Today is the last day of 2013, and I couldn’t be in a happier place – and I’m thrilled you are here to enjoy it with me. Today, I am the guest stamper for the uber-talented and super-sweet and all-wonderful Mary Fish (can you tell I like her?) at Stampin’ Pretty.
Today’s project is a black-and-white card that I created for two main reasons: (1) this sentiment stamp (part of the Perfect Pennants stamp set in the Occasions Catalog) is my single most favorite item in the new catalog and (2) the sentiment is a beautiful one to celebrate the beginning of a new year. Here’s my card:
Tips, Tricks and Reminders
If you are new to my blog, this is the part of my post where I normally offer tips and tricks for completing a card or successfully recreating a technique I’ve showcased. Today is special, so instead I’m going to offer three personal thoughts about the sentiment I’ve used (I love it THAT much):
- Out with the Old. It’s that time of year where we look back with [hopefully] fond memories of the year that just passed and start looking forward with great expectations for the new year to come. Unless you are bionic, there’s a really good chance you missed out on some of your personal goals in 2013 – there’s no time to worry about those shortfalls. Know that they are part of life’s wonderful ride, and move forward with resolve to be happy, healthy and totally awesome in 2014.
- “Perfection is often the enemy of greatness.” I love this recent quote by musician Janelle Monae. Since childhood, we’ve been taught to strive for perfection – but perfection is not attainable. We have to mess up and make mistakes in order to grow and improve. We have to make mistakes to find greatness. I make A LOT of mistakes. Is it fair, then, to assume I am well on my way to greatness? 🙂
- “It’s crooked! My image isn’t perfect.” When I’m hosting workshops or card classes, I love to hear people complain that they messed up their card. It gives me the opportunity to say, “Awesome! That’s how the recipient of your card will know it’s hand-made.” I love the art of stamping and the gift of a hand-made card. If a card is made with the precision of a machine, then what’s so special about it? The boo-boos make the card wonderful – aww heck,the boo-boos make the card perfect.
Stamp sets: Perfect Pennants Papers: Basic Black, Whisper White, Neutrals Designer Series Paper Stack (Basic Black), Neutrals Core’dinations Card Stock (Basic Black), Silver Glimmer Paper Inks: Jet Black StazOn Accessories: Starburst Framelits, 2-1/2″ Circle punch, Circles Collection Framelits, Stampin’ Dimensionals
Thanks for stopping by my blog today!
Brian
CLICK HERE to order Stampin’ Up! products 24/7.
Best of 2013. Yesterday, I shared my favorite card creations from the past 12 months (I think some are really good cards, while others hold fond memories. Check out my creations here.
Here’s to boo-boo’s, mistakes that lead us to greatness and a healthy happy new year!
I agree with your choice of sentiments . It`s the one I like the most also . What a wonderful way to look toward the new year ! Love your card and that classy black and white . Happy New Year !!
Great card but GREAT message!!! Very well said….I can’t wait to see you in Houston! All the best to you in 2014…looking forward to more fun and laughs!
You are a true blessing. Your gift of writing makes me laugh and sometimes even cry. Thank you for today’s inspiration! It will be my foundation for 2014!
I couldn’t agree more about your great choice for the sentiment on your striking New Year’s card! The black, white, and silver glimmer paper … love them. And about “boo-boos”, I just chose one card over the other last night because of a tiny “boo-boo” from stamping a flower on the envelope. Now I feel much better about using that one next.
“Life really doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful!” Happy New Year!
Thank you for the inspiration for card making in 2014. “The boo boo makes the card perfect” Happy New Year!
Oh Brian, what a treat to find you at Mary’s this morning. I left her a comment stating that I am so grateful that she had you again as a guest stamper because that’s how I found you and your awesome blog and it has been a wonderful and fun and inspirational ride for me ever since. You are so, so right about the fabulousness of a hand made card. The “imperfections” is what makes them PERFECT and that is what the recipients love about them. This also applies to humans, our little quirks and the mistakes we make gives us the unique opportunity to learn and improve. How boring we would be if we were “perfect”. I want to wish for you a wonderful and healthy 2014 my dear, I’m looking forward to another year of seeing your amazingly “imperfect” creations.
Well said Maria!
Happy New Years Eve Brian. I love your tips tricks and reminders today! In 2011 I set a New Years resolution but fell short. I used the same resolution in 2012 and once again fell short. You know that saying “three times is a charm”? Well I achieved my resolution this year. It was worth the continued effort.
I love love love this card!! And you used sparkle! I know that must have been difficult for you! But I’ve noticed that Stampin Up’s glimmer paper doesn’t really have fall out so I’m sure that makes you sigh with relief in your fungeon. 🙂
I love that you didn’t perfectly center the sentiment. When I read the words, my first thought was that you should have had a smudge on the medallion, or maybe stamp with a second time (much much lighter) or something else to mess up the perfection.
