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Time to Blossom

Welcome to a brand new week!  Monday brings us a new Mojo Monday sketch, and this week's sketch was designed by the sweet and talented Debbie Carriere.  Hop on over to the Mojo blog to check it out and take a peek at the design team's fab samples.  My sample for today uses flowers from Hope Blooms and the To Risk plain jane of this beautiful Anais Nin quote, "And the day came when the risk it took to stay tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom."


Risk is one of those double edged swords.  It's scary and terrifying, but also necessary for growth.  As an artist I feel like I risk a little bit of my soul each time I blog.  Even after all these years of stamping, showing my art never gets any easier.  Though I try to remind myself that it's MY art and not important what others think of it, I regularly find I'm measuring my self-worth in comments, comparing myself to others and feeling desperately inadequate.  And that's certainly not the way I want to live my life.  I blog because I'm passionate about what I do and I want to inspire others to follow their own creative dreams.  But I also want to soar freely and achieve my own dreams ... and I can't do that if I'm always focused on what the other chicks are thinking  about my little wings.

So starting today, along with a new look for my blog, there's a fresh new tone, too.  One that's going to address the things on my heart and not worry so much what I think everyone wants to read or see.  Just like the quote on this card, it's becoming painful to stay curled up inside the tiny little shell of self-doubt I've confined myself to.  It's time to do some blossoming.  I think we could all go for a little blossoming, don't you think?


Enabler's List:
Stamps: To Risk, Hope Blooms (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Ladies & Gents (Webster's Pages), Early Espresso (SU!), Cream
Ink: Antique Linen, Vintage Photo, Wild Honey (Ranger Distress), Coffee Archival (Ranger)
Accessories:  Deckled Rectangles Nestabilities (Spellbinders), wide ribbon (SU!), buttons (American Crafts), Scrapper's Floss (Karen Foster), Metallic Dream String and chocolate pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), harlequin stencil (Crafter's Workshop)

41 comments

Jane said...

What wonderful words of wisdom - good for you!!! I know exactly what you mean I always feel that way when I blog too! Your card is stunning! I love the gorgeous colours and the fabulous ribbon! hugs, Jane x

Crestajune said...

Well said. I have been feeling that way too... always comparing myself to others and trying to be like them. It has been stifling my creativity. Until last week, when I discovered that it's okay to just be me, and create the way I like to create, and create in my own style. So, thanks, Julee for sharing with us this morning! I love that quote and your card (and the new look of the blog!).
You always inspire me!

Keva said...

Wow. You know, when I see your creations I see what I aspire to be. Every card I create I wonder if others will like it as much as I do. To hear that you have felt that way to amazes me because I think each card I have ever seen of yours is simply amazing. I love the new look of the blog and cannot wait to see what types of things you have in store. :)

Ravengirl said...

This is gorgeous! I love the new look of your blog and the new tone :) For the record, I have long admired your wings!

Tanya said...

Gorgeous card! And I love your blog's new look. I can't believe you feel like I do sometimes, your work is amazing! (You are one of my card making heros) I try to remind myself the same thing, I do it for fun and try not to worry that I'm not up to par with everyone else. Thanks for the amazing inspiration, and of course thank you for Verve!

Anonymous said...

Well said Julee. I'm amazed how many people feel the same way, including me. You are a fabulous card maker - one of the best IMHO. But, it is most important to enjoy it and make sure it comes from your heart. Your readers love you for you :-) I love your fresh new look!! Praying for blessings upon blessings to be showered down on you. Hugs, Becca

Judy said...

Love the new look of your blog, Julee! I so look forward to seeing each one of your lovely creations... I'm truly in awe of your creativity and all the many unusual ideas you come up with.
Keep up the good work!
Hugs,
Judy

Maureen said...

oh, Julee! I agree totally and whole heartedly! What a beautiful card to go with your fabulous new blog look :) Love the touches of Verve dies on your link bar! You have created such a lovely place here on your blog and with your company! I'm so proud an thrilled to be a part of it!! YOU GO GIRL!! Hugs!!

KimCreate said...

Thanks for opening your heart to us. I constantly have to keep reminding myself that the reason I do this hobby is because the physical card will bring joy to one of my friends or family. They do not know that I have used the lastest trend or paper. It's hard not to judge myself harsely against others work.
Thank you for your inspiration!
Kim

Nicole said...

Bless you, Julee. I find it eye-opening that someone as talented as you, that always stops me in my tracks and makes me take in a deep breath when I see your creations, could feel the same as I do. I've found myself thinking maybe I should just not bother to post or enter one of the challenges b/c with only 40 submitters, my work still doesn't get a shout-out. Maybe what I see in it, what I put into it, doesn't come through to others. But you and the Divas here inspire me to keep trying, to take chances, and to grow every time I pick up my paper and trimmer. And whether I ever get to that magical point I think I'm supposed to or not, I have to remember it was the journey that was important. I'm not entirely crazy about Miley Cyrus, but I think the lyrics to the song "The Climb" are so poignant. Know that you are always supported and cheered on in my small part of the world. I wish only good things and success for you.

