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and I have Card Perfectionism Syndrome. What is CPS you ask? It is when you spend hours planning the perfect card color combination and design, only to feel like when you put it to paper, the card is just so-so. It is tweaking a card for hours to try to make it perfect, only to have it in your mind never be that way. I always think buying new stamps and supplies will treat this syndrome but it does not. It just adds to the syndrome.
Would someone please come up with a 10 step treatment program for this?!
Oh my goodness I thought I was the only one who suffered from this... I just never had a name for it. Finally I have a diagnosis! Glad there are other sufferers as well so I can commiserate!
1. Lots of caffeine (Pepsi)
2. Pizza
3. Peace n Quiet in the house (no kids bothering you)
4. Music playing
5. A few pics on hand to give you some ideas
6. Fresh card stock, new stamps and new SU Catty
7. The maid just cleaned your entire house so you don't have to
think about it.
8. The kids are staying with aunt or grandma for a few days
and you have no pressures.
9. Your hubby is gone sky-diving for a week.
10. Your good friend (ME) is coming to stamp with you!!!
1. Lots of caffeine (Pepsi)
2. Pizza
3. Peace n Quiet in the house (no kids bothering you)
4. Music playing
5. A few pics on hand to give you some ideas
6. Fresh card stock, new stamps and new SU Catty
7. The maid just cleaned your entire house so you don't have to
think about it.
8. The kids are staying with aunt or grandma for a few days
and you have no pressures.
9. Your hubby is gone sky-diving for a week.
10. Your good friend (ME) is coming to stamp with you!!!
ok how's that?
hehehe
Lori
1. Okay, I'm always drinking caffeine so that doesn't help.
2. Tried having a full tummy and that doesn't help either.
3. Tuesday and Thursdays I have the house all to myself and I try but I end up giving up and watching tv.
4. Music playing is a pretty good one but it has to be fast music.
5. Looking at other people's awesome cards are what make me want my cards to be perfect like theirs - just adds to this syndrome!
6. New supplies just adds to the syndrome for me - too much to choose from to use.
7. IS AN AWESOME STEP but not reality for me unfortunately.
8. See #3
9. See #3
10. I love to have a friend (Lori) to stamp with but unfortunately I like to talk more than stamp and I don't get anything done!
and I have Card Perfectionism Syndrome. What is CPS you ask? It is when you spend hours planning the perfect card color combination and design, only to feel like when you put it to paper, the card is just so-so. It is tweaking a card for hours to try to make it perfect, only to have it in your mind never be that way. I always think buying new stamps and supplies will treat this syndrome but it does not. It just adds to the syndrome.
Would someone please come up with a 10 step treatment program for this?!
Thank you.
You think you're going to get a 10 step program here? LOL!! A lot of us suffer from CPS right a long with you! I think other pervasive diseases in this group are "hoarditis" and "I have to have it allitis".
Aaaaargghhh, I know what you mean! I drive myself bonkers most of the time trying to make "the perfect card." My hubby always says, "just make a decision! It's going to good anyways, and the person who you're giving it to isn't going to care if you put the ribbon (or brads, or image, or paper, etc. etc.) there instead of there." I know that "in theory" he is right, but it's still something I worry about.
Also, when I began to "CASE" cards from SCS, I thought, "finally! My problems are over! Just copy a card on here, and you won't have to make any decisions! The card looks perfect the way it is!" But then if I don't have the exact stamp set, or embellishment, or paper that the original card has, then I have to make substitutions, so then I change everything else to coordinate with what I have...which means that I end up making a completely different card, which means I'm all indecisive again while "copying" a card!
But then if I don't have the exact stamp set, or embellishment, or paper that the original card has, then I have to make substitutions, so then I change everything else to coordinate with what I have...which means that I end up making a completely different card, which means I'm all indecisive again while "copying" a card!
Ditto the above! I have lots of issues too but the CPS is my main one.
What I try to do is my "Five minutes here and there" technique. I will walk away from a project if I am getting frustrated and go back to it at a later time. My FMHAT technique started out because my kids are so demanding that I could only get something done if I did it in five minute increments. Now it works to my advantage.
Yeah, I definetly suffer from this too! But I'm a perfectionist in life in general, ergh! You know, type A personality! Anyone in the same boat as me? I often think this wouldn't be a hobby that I would like so much because there isn't a pattern to follow! LOL! Control freak me needs to lighten up, life would probably be alot more enjoyable that way including making cards, huh?
__________________ Jennifer
To the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may be the world.
I can identify with you completely, but more in the area of scrapbooking. I have found immersing myself as much as possible, and as often as possible in magazines, or galleries on-line to fill my eyes and mind with ideas helps. If you see a card that you like, ask yourself WHAT it is that grabs your attention. It might be the layout, or the colors or both. Using a layout that you like, see what stamps that you have that would work in that space, and the same for embellishments. See if that works. Try it with just one card. For me, I have found that identifying what I like in another card helps me to realize what my likes (and dislikes) are. Once some decisions are made, then it may make it easier to complete the task, and hopefully have some fun in the process! Hope this helps!
