5 Ways to Stay Motivated while you Craft

People often ask me how I stay motivated and focused, so today I want to share a few tips that I think can help you too :) Enjoy... 1. Clean Workspace If you look around your workspace and see clutter, piles and a mess, you'll find it hard to focus on what's in front of you because you're seeing a lot of to-do's in the mess. It feels so good to have a clean workspace; knowing where your things are & putting them back in their spot afterwards will give you a peaceful environment, like 'lightness' around you. I'm not one to really give advice on clutter because I like to stack things, move on and keep working... but we've been doing some major New Years cleaning lately and with all my supplies in their 'home', I feel SO motivated to create and focus :) 2. Fun Environment I try to add some extra fun to crafting because I do a lot of it and I want it to always stay fresh and enjoyable. Here are some ideas to get a fun environment: Get out of work mode and wear an 'opposite outfit': if you work at an office, wear something really cozy to craft but if you work somewhere casual like a nanny, get dressed up just for fun :) Then set up your happy environment: I like to have a glass of coke (choose your fave drink) and listen to music on my ipod or something like Project Playlist (you can make your own playlists free, and/or listen to others... it's my favorite site lately) :] Craft with a buddy so you can chat, share ideas, laugh at your mistakes and show off your progress... Keith and I often make up games while we craft, do impersonations or have fun challenges against each other. If you're crafting alone, make up silly games or dares for yourself, do little dances and set a time where you get to run to 7-11 for $1 worth of 5cent candy :) Sometimes I craft with my long distance friends through Skype, we both work on our own things and keep each other company... it's just like a handsfree phone call but you can see and show each other what you're doing through live video :) 3. Supplies that Inspire You When I started crafting I thought I needed a lot of supplies/options in order to be my 'most creative self'. After time, I realized I was buying a lot of things just because I liked them, but with no purpose in mind, and it was becoming excessive and overwhelming. Now, for me, the best thing is to have at home my favorite tools & some neat vintage supplies and notions...then when I want to make something, I buy the remaining supplies for that project a few days before. By craft time, I'm so excited to work with what I've gathered, it's automatic motivation because it's new and fresh... plus it's a fun challenge to just use only what I have on hand :) ['Good Thing' print from RVA] 4. Goals & Rewarding Yourself Goals and rewards help with focus and come in handy the most when you're crafting with a deadline or if you do it a lot (like for an etsy shop or small business). Write a quick list of your projects in order of priority, then as you approach each project, break it down into 5-7 steps so that you can stay focused and cross it off as you go :) I like to create little rewards for myself as motivation to complete my tasks (like a starbucks run, playtime with my dogs, going to the nearby thrift store, reading a few favorite blogs, etc). I also sometimes delay a natural happy-thing for myself until I complete a certain goal... like, if I get a fun package in the mail, I can't open it till I catch up on my emails (or something like that). It makes me get mega focused cause I really want to see what the package issss! :) 5. Support System Crafting & creative time should be fun fun fun so the need for a 'Support System' seems like a weird idea... but I'll explain. Crafting is usually something that is mainly for you, a way to rejuvenate, explore your talents, unwind, express yourself and document your memories & feelings in a creative way. With a busy, full life, and perhaps kids or a stressful job on your mind, it can be easy to put off your you-time. Having a support system like your husband or boyfriend encouraging you to take time for yourself... or a buddy who you get together with every first week of the month or a craft club you go to will help you remember why you need & love it and remind you to keep at it :) Plus, it's incredible to create with others, be supported & supportive and share through the experience. Feel free to share some of your own tips and ideas with us all in the comments :) XOXO, Leigh-Ann ps. I'm feeling a lot better today, thanks guys :)