Brynn Lillywhite
Welcome to this Memorial Day Magazine Monday and my last blog post as your Paper Crafts design intern. While I’m sad to leave this internship behind, I’m so excited to see what the future holds for me.
How many times do we fail because we’re too afraid to try? I remember my first few days here at Paper Crafts. I could barely accomplish anything because I was so intimidated by the creativity and confidence that was so obvious in everyone else! I was nervous to voice ideas, make any suggestions or even to trust my own abilities. Looking back, that was so silly! I had no reason to be intimidated, but I lost precious time doubting myself…what a waste of time!
How many of us, reading this today, have been intimidated by others’ talents? On the flip side, how many of us, when we have taken a chance, have conquered that fear and been surprised by our own success?
Here’s an example. Some of my girlfriends and I get together for a card making night once a month. In the beginning I was excited, but also a bit nervous. I thought, “What if mine doesn’t look as good as my friends? What will they think?” I finally got over my fears and you know what, I loved it! We had a ton of fun and the cards we made were super cute! Here’s a few examples:
The Love You Much and Thank Ewe Cards were created by my card group pal Keila Lewis. I made the Thanks Card for my husband...he was amazing during finals week! And the two cards on the bottom right were for my amazing mom and mother-in-law for Mother's Day.
Well ladies (and gentlemen), it’s time to take a step out of your comfort zone and embrace whatever is out there waiting to be created!
My favorite thing about doing things I’m not comfortable with is seeing my success. I’m still learning the in’s and out’s of card making, but I’m doing it and loving every minute of it! Isn’t that what really matters?
I know some of you read this blog every day and love it! (What’s not to love?) I also know many of you enjoy making cards, but are too hesitant to submit them. So here is to all of you who want to try, but just haven’t. Today is the day! Submit your cards — what do you have to lose?
By the way — I would love to know that I’m not the only one out there that gets a little nervous when I am trying to create something new. Share your comments and stories; I can’t wait to read them!
Your design intern,
Brynn Lillywhite
P.S.
Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday to you!
Happy birthday to Brenda!!!
Happy birthday to you!
Everyone be sure to wish our dear Brenda a very happy birthday!
I would have to raise my hand and admit….I too have those same fears at times! But the more I create the more confident I’ve become in my skills. I’ve come to grips with the fact that everything I create is not going to be loved. There will be people who don’t like for one reason or another. That’s ok…..I don’t love everything I create either. So, I’m not going to flip if it doesn’t get a lot of love from others!
GL on your new adventures!! Also, thanks for sharing your heart with us! Have a great Memorial Day
~lori!!
Brynn,
Oh, how I’ve struggled with the insecurity. And I agree, what a waste of life! Even in my 30′s (I’m now 37) I’ve been insecure at work because everyone around me knew more than I did. Which they should because they had been in the business longer than me! My biggest problem: I was afraid to be laughed at. I even made a vow as a child that I wouldn’t do anything that would make me get laughed at. Well, I’ve decided to break that vow and realize I have worth. It’s not what man thinks but what God thinks that matters.
With stamping I have been afraid to buy something new because I wasn’t sure if I’d like it. I don’t want to waste my money. Good grief. I’ve been staming since 1989..that’s 20 years. What have I got to be afraid of!
Well, with my new “broken” vow…things are changing. I’m trying stuff. Asking questions. And have decided to have fun with it. So can I relate to your article? Unfortunately, all too well. But like you…I’m starting a new chapter!
With that said, Happy Birthday Brenda. I’ve posted a card on my blog for you. I can’t submit it because I didn’t make the tag on the front of the card. But I did make the card that the tag is attached to!
http://stampingwithprincess.wordpress.com/2009/05/25/clearly-a-birthday-card/
I have those fears too. I’m still working on not worrying what others think about my creations but with all the amazing work out there, I feel pretty blah about my own work. I’ve been trying to expand my style so I have more than one style but I can’t seem to push past my typical clean, simple style. Now and then a card or project I make surprises me so there is progress. I submitted a card recently to a magazine and although it didn’t get picked, I plan to submit a card again sometime, when I have time to come up with something original. I’m a work in progress!
First I want to wish Brenda a Happy Birthday!
Yes I’m one of those that have those fears too. Ok really who doesn’t?
I decided this year I was going to try to do challenges and just do the best I can do. Once I feel comfortable with that I know I will start thinking more about maybe sending in some of my creations for a chance to be publish. At least I’m on the right road. LOL
Thanks so much for sharing all the wonderful and inspiring creations with us in blogland. I look forward to all your updates.
Happy Birthday Brenda!
Thanks for this post!
Hoping the best for you, Brynn!
Happy birthday Brenda! Brynn, reading your post I kept hearing a little voice in my head saying “I know exactly what she’s talking about” – it took me months before I actually mailed one of my cards LOL! and even longer to post/submit one for everyone to see – but I’m working on that! Marta