Inspiration Elevator: Guest Designer July 2014

Look where I'm guest designing!

Our main purpose here at IE is to challenge ourselves, each other and YOU to take the creative process to the next level; to inspire growth and change in our scrapbooking; to stretch, sometimes uncomfortably, to create something fresh.  You can view all of the challenges at the Inspiration Elevator blog, found here.  You can also find them on Facebook!  My individual challenges from prior IE challenges are found on my blog here.

The IE team is thrilled to welcome back as guest designer, the delightful Denise Morrison.  Denise's artsy style conveys layers of artistic and emotional significance, and we love her artful scribbles!

I am honoured to be a guest challenger this month - Here is my challenge:

We all know that the contents of our bags, whether it's a handbag, a satchel, a clutch or a backpack, reveals a lot about ourselves. This month, create a layout about the contents of your bag on any given day. Be sure to include the stories behind any unconventional items.

As a further challenge, use one of the items on your page somehow!

My project this month strays a bit from the challenge (gosh, I can't even follow my OWN directions! haha)  However, once I get an idea in my head, I'm done - no amount of mojo is going to change it.  And this month, my mojo has got up and left - we had flooding issues and our lower level (where my studio is located) is in complete turmoil.  I cleared out a teeny two-foot space and had limited access to supplies.

When all is said and done though, I like the simplicity of this layout - and it's a two-pager, which is very rare for me (excuse the wonky layout photos - my printer is acting out!):

Supplies used:  Bazzill Basics and unknown cardstock; Cheery Lynn die; Just Cre8 stamps (Floral Flourishes); Martha Stewart Crafts scoring board and punch; Fiskars stylus; Silhouette Cameo die cutting machine; Lori Whitlock cut file; Loni Leah Designs cut file; Sizzix Big Kick; Sizzix and Stampin' Up! embossing folders; EK Success punch; American Craft glitter Thickers; Tsukineko VersaMark ink; Multicrafts half pearls; Recollectins washi tape; American Crafts Memory Marker; embroidery floss; Imaginisce metal embellishment; Craftwork Cards Candi dots; Lawn Fawn sequins; miscellaneous beads and sequins; various mini brads from my stash; unknown heart clip; plastic re-sealable bag.

Here's a close-up of each page:

The little purse was created by using a Lori Whitlock cut file for a treat bag topper.  I re-sized it to fit my bag (2" wide) and filled the bag with a coordinating mix of sequins, beads and Candi Dots.  I snipped the bag to the size I wanted, sandwiched it between the topper and stapled it closed.  Isn't it adorable?!

I'm killing two birds with one stone with this layout, as it also coincides with Challenge #1 on my new challenge blog, Exhaust Your Excess! (or EYE! for short!)  Each Sunday, one of our design team members will challenge you to use up some of your stash!

I was inspired by this fabulous colour palette by Design Seeds (you need to check out this beautiful site!):

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Here's a complete list of this month's participating IE designers!  We encourage you to check out each designer's creation this month, then come on back and give the challenge a try yourself!

Guest Challenger: Sue Sykes  - you are here!

Jayne Morgan

Wendi Robinson

Lisa Moen

 Michelle Hernandez

Guest designer: Denise Morrison

Meanwhile, if you'd like to participate as a guest designer with Inspiration Elevator, just contact team lead, Ann, at annjobes{at}bell{dot}net.

Now it's your turn to get creating about what is in your bag, and share your blog link at the IE blog. We would love to see what you were inspired to make!

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
July 2014 Sketchy Challenge (deadline July 31st, 2014)
Leave Your Legacy challenge - Don't Stop Believing (deadline Nov 30th, 2014)

Exhaust Your Excess! challenge blog - check it out!!

Inspiration Elevator | Challenge 17

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 our new Inspiration Elevator Blog, here.  My individual challenges are found on my blog here.

