Challenge #57--Optional Theme: SHADES OF YELLOW...March 5th - April 1st

Hello everyone and welcome to the Path of Positivity Challenge Blog! It is the first Monday of the month and time for our new challenge to begin.

It is the third month into our year long study of colour. Every challenge we have in 2018 will be dedicated to the theme of colour. Each month we will focus on a particular individual colour grouping (blue, red, yellow, etc.) or on a specific colour collection (pastels, metallics, etc.). Since colour is so important to our everyday lives, we thought this would be an interesting Path to explore.

In January, I presented a brief essay on how we are affected by colour, its impact on us, the symbolism of it, and the psychological effect it has on our everyday lives. If you are new to this series and would like to review this essay, or you would simply just like to refresh yourself on its details, you can find it by clicking HERE and scrolling down to the Title, "Theme Ideas for 2018".

Right now, it is time to get on with the details of our newest challenge. This time around, for Challenge #57, the optional theme* is "SHADES OF YELLOW". Here is what you need to know...

The Basics

While you can find out ALL the information you need to know in order to participate in the challenge by checking out the 'Challenge Details' tab at the top of the page (or by clicking HERE), here is a refresher of the basics.

• ALL entries must be positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. 
• *Each month there will also be an OPTIONAL theme to follow. Participants must follow the optional  theme in order to win the prize for Most Inspirational. If you choose to follow the theme, please follow the instructions below to ensure that you are considered for this prize. 
• ALL entries that abide by the general rules of the challenge, will be eligible to receive the Random Prize.
• For both prizes, you can make any sort of project you'd like (i.e., scrapbooking page, card, tag, mixed media, digital, etc.). In fact, you don't have to create a project at all. You may just have something to say that is motivational or encouraging in some way, or a written passage that expounds on the nature of the theme. Project, written passage or both! It is completely up to you.

Now that the basics are out of the way, how about we get on with the details for Challenge #57. This month Pat and I collaborated on the theme description. Any personal examples are from Pat.

Challenge #57

Optional Theme: SHADES OF YELLOW

What kinds of thoughts and feelings do you think of when you think about the colour yellow? For some, the different colours of yellow bring thoughts of warmth, light, happiness, and hope. Did you know that the sunflower is the official symbol of ALS? After my husband passed away, my daughter got a sunflower tattoo on her ankle in her dad's memory.

In studies, the colour yellow has been shown to resonate with the left or logic side of the brain challenging our mental capabilities and creating mental alertness and awareness. It is also associated with learning which is most likely why it is often used in children's toys since it inspires thought and curiosity.

It is also know to create a jubilance for life and can help to awaken greater confidence and optimism. That is probably why yellow gemstones are believed to boost confidence and clarity in making decisions. I'll have to remember that the next time someone want to buy me a diamond ring (make it a yellow one, honey).

As yellow is the most visible of all the colours, it is great for attracting attention. Most taxi cabs, school buses are yellow for this very reason. It is also why it is used in pedestrian crossings and in other areas of warning such as traffic signs. Due to its eye drawing nature, the colour is also effective for highlighting certain passages in text and in design. See how easily the eye is drawn when highlighted with a bright yellow?! It is definitely a compelling colour for focusing the eye.

On the other side of things, the colour yellow can evoke thoughts of sickness, weakness or jealousy in some people. Too much yellow disturbs calmness in others, especially babies. Infants cry more in rooms painted yellow (weird but true). If you are going through a lot of change in your life, you may find it difficult to tolerate the colour yellow very well. As it is a fast moving colour, it can cause certain levels of anxiety which can result in feelings of agitation. Yellow is also sometimes associated with being scared, with being a coward, or with the feeling of envy. You’ve probably heard of the expressions, 'yellow bellied coward' , 'yellow with envy', 'mellow yellow' and 'feeling yellow'; all deriving from these negative connotations.

In terms of design, one has to be careful with yellows. They are difficult to see against white. Additionally, certain shades of yellow can become visually unappealing because they loose their feeling of cheerfulness and become dingy. As it approaches even darker shades it can become dirty and unpleasant. As with everything in life, it is all about balance.

This challenge, our focus is on different SHADES OF YELLOW. We want to see a project that is at least 51% of the overall colour scheme. Your project doesn't need to be completely monochromatic so a spattering of other colours is fine. Just be sure that if you would like a chance to win the prize for the Most Inspirational Creation, over half of the colours in your project must be in the YELLOW spectrum! The shades of yellow can be in the colours you choose to fill in your images with, and/or they can be in your choices of papers and embellishments. Just make sure that the majority of your project focuses on the varying shades of the yellow family of colours. We can't wait to see how you explore the theme in your designs!

