Need a little inspiration?

Hi girls - sorry, no new cards - this is just going to be a rambling post! I don't know about all of you, but sometimes when I start browsing all of the *amazing* blogs out there, I get discouraged. I feel really inferior and start thinking that it's just ridiculous for me to have a blog, because if you can look at Debbie's work or Taylor's work or Leslie's work, why would anyone want to bother with my work?? But then I take a step back and remember why I'm really doing this. I'm trying to improve *my* stamping. And having my own blog helps encourage me to actually *stamp* (the only way I'll ever improve is to just do it!). And it also serves as my reminder to check out all of the other blogs I list along the left side, to find bits of inspiration. And where have I found my greatest inspiration as of late, you ask?? Well let me tell you!! :-) Have you all been checking Amy Westerman's blog "Heartfelt Greetings"?? Well if not, you should!! First take a look at, say, this post. Gorgeous, isn't it?? Now look at this post. For the past few weeks, Amy has been featuring these Flashback Fridays, where she shares some of her early work! And fyi - "early" is not really *that* much of a flashback - she says she started stamping a year and a half ago!!!! Now if that doesn't give you all inspiration, I don't know what will! Amy has worked really hard at improving her style & skills, and it completely shows. She mentions the "elite" stampers in one of her posts, as if they are people other than her - hate to break it to ya Amy, but you are certainly elite in my book! :-) Here is another and another and finally today's Flashback Friday, where she even updates one of her previous creations! So cool. And actually read her posts too - not only are the pictures encouraging, but so are her words. I just love her blog, she is so honest & genuine in her writing!

Another thing I've done recently is look at some of my favorite stampers' SCS galleries. You all know I love everything that Taylor VanBruggen does, and I don't mean to be picking on her by any means, but check out her gallery. Look at the *amazing* recent creations on the first few pages. Now go all the way to the last page. Still very cute, she's always been talented, but she didn't come out of the womb the completely amazing stamper she is today! :-) She's clearly worked at it. She told me one of the keys for her was playing along with the SCS challenges, it helped her start to think outside the box and try things she wouldn't normally have tried. So, that's what I'm trying to do too!

And finally - read the quote to the left, under my photo a bit. Isn't that the truth?? :-)

Happy stampin' ya'll!