Cybercropping, Part 1

I might be a bit optimistic making this post a "Part 1" - but I'm really hoping to finish off at least one more layout this weekend and make a "Part 2" post too!   This weekend I played along at Scrap Boutique - one of my favourite Aussie forums.  It's the first cybercrop I've managed to participate in for ages.  The last few times, something has popped up at home or work, and I haven't finished the challenges.  The theme is "Out of the Comfort Zone" and it really has been!  Soooo, here's what I've done so far.  All can be clicked to enlarge:

Sonia set a sketch challenge, with a twist that at least one major element had to be out of my comfort zone.  For me, that's the purple.  I also resisted the urge to add machine stitching, so that was a challenge too:



I used:  Bazzill cardstock (from my daughter's stash... makes a nice turnaround!), Glitz Designs 'Distressed Couture Floral' patterned paper, Blueyedezines flowers, Bella chip alphas, May Arts ribbon, unk brads), Green Tara lace.

I added the lace for:
# Lollipop Crafts ~ Challenge #30 ~ Make it with lace


Amanda set a style challenge, which was basically to scrap a layout in something other that my usual style.  For me, that was paint.  I used lots and lots of paint (Kaisercraft 'Mango' and 'Dusty Pink' on a gesso base, with 'Sunkissed' Smooch Spritz over the top).  It took ages to dry!  Then, I raised the bar a bit and used NO patterned paper, NO storebought flowers, and NO storebought alphas.  I did manage to stash-stomp just a little by using the last of a scrap of ribbon and a handful of FTI brads:



And a little closeup of my painted background and handmade flowers:



And because everything about this layout was my choice, I'm also submitting it at:
# Paper Cutz ~ Challenge #83 ~ Your choice