Just a Scrap Dork

Hello Unity Stamp Company community member.  Welcome to my Growing In Unity week.  A little about me before we get started with some crafty inspiration.

I’m Annie, I’m a Unity-aholic ((Hi Annie)). I’ve been a cult member, uh “Loyal Customer” since 2012.   I currently hold the record of 5 purchases in one month before my husband gives me the stink eye for spending too much $$ on stamps. He never says anything, but I so get the “LOOK”.  You know the “LOOK”.  It’s the one your mom gave you when you told her at 7pm you needed a shoe box the next day for school.  That LOOK.  I love Unity, so the guilt only lasts until the next sale.

I’ve been stamping since 1995 and have a sizable stash of Non-Unity stamps and I really do like those too. But, I still feel like I’m cheating on the Unity Company when I use them, so that’s weird.  Not as weird as say, putting mayonnaise on your peanut butter sandwich weird. But odd in regard to the growing level of obsession, uh loyalty, yeah loyalty I have cultivated over these stamps these past few years.  Why is that so odd you ask? Well truth be told, if I had to pick between giving up one of my 4 kids, or giving up Unity, I’d have to write down a pros and cons list. #unitywinsoutmostdays.

This is my second go around as a GUI girl.  The first time was terrifying as the opportunity sort of landed into my lap at the last minute.  I never felt worthy of the honor.  I still don’t. What can I say that you might not know? Or produce what you’ve never seen a resemblance of before?   I’m not terribly creative.  No specialties to speak of. I haven’t mastered any one technique or medium.  I don’t really have a particular style of card making, unless you consider throwing enough stuff on piece of paper until your besties tell you it looks tacky is a style.  If it is, then I’m at an expert level. I am the queen of the “girl do you even know what you are doing?” look.  Also, known as “Princess Happy Accidents.” I think it’s because Bob Ross and I were cousins in a former life. I digress…  But, upon some reflection, I do have some unique advice as a Growing In Unity Girl that you may find very useful.

I’ve been able to surround myself with a quality Firm of girls who are my guidepost to creativity. Each with their unique style and eagerness to tell me when I lay down a stinker of a card. They are also there to boast my creative genius or to simply brainstorm.  You need those type of girls in your creative corner. If you want to be a better stamper, artist, paper crafter surround yourself with people that push you. They should encourage you to be better, to try new things, to expand your skill set.
My best friend is so dang talented I want to smack her with a wet ink pad most days. She’s the kind that just pulls awesomeness out her butt in blink of an eye. She has true vision. She’s so good you leave an angry emoji at nearly all her creations. She has vision that I just don’t have.  But, she’s the one that I go to when I’m stuck. The one that offers a solution that takes my card from simply “meh” to “ok, I’m not ashamed to show people this one.”

I’ve also been lucky because I found a couple of my girls on the Unity Show & Tell page. I wasn’t searching them out in a stalkery crafter on crafter way. Because, that would be super creepy.  They sorta landed in my lap.  They each bring their own unique talent and creative perspective to the table. More inspiration to soak up like a stinky sponge. They also enjoy a fair bit of hijinks on and off the Show & Tell page.  You love to hate their masterpieces day in and day out. You too secretly wish their inkpad would dry up.  You know you do.

These kinds of women are the secret to a successful career as a paper crafter/card maker. They are the key to really mastering this creative outlet.  I encourage you to find your own tribe of women who push you.  Be jealous of these women, compete against these women, listen to these women. But most importantly, cherish these women and you will see your creativity bloom. Your people are here in this community. Find them and devour them up like a freshy baked Krispy Kreme donut, just don’t put mayonnaise on them.  That would be weird.

If you made it through all of that nonsense... you deserve a medal.  Anyway... on to the real reason you are here.  CARDS!