Wednesday, September 14, 2011

An Update + Embellish Stripes Color Trends Challenge

I'm back. Sort of. Not really. I haven't been too happy lately which is a bummer since it was a dream of mine to be in a house for a very long time. I don't know when the day will come when I'll feel truly happy here. I hope it comes soon. Exhaustion and stress has taken a toll on my mojo. I have no desire to craft, nor does it appeal to me. Sometimes I just feel like crying when I sit down with my stamps because I can't even bear to ink them up. I never imagined I would ever feel this way about crafting. I sure hope it's not gone forever. I haven't made anything in two whole weeks. In fact, my last two posts were things I made days before I moved! Well, this one was forced so it isn't the greatest thing I've ever made but I needed to push myself. I have design team commitments looming and something must be done about this terrible zone I'm in. Sigh.

Happy. Fun. Lucky. I know it's only three things but I could sure use some of that! I haven't played in the Embellish Color Trends Challenge for months which is a total bummer because I love their challenges. I liked the colours and the stripes theme so I used them to ink up Unity's August Kit of the Month, What I Know, for the first time. Sadly, I have a lot of wonderful new stamps that haven't seen ink due to this move! My card has rows of arrows, rays around the sentiment, stripes on the twine and, if you connect the dots of the two gemstones, you get a line. Rows, rays and lines are stripes, right? I know, that may be pushing it. LOL Well, it's all I've got right now.

I really appreciate all the emails everyone has sent me checking up on me and wishing me well. Thank you! I'm hanging in here as best as I can and it helps a lot to have caring and thoughtful friends like you. I plan to be back soon. :)

Sources: Gina K Designs pure luxury kraft & 120lb pure luxury white cardstock; Unity August 2011 Kit of the Month - What I Know; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; Tim Holtz for Ranger Faded Jeans distress ink; SU Riding Hood Red ink; Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles Large; QuicKutz Epic Six; McGill 1 11/16" circle punch; The Twinery baker's twine in Charcoal; SU Basic Rhinestones; Stampin' Dimensionals; We R Memory Keepers corner chomper

44 comments:

Jenny said...

Oh Emily , chin up, these are all normal feelings when moving house and I'm sure your vavavoom will return when you feel settled in your new home. Having said that, this card is pretty darn good, love the modern, graphic feel with all those arrows. Take your time we'll still be here :)
Jenny x

Karen B. said...

Hey Emily, gosh, I sure hope things pick up for you soon, you've got a lot of support out there, you know, including me?! I enjoy this cute little number.

*Alison* said...

Emily,
I am so sorry you are feeling this way.. I get like that sometimes too, where you feel like your mind just can't think of anything crafty.. I love your card.. so cute and creative.. :) the arrows are amazing! :) soo fun!
I have a Q: I saw that you have a stamp you use on the back of your card with your name and site.. can you tell me where you got it made? I would like to get one. :)
HUGS sweetie..

Glenda J said...

Sorry to hear you haven't been in the groove. Sending you positive vibes.
Great card for the challenge. Thanks for sharing.

Lindsey said...

So you do realize most people would be thrilled to make a card like this at the top of their mojo, right? This is a fun, sweet CAS card! Feel better soon, okay?

Beth aka BR-T said...

Oh this is wonderful!

Annette Allen said...

Oh I hope the sun starts to shine in your window... So sorry your are not happy... Don't worry take it day by day...it will get better... It is nice to see you made this awesome card...

Brenda said...

Ok Emily! Just take it easy, you're tired and have just moved house! You know, moving home is one of the top ranked stress causing situations out there. There is no logical way that a person can be humoungessly talented one day and then never again, think about it, you were always talented. So, like everything in life, it needs TIME, and all will be well again, you just have to BELIEVE it! I do! Lots of Hugs to you my friend!

Lisa Lara said...

Very cool Emily!

Emily Keaton said...

I feel for you, Emily! It's so hard to cultivate mojo when you are dragging so terribly. Hang in there, OK? I think this card is fabulous, and I really hope that having made it will kick start your creativity again!!!!

Karin Ã…kesdotter said...

I know what you are talking about! But if you make cards like this when Mojo is low I know you'll soon be back "on track". Your card is absolutely fabulous -great design and perfect for the challenge! "See" you soon!

Jennifer said...

Moving to a new home is so stressful!!! So many changes and it takes time to feel settled. I'm sure your mojo isn't gone. Just resting! hehe (= I think the card is super CUTE!!! Hang in there!!!

walchowDesign said...

