I've got a secret to share...

and it has been VERY hard to keep it quiet...but today is the day I can tell you.  You see a while back I  decided to take the plunge and send some cards in to THIS contest.  Every year I have watched some amazing and talented people win the contest and I have always admired their effort because their cards were amazing not to mention inspirational.  Knowing how many thousands of cards are entered into this contest I figured it was a long shot but knew it was better to give it a chance rather than let this great opportunity pass by for another year.

So you can imagine I was absolutely thrilled when I received an e-mail congratulating me and naming me 2010 Stamping Royalty through Paper Crafts Magazine!!!

I mean really?  That is just about the greatest honour EVER!  I am still in disbelief but am so proud to be named among some fabulous stampers!!!

It's hard to believe that I started this journey feeling like I did not have a creative bone in my body in 2004 to being named Stamping Royalty in 2010.  If you have just started this amazing craft, I encourage you to challenge yourself.  Try a new technique, a new challenge, a new layout...submit some cards for publication, enter some contests...you just never know what is in your future.  Afraid?  There is nothing worse than missing an opportunity by not trying.  Break out of your comfort zone or your paper crafting shell and be inspired by all that YOU do.  I know you can do it.  After all, if I can do it so can you.

I just want to thank all the people who have inspired me and who have believed in me.  I want to thank you for your support, especially all of you who visit my blog on a regular basis.  Your comments are so encouraging and I can't thank you enough.

So for today {ok and maybe for the rest of the year ;) } I will wear my Stamping Royalty tiara with pride :)

Don't forget to watch for the Nov/Dec issue of Paper Crafts Magazine where you will be able to see all the winning cards including mine.

Hugs to all,
Alli