I have come to the conclusion

[Frani_54]

I've really been super frustrated lately, nothing is coming together in my head. I've done some major surfing of the net, trying to get some inspiration, but that hasn't even worked!!!!

Anyway, I've come to the conclusion I just don't have "THE CREATIVE GENE" and will forever more use PIAP, Quick Clicks, or lift others work (which has been exceptional on this site).

Thanks all for being so CREATIVE, for those of us who are not.....

[Lisa Dozier]

You are creative!!!!!!!! Sounds like you are going through famly stress right now and it is very difficult to be creative during that!!!!!! Just realize everyon goes through phases - I know I do. Some days I feel I can't design my way out of a paper bag and then I get an idea and it clicks. Just have fun and enjoy what you are doing-!

[Stacey Jewell Stahl]

Fran, I just saw your other posting about PRAYERS NEEDED and I have come to the conclusion that sometimes despair dries up our creativity. During this past winter I took about 10 photos (I usually take more than that on one day), did about 10 layouts (that was what I used to do in a week) and created ONE element pack (something I could do in a day). My depression affected everything in my life, including my ability to create.

Perhaps you are in a season where your creativity is a little low. From seeing your gallery, I know that you are full of creative energy. Perhaps you could look forward to your creativity and your confidence returning. I will pray for that too.

[Sandersmr]

Fran - by all means use PIAPs, RMAs and scraplifts to keep scrapping. I think that scrapping, as in any creative outlet, begets creativity. I'm a big believer in using all the tools in my arsenal to get me scrapping - and as I'm using my tools, I start recognizing what works and what doesn't work for me creatively.

There are days when I think all I create is garbage. And then every once in a while, I just surprise myself.

Maggie, another one lacking the Creativity Gene

[Canay]

I think many of us feel as you do. Creativity is something different for everyone. Your family issues are probably the main culprit. Also we all go through slumps. I was recently in a slump for months. I totally felt like I hit a wall and was not getting any better. (Someone actually commented that the layouts in one of my galleries were not trendy and looked like things people did three years ago!) Talk about being depressed...

Then Ali Edwards June 11, 2007 ezine arrived in my in box. It was titled Top 20 tips for creating and designing. Her fist tip...

1. Get over what you "think" it should be and just allow it to be ("it" will be something different for every person).

The light bulb went off! Just allow it to be...whatever "it" is...

[Linda Paulson]

Fran I think we ALL struggle with that same issue!! I'll bet that each one of us has moments of insecurity about our own creative abilities! I had to laugh at Lisa's comment about the paper bag...I'm not a designer but I've had the same feelings thinking I can't scrap my way out of a paper bag!!!

Sometimes it lasts for a day or two and sometimes that feeling of being uncreative drags on for long stretches of time. Add to that the stress that you're going through in your family and I can really understand your struggle!

Take a deep breath and let go of that anxiety. Feel free to use any tools that might help you keep scrapping as Maggie suggested. Or take a little break...sometimes I have to step away from creating for a little while while I 'regroup." Especially if I'm dealing with other issues in my life!

The other thing that I've found that helps me is to spend a little time organizing my "stuff". I'm always behind on that!!! And as I go through my pictures and scrapping supplies I often find something unexpected that sparks a new idea and before I know it I'm scrapping again and my organizing is again abandoned...lol.

(((hugs))) to you sweetie....we've ALL been there!!!

[showme]

Oh, great big cyber hugs to you Frani! Hug you tight! You have been given some great inspiration ideas. We've all been in your shoes regarding creativity issues. Sometimes it helps me to have NO plan for a photo, rather browse through your digital collection and enjoy the beauty of what the designers have done. Can ANYONE forget the beautiful book you created for the Bayeux Tapestry class???????? Creativity dripped from every layout! You'll get that spark again. Holler if I can help! I would love to do something for you!

[prodigal]

I've seen your gallery and you definitely are creative! I'm not sure what's going on exactly in your life right now, but I know in mine when I am low I can't think of a thing. I have struggled with depression off and on for years now and for me it puts a big damper on everything in life. Kind of numbs you, and numbs that creative side too. It will spark back up, just give it time. Hugs to you

[Amy Eileen]

Oh Fran! {{{HUGS}}} It's so true that we all have low times, we all have times where we think our creativity has run its course. Your gallery proves what wonderful ability you have and it oozes creativity. Go back through your gallery and just look! You can be your own inspiration, my friend. Do you have a favorite layout you made? Try lifting yourself!!! :)

[nancyr]

Fran - Thank you for posting your doubts. I love the advice you have been given and if you dont mind I might just use it too. I know that I to have felt that I really lack the creativity gene. Now though I have realized I am to old to worry and I am just greatful that I can recognize creativity when I see and use it to my benefit. RMP, PIAP, scraplifting all show you are creative because the final LOs are yours. You are going through a difficult time and that is where your focus is and it should be. But I know you are creative! I am sending you big cyber hugs.

[Donna]

Anyway, I've come to the conclusion I just don't have "THE CREATIVE GENE" and will forever more use PIAP, Quick Clicks, or lift others work (which has been exceptional on this site).

Thanks all for being so CREATIVE, for those of us who are not.....

Uhhh.......I don't think so!!! Girl your LOs inspire me!!!! Especially your ones about you-- awesome journaling!!!

It will come back........Don't stress!

[Nzingha]

I don't think of myself as creative or crafty either. That gene was my mothers and it certainly jumped a generation (I'm hoping my girls are gifted the way she was). And after she passed away I went through a major slump.. downright blaaahhh!!!

Then I did a few things the most important was remembering why I scrap in the first place. It wasn't to follow latest trends, it wasn't to get comments of love on my LO (ok so that doesn't hurt at all) or follow anyones 'rules' of what looks good and what doesn't. I'm not exactly a rule follower to begin with. So I decided.. forget that.. I'll scrap why i want to the way I want to. And after that.. I've felt better. I don't necessarily think I'm 'creative' or 'artsy' at all and I drool over other peoples creativity in their LOs and say "ohhhh I wish I could do that!!!", but in the end I don't feed that dragon.

Give yourself some time, get through your family issues.. in fact use scrapping to get through it. i found it was great therapy for me. And scrap for you. I'm sure things will look up sooner rather than latter.

[sandilyn]

Oh my Fran, you are going through a rough time right now, am sure that is affecting your creativity! I beg to differ with you though- you are most definitely creative!!! Just look at your most gorgeous Bayeaux Tapestry book- one of the most inspiring pieces of art on the web!!! (Well, I truly think so anyway!) Take it easy on yourself, it will come back to you. In the meantime, have a glass of lemonade, or sit in the shade of a tree by a babbling brook- do something totally out of your normal routine that you enjoy, just for you. A little pampering may be just what you need at the moment. (((big virtual hug)))