NormaJ said...

Julee, you have hit the nail on the head. Sometimes it seems I am trying too hard to be like someone else. When all it takes is to believe in yourself and your own creativity.
Love your new look. It seems like many of us are being pulled in by softness this year and sheer beauty. Love it.

Marisa said...

As much as I love seeing cards on people's blogs, what gives me the most joy is being able to know more about them as they share their hearts. Thank you for doing that today (((hugs))).

We are always our own worst critics...ask me how I know LOL! Go and blossom, girl!!! Any addition Verve "blossoms" are always welcome too (hint, hint LOL!) The sky is the limit and I'll be here to cheer you on. Your talent is amazing - still wish I had a few of your creative genes - and I look forward to seeing where it takes you individually, as a couple (can't leave Mark behind!), and where it takes Verve. For all it's worth, I absolutely LOVE all the wonderful Plain Jane verses - think I have all but four of them (will have to change that). Love you to bits and as Yoda said "Do or do not. There is no try" Hugest of (((Hugs))) to you.

Oh, almost forgot, lovely new blog look too :)

Jen Shults said...

Gorgeous card Julee! I love the colors and that fabulous bit of stamped background at the bottome... that brilliant.

I can't wait to see what this new tone brings to your blog. I'm sure it will be amazing! LOVE the new look!

Luanne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Luanne said...

I think your new look and philosphy is wonderful. You don't need to be anything but our friend and fellow stamper! Love the card, verse, and all that you bring to us. Thank you for sharing your heart ~ blessings to you!

carole (TruCarMa) said...

What a soft and pretty new look for your blog, Julee, and to read your words that could easily be my own... I guess I just figured after you made each card, you'd crack your knuckles with self-satisfaction, do a little stretch, lean back in your chair as your hands cradle your head and sigh, "DAMN, I'm good - I've done it again!" :) Everything you do is so beautiful, it's hard to imagine you could think otherwise. Take today's card, for example: that touch of glitter, the elegant way your floss curves, the inking and edging and single curled corner... gorgeous! I await further revelations with bated breath! Have a wonderful day, Julee.

Andrea Ewen said...

Oh my Julee...I thought I was in the wrong place...what a fabulous blog overhaul you've done! I love the new header, the new layout...the everything! I adore Violet Mahr's site and she's done a wonderful job for you. I really don't think that you realize what an inspiration you are to all of us. Your work is some of the finest I've ever come across and I absolutely aspire to become the kind of card maker, business person and all around wonderful person that you are! Having said that, I find it so hard to believe that you had any self-doubt at all...your artistry, creativeness and kindness paint a very different picture. I'm so glad that now you will have a weight lifted from you...you certainly have the right idea! All of your friends will always be here for you! :)

Jessica said...

Your blog looks amazing as does your card. Your work is always beautiful, I can't beleive how much we all doubt our own work we must be our own worst critics. I know I have lost some of my desire to create since always comparing myself to others, but I think you are exactly right and we just need to create for ourselves and not for others.

Mr. Verve said...

You go, girl! :-) I am constantly amazed by your artistic creativity as well as your tremendous gift with words. I look forward to seeing you and your blog continue to evolve and blossom. Love, Mark

renee said...

your work takes my breath away...thanks for sharing your art!

Mary Fish said...

gorgeous card . . . love the "flight tail" for the butterfly. so clever. hugs, mary

Monika/Buzsy said...

Such a pretty card Julee. Love the new mojo sketch, the great colors... lovely image! The verse is just perfect. I totally agree with you! Go for it! :o)

scrappingnana said...

Love the new look of your blog. Your card is great also. Love all the layers and details. Your post was very inspiring and is the way a lot of us feel. Looking forward to more fabulous posts and the creativity you share on your blog.

Jen Cuthbertson said...

I can totally relate to what you said! I often wonder what is wrong with my art (and at the worst times, what is wrong with me) when I feel like what I make isn't met with good comments and the like. Our art is just that - ours and we should celebrate the talents we've been given regardless. This is one of my favorite PSs ever, and I love the new look of your blog, too! Blossom, indeed!

Niki Estes said...

Julee, I could have written your post myself. I have those same feelings of insecurities. It can be frustrating sometimes and has such a negative impact on my creating. Your work is always just beautiful and I love seeing what you create.

I love the new look to the blog and your card is just beautiful! I love the papers, touches of glitter, colors, and the beautiful sentiment. Hugs!