Our challenge this month comes from the very talented Cathy Harper. Here's what she had to say in her very own words:

"I want to know what inspires you to create. As I was driving home the other day from my trip back to Black Hills, I saw a really cool billboard...clouds, the sun, and a few hearts. I immediately thought how great the design was and how I could transform it into a card or layout. (No, I didn't get a picture of it as it was the week of the annual Sturgis Bike Rally and no way was I pulling off the side of the interstate with all of that crazy traffic.) Even the other day, as I was walking through Target, I saw a couple of cute Baby gift bags that had great design principle that I could use as inspiration to create with too! Then it hit me that this would be a great challenge for my IE teammates. We recently had [a] challenge where we were inspired by another teammate and lifted their style..but I want to know what else inspires you besides other designers cards and layouts. Are you a Pinterest addict like me? And find great design ideas there or in a magazine with a brilliant ad!? Find something inspires you, pin it or take a photo and create your work from there...you must include a photo of your inspiration and a link (if there is one) with your project for the challenge!"

What a great challenge!!   I often use advertising for inspiration in scrapbooking.  When Cathy first posted her challenge on our DT board, I immediately had several ideas pop into my head!! Here are a few of them:

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Now I'll admit - I'm a strive-on-pressure-last-minute-creative-genius type of girl.  And I'm not so sure the "creative-genius" part, but you know what I mean.  My mojo just seems to flow better when there's a deadline looming.

However, this month, Life has certainly chewed me up, spit me out and kicked me to the curb.  At the risk of turning this into a pity party, here's just a little of what I have going on:

• I have 3 stores with inventories within a 5 week period
• Connor has made the football team and is now practicing almost every night at school, meaning that I have to leave work earlier to be home for Aili.
• We also have Connor's cadet meetings and piano lessons thrown in, for good measure.
• I am slated for surgery on Sept 23 - surgery that I thought should only keep me out for a day or two but in reality, may be closer to 7 to 10 days.
• I have a crop coming up next weekend that I'm REALLY excited to go to (but haven't packed a thing yet!)
• I've been asked to contribute to the Oshawa ScrapFest this year (pretty excited about that too!)
• I have three articles to prepare for the next issue (more excitement!)
• Gary and I have been asked by my nephew, Cory and his fiancée, Taunia, to be emcees at their wedding this fall (remember the invitations I shared?) !

I know everyone is busy. In fact, I often cringe when I see people and ask them how they've been and they bemoan the fact of how busy they are.  I certainly don't claim to be any busier than anyone else, but I catch myself doing the same thing!  But I am also trying to fit in time to eat clean (which takes planning) and exercising (which required motivation! ;)) and still be the best mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend and employee that I can be.

Boo hoo. Having fun at my pity party yet? :(

Anyhow, to make a long story short a bit less long, I have decided to step back from the IE team for a few months until the craziness passes.  September to December are always CRAZY around here but this year, with trying to get healthy and fit, I just need to take a break from some commitments.

So sad that it had to be the IE team for now, because these talented group of ladies certainly inspired me and pushed my creativity to new heights.  I will certainly continue to share their challenges each month, if not my own designs so that you can benefit from their talents.  I will be back in a few months!

Cathy Harper

Lisa Spiegel

Laurel Seabrook

Joanne Burton

Jodi Wilton

Michelle Hernandez

Ann Jobes

Laura Whitaker

                 Sue Sykes - that's me!

Lisa Moen 

Christa Uttley

If you feel inspired to play along with my challenge this month, please share it using the linky tool on our Inspiration Elevator blog and/or our Inspiration Elevator Facebook page. We'd LOVE to see what you made!

Cheers,

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

September 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Sep 30, 2013)
Leave Your Legacy: Top Ten Lists (deadline:  Nov 30, 2013

Inspiration Elevator | Challenge 16

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 our new Inspiration Elevator Blog, here.  My individual challenges are found on my blog here.

