What do you do when you get scrapper's block?

[bigbabyblues]

I'm really enjoying working on our trip album, I've got 18 pages done so far, and many, many more to go. My problem is, I'm working on our Animal Kingdom pics, and I just can't seem to want to finish them. The pics are good, but they're a little boring, and I think part of the problem is that our AK day was horrible for us....baby fussy, extremely too hot, etc. I've got 3 more 1-pg LO's to do for AK, should I keep working on them, even though I start each page with dread, or should I skip ahead and work on something else for awhile? I'm using a CM album and I want the pages in a certain order, but I figure I can put sticky notes on each page in the album as to what goes on that page, that way I don't get messed up.

What do you think?

Steph

 

[ToDisney]

I do post bound, but can you just "save" the spots you'd put these pages in and move on, then come back?

A couple of years ago when we took our youngest for the first time, OMGosh... what a mess. We have always taken our kids as young as 6 months. He was almost 2 and it's funny to read the journaling now because I mention quite a bit how disasterous (too strong a word) the Pooh breakfast was and how my DH had to leave the park early to take him back to the hotel.

 

[pjlla]

Skip them!! Move on... maybe another day you will feel more patient/inspired and the pages will come out even better than they would if you do them when not inspired. And check out the Disney pages on www.twopeasinabucket.com I find great inspiration there! HTH...............P

 

[DVCTiff]

In general, when I get stuck, I flip through a scrapbook mag and choose a layout to copy. Even if it just helps me position the photos, it's enough to get me going.

In your case, it sounds like the emotions of that day are keeping you stuck. Since those probably won't change, you may just need to get the scrapping over with.

Good luck!

 

[Daisymae26]

i would skip the pages for a while... but have you looked at the magazine, Creating Keepsakes? it has lots of great ideas. i think one issue had a spread about going to the zoo. you could use ideas from that. you can get inspiration from anywhere, home dec magazines, children's books, coloring pages, even TV, like the Animal Planet.

 

[TrixyA]

To me, scrapbooking is supposed to be fun.

If I was dreading doing a page, I wouldn't do it until inspiration hits. It usually does after I stop obsessing about it. Another thing that works wonders for me is to take hard pictures to a group crop and ask for help. It's so cool to watch a group of talented croppers work on my pictures.

 

[FantasticDisFamily]

I'd stop scrapping and go do something else...even if it is mundane as laundry or other household chores.

Actually those are usually the best when I'm stuck on a difficult page because as difficult as the layout is, it is better to work on than doing housework! So pretty soon inspiration hits!

Deb

 

[welovemickey]

Don't laugh, but when I have scrapper's block I have a glass of wine or two. I'm then very relaxed and everything just flows.

Lately I've had a lot of scrapper's block - the recycling men cringe when they get to my house! LOL.

 

[bigbabyblues]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I worked on them for awhile, then I walked away for awhile, and FINALLY I got through those last 4 pages.....it took about 3 days, which isn't long, but I got them done. They aren't anything fancy, but none of my stuff is, and I'm happy with them. One is extremely plain, but it's done!

On to Epcot!!!

Steph

 

[thatchicktrish]

I have this problem too so I don't have any advice. There's two things that come into play with my blockage... I just started scrapping so I'm not that great at it and secondly on our trip I had a terrible camera so the pics didn't come out great, honestly I cried when I saw that I had to throw away many of our pictures. The others that were salvaged are un-usable for my scrapbook. It was some malfunction with the shutter not opening all the way so in many of my pics the top right hand corner and lower left hand corner are black. *pouts* The pic of DS with Mickey wasn't able to be saved

I've since bought a great new camera but that doesn't help with my terrible pictures from our first family trip to WDW this past April/May. On the bright side...I've used this as a reason for us to HAVE to go back to WDW next year! lol My DH loves my reasoning, I'm sure!

 

[bigbabyblues]

on our trip I had a terrible camera so the pics didn't come out great, honestly I cried when I saw that I had to throw away many of our pictures

I'm so sorry, I can't imagine how disappointing that would be! I almost can, I dropped my 35mm camera in the kiddie pool when my 15-month old went under the water on our trip, and it was ruined, along with the pics in it, but I did have my digital also, so we were fortunate.

I hope you get to go back soon,

Steph

 

[Alice28]

When I have scrapper's block, I usually just do a standard layout- one of my old stand-bys. Keep it simple. Move on. My standard variation of a layout (I am a simple CM scrapper for the most part) may include a matted border- using either the 12 inch tool to add some zing or just use some of the precut rick rack or zesty short cut borders. Mat a few pics in coordinating paper...add some stickers or a die cut. Journal. Voila...a layout, may not be knock your socks off, but it's done, the pictures are on the page and I can move on.

 

[thatchicktrish]

Originally posted by bigbabyblues
I'm so sorry, I can't imagine how disappointing that would be! I almost can, I dropped my 35mm camera in the kiddie pool when my 15-month old went under the water on our trip, and it was ruined, along with the pics in it, but I did have my digital also, so we were fortunate.

I hope you get to go back soon,

Steph

thanks! I'm in the beginning stages of planning our next trip now. I'm also working on dh to get a digital camera


I've discovered a new way to overcome scrapper's block while working on my WDW album....I listen to the Disney channels on www.live365.com They've inspired me. I heard the splash mountain song 3 times yesterday and can't stop humming it now! It's really helped me come up with ideas and get into the WDW mindstate. I love hearing music from the parks and attractions. If anyone uses live365 also...the stations I listen to are: Radio Buena Vista, Park Hopper Radio and Sorcerer Radio:WDW, check em out sometime!

 

[bigbabyblues]

I've tried live365, followed the instructions, and it still won't work for me. i tried 4 or 5 times. maybe i'm destined to be deprived

Steph

 

[pjlla]

I never had any trouble with it until we got some "blockers" on the computer (pop-up blocker namely). I have to disable the blocker in able to get a station on Live365.... maybe this will help you..................P