Thursday, February 12, 2009

*R*E*J*E*C*T*I*O*N


....no likey!
A hard topic to talk about and an even harder thing to accept. It took me a few days to decide to post about this....but I decided to because when I first started this blog I promised to post both good news and bad news.


On Monday, I found out that I did not make the finals for the Spellbinders Design team. It was a bit of a blow to my mojo but I think I have recovered now (lol!) The funny thing is that I was not going to apply, but two friends and I decided at CHA that we would give it a go....which means that we had exactly four days when we returned to get all of the application stuff together. YIPES!

I wanted to share this with you so that everyone who thinks I NEVER get rejected from anything knows that OH YES I DID! Everyone gets rejections. *Most* people only post about the good news so you don't know about the teams they don't make. If you submit to publications, you will find that rejection is more common than acceptance. (Somehow publication rejection seems easier to swallow though!)
It has been a long while since I have applied to be on a team...so I took it hard the first day but I truly think everything happens for a reason! As a sweet friend said..."something better will come along."


....And I know it will!


On the flip side, I know a few of the people who did make the first cut and I am so thrilled for them! Huge Congrats, Ladies!

*The pictures on this post were my submission pieces.










Thanks for stopping by!

66 comments:

Christi Flores said...

Aww..I'm sorry Cammie! I know that rejection is definitely hard. I have stopped even applying for most DT's because the rejection does hurt and brings you down. I think your projects are fantastic and yes this did happen for a reason. {{HUGS}} girl-you totally rock!! :)

Anonymous said...

You create beautiful projects and I'm sure ALL of us get rejected at one time or another! :) It's OK, because you have fun and love to create and it shows!! Obviously someone else DOES see your talent!! All of these projects are fab!! I love EVERYTHING you create!! BIG HUGS TO YOU!!

Lynette said...

Cammie - I can't believe you were not chosen! Oh my gosh! You would be my first choice. Unfortunately, I was not the one chosing:) Their team must be the most awesome team around if they found others better than you. Keep up the good work, and I'll keep enjoying your blog. Thank you for all you do.

Shelia said...

That is the pits. I hate rejection, That is why I alway am a wall flower. Your submissions are beautiful, I am inspired by them, and the bag I will change to fit my grandchildren for valentines.

Amy said...

How can anyone reject those creations??? I love those!!!

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

Hold to that philosophy - it's true! Something better is on the way I'm sure. And Bah Humbug to those who didn't choose correctly!

Chris Scrappin and Stampin in Texas said...

Aw Cammie, your creations are awesome, and sharing the news will help those who submit. I especially love the Christmas one! You are one busy mom, and hugs!

Rita said...

Sorry Carolyn, but it's their loss. Better things ara a comin' for you my dear!

These cards & that basket are beautiful & I luv them! That snowflake suspension card is my favorite...too cute!

Whimsey said...

I LOVE that you are so real...thanks for sharing the good AND the bad. You're right, many of us look up to those on design teams and think we will never make it; why try; I hate rejection, etc. It's nice to know that EVERYONE receives rejection; but the other side of the rainbow is "something better will come along".

Thanks for sharing; I LOVE your projects!

Anonymous said...

"Rejection" doesn't always mean they don't like you. Sometimes it just means you didn't show them what they were looking for at the moment, or maybe that they already have someone on the DT with a style similar to yours. Keep up the AWESOME work, Cammie! You are so very creative and your work is beautiful!! You are a huge inspiration to many! Hugs!

Beth Pingry said...

Hey those are great projects, no need to hang your head. Keep doing what you do best and be proud of it!
Beth

mspiggy7 said...

Sorry that you didn't make the Design team. Your work is soooo awesome. I do thank you, though, for making us who are still trying to get our 1st card published feel a little bit better knowing even the GREAT artists get rejected. Thanks for sharing & looking forward to all your future creations.

Danni said...

Although I am very sorry you didn't make the cut, I must say thank you for posting this. I admire you so much and it's so nice to read that everyone feels the same with rejection and disappointment.
Your projects are awesome!!

Anonymous said...

Cammie, sorry to hear about the rejection. I do believe things happen for a reason and sometimes it takes a while to see what that reason was. I'm glad you're doing okay over this because I would totally miss you if you stopped blogging and creating!! Take care and hugs to you. Harriet

Darlene said...

OMG ... I'm in shock! Your work is SO AWESOME and I'm always thrilled when I see your work in print! It is truly THEIR LOSS! But, as said ... better things are ahead. Keep inspiring the rest of us in the meantime ... I'd love to be published but not brave enough yet to pursue it. One day ...

Anonymous said...