I can definitely relate to CPS. I will fuss over a card and just never like it no matter what I add or take away or change. I also can have some perfectionism tendencies - thank goodness for nestibilities or layering on cards was going to kill me. I finally realized that a lot of it was being caused by going through the gallery and looking at the amazing cards in the gallery. And starting to feel like my cards would never measure up to some other cards posted. I came to the conclusion that I am a simple card maker (or clean and simple -CAS) and I needed to stick to that. And stay away from any attempts to make a 5 layered, 3 matching ribbons, designer paper, etc.etc. card. They just are not my style and I would drive myself trying to make them. I love to look at those "fancy" cards but I know I will never make them. And I am at peace with it.
__________________ Martha
"When you recover or discover something that nourishes your soul and brings joy, care enough about yourself to make room for it in your life." Jean Shinoda Bolen
What really helps me *tremendously* when I want to make a specific type card is to go back to my SCS favorites and look at all the pretty cards on that topic. I only save what I really love. I get great ideas and will usually combine specific things about several cards into one that becomes mine.
I have an index binder of all my stamps so I look through it first. Then comes the hardest part for me - picking my paper! I like to mull over the different techniques I can use to pull the card together. Yeah, I'm a sap for Beate's, and the other contributors, hard work in our SCS Resources.
Another idea is force yourself to join in on the SCS Challenges.. you'll get a card done and then can decide what you'd change to make it really yours.
Yes, this does take me hours. Its not unusual for me to work on one card for a week.
I take pictures of ALL my cards for future reference.
HTH!
May God bless, Sandi
__________________ StormyElf'd '07Humble Ink Smears If at first you don't succeed, talk to God! Then, go put on your big girl panties!
Last edited by SouthernStorm; 01-29-2009 at 02:15 PM..
Reason: addin' stuff
To help me get through, I find that if I put it aside and come back to it the next day, I can figure out needs to be added. Then I glue down all the layers!
Hello Amy,
My name is Linda, and I too suffer from CPS. I'm glad we could find some support. I have even gone so far as throw cards out they have turned out so WRONG lol. I'm never happy with my cards. I always things something is crooked, even when I am assured that nothing is...HELP! ;)
I like your opening comment, sounds like an AA meeting - 'My name is ... and I have an addition. This is the site to have a 'support meeting'.
I think we are all harder on ourselves than others might be! I belong to a card group that meets once a month. We exchange cards and 2 of the members present a technique/card/craft (this month is going to be - how to make a corsage). Some months I spend lots of time on making my exchange card but other months, just put together an simple card. I seems to get the same amount of comments on both so don't be so hard on yourself. Enjoy the process-
Last edited by Crafter 4 Life; 09-05-2010 at 07:52 AM..
Reason: add comment
A solution that works for me - when I feel myself getting agitated about making a card-making decision, I step away from the project for an hour or two, then come back to it. Many times, this gives me a fresh perspective on what I need to do.
My user name on here is Goodnuff, and that's how I do most things. You all ought to give it a try, no stress(wink)!
Hugs,
Goodnuff
Oh, I love this! My husband used to say "Goodnuff for who it's for." I have stolen this line from him.
If you want perfect, go to Hallmark.
Otherwise, DONE is better than perfect!
__________________ Linda E
Caution: You are entering an artistic zone. This is not clutter - this is creating. These are not pajamas - it's my work uniform.
hahahahahahaha ~ I can so relate! I was just wondering this week how many "flubs" the perfect cardmakers end up with before they post their perfect pieces. We don't get to see all the mistakes that lead up to the masterpieces...
Ironically today's sermon at my church was about not being perfect - lol!
My 2 favorite quotes about perfection:
1. Perfect is the enemy of done. (think this is a Fly Lady quote)
2. Embrace the -ish (Quoted from a Staci Ethridge class as she attempted to get our group to not worry about cutting a perfect circle among other things - hopefully it makes sense out of context)
I often introduce myself as a recovering perfectionist. There are times when perfect is necessary and times when it's not. I just sometimes can't help getting caught up in the details.
__________________ Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3
Stamp Revolution http://stamprevolution.com
More stamps for more people!
I think people with severe CPS (and every card maker has this syndrome to some degree!) feel that there is just one way a card can look, and if you don't finish it 'that' way, it isn't perfect. Once you get a card to a certain point there are actually a number of different finishing touches you can add, each of which will change the card's appearance, but aren't in themselves right or wrong.
Maybe it would help if you were a bit less structured about the card's creation. Each time you make a decision on paper or embellishments, let that decision suggest other directions rather than feel each decision should only lead to one other choice, and you have to get that choice right. Think of the process as a tree of options rather than a straight line with 'perfection' at the end.
In the end the most important thing isn't that the card is perfect, but that only you could have made it.
Stephanie
__________________ To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong. Joseph Chilton Pearce my gallery
Hmmmm ... adult beverages seem to help my CPS. You just have to play around with the dosage.
