March 26, 2017

EMBRACE YOUR OWN DRUMMER

In this post, I encourage you to be true to yourself. If you're not true to who you are, how can you be true to anyone else? Even Shakespeare, in all of his evergreen wisdom, had something to say about this in Act 1, Scene III of Hamlet: "This above all: to thine own self be true." 

A beautiful post on Rosemary's Blog, expounds on the need not only for individuality, but for tolerance. Something our world seems to be sorely lacking these days. She cites Thoreau's famous quote about marching to the beat of a different drummer.

Here I will focus on individuality and listening to your own inner drummer. On a level not quite as lofty as tolerance, I refer to being your own self even in something as simple as cardmaking. 

Many people are only comfortable in the act of cardmaking when they can directly C.A.S.E., which is an acronym for Copy And Share Everything. The precise meaning of this would be to remake the project exactly as given in an example. That's fine. Everyone has their own comfort zone. But I'm saying that sometimes, even though it is UNcomfortable to step outside this zone, it is important to stretch your wings somewhat. Take that leap of faith and create something that is maybe inspired by something already done, but is essentially YOUR OWN! What a great feeling, eh? 

Take the case of the Designer Tin of Cards Project Kit (page 160 of the big Stampin' Up! catalog). I ordered the kit back in October when it was on special for World Cardmaking Day. 

One of the cards featured a wondrously beautiful background on the card base. However, the sample showed this beautiful pattern almost completely covered up. The pattern I am referring to can be seen in the teeny tiny left-hand portion of the card below:


Sure, it would be incredibly easy to simply slap the card together as shown in the sample and explained in the instructions. That would  be a case of C.A.S.E.ing. 

In all good conscience, I could NOT cover up that exquisite design. So I listened to my own inner drummer and came up with this:


Using many of the kit's components, but just in another way, I feel ever so much better about my final result. Do you know why? It suits my personality much more effectively -- and I got to rescue that beautiful paper and show it off!


So always always, even in something as unimportant and mundane as cardmaking (did I really just say that??!?), be true to yourself. Respect what is inside of you and embrace it. Be the best you you can possibly be. 

Embracing
Smiles.

16 comments:

  1. Nice work - love your designs - Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW's DIY party!

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  2. Lovely design. Thanks for sharing with us at #Overthemoon Link Party. I've pinned and shared.

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  3. I just made a new friend who makes cards. I admire her - and your - creativity!

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    1. Thank you, Michele. I'm blushing. Smiles to you!

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  4. Great alterations! Sometimes we need a little reminder to trust ourselves and make subtle changes that speak to our heart. Thanks for sharing at My Busy Beehives #beeparty this week!

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  5. Great job! Love your work.
    #ShowMeYours

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  6. Very nice! Thank you for sharing this post at the #WednesdayAIMLinkParty. I pinned it.

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  7. I love your message and much as the beautiful card. I needed to hear that today. Thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, have a great weekend.

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  8. Thanks so much, Sandra Lee. I am so glad my post resonated with you!

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  9. I would use a card like this for my sons. Thanks for linking up with #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty

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  10. Thank you Linda for sharing this post at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared it on social media.

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  11. Very nice! I love making my own cards. I used to have my kids make their own when they very little. Thank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty

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  12. Oh, yes! I need to remember this in everything I do!

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  13. You are very crafty. Thanks for sharing your paper crafts. This is very pretty. Thank you for sharing at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I have shared on social media.

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  14. I agree, that paper needed to be seen, it is too pretty to hide. And why would anyone want an exact copy of something rather than a unique piece? Great message. Thank you for sharing at Ravenwould.

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