Apr 8, 2010

GinaK Blog Hop Challenge!

Good evening!

Tonight several of us are gathering together to share some projects we've made for Gina's Inspiration Challenge that she uses to decide who will be our next Center Stage Spotlight Designer.  The specific details of the challenge are listed at the end of my blog post (as well as on Gina's blog).

Gina asked us to pick a favorite childhood book to use as an inspiration for our cards tonight being sure to use the new March Release stamp sets on our projects.  We were to share both the books and what inspiration we drew from them for our cards.

I really enjoyed reading and spent a lot of time with my nose buried in a book.  We lived next door to our Public Library - so there were lots of opportunity for books and reading for me.  But, I seemed to go through a phase when I would read certain books over and over again because I liked them so much.

My favorite book to read was Caddie Woodlawn - a girl growing up in Wisconsin in the mid 1800's.  The book is filled with tales of her adventures as a pre-teen girl who would rather spend time being outside with her brothers than staying inside doing all the typical indoor activities girls were expected to enjoy.  Her relationship with her father was special as he seemed to understand her better than anyone else - especially her mother who tried so hard to raise her to be a 'proper' lady.  The book was based on the author's memories of her own grandmother.

Click on the link above to read an excerpt from the book, if you're interested.

My other favorite book series that I devoured as a child were the Little House on the Prairie books... and I'm sure I'm not alone with that one, right?  Of course, I was glued to the TV to watch the series every Monday night too when it aired ....
So, while thinking of these books, I decided to made both of my cards using images from the Happy Spring stamp set that reminded me of Caddie and Laura growing up in the midwest in the 1800's.  They each had to get water from the pump in buckets - so of course, I had to use the water pump image for my first card - thank GOODNESS for modern day plumbing, right!?  lol!


Card Details
Stamps: Happy Spring
Cardstock: GinaK and  Happy Spring Card Kit digital papers
Ink: Memento
Other: Marvy flower punches; Spellbinder's Dies - Labels 12 and Scallop Tag; Copic markers; Brads; bird punch; daubers; diamond stickles; GinaK ribbon; scor tape; corner punch; embossing folder


The next thing that I was reminded of while thinking of these little girls, was that they each struggled with being who they were expected to be - young girls growing up to be 'proper ladies.'  So, naturally I thought of this hat image from the stamp set, as everyone knows a proper lady in the 1800's HAD to wear a hat to protect themselves from the sun, right? 


It was really fun walking down memory lane for this challenge.  Just thinking of these books, brings back a flood of memories.  Looking back, I can see so many reasons why these particular books meant so much to me growing up and reminds me again why the love of reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give to our children.


Card Details
Stamps: Happy Spring
Cardstock: GinaK and Happy Spring kit patterned paper
Ink: Memento
Other: Prima flowers; Spellbinders Labels 12 die; leaves punches; pearls; copics; daubers; corner rounder; border punch


Being a former Elementary Education teacher - it's going to be really fun seeing everyone's favorite books and how it inspired their projects for tonight's hop!  

Challenge Specifics
If you haven't started with GinaK's blog, please start there!

Then, to keep the inspiration going, check out these GinaK Designer's joining in on the hop tonight:

Happy Hopping - be sure to add your project link to GinaK's blog, so we can all see your post!  I can't wait to see who our next CenterStage Spotlight Designer will be - we have the new Release goodies all waiting to be sent out to her!   Good luck to each of you!

Jessica

20 comments:

Cat Tidwell said...

What fun Jess! LOVE the cards and the water pump on especially! yes, thank goodness for modern day plumbing indeed! LOL

Tina said...

VERY inspiring Jess!! Great job on your cards and book references!!

Jennie said...

Beautiful cards Jess, great designs and have to say you work very well under pressure :o) You popped both of these out and did the insides too, you ROCK! Love the Little House series of books and will look into the Caddie Woodlawn ones. What a fun challenge and can't wait to see what everyone creates. Imagine the book list by the end :o)

Lagene said...

Jessica, wonderful cards!

Theresa Momber said...

Jess, these are gorgeous! I loved the Little House series when I was growing up.

kiwimeskreations said...

Jessica, I love your cards, and the stories that inspired them. Well done and a great interpretation.
Blessings

Betty Neville said...

Beautiful cards Jess! Love how you did your ribbon on the first card!

kiwimeskreations said...

Jessica these cards are lovely and a great interpretation of the books.

Lee said...

OMGosh I loved Little House also!!!! And the card with the hat....oh so perfect!!!!

Carolina said...

Such gorgeous creations Jessica! Love the books you selected! Hope you have a great weekend ~ Hugs & Smiles!!!

NinaB said...

Oh, so much eye candy, Jessica. I love all the dimensions. I have to check out the first book you mentioned. It sounds like something my oldest would enjoy. She loves all the Little House books.

Carla S. said...

Gorgeous cards, Jessica! Wonderful choice of books, too!

Linda said...

WOW you really rock. That is one beautiful card and it totally reflects the books you had in mind. Awesome!

Create It Simply said...

Love it! Perfect book choices and the feel of those cards make a perfect match :)

Janice M said...

Great cards Jessica! My sister and I shared a set of the Little House books when we were kids!

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

WOW--these cards are beautiful! LOVE that embossing and bold colors! TFS!

Sue VanDeVusse said...

I love what you have created using those books as inspiration. My daughter had that set and just loved them.

joy said...

Love the colors on both cards. The flowers in the first have such beautiful texture.

Melanie said...

I love this purple one!!

Kimmiek said...

WOW!! Another amazing beauty! The bow... It's delish!!
Laura Ingalls WIlder books haev always been & will always be a very cherished part of my childhood best memories!

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