Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Inspiration Bombs

I'm in a bit of a funk at the moment. Given I've recognised that and admitted it; I'm hoping that means I'm on the road to recovery or at least plateauing instead of continuing to meander along meaninglessly.
I also recognise that I need to do something about it, so the problem is now what to do.
I'm guessing and playing at self-therapy here, that in order for me to "Un-Funk" myself I need to sort out what is causing the "funkiness". I also need to find some inspirational triggers, methods, or just inspiration bombs to help me achieve this.
At the moment I have a long list of creative projects on my "TO DO" list and I dare say I'm not the only crafter who will admit to that. So I can safely say that my problem is not what to do or even how to do it, it's more of a problem of want to do it. I just don't seem to be able to decide where to even start.
It's not that I have lost my MOJO, because I do have ideas on what to do... lots of them. Designs, techniques, page layouts all ready to be tried. It's more that I have lost the impetus to even start to create.


So my lovely friendly and incredibly helpful friends, followers and blog readers... I put this question to you... how or why or where do you find the inspiration to start creating?
Are you...

  • A PLANNER - You decide what you want to work on. You plan it, design it, sketch it first, come up with the colour scheme, paper selection, pick your photos, embellishments and then set about pulling everything out to create
  • A DOER - You just pull out photos, tools, cardstock, patterned paper, adhesive, embellishments, paints, whatever and start creating
  • A FOLLOWER - You scraplift, maybe with your own added flare or a direct copy of what you are scraplifting. You follow a sketch, a challenge with a list of requirements or instructions. You use a kit which has everything you need except consumables like adhesive and inks.
  • Or are you a combination of all three of these?
Does your methodology change depending upon the project or do you like to work in one particular way so you stick with the good old tried and true?

I'd really like to get your feedback on this, so please leave a comment or a link.

6 comments:

Gypsy said...

Definitely a combination of all three. And yes it depends on the project to some extent. Client albums and mini albums I am a always a planner.
Sometimes I am a follower when I am doing challenges or if a LO really 'speaks to me'. Most of the time just a Doer- pull out photos and go!
I share your funk at the moment mainly as I have these wedding albums to do.... wanna have a challenge of some sort maybe a LOAD with a prompt each day that we take turns to give. Doesn't have to be a LOAD could be a TOAD (to-do a day)?
Or there's this: http://www.craftcritique.com/2011/01/30-days-of-creativity.html

Jona Panesa said...

I'm a combination of the three. There are times that mojo is really there and I can't stop scrapbooking and there are times no inspiration at all, so i browse some challenge blogs and sketch sites. joining challenges really helps. They push you and at the same time you finish a page. win - win scenario!

Gypsy said...

Purging supplies is often a motivator for me- is it time to donate some old PP to Sonia-Marie?

Unknown said...

I think I am the same... a combination of all three generally based on the project at hand but most frequently a Doer... you only need to think back to my days at Scrap Camp. I would bring everything including the kitchen sink... just in case I needed it.
That said, for a client album, then yes pre-planning is definitely the way to go, even if it is sorting out products and embellishments to use throughout the album for a cohesive look.
I do like the idea of a LOAD or TOAD challenge. I know for a fact I work better with a deadline... without one I procrastinate far too much.
Thank you for the link. Will have an in depth look over the weekend when I have more time.

Unknown said...

I agree 110%. We all love those times when everything is flowing and going and it all just falls into place perfectly!
I think the time frame and constraints of a challenge help with focusing. Without a deadline or a focus it all gets overwhelming... I know I have too many choices, too many options, too many decisions and I get caught up in the choice rather than the doing.
I might have to start a regular challenge on here if only to inspire myself.

Unknown said...

Yes it has been a while since I had a good sort through of products and purged those I know I'm just not going to use. I do have a box of supplies that I have put aside for kids classes and play/crafting dates. It can probably be added to quite easily.
I usually try to spend some time in the studio with Sonia-Marie at least every couple of weeks but up until now it has mainly been colouring in books. Maybe we do need to experiment some more... I feel some finger painting on the agenda very soon!!!