Monday, February 6, 2012

Remembering My Time With Simon Says Stamp and Show

Hi friends, this is my last week of being on the design team for Simon Says Stamp and Show.  I have a lot of new things coming up in my life and I decided not to re-up for another 6 month term.  Believe me, it was extremely tough to make that decision and I am going to miss the team severely.  It has become such a part of my life and my week.  

Just a bit on this week's project.  I altered a box left over from Christmas using Tim Holtz's Mini Love Struck for my winged things and tore and pieced his Tissue Wrap for my torn edges.  Plenty of Old Paper and Vintage Photo distress inks were used to give the piece a vintage look and feel.  Other products used included Picket Fence Distress StainClaudine Hellmuth Multi Medium Matte and the Mini Paper Rosette die.

I am entering this project into the Lessology challenge.  This month's theme is Flights of Fancy - projects that incorporate flight in innovative ways and also must include an upcycled item.  This box held a bottle of aftershave and one of cologne that my DH received for Christmas.  I started to toss it and the looked at it again and though shadowbox.   I am also entering it into Sarah Engels-Greer's My Mojo Monthly whose theme this month is Heartstrings and the Love/Romance challenge at Snazzy's Design Team Blog.  
Even after 18 months on the team, I still find it hard to believe that a nobody like me was picked for such an elite team - really there are amazing people with incredible credentials on that team and me - I've never even taken a paper crafting or mixed media class.  What did I know about such things?  The DT call was advertised as a vintage themed challenge so I applied - well, yeah, I made vintage style cards.  Imagine my surprise when I arrived at the team blog and saw the kinds of mixed media projects that the other designers were making - I didn't even know what gesso was!!  I think the only Tim Holtz product I owned was a pad of Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  Talk about being intimidated!  But I dug in my heels, rushed out to purchase Tim Holtz's Compendium of Curiosities and dove in.

The rest is history and I wanted to share a little bit of it with you.  I recently saw people sharing their favorite pieces from 2011 so I thought I would share some of my favorite pieces from my 18 months with Simon Says Stamp and Show.  The links are there in case you want the deets.  You can see all my Simon Says projects by clicking the SSSS label on the sidebar.

Things With Wings - My First Simon Says Project

In case you can't make it out, it says "Thank you for taking me on this unique journey.  I'm off in in the right direction on a wing and a prayer.  I hope I can wing it.  I know I will enjoy the journey."
Welcome to the Simon Says Blog Hop


Country Roads

My Vintage Shoebox

Some Stars

My Easter Bonnet

This Challenge is Not To Distressing

Mini Vintage Easter Triptych

A Vintage Sewing Find

Sweet Romance





And I did ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!!!!

38 comments:

Rhea said...

Reading your entry inspires me to try out for a position like this too. Thanks for sharing your inspiration at SSSS and your story! Cheers!

Scrumplescrunch said...

Oh Linda I will miss you on SSSS.
You will understand a little how I feel being on my first DT, but I am reassured that you are there, and that is a biggie for me.
Your work that you produced over the last 18mths since I have been following, has been a huge inspiration to me, and I have no doubt whatsoever that you have had the same impact on many other people.
I hope you will have more time for yourself and your craft.
Smiles:)

Yvonne Garner said...

Linda, you are inspiration or sure. You demonstrate how hard work and determination can pay off. It would have been easy to give up but just look at how far you grew through this process! sincere congratulations and thanks so much for sharing.

Leigh said...

Oh no, your last dt creation. So sad!! I hope you will still create fabulous projects and cards Linda. Your work is wonderful.

Tammy said...

You are amazing!! And the reason that you were 'lifted up' was because of your humility AND gifts that you didn't bury:) Your project is so uber and thank you for allowing me to glean from you!! be blessed
Beyond Measure
Tammy
www.bbbm.weebly.com

May said...

Linda you are such a inspiration, to read your story it tells us all anything is possible, with determination and hard work, I hope you have a little more time to yourself now and thank you for the great creations you shared with us all from your time with ssss. Hugs May x x x x

Pam said...

Gorgeous creation this week. How fitting it is one of love. Can't wait to see what comes next for you.

Nancy Wethington said...

Linda, you will definitely be missed. You've been a wonderful team mate and inspiration.

Suzanne C said...

Stunning projects! Can't wait to see your new ventures this year! Love your valentine box... So clever in the design and gorgeous details!

Kate Yetter said...

Linda,
Your work is far from that of a nobody. Your art is so diverse and full of texture and depth. I love coming to your blog for inspiration. All your projects are amazing. I look forward to seeing more of your fabulous creations this year!
Kate

Craft Addicts - Tracy Evans said...

Hi Linda, I love your creation this week, a lovely piece of recycling and so beautifully put together, I may need that cherub die. When I see this colour palette I always think of you. I will miss your wonderful inspiration on SSSS and wish you every success in your new ventures. See you over at AO. Keep in touch. Tracy x

Marjie Kemper said...

Linda, your wrap up is chock full of gorgeous creations. Beautiful pieces! I'll miss seeing your designs each week on SSSS (that's where I found you) but since I'm a follower on your blog I'll still be treated to your new projects. Wishing you great happiness in the future!

Cindy said...