This month, the very creatively-minded Christa issued the challenge and here's what she wrote:

Part of growth is learning new techniques. And I do mean NEW. Sometimes we are afraid to try something or get in a rut..but for the August reveal I am asking that you find a technique WITH a video and include the link in your post. Learn something new. Share where you learned it and then share what you learned and your creation. I hope this is challenging for you...it might take some time to think about! 

You do not need to make your OWN video just share the one you used to create your technique. If possible, be sure to get permission from the maker of that video so we can be respectful! 

Pinterest has some great videos.

When I first read Christa's challenge, I thought that we needed to find a technique and create our own video!

I'll be honest - I silently cursed her a little bit. :) Thankfully, Ann was kind enough to point out my misunderstanding in time - and Christa clarified by adding the second paragraph! :)

I knew exactly which tutorial I wanted to use.  I had seen a video by Sara Sandberg on YouTube a month or so ago, and was intrigued.  Plus it was super easy and something the kids could do, too!  I've embedded it below, but on the off chance that it doesn't work, you can click HERE to watch it.



I used this tutorial to create the background for my card:

Supplies used:  Bazzill cardstock and brads; Spectrum Noir re-inkers (TN2, GB7, GB9, EB4, EB3); Crafter's Companion stamp (Angelica & Friends Collection - Florence); Spectrum Noir markers (see below for colour palette); Staples transparency; Spellbinders die.

Colour Palette
Wings:  EB1, IG1, IG2
Hair:  EB2, EB6, BG8, BG10
Skin:  FS2, FS3, FS9, CR3
Dress/shoes:  GB3, GB6, GB7
Grass:  CG1, CG2, CG3
Present:  LG2, LG3, LG5, DR1
Flowers:  DR4
Shading:  IG1, blender

I know it's a pretty simple card, but I wanted the technique to shine!  I love how unique this background paper is, and because they are alcohol inks, they dry quickly so there's no downtime, waiting for it to dry!  I used the colours I had on hand but I love that created almost a tortoise-shell look!!  I am anxious to try it with other colours now...

Thanks, Christa, for the push to try something new!  I hope you will stop by and see what new techniques the rest of the incredible Inspiration Elevator designers have learned:

Christa Uttley
Cathy Harper

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Jodi Wilton

Ann Jobes

Laura Whitaker

Sue Sykes

If you feel inspired to play along with Christa's challenge this month, please share it using the linky tool on our Inspiration Elevator blog and/or our Inspiration Elevator Facebook page. We'd LOVE to see what you create!

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
August 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Aug 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Back at it!

My back was feeling a bit better last night and I was able to finish my Inspiration Elevator challenge layout!  Here's a sneak peek:

You can see the full layout and details here.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the June Sketchy Challenge winner tomorrow!

Cheers,




P/S: Don't forget about the giveaways/challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
July 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline: Jul 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline: Aug 31/13)

Inspiration Elevator | Challenge 15

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 our new Inspiration Elevator Blog, here.  My individual challenges are found on my blog here.

This month's challenge is issued by the super talented, Lisa Moen. Here's what she had to say in her very own words:

"I have been thinking lately, that I have only done one layout of my childhood and realized that maybe some day, my kids or grandkids would enjoy looking at a few more pages and learning about my siblings, my parents and I. 

So my challenge for you this month is to create a page about a childhood memory of yours. It can be a good, a bad, a funny, a photoless or whatever you choose kind of layout.  Just remember to add journaling to tell the story behind your childhood memory.

Can't wait to see your projects!"

I had several photos to choose for this challenge but decided to choose a photo of me from my first day of pre-school.  I was only four years old so the memory has faded over the years, but one moment stands out in my mind because it was the moment I made my first friend - and we are still friends 42 years later!

