Monochromatic Christmas for the Outlawz

The challenge posted on Monday for Outlawz is a really fun one...monochromatic.  I think monochrome cards, rooms, outfits, etc are so classic and elegant looking.  I was really excited when I saw the Design Team had chosen that.  Never ones to disappoint, they offered up some great inspiration pieces.  You can go check the Design Team's work out here.

Here is my entry for the

Monday Monochrome Challenge at Outlawz.

Obviously, I went with tones of brown and for some reason felt like a Christmas card was the way to go.....not sure why.  But I'm glad I followed my instinct because I personally love this card.  If you've followed my blog at all, you know that I don't normally use a lot of bling.  It kind of scares me.  Or at least it used to scare me.  I'm feeling more confident.

This new found confidence does present a problem: I want to use more embellishments but I don't have a huge amount.  I'm really trying to resist the urge to head to Michaels, JoAnn, or Hobby Lobby.....or all 3.

(In my area they're nearly a stone's throw from one another.  It feels like the Bermuda Triangle of crafting.  I could go in one day and never come back out.  Scary and intriguing at the same time!)

In order to prevent any need for rescue, I decided to turn to my inner "scrounger" and started digging through boxes.  Here's a break down of what I found:

• Button had been the extra from some long forgotten shirt.  
• An old floral spray that had been on top of a gift box from my Mom years ago.  I pulled it apart and used the glittery balls in the bottom left corner and the beads that are on the stick pins.  The pins were from my days as a florist.  (Loved being a florist but do not miss making corsages.)
• The cluster of "pearls" were from an old pair of earrings.  I have no idea where they came from but they were still on the original hang tag.  This is just one earring so there will be another card eventually with the mate.
• Crown charm, pearls, paper poinsettia, and rhinestones all came from the Michaels Dollar bin.  (If they would let me, I would go swimming in there to find the yummies I'm just sure are buried and forgotten.)
• Glittery leaves around the fussy cut poinsettia are from a package of Making Memories goodies I got from Peachy Cheap.

I did that break down to demonstrate that not all crafting needs have to be found at the predictable places.  Thinking outside of the box is challenging and the feeling of getting something for nothing is a rush for me.  Do you have suggestions on where to find the best bargains on embellishments or any other supplies?  Share your hints in the comments....I'd sure love ya' for it!

And now, after yet another mile long post, here is my card.

In addition to the Outlawz challenge, you can find this card at the following challenges:

Crafting by Designs -- Mixed media
Loves Rubberstamps -- Round or square cards
Papertake Weekly Challenge -- Flower power
Love to Scrap -- Bingo: flowers, sentiment and ribbon
The Stamping Chef -- Christmas in August
Creative Belli Blog -- Glitter
Hobby Cutz Challenges -- Create your own background
 Challenges 4 Everybody -- Anything goes
Christmas Cards all Year 'Round -- August challenge
Little Blue Button Stamps -- Bling

If you have any questions about any of the other products used in this card, please feel free to email me.  I always appreciate the time you spend looking through my rambling and would love to see your comments!