Thursday 3 September 2009

Christmas, blabber, and blog candy!!!

I made this for the My Favorite Challenge this week. We were to create a Christmas decoration. I had this chalkboard in my alterables drawer and decided to make a countdown calendar. I love Advent calendars and countdown calendars. I must have 5 that I put up with our Christmas decorations. So I decided to make one for my son's room - he loves activities like this - and it's an opportunity to practice numbers in a fun way!
After much playing around, I decided to selectively ink the Peppermint Cats stamp and stamp the stars only repeatedly across the top. Then I inked the cats, omitting the frame, and stamped them. I used Palette New Canvas ink and heat set it - it worked beautifully! I pulled out my Bling bet again (I use that alphabet a ton!) and stamped it in Riding Hood red and used silver stickles to fill in the holes. I also used the stickles in the stars across the top. The paper is Basic Grey Figgy Pudding, left over from last year. I used my Karen Foster snap stamps to create the banner at the bottom, which reads "to chill till Christmas". As of Tuesday there were 115 days left until Christmas - crazy!!

I've been feeling a little down lately. In fact, today was a cr@ppy day! Can I pour my heart out here? There's lots going on, but the one thing I can talk about is stamping related.

I started stamping after my 2nd child was born and I was struggling to find my place. I had given up my position at work and felt like I had no identity other than being a mom. Stamping gave me back my sanity and forced me to take some time for myself. I find creating rewarding - I enjoy the feeling I get when I finish something that I love. But lately, I have this longing to be more or do more, or truthfully, maybe it's just to be recognized more. Does that sound lame?

I would love to be on a design team. At one time I thought I was good enough, now I'm not so sure. Part of my problem is that I love to play the comparison game. I'll look at so and so's work and think that my work looks to be the same quality - and she's on 2 design teams. But when I look at the design team calls, they just don't appeal to me. I'll look at the online stores for the design team calls, and I'll like some of the images... but I don't love them, and some of them I don't even like. I can't bring myself to apply for them. Blah - I don't even know what my point is! I just want to improve, be better, get better, enjoy the process and have fun. But I get caught up in the hype I guess. Do you ever feel that way?

Well if you've stuck with me this long - you deserve a big reward! I wish I could give you all something (all 3 of you that are reading this - tee hee!) - but I only have one package and I thought I'd offer up some blog candy. I have 4 sets of clear stamps from AdornIt.

Fun Flowers
Swirly Stitches
Sophisticated Tags
Stitch Alphabet
I'll throw some other fun stuff into the package as well!

So... leave me a comment and if you don't have a blog, make sure I have some way to contact you. Sorry - US and Canadian residents only. I would love it if you would consider becoming a follower - but I'm not going to make that a condition of entering. I'll use random.org to choose a winner on the evening of Sept. 12th.

Thanks for reading friends! Good luck!!

13 comments:

Tracey said...

Oh no no no, I am not ready for the countdown to Christmas yet. I love Christmas but can't think about it coming yet. Your countdown calendar is adorable though Kerry!! And of course, thanks for the chance to win some goodies!! :)

Megan said...

Congrats!! You won. I'm so thrilled for you!! Hey, you won Ambassador too, this MUST mean you're an AWESOME stamper!

I love both of your projects, but I'm not ready to count down to Christmas yet!!

Melody said...

Well, Kerry I could write you a very long message here, but I think I will just say that I feel exactly the way you do!

You shouldn't question your talent. You do great work, and I what I admire most is your unique and creative take on challenges.

Lauren said...

Christmas already - AHH!!! This is really cute though.

Rachel said...

Your countdown calendar is sooo cute!! I think you are a FABULOUS stamper. you make the cutest creations.
hugs,
Rachel

Allison Rankin said...

The calendar is super cute! Love the alphabet (are those stamps?) and the kitties are cute!

Anyhoo, one thing to consider about stamps that are only so-so in your initial response to them is that your DT position forces you to try them out and challenge yourself (crucial to evolving esp. if you feel stuck in your stamping). With me, some of the stamps I have seen made me recoil. Then someone sends me an IRAK of one, and I grow to like it simply because I have got a challenge out of going in a whole new direction. (Esp. with guy stamps!)

So, try some online DT calls. If nothing else, you can always decline them if you are offered a position. It does wonders for the self-esteem nonetheless!

Deanne Clarke said...

Great stamps!!! I'd love a chance to win some and play with!!! Thanks for the opportunity!!!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the chance to win some really neat stamps. I love your ideas--I am a follower but do not have a blog---sure enjoy everyone's though.
Linda Peterson
craftylin1968@aol.com

Swedie said...

Good idea for a calendar - and it doesn't require lots of supplies. I have started making things for Christmas... but I always suddenly have last minute crafts to do. I craft for the pleasure of it.. and because I HAVE to craft. Thanks for the chance to win some stamps.

Swedie

Amy Leggate- Paper Romance said...

Awww Kerry Cheer up! Your cards are Great!!!

StampinCathy said...

I think each year Christmas comes around sonner. LOL What a great and creative idea. Omgosh! This card is just the cute! Thanks so much for a chance at this fun candy.
stampincmeyers at yahoo dot com

Janet said...

Oh my, Christmas countdown - I am SO not ready for that yet. I have only made 4 Christmas cards so far this year. UGH! As for your desire to be a designer, I feel your pain. When I first started stamping back in '01 I had finally found my niche, too. After a year or two I sent some cards in to a magazine, only to be rejected. I felt terrible. I have finally decided to quit looking so much at other blogs/sites and start stamping cards that are all mine. I have just started this so I am still rough on it. I want to have my own style and stop comparing myself to all the blogs out there now. I hope you can find the courage to develop your own personal style, too. I bet when you do that you will be successful in designing. I wish you the best of luck!

Teresa Kline said...

wow, is this ever the cutest...great ida!

enjoy *~*

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