Making craft projects is a popular hobby for many reasons: relaxation, personal fulfillment, homemade gifts, earning extra money, or simply as a way to honor creativity. Even veteran crafters sometimes lose enthusiasm or inspiration regarding their projects, perhaps putting away their crafting supplies for a while.

If your craft ideas seem to have taken a vacation, there are steps you can take to set the creative bomb and get your crafty mojo back. A creativity journal is a great inspiration.

What is a creativity diary?

A creativity journal is a great way to keep your brain primed for creativity. Like any habit, constantly focusing on seeing things creatively, on new ideas and new ways of looking at old things, and being aware of your surroundings will liven up your craft projects.

Use it not only to jot down ideas, but also to doodle, draw and color. Do you think you can’t draw? This journal is just for you. No one else needs to see it. Challenge yourself to draw something you see, and while it won’t be perfect, your brain will remember it in great detail later. Drawing literally imprints the subject in your mind.

Start your creativity journal

The first step is to find a journal or notebook to keep your ideas. It can be as simple or as fancy as you like, from spiral notebooks to artist’s Moleskins, but keep in mind that an expensive notebook with fancy paper makes some people “freeze.” This is related to the fear of spoiling something so beautiful, although the truth is that there are no mistakes with creativity.

Then, put your name, date, and title of your creativity journal on the first page. Make the title simple, quirky, funny, philosophical, but don’t worry too much. Some examples: Creativity unleashed; Melody’s reflections; all the things in my brain; TOC Knock who is there; or simply Nancy’s Creativity Diary.

Make an inspiration list

The first entry in your creativity journal is simple: make an inspiration list. Quickly write down all the reasons why you love doing craft projects. Make it as long as you can and don’t edit it yourself.

example list

• i love to create
• Making scrapbooks documenting my family makes me feel good and helps me remember all the little moments.
• Knitting sweaters and scarves is relaxing
• Learning a new trade is rewarding and fun
• Making handmade gifts for others is rewarding and makes me happy.

Use your creativity journal consistently

This step can be a bit tricky. You don’t want to be so regimented in your creativity journal use that it starts to feel like a chore. You also don’t want to use it so little that you forget about it and your purpose isn’t served.

You must find a way to incorporate your journal into your routine. For me, this means I keep it by my bed and write, doodle, draw and even color before I go to sleep. I also carry it with me in my bag, along with some colored pens, and make entries in it when I wait in line.

If you don’t want to carry it with you, choose the things you see throughout the day that inspire you and add them to your journal when you’re home. Souvenirs like ticket stubs, paint chips from the hardware store, colorful magazine ads, found items like bottle caps.

Once you’ve added your items, write notes next to them about where you found them, what inspires you about them, or every single way you can think of to create a craft with them.

check your diary

Depending on how often you use your journal, review it from time to time. If you use it every week, check your entries at least once a month. You’ll be amazed at the topics you see and the ideas you come up with.

You are your own inspiration. Use your creativity journal to generate ideas for your craft projects. Whenever you feel the need for a creative boost, just flip through your journal.

Copyright 2010 Melody Jones