Restless and Looking for Ideas

in many aspects of my life (I think all except my marriage).  Maybe I'm in a mid life crisis.  At least I hope so!

Looking to change up some things and want to start with papercrafting/stamping (easier than quitting my job and moving).  Not sure where I am going with this but am interested if you have succeeded in shaking things up with this hobby of ours. 

I've sold off, purchased, organized, pinned, not pinned, taken off time, blogged, bought, not bought, taken classes, and still feel restless. 

Maybe restlessness is just meant to be and not resolved.  Any ideas?

EDITED TO ADD:

(after reading the first 4 comments) -- very helpful to read your thoughts, even if you just say you are going through the same thing.  We can all lean on and learn from each other.... Thanks!

Comments

[Lauri]

Maybe try something not-card related with your stamping (and sorry if you already have)....home decor? journals? I went through a phase last summer where I tried multi media collaging in a journal. I realized it wasnt for me, but it was fun to try. It also opened up my thinking that papercrafting can be used for wall art and other home decor kind of stuff. Although I don't blog all of that, I think that is where my true (not enough to call passion) lies....good luck! I look forward to watching what you come up with! and I am sure you will find it...we all go through it...

[Pam W.]

I so relate to what you are saying! I wish I had some brilliant thoughts for the both of us.

[Tara]

Oh Joan I know just how you feel! I took Christy Tomlinson's SheArt workshops and it was a really fun and refreshing change of pace. Its sort of a collage art type of class. And the good news - I was able to use my stamps and scrapbooking supplies, and didn't need to buy much more to get started. Hope you find something to spark your energy!

[Lisa B.]

I'm kind of in the same place myself, and seem to be leaning more toward wall art rather than card making, but still stuck and not doing much at all. Maybe restlessness indicates growth? Maybe we shouldn't worry about it? Clearly, I'm no help.

[ElleCee]

My first thought after reading your post was to tell you about Christy Tomlinson's She Art classes that changed my perspective about creativity. I used to be a card maker until I discovered that class...now I'm all over canvases and art journaling and rarely make cards. I switched to Mixed Media last spring and haven't looked back.

I don't know think that Christy's She Art classes (there have been 2) are available right now (although she has run the first one twice) but I would suggest looking at her blog. Donna Downey (another mixed media artist) does a video every Wednesday - you can watch her start with a blank art journal page and transform it. All her "Inspiration Wednesday" videos are archived so you can watch all of them...and there are a lot. Check it out- maybe Mixed Media is for you, or maybe not.

[Mary W. P.]

I can relate as well. I get this way in the beginning of a year; though it's such a cliche. But you hear so many people saying things like; "do it"! " make that change", " if you keep doing what you've always done you'll keep getting what you always get"....etc. etc. etc.

Sticking to just he paper crafting area of my life; lots of times even if I go through the purging, purchasing, organizing routine I have to face the fact that I just "don't feel like it" for awhile. I usually end up knitting or crocheting something; but I prefer to have nice cold weather when I'm working with a pile of yarn on my lap and this year we are having a mild winter here in NC so that's not helping much either.

Then it occurs to me that I really want "change" in another area of my life but either feel unable to facilitate that change myself, or it seems too hard and I'm trying to avoid the work in that area of my life by hiding out in my crafting; and that's why I can't seem to get excited about creating anything.

Maybe having a blog to fill up sometimes weighs you down? I missed you when you took your break last time, but EVERYBODY needs a break now and then. Sometimes I just get my craft area all cleaned up and walk away and wait for the urge to strike.

Obviously, I am not much help here, other than to say you are not alone. I think many, many of us go through this restless time.

[TruCarMa]

You know, I go through this regularly. I don't have an answer for myself, yet, so it's hard for me to offer any advice. I just take breaks when I need to or when life forces me to, and I always end up coming back. I miss the community and the regular creating when I'm 'on hiatus.' Still, I regularly ask myself "why?" So far my answer has been "why not?" Looking forward to reading follow-up comments and seeing where your restlessness takes you. :)

[Nicole Pierre]

My blogging has slowed to a crawl, and I have decided to just live with that.

When I feel stifled and like a hack, I try to remember my most favorite card that I ever made (it was ages ago, I just stumbled on something fantastic out of pure luck).

I think about how nice it must be (I really hope) for people who receive one of my cards in the mail. Who doesn't like to get mail?

These are things I do on a regular basis. I love papercrafting but don't want it to become an obligation or anything but pure enjoyment.

[Dinahsoar]

For me restlessness indicates I need a break or a change. I used to post to my blog regularly. But I stopped, and only post when I feel like it. That has been freeing and a break that I needed to give to myself.

I've also dabbled in some new crafts besides card making/rubber stamping. Crochet is my hot new love right now, and collecting vintage style tea towels. And making some jewelry using my stamps and Shrinky Dink. The variety is a change.

I tried my hand at mixed media but what will I do with all those journals I create? When I create it must serve some functional purpose or else it just adds to the clutter that already exists in my life, increasing the static. And my walls are full of decor items as are my shelves.

