Scrapboking Tips – Dealing With Scrapper’s Block

You have an afternoon to yourself, the house is quiet, the family is out, and you have all your photos spread out on the kitchen table before you, ready to create the most fantastic scrapbook ever. There’s only one problem with your hobby-time; you’re drawing a creative blank. Could it be true? Has the unthinkable happened? Yes, you have scrapper’s block. Now don’t panic; this condition of lacking imagination is only temporary. Lots of people have been through a block before and here are some tips to help you through yours.

The biggest reason why most people suffer from scrapper’s block is because they are overwhelmed. They are so far behind with scrapbooking that they simply do not know where to start. They might have hundreds or even thousands of photos that need to be put into albums, and this staggering number completely overwhelms them. It is often easier to avoid scrapbooking altogether than to deal with such overwhelming numbers.

When this happens to you, start small. Organize your photographs into album ideas. Think about the people or events that would work well in one album. Start with a small stack rather than an entire attic full of photos. The best tip is to start with the most current pictures and work your way back. While this might make you feel as if you are getting nowhere, it is more important to start with fresh memories and then make time later for older ones, rather then letting even more pictures and memories get stale and becoming even more frustrated.

Another way to deal with scrapper’s block is to scrapbook with other people. Attend crops at a consultant’s house where you can get ideas from friends and fellow scrappers when you simply cannot think of anything to do. A similar suggestion would be to take the troubling pictures to a scrapbooking class. Have an instructor show you the best way to arrange them. You just might learn a new technique while dealing with the pictures that are causing you frustration.

Keeping your scrapbooking supplies organized is helpful in avoiding scrapper’s block. When you know where to find your paper and stickers without having to sort through huge piles of clutter, you are more likely to have fresh ideas. If you can, have an area in your home set aside for your scrapbooking supplies.

Have scrapbooking idea books and magazines on hand. When you start to suffer from scrapper’s block, try thumbing through a magazine. You will most likely find that there is a layout in the magazine that will work for you! When scrapper’s block hits, try something new. Getting your creative juices flowing is one of the best ways to start scrapping again!

Sometimes all it takes to get those creative juices and interest flowing again is some time away from the project at hand. All too often, we work too closely or too much with something and get burnt out. Your inspiration has to be taken out for a breath of fresh air. Go outside, play with your kids, take a walk, or go wander around the mall. Once you have your mind relaxed and stop trying so hard, the ideas for your scrapbook should start to flow freely. You’ll be scrapbooking again in no time … guaranteed!