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I just can't seem to get into to stamping these days (weeks, months). I have an awesome room and lots to play with but I just sit and stare for a few minutes. Then I give up.
Go check out all of the weekly challenges. Between that and the gallery, there's no loss for inspiration! (and sometimes I go shopping, but don't tell my hubby... ;))
Have you tried surfing the galleries for ideas? Possibly trying a new technique? When I get in a slump, I generally take a walk and look around me. There is always something in nature to inspire. Another thing that helps is to mix things up a bit. For instance, if you normally pick your layout first, then colors, change it up.. pick colors first, then layout and image. Just a thought. Most importantly, don't give up .. you'll find your muse.
And if all else fails, I do what Kirsten does.. SHOP! LOL
When I get into a stamping slump, I look through my favorites to get ideas. Sometimes I print off one of the favorites, and then case it to death! That usually gets my creative juices running again! Don't give up!
i understand what you are going through. I seem to be more proactive in my stamp scrapbooking/cardmaking and sewing/quilting in the fall and winter. I am so tired by the end of the day after plaing with my 3 1/2 year old that I don't feel like doing anything. I too have a great space for all that I do and I love it but I just sit in front of the tv ( and I have a tv in my space) or read.... So times we all just go through a stage and it does take a little bit more motavation to get our grove back. Good Luck and know that you are not the only one out there that is going through that.... Jess
It sounds like you are putting pressure on yourself to perform magic each time you sit down and if there isn't something magical popping to mind then you give up. My inspiration comes from doing the daily challenges as they make me think outside my box. I agree with the others before me...surf the galleries for inspiration and case something you really love. You will make it your own with your special touches. Then be sure to upload it so you can receive affirmation from your friends in this community. Nothing helps heal the "creative broken/cracked spirit" like reading that others enjoy your work. Get busy!!!!!!
One last thought if you have someone that you stamp with invite them over and have a crop at your house and bounce ideas off each other or find someones elses design that you like and put your own twist on it.....
I feel like that every once in a while, too. I just read a book or do something else. I know that I will feel like stamping again soon. I go in cycles.
I go in cycles too. I belong to a rubberstamping email group and we sometimes have a card swap. That always seems to help. The last swap we did was a Cuttlebug swap. You had to have at least one CB element on your card. Our swaps aren't very hard. Another time we had a bookmark swap. Simple swaps are great.
Kimberly
__________________ "There is a very fine line between hobby and mental illness." -- Dave Barry
When I am in a slump and no ideas are coming, I visit the gallery and pick a card to CASE. Just the action of stamping and almost duplicating a card helps me to get back into the swing of things. Good luck!
In addition to all of the above great ideas (and esp another vote for the daily challenges), when I'm not feeling particularly creative or wanting to stamp I'll just sit and make a "simple" card, like maybe a one layer design without a lot of embellishments, or one that I can watercolor. Sometimes I think I'm trying too hard to come up with a "wow" card instead of just stamping for the fun of it, kwim? And yet, the simpler designs are the ones I tend to favor and use more often myself.
Seasons affect me too - I stamp more in the winter when there aren't as many fun, outdoor things to do.
Just give it a little time and see what happens. This is probably just a phase that will pass.
__________________ Linda
”From the rising of the sun to its setting,the name of the Lord is to be praised!”
Location: prolly in my 'rubber room'... in the mid-west
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ked
Go check out all of the weekly challenges. Between that and the gallery, there's no loss for inspiration! (and sometimes I go shopping, but don't tell my hubby... ;))
there is plenty of inspiration right in her ^ gallery!
um with all the 'removed for publication' you can tell her work i worthy just perusing her gallery.
she has officially been tagged as a gallery for me to stalk!
Like Nike says....just do it. Pick a challenge and just start. Don't put any pressure on yourself to be good. If you are like me and need a purpose, keep someone in mind who could use a card, or start Christmas early.
SCS has, in general, motivated me to start stamping again. I've only been here for a couple months.
I started doing the sketch challenges and I'm slowly working my way through. I chose the sketch challenges because I don't have all the colors to do those. I like simpler cards, and sometimes don't have the patience to do complicated technique challenges.
I suggest start the sketch challenges and see what happens! I started at #1 but you don't have to do that.
Good luck!
SCS has, in general, motivated me to start stamping again. I've only been here for a couple months.
I started doing the sketch challenges and I'm slowly working my way through. I chose the sketch challenges because I don't have all the colors to do those. I like simpler cards, and sometimes don't have the patience to do complicated technique challenges.
I suggest start the sketch challenges and see what happens! I started at #1 but you don't have to do that.
Good luck!
I agree starting with the sketch challenges is a good way to go. If it weren't for them I don't think I'd have any cards done. I too am slowly working my way through them all - it's kinnd of exciting! It gives you a place to start! Hope your inspiration returns soon!
lately tho i like to check out the galleries of the people who are talking in the threads i read...
I started doing this immediately after I read your reply, very fun! I like it a lot better than just browsing around!
I'm going to try everyone's suggestions. I haven't really done much of anything since the beginning of March and I was really starting to wonder what was going on with me. Good to know it happens to you wonderful people too!
Doing the weekly challenges are a great start as all the other's said, Also I had seen somewhere on here about doing a "warm-up 3x3 card just to get you going. It is an easy little thing to do and does help to get the creativity going. Find a favorite stamp, paper or color combo and go with it.
This is part of starting the Ink it Up challenge....see link. It made me pick up a set and make something...it didn't have to be wonderful or amazing. Some of the ones are good some...not so good, but it gets me going again.
If that doesn't work for you find your fav set and a sketch challenge...
This is part of starting the Ink it Up challenge....see link. It made me pick up a set and make something...it didn't have to be wonderful or amazing. Some of the ones are good some...not so good, but it gets me going again.
If that doesn't work for you find your fav set and a sketch challenge...
Thanks Ciebelle! I'll try it and see what developes.
Help me get inspired again!