Thank you for being so inspirational to me and to so many others Brian. You have truly helped bring the spark of creativity back into my humdrum life… and I’ve desperately needed creativity after the year I’ve had.
Happy New Years Brian! I hope you have an amazing night and a fantastic 2014!
Oh, I was wondering, could we do some sort of new demonstrators get together where you show us tricks and tips. For example, I’m trying to get the hang of the blender pen (do I do it dry or wet? And can I use it on the pens or just the ink pads?) Also, I’m having issues with the envelope punch (I totally blame me, not the punch).
Thank you!!!
Taylor
Great sentiment and card to start the new year! I love Janelle Monae as well. Makes sense why we are friends. Thanks for being a great card-making mentor and friend and let’s see more of each other in 2014.
Brian, I love not only your striking card, but your thoughts on life. I must be on my way to greatness, too 🙂 Have a very Happy New Year and all the best in 2014, Brian a la King!
Brian, wanted to wish you a very Happy & Healthy 2014. Looking forward to see what you have for us this year. Congrats on being Mary’s last “Stampin with the Stars” of the year. 🙂
Love the card! I too found you when you were a guest on Mary’s blog! My sister always tells me boo-boos ADDS CHARM to the homemade feel….ok, let’s say, I have lots of charm then!! 🙂
Have a fun and Happy New Year! Thanks for a great year of inspiration!
Happy New Year, Brian. Holding for your continued success in the new year. I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but you are GREAT.
OMG! When I read your post “New Year’s Eve with Mary Fish”, I thought he’s in the Southwest! Maybe I can get him to come to NM! You have a great talent for pulling people in to your posts! I love it and your your card. I have so many friends I need to use this sentiment with! Happiest of New Years to you.
Great message and inspiration today! Wishes for a blessed new year in all you do.
Congrats on being the Dec. 31st guest star stamper for Mary Fish! What a way to send off 2013!
Happy new year to you! And to all your faithful, talented readers. May we all stamp with joy in our hearts, straight on the paper and innovation in our heads when we don’t.
You make me blush, Brian! What a wonderful card and I’m so proud to feature you on as my guest today! I still think of you as a perfectionist 🙂
Brian, this is also my favorite saying and I love how you have made it perfect for today. Thanks for all you do for me and the rest of inKing Royalty. 2014 holds great promises.
Lynn
Hi Brian:
1st of all let me echo everyone’s congrats to you on being Mary Fish’s chosen one to close out the year. She IS amazing and the fact that she recognizes how amazing YOU are is awesome. The card is beautiful and I am so, so , so happy to see you using the glimmer paper. Too bad you aren’t here in Maine today, I just know you would love the 6 below zero temps we woke up to this morning (yeah right)! Very invigorating 🙂
Wishing you, your family and friends a happy, healthy and prosperous year in 2014.
Hi Brian , first , congrats on being the last one to close out the year !!!!!!’
And I love your card , it’s perfect for a closer !!!!
And yay for a new year of more stamping ,
Have a wonderful New Years to you and your mom , lots of great new things coming your way ,
And lots of hugs ,
Hugs frenchie ,
Thank you for a wonderful year of ideas !!!!!
Beautiful , sophisticated card! I alwys love black & white! And I love the thoughts too, something to reflect on as we enter 2014!
I left a comment over on Mary’s site, but thought to leave you one here as well. Beautiful card and love the layout and silver contrast against the black. Please I love reading your post and personal tips. Perfect New Year’s card!!
Brian, You made me cry with this beautiful blog post. How delicate and beautiful this card that you designed and made today. Just beautiful! A wonderful end to 2013 and a wonderful beginning 2014. Thank you for making my day!
Fabulous, crisp & fun card, Brian! Thank you for sharing your card & process with us…your blog is always such a joy to read.
Happy New Year to you from an Australian fan! xx
Your card is awesome AND has sparkle! Have a healthy and happy new year!
I wouldn’t expect you to ring out 2013 in any other way…..with a bang! A huge thank you to Mary for featuring you today. This sentiment is so true and I like the card immensely. Your talent has rewarded you with so many accomplishments and praise this year. Most deserving indeed. You have done so much for me this year in so many different ways. I so enjoy our conversations. There is no doubt that 2014 will be even better in so many ways. Thank you so much for your daily inspiration. Wishing you and your family good health in 2014. HAPPY NEW YEAR MY DEAR FRIEND! HUGS
Oh my how could I forget……..I am proud to be on the InKing Royalty Team!
Great card, Brian! I love the sentiment, too. Thank you for sharing your art, your talent, your humor, your insight. I look forward to the enjoyment that your blog brings me in 2014. Oh! . . . and your DSP swatches and product shares.
Wishing you and yours much happiness and continued success in the New Year!