Hang in there, Emily! I'm sure things will improve slowly! Knowing that your mojo is not fully back yet, I think this card is fantastic! Take care!

Mette said...

Big hugs to you - you may have caught what I am suffering from - unhappinitis. Nasty bug but I know everything will turn out great so it will with you too. Best cure??? SMILE :).

Hugs, Mette

Jen W. said...

I agree with Brenda - your talent has not deserted you forever! Hang in there and don't be so hard on yourself. You just moved house! That's a massive undertaking!
And about this card - it rocks! I love all the different forms of stripes on it and really love the way you ties the twine. :) BIG HUGS!

Helle said...

hope things get better for you soon, emily! i know how you feel, and its not fun. but it always gets better, hang in there! sending you lots of love!:)

~amy~ said...

Oh girlie...hang in there!!!!!!!!

Your card is super spectacular!

Isha Gupta said...

Hang in there Emily. Think positive. Things will soon be back to normal. You have made a lovely card:)

G Peplow said...

Hi Emily, Long time no see:0) Oh my dear I know how you feel! Just you wait, when you're not so tired your creative side will re-emerge, your card is inspirational even without you being aware of it, love the whole card and the arrows are brill. Give yourself time, big hugs Gay xxx

Erin said...

It's okay to be overwhelmed and take some time away from crafting... Everyone goes through these 'spells' Be kind to yourself! Your blog friends are saying prayers and will be here when your ready! LOVES and HUGS

SuiLan said...

Hi Emily,it's okay to feel this way. I moved two years ago and only a year ago did I get back into my crafty groove. You are handling well for having so much on your plate right now. I'm your newest follower...keep up the great work and it's okay to take a break to reboot your crafting.

Jocelyn Olson said...

Your post made me sad--your mojo isn't gone for forever! You've got so much going on right now and I'm sure being unsettled in your craft space isn't helping. Hang in there!

Re. the card--I am totally digging how you used the arrows. You are so clever! The rays/stripes really stand out with the blue. Love it!

Vee said...

Hi Emily
Just found your inspirational blog after seeing the wonderful card you made on Paper Smooches blog, congrats on becoming a guest designer.
Funny how something we have waited and wished for sometimes when we get it brings us down. A very intuitive/professional person once told me it's because something has been taken away from us i.e., the waiting and wishing/dreaming.
Hope that makes sense and your feelings WILL pass.
Vee xx

Chunyuan said...

Emily, it takes awhile to get use to the new home and you will love it.
Love the arrows and strips on this card. Also congrats on being Paper Smooch October designer.
And thanks telling me about my win at Printcandee. Wish you all the best.

Emily (stampingout on SCS) said...

I am so sorry that you are down in the dumps, Emily. Moving is a huge stress and I remember being sad when we built the house we currently own. Even though I loved the newness of everything, I mourned those things from my old house that would never be possible here. The big oak trees in my yard, all of the wonderful architecture from days of old, and my old dutch door! It takes time, but you will eventually find your groove and learn to love your house and make it your own!

Your card is awesome, by the way! I don't think your mojo has left you!

Hugs!
Emily

farmhouse-story said...

not to worry, emily, moving is stressful-give yourself some time,-- and your card is awesome, as always:)

littlebitoftoto said...

So sorry for the bummed out feelings, hope they pass soon. The card you made is awesome. You are very talented..

Jessica Diedrich said...

Well, I think the card is darling, just FYI :) I'm so sorry you're going through these feelings! I have only moved because I wanted to, not because of a job or because I 'had to', or even sometimes, when you want to, it's still hard to make a new house feel like home. I'm sure the stress is the culprit- no one wants to create when we're feeling pressured. I am TOTALLY with you on that this week but for other reasons- nothing bad, just a lot to think about. I am here if you want to vent via email but if not, just know you're on my mind, sweet girl <3

Lorraine said...

Your card design is cool, Emily! Sorry you're feeling down. Hope the happy kicks in after all the busy-ness stops and the regular takes over. Oh and that your mojo finds it way to the new home soon!

Trinh said...

I know this is just a temporary lull, Emily. Your talent runs deep and I know you'll be back, even more creative than before. A huge congrats on your Oct guest DT spot and the HA social club feature! Enjoy your new home!

Savannah O'Gwynn said...

