Inspiration Elevator: A Year in Review

Warning:  Photo-heavy post ahead!

You may recall from last month's challenge that the purpose of this challenge group was to take our scrapbooking to the next level, to stretch our creative process and to grow as artists by embracing challenges that make us think, work and grow. You can view all of the challenges on my blog here.

Finding time to scrapbook has always been a challenge for me.  Between 2007 and 2010, I had barely any time to scrapbook, between running a business and working part-time.  And studio renovations put my creative time on hold for a LONG time... (but I can't complain - the end result is worth it!)

In preparing for this post, I was a bit shocked to discover that I only completed 35 projects in 2012 - and 14 of them were cards!  That's downright embarassing.

Especially when you consider the amount of product I have... *ducks head*

But January is a time for change.  Resolutions are made, challenges are accepted, new goals are set (52 projects this year!) and new wishes appended to our Life list.  Yet as we look forward, it's important to look back and congratulate ourselves on our successes and accomplishments.

Instead of a challenge this year, we are encouraging you to look back and do just that, by sharing your favourite projects completed in 2012.  Here are my top 13.  Thirteen, because it is my lucky number.

And because I can't narrow it down anymore. :P

(click on the project title to view details)

#13.  Follow Your Dreams canvas

I created this canvas for the Picture {im}Perfect class I taught at ScrapFest last year.  With one of my favourite photos of Connor at the shore in Ocean City in 2011, I used a photo transfer technique to get a grungy look.  I love that this technique encourages me (and others) to use less-than perfect-but-still-loved photos for display in our homes.  (Hence the class title... ;))

#12.  Thankful 2012 

Created for recording Thanksgiving blessings, this project was made using chipboard, paper, die cuts and punches.  I love mini-albums but always feel challenged when it comes to completing them.  Once done, however, I am amazed at the level of satisfaction I get from seeing the finished project!

#11.  On the Road to Success (Nov 2012 Sketchy Challenge)

Double pages are hard for me - probably because I usually only print one or two photos of an event so I feel like there aren't enough photos for a 24"x12" area!  But I've had these sitting in my "to scrap" pile for a while - I knew I wanted to do some sort of sequence, so I sized the photos to 2"x6".  I love how it all came together - the paint splatters, the brightly coloured paper against the white background and the look of pure glee on Connor's face once he mastered the challenge!

#10.  With Love at Christmas

Not one of my first projects using my Spectrum Noir markers, but the first that I was really happy with the results!  Having said that, they are really easy to use - I think this was my 3rd attempt at colouring!  I just love the colour palette on this Webster's Pages paper and well, Popcorn is just so cute!

#9.  What I Fear Most

Call me biased, but my Dec challenge for Inspiration Elevator is among my favourites.  Partly because it was created for my Leave Your Legacy challenge for the Spring 2013 issue of Canadian Scrapbooker, which forced us to look at what we fear.  But I also love that I made myself use my washi tape that I have been hoarding! :)  Oh and all that luscious pink colour doesn't hurt either! :)

#8.  Be Still, My Heart

Here's a secret:  When I am creating sketches for the CS It's a Sketchy challenge, sometimes the sketch comes first.  Sometimes, it's the layout.  It was the latter in this case!  I love the simple lines of this layout and the splattered kraft background.  But the photo steals my heart, every time I look at it.

#7.  Lead and She Will Follow

Fall colours have always been my favourite, but there are a few things about this layout that allows it to make my list.  I've noticed that a lot of layouts have strips of paper going horizontally but I really like the vertical strips on this.  The challenge was to tell the store behind a photo - my layout features a pseudo-letter to my son, reminding him how much his little sister looks up to him.

#6.  Our Beach Baby

I love the bright colours paired with the black background - Fancy Pants certainly knows how to make paper!!  This layout was one of my first created in 2012.

#5.  Little Miss Sunshine

You may think that this is on my list because of this photo.  (You're not all wrong!)  However, it's all the details on this one that makes this one of my favourites.  The glittered sun and clouds, the embellished grouping in the corner, the scalloped velvet ribbon...  And the bright happy colours make me smile, too.

#4.  It's All a Matter of Perspective

Created for Audrey Yeager's IE challenge, this 2-page layout was my first in MANY years.  And you know what?!  It's one of my favourite projects this year.  Again, I think the problem stems from lack of photos but this challenge has encouraged me to print more photos per event.  I love having so much space for journaling and embellishing!

#3.  Vintage

Another IE challenge resulting in a favourite layout this year!  In this challenge, Laurel Seabrook challenged us to use an old photo AND to upcycle something.  I chose these portraits of one-year-old me, and paired it with some of my mom's old sewing patterns and vintage lace.  I love the soft colours, the stitched title (something I've always seen done, but have never tried) and the fringed patterned paper.

#2.  Wishful Thinking

Blurry, bad photos.  That was the challenge proposed by Lisa Moen and I'm so glad for it!  Although I usually delete my blurry photos, I had saved this because the memory was priceless.  Because it was an important story, I was hesitant to scrap it - would I do it justice?  I have to say, I LOVE the way this turned out!  The watercolour splatters, the stitched circle, the banners... so happy that this memory is captured in print.  Although my son wasn't too happy... :)

and (drumroll please)...

#1.  Life List Accomplishment #100

This layout is my favourite for a number of reasons.  It was my layout for my inaugural article for my Leave Your Legacy challenge, which I feel is important for our future generations. It's also done in one of my favourite colour palettes:  kraft, aqua, yellow and green, with some neutrals thrown in there for good measure.  I also love how the splattered, stamped background turned out - I find that when working with paints and stamps, it's always a crapshoot for me!  Never know if it's going to turn out the way I intended! :)

And although this was created last year, I couldn't share it until this year, when it was published in the Spring 2012 issue:

Hee hee, it just makes me smile - the photos of my baby, post-nap with her crazy hair; the clever title; this line of Basic Grey; the stitching; the googly eyes on the head sheep... *love*

I hope you will take the time to see what my Inspiration Elevator team mates chose as they reflected on this challenge.

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Christa Uttley

Laura Whitaker

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
It's a Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Jan 31/12)

Leave Your Legacy: What You Fear Most (deadline:  Feb 28/13)