Getting over the Creative Slump

Ideas for Getting over the Creative Slump. We all have creative slumps in our life from time to time. It could be that you can’t decide on what to wear, eat or do for the day or even days. Sometimes it seems that the inspiration to be creative has fled. This happens to the best of us, but you can get out of that creative slump.

In this video, I share with you my thoughts about Getting over the Creative Slump.

Find ways to inspire you. Some of the ways I find inspiration is to visit with my husband. Sometimes just chatting with someone you know well and that knows you can inspire you to be creative.

Watching a few videos is also a great way to get out of a creative slump. Sometimes I’ll just go to YouTube and see what pops up. There are days when I do this and it is like a giant rabbit hole. I’ll start watching and then I’ll start searching for items and then an idea forms.

Scrolling through Pinterest is also a great way to Getting over the Creative Slump. The other night I had so many ideas but I couldn’t focus on just one. After scrolling through Pinterest I got an idea to make a stencil because of an image I saw.

Window shopping is also a great way to Getting over the Creative Slump. Because I’m really close to Hobby Lobby in my town and I go a lot they know me really well. I’ll load up Hercules (my dog) and we will just walk around the store. People will stop and say hello because I have a dog, it’s funny. The employees will seek me out as one will say, Hercules is here and they have to visit. After one of these visits to the local store, I may not have purchased anything, but I’m inspired to go home and be creative.

Organizing can also help with Getting over the Creative Slump. Get that box of junk or drawer of randomness out and organize it better. Put things where they should go. Or even get rid of things you know you won’t use. Sometimes going through the drawer will inspire creativity because I have to find a creative place to put items. lol

Put down the cell phone or your social media connecting device and go for a walk. Even if it is down to the end of the driveway and back. If you are able to take a long walk, go around the block or check out a local park. Not too far from my home is a very nice park. It has beautiful benches and ponds to enjoy. Hercules loves to go for a walk just to sniff things out.

There may be days that you just need to rest. Find a comfy spot, read a book, take a nap and recharge. In this day and age were are so overstimulated with television and social media that our minds can’t let go and dream. Try something new and see if that helps you with Getting over the Creative Slump.

Make sure to check out the Friendly Junk Journal People Facebook group. Of course, you are welcome to join the Friendly Junk Journal People Facebook group. The group is growing daily and we are a friendly group willing to help each other and encourage each other.

Interested in any of the journals I created? Please feel free to contact me through my Facebook Page. Here is my shop, I have a lot of items uploaded and add more weekly.

My hope is that I have inspired you to look at those papers in your stash and make your own junk journal.

Keep updated on my posts by following my Facebook Page or on Instagram for updates that may not be shared on my blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by my blog today for ways to Getting over the Creative Slump.

Categories: Just Sharing

Tags: aspire to be amazingLinda Israellindaisrael

Just Sharing

Press On Nails

This blog post is information about how I create my own Press On Nails. I thought it might be handy for others who want to create their own. I’ve included affiliate links to Amazon in this blog post.

One day I decided that I wanted to paint my own nails. So my first purchase was Beetles Gel Nail Polish Kit with 48W U V LED Nail Lamp that came a few other items.

Once I got the hang of using the gel polish I started looking at press on nails. There are so many options out there. After reading a bunch of reviews on Amazon I finally decided on the Makartt Squoval Nails 500Pcs Press on Nail Tips – Full Cover Nail.

After getting those nails I quickly discovered that I needed the MelodySusie Acrylic Nail Clippers. It makes it so much easier to cut the nails down to the length that I like.

When I first started doing my nails I would glue them directly to my nail. That meant I would have to soak the nails off when it was time to change them so I used these Nail Clips to hold the cotton balls soaked in acetone.

It would take me so long to soak them off that I did some research and found this Nail Drill and that helped speed up the process.

Since I was getting better at doing my nails it was time to buy new colors of Polish. The Beetles Brand had some good reviews and since I got the initial set from them, I decided to buy another set of their polishes. The Fantasyland colors appealed to me.

Glitter is so pretty and I wanted something gold so I found the VENALISA Gel Nail Polish and decided I must have it! I love how gold the glitter is in this polish.

After watching a ton of tutorials I decided that I needed to get some nail stands to hold the nails so I could paint them a lot easier! This became a game changer for me. Before I would have to spend hours cleaning off my nails. Then I would glue a new set and shape them and then paint them. Now I can cut the nail down, press on the stand and paint a set. This nail stand set came with the putty.

After using the stands, I found that the stands kept falling over so I glued a piece of chipboard to the bottom and that made it work better for me.

Now that I had the stand and could make sets of nails up in advance I decided to research what adhesive to use with press on nails. After reading a bunch of reviews I decided on these adhesive tabs. Using these tabs allowed me the ability to change out my nails quickly as these are temporary adhesive! For me the tabs last about one week, with the amount of hand washing that I do.

To keep the nails on for a week I use the Beetles Base Coat gel polish. First I’ll clean and shape my real nail, cleaning up the cuticle is important. Then wipe down my real nail with alcohol to remove any oil. Paint one coat of the Beetles base coat gel polish and cure. Wipe the nails again with alcohol. Choose the correct size tab for each nail. Using a stylist (or dotting tool) I’ll lift the tab from the backer and position on my nail. Then using the stylist I’ll press the adhesive tab to my finger nail. Remove the tab from the top and then press the nail for 20 to 30 seconds. Don’t wash your hands for a couple of hours after putting on a new set. If possible put them on before you go to bed so that tabs have all night to set.

