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Post by Citygirl on Nov 28, 2020 1:39:23 GMT
Every year one of my personal goals is to craft more and it’s the one thing I seem to fail at every year. Hoping to improve that in 2021.
What things have you done to increase your productivity with this hobby?
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Post by kkrenn on Nov 28, 2020 2:06:37 GMT
I have no idea but hopefully someone has some helpful hints!
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Post by Linda on Nov 28, 2020 2:45:18 GMT
joining the challenges here - the monthly ones especially but also the crop weekends.
setting aside specific time that's dedicated to crafting
having my crafting stuff convenient to use not tucked away where I have to pull it out and put it back
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caangel
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,727 
Location: So Cal
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Post by caangel on Nov 28, 2020 2:47:51 GMT
Make an easy to achieve monthly goal for the year. This gets me scrapping and usually I will do more once I start but then I also don't feel bad if I just get the minimum done. Find a way to hold yourself accountable whether that's to post here or something else.
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christinec68
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,422
Location: New York, NY
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Post by christinec68 on Nov 28, 2020 3:17:02 GMT
I find it's easier for me to be productive when I have pictures I want to scrap printed and ready to go and a good sketch or scraplift challenge to get started. Making page kits helps me too - I had some leftover from a retreat in February which I finished up when I got home. That helped me keep up the momentum.
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Post by joblackford on Nov 28, 2020 4:34:44 GMT
I would say that knowing how you spend your time and evaluating whether that's in line with your goals is the starting point. What's in the way of crafting as much as you want? Probably other things you also want to do, or time wasters that are enjoyable but not as important (like social media...) Or maybe you just don't have time. Or maybe you have the time but you're not getting much done?
Like Linda said, dedicated time - getting up early or staying up later, or just letting everyone else know that this is crafty time should help.
I think maybe making crafting satisfying, easy, fun, and convenient (like social media!) might help it win out against all the other things you could be doing.
One little tip I read was about creating a "get to work" cue by playing the same song every time you sit down to start can help your brain click into the right mood. You hear Eye of the Tiger or Shake it Off or Weird Science and your brain says, OK, crafty time!
My husband suggests Back in Time (Huey Lewis) or Paperback Writer (Beatles).
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Post by grammadee on Nov 28, 2020 5:03:31 GMT
Alot of good advice here. If you can carve out some time on a regular basis--maybe Sunday afternoons, or Tuesday evenings, or whatever works for you--and you have a space where you feel relaxed and focused on your hobby (a place where your supplies and tools are handy and there are no other distractions) then that is most of the battle. Have a plan. It doesn't have to be a big detailed plan. Just something like "I want to do a page or two about X". Before you sit down to scrap, make sure your photos are printed and you have papers and supplies that will work for that project. Or "I want to make Christmas cards". Not I want to make 100 cards in two hours. Just the general idea. Then you could have card blanks and papers and stickers or stamps and inks that work with that idea. Don't "should" on yourself. If the last page you scrapped was your kid's 5th birthday party in 2012, and you are struggling with moving on from there because your albums should be chronological, give yourself a break. Maybe print that snap chat pic she just sent you cuz it made you laugh, and make a crazy page about THAT. Or grab that paper you bought b/c you love the colours, and find a photo you can scrap with it.
Once you have that mastered, then the next thing is to shut down what my dd calls the "iddy biddy shiddy committee" in your head. Those internal voices that tell you that what you just did looks like crap. People with writers' block are often editing before they have even written a word. Try to just play. There are no wrong answers. Anything you create today is more than you had before, right? If a project is not going the way you like it, then don't feel guilty if you put that one aside--maybe make a page kit with the photos &/or supplies you have gathered so far--and move on. Maybe make a few more page kits. Or glue some strips of paper on a card front: you can always add a focal later! And if you are in your designated space at your designated time with your designated supplies and the creativity is not flowing, don't beat yourself up. And it helps not to think of this as productivity, but rather as having some fun. Good luck! |
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msliz
Drama Llama
The Procrastinator
Posts: 6,419
Jun 26, 2014 21:32:34 GMT
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Post by msliz on Nov 28, 2020 5:04:32 GMT
For me it's often a matter of setting aside some time for it. Just having a dedicated hour or three is like giving myself "permission" to craft. All the other jobs that are nagging at me can wait because I wrote in crafting on my to-do list today. Laundry can suck it. The kitchen can suck it. And yardwork can suck it. My little paper gnomes and snowmen need my attention.
