Friday, February 15, 2013

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.

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 :)




17 comments:

  1. Oh my. Just when I think I've seen my fav layout of yours, you blow my mind. I love the vellum stitching, the burst, the doily and the pop of black. You are a certified genius! We are lucky to have you. Xo

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  2. This is gorgeous! I love the vellum!

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  3. What a lovely and meaningful page! Awsome. Vellum stitching... WOW. will have to give this a try!

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  4. Joanne! This is stunning..I absolutely love the imagery of the sun burst on this page...it's just perfect and how you made it is spectacular!!!

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  5. gorgeous layout, lovely photo and a great sentiment behind your word. I love the vellum, stitching and soft colours with pops of black!

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  6. This is just stunning Joanne!! A beautiful layout!

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  7. What an awesome use of the vellum...gorgeous stitching. Stunning layout Joanne.

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  8. I love that you used Vellum on this! Super job!! Love the colours you chose too! SUPER job!

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  9. I love that you used Vellum on this! Super job!! Love the colours you chose too! SUPER job!

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  10. Excuse me a second......my jaw fell on the floor and I have to pick it up....

    Wow, Joanne. This is just so incredible. It's beautiful and touching and stunning. I just love it.

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  11. What a stunning page! Love the stitching and all the details.

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  12. I think this is a beautiful way to commemorate your special friendship - friendships are a gift. Your sumbirst design brings the focus right in on that terrific photo and all your bits and pieces are artistically placed. I LOVE the vellum with the various stitches. This is gorgeous and I'm so glad that you took the plunge twice with the word "gift" - you've done the word justice twice, and beautifully!

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  13. This is so incredibly beautiful! I love the sunburst vellum with stitching - subtle yet so effective! And the bits and baubles are perfect! LOVE!

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  14. seriously wow! I adore this..the vellum, the stitching, the colors...perfection!

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  15. Joanne, this is just so beautiful! I love the stitched vellum and the little hanging heart. Gorgeous gorgeous page!!! And that is a great, word, too...has lots of potential!!!

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  16. Just found your blog by way of Lisa Spiegel. What a beautiful layout!!!

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Thank you for your lovely comments!

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