I forgot to mention that I use the Beetles Base coat and Top coat.

I didn’t take photos of all the nails I’ve made, but I did get photos of a few sets.

I’m learning so much while having fun creating my own press on nails. As I learn new things I’ll create another blog post. If you are interested in tutorials, please feel to leave a comment or contact me and I’ll see what I can do!

Thanks for checking out my blog today and I hope you are inspired to create your own press on nails.

Calico Collage

Cut & Create Ephemera Books By Calico Collage

Have you seen the Cut & Create Ephemera Books By Calico Collage? These are awesome books filled with beautiful images by theme. In this blog post I share a video flip through and my thoughts about these beautiful Cut and Create Ephemera Books.

Cut & Create Ephemera Books By Calico Collage Flip Through Video.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXSW1mSwKFA?feature=oembed&w=750&h=422]

List of Cut & Create Ephemera Books By Calico Collage.

These Cut & Create Ephemera Books are perfect if you don’t have a printer, or if you like having all the images in one place. This collection of books is a great gift for someone who loves to create with paper.

The first Cut & Create Ephemera Book is Fairy Garden. This book features soft pink/peach and vintage colors showcasing Victorian fairies. Lots of beautiful smaller images that can be used to create journal cards, tuck spots and embellishments.

For ideas using the Fairy Garden collection check out my blog posts showing how to create a junk journal.

The second Cut & Create Ephemera Book is One Fine Day. This book features beautiful flowers and birds in bright colors. Included in this set are bingo cards, flash cards, post cards and more. So many beautiful images to cut and create with in this book.

For ideas using the One Fine Day collection check out my blog posts showing how to create a junk journal and more.

The third Cut & Create Ephemera Book is Dragonfly Delight. This book features whimsical ladies with dragonflies in their hair, dragonfly ephemera, hearts and flowers. The images in this book are a soft colorful collection. Make it vintage by adding, coffee dyed papers and soft browns. Or kick up the color by using bright bold colors that match the images.

For ideas using the Dragonfly Delight collection check out my blog posts showing how to create a junk journal.

Visit the Friendly Junk Journal People Facebook group. Of course, you are welcome to join the Friendly Junk Journal People Facebook group. The group is growing daily and we are a friendly group willing to help each other and encourage each other.

Interested in any of the projects Linda has created? Please feel free to contact her through her website. Here is her shop, a lot of items featured and more added weekly.

Keep updated on her posts by following the blog by creating an account. Follow Linda on her Facebook Page or on Instagram for updates that may not be shared on the blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by the blog today to see the Cut & Create Ephemera Books By Calico Collage.

BLine Designs

Recap of 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas

Sharing a recap of 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas 2020. In this blog post we will review the projects created over the past 12 days. Hopefully these ideas will give you a starting point in creating wonderful gift items.

Day 1 of the 12 Days Linda created a Snowflake Specimen Card showing how to us with book pages, chipboard snowflakes.

Day 2 of the 12 Days was Pockets, Linda shows how to take your rubber stamps, and paper scraps to create a unique pocket for journal cards. It could be used to stand alone gift for someone or adhered to a junk journal page.

Day 3 of 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas was to create embellished Envelope and journal card as a gift for a friend. Using rubber stamps, digital images by Calico Collage and a simple book page is all that was needed to create!

Day 4 of 12 Days of Junk Journal Ideas 2020 Shaker Card. You can use a book page, transparency film, digital images. Add some sequins with beads for a fun item to give to a friend!

Day 5 of the 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas 2020 was to create Trifold Envelopes. A fun gift idea, Linda used uses envelopes to make a trifold booklet that you can add journal cards and notes to.

Day 6 of 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas creating a Notepad. A notepad makes a great gift. By using a few supplies you just might have on hand you can make up several that your friends or family might enjoy using!

Day 7 of 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas 2020 – Repurpose. Use up your Left over wrapping paper and some items that you might otherwise just throw in the trash and create a festive Christmas Tag.

Day 8 of 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas Winter Popup Card. In this tutorial you will learn how you can create a super cute Winter Themed Popup card to send to your friends and family.

Day 9 of of 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas 2020 – Corner Tuck. A corner protector or tuck spot is a great way to use up scraps and create a cute gift. In this tutorial showing how you can use scraps, digital images and your rubber stamps to create a corner tuck spot element.

Day 10 of 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas 2020 – Card and Envelope. Create a Christmas Card with a matching envelope to mail to friends and family. If you are needing to get rid of your scraps give this project a try!

Day 11 of 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas 2020 – Gift Card Holder. Tis’ the season for gift card giving. Use scraps, a book page and your sewing machine to create yours!

Day 12 of 12 Days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas 2020 ~ Folio Journal. Time sure went by fast for this crafting series. Create this Folio Journal to hold all the elements that were made for the 12 days of Junk Journal Gift Ideas.

Creating handmade gifts for friends and family means giving a part of you. Which Day was your favorite?

Robin Fennessy

Make sure to check out the Friendly Junk Journal People Facebook group. Of course, you are welcome to join the Friendly Junk Journal People Facebook group.The group is growing daily and we are a friendly group willing to help each other and encourage each other.