__________________ If you don't want your tax dollars to help the poor, then stop saying you want a country based on Christian values, because you don't. ~ Jimmy Carter
Yes, I suffer from CPS too. By the time I'm finished pulling my card apart, it no longer stays flat. it's kind of curved, so it fits perfectly in the round filing can otherwise known as the garbage can! I'm currently working on a card that I thought was beautiful (and still do). Didn't realize till I started it that it requires 4 different Spellbinder dies and a stamp which I don't have. Also pearls that I don't have. I am currently waiting for the stamp to arrive! Does this qualify me for allitis? Do I put $150 on the back of the card where Hallmark puts their price code?:shock:
LOL...this thread is just the dose of humor I needed today!! You gals know that laughter is the best medicine...so I'm just sayin'....let's laugh and your malady will be cured!
__________________
Wanda Cullen ~ Dirty Dozen Alumni, On design team for Papertrey Ink, Designer for Color Throwdown and Fusion Card Challenges Cullen-ary Creations[/URL]...my blogHERE'S MY GALLERY[/URL]
1. Lots of caffeine (Pepsi)
2. Pizza
3. Peace n Quiet in the house (no kids bothering you)
4. Music playing
5. A few pics on hand to give you some ideas
6. Fresh card stock, new stamps and new SU Catty
7. The maid just cleaned your entire house so you don't have to
think about it.
8. The kids are staying with aunt or grandma for a few days
and you have no pressures.
9. Your hubby is gone sky-diving for a week.
10. Your good friend (ME) is coming to stamp with you!!!
It sucks sometimes, doesn't it? I've been trying to break out of it this year. I'm making myself do lots of things that don't really jive with my perfectionist nature... giving myself a time limit, limiting my supplies, making myself try different styles, techniques, etc, not allowing myself to make things again and again... anything to remind myself that creativity is the goal, not perfectionism.
I still struggle, but I'd say I'm recovering. I'm focusing on not sucking the joy out of creating with my perfectionistic tendencies. Happily, it seems to be working.
__________________ Paper Crafts Go-to-Gal member #1507gallery witticisms... a witty blog
I've done cards and thought at the time "Well, THAT didn't turn out the way I planned." When I give it to someone, they are always thrilled because they know it was hand made and they love it. We are all our own worst critics. Sometimes leaving cards in a box and going back to them a week or so later helps. I've gone through my stockpiled cards and thought "Oh,this is really pretty" without a shred of criticism. Let your project get cold before you judge it.
I've done cards and thought at the time "Well, THAT didn't turn out the way I planned." When I give it to someone, they are always thrilled because they know it was hand made and they love it. We are all our own worst critics. Sometimes leaving cards in a box and going back to them a week or so later helps. I've gone through my stockpiled cards and thought "Oh,this is really pretty" without a shred of criticism. Let your project get cold before you judge it.
Makaren
Funny you should mention this ... lol!
I'm just now doing the 'downsizing' thing and needing to really economize on space. I needed to go through my stash of stockpiled cards.
I'm sure I'm not unique in my perfectionist ways and I'm envious of my friends who really truly can pop out a gorgeous card in minutes and really don't have to get out the Thing-a-Majig for every little stamp ... sigh. But that's not me (clear blocks have added to my enjoyment of stamping in a big way, btw).
As for looking back on cards, for me, I'm OK with say 1 out of 10 of my creations being a 'yes!' and the other 9 sitting and waiting for that additional inspiration, so I collect quite a 'stash' of runner ups. Sometimes the inspiration comes and I can switch it up, sometimes the card just needs to be torn apart and reused, but there are a lot that wind up going to a local assisted living facility where runner ups and almost theres are happily loved. I'd never get to a 'yes!' card if they all had to be yesses so I'm grateful to the folk who can give the less-thans the love I'm sure they deserve.
And speaking of stash ... how many of us have kept our first card (attempts). I just looked at the very first one of 'my own creation'. At the time I thought it was amazing and I was an artist ... oh dear, oh my! LOL!
__________________ If you don't want your tax dollars to help the poor, then stop saying you want a country based on Christian values, because you don't. ~ Jimmy Carter
I realize that a lot of this is in jest - but on the serious side, I have found one thing that helps my CPS a bit. I used to try to copy other people's cards. They were gorgeous, and lacey, and femine, and soft and... The truth is, I'm none of those things. Every time I made one of those cards I'd feel like something was missing. Some BANG... some BLING... some POP. Duh. I'm a bang, bling, pop kinda gal. I need color! I need sparkle! Once I found my style I gave away a lot of the pastel stuff I'd colected and traded it for fun, funny and colorful papers, inks and stamps. Now I'm happy with nearly everything I make because they are "me". Someone recently told me they could "tell my cards from everyone else's, everytime". I laughed because I new she was right. They aren't cluttered but they are ALIVE.
Find your style girlfriend. Then fly with it. You'll be a lot happier. :cool:
__________________ Louise Bergmann DuMontAuthor, Speaker, Serious About Her Coffee, Lover of all that is Chocolate...Worshiper of El Shaddai (The All Sufficient One)
My name is Amy...
