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Does anyone ever sit at their desk and can't figure out what to create. :confused:The past few days this has happened to me and it's driving me batty!! I try and do other things, but am limited due to disability, so card making is my outlet. Any suggestions on what helps you get out of a funk? I make cards for my family, SCS BRAK group, a local senior center and this months card for a cause, so 15-30 cards a month. Any Suggestions?
No suggestions here, just sympathy. I love colouring, so sometimes I just stamp something and colour it. Sometimes I will even fussy-cut it out, or cut it out in a neat rectangle and sponge the edges. Then it just sits there, where eventually it gets put in a "will do something with that later" envelope, and then maybe after a year I'll end up giving it all to a stamping friend.
When this happens to me I go to My Favorites and pick out some card ideas to try and CASE. I almost never have the same stamps, paper, embellishments, etc. but it gives me a starting point and then I go through my stash to see what I can create.
When I have a lapse in creativeness this is the place I go. Just browse all the different layouts and the billion cards uploaded and I am sure you will find something that sparks you interest.
__________________ The quickest way for a parent to get a child's attention is to sit down and look comfortable. Practice safe eating always use condiments
Big hugs for you. This happened to me last week. I just wandered around my room fussing with stuff. I set down with my magazines and started cutting them up. That helped a lot. You could try stamping out some images or just doing those things that us stampers need to do to catch up on things. That's what I do when I am in funk.
I think most of us go through a creative slump at various times - I am in the middle of one right now so I totally understand your frustration. I have cards I need to make but I can't even think of what to make! Tomorrow I am posting a store-bought birthday card (oh the horror!) or the recipient won't get a card in time for their birthday! I have learned to walk away from my desk and not force myself to be creative otherwise the frustration just gets worse and I make a big mess which then annoys me because I have nothing to show for my time. To help me refresh my creative spirit, I usually clean up my Craft Room or spend some time looking through my stash. I might find a stamp set I haven't used in ages and do a Google Image search for that stamp set plus the word "cards" so that I can bring up cards made with that stamp set. You can do a similar search in Pinterest. I also love to look at the Weekly Favorites & Weekly Clean & Simple Favorites posted here on SCS in the General Stamping Forum which always inspires me. And I catch up on my favourite blogs or watch You Tube Videos. {{hugs}} and hope your creative spirit will return soon.
When this happens to me I go to My Favorites and pick out some card ideas to try and CASE. I almost never have the same stamps, paper, embellishments, etc. but it gives me a starting point and then I go through my stash to see what I can create.
I generally just start looking thru my favs like Diane. It always gets me going.
Hope it passes quickly for you.
Blessings.
I look through samples and pick one to CASE. I try to do it as close to the original as I possibly can. Then I challenge myself to change it up and make that idea my own. By then the creative surge is back and I can stamp all day.
HTH
Mary Beth
My problem is I know what image I want to do, with no problem at all. But looking through my tons of paper, for just the right one is very time consuming.
Then I have to decide how I want the layout done, and then the embellishments. I am wore out, by the time I get one card done!
I rarely have this issue since Pinterest came along. I have too many projects to make and not enough time.
However, I just watched a Carolyn Dube youtube video where she did a 3-second decision page. She just started scribbling with paint and played until she liked it. She also has a video where she does a Fear box. She writes her fears about her art on a piece of paper and puts them in a Fear box.
Jann Gray also has a video on just playing. So, get some scrap cardstock (no investment) and just put something on the paper. It may lead you someplace fabulous. If not, it's a few minutes of your time.
__________________ Debbie "Make it work, people." - Tim Gunn My Gallery
When this happens to me, I either clean up a mess in my craft room or look at old Somerset (Stampington) magazines, the ones from the 1990s to 2005. I get more inspiration from those than from current issues. Sometimes I need to jolt myself away from current trends to get inspired --even if I end up working in a current trendy way.
When this happens I also clean, organize, and just play with techniques but never try to make anything so there is no pressure. I also practice coloring, improve my water coloring, etc. I've also started an art journal that is strictly for testing colors and techniques. If it works, great that I have a sample and if it's butt-ugly, I have a reminder not to do it again. : )
YouTube videos - I'm a Lindsay, The Frugalcrafter-aholic as well as many others.
Though I have to be honest, getting stuck in and organizing my stash has re-oomph my creative process.
Also started an art journal just to create for me. It has taken some prompts to get me started and even took me 5 separate attempts over a month to complete a page, but then I did 2 pages in one day!!! Embrace the process. And use your "uninspired time" to research and plan.
I now have an active list on Evernote of things I need to make and I jot down ideas for them there. So for my hubs birthday I had to make 3 cards and listed my different themes etc. I have my list of ideas through next February so hopefully I can work them out before I need them!
