5 x 5 Creative Challenge

~ Photo Heavy Post ~

Howdy!  So, I'm back.  I posted a few days ago, a creative challenge for you:  to simply note and photograph 5 things a week, to document those precious moments in your life.  I also stated that this challenge would begin on August 1, 2015, so you would have time to create a special book to keep your documented blessings.  I set out into my craft room today, to create my book.  And I want to share it with you.  

here is the cover:

I used the current sketch from Mojo Monday to help get the creative juices flowing for this project.  

Here is the sketch:

I hope no one is surprised that I used a flower for one of the circle elements {smile}

I am also entering the creative challenge over @ Scrap-Pygovka.   Their challenge is make a cover/book.  Something that holds documents/pages.

And that is what I have done.  This book contains blank pages now, but soon they will start getting filled with what I find precious, memorable, and meaning in my life. {smile}

Also, last but certainly not least.  I am entering the challenge over @Kafe Scrapo Mama.   These ladies are super talented and very inspirational.  I do encourage you to see what they have created.

Their challenge is to add one mandatory white flower to your project, and no other requirement.

More photos of my project:

inside front cover:

inside back cover:

and finally, the back of the book:

Recipe:  I used paper and embellishments I have in my craft room.  And I used what I love.  {smile}

Cover:  The pink text paper is from Webster's Pages, and the floral paper is from Tilda.  I used a big white Prima Marketing blossom.  I stamped the 'vintage' camera in black ink, onto very vanilla card stock, by Stampin' Up! and fussy cut.  I used foam tape to adhere the camera to a text print paper.  (The camera and sentiment both come from Shutter Bug stamp set by Paper Trey Ink.)    The clock brad comes from LemonCraft.  I added a scrap piece of that beautiful pale blue-green and brown polka dot paper  (Stella Rose) to the seam where the two pattern papers meet.  I also added some crochet trim and pale pink seam binding, and machine stitched them to the cover.  I added a multi-loop bow to the cover, and tied on an aqua mist vintage button, by Paper Trey Ink.  I added a double bow of the kraft twine under the seam binding bow.  The tiny brown paper blossom was tucked in just above the big white blossom.   

Inside front Cover:  I used pattern papers from the Stella Rose collection and machine stitched them to the front cover.  I added an ATC card from the Coffee Break collection by Prima.  I just love how positive the sentiment is.

Inside back Cover:  I used a large scrap piece of the blossom paper I used on the front cover, by Tilda.  I just love the tiny blossoms, and  the vintage look of this paper.  I added a long banner piece cut from the same Websters Pages paper.  I used a photo corner punch to create the banner end.  I added some machine stitching to the top of this banner piece.  I added another of the Coffee Break ATC's.  I love this piece.  A coffee cup, a vintage typewriter in that gorgeous aqua blue color and some beautiful home-grown roses.

Back Cover:  I used a scrap piece of the pink patten paper from the cover, by Webster's Pages.  I love the different fonts in white, and the scallop edge.  Very beautiful!  and I stamped my 'brand' on the back in Baked Brown Sugar classic ink, by Stampin' Up!.  

If you noticed, the pages inside are blank.  That way, I can decorate them as I want, as I go.  Because I am not sure on how I will display my photos.  And I wanted to use my favorite kraft card stock on the inside.  

I used my Bind-It-All, to create the holes and connect the spiral rings to my book.  I used 1" antique gold rings for this book.

Well, thank you for looking.  I hope you play along with my challenge.  This creative 5 x 5 challenge begins August 1, 2015.  All you need to do, is take 5 photos a week, capturing the moments that make your life special, memorable, and uniquely YOU, and write one minute for each photo.  Either share your photos in social media, a blog, or a journal.  I believe that a majority of our lives should be 'off record'.  And so, I will share with you, HERE on this blog, 2 of my weekly photos.  

Creative Challenge

Good Morning.  I know from the title of this post, you are probably expecting a paper craft challenge.  But, no.  I have something else in mind.   Last year, I joined a 'team' and took part in the '100 day challenge'.  This challenge required you to take a photo of something that gave you joy that day, and post it.  Sounds simple, right?  Well, did you try it?  I did.  Twice.  And yep, I wasn't able to complete it.  My biggest obstacle was the photography.  I don't want photos of my kids, grandkids, husband, or home on the internet.  Call me paranoid.  But, something things I believe should NOT be on record.  And so, I didn't complete the challenge.  My own obstacles kept me from completing it.   Sad, but true.  

I was at the store the other day and saw the latest Somerset Life at the newsstand, and picked it up.  It is one of my favorite magazines.  I love this magazine for its articles.  Articles on creative people, how the juggle everything life throws at them, and articles on creative projects.  Beautiful, creative projects.  While reading this beautiful magazine this morning, in the quiet, with a hot latte, and my dog at my feet, the pages just turned themselves on inspiration from other bloggers.  

The article that totally captivated me, was 'The Simplicity of Showing Up: the 5 x 5 Creative Challenge'.  This article was written by Christina Rosalie (pg 17-23).  Very creative, very articulate, very motivating.  Her challenge is 5 photos and 5 min of writing a day.  Ok, I couldn't do the 100 day challenge of 1 photo a day.  So, to keep my spirits up, and my motivation right there with it, I have modified this challenge.  Instead of a 5 x 5 daily challenge.  I encourage you, to do the 5 x 5 weekly challenge with me!  Within a week (7 days: Sunday thru Saturday) take 5 photos of what documents your life, and gives your cause to pause and reflect on your blessings, and write one minute for each photo.  Sounds easy enough.  So, in your life of 'busy', 'not enough time' panic, and the continuous chores, slow down.  Take notice.  And document.  

Slow down in your own life, to notice these things.  As Christina says in her article, "Remember right now...  The dreamy, hazy golden light on the coast the day before your birthday... holding hands with your littlest... walking your dog under the streetlights past the rosemary and lavender bushes... remembering the taste of mint leaves and pomegranate in your salad... or the view lifting off at the airport at sunrise.  Document life with a simple noticing of the smallest moments."

You can either share with the rest of the world and post your challenge photos and writing, or simple keep it for yourself.  Make your own life documented book.  But do it!  I know for myself, these days have been jammed packed with deadlines, requirements, obligations, and necessities of life.  But it doesn't have to be mundane, or torturous, or unfulfilling.  It's your life!  Make it count!  Make memories of sweet moments!

So, to give everyone a chance to embrace this challenge, get organized, get creative, and find your own platform to 'share', this challenge will officially begin August 1, 2015, or now.  My commitment to you, is to share at least 2 photos a week here!  Somethings I just don't want out there on the www.  I do hope you join me.  Help yourself give your life sweet memories, and an inner joy.  {smile}