I was in a creative funk for a good part of the last 2 weeks, so when I broke out my supplies this morning to start on something, it was very unnatural. I felt like I needed to build up the process really slowly, so I picked out my photos yesterday, edited and printed them, to prepare for today's bulk of the work.

Normally, I would get my photos done, and then scrap them immediately. Today, I couldn't picture the final product in my head, let alone figure out where to start, despite spending some time looking to various sources for inspiration. I lay my photos and papers out in front me, and was truly a little clueless as to what to do. I knew I had to just go for it (or rather, at it) and get it started. I had to go blind.

It was so clumsy at first, but once I got the photos and papers down, decided on the titling... a new groove started to set in.

I like how it turned out.

But the process was even better.

A few people have asked me before about how I go about making layouts. It used to be that I would be so meticulous about making sure everything was precisely measured and positioned. These days the process seems a lot more... intuitive. Not nearly as random as the "sticking things down where it feels good" approach (and I'm not neccessarily saying it's a bad thing), but free-flowing decisions about what/how/where and why are made constantly as I go along.

It is very fun and extremely satisfying if the end product turns out well, but then, it IS a problem. I am lost when I try to find ways to describe the process from start to end. When I'm rushing a deadline and needing to rely on experience to produce quality work, when I'm required to teach about "how to create a layout" - I can't seem to find a reliable pattern, a method or steady workflow that makes it easy to take it from A to Z.

I'm still trying to figure it out.

Hi Brenda, wow - eventhough you were stuck at first, the layout you made is REALLY nice!! I envy you. I'm ALWAYS (constantly) stuck with ideas, despite having loads of books to rely on for inspiration. And the problem is when I'm stuck, I still go ahead and scrap, and the end result is horrible to say the least. Yes, I have a long way to go, so for you - don't worry too much - just go with the flow - you're doing great as it is. Take care. ET

E Teo   ·  Fri, 23 Feb  ·   5:16PM

the creative block thinggy happens to lots of us too. but recently, instead of trying to reach out for a book or web for inspiration... i just try to recall all the beautiful work i've seen in my mind... piece them together and Just Do It! That's at least what i've been doing for the past few LOs... and i'm glad i did it.
As said before, its never easy to teach these things... it usually comes naturally.
I'm sure u'll do fine! Looking forward to learning more from u.

claudia   ·  Sat, 24 Feb  ·   5:38PM

Brenda, that's totally inspiring and good that you share your process of scrapbooking. Always enjoy looking at your LOs and photoes taken by you.

Marr   ·  Sat, 24 Feb  ·  11:04PM