If you do follow the optional theme, be sure to add FT after your name so that we include you in the draw for the prize for Most Inspirational. While it isn't mandatory, we'd also love to find out how this month's colour makes you feel, if you'd like to share that with us. What kinds of feelings does the colour YELLOW personally evoke in you? You can write a sentence or two in the body of your post, write a sentence at the bottom of your post next to the link up for this challenge, or simply leave a comment on this post if you'd like.

Remember, in order to be considered eligible for this month's prizes, ALL creations must be positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. You don't need to follow the optional theme if you simply want to have a chance at the Random Draw prize of a $10 gift certificate from Limited Runs, one of our guest sponsors this month. You only need to follow the theme if you want a chance to win an additional sponsored prize of a $10 gift certificate from Imagine That Digistamp, the second of our guest sponsors this month, for the project chosen as Most Inspiring.

Talking of our guest sponsors...

This month we have two returning sponsors! It is time to refresh ourselves with the details of these wonderful companies.

First up is  Imagine That Digistamp...

 

Imagine That Digistamp is a 'family-friendly' shop that caters to card-makers and scrapbookers alike! All stamp sets that include an outline for you to color also include a digitally pre-colored version for quick & easy crafting. We also offer many digital paper packs, kits/bundles, Word Art, Alphabets, Chalkboard Art, and free Blogwear. What will YOU imagine? 

We also invite you to join in our year round Creative Link-Up! Use an image from Imagine That Digistamp on your project (and follow the other rules) for your chance to win a gift certificate to the store. Winners chosen every 15 link ups. We'd love for you to come over and join us!        

Main Blog: http://imaginethatdigistamp.blogspot.com/
Store: http://www.imaginethatdigistamp.com/index.html
Private Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/imaginethatdigis/

Check out the sweet image that one of our team members worked with for their project for the beginning of this challenge. Clicking on the watermark will take you to its location in the Imagine That Digistamp store.

Giraffe with Butterflies

Leesa's Swing

Egg Chick

Next, that brings us to Limited Runs...

Limited Runs is a great little shop for all your digital needs. We have tons to play with and even better, they are all set up for those on a budget, with almost all images for only $2.00 and lots of hidden sets and deals in the shop to save you money!!! Who doesn't like to save $$$. We have a huge Collection for the Holidays and also lots of other cuties and not so cute images. We also have cupcakes, coffee, and for those that like the darker side, monsters and even a eyeball cupcake.

Limited Runs is now on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/230242700670077/  too with a Freebie for every 50 Followers.
We also have a Monthly Progressive Challenge running as well. Read all about it here:  https://limitedrunsstamps.blogspot.ca/p/here-they-all-are-for-you-our.html

The Challenge itself is on Facebook but don't worry if you don't have Facebook. You can email me a link to your site showcasing your project using the image and I will add you into the challenge so you can win too. The Progressive challenge works in 3 rounds; so, there is a freebie available every 1st round. Just email me if you want to play.

 
Store:  http://limitedrunsstamps.blogspot.ca

Check out the fun images the team worked with for their projects for the beginning of this challenge. Clicking on any of the image watermarks will take you to category page they can be found on in the Limited Runs store.

Flower with Ladybug (Category: Flowers, Section: 11-20)

Joy (New Images Part 2-not yet categorized)

Bunny Wagon (Category: Bunnies, Section: 1-10)

We are fortunate and blessed to have the chance to work with all these awesome items for the start of this challenge. Thanks so much to our fabulous sponsors. Be sure to come back at the midway when you'll get to see more beautiful projects created with items from these wonderful companies.

Now check out what my amazing design team came up with to inspire you. Clicking on each team member's name will take you to their blog where you can check out the details for their inspirational creations...

My amazing design team never disappoints! They each have their own unique styles and ideas. As always I am blown away by the quality of their projects! Each of these projects has showcased the various shades of the colour 'yellow' splendidly and I hope we have inspired you. Be sure to go and visit each of them so you can see how their project further connects to the theme.

So what are you waiting for? Create a project and/or post that is positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature and join our link up. If you've opted to follow the theme of 'shades of yellow' for the chance to win the Most Inspirational prize, make sure that you add FT after your name so you can be included in the running for the prize. Remember, we'd also love to find out just how the colour yellow affects you, so be sure to lets us know if you can, somewhere in your post or come over and leave a comment. Easy, peasy!

If you have some time, please visit other people participating throughout the month. I've included the summary of the challenge details below. If you are new to this unique challenge, you can find out the impetus behind why I started it under the 'Introductions' tab and all the details you need to know in order to participate, in the 'Challenge Details' tab (both tabs located at the top of the blog).

I hope to see you back next Monday when voting will start on the Top Picks for Challenge #56. Hopefully, I will also have the chance to post the winner announcement for #55 sometime in the next week as well.



MOTIVATIONAL QUOTE ON COLOUR...
If you need some motivation to get you started, I've provided a quote for you, which you can find below. Please note that the quote is being offered up with two different spellings. While I spell 'colour' with a 'u', my American friends, followers and readers are apt to spell it without one; so, I am providing an option to cover both spellings of the word.

