Stamper's Block

[jhitchin]

Over the last week, I'd been at my computer desk mostly and could smell the odor of rubber, ink and colored pencils just a few feet away. My hands were aching to stamp something, so finally, I decided that was it, I was going to go stamp something.

I sat down at my stamp table, triumphant, and then nothing. I looked at my sheets of cling stamps and my drawers of wood-mounted stamps. Nothing. I couldn't think of a darned thing to do. It was maddening. I got out some card stock and some background papers and did a little color matching exercise, but nothing actually occurred.

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

Why does this happen?

Jeff

[XrayAmy]

It happens to me too. Sometimes it's best just to walk away. For stamping ideas, since I like scenic stamping, I would just think of a scene that I would like to be in right now...like a nice pond or a meadow or some place exotic. That usually works for me. The other thing that has worked is to look through my stamps and find one that I really wanted to use and then just build off of that one.

[piecesandpom]

I get stumped, too! At times there seem to be so many techniques and
what do I actually really want to do? Part of my problem is that I still in-
sist most of the time on creating my background papers!:laugh: I'm still
in the 'collecting images' phase and often find that what I think will work
together really doesn't. As my eldest would say, 'need symmetry, Mom,'
so some of the collage out of scale stuff isn't my thing.

I agree with Amy, when I'm really stumped I try to think of nature scenes.
It helps that we have a river off our backyard with critters, changing
seasons and my attempt at a garden in front of it. I've discovered that
certain colors I used to really dislike are rather abundant in nature and it
all works. How can that be? So I watch how the light changes.

I'm really thinking of working a series of monochromatic cards. Haven't
picked the images yet, don't necessarily have the correct inks but thought
that would get me moving in an interesting direction. . .

Love your cards in the Stampscapes gallery! Just need to tickle your funny
bone?

[stampin stacy]

Maybe you are 1) still too stress from working too much lately and 2) trying too hard now that you have time to stamp. Go see a movie, go for a walk, just enjoy some down time in general and suddenly inspiration will find you. It happens to all of us. I was having trouble recently because of cabin fever but managed to get 2 things completed and some more are in the planning stages all of a sudden. It will come but you need to relax and not force it.

[j3annin3]

When I can't think of anything good to stamp I deliberatly stamp the worst, most ugly thing I can put together. I think that if I am working to create something 'good' it's kind of limiting, but working to just 'scribble' is very much a free thing; just to do it, just for fun.

[Inky Whiskers]

When I get "stuck" I like to get out cheap white card stock, inks (dye, pigment or other) a few coloring tools (especially if I have something I haven't used yet) and just play with making DTP backgrounds. I find the process soothing & I usually get some really nice results that can be used later.While I'm enjoying the flow of colors my mind just wonders as it will and I find ideas poping up after a while. I don't have a destination in mind, I'm just enjoying the ride.

I also keep a notebook of ideas that I jot down as they occur to me so that if I get stuck I can look thru' earlier ideas for inspiration.

Don't worry too much! Your muse will get over being ignored and stop pouting eventually.:p

[michelle328]

One really great way I've found to light that old fire is to get involved in a challenge from a stamping board. Even if you don't belong to the board or don't want to submit, it gives you some direction...a place to start. Quite often I'll start something with one idea/theme in mind and it takes on a life of its own...it's really kinda cool.

[patcreates]

I agree with the suggestion of participating in challenges. I have been doing this a lot with a color challenge on another board. For some reason, working with different color combos always inspires me.

[artsyvisions]

I think it happens to all of us. Sometimes you just have to walk away for a few hours or days until your muse returns and it always does!

If you start looking through stamping magazines, websites and blogs, you may find yourself jumping back to create sooner! I always find inspiration in these things.

[inkieroo]

I think it happens to all of us. Sometimes you just have to walk away for a few hours or days until your muse returns and it always does!

If you start looking through stamping magazines, websites and blogs, you may find yourself jumping back to create sooner! I always find inspiration in these things.
I think that is a great idea! I find that the galleries at the different sites really get your creative muse going. You are welcome to look at our creative crew one at our web site for a place to start at www.lasimppan.com as well as the wonderful galleries that are here at this site!

[restingrabbit]

I must have a really fertile imagination because it is all I can do not to sit at my art table and play with my stamps and papers. If I did not go to work, I would have no way to pay for all my toys!

Sometimes when my little brain is overwhelmed and I cannot figure out where to start I just take out my favorite stamp at the time and build a card or a bookmark around it. Doesn't have to be for anyone, although that can be an inspiration in itself.

I have this one stamp of an enormous dog that I have to do for my gallery here. Whenever I see it, I have ideas spilling out of my noggin - it has absolutely no redeeming qualities other than it makes me glad it is not my dawg! Big, hairy and not particularly attractive! Great for a humorous card!

Nancy (aka restingrabbit)
www.restingrabbit.com