Saturday, January 1, 2011

The Sketchbook Challenge BEGINS!

I am privileged and challenged to be the very first theme-maker for the
The Sketchbook Challenge
which begins NOW
The theme for January is
HIGHLY PRIZED
These words are inspired by the work of Sister Corita Kent, a nun who made fabulous graphic serigraphs in the 1960s-1970s. Sister Corita was an artist, a social activist, and a grateful person who enthusiastically embraced the gift of each day. You can find out more about her here. Lucky me, my mother was an early fan of Sister Corita, and hung her artwork all over our house. This one is my favorite, it hangs in Mom's living room, where I am right now.
Anything that you consider "Highly Prized" is what you will sketch this month. It could be your dog, child, husband, favorite tea cup, your right hand, whatever you feel this way about. Sit up and take notice, and sketch sketch sketch. Here is my starter page, of my children as babies, books, berries, all "B" things that are highly prized to me.


GO FOR IT!!!!
Along the way, each of us, the artists and guides that have signed up to lead this pack for a year, will be blogging about what we are doing with the theme. I will be adding videos and tutorial on my blog as the month goes along. Now is your chance to learn, practice, appreciate and maybe start that one-day-a-week art habit you have been dreaming about.
January is a month of renewal, and fresh starts, named for Janus,
the Roman god of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings, endings and time.
(Thanks to my mom for this tidbit from her Latin class)
HIGHLY PRIZED
Create as many pages in your sketchbook related to this months theme as you like and post photos of them in the Sketchbook Challenge flickr group here or on your own blog if you have one.

How to be eligible for prize drawings:
In order to be eligible for one of this months prizes you must post at least one photo of a sketchbook page related to this months theme to the Sketchbook Challenge Flickr group and you MUST tag one of your photos with the code "jan246". IMPORTANT: PLEASE ONLY TAG ONE OF YOUR PHOTOS with this special code! It is not necessary to tag more than one and it will not increase your chances of winning prizes.

Photos of this months prizes can be found here and information on how to upload photos to flickr can be found here.

Winners will be chosen based on random draw on 1/31/11 and announced on the Sketchbook Challenge blog either on that day or on 2/1/11.

Get all the details on the sketchbook challenge here.


WELCOME TO 2011
The Year of the Sketchbook Challenge!
Posted by at 12:01 AM
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77 comments:

  1. Approachable ArtJanuary 1, 2011 at 12:11 AM

    Yay, Jill!

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  2. McMGrad89January 1, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    Here we go.

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  3. DebbiJanuary 1, 2011 at 12:21 AM

    Thanks for posting so early! Interesting topic....needs some research. But I will have to do that tomorrow- must get some sleep tonight.

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  4. Michelle LaPoint RydellJanuary 1, 2011 at 1:11 AM

    Yeayyyy!!! Sounds awesome - what a great theme! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  5. SandieJanuary 1, 2011 at 2:11 AM

    This will be the start of my sketching.... I loved the meaning of Janus & this seems a good time to start. A new door to a new venture.
    Look forward to being part of something fun, & to seeing your sketches.
    Sandie
    http://itchifingers.blogspot.com

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  6. Catherine ParkinsonJanuary 1, 2011 at 2:52 AM

    I am so excited to start. This theme sounds awesome.

    I spent yesterday making a title page for my new sketchbook. If you would like to view it go to... http://catherineparkinson.blogspot.com/2010/12/sketchbook-challenge.html

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  7. TerryJanuary 1, 2011 at 3:40 AM

    I am looking forward to the challenges! An auspicious omen--Corita Kent's marvelous work at the top of the first challenge. She is one of my heroes!

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  8. Paula - Buenos AiresJanuary 1, 2011 at 4:24 AM

    Watching the first sunrise of the year. Ready to play. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  9. GiddyStuffJanuary 1, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    About to start! This is the first challenge in my 52 challenges for 2011!

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  10. BrendaJanuary 1, 2011 at 5:13 AM

    Love the theme. I had already done my sketch for today as it is nearing the end of the day here and I wanted to be sure to create something before I head off to bed. However I did choose something that is special to me, simply because it was given to me by my daughter so I guess it still counts.

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  11. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2011 at 5:37 AM

    Wow, what an interesting theme! I'll have to put a bit of thought into this one before I make a start today. Can't wait to get going though! Good luck with it everyone, I'm looking forward to seeing where this theme takes everyone :)

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  12. Indigo BlueJanuary 1, 2011 at 7:33 AM

    I will need to have a little think about this one before I start on it. I need to choose my sketchbook first as well.
    Happy New Year Everyone as well.

