Lasting Memories Challenge #242 "Strength"

Hello Sassy Sunday Scrappers!  I know...I know.  I've been a little absent from the Bloggers World.  No excuses, just pure old-fashioned laziness.  Awesome-sauce.

For the month of May, the theme over at Lasting Memories is "Life Affirmations".  This week, for the challenge,  we are focusing on "Strength".

I used MME's Now and Then "Izzy" Collection.  I really love these colors with photos of my son.  They really bring out his personality.

He has a very "strong" and unique little personality.  

He's always happy, affectionate and caring, and loves to explore new things.  He truly is the sunshine in my life.

Head on over to Lasting Memories and have fun with this challenge.  We would love to see your beautiful Creation.

My idea of mixed media layout

mixed media

pl.n. (used with a sing. verb)

1. A technique involving the use of two or more artistic media, such as ink andpastel or painting and collage, that are combined in a single composition. Found: HERE

I absolutely love mixed media scrapbook pages.  LOVE THEM!  I have so much fun playing with paints, stamps, and texture paste.  It's a whole new world to me.

I have a problem though.  Every time I use my artsy-fartsy supplies on a layout, I never like it.  Before I even start, I click through the CSI Gallery and get tons of inspiration.  For some reason, when I do it, I feel like it looks too messy.  Maybe I'm not a mixed media scrapper.  I want to be.  But maybe I'm not.  I enjoy getting in touch with my inner artist and making a mess, but I hate the outcome.  I'll keep trying.

Here is a "mixed media" layout I created for CSI Case File #CC-4:

I sorta like how this came out.  I used a stencil with texture paste that I tinted with a light blue ink pad, a stamp with black ink, and splotched of silver mist spray.  

Here is Case File CC-4:

I love everything about this layout besides the texture paste.  I think I just love a white crisp background.  I'm gonna keep trying to get this mixed media style to my taste. 

Wish me Luck.  Do you have a hard time with mixed media?  If not, any advice for me?