Here is our last challenge in Ann's words:
"After some thought and consideration, the time has come to retire Inspiration Elevator. But before we go, we need to hold a big retirement party, so we've invited everyone who's been involved with Inspiration Elevator back for one last reveal. This month's challenge is simple, but I hope, challenging, as well.
Here's the challenge: Inspiration Elevator launched on May 15, 2012, and at that time, we explained our purpose as, "Welcome to Inspiration Elevator! What a thrilling day! Today is the launch of Inspiration Elevator (IE), a challenge blog created by my dear friend Christa Uttley and me. We chose the name Inspiration Elevator because it is our intent to raise our creativity to heights through challenges issued every month. We want to raise our designs from the ordinary to the extraordinary. We hope you'll join us on our journey!
IE is a group of like minded scrappy friends who want to raise the bar in their own creative process through unique challenges that we issue to each other once a month. These won't be run of the mill challenges and we hope you'll join us each month and be inspired by the creative designs we've created."
That vision has remained unchanged over the last (almost) 3 years. The challenge this month is to just create - no holds barred. Take some time, or challenge yourself to do it in 1/2 hour if time is tight, but think about what you'd like to create if there were no agenda, no design team requirement. In other words, create for you, and enjoy the process!"
"After some thought and consideration, the time has come to retire Inspiration Elevator. But before we go, we need to hold a big retirement party, so we've invited everyone who's been involved with Inspiration Elevator back for one last reveal. This month's challenge is simple, but I hope, challenging, as well.
Here's the challenge: Inspiration Elevator launched on May 15, 2012, and at that time, we explained our purpose as, "Welcome to Inspiration Elevator! What a thrilling day! Today is the launch of Inspiration Elevator (IE), a challenge blog created by my dear friend Christa Uttley and me. We chose the name Inspiration Elevator because it is our intent to raise our creativity to heights through challenges issued every month. We want to raise our designs from the ordinary to the extraordinary. We hope you'll join us on our journey!
IE is a group of like minded scrappy friends who want to raise the bar in their own creative process through unique challenges that we issue to each other once a month. These won't be run of the mill challenges and we hope you'll join us each month and be inspired by the creative designs we've created."
That vision has remained unchanged over the last (almost) 3 years. The challenge this month is to just create - no holds barred. Take some time, or challenge yourself to do it in 1/2 hour if time is tight, but think about what you'd like to create if there were no agenda, no design team requirement. In other words, create for you, and enjoy the process!"
What a wonderful way to celebrate the retirement of this challenge group - just to create a page totally for ourselves with no expectations or requirements!
Considering that I just picked up some new paper from the KaiserCraft Sandy Toes collection and that I had a favorite photo of my sisters and myself ready to go, I decided to combine the two onto a single-page layout. I enjoyed using some of my go-to techniques and embellies, including stitching, layering, misting, inking, sequins, and twine.
I started by misting a couple of different colored inks onto my background cardstock and letting them drip down. Then I also splattered some ink onto the background to get the look I wanted. I always think of Ann when I get a bit messy on my pages. Ann has taught me by example that it is good to just let go and be creative in any way I feel. I admire her beautiful art journal pages and creative layouts and how she has explored her 'artist within'. Thank you Ann!
Next I layered a few coordinating papers and added my photo and a quote.
In my stash, I found an Amy Tangerine foam word - cherish - that worked perfectly with my page! That one word describes how I feel about my sisters better than anything! That is why I did not feel the need to add any other journaling to my layout, aside from the date that the picture was taken.
When the papers, photo and title were in place, I just had fun with some embellies. I added some random, messy stitching to my page (something that I have always admired on Christa's pages), a sunshine clip and clothespin, a couple of white rub-ons and some bling! Just a few of my favorite things :)
Thank you Ann, Christa and all of the wonderful designers that I have had the privilege of working with on this team. You have inspired me to dig deeper and reach higher in my creative process. It has been a wonderful ride and I will miss you!
Please visit all of the designers that are participating in our last challenge.
Beautiful page Joanne, love the papers (great minds think alike!) and how you have combined the embellishments in your signature way.....gorgeous as always.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, I love your designs. Always have and this is no exception. Your drippy bits and perfect paper and embellishments keep your focus on the amazing photo of you and your sisters. (In personal it jumps off the page and I love it!) Thanks for being part of IE from the beginning and always ALWAYS taking our challenges to heart. I have learned so much from your dedication to your craft. xo
ReplyDeleteLOVE the misting with the dripping to tie in the title... and love how you tied that extra bit of twine the photo! Such a great photo to scrap about! Its been great designing with you, and I look fwd to some more scrappy retreats in the future!
ReplyDeleteFantastic design. Love the soft color palate and the perfect layers with the little bit of messy drips. So beautifully done!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful page, love the layers and depth, gorgeous colour sand products. And that background technique is so fab!
ReplyDeleteLOVELY LO and love the colors here!!! sooo pretty!!
ReplyDeleteFun that you were inspired by the IE designers! The page is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteLove your background work and layers, Joanne. Beautiful page!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely fabulous, Joanne! I love the colours. Glad to finally see the finished product of the teaser you showed us awhile back.
ReplyDeleteGreat photo and such a beautiful page Joanne!!
ReplyDeleteTears in my eyes - thank you for your kind and encouraging words!
ReplyDeleteYour page is gorgeous, starting with the photo of 3 beautiful women. Even without a button, this is a distinctly Joanne Burton page with clean design elements and perfectly placed embellishments. I am grateful that you were part of our team and especially that you had time to create with us one more time - I am humbled by that because I know how busy the store and your life is. Thank you so much!