Dee in N.H. said...

First, your card is just gorgeous! I love it!
I'm so glad to hear you wanting to be true to yourself. I like to visit and not just hear the same old stuff, which seems to be a trend on some blogs. Your blog is an inspiration as are you! So here's to letting yourself shine through!

Unknown said...

Gorgeous card, Julee! I love that quote and your passion definitely shows as you are definitely an inspiration to me.. :)

I love the soft look to your blog and hope you let yourself soar freely!

Teresa Kline said...

what a gorgeous card, I am glad you shared Julee...you are amazing! It isn't important what others think, but we sometime do that to ourselves. It is time to blossom girl, spread you wings and fly. Thanks so much for the encouragement today. {{{big hugs}}}

enjoy *~*

Lisa Minckler said...

You inspire me! Your cards are absolute works of art...all awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent. :) Have a wonderful day!

Dawn Easton said...

Julee, I wish I could give you a big HUG right now!!!
You are such and inspiration to me and your positive attitude and loving spirit are something I adore about you!
The new look is wonderful!!!
I LOVE your card! That flower is gorgeous! I am LOVING the new sets and can't put them down....lol
Please continue to share whatever you are feeling and creating!

Shannan Teubner said...

What a wonderful post, Julee. I'm excited to see what you have to share with us :) Hugs, my friend!

Robyn Oliver said...

Julee, I really really like this card - the colours, and the simple style - oh it's all just lovely...might have to make one like it for myself (highest praise). Thanks also for checking out my card...keep up the great work - inspiring and challenging us, thanks

Leigh OBrien said...

All so true, Julee. I completely know what you're saying here and have definitely felt the same way at times. It's easy to get wrapped up in trying to do what everyone else is doing and trying just to keep up. You have to be true to you and do what's best for YOU. I love that you're taking this plan of action. YOU are an inspiration!

Debbie Carriere said...

Julee, you are so fabulous! Love how you opened yourself up. I think so many of us judge ourselves by comments & what others are doing, etc. Sometimes you just have to do what it is that you want to do for no other reason than to please yourself. You do fabulous work & your blog is such a source of inspiration for me. I love each & every creation of yours, & this beauty is no exception! Love your new look & look forward to seeing where your "blossoming" goes :) Have a good week! BTW, love the new look!

Wanda Cullen said...

I can really identify with your feelings and appreciate your being willing to share them with us! When my insecurities surface, I try to kick myself in the rear and say...this card is me...it's who I am and if others don't like it, that's OK. So, go and blossom and know that there are many of us who will help you water and feed that growing blossom and enjoy every gorgeous petal!

Charmaine (CharmWarm) said...

Julee, this is GORGEOUS!! As is the new look of your blog! I LOVE it! And I completely understand how you feel. . .how you measure your self-worth in comments and comparing yourself to others. . .I SO understand and am right there with you! You are AWESOME! Everything you create is absolutely amazing! I pray that you know that and don't doubt it. I know it's hard. You bring so much joy, inspiration and happiness to so many people! I know because I am one of those people! Big hugs, girlie!

Tosha Leyendekker said...

Julee, your work is a constant inspiration. You know I'm a HUGE fan of your paper artistry, as well as your image designs. I so get the insecurities because they are a plague I suffer with continually also. I am, and always will be, a fan of your art, and your gentle and generous spirit!! LOVE this card btw also. From the colors, to the loopy twine and sparkle. And your new blog look....fabulous my friend!! Thanks for being you!! I'm honored to design for you and blessed to be able to call you friend!! HUGS!

Linda said...

You go girl! Life is too short!....I am so glad that I don't worry like you and many others seem to...that makes me pretty lucky I think. Enjoy blossoming into the crafter you yearn to be Julee! xL

Sandie Conner said...

When I see your cards, the first thing I think of is "wow, I want to craft like you when I grow up". I am always stunned at your creations. Your creations make me realize that I have a lot of learning still to do. Dont doubt yourself, embrace who you are today.

Cthisss said...

PREACH ON SISTA!!!! I feel you 100%!!! I just posted my very first blog on Saturday night and when I peek beneath the surface of vast talent and endless possibilities I could almost drown in my own inadequacy! But isn't it the journey not the destination?! So I say we ALL jump in feet first and love livin and sharin!!! Thank you for your bold honesty!!!
Hugs!!!
Crytal

Anonymous said...

Holy snickerdoodles girl! Feeling inadequate? You are amazing! Your cards are amazing! Your company is amazing! and you leave the kindest comments on peoples blogs (even to us little "nobody's"). I am impressed though with your new outlook... you girl!! Thanks for the inspiration and I DO always find inspiration from you :)