Inspiration Elevator December Challenge

 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.   

 This month, our challenger was the super talented Sue Sykes. Sue writes an ongoing article for Canadian Scrapbooker Magazine called Leaving Your Legacy and her challenge this month for Inspiration Elevator was also featured in the Winter edition. This is what she wrote:

"The idea of “Leave Your Legacy” first came about in 2007 when I was sorting through some vintage photos of my parents. I realized that while I knew most of the standard information about the images, the profound information about my parents and relatives was missing - information that would give me a glimpse of what they had been like when they were younger. 

To me, scrapbooking is, of course, a means of artistic expression, but more than that, it is a way to leave a little piece of history for future generations in each layout. And so, it amazed me, in talking with friends who scrapbook, to learn just how seldom they scrapbook about themselves. All of these incredible people, and their families may not really know anything personal about them: their hopes, dreams, habits, likes, dislikes, fears and accomplishments. With this article, I hope to encourage fellow artists to scrap more about themselves to avoid that from happening.

I think it's important to document your fears as well as your happy times and accomplishments. Many times, things of which we are FEARFUL, often characterize our personalities. It's also rewarding to be able to look back, once you have overcome a fear, to realize how far you have come. On the heels of my husband's heart attack, this was an obvious choice for me, but it's difficult to put into words the FEAR that you feel when faced with the possible loss of your partner. I want to remember the fear that we both felt, so that it will help us to stick to our commitment of living a healthier, less stressful life.

So what is it that you FEAR the most?

Not only do I want you to scrapbook about a FEARFUL topic, but I also want you to include at least ONE product that you have avoided using. Maybe it's because you are hoarding it and are FEARFUL of using it all, or maybe you are intimidated by it. Whatever the reason, spread your wings and challenge yourself to use it."

 

I do have fears...the usual spiders, backing up in parking lots, that my children will be hurt...I can't even fathom the pain that the families in Conneticut are experiencing in light of the tragedy of yesterday.  It brings back to me the shooting at the JCC when Maddie was in preschool...I am so thankful that she was safe and kept from harm and my heart and prayers go out to the families affected by this horrible event.  

For my layout, I chose to focus on the fear that my youngest is pulling away from me and growing up...the journaling reads, " I feel it starting, the push away from me, and I fear that some day you will push too far and pull all the way away from me.  Remember I am your anchor, I am always here for you, just stay with me."

 

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

Sue Sykes

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Christa Uttley

Laura Whitaker

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Ann Jobes

Cathy Harper

Please join me in welcoming Michelle Hernandez.  We are so fortunate to have her joining us this month as we explore our scrapbooking limits. Michelle uses a variety of techniques to take her pages to the next level. You can see her amazing creations at her blog "My Analog Life".

Michelle Hernandez, Guest Designer

Comments

[Julie Tucker-Wolek]

This is GORGEOUS! I love love love love the photos, the colors and the butterflies!!!

[Tracey]

Absolutely gorgeous!!

[christa uttley]

Lisa what a wonderful page. Your watercolour back ground is so beautiful! I love your journalling too and it brought tears to my eyes. Love your use of BW too. Wow.

[Ann Jobes]

What a pretty page, with the diecuts and the use of the timepiece is very meaningful. Beautiful work.

[Laurel S]

Gorgeous, love the background!

[Lisa Moen]

Love your watercolor background, design and title! Amazing page Lisa!

[Laura Whitaker]

So beautiful, i love the water colour background and the journallling on the doilie. Such gorgeous photos too1

[Cathy]

amazing layout, so heartfelt...and omgosh the water color background is gorgeous!

[Joanne xo]

Such a beautiful, heartfelt page Lisa! The background is just beautiful - did you create it?
Joanne xo

[Michelle]

Thank you so much for hosting me this month- this challenge was amazing- definitely one of most thought provoking ones I've ever participated in. I LOVE the color palette and design of your page! My daughter is just three but she started to get closer to her Dad and grandma once I started to work so I have an idea of how you feel.

[Sue Sykes]

OhMyHeck! I love what you've done with this, Lisa! My kids are still young enough to want their mama, but this will definitely be a fear of mine in a few years, I'm sure! Love the little details that bring it all together! Gorgeous!

[Carolyn]

A beautiful layout Lisa. My youngest is 16 now and I know exactly how you feel. We teach the to be confident and independent and then they go and do it......sheesh!