mytime-mug-shot-1-cs.jpg Mug Shot-

(I made the little “filmstrip” using my 1/4 square punch. Bkgd was stamped using Behind the Scenes. )

So as you can see, I did finally cave and get the Crafty Secrets Coffee & Tea set. I just loved the 1950′s look of it. Its retro, and fun, AND so not my usual style.

My friend Paulette took a trip to our LSS (without me! SHOCK!!!), and I had her pick it up for me. Thanks Paulette-you are the BEST!

I have to say I was VERY nervous about this purchase. I had put a lot of time and thought into debating on weather or not I NEEDED this set. Finally I said-To heck with it! Just suck it up, and buy it.

Now why the big debate you ask?

My “issue” is, that with certain companies, like Crafty Secrets and A Muse, to name a few, I get intimidated by their “style”. Now, while I love their products, “I” am not a creator who has their “signature style”.

 I KNOW you KNOW what I mean.

So, when I create with their products I feel I HAVE to design just like THEIR style. I know I don’t literally HAVE to, but that is my thought.

Well, that doesn’t work for me, and I end up NOT using what I originally loved. NOT GOOD.

So I made this set fit “MY” style, and you know what, I think I rocked it!

Yes, I said that “I” rocked it!

Now I don’t care if anyone else thinks that or not. Or if my stuff doesn’t look like “theirs”, because I created it to ONLY please myself. Isn’t that why we stamp?

If so, then why do we try to be like everyone else, or make sure everyone else LOVES it. Its awful!

I am proud I took a set I was “challenged” by and made it all my own. That I let myself go of the pressure to be like them. Or make it like anyone else’s. That I overcame that mental obstacle only “I” put there.

There is no disclaimer when you buy something, tha tyour creations have to be a certain way. Like I said, its something I created in my own mind.

Now I will also share the other cards I made-which yes, I rocked those too! LOL!

We as women need to give ourselves credit, and have pride in our accomplishments.

So before I share the rest of my stuff-Challenge YOURSELF today! Doesn’t have to be stamp related. Let me know what challenge you are facing, and how you plan to over come it today. No matter HOW small.

Today my challenge is to avoid chocolate like the plague. I start me “better living, and eatting” life today. Cross your fingers, and ONE day at a time right.

So here is what I did next-

mytime-like-you-latter-cs.jpg  Gimmie some SUGAR!

Is this not adorable? Don’t you love my “sugar-cube”?! Just added some micro-beads to where I needed them to be. Not revolutionary, but I thought it was pretty darn cute.

The tab-extends past the card. I thought it was different than anything I have done before, so like that.

sugar-cube.jpg click for larger view.

Next up is one HOT mama

mytime-red-perky-card-cs.jpg Perk Up!

SWEET & SIMPLE

I think it helped I watched the movie Pearl Harbor with Ben Affleck, when I created these! LOL! It was on TV that night.

Again, I used my Scor-Pal to create the dry embossed border. Easy as pie.

Wanted to keep the 1950′s appeal so I added some gingham ribbon, and scallops.

Now LAST, but not least-

mytime-coffee-pot-cs.jpg Perculator of friendship

How cute is this image? I paired this with some scrap paper by Chatterbox. Not sure which collection though :C had to dust of my Scallop circle nestabilities for this one :D

I do think I may have over did this one-but that’s ok. We will call it my version of shabby chic! LOL!

So there you have it!

In front of you-my challenge defeated. That was my it-to overcome my own SECRET hang-ups! We all have them, right?

Thanks for reading, and if you decide, sharing your thoughts :D

 Till tomorrow