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  13. Rainbow PainterJanuary 1, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    My mind is just a racing with thoughts and visions!!!

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  14. Carol SloanJanuary 1, 2011 at 8:42 AM

    cool post Jill! I love the theme - can't wait to begin.

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  15. PaperPumpkinJanuary 1, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    HIGHLY PRIZED...I am intrigued by this! Like it! Thank you!! ~Kathy

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  16. Kelly JeanetteJanuary 1, 2011 at 9:29 AM

    Interesting theme. Must think on it. Love that little tidbit about Janus.

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  17. Diana Trout {Nan.DT@verizon.net}January 1, 2011 at 9:41 AM

    What a great theme for January. Starting the year off on a positive note. There is no end to the "highly prized" in my life. Thanks Jill.

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  18. bohemiannie! artJanuary 1, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    wOO hOO!!!

    I'M TOTALLY EXCITED ABOUT BEGINNING THIS PROJECT

    HIGHLY PRIZED!

    Fits right in at this point in my life!

    annie!
    bohemiannieart.blogspot.com

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  19. Sarah AndersonJanuary 1, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    I've been so looking forward to today for the start of the sketchbook challenge - woo hoo!!! Loved reading about Sister Corita Kent, and love the graphic look of her work. Thanks for a great theme Jill! And Happy New Year!!!

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  20. LyndaJanuary 1, 2011 at 10:20 AM

    What a great theme! I'm off to start my first ever sketchbook.

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  21. LMJanuary 1, 2011 at 11:03 AM

    Hooray! Can't wait :-)

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  22. BonnieRoseJanuary 1, 2011 at 11:19 AM

    I am excited to start...

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  23. MommarockJanuary 1, 2011 at 11:31 AM

    A great topic for a New Year.. something to make you think... I love the topic, and I think that I have many things in my live that are Highly Prized, no one above all others, but many. Thank you for such a wonderful topic.

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  24. ruthanneJanuary 1, 2011 at 12:36 PM

    Great theme! I am off to my sister's annual party with camera in hand. She would not approve of pen and pad, but they they be in car!

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  25. jillJanuary 1, 2011 at 1:35 PM

    I would also love to join this challenge and like others will have to think about the first project

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  26. zquiltsJanuary 1, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Perfect theme to begin with!

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  27. Gisela TownerJanuary 1, 2011 at 2:49 PM

    What a great theme! I'm just bursting with ideas!!

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  28. gemmaJanuary 1, 2011 at 5:57 PM

    Wonderful theme....excited to get started!!!

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  29. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    I just whipped up a simple new sketchbook for 2011, here's my cover Am having too much fun with Carla's silliness :)

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  30. iHannaJanuary 1, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    I have been waiting to know the topic and I think you have picked a great one. It could be so many things, so there will be lots of practice room in this month. Thanks! Will start tomorrow.

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  31. Aurora Oberloh aka Mossgate JournalsJanuary 1, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    So.....let's get started!!!

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  32. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    All "B" thing is a bit intimidating it is so beautiful.

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  33. PennyJanuary 2, 2011 at 1:41 AM

    Wonderful theme, I have put the first of my Highly Prized on my blog
    http://penny-withmybootsandsketchbook.blogspot.com

    Flowers from my garden,very highly prized after several years of drought at last things are looking better, I hope to do more over the month.

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  34. AnonymousJanuary 2, 2011 at 4:00 PM

    Great theme, looking forward to this. Actually spent 1st Jan finishing of another (personal) challenge. Have many ideas on Highly Prized - is collage allowed - so long as it is of one's own work?

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  35. Lori WostlJanuary 2, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    I have my first sketches on my blog - please stop by! http://www.keepanartjournal.com Lori

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  36. ShelinwaJanuary 2, 2011 at 5:17 PM

    OH HOW FUN!! I started my sketh book about a month and a half ago so this is perfect.
    SIGN ME UP!!
    Here is my blog link.

    http://shelinwa.blogspot.com/

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  37. Sue BleiweissJanuary 2, 2011 at 6:50 PM

    Hi Ann, yes collage is definitely allowed, so go for it!

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  38. tortagiallaJanuary 3, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    just posted my sketch to the Flickr group... although I'm wanting to go through multiple steps for each challenge... sketch to color to final... :) http://www.flickr.com/photos/lindatieu/5320174664/

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  39. patkJanuary 3, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    Sorry I am not very computer savvy...can you explain how do I upload my sketches ?..do I register somewhere or how does this all work?
    Pat (multi media artist.)