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Post by LavenderLayoutLady on Nov 28, 2020 9:18:50 GMT
I know what works for me to boost productivity, but it might be different for everyone.
For me, having a dedicated space to leave my stuff out helps so much. I have a desk in my bedroom.
Also, being able to pinpoint what hinders your scrapping better helps you to work out solutions.
My scrapping blockades are:
Exhaustion from work,
helping kids with virtual school when I'm not at work,
having someone share my room (and having my stuff displaced
The stress of the pandemic
Having not had even one minute completely alone since March 13th.
I also need to be in a good mood to scrap.
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Post by myboysnme on Nov 28, 2020 11:18:51 GMT
Recently I have started taking a pack of pictures when I pick it up and I separate it out. If I know where the product is for those photos they go into a 12x12 envelope with the product. If not they go into a page protector in an album for me to pull later.
Example: photos of dgd helping to cook thanksgiving dinner. I have a 12x12 envelope of cooking with paper, stickers, embellishes etc all in that envelope. I know that what I have directly related to the cooking theme is in there. So the photos go in there. Because it is also Thanksgiving theme, when I scrap them I may add Thanksgiving elements to the layouts, but Thanksgiving is a separate envelope.
Christmas is one of those themes I have a ton of, all in a super big iris case. When I have photos I pull from that box what I might use and that goes in an envelope.
My son is a teacher and I scrap his pics from that and I have 3 school envelopes for him that have what I would use for his photos. It is not all the school stuff I have, just what I would use for his photos as a kindergarten teacher. One envelope has anchor stuf, their logo.
When I get new paper that goes with theme I already have an envelope for, I put it in there. When I go to crops I grab whatever envelopes I might want to work on.
Some envelopes may be just page projector with one photo and the related paper. But I know when I want to scrap it, everything related is in there.
My friend on the other hand plans her layouts with a sketch based on what she wants to use. She sorts into an envelope but only includes what she is actually going to use on that layout. That takes way too much time for me. In my method if I have a place to put that last pumpkin sticker on the sheet, I have it with me and can stick it on if I want.
My last 2 day crop I pretty much finished 2 baby albums with 4 months of photos for my niece and sister law with this method.
Lastly, I do a lot of college prints so I don't have to deal with getting full size photos on a page if they don't require it. Example, I took photos of some of the Thanksgiving food and did a collage print instead of a 4x6 photo of each item. Fewer photos to scrap means faster scrapping. Sometimes I cut the collage apart and I use pop dots alot for certain things to make them stand out.
Those are my best tips. Sorry so long!
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Post by scrappyem on Nov 28, 2020 12:28:43 GMT
Having a morning routine really helped me. I get up & do 30 minutes of crafty time every morning before I got to work or start my day on the weekends. It was rough for me at first (and time changes still make me struggle) but having that dedicated time makes more productive and it makes me happy. It's a good way to start the day. I will add the pandemic has really messed with my routine and I'm still trying to make it all work.
The other thing that helps is for me to jot down a note of what I'm working on and where I am in the project. Most of the time I can't complete a layout start to finish (photo editing, printing, journaling, playing with the paper and all the pretty things). Half the time I forget what I wanted to do on a layout if I don't add a note, I won't remember what I wanted to do. If I'm in photoshop, I'll just add a note right there using the text tool. If it's already on my desk, I'll just use a sticky note. It helps to be able to pick right back up where I left off.
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Post by mikklynn on Nov 28, 2020 14:14:15 GMT
Before I retired, I would set aside the time after dinner was cleaned up until about 8 pm for my scrapbooking time. I still do that, actually.
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Post by carolynhasacat on Nov 28, 2020 14:18:44 GMT
Honestly? Setting expectations with DH. I have to give him a heads up that I want time to scrap and that I won't be available. I also need to be in a good mood to scrap, and that has been hard to predict this year. Having these two things collide feels impossible sometimes.
The other thing that makes me productive is batch processing. I try to edit photos in lots when I have free computer time, then print batches at a time when I can get to my printer. Same with cut files, pulling papers, etc. I started keeping a sketch book this year and that has been helpful to remind me what photo, papers and cut files go together.
Lots of good advice in this thread!
