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Monday, June 28, 2010

My failure... :(

As I do this post I feel like hanging my head in shame. I absolutely HATE to let my friends down. It really bothers me, but I fear that is what I have done. When Lisa asked me to participate in her challenge last month, I said “Absolutely!” I thought it sounded like fun, and I wanted to support my friend. Unfortunately, I bit off more than I could chew...
Work, and the party took up much more of my time than I had expected. Then to top it all off, my husband and I are doing a few renovations on the house. We have to take advantage of every weekend we can when he is not working. (He works A LOT.)

I started working on the challenge on Friday morning. As you can see the studio is trashed! I had a glass mosaic project going on the table, so I set up a card table to work from.

I had a design in mind and I went to work, thinking it would be ready to go for today's reveal. Well, you know the saying “ use it or lose it?”... I think I lost it. Having not actually created anything with my hands for several months(other than the mosaic pot), I think my muse has gone on vacation! I did the inside, and then the outside. And when I was finished, I hated it. I kept working on it, and I kept failing to achieve my vision. So late Friday afternoon, I ripped it all apart. I thought I would work on it over the weekend, but Friday night hubby came home and we started tearing apart the office to scrape ceilings Saturday morning.




So, to make a long story short, I really dropped the ball. I was unable to complete my project on time.


All I have to show you is the box, covered in lace and beeswax. I wanted it to be wonderful. I wanted to support my friend. I couldn’t achieve either of those things. I’m so sorry Lisa!

So, I learned a valuable lesson from this. DO NOT wait until the last minute to work on something that is important to you to finish on time. I'm going to go stand myself in the corner now. :(

To go see all the inspired and wonderful works of art created by the other girls participating in Lisa's challenge, go visit her at Tarnished and Tattered.

Update!! 2:45pm. Well after many wonderful emails, scolding me for being to hard on myself, I just want to say thanks. It was an abnormally emotional morning for me, and I guess I just let it all spill without realizing that I do need to cut myself some slack. Thank you all for giving me a gentle slap, a good laugh, and permission to come out of the corner! I feel much better now.
XO,

71 comments:

Leanne said...

Hmm, I'm not sure it's a failure if you still managed to post about it! Please don't beat yourself up about it, you've got a lot on. At least you signed up. I didn't, and missed out on the opportunity to engage my creativity a new way...

www.MaisonStGermain.com said...

Gee, that happens to all of us doesn't it. We have good intentions and then other parts of our life happens. Don't beat youself up. It is just part of our busy lives:)
~Debra
Blog: Capers of the vintage vixens

Connie said...

I understand this perfectly, chick, and that's exactly why I don't participate in everything on th' blogs. I choose what I can do without being stressed out...for the most part. There are some things I love participating in and some I want to but know it would take more time or creativity that I possess so I let it go by. Life gets busy, even for us old chicks, sugar! Truuuuueeeee...
xoxo,
Connie

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I love what you did already! You can't do everything. I think you were a success knowing you had other priorities at that time...you will get it done...I didn't even try!!

Jan Hennings said...

I love the look of your beeswax/lace creation!! We all get stretched a little thin and it's ok to have (what we think) are less than perfect pieces of art! That's what art is all about :)

stefanie said...

don't be so hard on yourself...all of us have been there!!!! and all of us understands!!! its amazing all the work you do.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

These things happen, Karen! And doesn't it always seem we have so much going on all at the same time. I'm sure Lisa and the other participants understand. I think you've probably beat yourself up more than anyone else could or would. Now come out of that corner and go get some inspiration!

Tracie~MyPetiteMaison said...

Hi Karen,
It happens to ALL of us. It's a lesson not a failure for certain. I really think us artsy types tend to wait until the last minute for our muse to take over, that's just the way it is some time and that's okay. Don't beat yourself up, you're only human like the rest of us and posting about it here in all honesty, which in my opinion is a wonderful thing! Now go get a kiss from one of your pooches, they'll set you straight.
Good luck on the renovations, my hubby works so much too, I know how precious that little bit of time is to get things done around the house!
xo~Tracie

Charlene said...

