Creative Detours

How to walk a more inspiring path

I’m guessing that I’m not alone in this world when I find myself walking through my daily routine without any thought beyond the checking off the next agenda item. Yes?

But, as scrapbookers, many of us aspire to enjoy a daily awareness of the beauty of life all around us, which opens up our hearts to the beauty that is within us. I believe this love of life, both around us and within us, is what fuels our creative spirit.

I have found that when I follow the predictability of my daily routine as my only road map, my creative light dims just a little. There are days when it’s hard to do anything else, because the demands on my time are great—and I’m sure it’s the same for you. However, even the tiniest detour can help our creative lights shine SO much brighter.

I recently took one of these detours and challenged two of my friends to do the same. The results were enlightening!

Detour #1: Take a Penny Walk

What would happen if you let chance determine your path? For one short walk during the day, let the penny in your pocket become your guide. Every time you reach a crossroads, flip the penny in the air. “Heads” means a right turn and “tails” means a left turn. (To keep from going in a circle if you flip three “heads” in a row, you can decide to go straight through every other intersection.)

Supplies:

stamp (Stampin' Up!) • ink (Stampin' Up!) • rub on (My Mind's Eye) • fibers (Studio Calico) • cardstock (Studio Calico) • patterned paper (Basic Grey, Cosmo Cricket) • pen (American Crafts) • chipboard letters (Basic Grey) • pearl beads (Basic Grey) • Mom's Typewriter Font • 12 x 12 layout by Ruth Ayres

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On Ruth’s walk through her neighborhood, she was reminded of what a charmed life she leads. When she got home, she spent time talking with her husband about the joy that fills their home. With the love of her family filling her heart she went in search of a picture of her blessings and celebrated them.

Detour #2: Explore Something Old with New Eyes

What if in the age of accessibility, you allowed yourself to slip into the past? Turn off your 3G network and duck into an old building that you don’t visit often. Wander around. Explore. Think.

Supplies:

KI Memories Kit • 12 x 12 layout by Katie Scott

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Katie revisited her childhood playground during a visit to her Grandma Grace. As she sat in the swings and went down the slide, memories of her 6-year-old self surfaced. The joy of recess inspired this playful layout of a special place after 30 years had gone by.

Detour #3: Middle of the Night Moment

What does your heart tell you when the world is still? Make an appointment with yourself when the world is sleeping. Set an alarm clock for 2 a.m., get up, and enjoy the solitude for a few brief moments. Turn nothing on but your thoughts and listen to your heart.

Supplies:

Bakers Dozen Kit, Petit Fours Kit, Tea Cakes Kit (Studio Calico) • Stamp (Studio Calico) • ink (Stampin’ Up!) • pen (American Crafts) • 8½ x 11 layout by Monica McNeill

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When my little bean woke me with his acrobatics, I found myself envisioning how different these nighttime moments will be in three months time. These upcoming sleepless nights will be a dream come true for me. Sitting with this truth in the still of the night inspired me to document how I walk around feeling as though someone needs to pinch me, because the joy in my heart makes this experience surreal.

These three creativity-boosting challenges were inspired by UR2 Cre8ive: 68 playful ways to unleash your creativity by Stacy Julian. Filled with playful prompts and projects, this inspiring eBook will help you redefine creativity in your life. RU2 cre8ive? Buy the eBook and find out!