Your work is so inspiring to me! I'm sure you will go on to do many more wonderful things. Thanks for sharing.

Candy C said...

Linda, I am going to miss you so much! You have always been so super sweet to me with all of your inspiring, encouraging comments. Your work is fantastic. You have such a distinct style and attention to detail. I love the gentleness and femininity of your pieces. This week's is no exception. It's lovely. I wish you the very best that life has to offer in all of your future endeavors, Linda. You are quite a lady. <3 Candy

Anita Houston The Artful Maven said...

I will surely miss you at SSSS! That's where I first learned about you and all your goodness, and yours was always first on my 'to see list'! I know you will be a success where ever your vintage crafting box takes you!!! Hugs!!!

Lori said...

Linda! I'm so surprised! You are SO amazingly talented! I'm in awe of what you create, both for the SSS DT AND all other pieces! Your talent will be missed, but I'm sure new and exciting things are ahead for you!

Kathy Eddy said...

I will miss you on the SSSS weekly challenge, but will still be following your blog. I LOVE your style and creatiions!!!

Terry said...

HIya my sweet Linda, I will miss you dearly, you have been a true inspiration to me and to the teamies, thank you for all your beautifull and Amazing projects, I allways love to read your stories and we will miss you lots. Your last piece is absolutley georgous sweetie truly and amazing, I hope we will see eachother again in blogland and ....you know where you can find my blog and email eh? Hugs Terry xxxxxxxxxxxx and good luck Linda

anna christensen crafts said...

Linda, reading your post is a different kind of inspiration from your stunning work. You make me feel much more brave about the idea of applying for a DT post. I for one, can't wait to see where the next leg of your 'creative journey' takes you and wish you joy along the route Anna xx

Shelly Hickox said...

I first found your blog thru SSSS and I'm so glad I did! You are one of my favorite artists - your work is so inspiring. Gorgeous piece this week, just like always!!

Karenliz Henderson said...

Linda all your creations are gorgeous! I can't wait to see whats in store for you in the future!

Unknown said...

Wow, you are incredibly talented! Such amazing work and every one of your details is fabulous..you are an inspiration! Thanks for sharing this journey!

email: Steph@SimonSaysStamp.com said...

Oh my, what a treat for the eyes!! there are so many GORGEOUS projects it would be impossible for me to pick a favorite! We have truly treasured having you on our team and you will be very missed.

We wish you the very best of luck in all your endeavors and all that you do, and don't be a stranger...join the challenges too when you can!

We love you!
*mwah*
Steph
Simon Says Stamp!

MarcyK924 said...

....and there are many more people out there that you inspire! You will be missed at SSSS, but I am honored to serve on your OCC design team and we get to see your magnificent creations there!

It's always interesting to see what an artist considers their favorites. BRILLIANT choices on your part! Best of luck in ALL your future endeavors, Linda. Hugs, Marcy

yyam said...

Wow! Your creations are just amazing! You have a beautiful eye for details!

Thank you for joining us at LESSology! :)

Susan Joyce said...

All your projects are just gorgeous! Best of Luck with your future endeavours.

Lisa Minckler said...

What a tremendous trip down memory lane Linda. My goodness, you are so incredibly talented and I'm sad to see you leaving SSSS, but I'm sure you're doing what is most certainly best for you.
May the future be wonderful for you and I look forward to so much more of your inspiring insight to art.
Hugs,
Lisa xx

Katy said...

Wow! Your projects are beautiful! They are so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story!!

Sarah said...

I just don't know where to start....I need to spend a few more weeks taking in all that vintage loveliness and shabby passion! What a journey indeed and what an inspiration to us all. You final piece really means you are going out with a bang and I always say no one does that winter white like you do... Thanks for sharing your wonderfully creative piece with MMM and moreover for giving so much to the SSS&S team - we will sorely miss you...but I know the paths that lie ahead will take you to new pastures, challenges and memories! Enjoy the journey!!! Sarah.

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

Awesome work! Thanks for playing along with us at LESSology!

Minxy said...

Thanks for playing along with Snazzy's first challenge x Your project is just stunning.. along with all your pieces.. you have a real arty gift :)
Minxy x

Gillian .... said...

Linda, your projects are amazing, this is no exception, you projects will be sorely missed over at SSS, thank you for sharing your inspirational work over at Snazzy's DT challenge.

Astrid Maclean said...

I am sure you will be missed a,lot over at SSSS, you have so much talent and all of your creations are amazing. I just LOVE the piece you have entered for Snazzys first challenge and thank you so much for playing along there!

craftimamma said...

I have no doubt they are really going to miss you on the SSSS DT. Your favourite projects are absolutely amazing and so is your entry to our first Snazzy's DT challenge. Lots of love and definitely lots of romance. Beautiful vintage look too. Thank you so much for joining in.

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Linda said...

Wow so many wonderful creations.
Thanks for joining us at LESSology this week with your Flights of Fantasy.
Hugs,
Linda
Scrapcat Cards by Linda

Angi Barrs said...

Your creation is super beautiful. Thanks so much for playing along with us at LESSology!

~amy~ said...

ALL of your creations are gorgeous!!!! Thanks so much for joining us at LESSology!

Dora said...

All your projects are stunning, thanks for playing!

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