Although you are disappointed, I honestly must say, I would be over the moon if I could make beautiful cards like you do. Be happy! :)

Anita said...

Sorry about to hear your bad news but thank you for sharing your story.

Nicole said...

AW CAMMIE, are they totally insane??? I mean, what more do they want??? Let's go hunt them down!

{I hope that helped! Just trying to be supportive here! HAHAHA!!}

And, I agree, something else better will come along! You are way too talented to sit still for long! Keep your chin up and don't let this keep you from trying again!

Tosha Leyendekker said...

Your projects are FANTASTIC!! You know I'm a HUGE fan of your work. I have no idea why you were not picked, but all those who have you designing for them already are blessed. As well as those who get to see your blog and published creations!! You're the BOMB my friend!!! Thanks for all your inspirations!!

carole (TruCarMa) said...

Very cool of you to post this, Camster. We ALL get rejected, and it never feels good to put yourself out there only to hear, 'um... no thanks!' I know a lot of people who admire your work and want to break into the industry will read this post and it'll take a little of the sting out of their own rejections. Proof positive that it happens to the VERY BEST of us!!!

Anonymous said...

Aww, Cammie, big hugs! Rejection stinks! That is the hardest part of this inductry by far (for me anyway). Your projects are super cute!

Karolyn at Paper Therapy said...

Good for you, Cammie! I so appreciate your willingness to be "real." That means more to me than anything. I have a dear friend that submitted for that DT, too, and was crushed when she didn't get selected. I'm sure it will make her feel better when she finds out that even the Big Girls get rejected, too. I'm sorry that you were so disappointed . . . no one likes to feel rejected. Unfortunately, this "hobby" is so subjective . . . what one person loves, another dislikes. We just can't please everyone, right? But I also know how important the positive strokes are . . . it's why I continue to push forward and try to get better. I love it when someone says something nice about what I do. Know that you are my stamping and papercrafting IDOL . . . I love what you do, and I respect so much who you are as a person. Hopefully that helps to get past this little "blip" in your day. {{{{Hugs}}}}

dpkennedy said...

Here's a {{hug}} and a hanky if you need it. Disappointment sucks, but your awesome and everyone knows it! Eat some icecream...there now doesn't that feel better? No? Eat More!!! Have a great day!

Melody said...

Thanks for sharing! Your work is so admired. Sometimes it is just not what they are looking for on that day. You inspire those of us who are just starting out!

Starla said...

Thank you. Thank you for sharing the good and the bad. When I started blogging this year, I told myself it was kinda of a public journal of MY journey thru creativity and that it wouldn't matter if no one commented. But, we all have that spot inside that loves the comments/acknowledgement. I think your honesty about rejection will help us mere "mortal stampers" realize that it is a normal thing and we just have to lift our heads high(like you!) and try, try, try again. And with that said...I'm off to create something!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Cammie, Thanks for sharing with us. Sorry to hear about the rejection, but it is definitely their loss. I am just excited for you in what the future may hold, wonderful things always happen to wonderful people!!
{{Hugs}}
Anita

Unknown said...

Hey there girlie! You are ACES in my book, and your work totally rocks! I am proud of you for posting this. I know you have helped someone else out there who fears rejection. Heck, I don't ever even submit anything. I'm too chicken! Cluck, cluck!!!

Ila said...

Well...it is definetly their loss!!...Your creations are Gorgeous!! I've been rejected before too...guess we're not always everyone's cup of tea...lol.

Maureen said...

Thanks for posting this so we know that rejection happens to everyone. HOWEVER, I wouldn't give it a second thought - just look at all your accomplishments and your ginormous talent and remember that you are a supremely awesome and inspirational stamper!! After all, here I am looking at your Layered Tree card in Papercrafts, which was a winning entry for their World Cardmaking Day contest!! You rock!!

Debby said...

Sorry Cammie ,it's their loss.
You are so creative and I'm sure you'll find something else and even better.
hugs,
Debby

Erin Smetak said...

Oh Cammie, I'm so sorry to hear your bad news. I also submitted work and wasn't chosen. I'm not really surprised (even though I was dissappointed) that I didn't make it, but for YOU not to make it. Seriously, who are these people? Are they blind???!!!!

Well, I thoroughly enjoy your blog and all of your wonderful creations! Keep up the good work, and like my friends told me, "Keep your chin up!" Something better WILL come along!