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Post by Citygirl on Nov 28, 2020 14:26:21 GMT
Thanks everyone. I am loving all these great tips! Lots of great ideas to consider. Keep them coming.
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Post by Neisey on Nov 28, 2020 15:24:03 GMT
The best way for me to be productive is to set a regular date with my scrapping/crafting friends. Once I’ve committed then I really make the effort to be there whereas if I was just making a date with myself I’d bail on me lol
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Post by marg on Nov 28, 2020 16:43:31 GMT
I put the projects I want to work on in my Reminders app so that it pops up and prompts me to do something crafty when I'm just sitting on the couch watching TV or whatever.
I find breaking tasks into chunks helps - so I'll set a reminder to "edit photos for PL" and when I get that prompt at 7 pm, I'll grab my computer and work on my photos. Then I'll have another reminder for the next day to print them.
I also tell myself I'll just do something for 5 minutes, and then I usually end up getting in the mood even if I wasn't at first. Sometimes it doesn't work, but I've still done 5 minutes of stuff, at least. I'll set a reminder to do something like "die cut snowmen for cards" or something simple, and that's enough to get me in my scrap room.
Basically, I use the techniques I've learned to help my son with ADHD accomplish his schoolwork and tasks. The easier I set myself up for success, the more likely it is that I'll actually do something - from putting my printed photos where I can easily grab them, to pulling a few supplies and putting them on my desk ready to go - whatever it takes, no matter how small, it all helps.
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Post by 950nancy on Nov 28, 2020 17:58:30 GMT
I tell myself to just get in as many days for 15 minutes as possible. Then I get started on something and stay longer. It also helps if you have a space where you can leave things out so you see something in progress.
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,082
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Nov 28, 2020 18:28:19 GMT
So many great tips! I find my problem is when I want to do something crafty or creative, my 5 year old wants to get all up in my business and I end up doing a crafty project with her and don't get what I want to do done. And then by the end of the day (after distance learning, cleaning, meals etc) I'm so pooped out I just want to veg out in front of Youtube and watch people get crafty. LOL I will definitely try some of the advice y'all have given, something is bound to work.  |
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kelly8875
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,431
Location: Lost in my supplies...
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Post by kelly8875 on Nov 28, 2020 23:26:41 GMT
Do you have space at home to do it? If not, carve out somewhere in your home that you can leave things out.
I’ve been trying to do more this year, which turned out to be easy since most of my events I go to were cancelled. But I find myself going into my scraproom several times a week. Even if I only get half a layout done, it feels good to have done something. I didn’t used to ever buy kits, but I have been. I try to find some that help me fill in the gaps, or a very detailed, or have specific logos or themes I want. Letting someone else do the first part takes some of the hard part away, which has been good on weeknights after work.
I think the biggest thing for me has been to remember is that I don’t have to be in there all day. If it ends up being 20 minutes, so be it.
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Post by hop2 on Nov 29, 2020 3:03:20 GMT
It has been easier since I have a dedicated space.
But, another thing that helped - setting shorter goals and make them reachable ( like the monthly goal threads we used to have )
Making your self an ‘appointment’ with your supplies. You know all those budgeting advice gurus who tell you to pay your self first, well, same principle. If crafting is important to you put it into your ‘schedule’ I do this. I set aside 20-30 minutes a day to do my memory planner ( yes I occasionally skip that but I also occasionally play for an hour ) and then I set aside 10 hours a month to do other crafting. That’s just 2 1/2 days on the weekends. Even if I sit & just cut out clouds & suns with my diecutter for my memory planner it’s relaxing for me.
Keep your space clean ( ish ) and your supplies readily available
If you see inspiration somewhere jot it down in a note book or your phone.
Challenges can be inspiring and can often lead me to do quite a bit of crafting but I sometimes find that can also lead me astray from my previous goals if they do not readily fit the challenge but see how that works for you.
