Why is it that those gorgeous papers

[anxela]

...that I see used in the gallery, and I think "hey, I have to get those", end up not looking that good on my layouts? I know that they are fabulous, but my pages end up looking the same old boring self, and I try to start over and over... and over... Oh well, being a non-creative person, I guess I just have to put up with it. Maybe lifting is the way to go?

(This day's blowout due to lack of creative mojo)

edit: I suppose what I'm also saying with this is: I love your layouts, girls (and boys)! You all rock!

[whatnext]

i've seen your pages, and you have NOTHING to worry about! but i do agree that, when you're feeling non-creative, the way to go for a while is either lifting or using a template.

isn't it amazing how creativity can come and go? i just went through a REEEELEEE long dry spell.

[dugarner]

I feel exactly the same way. I see an awesome LO in the gallery, and the papers look so good . . . I buy them, download them, put them in my project bin, and then . . . nothing. They never look quite the same again! But they sure are pretty to look at! I've given up on creativity, and I just always go for the lift.

[anke]

Do the lift then and I think that you will find that over time your creativity increases, as you find the little secrets that make you like a certain page. Some days are just better than others too, so don't be too hard on yourself. And, as Phylis said, your pages are wonderful, you have nothing to worry about!!!!
Btw. Phylis, your new avatar is awesome!!!

[roxygirl78]

i also find that the eBooks in the store give insight as to how products are used along with some wonderful inspiration.

[Lynn Grieveson]

I just wanted to say, your gallery is gorgeous - stunning photography, and beautifully designed layouts. I love your use of BW photos and the colours you pair them with, and the strong simple designs of your pages.

[anxela]

Thanks, all of you, for advice about how to improve my scrapping process, and for your incredibly nice comments on my pages. Whew, I feel a little relieved. And the thread about scrapping style by twirlerzmom also shows me that I'm not alone feeling a little overwhelmed at times.

[rsowers]

Originally Posted by dugarner

I feel exactly the same way. I see an awesome LO in the gallery, and the papers look so good . . . I buy them, download them, put them in my project bin, and then . . . nothing. They never look quite the same again! But they sure are pretty to look at! I've given up on creativity, and I just always go for the lift.

Same here, same here. Almost all of my pages are lifts or templates.

[annaaspnes]

*This day's blowout due to lack of creative mojo*

Ditto on the creative mojo...I wish I could find mine this week.

[Aino]

Your pages are awesome - so I don't know what you worry about! Don't compare yourself to anyone else - look at what YOU do.

[Elena]

Originally Posted by Aino

Your pages are awesome - so I don't know what you worry about! Don't compare yourself to anyone else - look at what YOU do.

What Aino said! YOUR stuff is great!

[suzanne]

You have some really terrific stuff in the gallery. But I know how you feel I see all these great layouts using supplies but when I try to use them for my pages they just don't give me the same warm and fuzzy feeling.

[Myra]

I agree that your pages are beautiful. For me, templates get my creative juices flowing every time. Then I move things here and there and before I know it, I've got a completed page. Sometimes it's an easier way to start the process and get the pulled together look you're talking about. And our designer make amazing templates!

[cheska99]

Be kind to yourself today, sweetie. Pat yourself on the back. Your layouts are terrific. When my creative juices dry up, I find a template works, a lift works, or just noodling can work. And, of course, we have to remember that scrapbooking is a folk art not graphic design (well, not entirely).