I apologize for not posting these past few days. I have actually not had much time to stamp. We have been continuing (finally) the work on my desk and spent a lot of time doing that yesterday. Anyway, I was able to make a card today but I won't share it with you until tomorrow. However, I do have this card that I posted on SCS and forgot to post on here! Yikes!
I made this card for last week's SCS sketch challenge. I just love this set from There She Goes. It is definitely one of my all-time favorites! :D I paired it with my BasicGrey paper and created a beautiful monochromatic color scheme. I heat embossed both the image and the sentiment. I then added a touch of red by punching out a butterfly, tying on some red ribbon, and adding three small red brads to the corner. I am actually surprised at how much I like this card. I was afraid it would be one that I would dislike after it was finished but I guess I was wrong because I actually kind of like it.
Well, thanks so much for stopping by! I love the fact that you wonderful ladies take the time to visit my blog and listen to my ramblings. It really means a lot to me.
P.S. (I'm going to get a little mopy on ya...sorry.)
Ok...honesty time. Amy Westerman is someone who I absolutely adore! She is not only a fabulous stamper but a genuinly sincere and wonderful woman. I just love her heart. Anyway, I bring her up because she is someone who can't cover her feelings. She wears her heart on her sleeve, like me. Amy has inspired me to post this. Now, my heartaches are nothing when compared to what she has been going through (bless her heart) but I feel that I need to express them anyway. I have really been struggling with something and am kind of tired of just dealing with it. I hope you don't mind that I share it with you. Ok...here goes. I guess what has been bothering me lately is that I have been struggling with my abilities as a stamper. I have had a few let-downs occur recently and it's just starting to take a toll on my attitude. I have definately been feeling quite inadequate as a stamper. I am not sure why I let these things get to me, but I tend to take them very personally. I have promised myself over and over that I will just let it roll off the shoulders but my heart just does not work that way. Have any of you ever dealt with these kinds of feelings? I mean, how can something I enjoy so much, tear me down at the same time? Do you know what I mean? If you have experienced this, what did you do to pull yourself back up? I guess I just need some stamping advice here. So...any thoughts from my fabulous readers? My husband tries to help, but he honestly does not understand what I am fully feeling (and how could he). Ok...I am sorry to be such a downer tonight but I had to get it off my chest. I just can't stop the tears tonight (stinkin' PMS)!
ETA: I just found this post from Cammie and it has actually helped quite a bit. I am not necessarily dealing with rejection but it definately feels similar.
14 comments:
I am sorry you are having a hard time Steph, just know that I think you are fabulous and I LOVE everything that you do!! Keep up the great work girl, you rock!!
Girl, I know what you're feeling. I do....truly. I think you're awesome, as both a stamper and in how kind you are. I'm soooo glad I've gotten to know you. :)
Your card today is beautiful. I love the colors.
from one "heart on her sleeve wearer" to another, know that I feel for you! I'm sorry to hear you've been having a rough time of it lately. Been there, done that, especially when it comes to stamping. Although I don't know what's got you down stamping-wise, I can offer this tidbit of advice.... "To thine own self be true". God made you uniquely you. He made your talents uniquely yours. You are where you are stamping-wise because he put you there. For whatever reason, He's got you where He wants you. Accept that and listen to His whispers. He's wanting to teach you something Steph. Sit tight and let things happen the way they are suppose to and rejoice in his pathway for your life. Each event that happens, happens for a reason. It might appear bad, but in retrospect, it was all good. Hang on to that, girlfriend. Hope my words helped you today.
Love ya,
Amy
Hey there Steph, im sorry buti think you are wonderful stamper, your cards are so beautiful and inspirational.
I will add though that the craft isnt getting you down - you are - the way you are thinking and perceiving things. We craft because it is our passion our love, and thats what you should think about. Dont worry about 'being good enough' because if i did that i wouldnt be crafting, i just do it because i love it and the rest is just elementary.
