I've been thinking about slowly introducing some small personal challenges again to help boost my creativity. Lately, I've been staring at a blank page (or in this case card base) and feeling overwhelmed. There's so much I'd like to do and so much to create that I don't know where to start...
Hopefully, a small challenge will give me a starting point. I'll let you know how it goes - but hopefully, I'll have a few cards that to share at the end of it.
Thank you for reading!
~Elle~
I recently watched a short indie movie about the different seasons. One of the things that stuck with me is how we're intrinsically tied to the seasons, on a spiritual level. If we celebrate each season as it unfolds, we feel closer to nature and life feels more simple. As I've actively worked on living and enjoying a simple and slow life, the idea of celebrating seasons really resonated with me.
This spring, I will try to celebrate the season instead of complaining about allergies. I will look to new growth and new possibilities of seeing my creativity through a fresh perspective. I'm excited to see new things I can try and master with a different outlook.
I haven't figured out the solution yet, but I think it's worth exploring different types of creativity at times like these. I might not be able to pull off a complete card, but I could play with die-cuts or do some coloring. One big thing I'm trying to keep in mind is that it's okay to just play. I don't have to complete a project every crafty session. Sometimes starting it and walking away when I get stuck gives me that clarity to know what I want to do when I came back to it.
I combined one of those focal points with a die-cut from a die-cut pack. While it's not one of my more complicated cards, I feel like it was a good learning experience - if nothing else, then how to be more careful and selective about my purchases. I still have several 12x12 papers, but they are using as backgrounds when I take card pictures.
If I do purchase more of 12x12 paper, I will pay more attention to the size and scale of the pattern.
I'd forgotten about these resin flowers for a while, as they add significant bulk and most of my cards were made for easy mailing. But they are absolutely lovely and make a card look really special. So, I've pulled a few to use on a card or two. I think they will be an interesting element to use on a few hand-given cards.
One thing I've been enjoying a lot is a daily cup of tea. I make a cup of tea at the start of my lunch break at work and enjoy it shortly after. I was lucky enough to receive a large selection box of teas for Christmas from my sister-in-law a little while ago, so I have many delicious options to try.
Another thing I've loved lately is journaling. I try to journal daily, as I really enjoy the feeling of writing by hand. Throughout 2020, I'd invested in some stationery supplies and I filled out several journals completely. I'm happy to continue journaling regularly this year, as well.
And, of course, I've rediscovered my love for stamping and coloring. It took time to get back on track, but I am doing much better and making great use of my supplies. That makes me very happy.
I have gone through and reorganized some of my supplies a little. I like to periodically look through my stash - even when it's been organized in a way that works for me. I can pull out seasonal supplies or supplies I would like to use in the near future and remind myself of goodies I might have forgotten.
Since I'm not actively bringing in any new supplies, it's much easier to go through things in small batches and come up with ideas on how to use them. It's a very satisfying feeling to know I have everything I already need right at hand and work within the constraints of my current stash.
I've tried making multiple cards using the same supplies, and it's just not something that I'm good at. I can (and have) done assembly-style cards when making a set, but that's a little different than making just a couple of the same card.
One of the things that also intrigues me about that type of video is use of card sketches. I love sketches in theory, but struggle following them too closely - especially when they feature a lot of layers. Still, it is something I would like to work on in the future, as I feel it would make card-making easier on days my creative mojo is dormant but I still want to create.
I'm sure a lot of it is my inexperience and a need for practice, but it does keep me frustrated when I don't get the kind of look I was aiming for. And that's where watercolor patterned paper is perfect. I can get the specific look I'm going for, but also dress it up with stamps or splatters to make it look unique.
As I'm - in general - trying to make more time for things that I want to do, I am thinking of pulling out that cookbook and making some recipes. Not all of them and no more than a new recipe per month, but a small goal sounds like fun. And who knows, maybe I'll discover a few new recipes to add to my Christmas cookie list.
Sometimes this visual inspiration translates into a card. Sometimes it just becomes an image in my head that inspires creative writing or even a creative solution to a problem I might be facing. The way our minds work is mysterious, but I'm always on the lookout for something new that will push me to keep trying.
I feel like I'm getting closer to putting up some personal challenges again, but I am trying to take it slow. I like the focus that I get from taking on a challenge, as it can make me more productive. The downside is that it does create some pressure and I really need to take things slow and easy, still. I may do some brainstorming and see what I can come up with.