I love this card--love your medallion and the arrows...FUN! I know you feel out of sorts--just take a breather and enjoy these days in your new home! If you need ANYTHING--just let me know:) HUGS HUGS HUGS!

Lisa said...

First- love the design the arrows created! Super cool!
Second- hang in there girl! Moving is soooo stressful!! It's all so overwhelming- things will fall into place you just have to give it some time. In other words- C-H-I-L-L-A-X!
As for your lost mojo- how can you focus on crafting right now with all these other things in your head? Talent doesn't just disappear. Sheesh- give yourself a break! Think about those words you stamped, my friend- LUCKY, FUN, HAPPY. All 3 of which should apply to you right now :)

OH yes- CONGRATS!! on your PS guest designer spot :) So excited
for you!! Big hugs, Emily!! XXXXX

Julie said...

HUGS my friend! You will find your mojo! The past couple weeks have been so busy here that I have fallen behind on my crafting and blog commenting and I didn't just move my whole house.

This card is AWESOME! I love the arrows and the cool circle embelishment! I LOVE how you used the lines in the non traditional sense - brilliant!

Beth aka BR-T said...

Oh Emily I feel for you but it's rather therapeutic to know it's not just me or any of us. Your forced card is still amazing!

Tee said...

Sending you loads of hugs...I'm sure your mojo will be back soon...sometimes I guess we fight change..and want things back the way they were, because of the comfort we had there..sometimes it takes your mind a bit longer to catch with reality..enjoy these days...once your mojo comes back..you'll be creating a storm...
Tejal

Vicky Hayes said...

My goodness Emily - this is serious! I'm almost certain this feeling is down to the stress of trying to keep it all together while selling, buying, moving. You feel you should be happy now but moving is only the start of something big and it'll take time to have it the way you want it. Maybe you need to make organising your craft space a priority - I know I can't craft in a mess - your family will benefit because happy mum=happy family. Do take care - sending bloggy hugs, Vicky x

Susan Raihala said...

Emily, big, huge hugs for you. Stress, exhaustion, and change all at one time are overwhelming, but it will get better. Not soon enough, of course, but it will. Your arrow card is so much fun and so creative!

And thanks for sharing the good and the bad feelings...it's healthy for you and for the rest of us, too. Life isn't always roses, but it's also not always cow pies, either!

Angela said...

Roses and cow pies. Susan sure has a way with words!

Well, mojo, schmojo, I think you've got a pretty delightful card up there! I hope it's helped to lift your spirits...that and maybe some recently-received good news, eh?

Here's to a happier settling-in time for you now.

Shauna K said...

awww sweetie *huggs* I'm so sorry you're not feeling more happy! Just give it a bit of time, once all the boxes are put away and you finally settle on a place for everything.... being in the Army and moving a lot, I know that sometimes it can take a while for a place to really feel like "home." Sometimes months even. Try not to get too down. I definitely understand not being in crafty-mode tho, been there myself a lot recently. That too will pass, don't you worry!!

And though you may have pushed yourself to make this card, I totally love it! The looped twine is a perfect touch- adds dimension and texture and I think I may need to borrow that technique ;) *huggs*

Unknown said...

Emily, this card is awesome, as always! I'm sure your feelings are due to you being stressed and tired...not a great combination! When you can...take it easy, put your feet up and think about the people or things that make you happy...let out a big smile!
{{{hugs}}}
Jen

Meg said...

I've felt that way about stamping many a times...I must say the remedy for the last time was getting a Silhouette (c'mon, you know you want one!).

I think this is definitely stripe-y enough for the Embellish challenge! The arrow stripes are just too cute and I love the light blue rays on the circle!

Hang in there, girlie!

Charlene Austin said...

Oh honey....I hate to hear that you are down. Listen, the house will be a home. Just give it time and relax. Don't force it and don't force the crafting. Sounds like you need some "me" time. I do that ALL the time. You'll never lose the crafty talent that's for sure so just take it one day at a time and you will love the house. I promise it will feel like home once you are ready for it to feel that way.

scrapsnsuch@gmail.com said...

Hoping the PS gig gives you a boost! You are one fabby crafter and always an inspiration :>)
Just like today's card - sooo good with all that swirly twine!

Erin (Homemade Cards by Erin) said...

oops, guess I'm a bit behind over here-- sending you big hugs. Moving is exhausting, cut yourself some slack. And my advice-- when you can't cope with the mess and disorder-- pay someone to clean it up, best money you'll ever spend.