I do hope though that you start to find peace with it again
love tasha
Steph, I'm truly surprised at how you feel! I thought I was the only one who felt that!! I have had a couple of disappointments in the last couple of weeks. One of them was in relation to Cammie's rejection post, but I had the attitude they weren't going to choose me. That made it easier. Not that my craft wasn't good enough, but that there are hundreds if not thousands of other stampers who applied for the same position. More famous ones, more stylish ones, more current ones, etc. I couldn't have said it better than Amy did in this post. Your talents are uniquely yours. I guess I'm not much use for advice, but I pray you continue to learn the craft, just as we all do.
Oh, and remember your accomplishments--you've done A LOT, a tremendous amount in a small span of time. A heck of a lot more than most, including me.
{{{HUGS}}}
I think Amy explained everything you wanted hear.
I just want to let you know I think you are the one of the very talented stampers out there. You know what your style is and what you are good at.
Thank you for letting us know how you feel.
Your card is absolutely beautiful! And the ribbon!! OMG! it's sooo gorgeous!
steph, i am a crafter, i live in colorado and i love the lord too. i am wondering if your problem at feeling that way is something WAY bigger than crafting. or... could you be pregnant. i am guessing it is something different and your heart is heavy in general. Plus Jan/Feb in Colorado are hard. it is SO beautiful the other 10 months that we are spoiled when it gets colder and 'bluckier' than normal. hang in there, your work is beautiful and God has got ya!!
Steph--
First---that card is just absolutely stunning---so funny that you put THAT on a post about not feeling good at stamping!
I can tell you that EVERYONE doubts their talents and abilities but you know what---at the end of the day--each person brings her talents to this field and no other person can stamp in just the same way that you do. You have a wonderful gift---do not let anyone take the awesome feeling of creating such beautiful works of art away from you.
Go back to creating just for you and then one day you will be confident enough to go back out there and try again......
until then....we will all enjoy your amazing talent!
((((HUGS))))))
Hi Steph, I just love your style. I am always inspired by what you create. You have to remember that you stamp because you love it. You create projects that make your heart happy. Don't try to stamp and create to please anyone but yourself. Everyone has a unique style. Stick with what YOU love! God Bless you!
Hi Steph, I always enjoy seeing your work...seriously!
You are so young and you've already accomplished A LOT in the stamping world! Very few people can say they are on a design team.
My dad gave me the best advice when I was a teen. He said "as long as you know in your heart that you tried your best, you can't be dissapointed in yourself". So true! This advice has helped me many times in my life to handle life's disappointments.
I wish you well.
Hi Steph,
I know what you mean, I have felt that way many times, it sucks.
Remember, you have a great talent given by God, use it and be proud of everything you can do.
God bless you my friend.
Giovana
You have so inspired me over these months since I joined your blog. Your talent is so evident in all you create. I think sometimes you girls just want to do it all, creating for so many stamp companies and just don't enjoy the simple pleasure of stamping. I love it when you use SU products. Keep that up and do away with the companies that have a deadline.
Hi Steph,
I am understanding the way you feel, and honestly your site is what inspires me! I sent you a package for your friend a while back and I was so shocked and elated that you put my card on your site, I was pumped for days after I saw it there. I feel as though I don't come close to the talent that all the people who blog have and that is why I am always looking and reading your posts for ideas and inspiration. Thank you for sharing not only your talent but your emotions as well, that makes you truly a wonderful person.
Oh, Steph. First of all, I absolutely adore this card. It's so beautiful. Second, I have admired your creations since the very first time I saw one of your cards and e-mailed you praising it. You have a wonderful talent that many (like me) can only beg for! I enjoy the cards I make and do the best I can, but I don't think mine could ever measure up to "blog material" the way your creations and so many other talented and creative people do. And third, I think Amy said everything else better than I every could. She pretty much said it all. Cheer up, Steph. You have a great future in stamping ahead of you. {HUGS}
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