British version:

American version:

Please be sure to click on it to bring it up into the lightbox in its proper size before saving it.

Credit Notes For This Creation:

© 2018, Lisa L. Décosse. PUO. However, you are allowed to use the sentiment on handmade projects that you intend to sell on a small scale basis provided credit is given. You also need to include a credit note and a link to this blog or my personal blog, Decosse's Dynamite Doodles, should you use any of my images in your creations and post them on your blog. Please be sure to familiarize yourself with my full terms of use found in the 'Download Instructions & T.O.U.' tab at the top of this page. Of important note:  Please do not share my images with family, friends, etc. Additionally, do not post any images to file sharing services like Box®, 4-Shared®, etc. Instead, please direct people to my blog(s) so they can grab the image for themselves. If you would like to post a watermarked version of the image, please contact me to obtain one.

Additional Credit and Font Information:

Fonts used

• Aristelle font family created by My Creative Land
• Playlist Ornaments font created by Artimasa

Click on the font names to take you to a purchase location. The first one listed is a font family I purchased with extended licensing. The second was a freebie that I picked up and wrote the designer to ask for permission to use it commercially and was granted said permission. It is my understanding, that I am within my rights to use these fonts in my creations and offer them to others for free or for sale. Always check to make sure the terms haven't changed before using the font on something you sell.

You will notice that the sentiment may appear huge depending on what software program you download it into. You can always reduce the size without distorting the overall look.


CHALLENGE DETAILS SUMMARY

Whether you are new and need to familiarize yourself with all the details, or a returning participant and just need to refresh yourself, you can always find out everything you need to know in order to enter this challenge in the 'Challenge Details' tab at the top of the page. I've provided a quick summary below. Please note that dates and times listed below are for this particular challenge only:

• Each Path of Positivity challenge will remain open for approx. a full month. Entries for this challenge will be accepted from March 5th to April 1st, 2018.
• Add your inspirational project or post using the link up below. You will be able to submit your entry until 11:59 p.m. on April 1st.
• If you have chosen to follow the optional theme, you will need to add 'FT' after you name so we know which creations to add to the draw for the sponsor's prize for Most Inspirational. While it isn't mandatory, we'd also love to find out how this month's colour makes you feel, if you'd like to share that with us. What kinds of feelings does the colour YELLOW personally evoke in you? You can write a sentence or two in the body of your post, write a sentence at the bottom of your post next to the link up for this challenge, or simply leave a comment on this post if you'd like.
• Don't forget to come back throughout the month and visit others that have participated. 
• You can link up a total of three (3) creations.
• Voting for this challenge will begin once the top picks have been determined. There will be a separate post detailing those picks. You will then have the opportunity to vote on the creation or post that you have found to be the most inspirational of the chosen picks. 
• For Challenge #57, prizes will be the following:
• A $10 gift certificate from Imagine That Digistamp, one of our guest sponsors this month, for the post or project that the team deems most inspiring of the bunch.
• A $10 gift certificate from Limited Runs, the second of our guest sponsors this month, for a person chosen in a random draw based on all entrants.
• One digital image from Creative Bug Digital SnapShots for each person chosen as a DT Delight.

If you ever have any questions be sure to EMAIL ME or just leave me a comment.

We look forward to seeing you participate!

Link Up Below:
If you have any problems linking up, please be sure to let me know by leaving a comment on this post.

Challenge #57--Optional Theme: SHADES OF YELLOW
This is the place to link up something that you have created during the month that you consider positive, inspirational, motivational or encouraging in some nature. You will be able to submit entries to this collection up until April 1st at 11:59 pm. Be sure to add FT after your name if you followed the optional theme.  Please see above for all the rules and details. If you would like to be a Guest Designer in a future challenge, please add the letters GDT after your name.




References:
Bourn, Jennifer. (2011). Color Meaning: Meaning of The Color Yellow. Available:https://www.bourncreative.com/meaning-of-the-color-yellow/. Last accessed 4th March 2018.  
Grumman Bender, Rachel . (2013). How Color Affects Our Mood. Available: https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/11/27/how-color-affects-our-moo_n_1114790.html. Last accessed 4th March 2018.
Oleson, Jacob. (2017). Yellow Color Meaning – The Color Yellow. Available: https://www.color-meanings.com/yellow-color-meaning-the-color-yellow/. Last accessed 4th March 2018.
Author Unknown.. (2002). Color Wheel Pro - See Color Theory in Action. Available: http://www.color-wheel-pro.com/color-meaning.html. Last accessed 4th March 2018.
Author Unknown. (2017). The Color Yellow. Available: http://www.empower-yourself-with-color-psychology.com/color-yellow.html. Last accessed 4th March 2018.