Creative Paperclay® air dry modeling material: How NOT to be Overwhelmed with Projects

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

How NOT to be Overwhelmed with Projects - Tori's Tip for October

Some components from my first Design Team post - an "Inspiration Mobile"

At the beginning of this year I started my term on the design team - I was really excited to share some of my ideas, projects and techniques with other fans of Creative Paperclay®. During the year I realized that some of my projects are...well.....kind of complicated. Or at least they seem that way when I scroll back through some of them. The mobile project involved patterns, making cookie cutters, bending wires, planning it out, etc. because that's what it took to make it. It was also fun to create, though seeing all the steps at once might not make it seem that way.

So, in the hopes that if you see a project that you'd like to make but feel it might be too much for you, I am posting seven tips that might make you decide to "go for it"

1. Relax and don't worry about the outcome. Ask yourself what you will have lost if the project turns out to be a total flop (which, in truth, isn't very likely). The answer is usually "a few craft supplies and some time". Hopefully you will have enjoyed the process, and either way, you will have gained experience and know what to do differently the next time.

2. Read through the directions at least once before starting on anything.

3. Gather materials - Gather them according to what is listed for the project, and, as you read through the directions again, because once in a while authors of craft instructions forget to put something on the tools and materials list.

4. Work when you work best. When I see or think of a project that inspires me I want to start on it right away. Sometimes I do that and then quickly run out of energy or enthusiasm because the initial excitement wears off. Projects go much more smoothly when a time is set aside for them and preparation has been made, so for me (a morning person) I try to set things up the night before so I have everything ready to get to work in the morning.

5. Realize that results ~~may~~ WILL vary. That's a good thing! When I teach classes I am always amazed at the variety of projects the students create from the same set of instructions and materials. Don't expect what you create to look just like the photo of a project (it may turn out much, much, better!)

6. Take breaks. If you feel frustrated or one step in the project isn't going as planned, take a little break, go for a short walk, do some stretches, or just stare out the window for a bit and think of something else.

7. The most important tip - HAVE FUN! Remember that the directions are not rules, and you are free to do your own thing. If it isn't working, turn it into something else, or have an aggression relief session and destroy it in the most creative way possible. Go Play!

and remember....Halloween will be here soon! Join us for the Link-Up Party and the Blog Hop with Gina's Designs