Last edited by RiverIsis; 09-12-2014 at 07:29 PM..
Try out a kit! I haven't played with my things for months and had been sitting in front of them without being able to do anything, and tonight I managed to do a whole 12x12 page from a kit. I personalized it a lot and it looks kind of different from the kit instructions, but at least I did something!
My sister and I explored a while back the idea of team teaching - she'd do the technical and I'd do the creative. So I studied up a little on being creative, and here's one thing I learned: when we hit a creative block, it's not because we can think of nothing, it's because our creative minds are log jammed with too much input. So what I do when I am in a slump is impose limits on myself - I can only use two colors, or I must only use one sheet of paper, or I have to include xxxxx on the finished card. This process helps to "redirect" your brain back into the creative process and loosens up the log jam.
__________________ SilverSnow Lois Malachi 3:10 "See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heavenand pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it"
My sister and I explored a while back the idea of team teaching - she'd do the technical and I'd do the creative. So I studied up a little on being creative, and here's one thing I learned: when we hit a creative block, it's not because we can think of nothing, it's because our creative minds are log jammed with too much input. So what I do when I am in a slump is impose limits on myself - I can only use two colors, or I must only use one sheet of paper, or I have to include xxxxx on the finished card. This process helps to "redirect" your brain back into the creative process and loosens up the log jam.
That explains so well why challenges and cleaning your space works. Challenges limit what you can use and cleaning space normally means you come across something you want to use to create.
I always go through the galleries here or check out Pinterest for ideas of sets I have. Pinterest is a huge help I just search the stamp sets by name!
Pinterest is my go-to for ideas all the time. I expect even the most creative people have down times when they aren't feeling it. And I certainly do. But Pinterest is amazing! Pick a set you have and might want to play with. Search by name and see what pops up.
My sister and I explored a while back the idea of team teaching - she'd do the technical and I'd do the creative. So I studied up a little on being creative, and here's one thing I learned: when we hit a creative block, it's not because we can think of nothing, it's because our creative minds are log jammed with too much input. So what I do when I am in a slump is impose limits on myself - I can only use two colors, or I must only use one sheet of paper, or I have to include xxxxx on the finished card. This process helps to "redirect" your brain back into the creative process and loosens up the log jam.
Interesting input. It's funny that for me I stopped doing challenges with tight restrictions because it causes a super creative block for me. As soon as there are restrictions I freeze up. It seems that everything I can think of are outside the challenge. I do participate in challenges with light restrictions because it gives me enough freedom to explore.
My sister and I explored a while back the idea of team teaching - she'd do the technical and I'd do the creative. So I studied up a little on being creative, and here's one thing I learned: when we hit a creative block, it's not because we can think of nothing, it's because our creative minds are log jammed with too much input. So what I do when I am in a slump is impose limits on myself - I can only use two colors, or I must only use one sheet of paper, or I have to include xxxxx on the finished card. This process helps to "redirect" your brain back into the creative process and loosens up the log jam.
Oh, it's so good to know this as I have had a creative block since I went to a Craft Show a few weeks ago. Spent a whole day there doing different workshops and of course, LOTS of card samples displayed so heaps of things to see and buy - came home with a lovely bag of goodies which I haven't used yet! Since then, it's like my brain has turned to stone!
Interesting input. It's funny that for me I stopped doing challenges with tight restrictions because it causes a super creative block for me. As soon as there are restrictions I freeze up. It seems that everything I can think of are outside the challenge. I do participate in challenges with light restrictions because it gives me enough freedom to explore.
The thing is, it has spurred your creativity just not in the direction of the challenge!!!
I can take weeks to think about a design for a holiday run. It is definitely the longest part of the process for me. The only thing worse is when I know what I want to do but cant get it right. I have the image in my brain but it wont work on the paper!
It is worse for me when I have to make something like bday cards by a set date and I am time crunched. One minute there is a dozen ideas waiting to be done and then when I go to do it...I can freeze up.
So I am happy to read about the log jam theory. Plays right into my general theory of life: KISS. I take a deep breath, think about what I [I]feel like[I] doing that day-a color group. seasonal, a paper I want to use, any [I]one[I] thing I can use as "anchor" or jump off point.
Sometimes it helps if I think of them...for example, are they a dog lover, have a fav color, hobby or something? That can give me some direction.
If you are just doing for you...isnt there some technique you have been wanting to learn or try? Great time to hit tutorials on youtube!
