I had a conversation with a really good, old friend the other day. She said I inspired her. She asked me what stopped inspiring me. Life. People. I lost myself somewhere along the way over the last 6 months. How do you find yourself again? You stop living your life for other people (except your kids... they always come first). You stop worrying about what other people think so much. You do what's best for you... not for them. You pull yourself up by the boot straps, and carry on. You rediscover the things you used to do that made you happy. You rediscover the things that got you by.
I've spent much too much of my life being a people-pleaser... family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances. As I get older, I realize it never got me anywhere. It might have made someone else happy along the way, but it certainly didn't do much for my own well-being. Enough of that. Life is too short. I refuse to spend the rest of mine walking on eggshells, and worrying more about everyone else than I do myself.
WIth that said... I am diving back into crafting, scrapbooking, cooking, decorating head-first. And, I'm thrilled. I have some VERY EXCITING projects, guest designing spots, and news to share with you all over the next few weeks. We'll start with some American Crafts projects today.
I don't know if I've ever mentioned it, but Dear Lizzy is one of my FAVORITE product lines of all time! I love creating with it. The variety of embellishments is amazing, the fabric paper... SWOON! It all came together to make a spectacular spring banner...
The fabric paper is fun to cut into strips, fray they edges, remove the adhesive backing and tie into little fringes between each banner piece. I really had a blast making this banner. Okay, so I didn't finish it in time to actually hang up for spring. But, it'll be at the ready for next year. NOW... if I could just get my hands on the upcoming Dear Lizzy holiday line. *le sigh* It's beautiful. I'm crossing my fingers to have my American Crafts DT contract renewed for another year just so I can get my Christmas crafting on with that line!
Another one of my favorite American Crafts supplies is their selection of 3-Dimensional stickers. I stink at making cards... it really isn't my forte. But, the dimensional stickers make it SO easy! Here's a quick card with some Dear Lizzy and dimentional stickers...
And, if you haven't had enough of a Dear Lizzy fix... head on over to the American Crafts blog to check out the page I made. It's punches week at American Crafts! So, break out your punches and play along! Our designers have some fabulous projects for you. You won't want to miss Paige's AMAZING altered purse featuring punches! See you there!
23 comments:
So glad you are back in the crafty game! I've missed your blog and work! I get that way sometimes too. I'm in a mode right now where I have TOOO many ideas and not enough time or energy to do them... you have to make YOU time! I plan at least one day a week to have it all to myself (or most of it). We people pleasers have to take charge of our time too! HUGS!
glad to see you back! that banner is just too cute!
You are so HEAD on with everything you said. I agree .. glad to see you back sweets.
Remember what I said .. you got this.
xoxos
so so glad to see you back. i get what you are going through somewhat - but give you credit for being a hero to yur kids while your own personal hero is off fighting for my freedom. I really don't know HOW the hell you do it girl. you comments were perfect. you know now what you need to do. chin up - get busy and get craftin! you have inspired me to do the same...
She's right, you ARE inspiring. Keep it up.
yay! holly's back! i'm echoing what everyone has said... missed your fabulous craftiness. and, it happens. life happens. sometimes the creative side needs to take a back seat.
can't wait to see what you have in store! :)
SO glad that you are back...I have soooo missed you!!!
Thanks for sharing with us...I have been in a terrible rut with creating...so much stuff going on in my life...I have had a hard time focusing on anything...I felt really guilty....but just could not bring myself to do anything creative and now you have given my the OK....it will come back....I can't push it!!!
LOVE that banner...so Holly...so filled with the most wonderful details!!!
Wishing you the best today!!!
welcome back...You inspire me too!
So glad you are back!! Doing a happy dance:)
you are AMAZING.
that banner is too freaking cute.
Thank you Holly, not for being back into crafting, but for being you - you inspire me too! Love the banner!
Welcome back ;) I can def relate to what you wrote about, well said!
Are you still in NC? Ever coming to Germany?
Take Care!!
Very very cute stuff my friend! I so hear ya with losing ur mojo mine seems to come and goo. :( I sometimes just want to call it quits. Have to much junk to do that tho lol! IT does make me feel good when the mojo comes back.
nice job holly i LOVE these projects!!
So glad to see you back at it girlie! It is good to see your work again. :-)
well I'm certainly glad you're back. crafting is your LOVE and although it's good to take a break, it's also your nature to make things. Can't wait to see your future projects. :)
you blogged and I missed it until now? How the heck did that happen? Love seeing you back, you are one of my inspirations! I'm glad you are getting back to the things that you love and make you happy. Do it for you and no one else!!! Drooling over your banner!
you totally rock...hard...I am so glad to see you back!!
Love your thoughts here. Welcome back! : )
These are so darn cute! I love that paper line. I love the banner so much. I love things that are adorned like crazy and you did it well!
Suz
Katsui
Awesome banner - I love it!!
Cute Banner Holly congrats on the new design spot. Missed your blog lately :)
That banner is ridiculously amazing! I love it!!!!! The details are so gorgeous and I wish it was for me...
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