I’m Not Creative Enough

I’m not creative enough. I’m not creative – I can’t draw. Why do we seem to think we have to be able to draw to be creative?

The dictionary defines creative as “marked by the ability to create” and it defines create as “to bring into existence”. So every time you start at nothing, add your efforts and get something, that is creativity. Everyone has creativity within themselves, it’s just a little different for each person.

For cardmaking or papercrafting, there are elements of skill and knowledge of how to use different supplies or tools. If you never learn the basics, then of course you’ll have limited skills. But if you start by learning how to use paper, stamps, ink and embellishments, you will become skillful.

So to get your creativity going,

• Think you can.
• Stop comparing yourself to others.
• Start looking for inspiration – the catalog is a great place to start. Which samples do you like? Why do you like them? Pick one marked “Quick & Easy” that makes you happy and make it. These samples are great if you’re new to crafting or short on time. Or take note of “You Can Make It” catalog pages, which include lists of products and tools for making the project shown.
• Order a kit – kits take the guesswork out of crafting. Various kits will help you learn new techniques and try new projects.
• Pick a suite. Suites feature coordinating product lines of matching paper, ink, dies, embellishments and more. The possibilities are endless!
• Act creative daily (make cookies, make someone smile, make a flower arrangement, though I’m not sure making your bed counts!)
• Subscribe to Paper Pumpkin, Stampin’ Up!’s monthly crafting subscription. Each month is different and includes exclusive projects with supplies and detailed instructions delivered right to your mailbox.
• Stop vicious criticism of yourself and others.
• Learn from every source – nature, store displays, ads, my newsletter 🙂
• Find the creative switch within you and turn it on.

I’m just not creative enough is an excuse. It’s okay if you have no interest or don’t want to take the time to make something. Just admit it. But if you’re tired of excuses, be courageously creative, and I’ll help you on your journey!