I'm in one right now and I think it's just from going on vacation. The week before vacation I was so busy with packing and preparation that I just didn't let me creativity flow. I've been back for two weeks now, and am just now getting back into the routine of things which means my creative time is slowly coming back. I used to do the challenges a lot, but have missed out on the last several weeks, so I need to get back into them. I find them to be really helpful. Cleaning up my craft room, or just clearing my craft desk helps as well. Pinterest is helpful as well, and I'm actually going to use a bunch of diecut balloons I have had on hand for a couple of months and make some cards based on some I saw on there this morning.
When my mom has a creative slump, I tell her to spin around in her craft chair with her eyes closed and wherever she is facing when she stops she must pick something from that area to make something with.
I hope you are able to get out of your slump soon.
I am totally 'lost my mojo' stage right now. I caught a virus that put me out of commission for most of August and I just can't seem to get back into it. I just am not feeling inspired at all.
I do agree that the challenges and techniques section does usually spark my interest.
I can take weeks to think about a design for a holiday run. It is definitely the longest part of the process for me. The only thing worse is when I know what I want to do but cant get it right. I have the image in my brain but it wont work on the paper!
It is worse for me when I have to make something like bday cards by a set date and I am time crunched. One minute there is a dozen ideas waiting to be done and then when I go to do it...I can freeze up.
So I am happy to read about the log jam theory. Plays right into my general theory of life: KISS. I take a deep breath, think about what I [I]feel like[I] doing that day-a color group. seasonal, a paper I want to use, any [I]one[I] thing I can use as "anchor" or jump off point.
Sometimes it helps if I think of them...for example, are they a dog lover, have a fav color, hobby or something? That can give me some direction.
If you are just doing for you...isnt there some technique you have been wanting to learn or try? Great time to hit tutorials on youtube!
I signed up to Evernote to sort out my craft supplies, but now I also use it to plan cards for people so I have a list of people and ATM I jot down my ideas for them theme, color, techniques etc. It really has helped focus my ideas when I have them and spark my memory when they've abandoned me. My list goes through next February, but I am looking to expand it.
Kirsten, as a "queen of lists" I should do that too...I could just write them down. Of course in a perfect world I would just simply make them when I thought of it, and not worry about the laundry etc.
Hi stampers, I am sorry for butting into this conversation, but I don't know where to ask this - I just got a used (large) punch by Emaginations and it has 5 leaf or petals that punch out individually. I can not find anywhere how to use or put together the leaves or petals to make a flower. I have played around with them, to no avail. Is there anywhere that I can look on this site? I did a google search for the punch, and it must be an older one, because I can't find it anywhere. One was being sold as a set of 6 on eBay but I don't think the seller can help me with a picture of the end product or flower. Any suggestions?
__________________ Ginny , A friend is one of the nicest things you can have, and one of the best things you can be. -Douglas Pagels
Hi stampers, I am sorry for butting into this conversation, but I don't know where to ask this - I just got a used (large) punch by Emaginations and it has 5 leaf or petals that punch out individually. I can not find anywhere how to use or put together the leaves or petals to make a flower. I have played around with them, to no avail. Is there anywhere that I can look on this site? I did a google search for the punch, and it must be an older one, because I can't find it anywhere. One was being sold as a set of 6 on eBay but I don't think the seller can help me with a picture of the end product or flower. Any suggestions?
Do you have a picture of the punch (a ebay link to the listing will be fine)?
I often will make only "one" of a card, but I think I might give myself permission to do an occasional duplicate. I can always change up the colors, papers, etc.
Hi stampers, I am sorry for butting into this conversation, but I don't know where to ask this - I just got a used (large) punch by Emaginations and it has 5 leaf or petals that punch out individually. I can not find anywhere how to use or put together the leaves or petals to make a flower. I have played around with them, to no avail. Is there anywhere that I can look on this site? I did a google search for the punch, and it must be an older one, because I can't find it anywhere. One was being sold as a set of 6 on eBay but I don't think the seller can help me with a picture of the end product or flower. Any suggestions?
I can empathize about the creative slump in card-making, and something that gets me moving is tackling a clean up project related to housekeeping. I hate doing those chores but I'd be surrounded with dog hair if I didn't keep after that! When that passes as "cleared up," I am usually back to some crafting task, even if it is sorting my embellishments. I am fascinated by the creativity here and on Pinterest, as well as some craft magazines from the UK, and look for inspiration in many places. I may not make anything specific, but part of creativity is in the design process, as well as in the final product. It's good to step away from card-making for me, and dip into my other interests to nurture them. Cooking, canning, jelly-making and baking help, as does a fresh morning walk with my big pups! It's been 14 months since my retirement, and I haven't had a day when something didn't get done that had a creative side. I also think it's been so helpful for me to read the comments on SCS, as my crafting friends live 45 minutes away. Good luck with the diversions; the creative juices will flow when the right inspiration hits you! Diane
creative road block
