Don't you just hate scrapper's block .......

I created this layout 2 days ago, that looked dramatically different to the one you are looking at now. The flower spray was the same, but it had a black and white photo and lots of music paper.  The prima paper was different in various rectangle shapes and there was something really wrong with it.  I spent the good part of a whole day changing the design.  And changing it again......  It was driving me mad !!!

Anyhow I stuck it down on the base.  And looked at it.  And looked at it.  Whatever was wrong with it I couldn't put my finger on.  I sent it to my kindred spirit and she knew something was wrong design wise with it too.   Suggestions were made, but nothing seemed to work.

Then finally after desperate calls from a hungry family for dinner,  I realised that I had scrappers block. I wasted a whole day trying to create something from a big block in my mind.  Grrrrrrr.

This sent me into a downward spiral of doubt about my creativity.  Why do we do this to ourselves ????? Always self evaluating our productivity and creative results.  I hate that with a passion.

Anyhow ........ I walked away from it and come back 24 hours later.

What a difference.  Fresh eyes.  Fresh attitude.  

I was really happy with the result.

So here is an article I did for For Keeps about 2 years ago about what to do when you have Scrapper's Block. I knew how to conquer this frustration that we all get from time to time, but did nothing about it.

I should have walked away after a couple of hours, not a whole day.

So to save you the frustration that I went through I just wanted to share my article with you.

Hopefully one day it might help ......

 

So here we go ...

1. Take a break.  Remember paper craft is supposed to be fun !!  If you can't break through creatively with any of the products you have in front of you, move on to another project.  You can always come back to at a later date.
2. Look through magazines for a page that has a design element that you love and then use that as your starting point.
3. Scraplift a color story or layout theme to give you the head start you need.
4. Browse through blogs or galleries online.  There are plenty of talented scrapbookers out there, displaying work that will get you inspired.
5. Get out of the house and seek inspiration !!!!!  Check out home decor, shop windows or clothing racks.
6. Look to other craft sources for inspiration.  Consider knitting patterns for textures and paintings for color and visual prompts or beading for interesting effects.
7. Join an online forum or community.  Talking out your frustration with friends can often result in suggestions for getting through your creative slump.
8. Take part in a challenge.  Experimenting with new techniques is a great way to cure a block and try something different.
9. Spring clean !!!  Go through your supplies and re-sort them.  You may even rediscover products that you forgot that your owned, that will inspire you to make a start on that stubborn layout !!

I hope you find this helpful ..... talk soon .....

 

 

 
 

Comments

[Mira]

great suggestions!! Thank you!

[Stacy Cohen]

This is GORGEOUS, Steph!!! I can so relate to the scrapper's blog! I get it every time I sit down to scrap. That's why I always work on a layout over the course of two (sometimes 3!) nights. I find that ideas pop into my head after I've let a page "stew" for 24 hours. Not a great thing though when you have a lot due in a short amount of time. :) Anyhow, thank you so much for your sweet comment on my blog!

[heidi]

Just a gorgeous layout, I hate it when that happens, especially if you really want to scrap but just keep pushing those papers around....

[lucy edson]

Absolutely gorgeous, Steph....you pushed through your block with fabulous results!!

Ah, the dreaded scrappers block....striking when we least expect or want it. Those are great tips....I've had to rely on those more than I would like to admit. ;)

xo

[Darien Anderson]

You did Stunning after all!!! (Well, you always do) Love the textures and your design!!!!
Thank you for the tips. I need them. The bad thing about me I need to finish a project befor I can start with an other one. And I autocritic my work a lot!

Thanks for the tips!!!