The new year is now already more than one month along. I’m fairly certain many of us are still contemplating goals for 2024. So, I thought it might be nice to take a minute to reflect on my digital scrapbooking habits, what works best for me, and possibly what may work best for you. Please share below in the comments your top advice, as I have a feeling many of us are looking to improve and increase our scrapbooking in the coming year.

New Year Advice

If you’ve been reading the blog over the last month or so, you likely know that life for me has been rather distracting lately and I’ve found it difficult to scrap. I’ve got plenty of pictures and things to scrap about, but for some reason, I find myself staring at a blank Photoshop document without the slightest idea of where to start. Given that I’m a member on multiple Creative Teams, that may strike you as odd, but the truth is, it happens to all of us now and then.

I started to think about all the roadblocks scrappers (traditional or digital) might run into and came up with this list:

• Creative blocks
• Time constraints
• Organizational issues
• Feeling Stuck
• Technological challenges
• Perfectionism

Do any of these ring a bell for you? How do you go about tackling these things? I think it helps to know that we’re not alone.

I’m going to try and offer some advice on a few of these below.

Creative Blocks

Creative blocks are a near constant struggle for artists, designers and yes, even scrapbookers. It generally takes varying forms for different people. Figuring out what’s causing the block is essential if you hope to overcome it. There’s a great article about identifying possible causes of creative blocks that might be worth a read!

One thing that may help a scrapping block is scraplifting. This can also help change or improve your layout making skills in the coming year. If you’re feeling creatively blocked, the absolute best advice I can give you is to do lots and lots of scraplifting.

In case you’re unfamiliar with this term, scraplifting is taking inspiration (or “lifting”) an idea or design from another layout for your own page. This is something both traditional & digital scrapbookers can do. It is considered a compliment and most scrapbookers are honored to be lifted. The inspiration provided by browsing through galleries until something hits you can be a great way to get past a road block. Scraplifting can be one of the best ways to jumpstart your own creativity.

Some scrapbook shops even host Scraplift Challenges. See if you can find one at some of the shops you frequent. I know the Digital Scrapbooking Studio used to host a monthly Scraplift Challenge. Oddly enough, one of those challenges tied in so nicely with my prior post about “One Word“. That layout is featured in my 2024 Gallery here on the blog.

Another shop that has offered Scraplift Challenges is Pickleberry Pop. Be sure to check their Challenge Forum.

Not to sound boastful but, please feel free to browse through all the galleries on this blog site (My Personal & the CT Galleries) and see if anything jumps out at you. And surely just about any scrapbook supply shop you frequent will have galleries full of layouts created using the products they sell.

Take note of the layout creators you seem most drawn to and then copy their layouts. Starting with a blank canvas is hard for even the most seasoned creatives, so focus on a certain technique you see in a layout and use it in your own. Or go a step further and copy a layout as closely as you can. This will help you get a feel for where to place elements, eye-catching word art, what techniques to search for, etc.

My key tip on scraplifting is to save an image of whichever layout you’d like to “lift” from. Traditional scrappers can print the image and use it as a “map”. Just build your page adding papers/elements to match the original as closely as you like. You can end up with something nearly identical or you may see that you come up with alternate ideas of your own to finish your layout!

All of you digital scrappers can pull it into your desired graphics editor, resize it to your preferred dimensions and start placing your desired papers/elements in corresponding places. If you opt to try this, please note that you should always start with the bottom most things first (i.e., the base paper) and build up from there. You’ll need to periodically hide your additions (starting with your base paper) so things don’t get too confusing.

Then just keep adding elements to match the original as closely as you like. You might be surprised to find that you start to have some different ideas of your own on how to scrap this lifted layout!

Time Constraints

Time and running out of hard drive space (or supplies) are a scrapbooker’s biggest foes. Unlike the latter however, you can’t just run out to the store for more time. You have to make the most of whatever time you’ve been given and it can be easier than you think.

So many photos and memories to document, so little time! Unfortunately, you just don’t have unlimited time to make your precious scrapbook pages. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could perhaps make them a little faster? What can you do to get more scrapbooking done in the time you have?

If you want to get more layouts made in the coming year, it may help to to set up a creative routine. When and where will you scrapbook? What are you going to scrapbook? What theme(s)/kits(s) do you have in mind? Have answers to these questions ahead of time and then all you need to do is scrapbook when you have the time.

I have a certain scrapbooking routine that I’ve used over the years. Simply by deciding what subject/photos I want to document, the theme(s) I think will work best and making a list of the specific details I want to include ahead of time really helps me take a more organized approach to a given layout.

Fancy is fun but simple is done! I’ve tried to use this as a sort of mantra for the last several years. This reminds me that I can have as many simple pages as I have fancy pages. Fancy takes time. Simple layouts can be just as beautiful and meaningful. Don’t make yourself crazy trying to make every page a fancy masterpiece. It is the memory you want to remember not how fancy the page is.

Feeling Stuck?

Creative ruts are an inevitable part of the artistic process, affecting everyone from writers and artists to musicians and scrapbookers. When inspiration feels elusive and ideas seem stagnant, breaking out of a creative rut can be challenging, but it’s achievable with the right mindset and strategies.

You know the familiar feeling. Your motivation is waning, your creativity is so-so and your energy is a bit dismal. You’re definitely in a creative rut. So, what is it exactly? A creative rut is when your routines, habits and/or patterns of creative work have become monotonous, dull, uninteresting or uninspired – and it’s difficult to change. You’re sort of stuck in a box.

In contrast, a creative block is a shorter-term thing that’s less intense and can be more easily remedied.

