Have you ever noticed that sometimes when you intend to say something like, "Gee, honey, I'm not so sure that's such a good idea," it comes out like, "Have you totally lost your mind? An armadillo, a lawn mower and duct tape? In whose world is that going to work? I've never heard such a ridiculous idea in all my life!" Or something like that. You get the idea.

When your communication skills seem to have gone the way of the Neanderthal, and you want to try to put things right but don't trust your brain to come up with the right words for your mouth to use, consider sending a card instead. Playing with paper will make you feel better, and you really only need to use two little words ("I'm sorry") to convey your remorse. If you’re feeling REALLY bad, you can add three more ("Please forgive me").

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Reader Letters
Here are a few more ideas for organizing your creative chaos -- er, I mean, crafting area. My favorites, though, are the ones that tell how creative people got their grooves back after creative dry spells. Enjoy!

Organization

Patricia writes, via e-mail:

"I keep my card stock in individual file folders, shaded from light to dark in each color with a zipper bag attached to the inside of the folder to hold scraps of the matching card stock. That way, if I need a small piece for trim or a punch, all I need do is take out whatever size matching scrap is required."

Ginnie writes, via e-mail:

"Most of the clear acrylic stamps that I have are not storage-friendly because the packaging is often useless after opening. I have found, however, that the stamps adhere beautifully to the inside of clear CD cases. I just put a label on the outside edge of the case and store it in a shoebox. Finding what I need is a snap!"

Becky writes, via e-mail:

"In regards to organizing a card list, etc., I take comfort in the plaque I have in my craft room. It says 'Organized people are just too lazy to look for things.' That doesn't mean I don't keep striving for organizing skills, but they continue to elude me."

Sue replies:

"Becky, that's priceless! Over the years, I thought perhaps it was ME who was too lazy to put things back where they belonged. Thanks for sharing!"

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Creative drought

Connie writes, via e-mail:

"Boy, can I relate to the rut. Last September my hubby had a motorcycle accident and couldn't use his right hand or arm at all (he still can't, but he's better). In February, we lost our oldest son in a motorcycle accident, and I just lost all my creative juices and life.

"I have started talking to myself and found that it's like brainstorming with another person, working out what might look good or what I plan to do. I finally have gotten myself excited with so many new ideas that I can't wait to begin. Looking at Web sites and my wonderful books has gotten me back into life again. And, I also know that once I do get started I will become my old self again (but I told myself PLEASE DO the fall cleaning first, so I won't have any distractions. LOL)"

Sue replies:

"Connie, please accept our condolences on the loss of your precious son. Creativity is so helpful to the healing process, and I'm glad you've been able to move toward that."

Wendy writes, via e-mail:

"Bonjour! I am a card maker (hate scrapbooking -- no offense!). When I get stuck, the first thing I turn to is the Sketch Book, and when online, I use Card Positioning Systems. Each week they post a new sketch.

"When we purchased our 20 acres, my hubby added an extension over our two-car garage just for my craft room! I have been on disability (retired four years ago at age 34), so I have plenty of time. My craft room is also our family room, so while I craft, I have a television, etc. Don't change your mag! Luv and peace to all!"

Sue replies:

"Wendy, we at CardMaker love Tami Mayberry and her Card Positioning Systems blog. Now that's a bunch of creative women!"

Lin writes, via e-mail:

"Ahhhh, blocks! I've also been in a rut after spending months working on things for a show. I have several projects in progress waiting for the final idea to push them to completion. But right now, I am simply trimming clip art, graphics and things like that, plus, figuring out how to make collage sheets for sale. I also read magazines, looking for ideas, and play around with paints and paper. I know that sooner or later I'll be back in the harness, and this is just a lull."

Sandra writes, via e-mail:

"What works for me when creative juices dry up temporarily is to look back in my 'projects' photo album/idea book. I use my digital camera to photograph cards before I send them (those that I particularly want to remember). It is amazing what ideas this generates after a year or two goes by. Other craft ideas that have worked well are handmade paper, color combinations, quilts, etc. I had one of my favorite cards printed on a two-year supply of note cards. I love your magazine. It always stimulates ideas for me!"

Deanna writes, via e-mail:

"I get so frustrated when I get 'cardmaker's block.' But I love CardMaker magazine, and I get lots of ideas from it. I also love to go to the blogs of the ladies who sell Stampin' Up. I have gotten my best ideas from them. I also go to Scor-Pal and love card swaps for ideas. Once a month, I go to a stamp club. Two Peas in a Bucket has lots and lots of cards on display. Needless to say, I probably have more ideas than I can keep up with!"

Dana writes, via e-mail:

"Hey! When I am in the middle of a drought, it usually means that I'm exhausted or stressed or both! That's when I need a night with my girlfriends. We usually invite a representative from an in-home stamp-selling company to come and do a project with us. We eat; we have cocktails; we laugh. Yep, never fails; that'll jump start my creative motor when nothing else works!"

Margie writes, via e-mail:

"To get past a creative block, I find it helps to have a few different types of projects going at the same time. If I tire of card making, I will maybe go to a sewing or needlework project. The colors from the fabric or thread will sometimes inspire a paper project. I also just recently started writing ideas on index cards as they occur. I bought the colored kind and file them in a pretty recipe box. I suppose after I get more of them I'll have to categorize them by type of project! I'm hoping this way I'll always have something on the back burner for when I don't know what to do next!"

Joan writes, via e-mail:

"When I'm feeling as creative as a rock, I find it helpful to look through magazines and books, and not just ones dealing with cards. I find ideas in scrapbooking magazines, all sorts of craft magazines and books as well as catalogs. If that fails to inspire me, I look at my collection of stamps, papers, cardstock and embellishments. Sometimes, just putting together paper and card stock is enough to get the creativity flowing."

Stephanie writes, via e-mail:

"I often go through creative dry spells. Sometimes I wonder which I enjoy more -- actually making the cards, or just buying supplies! When I'm having trouble getting motivated, I get my husband to give me a challenge: He chooses one or two stamps or a color scheme or a layout idea, and then I have to come up with something. I find that having my options narrowed like that excites me, and I always come up with something great, and usually end up with ideas for four or five more cards!"

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Free pattern
Lighten the mood a little with this quick and easy card from Alice Golden.

Crabby Design by Alice Golden Materials Pale blue card stock Ivory scallop-edge envelope to fit a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2-inch card Rubber stamps: crab, "Sorry I've Been Crabby" Dark green fine-detail pigment ink pad Small amount of sand Mini shells Distressing tool Clear-drying liquid glue Form a 4 1/4 x 5 1/2-inch side-folded card from pale blue card stock; distress right edge of card front. Stamp crab on card as shown. Apply a small amount of glue below crab and sprinkle on sand; let dry. Adhere shells to card as shown; let dry. Stamp sentiment inside card. Stamp crab on envelope as desired. Sources: Rubber stamps from Rubber Soul; distressing tool from Making Memories; scallop-edged envelope from K&Company; ink pad from Tsukineko Inc. Copyright © April 2007 CardMaker magazine. All rights reserved. Back to top. Click here for printer friendly page.