Inspiration Elevator - February 2013

You may recall from last month's challenge 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.

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 journaling to the layout explaining the significance of the word."

This month's challenge was a bit of a challenge for me because I had already created a page about my One Little Word (check it out HERE).  I felt like I poured my whole creative heart and soul into that page, so I wasn't sure how I was going to approach a second page. 

My word for 2013 is GIFT.  I truly believe in my heart that everything good in life is a gift and I want to try to be more aware of that this year. I don't want to take anything for granted, but I want to live each day with the awareness of all the good that surrounds me and to be thankful for it.

On my first layout, I used a photo collage of some of the things in my life that I count as gifts:  family, friends, sunsets, flowers, interesting places and pretty things. So for this second layout, I decided to focus on one of these things... friends.

I used a photo of my BFF, Carolyn, and I on my original layout, so I decided to use it as a stand-alone photo for this layout.  Our friendship is truly a precious gift to me and I was excited to create a page celebrating it.

I started by creating a background for my layout using vellum and a sunburst template.  I added stitching to each strip - using different types of stitches for interest.

Then I started building layers of pattern papers.  I just went through my stash and started pulling out color coordinated papers from different manufacturers. I found a few that I thought worked together and I added them to the background. I also printed my own quote -  'a true friend is a treasure' - on some cardstock.

Then the fun part - adding all the interesting bits and pieces of things that I love!  Buttons, twine, wooden embellies, rosette ribbon, etc.  And last, but not least, my title which says it all:  GIFT!

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.  I do hope you'll pop by each of their blogs to see what they have created and perhaps take a moment to leave a comment for them.

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Christa Uttley

Laura Whitaker

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper
 Sue Sykes

If you would like to take on this month's challenge, please do so! Just leave a link in the comment section below and I will be sure to take a look :)