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  40. Sue BleiweissJanuary 3, 2011 at 6:36 PM

    Hi Patk! no need to register, it's an open challenge so you can jump in anytime you like. You'll find all the details about how the challenge works here: http://sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.com/p/how-challenge-works.html

    and how to upload photos to the flickr group here:
    http://sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.com/p/using-flickr.html

    check the tabs at the top of the sketchbook challenge blog and you'll also find information on how to be eligible for prizes. If you have any questions, you can email me at sue@suebleiweiss.com and I'll be happy to help you.

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  41. MarciaJanuary 3, 2011 at 7:58 PM

    Just started a few pages... cool idea!

    http://vividlayers.blogspot.com/2011/01/sketchbook-challenge.html

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  42. patkJanuary 3, 2011 at 8:03 PM

    I am looking forward to joining with like-minds on a path of creativity, very exciting.

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  43. patkJanuary 3, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    love it...I look forward to seeing all the creaativity.

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  44. VictoriaJanuary 3, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    So excited about this ^.^ I'm really hoping to learn and get encouraged through this challenge. My goal is to post something by the end of this week and once a week throughout January related to the theme.

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  45. ElinJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    I have joined the challenge and started with my first page. Many more to come I hope!

    http://huldasbyralada.blogspot.com/2011/01/sketchbook-challenge.html

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  46. MargaretRJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    This is a great topic and I can't wait to start.

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  47. nadiaJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Joined the challenge and bought my sketchbook. My head is filled with ideas, now I have to find the right time to put them all into the book...

    http://patchandstitch.blogspot.com

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  48. VickiJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:31 PM

    Great theme, I can think of lots of subjects for this one. My first effort is posted on my blog.

    http://vickisvintagestitches.blogspot.com/2011/01/themes-words-and-challenges.html

    My antique Singer treadle led to my involvement in a wonderful group, many of whom are now dear friends, and got me started on my quilting adventure. I use it almost every day.

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  49. Star Seed - AnaJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:12 PM

    Hi everyone! I am so happy to be here!
    This is my first little post on this months theme!

    http://faeryrealmcreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-year-new-challenges.html

    You are welcome to visit and leave your comments!!!
    Blessings,
    Ana

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  50. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:21 PM

    Hello everyone, I'm so happy to have the opportunity to participate in this project!

    My first foray is discussed briefly in my blog entry for today, so please visit and leave comments if you like.

    http://suzesque.wordpress.com/

    This should be fun!!!
    ~suze.

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  51. Fine LinesJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    THIS IS SOOOO MUCH FUN!! I finally got organized, posted to Flickr (a new experience for me), posted on my blog and spent today at Dick Blick's Art Supply carefully examining a variety of sketchbooks!! My first post is on my blog:
    http://kids-finelines.blogspot.com/
    I look forward to following everyone else's posts -- that is what I am really enjoying each day!!
    Thank you all for organizing this!!

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  52. jackieJanuary 7, 2011 at 10:42 AM

    Here is a link to my blog post about the challenge:

    http://stitchworks-jackie.blogspot.com/

    On my way to look at some other posts.

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  53. Sinderella Studio DesignsJanuary 8, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    Sue, this is super exciting. I recently started to participate in Sunday Sketches -to commit myself to working on my skills. I posted for the new year my new sketch journal entitled:
    2011 The Me I Want to BE...the me I am only better. My commitment is to USE the book weekly! My first project is one of my most prized pictures of one of my granddaughters several years ago - SO, when I read your challenge and for January - Highly Prized - then your sketches of your "B"s... I am IN!!!
    cheers, dana

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  54. SarahJanuary 8, 2011 at 5:43 PM

    I love this!
    I have already sketched 3, highly prized things!
    This is my favorite!
    Can't wait to "dig" around this site at everyone else's highly prized post!

    love this!

