Learning to Play Around with New Supplies
Break the seal. Open the package. Start messing around.
Behind the Page
A few weeks ago, we had our (now annual) Organization Week Intensive over at Feminist Scrapbook School. Everyone had a great time, and we really accomplished a ton of organization across the community. While I was cleaning out my space, I found a couple of different packages of supplies that I had just stashed away and never even opened — oops. I know I’m not the only one who does that, so I thought I’d chat a little bit today about how to get started with your new supplies, even if you don’t have a full project in mind yet.
First Step: Take stuff out of the packaging and look through it. Touch. Your. Things.
Second Step: Set aside anything that really catches your eye for a current/future project. If you think you’re going to forget what inspired you — jot a few words down on a post-it and stick it directly to the supply.
Third Step: Grab some of the supplies that you didn’t set aside, and start thinking about how they would look in your notebook/on your page. I like looking for quotes, colors, designs, something where I can just start using my hands.
Fourth Step: Start playing with your supplies. Cut into some paper, stick down some stickers, just move stuff around and see what you find appealing.
Fifth Step: Decide when you’re finished, and be proud of yourself for taking a chance on some new supplies and getting started.
Technique of the Day
Today I started with this stamp set from Ali Edwards. I get her Story Kits and Story Stamps every month and this is one of my favorite ways to start seeing what I like.
Oftentimes, especially with stamps — I like to start with making backgrounds, playing with different colors, seeing how the different stamps in the set work together. There’s no right way to get started, especially with supplies like stamps or other things that are multi-use.
Reflections & Insights
The best way to get familiar with our supplies is to play with our supplies. Even when we don’t necessarily have an end project in mind. Open up your stuff, move it around with your hands, see what it looks like in person with your eyes, and think about what you might want to do with it.
When in doubt, start in your notebook and just have fun.
How It’s Made
Supply List
Stamp — Ali Edwards Story Kit
Inks — Versafine Clair + Onyx Black
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Tips & Creative Wisdom
Sometimes we feel like we aren’t ‘ready’ to use certain supplies. Almost as if they’re reserved for when we level up our skills. There’s a big flaw in that logic — the only way that you actually level up your skills is by using your supplies. So the idea that you’ll eventually ‘get good enough’ without actually playing around with your supplies is a fallacy. So, open up your stuff and take action. See what comes of it. Learn from your mistakes, learn from your success.
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