Trade Your Typical Crafting Routine for Fresh Ideas!

Crafting is about exploring new ideas, stepping outside your comfort zone, and creating things you feel proud of. However, the process of being ‘creative’ isn’t always smooth sailing. Sometimes you simply lack inspiration and have no idea what to do next.

Stampwheel 2.0

From discovering new, innovative tools to learning how to overcome creative block, we can give you some pointers to keep your ideas going! With 2025 fast approaching, we think all crafters can do with innovative practices to level up their crafting experience!

Insider’s Look: The Future of the Stampwheel

Understanding the Rut: Why We Fall Into Creative Repetition 

Much like any other creative process like writing a book or creating an artwork, getting stumped is completely normal. What isn’t normal is staying within that state of repetitiveness for too long, also known as creative burnout.

Image from iStock

Some crafters feel burnt out because they have their minds occupied with too many things, feel stressed, or maybe have done too much crafting recently to the point of exhaustion. The best way to overcome this is taking a break and doing other things you love, like watching your favorite TV show, reading a book, or spending time with your loved ones.

Image from iStock

To step out of your typical paper crafting routine, you must first take a moment to breathe and reassess your process. We have some tips to help you break out of that cycle, explore new techniques, and overcome creative block. 

Experiment with New, Unfamiliar Techniques 

If you ever find yourself with a creativity block, consider looking for new paper crafting techniques to try. This doesn’t necessarily have to be something people have never heard of, just something you’ve never tried before!

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For instance, if you enjoy stamping but haven’t tried using layered stamp sets yet, that’s a great way to start learning new techniques! You can still step out of your comfort zone with small but sure steps to get inspired without overwhelming yourself at the same time. 

Join Crafting Classes, Challenges or Retreats 

Another great way to escape a crafting rut is by participating in crafting classes and challenges. As the name suggests, it’s perfect for challenging yourself and learning techniques among other crafters or instructors. You can collaborate, share ideas, and ask as many questions as you want!

 

Altenew has monthly inspiration challenges where you can get instructions that challenge you to come up with your interpretation of the monthly prompt! For example, this month’s challenge could hone in on a specific color family or stamp set that you need to incorporate into your projects. 

Try New Crafting Tools and Materials 

Aside from trying new techniques and taking crafting classes, another way to escape a repetitive crafting routine is to try using new tools or materials. Sure, your typical stamps, dies, and inks are amazing, but how about some tools that make crafting more convenient?

Perfect Picker

Maybe you want to try something like the Perfect Picker, a tool that makes handling and placing embellishments easier. On the other hand, your fellow stampers are raving about the Stampwheel 2.0! This stamping tool is the first of its kind and makes achieving precise and effortless stamps easier than ever. With its intuitive design and user-friendly features, this innovative stamping companion is redefining crafting simplicity and reliability.

Look for New Crafting Inspiration

It’s okay to have your favorite techniques and inspiration while crafting; that’s what makes your creations unique! However, it’s also a good idea to look for other sources of inspiration.

Retro Bicycle Stamp and Die Set

If you typically find inspiration in your favorite color, try to play with color families you normally wouldn’t consider! On the other hand, if you love making floral-themed cards, start a cardmaking project centered around a city scene or some cute animals. All it takes is one change to spark a bunch of new ideas, so take that leap! 

Challenge Your Creative Process

The thing about paper crafting activities like making handmade cards is that they exist within whatever limit you set for yourself. Your imagination and creativity drive your crafting process, and whenever you feel stuck, challenging yourself is important.

Blooming Motifs Embossing Folder

Are you used to making regular half-fold cards? Why not try other formats like a z-fold or a book-style tri-fold? If you only stamp with your usual photopolymer stamp set, try using a tool like the Stampwheel 2.0 to achieve different techniques! 

Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

Possibly one of the most important things to remember when battling creativity block is to remain patient and trust the process. Running out of ideas is normal, so don’t be hard on yourself if you just can’t come up with an idea. 

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It’s always helpful to take a step back and do something else for a while. When you’re ready, try out any of the tips we shared! One thing about having a repetitive crafting process is that eventually, you’ll find your way out of it. Till then, be kind to yourself! 

Don’t Be Afraid to Step Outside Your Crafting Comfort Zone!

Breaking free from routine in design is about trying new things, but it’s also about embracing the unexpected, taking risks, and simply enjoying the creative process the way YOU want to. Remember, the most exciting designs are born when you dare to imagine what’s possible.

For more tips and information on all things cardmaking and paper crafting, do some exploring In The Craft Room!