I am in a slump

Pachimac

Pachimac

Active member
I can't find any real deep feelings from which to scrap anymore. It's not all that uncommon right now, I know, but life just seems so blah right now. Old memories don't inspire me. Taking pictures of life right now just has no appeal to me. I tried making a layout for a friend, and it's just not there. Unless I"m using a template, my creativity is at an all time low.

What do you do to jump start your creativity? Have you ever felt this way?
 
Susan, I was just about to bring this up also!! Even using templates brings nothing except disappointment in what I create. I hope someone can provide some sort of inspiration. I've got some time coming up where I'm hoping to flip this drought around because I won't be able to do anything else but work on a computer.

I've been trying to take a look at other people's layouts on Pinterest and here to get some inspiration, but I think taking a break might just be what we need. Spend time making the memories again, rather than trying to scrap them? Good luck!!
 
I may not be much help to you both as I am easily inspired as I have so many photos I want to create pages with. I am working at putting together an album about my childhood, just in case my grandchildren are interested in knowing about what happened in the early years of my life.
Taking part in challenges can help with inspiration and also looking through the gallery to see what pages grab my attention that might jumpstart me into creating a page similar to what I admire. Sometimes sketches may be easier for inspiration than a template.
I find doing Project Life is great as I am always taking photos that I may or may not use on my weekly page. I sometimes use inspiration for my photos using prompts from sites such as Fatmumslim HERE

 
Susan, I would say just START. Scrap how you are feeling right now and call it IN A FUNK. Use templates, take class on a new technique. Scraplift - that is always good....
 
I've definitely felt this way, you're not alone in this. I think especially this year it's probably extra hard to get motivation. I think there are two paths that I take to get it back- take a little break, or make something anyway.

Sometimes just taking a walk or getting a change of scenery helps. Or if you have other creative hobbies work on those for awhile.

Looking at Pinterest or other inspiring sites were great ideas too. I'd also add to that- look at your own pages. If you print your LO's, go pick an album and start flipping through. You can find tons of design inspiration from your own work, or it can inspire you to remember stories you want to tell.

I would say too, even if you don't feel like scrapping, try to keep taking photos or journaling. That way when you're ready to come back you'll have material to work with. That has helped me a lot this year.

And as one CT member to another, sometimes our obligations to designers can add to the stress of an already slump-y time. For me, having deadlines and a constant stream of inspiring product is super motivating. But every once in awhile I think it's really helpful to make something just for ourselves. Something we don't have to post anywhere or use certain product for. I'm not sure if you already do this or not. It's something I've only started doing recently.
 
I think taking a small break is good, it recharges the batteries. Then try something new, something to pique your interest. Maybe scraplift, change your style and try something out of your comfort zone, do an art journal page, a photoless page, journal about your thoughts. Is there a kit that you haven't used yet that catches your interest?

Whatever you do (or don't do), you'll figure out what's best for you. Start with taking a break, do something to de-stress, pamper yourself. Focus on you and what might make you feel happy right now. Maybe read more or is there something you used to do more of before scrapping?

For me, it's exercise. I've been scrapping less and getting out jogging again. I also changed my diet plan. I did some research, watched lots of videos and ordered books. I still scrap but not in the evenings, that's my family time now (I used to scrap after dinner a lot but stopped that now that my daughter is living at home again). Changing my schedule has been good for me. It gives me more balance with the other things I enjoy.

Change can be good.
 
I felt the same way until I joined a Facebook group of one of my favorite designers. I enjoyed getting to know the regular gals on the page. I started posting layouts using items that designer had on sale or I had one from her page. I became friends with one lady in particular and she invited me to join a CT for a designer. From there I joined other teams. It has helped to rekindle my scrapbooking flame. You could check to see if any of your favorite designers are adding to their CT team. Join a Facebook group of some of your favorite designers. I hope some of these ideas will help.
 
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