Inspiration Elevator | Challenge 13

Welcome to another month of Inspiration Elevator!

You may recall that the purpose of this challenge group is 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 by clicking here, or check out our new Inspiration Elevator blog.

We would also like to welcome our May Guest Designer, Denise Morrison.  Her artsy, eclectic style inspires her followers to see how Life is Yummy at her blog by the same name!

This month, our challenge comes from the talented Laura Whitaker.  Laura's challenge, in her own words, is as follows:

As we welcome spring, scrap something to do with a new beginning, it could be an opportunity, a relationship, or even the world's reawakening after it's long winter's nap.  Don't forget to journal and describe why you have chosen your topic.

I originally started a layout on this topic, but as time went on, I realized that this topic lends itself to the challenge that I am having with living a healthier life.  A new start.  Out with the old unhealthy habits and in with the new.  Willing to make an effort and let go of the excuses.

So I set it aside and decided to create a canvas to display as proper motivation:

Supplies used:  Dollarama 8x10 canvas, vintage atlas pages and pattern tissues; ModPodge; Deco Art,Color Factory, Americana and Craft Smart paints; Ranger Adirondack colour wash; Delta Dimensional medium; Pink Paislee stencil by Christy Tonlinson Designs; Stencil (dots) by Christy Riopel; ClearSnap mist; Ditto glimmer mist; Bead Solutions and Stix 2 Anything beads; Crafter's Companion Spray & Sparkle satin varish; vintage clip art (from a Donna Downey class); drywall tape; miscellaneous tag.

Sorry for the icky photo - I just realized that part of the quote is missing.  And when I added the missing text, I decided to add some dimensional medium.  And beads.  And some sparkle.  So now the 14+ layers are not dry and I can't reshoot yet!  I will retake it this a.m and add the "new and improved" version!  Updated with new photo!!

I started with an 8x10 canvas and added old atlas pages (thanks, Christie!), vintage pattern tissue, paint, paint, gesso, more paint, drywall tape, distressed tags, vintage clipart, more paint, the sentiment, some stenciling with (you guessed it) more paint and some "drippage", as Donna calls it!

And then I added missing sentiment, dimensional medium (mixed with more paint) using another stencil, some beads and a very cool finishing varnish that adds an iridescent sparkle.

The quote reads:

"Begin today.  Declare to the world that you are willing to let go of the struggle and eager to learn through joy."  ~ Sarah Ban Breathnach

I hope you will stop by and see what our designers on this adventure have created:

Laura Whitaker

Michelle Hernandez

Jodi Wilton

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper

Sue Sykes -- You are here!!

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Christa Uttley

Denise Morrison, Guest Designer

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the other challenges on my blog for a chance to win:

Sketchy Challenge:  May 2013 (deadline:  May 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13)