Wednesday 15 February 2017

Getting creative

Being creative isn't only fun, but it is a hobby with many benefits. It is suggested that expressing ourselves creatively can prevent the urge to buy impulsively and save money. It not only gives you a deeper sense of fulfilment, but learning to make things can prevent the need to buy as much. It is also linked to helping to combat stress, and considered a form of meditation.

I've never been one of those that excels in art, so I will never try to persuade any of you to make anything elaborate. However in my quest to get to know more creative hobbies I may enjoy, I have tried a few activities that sound appealing to me.

I did it in my teens - trying to collect my gig tickets, gathering pictures of friends etc but somewhere along the way it has been lost. However, moving to Ipswich at the end of last year, I was keen to get involved in something new. This is where I came across two interesting classes with Craftability- jewellery making and scrapbooking. Although I think they are only local to Ipswich, I think it's always good to look things up locally. I simply searched for things I was interested in e.g. jewellery making, knitting and crochet and a few things popped up. I suggest doing the same! I'm working a lot of Saturdays at the moment and most of these workshops seem to take place on weekends. 

Since my necklace didn't survive a recent night out, I won't be discussing that. It wasn't that the class wasn't good; it was more of a reflection on my talents. The heart broke off and another part fell off later in the day. It didn't even last 24hours! 

Onto scrapbooking...

I loved it! Like I said I'd done it before, but nothing fancy. Sticking pictures down, maybe decorating with glitter or given some kind of heading. The workshop taught me to use  backgrounds, reminded me how to cross-stitch, putting shapes and even using double-backed tape (you can't underestimate my excitement there). 


































It would probably be more fun to do a step-by-step process, but honestly can't remember it too much. It was all about getting the measurements right and adding my own touches. For example, the sample one only had two photos for this one, but didn't like the blank space. I also used different tools to make the paper curl round or stitching that circle was the longest; as I needed several different strings and threading that needle!


































I love the colours and different textures to try for this one. I also enjoyed using the stick-on pearls and would be tempted to use so many more! I made a glue mess on the graduation picture so covered it with a square and the snowflake. However think it now looks odd! 

I haven't done anymore scrapbooking, but would definitely attend another workshop as it was only £7.50 and just asked you to bring your own photos. You received teaching of techniques and use of appropriate materials. The workshops are on Saturdays, but the next one I hear I can do, I will be doing so fast. In the meantime, I need to print more pictures off and get scrapbooking! 

I hope you enjoyed my more creative post. I came across the Make it Monthly post by Whimsical Mumblings, and knew I needed to get involved. It was all about craft and sharing your wonderful creations. I thought it would be great to discuss my recent scrapbooking, and can hopefully encourage me to do more fun crafty things!

For any bloggers reading, feel free to get involved in the fun. I'd love to read and be more inspired to be creative. 


133 comments:

  1. It's always good to expand your horizons... Everyone seems to think they know what they can't do but you never really know what you can do until you do it... Rich B

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    1. Definitely! What you dislike, you might like another day. Just need to try things 😊 x

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  2. I think it is wonderful to have creative outlets, it is great for stress relief and it feels good to make things with your own two hands. Your scrapbooking pages look beautiful x

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  3. Scrapbooking would be something I'd love to get into its just something I've not got around to doing.

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    1. Well if I can do it, literally anyone can and it's so much fun x

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  4. Im soooo not artistic but I love scrapbooking too - I think its hard to go wrong with cutting and sticking things that someone else has drawn or designed! And the finished article is such a beautiful thing to look at!

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    1. I changed the sample a lot to make it my own but was really impressed x

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  5. It is not a bad price at £7.50 and I love to scrapbook as well, even if I have no talent for it lol x

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    1. I think it's therapeutic and want to do it more. You don't need talent for it x

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    2. I agree, as long as you have fun that is the main thing I guess x

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    3. I never thought that before but it's fab fun x

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  6. i use to do this all the time whilst growing up. i loved putting everything together and make it look pretty. the best part is shopping everything craft

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    1. It is fun and looking forward to finding more creative hobbies x

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  7. I love a bit of crafting. I tend to make cards rather than scrapbook, but it is the same principle. Mich x

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    1. Yeah probably. Making cards has occurred to me x

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  8. I always wanted to be in to Scarpbooking but I never could find the time, with everything else I do it just seemed like something you had to take time over. I love yours though! x

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  9. I love this!! I always loved the idea of scrapbooking but never got into it. This looks great <3

    Xo,

    Megan at Lush to Blush

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    1. Yeah it is nice to capture those pictures and just make them more special x

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  10. I remember creating scrapbooks when I was a child. I think its a great way of collecting items together, love the idea of a travel scrapbook

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  11. I have memory books which are a little like scrapbooks and have been doing them for over 10 years (I have about 6 bursting full) they have every gig ticket, cinema ticket, holiday stuff etc that I've ever done. I love looking back over them x

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  12. I would love to get into Scrapbooking! I've bought the books and some materials, I just need to get some photos printed off and get on with it!