I KNOW the feeling! I wanted to join in the RUSH for Karen's event but, just could not make it happen. I didn't even get anything done but printing the picture. :( I think maybe we sometimes get our plates tooooooooo full. Have a great week. HUGS! Charlene

peggy gatto said...

Your frame is extraordinary!!!
I have always been grateful there is no jail for
"being late on projects altered artists"......cause I would have to spend some time there!!!

Mosaic Magpie said...

Don't be so hard on yourself. I think it's a beauty. I think as women and moms we all try to do too much. That take care of everybody, do it all mentality. If more of us admitted we sometimes fall behind, maybe we wouldn't think we were the only ones struggling.
Debbie

Thespoena McLaughlin said...

Girl you are seriously too hard on yourself! I think you are on the right track with the box, I like the lace and beeswax so far and i think once you actually get a minute to breath let alone work on it again, it will be fabulous! Sometimes life just lets you know, hey girl, your doing too much! Take it with a grain of salt and "keep on chooglin" to quote CCR. LOL

marie said...

I think your litle box is sweet just as it is. It's the perfect frame for a sweet little "something".

No failure ~ just a post slightly different than originally planned!

NatalieBramasole said...

Hi,
I know that feeling too...so cliché??? no really,i had to make a mini-swap and i wanted to do it good but that person was the ....many person who wanted "purper" and i do not like everything in purper....so,i riped it too,even 4 times...i said to myself,i gone take it away and will first make something for myself,what was on my mind at that moment and it went well(you can see it on my youtube:Nataliebramasole,
than i took the mini again and that also went well after all...lol
So,if you have a "block",put it away for a while and make something that is in your mind,believe me,after all everything comes well.....
warm hugs XXXXXX
by the way,i love the box very very much
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Jodie (everything vintage) said...

You know what Karen?
I STILL LOVE YOU...and that's all that matters! :)))
Girl, you have so much going on right now, EVERYONE who knows you understands that!
I love what you started and after all of the renovations and parties are over, I have no doubt that you'll slap up a post and surprise us with a beautiful "Valentine Designed" soapbox that will out do us all :))))
Get back to LIFE...and get out of that corner! haha
:)

Deborah said...

Ah, but your ceiling will be poofy junk free!!! Don't ya just hate that stuff!!! **blows kisses** Deb

Ticking and Toile said...

oh Karen,
you are being way to hard on yourself girlfriend! Lisa is the sweetest thing (as you know already) and I am 100% certain she is not upset with you!

You've been doing a TON~ so please don't stand in the corner too long!! :)

xoxoxo,
Shellagh

Sea Witch said...

Sweetie, you are not a failure, this happens to everyone. I also find the most creative of us tend to do more than we should. I'm usually a week behind compared to everyone else. Now, you had a marvelous start, go finish it and then send it on. I know the receiver will love it. Sea Witch

Jo said...

Stop beating up on yourself.. sometimes life gets in the way of what we plan...and sometimes we expect way to much of ourselves...try to think of all you have done not what you haven't

Terri Lee Takacs said...

Get out of that corner young lady!!!! YOur TOPS in my book!
Terri

Anonymous said...

Karen,

It really is beautiful! Sometimes less is more...one day you'll pick it up and add to it possibly!
Diana

Angie @ thejunkranch said...

I think it's wonderful when I read that other women are just as human as I am...you gave it a good try and that deserves an A for effort. Wouldn't life be dull if we had all the time in the world?

DeeDee said...

MAN! I wish mine could look this beautiful not done....it is lovely...and when you finsih it please do share it..I am very curious how it can be better...cause I love it just like this..

I think the success is you admit you have a life...hehehe! love all your work always

DeeDee
http://deedeescraftspot.blogspot.com

Debra@CommonGround said...

