3 Simple Steps to Jumpstart Your Creativity

Hey friends, it’s Laura Williams here, and I have a confession. A deep, dark, terrible confession. Are you ready?

Sometimes - yes, sometimes (actually on a regular basis) I get into a crafty funk. I lose my motivation. My inspiration. My ability to glue two pieces of paper together in any sort of pleasing fashion. And it is so frustrating. Please, pretty please tell me I’m not alone here. Do you ever just feel like your creative mojo is gone forever?

Today I’m going to share an idea that almost always works to jumpstart my creativity out of that crafty funk. And here’s the proof: three cards that I made after the most recent time I implemented this idea.

I made all three of these cards at one time, with no creative roadblocks. A crafty miracle? No, just a change to my process and thoughts. I set some boundaries for myself. I made some rules. It’s okay if you’re a rule-breaker. You can make your own rules here. Here’s the formula for my plan.

Step One: Choose the Stamps

Choose a stamp set that is EASY for you to work with. It might be an old favorite, or it might be a brand new set you’re excited to use. Whatever feels EASY. I chose the Anchor Me Stamp Set, which I hadn’t used in ages, and recently came back to the shop after coming out of retirement. (Yay!) You can add other stamp sets (like backgrounds or sentiments) but stick with one main stamp set. Choosing a set might be the hardest part of this process!

Step Two: Choose the Colors

Chose three colors. (Or four. Or five.) Again, you make the rules. Choose the colors you love. Or the colors that jump out at you. But just pick some. Narrow it down as you work if you need to. I chose Cool Pool, Rich Coral, and Haystack, plus Black Licorice and Whip Cream.

Step Three: Make THREE cards

Make a card. It can be simple. It doesn’t have to be complicated or filled with techniques. Just make it. And here comes the magic part - you have the stamp set out, and you have the cardstock and ink out. You’ve made the decisions, and you’ve made the mess already, so go with it. Make THREE cards with that stamp set and those colors. You can make all three cards almost exactly the same, or completely different. (Remember, you make the rules around here!) The point is that you committed, and you accomplished something. Sometimes that’s all you need to restart your productivity.

I’m convinced that sometimes I become paralyzed because I have too many choices. This process helps to limit some of the decision-making, which frees me up to stop stressing, have fun and get some projects done! Remember, my rules don’t have to be your rules. Maybe your self-imposed rule is to follow the same sketch for three cards, or to make a card with only one color of ink. Not a card-maker? Apply this same rule-making idea to scrapbooking, or mixed media, or your planner-art. Make your own rule - but then stick to it!

What’s a rule that would jumpstart your creativity? Your idea might be just what helps someone else, so pretty please tell us in the comments. After that, stop over at my blog, Laura Looloo,  where you’ll find three MORE cards using this stamp set! (It’s just further proof that this process works for me! I hope it'll help you next time you're in a crafty funk too!

Supplies Used: Anchor Me Stamp Set | Fringe Wall Stamp | Journey Circles Die Set | Journey Ovals Die Set | Black Licorice True Color Fusion Ink Pad | Whip Cream Cardstock | Cool Pool Cardstock | Haystack Cardstock | Black Licorice Cardstock | Rich Coral Cardstock | Licorice Twist Twine | Whip Cream Thread | Pool Play Sparkle Tape | Gold Silk | Black Licorice Silk