I don’t know about you, but there are days when I don’t know what to work on. My saving grace is that I’ve committed to showing up at a certain time of day, every day, to work on a creative project. This is what makes me show up all the time. If I had to wait for creativity to spark before I showed up to create, half of the time I won’t be creating anything.
It’s like when you were a child and you went out to play with the neighborhood friend. If one day, they didn’t want to play with you for whatever reason, when you get out in the yard and start playing, they’ll be looking out the window, longing to join you. Before you know it, they’re out in the yard with you and you’re both having a blast.
This week was one of those where I didn’t know what to work on – creativity was not coming out to play with me. But I decided I wasn’t going to wait for creativity. I started with one idea, spent hours on it, only to discard it. Then onto another idea and another; until finally, I decided to revisit last week’s theme. That was well… a start.
I’m not totally satisfied with the sketch but I know the pursuit of perfection will only leave me perfectly unhappy. Rather, I find that having something you can work to improve is always better than waiting for the best idea and ending up with nothing at all to work on.
So in the spirit of let’s just get started with something, …, anything, here’s the sketch I started with. The sketch did turn out okay but the collage and stitch part were challenging. First, I didn’t like the colors in the collage and then I couldn’t choose the right thread colors for the stitching part.
Pencil Sketch
After trying different combinations of thread colors and fabric colors here’s the resulting stitched drawing. My color choice for the steam was off because you can hardly see it on the front view
Reverse View of Stitched Drawing
The steam does show better on the reverse view, though. I’ll go back and add some more swirls in a color that will show better.
VIDEO
Tips, Tools, and Techniques
- Don’t wait for creativity. Show up to work and play even if creativity didn’t show up first. Creativity will not be able to hold out for long. Soon she’ll be joining you to play.
- Give yourself permission to fail. This permission allows you to be more creative and daring. You’ll likely push the envelope more than you’d have otherwise done
- Not every piece you make will become a masterpiece. The lessons learned though, will a masterpiece make in the future.
What do you do when you don’t feel inspired to work? Do you wait for creativity or are you able to start without her? Can’t wait to hear how you’re dealing with creativity lows. Join me in the comments section.
Warmest Regards,
Watch and read about the entire Stitch The Sketch series.
Love this! And I know what you mean. Sometimes I have to avoid the computer and just sew. Then you might get lucky!
It’s so true, Claudia. You can spend all the time on the computer and elsewhere looking for inspiration and so little time actually doing the work. It comes to a time when you’ve just got to make yourself do it.
Clara, love the colors in this! I have saved lots of images in my pictures on the computer….when I am adrift or not feeling creative, I look at them and am always inspired! And I actually have times when I feel no creativity at all, and have learned that is the time for me to do something totally unrelated to my art……..like bake a loaf of bread, or go somewhere [ I hardly get out much, as I work at home], just taking a break from it gives a fresh new perspective/feeling! Joan
I agree, Joan. An inspiration folder, or a file full of pictures that you like is a great way to get yourself inspired when you’re not feeling creative. Doing something unrelated is also another great way to help you make connections. Two great inspiration boosters. Thanks for sharing.
Clara, I love this challenge you have set out for yourself and others. I will jump on board and try it. It gives me something to do when, as you said, you sometimes show up at your studio and have no inspiration to work on anything at all. I face that often. Recently, I simply resurrected the Meadow quilt I started last July at SewOK (Lizzy House’s design) in an attempt to finish it before this year’s SewOK is held. I have missed my mark (not by much though) and I have it there for those days when I just can’t do more than repetitive motion. This gives me something more creative as a go-to. Sorry, Meadow!
Cate, it’s wonderful that you’re jumping on board. I can’t wait to see the beautiful creation you’ll make. 🙂
I have started 2 inspiration scrap books. One for all,the pictures taken at quilt shows and one where I can glue in pictures from magazines or cards or even bits of pretty ribbon.Days when I am lost on what to do I just sit down and look through them and almost always come up with something to try:)
Thanks for sharing Beth. It’s a good thing to know that creativity sometimes plays “hide and go seek” with us. By planning ahead and keeping inspiration books, when that day comes, we’ll not be found wanting.