Hey Karen, you are sooooo talented and energetic, "life" is what happens when our best plans get sidetracked... or something like that. So you helped your hubbs, I've been doing the same thing. So consider yourself praised for being a good wife and helpful partner. Putting family things first! Lookin' forward to your finished projects on both fronts!
xo,
Debra

Romeo said...

Come on out of that corner....yep, c'mon, over here...sit by me.....now listen to me as I purr...and tell you that this isn't a failure.....it's a beautiful box....and looks like a success to me seeing as how you are only trying to cram 43 hours into a 24 hour day.....looks to my whiskers that you did pretty darn good.....so no more corner time.....okay?

Purrs and head bonkers!

Romeo

GlorV1 said...

You can always post it later when it's done. I'm sure everyone understands. I think it looks great for not being completed. It's better than what I could do, that's for sure. The last time I went to the corner was when I was a little girl in school. There was cheese on a plate at the teacher's desk. I was hungry, real hungry and my hand went up to that plate and I grabbed a piece of cheese but not before the teacher turned from the blackboard and zapped me with the ruler across my little hand. I cried and she sent me to the corner with my back facing the students. Oh boy, I never forgot that. Get out of the corner and pat yourself on the back for having completed as much as you did. Take care.

One Cheap B*tch said...

Awwww...don't beat yourself up. It happens to all of us. The little box is adorable if that helps at all!

Jeanine

My Arts Desire said...

Oh Karen,
I see the tender heart of a sweet soul who values friendship, keeps her word, takes her committments seriously....and then finds out she's human! I'm so guessing if you were "the reader" and not the author of this post, you'de be giving the author a big hug and telling her it's okay...!

We all want you to come out of the corner now, but if you won't, you might as well scrape the ceiling above you while you're just standing there! tee hee! Xo, Sue
p.s. I think what you had started was awesome!

BucksCountyFolkArt said...

Waaaaaay too hard on yourself. I highly doubt anyone's sitting around thinking what a horrible person you are!

Jill

Julie Marie said...

Oh Karen, you are adorable! I don't know how you do all you do on a daily basis... the Where Bloggers Create party was such a HUGE project for you, and turned out so wonderful! I am STILL visiting blogs, I don't want to miss anyone! Now get out of that corner, you didn't let anyone down... xoxo Julie Marie

Mari Brown and Colourblob said...

Dont be so hard on your self, life is what it is and some times we just cant help the way things go. Im sure your friend understands and after all its the thought that counts. But I know how you feel, I have those days too... I hope you will have much better day and week ahead of you : ) And pat your self on teh shoulder, you did get a ton of things done.

Robin said...

Give yourself a break! You are amazing, but human! We tend to bite off a little more than we can chew at times. I actually saw a woman in Walmart with a superwoman tattoo on her chest! What was she thinking! That's what I get for going to Walmart! Hugs ~Robin~

Unknown said...

Well now Karen , who do you think you are ? "Super Women". Well I know you're that, but remember don't stress over the small things in life, in the scheme of things I always say Is it life or death? If not, don't sweat the small stuff, I'm sure your friend Lisa understands, you're the best and everyone loves you so cut yourself some slack and relax, you just put on a Fabulous Blog Party, take some time out, take it from one who knows you better enjoy that hard working Hubby and your days with him as they are the most important, there will always be more of the Fun type challenges, be glad it was only that type of challenge. Hugs and Love you bunches!! XOXO

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hi Karen,

Please....don't be so hard on yourself...that's a hard learned lesson. I know! We all want to do everything and be superwoman and sometimes that just can't work.

You've done plenty the past several months...in addition to your home remodeling..that's very time consuming.

Be kind to yourself...everyone knows that you are on "overload" right now..if they don't know then they've not been paying attention. :0)

There IS light at the end of the tunnel. ♥

Stephanie ♥

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

I'm back...I forgot to say in my first comment that there are NO "failures" in life.

Everything we do "produces a result"...from those results we tweak and move forward.

Society has imprinted this negative word "failure" into our very being..it can ruin your intentions and cause you to question yourself to harshly. Remove that word from your vocabulary when it references your soul and spirit.