{{{{{Hugs}}}}}

Amy Johnson said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting your rejection...it makes the rest of us feel so much better. I can't tell you how much I dislike clicking on someone's blog to only hear the EXCITING news of how they have been chosen to be a designer for the 20th time! It seems like the same people are chosen over and over again. I applied and was rejected too, but unlike you, I've NEVER been chosen for ANY design team, so I'm really beginning to feel like a failure. But I never give up, so I will keep trying. But I do so much appreciate your honesty and humility, its so refreshing. I only recognized one name on the new design team. I heard they had double the amount of applicants from last year. I'm very anxious to see what the new designers create. They must be really awesome to reject someone like you! YOur work is always amazing!

Amy Johnson said...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting your rejection...it makes the rest of us feel so much better. I can't tell you how much I dislike clicking on someone's blog to only hear the EXCITING news of how they have been chosen to be a designer for the 20th time! It seems like the same people are chosen over and over again. I applied and was rejected too, but unlike you, I've NEVER been chosen for ANY design team, so I'm really beginning to feel like a failure. But I never give up, so I will keep trying. But I do so much appreciate your honesty and humility, its so refreshing. I only recognized one name on the new design team. I heard they had double the amount of applicants from last year. I'm very anxious to see what the new designers create. They must be really awesome to reject someone like you! YOur work is always amazing!

Liz S. said...

Cammie, you are a T*R*E*A*S*U*R*E*

What is WRONG with those people??!

Hugs.

Anonymous said...

Well, I will just say this much, they are not smart if they did not pick YOUR submitted pieces. They are crazy.
Thanks for sharing that with us. But the work you show us, is amazing and I know that everyone that visits your blog, is blown away by your creative-self! :)

Yosha said...

These are totally acceptance worthy! Next time...

Tracey said...

So sorry to hear you were rejected Cammie!! You are always a winner in my books! :) Your work is gorgeous and your friend is right, something else will come along. I know that doesn't make rejection easier to take though. Thank you for sharing the good and bad with us though! I am sure knowing that someone as fabulously talented as yourself can be rejected will help out everyone else out there who has ever felt the same thing. Big hugs to you!!

Shannan Teubner said...

This was cool of you to post and took some guts, girlfriend. Sending hugs to you! :) Oh, and chocolate. ;)

Elaine M said...

You may not have been chosen for their team - but you HAVE been chosen for OUR TEAM. We love you and your talent is so amazing. Your blog has never dissapointed me - always fantastic.

Anonymous said...

I love your work and I love your blog. I appreciate the fact that you are REAL. As you said there is a reason of all things. You have nothing to be ashamed of. Like someone else said, they were just not looking for what you offered. That doesn't make your work not GREAT!!! The rest of us mere mortals love it!!

Diane said...

Are those people crazy???? They don't know a good thing when they see it. Your friend is right... something better WILL come along and then they'll be eating their "rejection notice"! We still love you! ~HUGS~

Rose Ann said...

{{{{{{Cammie}}}}}} all of these are so fantastic, and wonderful!! I don't know what they were looking for, but you are an amazing talent, and so inspiring!! Thanks for your honesty as well! Hugs!!

Colleen said...

Beautiful work girl. Keep up the great work.

Elena said...

Oh... no... Cammie... I am really sorry to hear it... But I agree that better WILL come along! We all love you and your wonderful art!

Sharri said...

I am so sorry that you were rejected! Your work is awesome!

I was considering applying for the Spellbinders DT but figured there would be many applicants whose work is way better than mine.
Keep trying and something much better will come along for you!
Hugs, Sharri

Dawn Easton said...

Sorry to hear you didn't make it Carolyn :(
Your projects were wonderful!

Anonymous said...

I am just beginning to make cards because I have a card ministry, a few weeks ago I happened on your site and loved an owl card you did, so bookmarked your site, and every week I have been inspired by your work. I love your style. The way I look at it --your work is not on trial--the judges are the ones who were on trial!!! Your work has already been proven, just keep on following your ideas. They are beautiful. Blessings

Melanie said...

youuuuu said you weren't goign to try out! (holding out on me!) I think I need to go find the email where we discussed all the reasons why we didn't want to do it, hopefully you'll be reminded and feel better!! ;)
hugs!
your spellbinders creations are the bomb! they must have been very intimidated (snort!)

Vicki G said...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder......and you have many beholders.........I agree, everything happens for a reason..not always a good reasons.......but sometimes bad news is just a segway to something better coming your way!!!!

Hugs !

Vicki

Unknown said...

I was sad when I didn't see your name on that list, but girlfriend, YOU KNOW that I adore your work, and I'm honored to work with you. Goodness knows you've got a full plate already, so its a good thing.

You're so brave to post that, so many of us know that sinking feeling when something you really wanted didn't happen. Like when pub call deadlines pass and you **don't** get the email you were hoping for.