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  13. Shame about your necklace - there is a bead shop near me that does jewelry making courses :)
    Lovely scrap book - I don't think I have the patience. I have really enjoyed being creative with colouring recently, I'm so glad that came back as a trend.

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    1. I thought I wouldn't but it was fun! Colouring is great for mindfulness x

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  14. I used to do a lot of scrapbooking as a teenager but would love to get back into it x

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  15. I've never tries scrapbooking before; however I've started to draw to relax myself a bit... nothing fancy but I am sure with time I will get better :-)

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    1. Drawing sounds fun. I think anything creative that you have an interest in can be very calming x

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  16. It looks like a fab way of using your creativity. I always think it's a shame that I never actually print out photos and look at them! cat hooper

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    1. Yeah I'm the same and want a way to brighten them up more x

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  17. I took a scrapbooking class in high school and absolutely adored it. I actually still have all of the ones we made.

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    1. Wish I did something that fun at school lol x

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  18. Creativity is so important, and the time it takes to put these kind of projects together is incredibly positive for our wellbeing. I'm a huge crochet fan, but love the look of your scrapbook

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  19. I did a bit of scrapbook type things as a teen, but once I started my family it all fell behind. Being a full time mom is tiring. I'd love to get back into it, as family scrapbooks would have more meaning to me than those I did as a teen.

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    1. I guess having those family photos will make it more meaningful and be something positive for you x

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  20. I was always rubbish at scrapbooking, but a friend of mine was so creative, her pages are like works of art x

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    1. All personal to you. Not as good as others but it's what you make it. You can always add or redo to do as you wish x

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  21. Being creative is great. I'm a really creative person and love to do all things like this x

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    1. Dunno of enough creative things to do lol x

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  22. I love being creative! I have scrap book supplies I haven't touched but need to set aside time! I'm glad you found something you love!

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    1. I need to start doing it in my spare time x

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  23. awww, this is so nice. Perfect gift for our friends too, with the though of course that you made an effort to do it. - Anosa

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  24. I'm not very arty, but I do enjoy taking photos. I've recently ventured into scrapbooking to record life events and holidays :) it's very relaxing!

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    1. Yeah I was surprised how therapeutic it was x

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  25. Really good to always challenge ourselves and learn something new. I think we like to be comfortable as humans instead of going out the box.

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    1. Very true! I just wanted to look for new hobbies that weren't expensive x

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  26. I've never really tried scrapbooking, but it always looked like so much fun! I'll have to give it a go with my daughter when she's a bit older!

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    1. Aww that'll be a nice way to bond and show her something lovely to do x

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  27. I love it so much! I've always wanted to get into scrapbooking but never quite got round to doing it!

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  28. I love to crochet. I find it really relaxing and makes me feel like I have achieved something, once i have finished

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    1. That's what was nice about scrapbooking. It did feel like I achieved something x

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  29. What a great course. I would love to attend a workshop like that and it was a reasonable price too. Love scrap booking too, I had one in my youth but it fell by the wayside.

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    1. So fun and hope something you might be able in your area for good price x

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  30. My mummy love scrapbooking! She did a lovely scrapbook for my first birthday which she loves looking back on x

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    1. Aww incredible way to look back on precious memories x

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  31. Wow! Your scrapbooking looks amazing, and such a great way to preserve memories and special events. I would love to give it a try!

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    1. It makes those pictures look a bit better 😊 x

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  32. Your scrapbooking looks amazing. I love crafty activities :)

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  33. We haven't really done any scrap booking here but it sounds like a great idea with the photos.

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  34. Scrapbooking is one of my long-time favorite hobbies. Now as I mother I am always making scrapbooks with photos of my children and I hope that one day they will really enjoy seeing them and showing their friends.

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    1. Aww that's lovely 😊 must be a lot of precious memories x

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  35. I have wanted to do scarp booking for years, I have so much stuff ready to go, but just haven't found the time! Kaz :)

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  36. It's always good to learn something new!!! Scrapbooking is really fun!!