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  55. SarahJanuary 8, 2011 at 5:56 PM

    #2.

    http://sarahmarie345.blogspot.com/2011/01/highly-prized-2.html

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  56. LaurieJanuary 11, 2011 at 10:54 AM

    The beginning of my first spread is in this blog post. I have tendinitis so I am limiting myself to five minutes a day. http://slowlysheturned.net/?p=1940

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  57. AmyJanuary 11, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    I have posted to my blog with my first sketches. Have a look! http://amymasart.blogspot.com/2011/01/sketchbook-challenge-for-january-highly.html

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  58. Dahara DreamingJanuary 13, 2011 at 1:10 PM

    Just started posting over at my blog too :)

    http://daharadreaming.com/me-blog

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  59. TJM wanna be quilt artistJanuary 13, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    finally....
    http://wannabequiltartisttjm.blogspot.com/2011/01/finally.html

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  60. Lins ArtyblobsJanuary 14, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    I had withdrawal symptoms from finishing my book for 'the sketchbook project', so I thought I had better join this challenge.
    I've just posted my picture for highly prized here

    http://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com/2011/01/sketchbook-challenge.html

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  61. Star Seed - AnaJanuary 15, 2011 at 5:14 AM

    Here is another sketch! Please take a look, you´re welcome!

    Ana

    http://faeryrealmcreations.blogspot.com/2011/01/first-smell-of-spring.html

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  62. sukipoetJanuary 15, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    I remember always loving the drive into Boston from Cape Cod. Corita Kent painting a swirl of colors on a large tank thing of some sort. I wonder if it is still there?

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  63. ThelmaJanuary 15, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    I finished my drawing of what I highly prize. You can see it here
    http://thelmassewnthings.blogspot.com

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  64. QuilterinJanuary 15, 2011 at 3:48 PM

    I finally took the plunge and spent tonight working on my sketchbook page. You can find it here: http://paint-cook-quilt.blogspot.com/2011/01/sketchbook-challenge.html

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  65. DonnaJanuary 17, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    I posted a sketch on my blog. I don't have sketching experience but hope to gain some with this Challenge.

    http://www.nicnacquiltiac.blogspot.com/

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  66. Sam BonneyJanuary 19, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  67. Sam BonneyJanuary 19, 2011 at 9:32 AM

    Have just started the Sketchbook challenge and have posted two pages on my blog for
    HIGHLY PRIZED. Great Challenge !

    http://sambonbon.blogspot.com

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  68. Kathy, die StichmückeJanuary 19, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    I would like to participate here, because I get so motivated to paint and draw more often! That will be great fun!

    http://stichmuecke.blogspot.com

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  69. friedaquilterJanuary 19, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    Finally got around to making a page about my Highly Prized possesion which in my case is my new camera.
    Here is the link:

    http://friedaquilter.blogspot.com/2011/01/highly-prized.html

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  70. DonnaJanuary 25, 2011 at 4:57 PM

    I posted two more pages on my blog.

    http://nicnacquiltiac.blogspot.com/

    Have a great day all!
    D~~~~

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  71. Cindy Lew's StudioJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    Hello, I am new to all of this so I trust I am doing this right. If not, sorry. Here is the link to the pictures I just added: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cindylewsstudio/show/ and here is a link to my Blog; which is not completed yet, but I am getting there. http://cindylewsstudio.blogspot.com/
    Warm Regards, Cindy Lew

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  72. Brown Paper BunnyJanuary 26, 2011 at 5:28 PM

    Hi guys,

    Here is my little entry for this month: Highly Prized

    Happy sketching!
    Jess

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  73. CheriJanuary 29, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Here's the link to my entry. http://cheriputz.blogspot.com/2011/01/highly-prized.html

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  74. Gina Lee KimJanuary 30, 2011 at 1:42 PM

    Hope it's not too late to enter; here is the link to my journal page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/27267039@N04/5401311163/in/pool-1557740@N20/

    Highly prized because the inspiration came from the inside of a beautiful envelope (rich navy paper with gold swirls). I collaged it on my journal page then painted a watercolor of a bright vase with a colorful bouquet!

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  75. KarenJanuary 30, 2011 at 5:53 PM

    So much creativity here and fun! :> Just posted my Highly Prized page on my blog (pics on Flickr), Time Crafted: http://timecrafted.blogspot.com/2011/01/highly-prized-sketchbook-challenge.html

    I'm enjoying looking through the Flickr group with everyone's creative offerings! :>

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  76. ChrisJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    Thanks for this awesome challenge... I'm a bit late posting my pages but better late than never :)
    My pages are here :-
    http://bling-kin-eck.blogspot.com/2011/01/sketchbook-challenge.html
    Off to upload them to flickr now

    hugs
    Chris xx

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  77. CherylFebruary 4, 2011 at 2:42 PM

    Well...a few days late, but still wanted to share. I kind of went WAY out of the box on this one. Well, actually what I did IS a box....to hold "highly prized" sketchbook treasures. And, I made a tutorial of my process in case others might be interested. I am offering it as a give away as well. All info is on my blog here:
    http://inspirations-studio.com/sketchbook/highly-prized

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