Come a long way...

I sometimes (okay-nearly always) get frustrated when I finish a project.  It never turns out as perfect as it is in my head.  Sometimes I think that artists compare themselves to others too often.  We really should just compare ourselves with ourselves.

I went through my older posts to see if I wanted to save any to an online gallery that I have.  OH MY GOSH!  I'm a bit mortified that I ever posted some of those cards.  Wow, have I improved a lot!  

Here's the first card I ever posted to this blog:

Ummm... I don't really have much to say.  The picture really says it all.  Here's my most recently finished card:

I've come a long way!  So if you're frustrated don't quit.  Keep trying, look at other cardmakers that you like, enter challenges, get tips, use sketches (I think that has helped me the most), and only compare your work to YOU.  Keep crafting, HUGS!

Challenge 174-At the Sea

It's Monday, which means it's time for another challenge at Craft Your Passion!  This week is a special treat-it's the first day for our new DT members.  Be sure to check out their work.  They are fabulous!  I just love the whole CYP design team-everyone definitely has their own unique style.  This week's challenge is
At Sea

Our sponsor, Delicious Doodles, generously donated Pirate Polly for me to use.  She's perfect for designing a scene:

The paper is all cardstock by Provo Craft.  I only had one shade of blue so I distressed the sky with white pigment ink to make it look a bit cloudy.  The treasure chest is by Celtic Doodles and the font is a freebie called Fairydust B.

Can't wait to see your sea-themed projects at Craft Your Passion!

Also Linking to:

Digi Haven-Life's a Beach

TAWS Be Inspired #34

I just love The Alley Way Stamps and their fun inspiration challenges.  Their current challenge is right up my alley (ha ha-unintentional pun-sorry for the silliness) with its bright bold colors and graphic design.

It's my hubby's and my anniversary this week, so I made him a card:

I used the set Lighter Than Air, by TAWS, and the paper is by Basic Grey and Paper Studio.  I went back after taking the photo and colored the little heart in "love" red to match and covered it in glossy accents for some shine.

Linking up to:

The Alley Way Stamps-Be Inspired #34

Totally PaperCrafts-Inspired by a song (99 Red Balloons)

There She Goes-Paper Piecing