Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Inspired Simplicity

I just have to start by saying how much I LOVE this month's Inspiration Piece!! However, it took me a while to actually pinpoint just exactly what it was that I loved so much about it. Was it the colors and patterns? Yes...but there was more to it than just that. It took me over a week before I finally figured out why I was so drawn to this piece. Red is my favorite color...and I love bold monochromatic patterns like the one on the comforter...but actually it was the overall "laid back simplicity" that I was so taken with. So, I was inspired to go in a direction I rarely go to in stamping...the simple side! LOL!


I chose three of the colors that really stood out to me and created simple monochromatic cards that can be used anytime (or even bundled in a gift). I achieved the bold white images on the colored cardstock by embossing the leaf (from the Serenity set) stamp in white. The white "ribbon" piece is actually a strip of white cardstock that I trimmed on one end to look like ribbon. :-)


What about this piece inspires you? Add a link to your creation in the comments section of THIS post and you could win $15 in Verve Bucks!










O.k....to the part I've been dreading. LOL! And for the record...yeah, it IS all Carole's fault!! Hee! So, in Carole's words...here's my "verve-iview"...


1. When/how did you get hooked on stamping?


I was first introduced to stamping at a Stampin' Up! home party 11 1/2 years ago. I've never been much of an "artsy or crafty" type person, but was immediately taken with this new hobby! I can honestly say that I've been "addicted" ever since! LOL!


2. How often do you stamp?


Almost daily. Every now and then I take a day "off"...but for the most part I usually manage to sneak a little stamping time in every day.


3. Tell me about your funniest or most embarrassing stamping related injury.


O.k...but this isn't to be repeated, o.k.??? LOL! Actually, I was in a scrapbook store when my "injury" happened. You see, I live so far away from...well, anything...and getting to craft or scrapbook stores is a very rare occasion! This might have been my second time in an actual store dedicated to all things scrapbooking/stamping and I probably was a bit giddy...because in my haste to check out the next aisle of treasures that I had to have, I tripped and fell into a display of embellishments! I guess in an ordinary store I would have turned the shade of a ripe tomato, but this was no ordinary store...and I was now on top of some of the prettiest embellishments ever!!! Needless to say, most of them ended up in my shopping basket! LOL!


4. How long does it take you to create a project that you're happy with?


Oh, this one varies. Sometimes, I can whip stuff out in under 30 minutes...and other times I can't finish anything in less than an hour. I tend to "try" my embellishments on (not me..but the card LOL!) and switch them around a few times before I'm happy.


5. I am usually a little messy in my creating. Tell me about your creative space.


During the creating process...my space looks like a tornado landed! I have a very small space, so it doesn't take much for it to be cluttered with "stuff". But, no matter how messy it is during my creating...I always clean it up when I'm done. In fact, I cannot start a new project until everything from the previous one is cleaned up and put away!


6. If you were stranded on a deserted island, which craft tool could you not live without?
Why?


This really isn't a good question for me! LOL! I don't like to be without the tools that I need/want. In fact, that is the reason I never go to crops or other "stamp away from home" events. I know, I know...it sounds crazy. I just never know what tool I'll need until I need it! Hee! I guess if I had to say which tool do I find myself reaching for most...I would have to say my sponges. I love to add shading to my cards!


7. What is your biggest source of inspiration?


I've already admitted my subconscious adoration of embellishments...so it won't come as any surprise to you when I tell you that most of the time, I design my cards around embellishments or patterned paper!! :-)


8. Who in the stamping world do you want to be when you grow up and why?


This is a tough one. There are SOOO many stampers I admire!! Ok...let's see. If I could be the "perfect stamper" I would want to color like Debbie Olson, create amazing and unique projects like Lauren Meader, and come up with wonderful one of a kind sketches like Tosha Leyendekker. A girl can dream, right?


9. What is your favorite part of the creative process?


I really enjoy coloring (even though I'm still in the learning phase)...but my favorite part is embellishing and adding ribbon! Shocking, huh? :-) My least favorite part is cutting all the various layers. I'm a perfectionist (big time), and if my layers aren't exact and straight, I will cut and re-cut until they are perfect. I try to let stuff slide...but I just can't let it go! LOL!


So, that is probably more about me than you ever wanted to know!! :-)


Make sure to stop back by tomorrow and see Susan's inspired creation! ~Laurie


Recipe
Stamps: Serenity, Floral Whimsy
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, So Saffron (Stampin' Up!), Versamark
Accessories: Clear e.p., White e.p., Oval Nestabilities, White brads