Locales Tropicales

Hello, dear friends! How is your day going? We're steadily plowing our way through winter. It's nice to think that the worst is over for those of you who live in colder climates. We've been granted a reprieve from cooler weather this year. Charleston temperatures have been mainly in the 70's with plentiful sunshine. In the next week or two we should be seeing tulips and all of those long awaited tell-tale signs of spring. 

It's time for a bright new challenge at The Frilly and Funkie Blog! Cec is our hostess for the next two weeks with the following guidelines: It is winter and that means snow and cold in so many places so let's head to the tropics. Create any vintage or shabby chic project that will make us feel warm - think lots of sunshine, bright colours, flora and fauna and even animals hiding in the rain forest.

At the end of the challenge the team will choose their top four picks. Our first place winner will be invited to join us in a Guest DT spot at The Frilly and Funkie Blog . Three additional talented participants will receive badges to display on their blogs. Everyone who enters and adheres to the challenge guidelines will be entered into a drawing to win a $25 spending spree at The Funkie Junkie Boutique! For entry specifics and inspiration from my fabulous teammates just click on the blog link above. 

Because I live in a well preserved colonial city with a mild, subtropical climate, my take on this week's palette may be a bit different from others. Our state tree is the Palmetto and our streets are lined with Palms, just as you would expect. However, Charleston's immense mansions boast pastels and subdued colors. Think whites, creams, pinks, and pale blues. When I think of the tropics my mind goes to dimity, detailed iron work, lush gardens, Charleston single houses with their long side porches, and the ladies who to this very day weave sweet grass baskets along the streets of Charleston. 

I decided the best way to stick with the challenge would be to create a project that brings to mind the citrus fruits grown here and in other tropical regions. 'Back in the day,' fruit vendors meandered through Charleston neighborhoods calling out their wares for all to hear. In my mind's eye (or ear) I can almost hear them calling out their carts filled with lemons and limes.  

   

You'll find distressed layers, stitching, and handmade tropical styled flowers in greens and yellows. The die cut Tim Holtz embellishments reflect the iron work patterns that are prevalent here.  

Of course, I included a twine bow as well as a bit of burlap which was a close as I could get to rattan. 

A splattering of Tim Holtz Peeled Paint Distress Stain is added for additional intensity of color.   

Thank you for being with me on this beautiful day. It's time to turn the challenge over to your capable hands. The best part of the challenge is seeing the marvels you create in your craft rooms. May your week be filled with the presence of those you love and many, many blessings!  

Hugs, 

Ranger Inkssentials Non-Stick Craft Sheet	Prima Soft Matte Gel	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios 9.5" Titanium Scissors	Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents	Tim Holtz Tonic Studios Kushgrip Snip w/Non-Stick Blade & Cap
Ranger Inkssentials Wonder Tape - 1/2"	CutterPiller Pro Precision Paper Trimmer- 12"	Sizzix® Accessory - Cutting Pads, Standard, 1 Pair	Sizzix® Accessory - Precision Base Plate for Wafer-Thin Dies	Natural Jute Twine
Sizzix Alterations Tim Holtz Tattered Florals Die	Ranger Inkssentials Mini Mister	Heartfelt Creations - Deluxe Flower Shaping Set	Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Rubber Stamps - Simple Sayings	Ranger Wendy Vecchi Archival Ink - Potting Soil
Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous Grid Blocks XL	Ranger ADHESIVE - WHITE FOAM ROLL 1/2" X 1/16"x 2.1 YDS.	Maja Design Scrapbook Paper - Coffee in the Arbour 12x12	Maja Design 6x6" Scrapbook Paper Stack - Coffee in the Arbour	Jute Mesh (Burlap) Ribbon
Sizzix Thinlits Die Set - Crocheted Lace by Tim Holtz 661499 (February Pre-Order)	Tim Holtz Ranger Distress Stain Spray - Mowed Lawn