Hi everyone!  I'm back today to share the 10th sketch in Ella's
 

This is the second sketch for the month of August; you can see the first sketch for this month here.

Before we get to the sketch, I want to remind you of this month’s prize.  You might remember that Ella Friend Monika Wright is sponsoring this month's Stretch Your Sketches Challenge Series!
 

Monika has an etsy shop where you'll find a wide selection of modern and traditional art prints as well as mini-albums and journals.

So in addition to winning a free copy of my eBook, Stretch Your Sketches
 

the winner will also receive a $20 gift certificate to i love it all.  Here is an example of a print from her shop, the House and Family Rules Subway Art Print:
 

Monika has also generously agreed to ship any items internationally - thank you Monika!

Now on to this month’s sketch!  Here it is:
 

Usually when I use a sketch I follow it fairly closely.  In this case, I really only used the sketch as a starting point for my layout.  As I went to edit the photos I planned on using and as I put together the layout I ended up moving things around quite a bit:
 

These photos are from Mother's Day and the journaling reads:  These are my Mother’s Day photos. You can’t really tell, but I’m holding onto Nathan mostly because he was trying to run away. And Gabe basically refused to look into the camera.
Oh well, we tried. May 2011


Joining me this week in our sketch challenge is Ella Friend, Mary Jo Johnston.  Mary Jo is an incredible card maker and so I asked her to use this week's sketch to make a card.  And instead of creating one card, she made two!
 

I love how they are both of these cards are different and yet you can see how they where inspired by the sketch.  Here is what Mary Jo had to say about the sketch, "A great sketch can be exactly what you need to jump start your creativity for a new layout.  But, have you ever thought about stretching your sketch to create a card or even altered project?  I chose to use today's sketch and incorporate it into my love of cardmaking - and I love the result! The blocks in the center of the design provide the perfect focal point for the center of my cards.  The three elements are represented by journaling blocks, stickers and patterned paper.  The journaling location, provided for a traditional layout, can also be used to incorporate a sentiment for your card.  Thanks to Donna for a fabulous sketch!  Break out your scrapbooking supplies and be creative!"

Want to join in the fun?  Here's how to play:  First, create your layout based on the sketch.  Next, post it to your blog or any online album.  Be sure to mention where you got the sketch in your post or caption!  Third, come back to this post and share the link to your layout.  All entries must be posted by August 31, 2011, 11:59 pm PST.  The winner of each month will be chosen at random and will be announced here on The Daily Trumpet. 

Remember, there will be two sketches posted each month.  If you create two layouts, one from each sketch, you will have two entries which will double your chances of winning!
 
I hope you all will participate with me and make a layout based on this sketch.  If you are playing along here is a button for you to post on your blog.