Did the title of today’s post get your attention? Do you want to know that secret to guarenteed success and happiness?

Ok…

here it is…

the secret is that you have to embrace imperfection.

It’s really that simple. Embrace that not all projects are going to turn out how you envisioned, that some are going to not measure up, that some aren’t going to make everyone jump up and cheer. Be ok with that, expect it. Know that not all techniques, colors, or products are going to come easily and some may never work for you either.

That’s the big secret.

Some find their area of excellence and stay put. Don’t venture out, therefore rarely failing because they stay snug within the parameters of what they can do. Others jump all over the map wildly either unafraid or simply too interested in crafting in general to be concerned with staying put in one box. Most fall somewhere in the middle – it all comes down to what you like.

What brings this up today is just that I had someone ask if I love every project, how to get where I am where there is no messing up. I had a good belly laugh.

You know what is the most interesting to me?

Some of my least favorite projects, some of the ones I’d deemed a semi-fail or just didn’t like?

Sometimes those are ones other people love the most!

So go figure. I don’t let the opinions of other crafters influence my style, dictate what I do or don’t do. When I craft, I do ‘judge’ myself but it’s to be expected. I’m not harsh on myself – but I do ask things like if I’m in a rut, or if I did something I am particularly happy with. I suppose evaluate is a better word. I try to be aware of what I’m doing, why, and where I think I’m heading.

That random deep thoughts session aside, hows about a layout share? I’ve been so crafty around here – lots of projects happening. this is a layout I just completed featuring the new Anthologie line from We R Memory Keepers:

funny thing: I noticed as I was uploading photos that I didn’t finish the journaling. WHOOPS! I’ll have to get on that. I do love the soft aquas of this line. Really nice for photos that are random in color (like mine!)

supplies:

Actually, today’s post goes great with a card I just made (using left-overs from the layout above):

You see making cards is something I’ve been doing to stretch my creative muscles. I’m NOT good at it, I have a very hard time making cards I like. I would say 1 in 20 come out in a way that I go “yay! love this one!” The solution? Well literally rubbing the shoulder of one of my card making idols (Kristina Werner) this winter might have helped a tiny bit… but really the only answer is to keep at it! And so I will…

Have a crafty weekend!