Sunday already? Where does the time go? Lately I have been noticing that it is going much faster than normal! Summer is just around the corner and I really have a lot of big ideas and plans to accomplish before the end of the school year! Does anyone else ever feel like there is not enough time in the day!
Friday I came home from work to find such a wonderful "happy mail" email in my mailbox. Her kind and thoughtful words really boosted me.
Every once in a while, being a crafter can be intimidating. We try to not compare ourselves to other stampers or crafters but we do. We wish we could colour better or that we took better photographs. Do you know what I mean? It is hard to be happy with who we are...right now. We always want to be better.
This year I have been focusing on being the best me I can be and I am striving to compare myself to ME. No one else. (Easier said than done...right?)
In the meantime, I am sharing another card that I made for the Inspired by All the Little Things challenge once again. This time I wanted to create something for the challenge that was not a floral. I was inspired by the colours and the watercoloured images in the graphic.
I stamped the images in distress ink and then used my waterpen to "smudge" the images. Then I added some blue watercolouring around the images, to tie them all together. I used a sentiment from Verve, and two retired Stampin' Up stamp sets.
As a final pop...I punched out one butterfly on vellum and one on white paper...then I added them with a glue dot over the butterfly on the card. My card panel is slightly skewed...just for some added interest.
I hope you have the chance to craft day and remember to find joy in your creativity!
Your card is gorgeous girl! And I am delighted you have happy news to share soon! You are oh so right......it is so easy to fall into the "I'm not good enough" mode......good reminder!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Linda. xo
DeleteOh, Lesley, I'm so glad you got some happy email. Those are so special, aren't they? I know for me, when I see a card by a fantastic crafter (and I would consider you to be one!) I tend to think that I don't need to comment because they are so fabulous they probably don't need encouragement from someone like me. They must have it all together and have tons of confidence because they are wonderful! This is a great reminder that we ALL need encouragement. A little kindness goes such a long way. And also a great reminder to be yourself. You don't have to have all the newest and best stamps and supplies to make cards. You don't have to be "on trend" when "on trend" isn't you. There is room for all of us and we can all learn from and encourage one another -- just like you did today. {{Hugs!!}}
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tricia. {hugs}
DeleteThank you for being you, Lesley =) I think you are quite talented and amazing. But, I know what you mean because when I look at all of your beautiful flowers.....I often find myself saying, "I will color half that good one of these days!" I also need to improve my photo taking skills. I have made improvements, but when I see crystal clear images it bums me out a little bit. Why can't we just learn and do everything now? Honestly, I do not do well with competition. The only person I compete with is myself or at least that is what is in my heart. But, yet I am so hard on myself about not improving and learning fast enough. You are an inspiration to me for so many reasons. Thank you for sharing this post and your beautiful creation! Now I am on my way to create something for this challenge...hope there is still time. Have a beautiful week =)
ReplyDeleteOutside of the box thinking on this one Lesley!! LOVE the butterflies:))
ReplyDeleteSuper post as well. A great reminder to just be ME!!! You be YOU and all will be a lovely meeting in the middle:) Creating is BLISS!
Lesley, you and your work are amazing...no one can be a better YOU...embrace that! I try to see myself as Jesus does, He created me and He does not make mistakes...I have a lot of hope and faith in knowing that! Keep inspiring others and sharing your beautiful work!
ReplyDeletesparkle & shine, kindness *~*
Yes I can totally relate to your blog post today and very much enjoyed reading it along with the wonderful comments from other crafters. Fabulous card, great sideways thinking on the inspiration photo. Gorgeous vibrant colours and loving the extra touch with the layered butterfly, thank you for sharing x
ReplyDeleteVery pretty. Love all the colorful butterflies.
ReplyDeleteLove your post. You are a great inspiration to so many and you don't need to compare yourself to anyone else. God made us each individually and I am thankful for that. Of course, we all strive to be better at what we do, and that is natural. Thank you for sharing.
This post really spoke to me Lesley and I so needed the reminder, so for that an many other things you have done, I personally thank you! Your card is fantastic! You managed to put the blue sky in all the perfect places! Really Gorgeous! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWow Lesley!! This is seriously GORGEOUS!! I adore those bright beautiful happy colors and the look of those butterflys!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!
yay for Happy Mail!
ReplyDeleteYour card is so pretty, lovin' all the fantastic colors.
The weekend goes by much too fast, doesn't it?
Lesley thank you so much for sharing the words that all we crafters have going on in our heads, we are never good enough or satisfied with our own work. It truly does rob one of the joy of creating. Your outlook serves you well, this card is a real beauty! I love the vivid colors and the bit of watercoloring, just lovely!
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely post Lesley. I always say be yourself because everyone else is already taken!! Your card are marvelous, such happy colors!
ReplyDeleteYour card is so colorful with all those butterflies Lesley. I got to agree that it is always easy to say not to compare ourselves with others, but at times we do end up drawing comparisons.
ReplyDeleteI could not have read this at a better time than today! I just had a couple of negative comments on some of my cards, making me second guessing everything I do . I will not let it affect me and I will keep on doing what I love.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this beautiful card and positive quotes. Have a wonderful week Lesley!
Such a beautiful card !
ReplyDeleteJust so beautiful as always......all of those gorgeous colours are just fabulous together!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to know I'm not the only one who struggles with comparing herself to others... ;)
ReplyDeleteYour card is beautiful, Lesley!
Awesome card -- However, I WANT THAT BACKGROUND PAPER you used in your photo! How cool of an effect!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful card, Lesley, as always! And very well-written! We all struggle with these feelings from time to time which do suck the joy out of our creative process. Fortunately, a few warm and cozy comments can restore us, which is the beauty of this community!! Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteWhat a stunning card!! I LOVE the mix of butterflies and leaves. I think we all struggle with being good enough. Your designs always knock my socks off and I wish I could be as creative as you are!!! But I am me and I am okay with that. I love that I can go to blogs like yours and be inspired.
ReplyDeleteYou KNOW I love this card. SO so so pretty. :) Your words are inspiring and a great reminder to everyone.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous card, Lesley! The butterflies are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI love the quotes, too... Gotta remember it :)
Oh, I love this!!! Your cards are awesome, Lesley!
ReplyDeleteLilian
The Leaf Studio