I hope you find your path to creativity and you enjoy your crafting for 2021
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vexedangel
Full Member
Posts: 401
Nov 4, 2018 20:14:04 GMT
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Post by vexedangel on Nov 29, 2020 3:50:52 GMT
What is currently working for me is: 1) Having a dedicated space where I can leave stuff out if necessary. 2) Aiming for 20 minutes a day. This is a challenge some friends are doing on another board, and I have really benefitted from it. 20 minutes of something, anything, scrappy related. Can be cleaning, organizing, kitting, working on pics, doesn't necessarily have to be actual scrapping. 3) My routine currently is I head to my desk after dinner, and get what I can done before bedtime. That may look like only grabbing 2 minutes here or there, but see 1) above.  4) I don't push it. I don't generally have goals beyond a challenge I participate in that has us complete 4 layouts a month Jan-Oct. That about fits my life right now, so that is the only push I give myself. Otherwise, I don't fight it and try to scrap when I don't want to, because it just *never* works out. And since this is my hobby, I want to enjoy it, not feel guilt or pressure to be productive. 5) Fresh pics are always inspiring! Good luck! For those with littles, I'm sending you good scrappy vibes. I made my kids a box of my cast-off scrappy supplies and let them play with it at their kiddy table while I got to play a little at my scrappy desk. I know that can be stressful, too, though! It does get better! |
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Post by ScrapbookMyLife on Nov 29, 2020 4:02:29 GMT
Personally, I work best if I have a reward waiting for me at the end. Something to look forward to. That's my personal currency, I like little splurges.
I scrapbook chronologically. I tell myself if I get "whatever months" done by this date, I will treat myself to something at Hobby Lobby, Cherry on top, Scrapbook,com., etc... or an individual Nothing bundt cake.
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Post by Linda on Nov 29, 2020 16:32:27 GMT
! I find my problem is when I want to do something crafty or creative, my 5 year old wants to get all up in my business and I end up doing a crafty project with her and don't get what I want to do done my kids are older now (14, 20, 29) but when I started scrapping they were 11 and almost 2. I had a box of scraps and cast-off stickers and at first kiddy scissors and later deco scissors and gluesticks and photo discards (you know how you print more than you end of using...) and when they want to join me at my scrap desk, those were their scrapbook supplies - and while I did craft projects with the them regularly, my scrapbook time wasn't the time for that. like the monthly goal threads we used to have I'm sorry, I've not been too good about posting those but I'll get December's started now |
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Post by hop2 on Nov 29, 2020 16:55:07 GMT
! I find my problem is when I want to do something crafty or creative, my 5 year old wants to get all up in my business and I end up doing a crafty project with her and don't get what I want to do done my kids are older now (14, 20, 29) but when I started scrapping they were 11 and almost 2. I had a box of scraps and cast-off stickers and at first kiddy scissors and later deco scissors and gluesticks and photo discards (you know how you print more than you end of using...) and when they want to join me at my scrap desk, those were their scrapbook supplies - and while I did craft projects with the them regularly, my scrapbook time wasn't the time for that. like the monthly goal threads we used to have I'm sorry, I've not been too good about posting those but I'll get December's started now I figured it was a break for the holidays |
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Post by cannmom on Nov 29, 2020 19:40:45 GMT
Using sketches helps me to scrap faster. The design part is already figured out and you just need to pick supplies and cut and glue. It’s not hard to switch things up with a sketch if it doesn’t work with your photos.
I also think it helps to limit your choices somewhat. Use a collection kit or make up your own kit and limit yourself to using those supplies. This is especially helpful if you spend forever trying to pick out paper and supplies.
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clio
Full Member
Posts: 117
Dec 3, 2017 13:07:05 GMT
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Post by clio on Dec 1, 2020 14:35:27 GMT
So much good stuff here! Things that have helped me
Having dedicated space to leave things out in progress (and we got the dining table back)
Keeping that space neat
I try to keep everything for a project together in a 12x12 iris box (and when I’m really good there are only 4ish sitting around)
Always have a project that’s less “challenging” for days when you’re just not feeling it for something big (in my case cards for donation)
If time is tight set a timer & give yourself 15 minutes to just do something even doodling, sorting etc because it helps your brain relax
Finish ONE thing, anything. That feeling of accomplishment is a huge motivator to keep going
Boundaries can be tough, but my spouse is great about saying “go art”
Self-care & acceptance when necessary
If all else fails whatever music makes you happiest...loudly
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paget
Drama Llama
Posts: 7,104
Jun 25, 2014 21:16:39 GMT
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Post by paget on Dec 1, 2020 16:52:47 GMT
Mine is having a space where everything can stay out, having pictures ready, and looking through my stash- I always see something that inspires me or makes me what to use it!
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