And then it was May ...

This month we celebrate Mother's Day here in Australia (and in many other parts of the world) so I thought we might find some inspiration in this lovely vintage image of bits and pieces we might recall from our childhood and which may well have been relevant to our mothers.

Cast your mind back - do you remember hand-made clothing using tissue patterns?  Was your Mum an embroiderer or knitter or did she enjoy another type of craft?  Have you followed in her footsteps and enjoy doing similar things?  Do you like having tea in dainty little cups?  Does a cup and saucer filled with hot fragrant tea remind you of someone from your past?  Or are you inspired by the bright, cheerful colours in this image or are drawn to the blue birds and flowers?  Whatever it is we would love to find out what inspires you.

Our team have some amazing layouts to show you ...

REGINA

with a gorgeous vintage feel page.

DI

This month I have taken the blue colours inspired by the 'Bluebird of Happiness', the lacy edge on the embroidery and the floral elements and have incorporated these to produce a layout predominantly in shades of blue, white and cream. The photo is of myself as a junior bridesmaid at my sister's wedding. The gift my sister gave me was a double bluebird of happiness brooch, which can just  be seen on my dress. I still have this piece along with a bracelet, signet ring and locket, which were subsequent gifts from the family for birthdays and Christmas. I gave the page a shabby, distressed look and also used dry embossing techniques on vellum.

KAREN

I wavered a LOT when thinking about what I'd create this month. My initial thought was to use bluebirds. {My mother each had one of those little bluebird brooches and gave it to me when I was a child. I still have it kept in a safe place.} I didn't the have right photograph to make the layout I envisaged, so I decided to go with the dress patterns. I used some vintage dress pattern tissue paper, lace, and stitching (and I did use some chipboard birdies too!) I'd love to see how everyone else is inspired!

PHILLIS

I was immediately drawn tot he blue of the birds and the patterns. I had just opened a paper pack that had this blue pattern on it. I was also wanted to do something of women with the girl on the pattern. So chose these photos of me, my sister and mom, and my mom alone. I used the red and yellow as accent colors to go along with these colors on the pattern.

LYNNE

I was inspired by the embroidered flowers, the round hoop and the birds in the photo.Also, since May is Mother's Day month, I thought a photo of my mother and grandmother would be perfect to scrap!

HEIDI

This month I had a great time using sewing theme with some paper from my stash. This is a special photo of my mum as a flower girl. I did a vintage feel  to my page and made a hoop out of paper and my "sewing" was done with pen ....

TONE-LILL

 

As it is Mothers Day in Australia in May, I was inspired to make a "Mother " LO using a photo of my daughter and I taken only a few weeks ago when we suddenly had snow again on top of flowering spring flowers. I also used the stitching and birds from the inspiration picture and did some machine stitching a few places on the page.

I hope you find some inspiration too and want to join in our  challenge  :)

JANE

I was inspired by teacups and flowers and loving memories of my Grandmother from days gone by.

NOW IT IS YOUR TURN ...

Please upload the DIRECT link to your actual entry to the link tool on the LEFT by 11.55pm on May 31st.

You are welcome to submit traditional paper layouts, art journals, divided page protectors, smash books (etc). Digital entries are welcomed and encouraged.  All entries must be new for this challenge and no back-linking please.

  I am happy for you to combine with two other challenges but the essence of the Pixels and Paper inspiration must be clear in your work. Combining with a sketch and technique/product challenge would be preferred. Please include our inspirational picture as well as provide a link back to Pixels and Paper on your blog post and don't forget to tell us how you were inspired. International submissions are welcome.

This year we will have two main prize packs - one will be selected by Creative Team vote and the other purely by random draw - so anyone could be a winner, no matter your style or your level of experience.  All these prizes will be available to anyone, no matter your country of residence.  We will also offer one entrant a chance to guest with us for the following month and they will also receive a small prize.

Please come back on the 8th when we will announce the winners for April.