Wednesday, June 11, 2014

So Proud of You - OUAS June challenge



I always love the challenges at 'Once Upon a Sketch'. This month the theme is 'The best things in life aren't things'. Above is the sketch and my page for the challenge.

This photo was taken at the finish line of Benji's 5-year old boys cross country race. He has spent years watching his sister get top placings in running (she is one of those annoying 'natural' distance runners who trains little and always does well - the longer the race the better she does!). He expected to win his race but on the day his little legs (and they really are little - he is the smallest in his class) just weren't up to it. He came in somewhere near the end of the crowd of little boys and his disappointment was written all over his face.
Quick as a flash Sophie ran over to him. She put her arm around his shoulders and told him that she was really proud that he had run all the way around the field and that he was a star! Her sweet words did the trick and he cheered up almost instantly. I wanted to record the moment before it got forgotten as I was so touched by Sophie's kindness. This challenge was the perfect opportunity - sibling love is certainly one of the best 'things' in life - as any parent will agree


I took my colours from the kids school uniform. I have been using a lot of greens recently - ever since I bought some of the Kaisercraft 'Limelight' collection and I developed a passion for green, black and white. I used spray inks and gelatos to make a watercolour effect for my backgroundthen I used strips of patterned paper, washi tape and stamps to build up my photo mat - a technique that I really like right now. The chipboard circles are from 2Crafty and the beautiful (and appropriate) script title phrase is from 'Creative Embellishments chipboard'.  I embossed it using white embossing powder. Note the little brush script word 'adore'. My daughter Natalie painted it for me using indian ink and a round paint brush. I simply cut it out and adhered it for a cool, very 'on trend' look.


Oh yes, and look how many flowers I used! I took them straight from the sketch and even added some bling swirls. I handwrote the story directly onto my page to complete the look.
Thanks for looking at my work today. I hope that you have time to check out the challenge at OUAS - they have an awesome design team with heaps of inspiration to be had!

11 comments:

Lizzy Hill said...

Flowers.....oh, boy...you really HAVE gone to town, heehee!!! Nah, in truth they look perfect & the colours are yum & that is one fabulous story! I LOOOVE how you've used the chicken wire idea from the sketch...looks brill...I'm glad you enjoy the challenges cos I LOVE seeing what you've done - as always, thanks for playing along & I see you're up on FB already;)

Lizzyc said...

I loved this layout as soon as I saw it, but after reading about the photo I love it more. I love those papers so this looks so special to me. Brilliant background color too. Lovely layout for this challenge!

marijke said...

wow this is really stunning, I love what you did with the colors
greetings Marijke
www.marijkes-layouts.blogspot.com

Randi Elisabeth said...

Love the bacground, the chipboard, the washitape, the stamping and the colours With a hint of blue in the bottom :)

Стокли said...

Black and white with single color always looks good. I love the look of paint on white background.
And it's great to have big sister to cheer you up)

Heather McMahon said...

Ooh, this is very yummy Sarah. A fave! Do I spy a bit of competitive spirit in that child if yours????

Val-Belle said...

Oh Sarah I remember the days of sibling competitiveness... so glad they are over and what a kind daughter you have raised. His little face tells a thousand thoughts. I love the background work and that Adore is just stunning. I love this layout. Thanks for playing along with us at OUAS this month. :)

langeatheart said...

This is stunning! I love the greens and the background work you did. I also love how you used the chicken wire element in your layout! Thanks for sharing! A new fan! http://mybeaner.blogspot.ca/

Ulrika aka LillBlomman said...

Really cool work on background and love the colors! Thanks for playing along with us at OUAS this month.

Wilma Voermans said...

A beautiful page Sarah! Love your background!

Patricia said...

I wish I had a sister like Sophie when I was like Benji, always the last over the finish line!!! What a beautiful gesture from her...hoping Benji will soon find what his big achievements will be.. And that you will be able to share those happy moments with us here at OUAS...This is an all out gorgeous page!!!

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