Break Free
If you’re like me, you love to create—whether you’re making a scrapbook layout or putting photos in a frame. There’s just something about building from the ground (or the crafting table) up that breathes life into life. I like to think that creativity keeps my brain in shape, and I know
its end result adds excitement and energy to my everyday life.
Despite my desires to make, design, and create, I sometimes find myself in an uninspired rut. (Sound familiar?) The creative juices dry up and leave me feeling, well, bored. What I’ve discovered recently is that taking a step (however tiny) outside my typical creative comfort zone can literally change me. It can brighten my perspective and open me up to discover more of my own potential.
I know it sounds simple, but reviving your passion for scrapbooking—and life—may be as easy as stretching your creative self a little. That means opening yourself up to new ideas, taking playful risks, experimenting with unfamiliar products, and enjoying some creative fun outside your comfort zone.
Challenge Yourself to Creativity
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Supplies: crayon box • patterned paper (Basic Grey, Fancy Pants) • rub-ons (Doodlebug Designs, Making Memories) • ribbon (Making Memories) • assorted buttons • Mod Podge • project by Ali Monson |
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With two small children keeping me busy (and a little crazy), it’s easy to feel disconnected from my creative self—in scrapbooking and life in general. To bring color and enthusiasm to my days, I modified a crayon box and labeled each of its 48 crayons with a creative challenge. Only a few of the challenges relate directly to scrapbooking, but all are fun ways to inspire creative time with my two-year-old son. Whether it’s a pudding-paint adventure, a new way to eat snacks, or time spent dancing in the kitchen, this Color Me Creative box brings fun and excitement to my routine.
Creativity Stretch: Encourage yourself to be more creative by designing your own challenge system. If you have kids at home, consider including them in the brainstorm session. They may surprise you with their ideas, and being creative together is sure to bring more fun to your home.
Happy Up Your Home
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Supplies:
wooden flowers (Provo Craft) • assorted patterned paper • assorted buttons • crafting wire • ribbon • Mod Podge • super glue • project by Ali Monson |
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Colorful, inspiring surroundings improve my mood and inspire me to create. How about you? I have dozens of big (and not-so-affordable) ideas of how I’d like to beautify my home, but I’ve learned that even small and inexpensive displays of creativity can make an enormous impact on me. For instance, just seeing these decoupaged wooden flowers brings a smile to my face and reminds me that I am a creative person--especially on those burned-out days. The brightly colored bouquet, which required a step outside of my creative comfort zone to make, has inspired me to create other things too.
Creativity Stretch: If you could use a little extra creative inspiration in your world, consider making something new for your home. Whether it’s embellishing a picture frame, making magnets for your fridge, or designing an intricate craft item, your project is sure to pay off in sheer inspiration.
Take a New Look at Layouts
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Supplies: patterned paper (American Crafts) • rub-ons (Making Memories, American Crafts) • colored pencils • stamps • ink (Fiber Scraps) • 12 x 12 layout by Ali Monson |
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When it comes to scrapbooking, I am a true creature of habit. My typical approach involves two or three photos, coordinating embellishments, and sticker letters for a title. For the most part, that works for me, but it doesn’t always excite me.
To step outside of my comfort zone, I tried something new that sounded like a whole lot of fun. With the help of Crayola’s website, I turned a photo of my daughter into a coloring page—and then used crayons to color it. The results: a unique version of the photo, and a creative experiment. I also expanded my two-photo mindset to include nine photos and pulled out an inkpad and stamps for the first time in my scrapbooking life. (Yes, the very first time.)
Creativity Stretch: If you find yourself in a similar scrapbooking rut, it’s time to break free. Next time you sit down to create a layout, do things differently. Experiment with new techniques and products. Ditch the go-to system you typically use. And if you’re up for it, visit play-zone.crayola.com to turn one of your photos into a coloring page, too.
More Inspiration!
Pick up UR2 Cre8ive to get Stacy Julian’s advice on finding and developing your own creativity. This inspiring book is filled with creative prompts and projects that will help you redefine creativity in your life.