Here's my layout:

Supplies used:  Bo Bunny and Bazzill card stock; Magenta and Glitz Designs patterned papers; Silhouette Cameo, Lori Whitlock cut file and Jamie Koay cut file; Martha Stewart Crafts, EK Success and Marvy Uchida punches; Creative Imaginations velvet trim; Fancy Pants alpha and word stickers; Scenic Route chipboard circle; Happy Tape and Recollections washi tape; My Mind's Eye bracket die cut; Making Memories, Stampin' Up! and American Crafts brads; Stampin' Up! and miscellaneous buttons; American Craft pen; unknown safety pin, rhinestone, twine, ric rac, paper bag and tag.

I started this layout, thinking that it would be a simple one with lots of white space and minimal embellishments.

As you can see from my supply list, I lost that battle with my creative self. :)

The photo mat was cut with my Cameo using Lori Whitlock's cut files.  I layered it with trim and washi tape.  The journaling is a simple card in a kraft bag that was covered in strips of washi tape and then trimmed to follow the tape's pattern.  Under this, I cut a small doily using a Jamie Koay cut file (so pretty!)

I then mimicked this in a smaller version in the top right corner and along the side.

I'm not sure I was as successful this time with my "sprinkles" but at least it's another layout done.

Journaling talks about how I met Catherine on the first day of Mrs. Tippett's preschool daycare.  She was crying and unconsolable.  My mom and I had arrived at the same time as she and her mom.  I remember grabbing her hand and leading her over to the toys to play.  We've been close friends ever since... despite the distance that separates us now.  She is living with Ireland and comes home every summer for 5 weeks and we try to see each other every year.

I hope you will stop by and see what the rest of the team has created:

Lisa Moen
Christa Uttley
Cathy Harper

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

 Laurel Seabrook

Jodi Wilton

Michelle Hernandez

Ann Jobes

Laura Whitaker

Cheers,

P/S:  Don't forget about the giveaways/challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
July 2013 Sketchy Challenge (deadline:  Jul 31/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Pet Peeves (deadline:  Aug 31/13)

Inspiration Elevator | Challenge 14

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.

This month's challenge is issued by me! Here's the challenge that I gave to the girls:

"I have all of my parents' photos stored at my place.  Shortly after I began scrapbooking,  my mom and I spent hours removing her photos from those dreadful magnetic albums and documenting dates on the back of them all.  So I will often sift through them and marvel at how much things change - and yet, they also seem to stay the same.

This month, I'd like to challenge you all to create a comparison layout or project - THEN and NOW.  It can be any topic; just document the parallels and differences between an event/person/place from the past and a modern likeness.  REMEMBER TO JOURNAL!! :)

Can't wait to see what you all create!"

Here's my layout:

Supplies:  Bazzill cardstock; KaiserCraft patterned paper; Silhouette Cameo, Arial font, Ampersand, &, and collection by Kolette Hall Studio; Stampin' Up! and miscellaneous buttons; unknown chipboard hearts; Stampin' Up!, American Crafts and Bazzill brads; Karen Foster twine; KI Memories icicle tag; Recollections washi tape.

Sifting through older photos, I came across this photo of Connor, taken when he was about seven months old.  I was struck by the uncanny resemblance to one of Gary's baby photos!  I had always maintained that Connor was "all Puglia", meaning that he looked like my side of the family - full lips, dark brown eyes, olive complexion.  However, these photos prove that there is a little bit of Dad in him too!  The journaling, yet uncomplete, will go on the little washi-taped tags that I made, under the photos, and talk about how they are similar in so many ways, not just physically.

I have noticed a trend in what I like to call "sprinkles" on layouts nowadays and have never tried it - so I dug through my dusty collection of brads and just randomly poked holes in my layout wherever the mood struck!  Eek - nerve wracking!  Not sure if I pulled it off, but I will definitely keep trying this look, as I love the random sprinkles! :)

Please stop by and see what our other designers on this adventure have created:

Lisa Moen
Christa Uttley
Cathy Harper
Lisa Spiegel
Joanne Burton
Laurel Seabrook
Jodi Wilton
Michelle Hernandez
Ann Jobes
Laura Whitaker

Cheers,

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

Sketchy Challenge:  June 2013 (deadline June 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy:  Pet Peeves (deadline Aug 31/13)

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)

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

Thanks to everyone for the comments on my IE Challenge #12!  Thanks for random.org, we have a winner!

