.  They don't spell anything; they just look cool.  Anybody been around long enough to remember the scrapbook supply manufacturer AMM (All My Memories)?  These are some old canvas stickers, but since canvas is "cool" again, I decided to breathe some new life into them.

I also used the negative piece from the canvas alphabet stickers as border.  Waste not, want not.  :)

I hope you've enjoyed looking at my layout.  I certainly had fun creating it.  It's Friday afternoon where I am, so I want to close by wishing everyone a nice weekend!!!