Get Inspired!

Feeling like you have scrapper's block?  You sit at your workspace, scissors in one hand, photos in the other, and . . . nothing!  You go through your photos or paper patterns and still nothing!  Yep, it's scrapper's block all right.  It can be so frustrating when you want to create but you are not feeling creative  I've found a way to find your inspiration again as well as encourage you to maybe try something new.  It's called, a scrapbook journal.  Here's what you do:

First you get a binder and a bunch of binder paper.  You can get these pretty cheap at Office Depot or, better yet, use what you have lying around your house.  I use an 8.5 x 11" binder with paper and plastic page protectors.

Then you go through old scrapbook, paper craft, or hobby magazines.  Cut out ideas you want to try, layouts you like, paper patterns that grab you, supplies you dream of, whatever grabs you.  Glue these clippings to cheap ol' binder paper and write a little note to yourself saying why you want to include them in your journal.  If you can, include the manufacturer or store that makes or carries the stuff you've included.

Organize your findings into categories and insert them into your journal.  I included Layouts, Paper Patterns, Wish List, Tips, and Techniques.

Pretty soon, you'll have a whole book of scrapbook inspiration, guaranteed to cure the scrapper's block. As you look through your journal, maybe you can scraplift a layout idea, experiment with a new medium or technique, or go to the store in search of your favorite paper.  If you're feeling really adventurous, get that new scrapbook system (Cricut, Ellison, Sizzix, etc.) you've been dreaming of and play around with it.  Before you know it, you'll be excited about scrapping with dozens of new ideas to try.  Good luck!

Do you have a great idea to add to Tips and Tricks? Email me at heidi@mycroproom.com and we'll see about publishing your idea right here on My Crop Room.