List Randomizer

There were 25 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. SHartl
2. Peggy
3. Cathy
4. wendipooh13
5. Laura
6. Bev
7. Lisa Spiegel
8. Buffy Esser
9. Joy
10. Malin/malwa
11. Ann Jobes
12. GinniG
13. Tracey
14. Sherri
15. Sarah
16. Laurel
17. Joanne
18. Darcy
19. Christa
20. Karenladd
21. Sally Cranney
22. LisaM
23. Nicole
24. Scrapenabler
25. Jodi

Timestamp: 2013-04-23 12:20:45 UTC

Congratulations to SHartl, who said:

SHartlApril 18, 2013 3:21 AM  What a cute photo and amazing layout! I love the fun design with all the different patterns! I shared the hop on FB! https://www.facebook.com/shannon.hart.5811/posts/332510893537427

Please email me at sue{at}canadianscrapbooker{dot}ca with your mailing address and I will send your goodies to you!

You can view a list of all winners from our blog hop on the new Inspiration Elevator blog - if you aren't a follower yet, please get in and join us for the ride to the top! :)

Cheers,

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

Sketchy Challenge:  April 2013 (deadline:  Apr 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13)

Inspiration Elevator - Challenge 12

Welcome to another Inspiration Elevator reveal!  We are thrilled to celebrate the end of our first year of Inspiration Elevator challenges and are anticipating that the second year will see that creative growth continue to go UP!

To celebrate our first anniversary and our fabulous designers, Christa and Ann decided to challenge the designers to take an in-depth look at a fellow designer's artistic portfolio via her blog, choose elements from that designer's creations and then incorporate them into her own work.  In other words, we are encouraging a scrapLIFT!  Rather than a mere copy of someone else’s work, this is a stylistic scraplift that should inspire each designer to grow creatively as she is inspired, yet remain true to her own style.

As the second year of this creative journey begins, and as the popularity of Inspiration Elevator increases, we have created a new blog for our Inspiration Elevator Challenges.  So, if you want to play along you can find the challenges and links to the inspiration all in one place!  To celebrate our first year, our hopping will incorporate RAKs along the way – how exciting!  Now, before you go hopping along, we want to let you know of a few personnel changes.

While we are so excited to welcome back most of our original design team members for Year Two, we are saddened to be saying goodbye to Audrey Yeager.  Audrey has creatively embraced every challenge over the past year, and has been a super part of our design team over the past 12 months.  We hope you will continue to stop by her blog and see her gorgeous creations.  Thank you, Audrey, for sharing our journey – we are grateful for you!

We are very pleased to announce a new member to our design team.  Join us as we welcome Jodi Wilton!!  Jodi's design style is happy and whimsical and we are looking forward to sharing this new year of growth with her and seeing how her creative muse is tickled by our challenges.

Initially, when I was informed that I would be scraplifting Joanne Burton's creations, I was thrilled.  But then, after scrolling through her body of work, the feeling waned a bit....

Don't get me wrong - I LOVE Joanne's work but there were just TOO many that I loved!!  I greatly admire Joanne's style and the ease at which she adds such wonderful details to her layouts.  I am often left with a feeling of "Wow, such a simple idea - and I would have never thought of that!"

After staring at her gorgeous artwork for nearly a month, I finally settled on one to which I was constantly drawn back:

Dream Big by Joanne Burton

I have admired these patterned paper starbursts for a while now.  In addition to the kewl starburst, I also loved the additional touches of washi tape and stickers, with the mist drops and border punches.