Ok, that's my philosophical talk for today..LOL

Love and Hugs to you,
Stephanie ♥

Cheryl ~ ZanyMayd said...

I Think You did a Marvelous Job, I Love the Lace with the Bees Wax! I didn't buy my box till Yesterday morning, so I thought I wasn't going to make it at all ~ But the Muse hit me around 5 & I Just Did It.... Good thing Your Studio Party was Last week ~ Now My Studio is A MESS (I think I would get the award for the messiest Crafter)
Take Care
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

WHAT'S WRONG WITH WHAT YOU MADE? I THINK IT'S LOVELY! DON'T BE SO HARD ON YOURSELF, YOU HAVE SPREAD YOURSELF TOO THIN. CHILL!

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

I really like it as is! It can be functional like this, a cute little box to store tidbits in.

Plus, you are remodeling as well as hosting the huge party??? Both of those are hard work. I can see why you aren't feeling the creative buzz right now. When I'm in the middle of a home project, I lose all interest in the studio. Its kinda one or the other.

RedBettySummer said...

I feel for you! It is an awful feeling to let your friends down. The creating process is not of our own doing- sometimes we just can't come up with the inspiration. This is why I love your blog and the blog party, and all the blogs you have links for. I come here to find my inspiration, and encouragement. Sounds like you are encouraged here, too. Take care, and happy home-making.

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Karen ~
You are so cute ! I dropped the ball on mine too and truly wanted to do it ~ I am not sure where life gets in the way sometimes but it just does ~
I have been trying to spend time with my family and so we went to Miami for about a week and it through me all off ~
Hugs sweet friend ~
Lori

oldgreymare said...

ditto..what they all said : } You'll post it when you've finished. True friends understand.

Suzan

Kristen Pare said...

Karen, I love the lace and beeswax. Okay, how does that work? I've been intrigued with the beeswax and paper. Don't be so hard--Life Happens!

Sandy said...

Oh, poor sweet Karen, I know just exactly how you feel. I felt the same way about not being ready on time for your party! You are being way too hard on yourself. Lisa's challenge was for fun NOT to get stressed out over. I want to play too but I could not find the soap boxes or the time to decorate them. You are way too blessed to be stressed over a little soap box, although what you did is just lovely! Get out of the corner, treat yourself to something sweet to counteract the hormones, and have a happy evening!

The Feathered Nest said...

Hi sweet girl, do not worry about this one little bit....life happens angel and we just have to give ourselves a little break. And by the way, I love your box just the way it is!!!!! Anything you make is going to be beautiful sweet friend ~ hugs and love, Dawn

Brynwood Needleworks said...

Hi Karen:
You were such a fabulous hostess for the WBCII event. I am still trying to visit all the participants! I can only imagine how much organizing the event must have taken out of you!

I hope that when your plate is less full, you'll finish the box and share it with us anyway. I love what you started and I'm intrigued to know where you would have gone with it, and that beeswax technique has my curiosity piqued!
xoxo
Donna

WW said...

Just so you're not alone. I have failed to finish mine as well. But, I'm planning on working on it tonight and tomorrow until I get it done.
Unlike other things in my life, this isn't a strong completion date. I know I shouldn't waver on my obligations, but I know I won't get (hugely) penalized for not getting this done, and I'm blaming it on work.
I'm sure that when you get it done, it will be gorgeous, and I'm looking forward to seeing it.

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

Karen, so glad your feeling better and not being so hard on yourself, you have had alot going on lately, and I don't know how you do it all! Take a breath!!! Blessings~~~Daphne

Shell said...

Geesh,,,,don't be so hard on yourself!!!

And,,,,if it turns out really awful (which I doubt, because it looks GREAT so far!) you can always feature it at my "Crafts Gone Bad and Hoarder's event in August!"

You my dear, do everything well, and in this case that includes being an awesome, caring friend, a great wife and the head of a HUGE blogging event! Now, go pet the dogs, have a cup of tea or a glass of wine and relax.