So just remember, you’re not alone and you’re definitely not broke. You’ve just fallen into a proverbial hole (so let this post be your ladder). If you’re stuck in a rut, you need to break out of that box. Don’t be afraid to try something new. If a layout isn’t working for you, start over. If everything about your scrapbooking hobby feels stale, maybe it’s time to try a new style, a new size of “canvas” or just a change in the kit themes/color schemes you tend to use most often. I’m personally entirely obsessed with all kinds of scrapbooking, but I cycle through different styles and projects as I’m inspired.

Currently I’m really planning to concentrate more fully on getting caught up documenting my grandchildren’s lives. It’s sad to say how far behind I am. And if you’ve read my recent posts, you know there’s a new one so that will certainly give me something new and, ironically enough, even more to work on 😉

Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to kickstart a change to your creativity. If you usually work in the same space, consider moving to a different room, working outdoors, or even changing the layout of your workspace. Exposure to new surroundings can stimulate your mind and spark fresh ideas.

Pushing through a creative rut often leads to frustration. Instead, take intentional breaks. Step away from your project and engage in activities that allow your mind to relax and wander. Walking, practicing mindfulness, or pursuing a different hobby can provide the mental reset needed to approach your layout with a fresh perspective.

Experimenting with a new technique can invigorate your creativity and certainly will get you out of the box, so to speak. If you’ve never tried mixed media scrapbooking that might be a different way to go. Perhaps playing with a new Photoshop action or style will give you a boost. Any shift in approach can disrupt the monotony and open up new avenues for expression.

Seek inspiration beyond your usual sources. Read books outside your preferred genre, explore different art forms, participate in new online challenges, or just browse through some photo galleries (i.e., Pixabay or Pexels) to see if anything helps you see your layout through a different lens.

Listening to music sometimes helps me. But I do have to be careful. Lyrics can be a dual edged sword (at least for me). While they can frequently provide inspiration, they can just as often become a distraction. If I start to feel more distracted than inspired, I’ll switch to instrumental selections instead.

Whether it’s books, art, challenges or music, exposure to diverse influences can infuse your creativity with new ideas and perspectives.

Remember that creative ruts are temporary, and everyone experiences them. By approaching the challenge with patience, an open mind, and a willingness to explore new avenues, you can break free from the rut and rediscover the joy of creating.

Perfectionism

I’m probably the last person that needs to be offering advice on this one. I’m guilty of falling prey to this ALL the time. I am terrible, truly, when it comes to letting go, especially if I look at a layout and something just doesn’t “feel right”. I literally can spend days revisiting a layout and tweaking it here and there. Honestly, I’ve been known to scrap (no pun intended) an entire layout and start completely over. Talk about a time suck!

Not every scrapbook page has to look like a work of art. Remember your “why” of scrapbooking. Preserving and documenting memories often needs only the bare basics. Don’t overcomplicate your scrapbooking process, just get those memories down on paper.

Focus on the finish line. What’s most important about scrapbooking is sharing the story and your love for others. If that is always your main focus, then how you get there really doesn’t matter.

Perfection is subjective. Who decides what “perfect” is anyway? You? Me? Some expert you follow? Learn to define your own meaning of perfection. One of my favorite definitions I use for perfection is “complete.” Once I reach the point where I feel like a project is complete then I can finally relax and let go. If I judge my own work based on someone else’s standards, then I fail to find my own style and voice. Imagine if Picasso had ignored his own inner voice and followed a more traditional style of art. Would we have appreciated his genius then?

Learn to love it. Just like when I’m trying to help one of my grandchildren recognize their own strengths, I need to encourage myself to do the same. When I look at a completed project, I strive to see only the good in what I’ve created. Sometimes I’m not very successful with that. I try to remind myself that there’s zero point in focusing on the negative. If I’ve either conveyed the story or shared my love for someone, then I’ve already accomplished everything that is important.

Anything that goes above and beyond that is just icing on the cake. If I found a new technique and I’ve finally mastered it, great. If I really rocked the placement of the photo(s) and embellishments on my layout, then sweet! These are all just bonuses…certainly not requirements.

We typically are our toughest critic. Give yourself a break. Just take time to appreciate what you create and share it with others.

I hope maybe one of those pieces of advice sounded useful to you.

More Thoughts On Scrapping Dilemmas

In a perfect world we’d have all the time, creativity and inspiration we need to seamlessly turn out amazing layouts. Aside from the reality that there’s no such thing as a perfect world, we’d actually be missing out on some important things. Some of the most amazing times in our lives come after big trials and pains. Times when we can feel the wonderful sense of relief or learn a valuable lesson. These challenges help us grow. In one sense the greatest perfection is imperfection.

Being in a rut is something everyone experiences at some point. But this is simply the balance of life. I mean, everyday can’t be a W, right? All things follow an ebb-and-flow pattern. Don’t be too hard on yourself…this too shall pass!

I know that we learn from each other. How do you go about tackling scrapping roadblocks? If you have my email address, drop me a note. Or you can either “Message Me” or post a comment below to let me know. I’ll summarize all responses and share them in a future post. Maybe together we can come up with a plan to address these “scrapper’s dilemmas” together.

Enjoy yourself, cut corners where you can and be proud of whatever you were able to accomplish in the amount of time you had!

If all else fails try to remember this. There is something about setting aside the troubles of the day and losing yourself in the pictures you are working with. Just remembering special times and reflecting on them, to me this is the best stress management I can think of. As you work on your layout and express yourself through your creativity, you give yourself a time out from life’s stressors.

And, if you have any questions or want to make a suggestion about future topics you’d like me to cover please don’t hesitate to “Message Me”.

Thanks for reading this week’s Tuesday Tip. If you want to stay informed about new posts, just click “Follow Me” to stay in touch. I hope you have a wonderful week!