Sunday, September 15, 2013

Inspiration Elevator challenge- what do you find inspiring.


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 our new Inspiration Elevator 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 Sue's 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 inspires me?

My family. 
This is central to my life because I grew up in a broken home where my father and mother, although very loving towards their children, fought all the time. 

Eventually they divorced. I feel like I'm still dealing with the ramifications of their break up.

My husband and I met one warm summer evening in 1998. It was not love at first sight or anything like a romance novel.
It was like a kid's movie- "Up" to be exact.
We were fast friends and enjoyed each other's company immensely.

I like to say that one day I was watching him practice his salsas moves when it struck me;
"Damn! He's a sexy beast."

Funny how that goes- before he was just good 'ol Dave- best buddy- best pal.

Next minute I'm mauling him like a "twilight" vampire.

Good thing he was ok with that. 

Ten years later (don't ask- it was New York- no one thinks they are ready to marry till they hit 40) we married.

11 months later Lola was born- early due to severe complications but alive, thank goodness.

These days our friendship and patience is being tested by every financial issue imaginable.
But the trust and respect is still there.

We won't break.
We won't surrender to self pity or blame.
We will make it through this.
Two best friends and the talking spark plug they made...

And their whole crazy Latino extended family.
What? Did you think we faced these problems alone?
Never!

Since I'm working from an iPod Touch I can't link to the website that inspired this page (thank goodness for copy paste or else I wouldn't be able to give you the blog hop list at all) but you'll find my favorite scrap blogs right there on my side bar.
This page takes inspiration from Louise Nelson's style.


I couldn't find a family portrait small enough to fit area I was willing to cover in this page!
I really got to like how the magenta, yellow and blue-green paints mixed.

The feather stamp and chipboard are from Scrap FX. Flowers from Prima and Petaloo. Acrylic Paint from Martha Stewart. 

Please try to swing by the rest of the blogs linked below to see what the other Inspiration Elevator designers have created:

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!

Until next time, keep doing what you love.

19 comments:

  1. I love the background, Michelle!! it complements your photo perfectly and that chipboard feather adds to the whimsical feel!

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  2. This is just beautiful!! Your background is outstanding. I love your story..you should write books :) the way you write is captivating and always reminds me I need to visit here more.

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  3. Michelle, I never tire or reading your words and life wisdom ("Maul like a Twilight vampire..I laughed out loud!") Your page is stunning and I am inspired to hear about how your famil continues to feed your creativity. Thre isn't a day that goes by that I'm not grateful you join us here at IE and that I met you at XOXO.

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  4. Such a gorgeous page! I love your use of paint and how you created the perfect background for your sweet photo. Not only do your creative designs inspire me, Michelle, but YOU inspire me! Thanks for sharing who you are and the importance of your family. You are truly blessed!
    Joanne xo

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  5. MICHELLE...this is SO SO beautiful and I am just in awe of it...I hope you're flattered when I lift it (with full credit to you) just so I can try it...I love love love this. :)

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    1. Scrap lifting is thoroughly approved!! :) this is practically a scrap lift from Louise anyway! Please feel free to do as you will and thank you so much for the compliment!

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  6. MICHELLE...this is SO SO beautiful and I am just in awe of it...I hope you're flattered when I lift it (with full credit to you) just so I can try it...I love love love this. :)

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  7. love, love, love and adore this. Beautiful!

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  8. Beautiful ,love the watercolours..xx

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  9. Beautiful page, love the water colours and such an incredible story to tell.

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  10. Beautiful page! I love the journaling!

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  11. Love your paint and that chipboard ROCKS! gorgeous page!

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  12. I envy anyone who can paint on a page and make it look amazing! WOW! This is awesome!

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  13. Your paint and chipboard are gorgeous and I loved reading about your inspiration and learning more about you, Michelle! Life isn't easy, and I love reading about your solid commitment to getting through the trials together. I'll be cheering you on!
    - Ann Jobes
    www.lovestnpaper.com

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  14. Oh Michelle this page is gorgeous!! I don't blame you for not wanting to cover it up with a bigger photo - ha! The colors are beautiful as is lil' Miss and the feather accents are beautiful. I hear you on the other stuff too - life sure isn't easy but we just gotta keep truckin' on. Brighter days are always ahead especially when you have an amazing family. :D

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  15. Hi Michelle! This page is so fabulous. I already pinned it and am still thinking about it. I love that you shared your love story here too :) The part about NYC made me laugh. I sometimes feel like it's a miracle I got married at all!
    I have been reading every post on your blog but I haven't had much time lately to leave comments. Just wanted to let you know I've been thinking about you, the big move and possible move back! Hope things are going okay and I know how stressful it can be. Take care of yourself!

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Ok peeps lets CHAT! You tell me what you REALLY think and I PROMISE to keep it open minded here.