Feb 11 2009

Creative Slump

Posted in Stamping Tags: , 8 comments

Creating stuff makes me happy. If I could, I would sit at home all day and make things; paper crafts, cookies, scarves, photos I love creating everything. What is it about making stuff that is so satisfying? I’m still trying to put my finger on it. One of the best feelings in the world is the satisfaction I get after I finish a project that I’m happy with. I think I enjoy creating stuff because I love that feeling of accomplishment.

Not all projects I make are a win. For the last few weeks, I’ve been in a slump. Busyness tends to suck the creative juices out of me. Even when I don’t feel creative, I’ll force myself to make something–anything–to challenge myself out of the rut. The card I made below was one that I’m not particularly satisfied with, but I decided to post it anyway.

Project Recipe (all supplies SU unless noted): Botanical Blooms stamp set (Sale-A-Bration), Think Happy Thoughts stamp set, card stock/ink in  baja breeze, so saffron, whisper white, chocolate chip, ribbon in certainly celery twill (Sale-A-Bration ribbon bundle), silver elastic cord (retired from 08 Holiday Mini), stampin’ dimensionals

I’m still in a bit of a funk right now. I haven’t been satisfied with anything I’ve made recently. What do you do when you’re in a creative rut? How do you get yourself out?

Posted in Stamping Tags: ,

8 comments

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Holly - February 11, 2009 - 8:59 am

When I am in a creative slump I try a new craft. I either find directions online or buy a kit or have even taken an adult ed class. I recommend something that is very different from your usual craft of choice. For you, I recommend something three-dimensional like working with clay or (my latest) paper mache or basket making or jewelry. Working in a different medium usually kick-starts my brain into thinking in a new way, which gets the creative juices flowing again.

talda - February 11, 2009 - 9:39 am

i’m not help with this since i usually just lay off the crafting until i get inspired again but i do keep looking at projects in case something sparks my interests. but maybe i’ll just keep trying new things instead because it’s always fun to learn a new trick or two.

virginia - February 11, 2009 - 9:54 am

I usually switch crafts. :) I like many of the same things you do so there’s a variety of stuff at my fingertips. I would say my first love is graphic design, but since I do it for a living, it sucks out the drive to do it “for me” when I get home. In my spare time, I usually find myself doing crafts that differ methodically from the design I do at work (ie. not on a computer) because it’s a refreshing change.

Mags - February 11, 2009 - 2:38 pm

I love how your slump is on par with what I would LOVE to be able to achieve craft-wise. Don’t be so hard on yourself! :-)

Christina - February 11, 2009 - 5:30 pm

I think that risking producing a dud is probably the best thing to do, because at least then you can take note of what specifically you don’t like about it. Then after reviewing your notes you can continue to tweak it. Perhaps practicing with scratch paper first would also take away any guilt of wasting pretty paper.

Honestly, when I’m in a slump I just cruise your website…you have a great eye.

cindy lowe - February 11, 2009 - 10:15 pm

“What is it about making stuff that is so satisfying?”

I’d have to say, because we are created in God’s image, and since He is the ultimate creator, we reflect His image all the more fully when we are creative. :)

Meaghan - February 13, 2009 - 8:46 pm

Like Christina said, I usually browse other crafty blogs and see if something gets my brain flowing again. Or sometimes I’ll just admit defeat and send my “less than wonderful” project to my mom – she always loves everything I make! :)

Cindy - February 16, 2009 - 12:19 pm

I do what some other commenters do–take a break. Sometimes I’ll read a book or watch a DVD, instead of doing something creative. Hopefully after that break, I’ll return refreshed.

And I like this card of yours. It’s cheerful and reminds me of spring.

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