Inspration Elevator Challenge 2: Telling The Story

Welcome to our second Inspiration Elevator challenge. You may recall from last month`s challenge that the purpose of this venture 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 hard and stretch our art. This month`s challenge was issued by the very talented Laura Whitaker. Here`s a sampling of what Laura asked us to do:

``For my challenge I wanted to get back to the root of scrapbooking a little bit, back to the preserving of memories; to encourage you to look at your photos a little more closely.  We all have cute photos of the sweet-faced children and beautiful family members, in our lives, that we can scrapbook.  But I want to challenge you to choose a photo that tells a story or evokes an emotion, something a little different than our children playing or family members posing.   We all have heard that a picture speaks a thousand words. Chose a photo that was taken from behind the subject, preferably one in which you cannot see their face.  Maybe you have chosen not to scrap a particular photo in past because you couldn’t see the subject’s face very well, this is the perfect time to use that photo. Then the story will be the focus and not the face.   Then tell the story that goes with the photo via your journaling.  This way when our families look back at this page years from now, they will truly be reminded of the moment.``

What an incredible challenge! For those of you who know my work, I am not a big journaller. Now, I know that for some it is the whole point of Scrapbooking; to create lasting memories for our families and that the `story` is as important as the photo and the art. But for me it is about the creative process and sometimes the words just don`t fit into the design. So I began my process as I do every other layout: with a picture that inspires me, great products and an idea. 

This photo of my children was taken 4 years ago in Cuba. I had made them get up early (very early!) and dress in co-ordinating colours (did I mention I made my hubby, Rich and I do it too?) I wanted to beat the crowds and catch the water at a calmer time. The light was lovely and they actually co-operated (even Rich!) I got lots of great shots and when I finished (amidst whoops and yahoos!) we decided to head up to the main hall for breakfast. Max took Adriane`s hand and I snapped this last shot. Here`s the journalling I created for the design and the challenge. Laura is right; this photo had a story (even though it`s a short one) that I want them to remember.

I have waited many years to scrapbook this photo and it is like Authentique`s Fresh line was made for it. The soft blues and greys really accent the water and the sand. It captured the calm morning light and seemed to bring out the emotion in the photo. My design includes lots of `Christa` things like machine stitching, minimal card stock and a short title. I also created a small cluster using clear beads and a starfish. I wanted this design to remain simple and uncluttered so that the photo and the feeling shone through.

I loved this challenge and it did make me think about why I do this craft, and what I have to `say` when I create. It helped me remember the story and to find room on the design to tell it for posterity. Thanks Laura!

I hope you have been inspired, I know that my fellow group of artists have been working all month to create gorgeous and inspiring designs. Here`s the list of my IE friends and I hope you`ll pop by and see what they have created and perhaps take a moment to say a word or two.

Laura Whitaker

Audrey Yeager

Lisa Moen

Laurel Seabrook

Carolyn Wolff

Cathy Harper

Ann Jobes

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton

Sue Sykes

I hope you will come back next month and see what the extraordinary Audrey Yeager has in store for us. Until then keep doing what you love (I know I am!)

Christa

Supply List
Authentique Fresh Papers: Clear, Clean, Details Stickers
Misc Glass beads
Lollihop Font and starfish embellishment by Silhouette