Friday, July 2, 2010

At the End of it All...

Gallery Idol 2010 is finally over!

It has been an absolutely insane and ridiculously fun few weeks and I am so happy to have been a part of something so special. Though I did not win, (a big congratulations to Gallery Idol Winner, Belinda Chang Langer!) I know I did my absolute best and I am really proud of how far I made it. I'm also excited, as this experience gave me the confidence to try to get my work published, and I'm thrilled to say that that is one dream that will be coming true in November!

I am not posting a card today because I thought I would instead devote space here on TSB to celebrate the amazing and wonderful people who supported and cheered me on throughout this process. Especially, I want to thank those of you who had never seen my work before, but who expressed such flattering admiration for what I was trying to accomplish.

I would like to encourage you to visit the creative homes of each and every one of these talented paper-crafters. If I have forgotten anyone, my sincere apologies. Please know that I am so thankful and appreciate all that you do.

Of course, first and foremost is Paper Crafts Magazine, and especially editor P. Kelly Smith, who shepherded all of us through the competition with pizazz and finesse!

Gallery Idol Finalists
You may not believe me, but many of the finalists have actually become friends. It was more than just a cordial competition, as the amount of respect we had for each other was apparent right from the get-go. In alphabetical order...
Ladies, it has been an honor and a pleasure!

The Stampin' Pretty Pals
If you want to talk about people who are friends who just happen to be paper-crafters, it is this group of delightful Stampin' Up! demonstrators, headed by the stellar Mary Fish. These gals (and a few guys!) rooted for me, sent me virtual hugs, and are, in a word: incredible. Unfortunately, I can't list all of them, so following is a small representation of talent above and beyond.

The Rock Stars
These are some of the biggest names in the paper-crafting world, and to me they are akin to celebrities. I was so tickled by the good wishes and I am so inspired by all of them, every day.

Last, but by no means least, I would like to thank all my friends and family, who rallied behind me. They live all over the country, and everyone was rooting for me to go all the way. Too many to name individually, but I do need to thank one person in particular, and that is my mom-in-law, Susan Mangum. She got me started with stamping and is my all-time biggest fan. She herself is incredibly talented (a World Card Making Day Winner, no less!) and I look up to her for everything. We talk cards every day and she is not only my son's Nana, but she is also my best girlfriend. She raised my darling husband, who has been pretty darn patient with me these past weeks! And, of course, my little sweetheart who says 'mommy has to do her work now' often enough that I think I'd better put the stamps down for a bit and give him a big smooch!

Thanks for indulging me. Now...let's get crafting!
             

14 comments:

B said...

Regina, it's been such a thrill to enjoy this ride with you and you had some super amazing cards! Like I told you before, the circus tent card was just out of this world! I know that you'll continue to get pubbed and I can't wait to see your first pub in November!!!! And to say insane is almost underestimating what the last few weeks have been. :-P

Carla said...

I too enjoyed this ride with you, so much!!! Your talent is beyond amazing, my dear. You are the best!!! I am proud to be your Pal!!! Hugs, Carla

Margaret Moody said...

I'm so proud of you Regina and continue to be amazed by your talent! I agree with Carla! Enjoying this ride with you has been awesome and so exciting! Thanks for your sweet comments and the shout out! I'm proud to call you my friend!

Carol's Ink Spot said...

You are one class act of a lady! Your talent really shined with all the beautiful creations and designs you did for this challenge. Now take some well deserved R&R.

Linda Callahan said...

This was an incredible competition - you just kept turning out one amazing creation after another! You should be so proud of what you accomplished - we all are!

Mary Fish said...

You have such a wonderful fan club. I'm so glad to be a part and your kinds words warm my heart. Hugs, Mary

Kim said...

Regina, I was so happy to come along for the ride!! You are a true inspiration to many and definitely to me!! You should be SO proud of what you accomplished - you are a winner in my eyes :)

cheryl (clee') said...

Your cards are still the BEST in my opinion! I don't always agree with the outcomes of many competitions, but they do inspire us to greater things than we ever thought posible, and - as you said - allow us to meet a lot of nice people along the way. I think I'll stick around to see what you come up with next! :)

Ann Schach said...

You are my Idol, Regina! Your cards were over-the-top fantastic! Your creativity and talent shone in each and every one of them. I anxiously awaited each and every Monday with you! It was incredible watching you advance through each round! I am sure that you will be right up at the top next time! Now, relax, breathe, and enjoy your weekend!

Tanya said...

I totally agree with Ann! Your cards were fabulous! I loved each of them. Have a wonderful weekend girlie, you deserve it. :)

Pam~ said...

I've so enjoyed waiting each week to see what wonderful things you had to share with us and will continue to anticipate what you will show us next!

Anonymous said...

congrats on making it to the top 5 regina - every single one of your cards was just amazing!!

Vera Yates (Ling) said...

Regina, I am so glad that I found you through this competition. Your talent amazed me and I am so honor to be playing along side you. :)

Karen B. said...

This post is absolutely beautiful. It really shows how wonderful you are as a person. Congratulations on all your accomplishments, for the top 5, being published, and having so much support. You are well on your way.