Ask Elsie and Emma: Project Fails?

First let’s back up a second and talk about blogging, or what it means to run an online publication. Here on A Beautiful Mess we post everyday, usually a couple times a day. That means we are constantly creating new content. Like, all the time. Sometimes this can feel like a lot of pressure, but we also love the challenge and the motivation to keep pushing ourselves creatively.Here's a rain boot DIY that didn't make the cut—they were cute but just not quite right in real life. The paint never cured completely. They were sticky and the paint smeared a little. 

We are constantly trying new things and learning every day. Learning from our mistakes? Yeah, we totally do that. It can be frustrating to spend an entire afternoon on a project only for it to turn out to be total disaster. That’s a bummer! And although it’s tempting to try and fake a good picture of the project and blog it anyway, we don’t. There are a number of projects that don’t make it to the blog because they just didn’t meet our standards.Here's a pie that didn't quite turn out... the recipe needs a bit more tweaking before it gets shared.

This is probably going to sound cheesy but, we are proud of our projects and we want to put out our best efforts and the things that inspire us the most. Plus, every time we have a flop it’s good to try and remember that it’s an opportunity to grow and get better at your craft. Life was made for learning. xo. elsie and emma

Comments

[Essie]

Great advice! Always get inspiration from you two.(:
The rain boots are so cute!http://pinkscriptblog.blogspot.com/

[Nat]

Great post! :)
DIYs are always rewarding when they come out right and oh-so-frusterating when they don't. I can definitely relate! I've had a few recipes that I've done that no matter what I do, they just flop. But I try to find a solution until it works :D

[Logan]

I have to tell myself over and over again...I just found out how not to make a lightbulb!

http://www.loganmakesamess.com

[Emily]

What a fantastic quote! Life WAS made for learning! Thanks for the inspiration!

[Natasha Fatah]

I think those rain boots should have made the cut. They're pretty cute!

xoxo
http://natashafatah.blogspot.com

[Miranda]

Thanks for sharing! I know sometimes there are just projects that dont work for me either! Fun to get a glimpse into real life!
-Miranda

[Britt]

I think this is something everyone wonders when they see the works of insanely creative people! We sit here and think "Wow, how do they never mess this up??" as we peel hot glue from our blistered fingers and scrub paint off our hardwoods. And the dog. And the ceiling.

Good to see the inner workings of such creative DIY projects!

[Bohemian Kate]

To me it's amazing how many super creative DIY projects you guys post. Really! I wish I had more time to spend on post projects. I can definitely relate to sometimes working on projects that just don't work out. It's all part of the process. But your blog is a great inspiration, thanks for all that you do!

[Kate @ Songs Kate Sang]

I love that... life was made for learning. Beautiful and such a great reminder.

[Rachel]

It is a lot of pressure but it does push you to keep thinking creatively every day. We do appreciate your hard work.

Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

[CamMi Pham]

In order to create great work, you will mess it up at some point. it is life :) keep up the good work

[catherine]

Oh, I love your authenticity. If I could hug you, I would.

[Leonie]

Such a great post. I like how you girls "keep it real"... I mean, we're all bloggers, big and small, but we go through the same process and we all know how frustrating it can be if pictures don't turn out the way you hoped for. Usually nobody admits it, but it's good to share mishaps as well.

I entered to win a Stella&Dot Bracelet from @missmelissa_k http://www.miss-melissa.com/2012/04/stella-giveaway.html"

[Chrissa ~ a tad bit creative]

Thanks for your honesty, Elsie and Emma! It's refreshing to know that - especially as I've created quite a few blog posts that just didn't make it to 'published'.

[Lindsey]

Sounds awesome; everyone makes mistakes. :) Those rainboots are cute. Maybe you can try tweaking it and making a post? I'd love to decorate my boots.

-Lindsey
http://ettu-tutu.blogspot.com

[Amy Nguyen]

You ladies are only human! Thank you for being so open and honest to your readers :) truly inspiring!

[Margherita]

Is that an apple crumble?

[Dorset Finca]

Very good advice. It's so tempting to feel the pressure, like you say, and post a less than successful project! I will definitely be tightening up our quality control!!!

[Karin]

And the learning is all the fun! So true. Have a great weekend girls!

[Miss K]

Looking forward to more of your posts!