Here's my take on Joanne's layout:

Supplies used:  Bazzill cardstock; DCWV patterned papers; My Little Shoebox and Chatterbox alpha stickers; Martha Stewart Crafts border punches; Riff Raff Designs chipboard tree; Recollections and unknown washi tape; Sakura pen; miscellaneous watercolour paints; doilies, buttons, bling, tissue paper.

My layout is pretty much lifted directly from Joanne's - I didn't change much.  Why?  Because I am of a mind where "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"  I did move the title down and shifted the cluster to the top right of the photo, but for the most part, this was based entirely on her design.

I know you all have product in your stash that you can't bear to part with (Right?  Or is that just me!?!)  I have had these white Chatterbox letters for about 8 years!! I've used them a few times, but only the capital letters.  I'm so glad I kept them because they are perfect for this title.  I think I may add a little stitching through the title though, to make sure the adhesive sticks, as I notice the "i" is starting to lift.

I doubled up some tissue paper and free-handed a cloud.  I then crumpled it to add some texture and added it to the layout with staples.

My favourite part of the layout is this curlicue tree from the sadly now defunct, Riff Raff Designs.  Another oldie but goodie from my stash!

Thanks, Joanne, for the wonderful inspiration!  Love ya!

We mentioned RAKs or giveaways at each designer’s blog this month, since we’re celebrating our first year.  And so to thank our lovely Inspiration Elevator followers, I'm going to offer a yummy prize to a lucky reader!  Simply spread the message about our Inspiration Elevator on your blog or social media sites and add a link below to your announcement by 11:59pm on April 22nd and I will enter you into a draw for a RAK!  The winner will be announced on my blog on April 24th.

As well, please read each designer’s instructions regarding the giveaway as they will vary.  We will post a final list of all winners on April 24^th on the Inspiration Elevator blog, so be sure to pop back, and if you create something based on this month’s challenge, please link it up on the IE blog!

Here's a list of my fellow other designers - please be sure to leave them some love, too!

Christa Uttley

Laura Whitaker

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Jodi Wilton

Inspiration Elevator

Cheers,

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

Sketchy Challenge:  April 2013 (deadline:  Apr 30/13)
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline:  May 31/13)

Inspiration Elevator - Challenge 11

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.

This month, our challenge comes from the very sweet and very talented Joanne Burton. Joanne resides in Waterloo and co-owns a scrapbook store there with her bff. Her scrapbooking style is classicly elegant and always showcases wonderful photos. It's no wonder that her challenge to is centered around the photo - here is the challenge, in Joanne's own words:

Inspiration Elevator has been such a tremendous experience for me! We have explored our style, stretched our single pages into two, documented our fears and regrets, scrapbooked our beliefs, worked with less than perfect photos and have even gone vintage! Hopefully we have each grown as a result of being a part of this group – I know I have! 

One of the fun things about scrapbooking is working with our photos. We get to pick and choose our favorite photos and have fun recording the memories behind them. So this month, I thought we could stretch our creativity by having some fun with our photos!

I assume we all work with digital photos, so this month’s challenge will work for each of you. I want you to pick a photo and then alter it in some way using your favorite photo editing program. I would like to see something more than just making your photo black & white. Maybe use a special effect, add a frame, play with text, etc. There is so much you can do!

Play with your photo until it conveys a particular look or feel that will help you to express your memories associated with that picture. Then add it to your page! When you post your finished project, please share how you altered your photo, and why you chose the effects you did. (Maybe you could even post a before and after of your photo!)

I was REALLY looking forward to share my project this month, but I didn't get a chance to get them completely finished in time for the reveal today.  I am working on them this weekend and hope to share by Sunday!

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

Joanne Burton

Christa Uttley

Laura Whitaker

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper

                         Sue Sykes -- You are here!

