Have you ever sat down to make a card with a certain finished product in mind?
You have picked the perfect papers, embellishments are just right and then the card starts to have other ideas!
Maybe the patterned paper you loved 5 minutes ago suddenly doesn't make the cut (Pun Intended). You cut your cardstock a wee bit too short, you suddenly run out of your favorite glue!
We have all been there, at least I know I have been there a time or two!
Ever since I began making cards, I knew very quickly that I am my own worst critic. I see the flaws in my work before anyone else mentions them. It is so easy to bend to the pressure of wanting perfection that we sometimes give up on ourselves a little too soon.
Your Card Doesn't Have To Be Perfect!
The most satisfying part of card making is seeing something beautiful come from some plain paper, inks and an idea.
Sometimes the idea of making the perfect card can trigger the fight or flight mode in our bodies. For me it's Freeze. I get overwhelmed very easily and the white flag of surrender comes out.
I step away to give myself space and time to come back to center. I am sure you have also felt that way a time or two.
Even with the best of intentions, sometimes those projects end up in a dusty corner just waiting to see the light of day.
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself making that card, little by little, bit by bit and you will find that you can sit without the pressure of perfection hanging above you.
If you begin to feel that pressure returning, simply walk away and engage your brain in another activity. This will help you switch gears and get out of that creative rut.
Another way to create without fear is to just experiment a little. Dig out those old papers or stamps you never use, cut up that Christmas Card from Aunt Sue and use the images. There is a whole world of imagination out there just waiting for us to grab!
Enjoying The Process
Creativity for me, started at a young age. I have always made my own cards as a kid ( go figure) and I continue to have a childlike joy for all things crafty and beautiful.
When we take away the pressure and just enjoy the process, our creative brains can do incredible things! Take some time to make a card just for the fun of it. No pressure to have perfect lines, exact spacing or colored images that would make that 5 year old you so proud!
Go with the flow, just one time. Bring yourself back to the time you started. Ask yourself what excited you the most about card making? For me, it is the pretty papers and the sound of scissors cutting that paper. I enjoy the tactile experience that card making gives me.
Here is my advice to you.
Get back in that craft space.
Sit down and just start with one single element, you will find you can build a whole card around it. If you find yourself getting frustrated, STOP! walk away and come back later. I promise that the more you do this, the easier and more fun the process will become!
Start with one Card.
Take as much time as you need.
Think about why you started and what excites you the most.
Keep On Creating- One Card at a Time
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