We all love you sistah! Thanks for the reminder that we all have our ups and downs... Have a wonderful weekend!

Unknown said...

I was sad when I didn't see your name on that list, but girlfriend, YOU KNOW that I adore your work, and I'm honored to work with you. Goodness knows you've got a full plate already, so its a good thing.

You're so brave to post that, so many of us know that sinking feeling when something you really wanted didn't happen. Like when pub call deadlines pass and you **don't** get the email you were hoping for.

We all love you sistah! Thanks for the reminder that we all have our ups and downs... Have a wonderful weekend!

liannallama said...

Thanks so much for posting this! I signed up for your blog a while back because you always show such fantastic things! Your submission was awesome I can't believe they didn't pick you.

Of all the teams that is the one I want the most. They didn't pick me either and it stings because i really worked hard this year to try and step up my game so I could have a chance after not getting picked last year either. I felt really good about my submission, but I guess it just wasn't the right time for me yet.

(((HUGS))) to both of us!

Alex said...

That stinks!!! I know how you feel, it does sting, BUT you are fabulously talented, I love everything you do!! These projects are fabulous! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex

Theresa Momber said...

How generous of you to share this, Cammie. I think it is so helpful to others dealing with that feeling to know they are not alone.

Your samples are outstanding. That snowflake card is amazing!

I was too chicken to submit, although I was very tempted. I have a "by invitation only" policy, since I can't handle rejection. But I love my Spellbinders so much, I almost broke my own rule. That said, if Copic puts out a call, I am so there, rejection or not.

Carla said...

I didn't make it, either! And it was no fun!! I shared on my blog, too, and I appreciate that you did as well. I am NOT happy that you didn't make it-you are one of my favorite bloggers-but it does take the sting out of it a little bit that a super star like you didn't make it, either. I think it was a brave and kind thing for you to share, because there are probably a lot of other stampers out there who can just never quite make it big, who will realize that no one gets it every time. Hugs!!

Jami said...

What a bummer...I can understand the disappointment, but thanks for keeping it real and sharing with us! I have no doubt that it all happens for a reason, and there must be bigger better plans in the works for you!! I can't wait to see what they are my friend, cause I know you'll blow us all away!! {{hugs}}

Lee said...

OMGosh..........I could only wish to make as amazing creations as the ones you had rejected!!!! LOL These are just sooooo fantastic!!!!

Anonymous said...

Aw, Cammie...so sorry but hey, that means you can do more great things. Thanks for letting us know you're human. :-) Makes us all feel better

Anonymous said...

Aw, Cammie...so sorry but hey, that means you can do more great things. Thanks for letting us know you're human. :-) Makes us all feel better

Carolina said...

Well, all your entries are just stunning and all I can say is that you have a huge following whether or not you're DTs. Some times it just wasn't meant to be, but I sure appreciate you sharing this with all of us who struggle with getting rejection from teams from time to time...big hugs!

Judi said...

Hi Cammie, I'm sorry you didn't make the DT, but thanks for being so honest about this. I know for those who do apply and don't make it, it does help them to know that others with so much talent sometimes don't make it either. So in the meantime, we'll enjoy your work here and other places. Hugs to you!!!

Kathleen said...

thanks for sharing this---I can't believe it, but thank you so much for being so vulnerable---what a sweet reminder to those of us that aren't on any design teams that EVERYONE gets that rejection notice every now and then. So sorry you didn't get on there (and even more sorry you don't get all those cool dies!!), but your friend is right---something better will come along!! Hugs~

Holly's Hobbies said...

Yes, rejection can be tough, but so is choosing a certain number from many applicants. Like you said, you have been on the side doing the choosing and it is hard. I have to remember that every time I submit to PaperCrafts and never am published by them...I just move on to another publication. Spellbinders is a great company with a great product. Nice job on your projects.

Stephanie Hargis said...

I am currently dealing with some rejections of sorts. I am not past the hurt stage quite yet. I thought I was, but then it resurfaced. Anyway, I just wanted to thank you for posting this. It really was uplifting for me. You are such and an inspiration Cammie. Truly.

((Hugs))

emilymomto3boys said...

awww, hon - they are totally missing out on your mad stamping skillz - their loss!!!

And this is why I never apply to anything, lol!

Karen Kelly said...

Hey, Cammie! I've been away from stamping for awhile and I'm getting caught up on blogs, etc... Anyway, I LOVE that you posted about this!! So many people seem to think that rejection is such a bad thing and it really isn't. There are so many people who are held back by their fear of being rejected and they're missing out on so much. An important post--thanks for sharing!