I'm introducing a new feature today called Flashback Friday's! And on Flashback Friday's I am going to show you a card I made a long time ago! Why would I ever do such a thing? I think I want to try this because #1: It will be funny, #2: It will be hysterical, and #3: It will be remind me of just how far I've come since I started stamping a year and a half ago!
I think for me at least, I so often poo-poo my work when comparing it to some of the other more "elite" stampers out there (we all know who they are). In reality, I should only be concerned with how far I've come and to where I hope to go. When I look at the cards I made when I first started stamping, I laugh out loud. But I see such growth from then till now, and that makes me happy! That's what I want! I want to grow in my own skills and not worry about how my abilities compare to everyone else's. I am uniquely me, and how can I compare that with anything or anyone?
So, that's why I'm doing Flashback Friday's. For a good laugh, and for a reminder of just how far we've ALL come. And for those of you who might think I'm a "natural" at this, these cards will prove otherwise. I hope you'll have a lightbulb moment one of these Friday's where you finally realize that you too are on a journey to bigger and better work. Rome wasn't created overnight, you know! Growth comes through hard work! And we're ready for it,aren't we?
Ok, enough lecturing. Here's today's Flashback Friday card...isn't she a beauty? 
Mmmmm, just what was I thinking? Just looking at this card makes me uncomfortable, not because it's ugly, but because where I'm at NOW, (I HAVE to use beautiful designer paper on nearly every card), and because the plain background makes it seem so "undone", like I forgot to do something on the card. Isn't your eye just totally drawn to the "blank" purple space just below the stamped main image? My random stamping skills obviously needed some work! And those buttons, can you even see them? Oh, what fun it is to see where our stamping journey has taken us!
Just how far have you come? And to where is it you aspire to be? I would love to know your thoughts!
Have a wonderful day!
Friday, May 04, 2007
Flashback Friday!
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This is so funny! I think we all have our stash of first cards we made that when you look at them now, really give you a sense of progress. One month into stamping, I made cards and gave them as gifts at Christmas. I colored in all of the images using COLORED BALL POINT PENS! I was using my daughter's glue stick as adhesive, so I am sure they have fallen apart (in the landfill, which is where they belonged) by now. I need to make my gift recipients a new card that says, "Sorry for the horrid gift two years ago." We have all been there! Thanks for sharing and for the laugh!
ReplyDeleteWell, for starters I was shocked to read that you have only been stamping a year and a half. That is about how long I've been at it, but your cards are so SO amazing. Then, I guess I have say thank you for the encouragement. You are right. It is not how our cards stack up to the stamping queens' cards (you need to know I put you in that bunch), it is how our cards compare to the ones we ourselves have made in the past. It should not be about competition, it should be about contentment with our own accomplishments. Thanks! Flash Back Friday, is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful idea! Do you mind if I do it too (giving you credit for the idea of course!!)?
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how much we change in our tastes and abilities!
Oh Amy, what a great new feature! I too like to go back to the beginning and see how I have progressed. We all have to start somewhere right? Thanks for the reminder...I tend to compare myself to others too when I should be focusing only on ME!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun idea! If I were a little more computer savvy and had my own blog or for all that could even figure out how to email you some of my gems from the past I'm sure I could make your head spin! I've been checking out your blog for some time now and I thank you for the inspiration. I love your work and always find myself saying "now why couldn't I think of that???" Thanks for the giggle. Can't wait til next Friday!
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT!
ReplyDeleteLove your idea. I just went to look in my SCS gallery and found this: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/13290?cat=500&ppuser=6579
ReplyDeleteI made it for a workshop, so it's nice and easy... but I wouldn't make anything like it today.
I'm still trying to find my own style, however. I know what I like, I just seem to need someone to CASE to get there. :\
Oh my gosh! You've only been stamping a year and a half. You ROCK! I've been stamping 4-1/2 years. I wish I still had my first card. Either one of my friends or I had just bought a coluzzle and maybe a retired set. We were waiting for our first SU! order to arrive. We had junky paper and no colors. But I had a big ol' oval right smack in the middle of my card. How cool was I? Love the new feature!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I too have changed and grown a lot ... I'm so glad that you have reminded me of that (you prove to be an inspiration to me daily!!) Just the other day as I was finding time to clean in my studio I came across some old cards and I almost tossed them in the trash ... now as I read your words I came up with the idea to put them aside and to make the time to UPDATE them. I will change what I can or cover up what I need to and see if I might revive them enough to send them out as a spirit lifter for someone who needs it.
ReplyDeleteROFL! Seriously Amy, I think I made a card that looked just like that - same set and everything!!! LOL My first cards are completely scary and I try to think back to who I gave them to (what they must have been thinking lol) I have been stamping almost 2 years now and wow I have come a long way. Off I go to look in my "stash of firsts" LOL :)
ReplyDeleteThis is really a treat to be able to see what your stamping used to be like. I can learn for my own projects by noting how you critique your own past work. As is true in your current work, I can see you are experimenting with using varying colors way back when.
ReplyDeleteThis is so insightful! Funny thing is that you, to me, ARE one of the elite stampers! I think this is so well said and so much needed to be said! I can totally relate to both points. 1) I have come along way and 2) because I my work doesn't compare to some of the best of the best does that mean it is somehow not valid? Thanks for the insights!
ReplyDeleteWhat an insightful post. Thanks for the reminder to focus on self-improvement not comparison with others. I occasionally like to look back at old cards I made, and I was proud of them then, just like I'm proud of the cards I make now (well most of them anyway). I'm just in a different point, and trying always to get better.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, I love your daily challenges and I love your writing style.
Ih this is gonna be so fun!! I still have the 1st card that i made at an SU ws and OMG how far i have come!! I am like you I have to have either designer paper on it or cuttlebug am embossed background somewhere!! Just ink and colored cardstock...gasp!!! Thanks for sharing I will look forward to this one!
ReplyDeleteYour card reminds me of my first attempts at making cards. :) Well, maybe it makes me think of some of the cards that I still make. :) You are an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteMary
OMG! That is hilarious, your story more than your card. You sound just like me. I can find the beauty in everyone else's card, but I am so hard on myself.
ReplyDeleteI must admit though, that you have come a long way, lol.
Good gravy girl, you HAVE come a long way! {wink} I think wel all have!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic post! I have cards like that too! But I think mine are even more basic! It took me longer than 1.5 years to grow into the stamper I am today so all I have to say is YOU ROCK! You are among the elite stampers out there. Your cards are dreamy.
ReplyDeleteAlli
P.S. Since there is so much interest out there, you should put a call out to ALL bloggers to feature a hideous card from the past one Friday this month. I know I would be on board. Unfortunately for me, the only example I have of my card is a printed photo of it (I will have to do some digging in my photo files). Let me know because I would love to join.