Scrapbook Process: Finding the Scrapping "Mojo"

Ever have those days when you want to scrap, but just can't get the inspiration? I have those days too, and sometimes it's just a day or so, or a couple weeks. However, I have found some ways that help get your "scrappin' mojo" going:

• Search the internet for scrapbook blogs that update regularly. Subscribe to their feed so that you get new creations almost daily in your email box. Looking at what they are doing will often inspire you. Some of my faves are listed in the right margin! ------>
• Join a scrapping group. CafeMom, Ning, Facebook and other networking sites have groups with activity in which to participate and new friends to keep you motivated. Also check YouTube for numerous craft videos by some real energetic crafters!
• Clean your scrapping area. By reorganizing or straightening your space, you will often start the excitement when you again see a new stamp you had purchased, papers you forgot you had or other goodies in your stash. Add any finished pages to your photo albums too.
• Go through your photos. If you have taken several photos lately that need to be filed, or edited on your computer, now is the time to sit and do them. For editing, choose a couple select photos, make copies and then use one of your software programs to try something different: black and white, sepia, borders, color tinting, etc. Having a unique photo can create that spark of creativity for a new page.
• Look for new sketches. Many times, I let my photos dictate my layout, but other times, I just need help! There are many free sketches online at scrapbooking sites or blogs. Pagemaps is a great one, with new ideas each month.
• Go shopping. Yes, if you have a little extra spending money this week, go to your favorite craft store and choose ONE new item that will jog an idea. (Don't overdo your shopping, or you'll overwhelm yourself when you need to find your jumpstart!) Stores like Archivers are great about displaying all the newly released products and plenty of ideas for those products (including workshops!) to teach new techniques.
• Try a different media or page size. Always a 12x12 scrapbooker? Try making cards, an altered item and especially, a different size page. Use stamps if you don't normally use them. If you subscribe to new blogs or check YouTube, you'll glean new enthusiasm.
• Do a different type of page. If you always do your pages by chronological events, devote your next pages to purely a specific subject. What about pages about you? Journal thoughts, ideas, dreams, things in your past.
• Finally, don't push it. After all, this is our hobby, and sometimes a break is a good time to allow experiences to happen that will encourage us to scrap and to journal about.