I know not all pen pals are involved with rubber stamping, but some of these thoughts can apply to other related hobbies. I’ve rubber stamped for – wow, thinking about it – about 27 years. My level of involvement has varied over the years, times where I have done more, less, or almost no stamping. But in the last 5 years or so, I have done more stamping than ever before, I enjoy it much more, and I think I make better quality items than in the past. Why? Several different reasons.
For one, since rubber stamping is not as popular as it was years ago, I frequently find wood block rubber stamps at thrift stores very inexpensively. I am frugal, and it has been quite exciting for me (haha) to add so many stamps to my collection so cheaply. More stamps to work with, of course, provides a bigger variety of options for card making and that spurs my interest.
But also, in the last few years, my approach to stamping changed in several ways. Often, years ago, I now realize, I was trying to imitate other’s stamping, and many did involved and complex stamping projects. I would try such things and was always disappointed when my results fell short. (Perfectionist tendencies come into play here too.) I’m also a practical person that likes things to be simpler, and the complex stamp projects were more frustrating than fun for me. In addition, I was sometimes focused on trying to make some money stamping. (Many stamp companies had/have “angel policies” where you can sell items you make with your stamps as long as you are selling handmade originals, not mass producing them.)
So, combining these things, I was stamping with the wrong approach and for wrong reasons. Instead of imitating others, I needed to find MY stamping style and niche – stamping in my own way, in a way that I enjoy, that fits my preference for simpler projects. Of course, we can learn techniques from others, but can adapt the techniques to better fit our own style.
Also, the why behind what we do is important. This quote is about writing, but can apply to other things: “Write because you love the art and the discipline, not because you are looking to sell something.” Ann Patchett
When your primary motivation is to monetize a hobby, that affects you, even if you don’t realize it. Of course, one can both enjoy something and want to make money too, but when the primary motivator is money that can stifle creativity and throw off your focus.
Perfectionist tendencies can have a similar affect, leaving you frustrated and disappointed, and those feelings are not conducive to you enjoying and developing your hobby!
Whatever the hobby is:
Be yourself. Enjoy yourself. Find your niche. Find your own style.
Sure, get ideas from others, but why feel pressured to do it just like them, especially if certain techniques are actually stressful to you, rather than fun?
And who cares if what you make isn’t “perfect”! Who defines perfect anyways? Relax. In the end, you may have better results, than if you were striving for so-called perfection.
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