I recently made a change as far as my card making...no more overly embellished cards for me...I want practical stuff that is flat and easily mailed. And that I can make without creating a big mess in my workroom. I need the easy almost instant gratification and satisfaction that comes with the activity. Because of that most of my crochet projects are quickies.

So ask yourself 'do I need a break? do I need a change?'

Or might you need something to look forward to in the short term? A little pleasurable outing or treat that gives you a thrill for a bit of time? They can be the dangling carrot that you pursue to get you over the hump, to the next bend in the road.

We all do feel restless at times, it is human nature...it will pass. You can be assured that given time something dramatic will happen and you won't have time or energy to feel restless. Just enjoy the day to day ordinary doldrums...sometimes they are better than the alternative.

[Sandra K]

Lots of interesting suggestions there. I don't have any clever ones to make. Restlessness can mean a time of growth. Perhaps it has to do with all the crazy stress you've been through?
Be kind to yourself. Try what you need to. Give yourself some time before making decisions. We love you.

[karen q]

Hi Joan,
I don't pretend to know you on a personal level at all, but I would think that after all the time you spent working and caring for your mother, sending your son off to college, you now have a void to fill. I have been making cards for 20 years now and I have found the way to keep motivated to continue to love stamping. 90% of the cards that I make are now for the family homeless shelter in our town. They need Thank You's for donations received, homeless people do have birthdays and I try to make encouragement cards that they can give to each other. I am stamping with a purpose. I make up to 100 cards per month (yes, I do have a full time job) and I can tell you that I don't have 100 original thoughts in my head every month. At times, I do copy cards from blogs or Pinterest, I figure the artist won't mind this as I don't pass it off as my own or use it for gain. So many women that have blogs now are using it as a means to make some extra money. They either work for manufacturer's or to get blog sponsors. That is their purpose. The fact that they like what they are doing is a bonus. I have found that making cards as a means of "donating" has saved my artistic spirit.
Sorry to be so long winded, I want you to know that I thoroughly enjoy your stamping style and look forward to your blog posts. I don't blog, facebook etc. I don't even see the faces of those that give or receive my cards. I hope you can find a purpose in card making because it can be so good for your soul.

[Cindy O]

Hi Joan - a few learnings for me over many years of dabbling in many different arts & crafts.
1. If I feel pressured to get something done, I don't enjoy it much. So even if my skills & style were perfect for a design team, it wouldn't be a good idea for me.
2. Every so often, I need a change. I love it that I can shift so easily between drawing and card making. Someday I will start knitting again. I just have to let myself "not knit" for now.
3. I have to love the activity (the process) and the materials (lovely colors and textures), not just the outcome. For me, knitting, drawing and coloring, playing with interesting shapes of pretty paper = fun. Sewing = not fun for me, even if I love the end result.
Thanks for asking this question, it was interesting to think about. And I really enjoy your blog, but what matters is for you to enjoy it!

[Robb_eeie]

Ohhh Joan, I can totally relate to your restlessness - but can I explain it from my point of view, not likely ! ha !
I think a lot of things are triggered by MY "Need To Please" ! I always remember Oprah saying that phrase and having it stick to me. I continually tell myself I am beyond that age where I need to please everyone in my life; why do I continue to have this *need* then? [Almost as if saying everyone else comes first before me. *groan*]

And when I am pressured (a.k.a. asked) to create something for a birthday, birth, or any celebration, my Mojo goes straight out the window to the point where I sometimes "refuse" to craft. Make any sense? No, I didn't think so.

Mood When Done Typing Post: Restless !

[Mary Cardini-Anderson]

One of the biggest reason why I went from making cards to digital scrapbooking was due to being bored and restless with making cards. I was tired of blogging............ now I wish I could make cards and blog more often. I guess we all just go through different phases in our lives? I hope you figure it all out Joan. :)

Mary

[Debbie]

Love this post and all the great comments. Sounds like a lot of us go through these periods, and I am happy to find that I am in good company. I think these are periods of opportunity and growth, and I can't wait to see where this leads you.

[Betsy b]

Restlessness is for me sometimes very unsettling. But Restlessness means Complacency has ebbed. Both restlessness and complacency are important. Staying stuck in either one for too long is probably not too healthy. Staying stuck in complacency can dull our senses, blind us to what's right in front of our faces, stifle us. Staying stuck in restlessness can slip into anxiousness...or turn out to be an excuse for not doing anything at all. I tend to swing between the two, and look for a reasonable balance over time.

You will figure out what you need. Selfishly, I hope you will continue blogging and stamping cards,because I love your ideas, your thoughtfulness, and your sense of humor.

I like the image of a glass of pond water. Sometimes you want to stir it up, muddy the waters...sometimes you just want to let things settle again, see what becomes clear. So...stir things up, let them settle, and see what you see....

[Sara Mac]

I hear you Joan! There are many of us who have felt the same way. Lots of great advice here. Just know you are not alone.

[Debbie]

I came back to check out more of the comments on this post and I felt like I could have written your post. I am 58 years old and still have a strong "Need to Please". How do we get over it?? If you have that answer, please share. Your post makes perfect sense to me. I feel the same way when I am pressured, and you are right it makes no sense.....
Trying to figure out how to get over these behavior patterns....I'll take any suggestions.

