I have to confess I am finding it harder and harder to find time for the little creative projects I write about in this series. I have made these little cards, so I thought I’d share them with you – a birthday card, a new home card and a Mother’s Day card (don’t look Mum!)
But I thought I’d also take the opportunity to ask how other people make time for projects like these. Having a creative outlet is important to me – and I think being creative outside writing makes me a better writer. But much like running (and baking!), it’s often difficult to make time for non-urgent things.
Stephen Covey would advise me to schedule them in at the beginning of my week before everything else takes over. I know a writing agency who designate every tenth working day a time to get out of the office and get inspired. Have you got any tips to share? How do you make time to be creative?
Further reading for the especially geeky:
- here’s one I made earlier :: the joy of stamps
- here’s one I made earlier :: yellow owl workshop
- stephen covey :: seven habits
- here’s one I made earlier :: inspiration walk
Great cards Katie.
How do I make time for creative projects? For me, I believe it is very difficult to be disciplined and have a particular day/time for projects since inspiration can catch your eye at any moment and it has the most satisfaction and success if you attack it there and then. The challenge is to take myself out of the daily grind to be exposed to inspiration, perhaps then I’ll dedicate more time to being creative. Also, I suppose it depends on how big the project is. Small ones have more chance of success. I started to make a patchwork quilt a few years ago, it’s still only the size of a table mat 🙂
Thanks Sam – I think you’re right about needing to follow inspiration when it hits you. I think I need to be in a certain state of mind to be inspired though!
There was only one way I could get more time in my life and that was to get up at 6am everyday. I’m used to it now and I treasure the hour and a half before I have to get ready to go to work. It feels like time that’s just for me and no one else. My most creative time without doubt though is late afternoon on a Sunday.
But I don’t have any time whatsoever to do crafty nice things like this, something has had to give. Whenever I do do anything with my hands (other than the clack clack clack of typing) I find it enormously soothing and makes me feel happy.
Annie – I’m so not a mornings person, but can see the logic – I’m quite tempted to give it a try! Thank you.
Anyone else got any suggestions to share?
I find using the carrot method is quite effective: If I get some less than inspiring work done, I will treat myself to craft/inspiration time for a specified amount of time (I set an alarm on my phone or else I would play all day). This way you can have a few longer or lots of short bursts of creativity throughout each day, which means you can still sleep-in if you are not a morning person. The boring/arduous tasks seems less daunting when I know that soon I will be rewarded……
Thanks Elisicia – I love the idea of setting an alarm! Sadly I never seem to get the other work (I won’t call it less than inspiring, because I get to write for a living – I’m a very lucky girl!) done! But I could still schedule little slots using your alarm clock idea.
Believe me I’m the most un-morning person ever! But this is what convinced me to try and it really works! I’m not so good at the going to bed when you’re tired bit though.
http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/05/how-to-become-an-early-riser/
Wow! I lost myself in that blog for about an hour last night! And got up at 6am this morning! Far too cold for running, but I seem to be at my desk at 6.43am! Thanks Annie.
Hi Katie, i hope you’re well. It’s hard to find the time, i’ve been making a light for our kitchen for nearly 2 years now. Life just gets in the way but being creative is so calming. If u find the answer i’d love to know. Hope ur mum likes your card btw x