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.

We are also pleased to welcome Denise Morrison and her stunning artistic style back to Inspiration Elevator. Our challenge this month comes from the very talented Lisa Spiegel . Here's what she had to say in her very own words: "October is my favorite month of the year.  Hands down.  The temperatures here in Southern California finally start to drop, we wear a light sweater, maybe even a little boot.  We pull out the scarves and the jeggings and put away the capris and tank tops.  Leaves begin to change and we prepare for Halloween!  My whole house is decorated, from top to bottom, and it is no small feat.  I even swap out my dishes and serving ware in preparation for Fall and Halloween and I love to just keep the festivities going all the way through the Thanksgiving and then holiday season.  My house will not return to "normal" until January.  So, Lisa, tell us, how does this relate to a scrapbooking challenge?  Well, what I've found over the years is my scrapping even changes over the holidays.  I layer more.  Reach for the bling and really dig deep to embellish with meaningful objects.  Journalmy thoughts and stories and feelings.  Fall just make me nostalgic.  So  here is the challenge.  Create a layout that is nostalgic...the feelingshould be evident from the title, the visible journaling and the embellishments you choose.  Choose deliberately and with purpose to tell your nostalgic story.  I can't wait to see how you interpret this challenge!"

This challenge proved to be VERY difficult for me! But once I figured out what story I wanted to tell, I knew exactly what I wanted to scrap about. Since I was a little girl, some of my favourite memories have been on our camping adventures. My love for the outdoors, and our happy family memories, have all stemmed from traveling, especially camping. Now that I have a family of my own, we go camping as much as we can in the summer time. It takes me back to the good old days, with the campfire, fishing, hiking, and playing with my sisters. I love that my kids are experiencing the same adventures that I have had, and I can see myself years ago as they create their own adventures in the wilderness!

Here is the layout I created:

I decided to title the layout "The Smells of Yesterday". The distinct outdoor camping smell always conjures up many memories-from the smell of the campfire, to the dampness in the morning. As a kid we always use to wake up and have our cereal while our parents had their coffee... now I am having my coffee while my kids are having their breakfast.... I LOVE this!  Here are some detailed shots:

I didn't have any old camping photos at my house, but I did include pictures of our last camping adventure.  I used Jillibean Soup's Happy Camper Collection along with some of their other embellishments! I thought this suited my style!

Thanks for the great challenge Lisa!

 I hope you will stop by and see what the  rest of the incredible Inspiration Elevator designers have created:

Lisa Spiegel

Joanne Burton
Laurel Seabrook

Jodi Wilton
Michelle Hernandez

Ann Jobes

Laura Whitaker
Lisa Moen
Christa Uttley 

Guest Designer Denise Morrison

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!