Monday, January 30, 2012

Good Times














Since the start of the new year, I've been thinking a lot about my blog and how I spend my creative time. For the last year, I've been really focused on getting noticed. I've been applying for design teams, participating in challenges, staying active on sites like Two Peas and Studio Calico and it's been, well, tiring. I've had a few successes that I'm very thankful for, but they've been few and far between. I see so many others finding success and it's hard. It's hard to get passed over again and again. Each time, I redoubled my efforts and somewhere along the way, I lost myself and the joy I once had for scrapbooking. I got all caught up in what others wanted, in trying to fit into a mold, etc. I wasn't producing work solely based on me and what I wanted. I wasn't having fun.

So, I'm taking a step back. I'm going to start scrapping for me again, and not for anyone else and then maybe I'll start shining through on my pages again. Maybe that will be what makes the difference, but if I still don't get on a design team, I will at least know I'm being more true to myself.

I'll definitely still participate in challenges and apply for teams and engage with the scrapbooking community on different sites. I've found a lot of support and inspiration from so many, so I'm not going anywhere, just shifting my focus.

This weekend, I was thinking about how to restart. I decided to challenge myself to stamp and mist on a bunch of pages because those are two things I don't do a lot of on my pages. That brings me to Stamping & Misting Week here on my blog. This week, I'm going to show you pages I've created that include either stamping or misting or sometimes both. I had a great time with this challenge and created some of my favorite pages in a long time. I'm already finding enjoyment in it all again and that puts a big smile on my face.

First up: Create a page using a mask. 
























I had these chipboard ampersands that I've been wanting to use for awhile and a bunch of pictures from a bowling outing with my nieces. I decided that I wanted to use the ampersand to bring it all together.

I arranged the pictures (with paper too) and the ampersands on the page, so I knew where to mist. Then, I removed the pictures. I used Mr. Huey to mist the chipboard ampersands and waited for them to dry. I added the title, tag and twine, journaling and date tag and called it done. This is hard to see, but I also crumpled up all the paper backing the photos and then folded it back out to give it some fun depth. Mr. Huey's have great coverage and the color is very rich.

I love, love how this turned out.




































Stop back tomorrow and you'll see how I made a background pattern using stamps. I'll also be showing you a peek into my page creation process too.

Have a great Monday!

6 comments:

Mary Pat Siehl said...

oh i love all the misting!

Anonymous said...

Great post! Love your LO!

Stephanie said...

I haven't played much with misting yet. You did a wonderful job. I haven't applied for design teams or anything like that, but I did find myself caught up in trying to be "trendy" and make my pages look like the ones I was seeing--and you're right--it just sort of sucks the fun out of what is a great hobby and creative outlet.

Penny said...

I feel ya sista! Sometimes we forget what we started this craft for. Since losing my job (company downsized me after 17 1/5 years)I realized that I needed to do what "I" wanted to do and what made "ME" happy. I still enter challenges, but I know that I am not, nor will I ever be as talented as some of these girls, and now with no cash to buy new products, there isn't much hope of getting noticed, but guess what, I have had FUN again making layouts! Best of luck to you! Love Penny Scrap-aholic@blogspot.com

Tammy said...

Oh yes, the "getting noticed" process is so tiring. Years ago I tried to get published and created pages based on calls and it was exhausting. So I disappeared for a few years, did my own thing and came back with a blog of my own and I can put up anything I want and work with any products I want. It was kind of liberating, really, but at the same time it's not getting me on a design team. I feel your pain! However, I think you are on the right path! I love your stamping inking pages. Every time I see you post one I think - I need to do that! Love the &'s and the size photos you used. It turned out fab!

scrappymo! said...

Great pages. I have never misted...yours looks great.