6 Ways to Overcome Crafters Block

By Christine Torosian

Have you ever had an itch to create something? You can feel the effervescent bubbles of creativity in your veins and you know something big is trying to and it’s way out of your mind and into your hands. Maybe it was the adorable dress you saw in that magazine, or that painting hanging on the wall at that fantastic new restaurant and you thought, “Those colors…I can do that!” So you thread up the needle, or prep your palette, or whatever it is you do to get ready to create, and suddenly…Nothing. Not just a little nothing. But a deafening silence of nothing where you’re now certain you have not a creative bone in your body and any talent you previously possessed is dust in the wind. What on earth can be done? Is there any hope?

Congratulations! you have crafter’s block. Yep, it’s a thing! Much like writer’s block, it happens often to us when we are burnt out from creating, or when we haven’t created anything new in a while. The good news is, it’s common and there are ways to get those juices flowing again.

Here are a few ideas yo get you on your way:

1. Window shop at your favorite craft and art stores. You don’t have to buy a thing. Just take your phone and snap some pictures. When we see new color combinations, shapes, and patterns, it can stimulate inspiration.

2. Take a crafting class. Try something you never have before! If embroidery has always been your thing, try crocheting. You might find the change of technique and texture to be really gratifying.

3. Flip through some magazines. They might not have anything to do with crafting. Maybe you’ve been crating many things à la Joanna Gaines lately, but seeing a new motif outside of farmhouse/shabby chic might spark something big for you!

4. Redo or restart a project that you began a long time ago. You know that basket in the bottom of your closet for the Collection of Misfit Failures? It might be time to crack it open and see if anything speaks to you again.

5. Clean your craft room! When we clear out old projects and old energy, we can make room for new. You’ll be surprised how this simple thing can make a world of difference.

6. If all else fails, take a break. Sometimes, letting those creative muscles rest is deeply restorative.

Give yourself a day or even a week to read a book, try a few new recipes, or make it a point to go for a few walks in nature! See what happens. Then come back to your crafting table with a renewed and invigorated sense of creativity. There is no shame in having crafter’s block. It happens to the best of us! The key is not to give up entirely, but use the redirection and see where it takes you.

About the Author

Christine Torosian is the founder of Metanoia Integrated Coaching, LLC. She can be reached at Christine@metanoia-healing.com.

Joan Mantini

About Joan Mantini

After several years of being the Facebook page owner at Beginner Sewing, I noticed there was a desperate need to have a single go-to spot for members to be able to find answers to their common questions, get some useful tips & tricks, as well as find reputable places to purchase sewing products online. Taking my role as a trade publication editor by day, and combining it with my knowledge of frequently requested beginner sewing advice, I created www.https://beginner-sewing.com/. An outlet that gives new sewists a free digital magazine geared for entry level sewing as an extra bonus!

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