Sunday 20 January 2013

The ridiculous ways of a perfectionist crafter...

Hello!

I am a perfectionist. BUT, I make big attempts to crush my perfectionism down to a manageable level, because (as it turns out) it is very difficult to actually ACHIEVE perfection. It also makes it difficult on those I live with when I let my inner-perfectionist have full-reign. I have made a discovery over the years - people still like my creations in which I can see multiple flaws.

Today, the perfectionist came out to play! Argh!

Here is the card that I THINK is the one I want to put forward (and I'll show you the others anyway, so you can have a giggle at my craziness).
The flowers are Jane's Doodles Pretty Peonies. The colours are SU! Real Red and Memento Tuxedo Black. The card base is PTI Basic White. The black line is made using a Copic Multiliner.

This card (and the others) was made for Retro Sketches #47 and Dynamic Duos #36.
I was determined to respond to this Retro Sketches challenge, because the last time I attempted the "framed sentiment" technique I couldn't quite get it.

Dynamic Duos has the dessert option of a Valentine Theme. Here was my attempt that included the theme. This one was actually my most technically perfect for the stamping and masking, but I felt I had misplaced the flowers at the top of the frame, they were too even, sigh! And now I'm getting the urge to go and make another to get it REALLY perfect, LOL!
This was my other version, which was almost right, but didn't quite do it for me. Maybe if I'd used the outline flower on the bottom frame?
Thanks for coming to visit. You now know me a little better!

Michelle
xxx

20 comments:

Kay Miller said...

I think they are all fabulous! Wonderful take on the sketch!!

Tenia Nelson said...

Awesome cards, dearie!!!!

karen h said...

I totally know what you mean! I'm glad you chose to share the other cards too. I do love your first one very much. But don't beat yourself up - the other cards are wonderful too!

Tracey McNeely said...

Love both of your cards Michelle, you have had a very crafty day!

Wida said...

I think the sketch is a manageable one says the scardy cat card maker. You make it look easy mainly because I would just case your card instead of look at the sketch. It is hard not to want it to be perfect. but try to remember it is about the fun of the craft, it's SUPPOSED to calm my anxieties not make them worse. Even though, you want to present with your best on your blog...and you have. I love this card

Unknown said...

Both your cards are striking and perfect, Michelle! Great take on the sketch. I love them both.

Lynn said...

Michelle, I think we're all our own hardest critic. All three of these cards are absolutely amazing! I love the mix/match of the solid with the outline image...they would make an awesome card set!

Leigh Penner said...

It was great reading your post, Michelle, because I struggle with perfectionistic issues, too! In fact, I didn't stamp for years for fear of making a mistake and ruining my project!

Jane said...

GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

I think all of them turned out great! Love how you used this week's colors. Thanks for joining us at Dynamic Duos.

Linda said...

Really pretty CAS card. Love it.

Mona Pendleton said...

Stunning card Michelle! Love those beautiful blossoms!

Darnell said...

One thing about being a perfectionist is that you end up with a bigger stash of sendable cards then the rest of us have! You DO use them, right? Good. 'Cause I haven't read the other comments, but I'm guessing everyone thinks you are WAAAAAAY too hard on yourself and that all your cards would have left us inspired, just as they are.

It's a burden, perfectionism, and I've got a back hump to prove it. It comes more naturally as you get old, to let it go, but if you can start to get over it at your age, as you said, it will make life easier for you and everyone around you.

LITS, Michelle, LITS!!!

Anonymous said...

You're so cute. ;-) All three of them are lovely! I know what you mean, about wanting to get the job done right. But I'd say you done a fantastic job on these! Thank you for joining us at Dynamic Duos. ;-)

Jen W. said...

We really are our own worst critics! Most people tend not to notice our perceived mistakes. And when I pointed one out once the buyer simply said, "Those little flaws are what make handmade cards beautiful." Not sure if I totally agree but I appreciate the thought!

All three cards are fabulous but the first one is my favourite. The flowers are balanced perfectly and your masking is gorgeous!

maria f. said...

Having just seen you poppy photos, I'm feeling like I know where the inspiration for this beauty originated... as for the perfectionism stuff... isn't it all about the learning along the way? Like Mr. Tim says - it ain't the destination, it's the journey.

Caggy said...

Love your card Michelle, your post struck a chord with many crafters I'm sure including myself! I can spend ages examining a card, replacing, and generally faffiing (a British term!) to get my cards just right.

Unknown said...

I completely understand you...lol... I usually find the cards that I really don't like and don't want to share are the ones every one else likes!!
Your cards are all lovely, and I like the way you have used this week's challenge colours. Thanks for playing along with us this week at Dynamic Duos.

Kelly Griglione said...

Hahaha, love your commentary. I'm sure it has struck a chord in many readers : ) I certainly have been working on the whole "let it go" concept in regards to scrapping things and starting over. It's not always easy, especially if you're really excited about something and it's just not looking how you want. I agree with your pick ... #1 is my fav, but really like #3 too. Great design, Michelle!

Anonymous said...

I'm right there with you. I hate to screw something up and that often keeps me from trying. I have to tell yself it's only paper and it's recyclable so there really isn't anything to loose. I didn't see any flaws with any of your cards so your efforts were cerrtainly well worth it.