[Colleen Kramer]

As always Joan, You are so refreshingly genuine! You have a way of voicing feelings/worries/cares that so many of us feel.
SOO...maybe writing?
That being said, I know it sounds cliche...but like the Beatles said...there are times you just need to "Let it be".
(So much good advice in these comments I also hate to post something this corny :)

[Debra]

I think you're being too hard on yourself Joan! You've had a lot of stress and I think you and Mike need a little 'getaway' from it all.. go away for the weekend, spend some time in another city with no other purpose other than to enjoy yourself!

If you're wanting to change your stamping, decide what it is that means the most to you. Is it collecting things - aka buying more for your craft, the art of creating itself, or the finished product?

Awhile ago you had talked about doing some writing and that you were writing a book. You write very well, and possibly that is an avenue for you to pursue. A journal will also help you define what it is you're wanting ...

[Judy]

A few questions I would ask myself: why am I restless? do I still
enjoy card making? and what is something more I want in my life.
Teasing out the various components may help you know what direction
to take. Many women I know find that as they shed some of their
care taking roles, there is a feeling of restlessness. What will
replace the time and energy spent caring for family/children etc?
It is strange really because it is both a loss and an opportunity.

[Kay]

Betsy b, I love your glass of pond water idea! Joan, I love when you stir up the waters by asking these questions, too! So often, I can really relate to what you are going through, and find some advice I can use among your readers' responses. I find that when I get bogged down and bored with cardmaking, it helps to get together with a friend or go to a workshop. It renews my enthusiasm and it's fun to be with other crafters. That's how I got started and what attracted me most in the beginning was the camaraderie. It refreshes me and my mojo!

[Starla]

Funny, how many of us seem to be in this same place. For me, my restlessness is preventing moving forward, backwards, moving period. I have been tossing around ideas to explore more mixed media, perhaps some beading or return to drawing to end my restlessness. But! So far, I just flounder.

Perhaps, it is the comfort of what is known and the fear avoidence of the unknown. Not like any of this crafting is life changing, but then again, maybe it could be?

Deep thoughts for a Sunday morning. I'm going to keep following this conversation with your followers and hope for some insight or a push to leap!!

[Eleanor]

Oh Joan. We all go through so many stages being a woman, but in the end we do learn from all of these stages. I have followed your blog for so long and do live in Virginia. We have a light dusting of snow this morning over the ice we had yesteday. Dreary day but beautiful trees! I just want to mention this -- we have a new stamp store in central Virginia -- Paper Ink on the downtown mall (which is a very unique and old section (and there is no traffic on main street just bricks) of Charlottesville, VA. Near UVA. Just thought you might like to know in case you are in the neighborhood or want to bring friends for a visit one Sat. Their web site is www.paperink.net. Not advertising - just announcing from one blogger to another.

[Theresa]

Great post!

I understand the restless feeling. Do I love my stamping? Yes. Do I love what I've been creating? Yes. Do I love blogging about it? Yes. Do I feel a deep inner need to change what I doing? Yes!! But hang on, I like what I'm doing and I'm happy doing it, so what gives? I dunno, but I've given myself permission to stop stamping and blogging, and step back for a while. I packed away my stamping craft just before Christmas and told my readers I'd be back 'sometime' about Feb. WOW just what I needed. I've lost myself in other creative pursuits these past couple of weeks. And I've renewed some past interests that I didn't have time for, because I was focused so much on stamping. My DD had her 18th birthday last week and I didn't have a card made for her. Shock. Horror. After some initial anxiety about this I eventually got over it, LOL. Febuary is drawing near and my mind is turning its attention back to blogging, but until then I'm enjoying my change of pace. You're solution will come to you.

[Kelly Schirmer]

I am restless, but I think it's different since I am at a different life stage. I find that my plate is so full that I can't focus on one thing for long enough! When I am driving the girls between this and that, I have lots of card ideas! When I am working on a card, I am thinking about the reports I should be writing. When I am writing a report, I am thinking about the housework I still have to do. Then I think how scary it might be in the future having TOO much time on my hands and not having the daily shuffle that energizes me. So how's that for a horrible response? Clear as muddy pond water??? I guess for now, I'll just worry about taking one day (and completing one task!) at a time!

[loni]

hey darlin', you gotta lotta friends! smart ones, too. great feedback. my one cent worth is this: part of it might be the season. post holidays, being shut in and all that. always happens to me. also, maybe you need another creative endeavor. i have so much invested in stamping i feel like i can't do anything else. but i'm gonna sew some things anyway. haven't done that in 30+ years but it suddenly sounds very creative. i'm excited about it. bottom line tho is don't worry about it. and remember you have oceans of support.

[Shelly]

I can appreciate where you're coming from. I've been there too and to some extent, am still there. I've even gone so far as to sell all my crafting stuff and then come back to it a year later. No words of advice other than to say that sometimes it's good to just be. :) Hang in there...inspiration may come in a new and funner (haha!) form!