You are loved and appreciated,,,,,,and truly? Isn't that ALL that matters at the end of the day???

Hugs and Love you to pieces!!
Shell

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

Hi Karen,
I guess there are times when we all bite off more than we can chew!
So don't be so hard on yourself.
You posted about it and I think it looks pretty good.

Sweet Lisa would never get mad at anyone. She's a doll, and so are you!

hugs
Sissie

Debby said...

Oh Karen, don't beat up on yourself sweetie as I can only imagine how busy you have been. You just hosted the most amazing party and with everything else going on in your life it is just too hard to keep up. I love the beginnings of your box and know it will be beautiful when you find time to complete it.
Hugs,
Debby

Rebecca said...

Hey girl... it's not like you have anything else to do!
Love the box the way it is! Have you gotten through all 450 posts of the last party??? Gees!
Hope you slow down a little now and enjoy the summer
Blessings
Rebecca

Lisa said...

Karen,
Forgive ME for commenting so late. I have to tell you the truth. I bit off more than I could chew too! I was finishing my own box up at 10 last night after returning from PC, so today I finally hit the wall & passed out. (Don't call social services my niece was here to watch the kids) Anyway, I could never, ever be upset about this stuff. It's all about the fun, right! Anyway, I think your lace covered box is wonderful. Love you to pieces, now go scrape the ceiling! Lisa

gm glimmerglass said...

Spotted today on the front page of the -
-*-Something's Gotta Give Gazette-*-
...the headline read -

"ARTIST FOILED BY POPCORN CEILING"

I hope at LEAST you had time to whip up a cute, vintage pointy hat for your sojourn in the corner!

I love your beeswax/lace creation, BTW. It reminds me of a peek-a-boo Easter egg.

Even more, I love that you have all of these generous, kind, friends to help you put it all in perspective.

Lululiz said...

Life has a habit of interfering with the best laid plans, I think we have all experienced that at some time or other. I was so glad to see your update and know that you are out of the corner and that the smile is back on your face now ;-)
Oh, and the box is looking rather pretty with all that gorgeous lace on it...

The Rustic Victorian said...

Believe me when I say I understand Karen. That is how I felt when I did not join your party after I said I would. That is why I don't commit to challanges etc...I am not a deadline person I guess. Then life is always presenting situations that just have priority. I do think you will finish the project and it will satisfy you, it looks wonderful so far. Don't worry, be happy!
Love
Marcie

BUBBLE & SQUEAK said...

Your frame is beautiful, just like you! Ever notice sometime less is more, simple things mean a lot! you dont always have to put more, or layer one more thing!
My Hubby works lots too, i feel for you. When they have the time "we" have to take advantage of it.
Repete.." my friends love me,all is good!"
Just my two sence! Have a creative day and eat some cake and kiss your hubby, that always makes me feel bwetter!
Smiles
Wendy

BellaRosa said...

Karen amor....Doesn't life just have a way of reminding you to stop...take time to breath and just Smile...when we are not in the mood for it :) Well amor, this is your cue to listen :) You do soo much for so many, you create such beauty that well as someone that has been on the receiving end of it, I can tell you this, each & every time that I log onto my blog...I smile and get a warm feeling in my heart, because I know..how much love & work you put into each of your beautiful creations! I look at my beautiful lil book that I received from you and I smile, because it is so beautiful, you can't help but do so :) So...when I first read your post I was going say, I will go sit in the corner with you, keeping my dear friend company...because with life lately throwing us so many curves...I feel like I am letting my self as well as others down too, but then I realized this....Tomorrow is another day and we are so blessed to have another chance to create something beautiful, tell those we care about how much we love them, or just take time to visit them and enjoy the beauty that is their friendship, while we sip on a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy the beauty that is this lil blogging world of ours that we have been so wonderfully embraced into :) Have a beautiful day amor, I can't wait to see what lovely things you and your amor have done to your home now! Besos, Rose :)

ps...hearing your voice the other day had me smiling the whole afternoon, Thank You :)

BellaRosa said...

