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Friday, May 25, 2007

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!

17 comments:

  1. Keep on stampin' and sharin'! We come to see and enjoy!

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  2. Thanks for posting that! I have felt the same way many times and even though I don't have a blog I do browse alot of them and am in awe of some of the creations I see. I have to say that it has taken my stamping to another level - given me something to aspire to.

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  3. I think your cards rock! along with your scrapbook pages, and cakes, and photos. It's easier to look down on your own stuff, so hang in there :)

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  4. Hi Libby! I recently found your blog and enjoy your art. I was nodding my head as I was reading along this post. You're absolutely right, we have to create for our own pleasure, and personal challenges and goals. There will always be someone more talented, more creative (prettier, wealthier, etc!) but that should never discourage us from creating what we love and enjoying the process of discovery and growth.

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  5. Libby, I swear to High Heaven you're one of the most amazing and entertaining people I've come across in a long time! The spirit of generosity in this post is rare and fascinating. I'd be so sorry for myself if I didn't have your blog to read anymore so, please, keep it up! But do it for you, knowing the value of it as an outlet for your thoughts and creativity and as a true digital scrapbook of your journey through stamping. The quote you pointed out is profoundly true, but you bring a special quality to this art that's worthy of as much respect and acknowledgement as the most seasoned and accomplished stamper.

    Well, now that I've darn near written a blog post, myself, I just want to say thanks for all these links! This was so fun! She has a wonderful idea, sharing these flashbacks! Oh, if only you could see some of my early work... It's locked in the vault, though, and chained to the wall--oh, my gosh... Take care, Libby! And have fun!

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  6. Libby....I'm so glad I took Leslie's advice to come on over here and read your post! Gosh...I can totally relate!

    Thanks for such a great post!!

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  7. Great post. Found it through Leslie's awesome blog. I really like how you have your blog organized.

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  8. You are so right. I have been checking your blog for some time now. In fact, you're one of my google readers that I get reminded when you update. I love your work and as long as it makes you happy, that's what it's all about! Keep up the great work!

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  9. You are so right about the "evolution" of talented stampers. It's good to remember that when we start getting discouraged about our own creations. I think we tend to be more enamored by the works of other's than our own. And I know and LOVE that quote! Linda

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  10. I truly enjoyed reading your post today--and I love that quote about the birds singing! I am going to write that down. I have struggled with the same feelings of inadequacy with regard to my stamping. There have been days where I vowed to quit altogether, but I love this hobby so much that it always draws me back. I've learned that when I stop stamping for the pure joy of it, the frustration begins. Your post is very insightful and serves as a great reminder of why we stamp! :D

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  11. Thank you for your insight and honesty... don't we all feel that way from time to time? Well, I'm brand new to the stamp blog thing, and actually really enjoy it as a way to share with my friends and family what I've been doing without running around with all my projects in my car! LOL! But I also love other's blogs for the great inspiration I find, and, now I'm finding that I'm connecting with other stampers, too, which is simply awesome! I guess all this is to say that when you're not a stamping "superstar," its also great to make some realistic goals and set a personal purpose for blogs 'n such... makes it so very enjoyable.
    Thanks for all you do!

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  12. Hey sweets - I just came over after reading "Running with Sisssors" and love this post. Ain't it the truth. I feel exactly the same way. This is my first visit here and I see you're from Austin - me too, girl. (Well, actually Round Rock, but that counts, right? We have to hook up some how. Lin

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  13. Thanks ever so much for your post. I know exacatly what you're talking about! I have been stamping for a while, but just don't have the time to put into it that I would like. I DO sometimes wonder why in the world people keep coming back to my blog when I don't have one small part of the talent as some of those you mentioned. Like you, I will keep working at improving....and enjoying every moment of it!

    Love your quote!

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  14. Thanks so much for sharing this. I also get discouraged when I look at all the talented stampers. I have only recently started posting my work to a gallery as I also felt it wasn't good enough. But again I'm not trying to compete with those stampers, I'm trying to become a better stamper too. I do find that since joining challenges I have seen an improvement in my work. I just have to keep trying and keep challenging myself. Again thanks for sharing this.

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  15. boy, that quote sure IS perfect! I absolutely love this... and your thoughts are great - and inspiring for many stampers out there who feel the need to compare themselves to everyone else to find their own artistic worth. Bless you for reminding people what they're stamping for - the joy of it.

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  16. Great post. Loved reading it. I think every stamper has felt inadequate at one time or another...time to realize we stamp because WE love to--it is fun to get better or have others love what we do but number 1---it has to be for yourself.

    Thanks for the great post! Love it!

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  17. Well said Libby! :) I think MANY can relate!! I'm one!! Thanks for the wonderful quote as well!! This is awesome and thanks for sharing!! Keep on keeping on girlfriend!! I love seeing what you do...because you love it like me!!

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I always enjoy your comments - thanks so much for taking the time to leave one!

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