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    1. I agree that it totally is 😊 It was a lot more fun than I imagined too x

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  37. This is really cool! I Love scrapbooking and it was super fun when I used to do it. I have some nice scrapbooks of my daughter as a baby!

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  38. I definitely need to set aside time to be more creative :) it helps me focus on not smoking - current goal!

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    1. That must be hard, but doing positive things will probably help and distract you in some way x

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  39. You've done an amazing job! These pages look so pretty! I would really love to take a craft class, I'm going to look into it right now!

    And thank you SO MUCH for featuring a little bit about my linky. Very Very much appreciated! xx

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    1. Yes it's well worth it 😊 No problem found it the easiest way to write the post x

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  40. I love a bit of scrap booking, I started when I was about 13 and 12 years later I am still going

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  41. I love scrapbooking, it's so fun and a great way to document memories! I've just started one for all my travels xo

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  42. I being creative, decorating my planner and scrapbooking are just some of the ways I get creative.

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  43. I've always wanted to get a good hobby but I've never been talented in anything creative really. I do love the idea of a scrap book though and it's given me something to think about to possibly do for my kids. X

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    1. It's fun and don't feel you need to be hugely creative x

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  44. I love scrapbooking, have been doing it for about 15 years now and still love it!

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  45. I did look at scrapbooking a few years ago, but never went any further than the thinking stage. I love doing things like this x

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    1. You totally should. Good way to jazz up family photos x

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  46. Aw what a lovely idea! I did this with my ex a few years ago haha :-)

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  47. I haven't scrapbooked in years but would love to start it back up. I recently looked at my old scrapbooks and to was so fun to see all the amazing memories I experienced!

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  48. Aaawww I used to love scrap-booking as a kid but haven't done it for years! I do keep everything though, like little keepsakes.

    Em T

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    1. Me too I love keepsakes and ways to remember memories x

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  49. What a beautiful scrapbook, great to keep memories! :)

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  50. I love the idea of scrapbooking, I just never have the time. A workshop sounds like a great idea.

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    1. It got me motivated. Think they meet up monthly but not sure I can do it for a while as working most Saturdays x

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  51. I'm hugely addicted to all things crafty - There's only budget and time that holds me back! I'm going to investigate whether I could join in with Make it Monthly too. Your scrapbooking is lovely!

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    1. You should 😊 It's good fun! Only the beginning of my hopefully more creative side x

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  52. I have so many photographs, this is something I would really enjoy too.

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  53. I love the idea of creative activities like scrapbooking. Its quite therapeutic doing arts and crafts!

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    1. I have no idea how calming it would be 😊 Hopefully find more fun things like it x

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  54. Getting creative is the best stress-reliever for me! I used to have a scrapbook, but now I've gone onto adult colouring books - best way to relax for me!

    Kayleigh x

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    1. I colour too far out the lines 😂 but agree creativity is good stress reliever x

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  55. aaah i miss crafting! It was the only thing that has led me to blogging!

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  56. I love scrapbooking also! The only problem I had was the cost of the materials x

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    1. Yeah no idea where to begin doing it myself as need book or something to put 2 in and include others x

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  57. I wish I was more creative. I've made two frames for my mum in the last few months, I would love to do a scrap book! xo

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    1. Sounds like good start! Not sure I could do that 😊

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  58. I love being creative, and scrapbooking looks like so much fun!

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  59. omg I would love to do this with my best mate!

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    1. Totally should - great for capturing good memories

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  60. I have always considered scrap booking but never got round to it. IT would give a home to everything I seem to hold on to!

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    1. You should - look and see if any workshops nearby as make all difference

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  61. Great post. I did a lot of scrap booking when I was younger. Need to find the time to do that soon.

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  62. Ooh I'd love to go to a scrapbooking workshop! It's something I've done on and off for years but haven't really stuck to because I'm too lazy :/

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  63. I haven't had much time for creative arts and crafts activities. Yes, my writing is creative, but I feel there is a difference. Some of the creative arts and crafts activities I have enjoyed doing include quilting, crocheting, and DIY house projects.

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    1. Do feel I need to not be so hard on myself as writing is creative but agree that it is very different. I do it more as I feel I'm good at it and enjoy it. Creative things like this are more relaxing and fun and not about making it necessarily the best thing x

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  64. I really love these ideas - occasionally I get really creative and always enjoy it but life seems to move so fast!

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    1. Hard to fit time in but feel it might be important x

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  65. This is a lovely idea :) my new hobby is blogging

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  66. Im not that great with my hands, but this look great and your really good at it :) must be very therapeutic as well x

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  67. I love the idea of scrapbooking, yours look great :)

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