Lisa Spiegel

Cheers,



P/S: Don't forget about the following challenges on my blog for a chance to win:
Leave Your Legacy: Embrace Change (deadline: May 31/13)
It's a Sketchy Challenge: March 2013 (deadline: Mar 31/13)

My Journey

Mid-month, the Inspiration Elevator (IE) team revealed their layouts for Lisa Spiegel's challenge.  At the time, I didn't have my layout quite complete but I'm happy to say that it's now finished and I've updated the blog post to include my layout!

Here's a sneaky peek:

You can view it here:  Inspiration Elevator:  Challenge 10

Cheers,

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

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

It's a Sketchy Challenge:  February 2013 (deadline:  Mar 14/13)

Inspiration Elevator - Challenge 10

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.

This month, our challenger was the super talented Lisa Spiegel.  Lisa lives in California with her family and this month she asks us to think about our growth in 2013. This is what she wrote:

"Create a layout about your One Little Word. You know, the word that we scrappers choose in January upon which to reflect for the year. This word should have special meaning to you and be selected for its' potential to help you reach and grow...the only hard part - you must use a photo of yourself and add journalling to the layout explaining the significance of the word..."

Each year, I carefully choose a word to reflect on for the year.  And in the past, I've never really followed through with the next step - actually living my life centred around that One Little Word.

Don't get me wrong - each year, I start out with the best intentions.  But I seem to have a knack for overcommitting in some areas which leads to underachieving in other areas.  In searching back through blog posts, I realize that I haven't really followed my OLW at all.

So, initially this year, I didn't even choose a word.  Not to be pessimistic, but realistic.  However, with Lisa's challenge, I went back to my 2011 OLW post and realized that my word that year reflected my life goals for this year.

So once again, I am choosing the word, JOURNEY.  And I didn't create a layout, but a title page for my journal, in which I will keep track of my fitness goals and achievements.  I didn't get a chance to finish it over the last few days but will share it on the weekend when it's finished!

ETA:  Here is my page!

Supplies used:  Liquitex gesso; Stamp-In Australia stamp (Time In Paris); Unity Stamp Co. stamps (Chicken Wire Background; Reversed Punchinella; Vintage Handwritten; Lovely Little Wings; Enjoy, Explore, Believe); My Favourite Stamps stamp (sentiments); Memento ink; Clearsnap's Stephanie Barnhard mists; The Crafter's Workshop and Christy Riopel templates; Spectrum Noir markers (see below for palette); DecoArt paints; Fine-Tec watercolour paints (splatter); Crate Paper rub-ons; Paper Adventure letter stickers; toilet paper roll; jar lid.

Spectrum Noir palette:
Heart:  BP2, BP3, BP4
Wings:  BT2, BT4, BT5

I'm really excited with how it turned out!

I laid out a thin film of gesso on some palette paper (wax paper works well too!) and using it as a stamp pad, I stamped my images onto the bare journal page.  Once dry, I misted the page and the gesso acted as a resist!

I then added layers of paint using stencils, jar lids, toilet paper rolls and paint brushes.  To get the "drippage", as Donna Downey calls it, at the top of the page, I stood my journal up and scraped paint from a loaded paintbrush onto the top of the page.  I then misted it lightly with water (over rags or paper towels!) until I liked the result.  I love how the mists blended with the white paint:

This stamp has one of my favourite sayings:

Trust in your potential, enjoy the process, try something new, 

explore possibilities but most of all, believe.

Lastly, I stamped the heart/wings image on white cardstock, coloured with my Spectrum markers and fussy cut it out.  I stamped a second image and coloured and fussy cut the heart only, attaching it to the other image for some dimension.  I love the contrast of the turquoise with the pink/orange of the background.

One of Lisa's requirements was to include a photo of ourself, and I do have my starting photo, but I couldn't find it in the mess I call a desk!  I am hoping to add both the "before" and "after" photos to the front page, when finished!

I hope you will join the rest of our Inspiration Elevator team to see what word best reflects their plans for change and growth in 2013.

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Christa Uttley

Laura Whitaker

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper

Sue Sykes {- you are here!

Cheers,

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

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