Back in my college years I took a course called “The Art of the Storybook,” and though it had absolutely nothing to do with my major, it has since proved to be the course that was most pertinent to the direction my life has taken.

We explored the art and creativity of storytelling and illustrating. I even wrote an origin myth and illustrated the book using several different art forms and mediums. Though my book is very amateurish and, well . . . quite an embarrassing look into my artistic ability . . . I love and cherish it. My book is a reminder that I don’t have to be an amazing artist, that I shouldn’t compare my work to that of others, and that I can be creative and explore my own artistic abilities. The course helped me to stretch. It forced me out of my comfort zone, and got me to try new things and enjoy them . . . even if my creations were not worthy of an art gallery.

Lately I have been in a rut. I don’t seem to be enjoying myself creatively as much. That was, until a friend of mine got me interested in creating again by encouraging me to try something new . . . zentangle. It was amazing! Zentangle is easy, relaxing, and it is something Gage can do with me, too! Thus my creative journey was rekindled, and I set out to carve a zentangle stamp!

I already admitted that I can’t draw; did I mention that I can’t carve a stamp, either?! Man, have I gotten rusty! But I pulled out my Undefined Stamp Carving Kit (item # 133402) anyway!

My original design was detailed and intricate. It was zentangle. But, after going a little carve-crazy, I accidentally carved out the wrong thing and ended up just hollowing out the innards and getting rid of all the details.

At first I was upset, and even contemplated getting out some more rubber. Since you can now buy Undefined Carving Rubber (item # 137123) in packs of three for super-cheap, I always have extra on hand for mistakes. But instead, remembering my origin myth book, I decided to embrace my mistake and let my creative journey be. After getting my stamp on paper, I realized something: with it being so plain, I left a plethora of opportunities for this stamp to be transformed in many different ways!

The Project Life Journaling Pens (item # 135304) were perfect for trying out some zentangle.

And of course, I just HAD to make a card . . . because that’s what I do.

And then another . . . and another.

The “nerdy-bird” card is actually a bookmark.

How the “nerdy-bird” came about is another long story. I will spare you the details!

Yup, I was happy I embraced my plain little stamp, leaving him open for many possibilities he may not have otherwise seen!

Where will your next creative mistake journey take you?

Becky Cowley
2014–2015 Artisan Design Team