When I was young, the atmosphere was that if you didn’t “win”, you failed.
That type of thinking can really weigh heavy on a child, and can often carry on into adult life…not to mention it does nothing for one’s self esteem!
I never wanted my son to feel bad about himself. I took a completely opposite approach with him, as he was growing and learning. I strongly encouraged him in whatever he did, or wanted to do, as long as it was within reason. I made sure he knew I stood beside him, especially when he may not have done as well as he expected, or wanted. He didn’t always like, or appreciate, my encouragement. As a matter of fact, he often accused me of being too positive. Well, I figure if I have to be accused of something, being too positive is just fine with me!
This morning I heard an acronym for FAIL….“Forever Acquiring Important Lessons”
I love this! We never stop learning, so its only makes perfect sense to try to learn, and acquire important lessons from our mistakes in the process.
I found the same holds true when creating art. If I make a mistake, I don’t usually discard it. Instead, I try to turn the mistake into something that would work with my project. A “happy accident” as the American painter, Bob Ross, would say. But, if it turns out I can’t make it work, I just chalk it up to experience and move on.
New Opportunities…
How about this acronym for “NO”?…”New Opportunity” I think I just may love this even more!
If we can try to remember that even though the answer to our questions may sometimes be a cringe-worthy “NO”, it does eventually make way for new opportunities…if we let it.
These timely acronyms have become the inspiration for this handmade “Dream Big” card I created using one of my little mermaids, Marina.
Speaking of new opportunities…
I took the opportunity to create my own paper flowers by die cutting my Summer Breeze & Blue Sandy Summer Digi Paper Packs to coordinate with my card.
Once the flowers were cut, I flipped them over and rubbed each petal, on a foam pad, with a ball tip stylus to give them some depth.
I added a little color to a few of the flowers using distress ink, and a sponge dauber.
It was super fun, and not the least bit difficult. And best of all, I was able to customize my flowers for my card.
I decided to hand-tear a few of my background papers, from the same Digi Paper Packs, to create a few whimsical looking waves, and layered them for added texture.
Finished
With a few tiny sea shells, several enamel dots, and a little natural cord, my card was finished
Dream Big Little Mermaid…
Dream big my friends! Try not to let anyone step on your dreams! Just remember, it’s NOT their dream…it’s yours!
Card Recipe: Paper:
Stamps:
Markers:
- Copics: E00 E11 E13 RV20 R20 R32 BG000 B0000 V20
Watercolors:
Die Cuts:
Tools:
Misc. Embellishments:
- Enamel Dots: Swimming Pool Sprinkles Clear Gumdrops Cosmic Crush Gumdrops
- Natural Hemp Cord
- Tiny Sea Shells
I hope I have inspired you to create something AMAZING and DREAM BIG!
Have a Fabulous Week!
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Everyday is a gift…so do something today that brings you, and others, great joy!
Disclosure: I ONLY use products that I truly love and feel will enhance my projects, Some links found in this post may be affiliate links, whereby I may receive a small commission is yo purchase through my link, at NO extra cost to you.
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This card has been entered in the following challenges:
Pearly Sparkles – Challenge #42 Anything Goes
Fabrika Fantasy – Challenge #32 Summer
Love to Craft – Challenge # 36 Anything Goes
Lemon Shortbread – Challenge # 97 Anything Goes
Crafting With an attitude – Anything Goes
The Fairy and The Unicorn – Anything Goes/Mermaids
Creative Craft Cottage – Summer
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