Making craft projects is a popular hobby for lots of reasons: relaxation, self fulfillment, homemade gifts, earning extra money, or simply as a way to honor one's creativity. Even veteran crafters sometimes become unenthused or uninspired about their projects, perhaps putting away their craft supplies for a time.
If your craft ideas seem to have taken a vacation, there are steps you can take to prime the creative pump and get your crafty mojo back. A creativity journal is great inspiration.
What is a Creativity Journal?
A creativity journal is an excellent way to keep your brain primed for creativity. Like any habit, consistently focusing on seeing things in a creative way, on new ideas and new ways of seeing old things, and on noticing your environment will enliven your craft projects.
Use it not only to write down ideas, but to doodle, draw, and color. Think you can't draw? This journal is only for you. Nobody else need see it. Challenge yourself to draw something you see, and though it won't be perfect, your brain will recall it in great detail later. Drawing literally imprints the subject in your mind.
Start Your Creativity Journal
The first step is to find a journal or notebook to keep ideas in. It can be as simple or as fancy as you want, from spiral notebooks to artist Moleskins, but be aware that an expensive notebook with fancy paper causes some people to "freeze up." This relates to a fear of messing up something so nice, although truthfully there are no mistakes with creativity.
Next, put your name, date, and title of your creativity journal on the first page. Make the title simple, quirky, fun, philosophical - but don't sweat over it too much. Some examples: Creativity Unleashed; Melody's Musings; All the Stuff in My Brain; Knock Knock, Who's There; or simply Nancy's Creativity Journal.
Make an Inspiration List
The first entry into your creativity journal is simple: make an inspiration list. Quickly write down all the reasons you love to make craft projects. Make it as long as you can and don't edit yourself.
Example list
I love to create
Making scrapbooks documenting my family makes me feel good and helps me remember all the little moments
Knitting sweaters and scarves is relaxing
Learning a new craft is rewarding and fun
Making handmade gifts for others is fulfilling and makes me happy
Use Your Creativity Journal Consistently
This step can be a little tricky. You don't want to be so regimented in using your creativity journal that it starts to feel like a chore. You also don't want to use it so little that it you forget about it and your purpose goes unmet.
You must find a way to incorporate your journal into your routine. For me, this means I keep it next to my bed and write, doodle, draw, and even color in it before going to sleep. I also carry it with me in my purse, along with some colored pens, and make entries into it when waiting in line.
If you don't want to carry it with you, pick up things you see throughout your day that inspire you, and add them to your journal when at home. Memorabilia such as ticket stubs, paint chips from the hardware store, colorful magazine ads, found items such as bottle tops.
Once your items are added, write notes next to them about where you found them, what inspires you about them, or every unique way you can think of to create a craft out of them.
Review Your Journal
Depending on how often you use your journal, review it every now and then. If you use it every week, review your entries at least once a month. You'll be surprised at the themes you see and the ideas you came up with.
You are your own inspiration. Use your creativity journal to spark ideas for your craft projects. Anytime you feel in need of a creative boost, just look through your journal.