Karen amor, I forgot one lil thing...I know after all that hot air...can you believe it lol I wanted to tell you that what I saw so far of your box was just gorgeous I love the lace & wax technique and when you least expect it...inspiration will strike you again and you will make it what your minds & hearts eye needs it to be, I hope you share it with us at that time :) Besos, Rose

Sandy Navarro said...

Girl, what are you smok'in? This box is FabUlous! I so wanted to particpate too, but I knew I wouldn't be able to make the deadline. There are so many wonderful opportunitites to participate out in blogland. I think we all just need more time!

Catch ya on the next challenge!

Linda M. said...

Hello Karen,

I think your box is beautiful, the lace is gorgeous and I do love music.

Linda

Linda K. said...

Finish your beautiful box when you want to you silly goose. I did some ranting today cuz nothing was going right with my giveaway treats. Now I'm done and love the results, maybe all that pent up energy released helped. We are such perfectionists. I don't get involved in so many projects because I know me. Besides my life is busy with family. Take care dear lady.

Linda

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Good grief woman! I'm glad you came out of the corner! We all do that..bite off more than we can chew and most of us don't host an even with 450 members!!!!
A break you deserve. I'm giving you a hug!

Lurena Sheary Williamson said...

Well, after reading your post - all I have to say is Thank God your human! I was beginging to think I found an online Wonder Woman/ Blogger Deity! Your amazing - tread lightly on thy self.

Pat Winter Gatherings said...

Karen, I too bite off more than I can chew so many times. I finally learned that it is ok and I am NOT superwoman. Don't sweat the small stuff is my motto these days. I just went through a home redo as well and boy does it take away creative time and focus. Actually you are being creative and focusing, just not on your art project. I think the lace covered frame is lovely as I love lace on anything anywhere. So, out of the corner and onto enjoying life...whatever it may bring your way.
Thanks for visiting my blog and for the email gadget :-)
Smiles,Pat

paula nerhus said...

Ya know sometimes we have to put the no word on the phone......as women we just think we are MAGIC! okay we are LOL.........by the way a trashed studio is a happy place...means are minds are full! cheers paula

My Shabby Streamside Studio said...

Don't feel bad!

And, thank you so much for your kind comments on my blog!

Tootles,

Sandy @ My Shabby Streamside Studio
http://myshabbystreamsidestudio.blogspot.com/

krys kirkpatrick said...

As creative people, I think we get all caught up in projects and when you are in the flow it's hard to move on. Why can we not just accept who we are, not beat ourselves up and enjoy the moment?

Becca said...

It does not look like a failure :) But I know how you feel~it is what I was feeling after I left the comment to you on the party post. But~~ I rallied and did finally manage to make it to the party, albeit late, but, sometimes in life we are late to the party :)

Rosanna Hope said...

I think many of us especially creative people forget how important husbands and families are! I applaud your choices and enjoy the weekend with your family. Love your work. You are an inspiration. Hugs,
Rosanna Hope

Rhondamum said...

I think we have all been there at one point and I think it is great that you shared with us that you too, are only human. Life happens and sometimes our muse doesn't want to move forward. But in time, it comes back. Things happen as they are supposed to and your box is still beautiful and in time will be home to what it is supposed to be home to. Enjoy your day and thanks for all you do! xoxo Rhonda...

Unknown said...

I was so meant to read this post tonight. This is exactly where I've been lately; not enough hours in the day. Driving home from an appointment tonight at 8pm...(that I arrived late to)..I was reminiscing in my mind about childhood summers. I miss the carefree nights of playing "chase" or simply hanging out with friends staring up at the sky and giggling as we imagined and told tales of what we were going to do with our grown-up lives. Time flies quickly and we all put so much on our "to-do" lists. It's sometimes hard to put the brakes on and say, "ok, enough is enough, time for me". I'm glad that you put the brakes on and spent the time with your husband working on something just for you!

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