(And Why It Might Be Changing)
Recently, I was chatting with one of my stamping besties when she asked me a question that completely stopped me in my tracks:
“What’s your creative style?”
Now you’d think that after 16+ years of being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator, that would be an easy question to answer… right?
Apparently not. Because the truth is… I didn’t have a quick answer.
My Bestie’s Style vs Mine
My friend’s creative style is so her.
Her cards are bright, clean, and usually full of gorgeous white space. They come together quickly, look super polished, and more often than not, involve colouring with alcohol markers. Often customers show me a card they’re found on Pinterest or other social media, and I’ll say “Oh Meg made that” (and she did!)
Me? Ohhh I’m a whole different creature.
I love projects that are a total labour of love.
You know the ones… creations packed with layers, textures, colouring, die-cutting, depth, embossing, splatters, vintage and grunge effects, distressing, ribbon, and of course… ✨ BLING. ✨
Those projects let me be messy, take my sweet time, and really get lost in the process. If I had to put a word to it, I’d say my style is definitely… ECLECTIC!
But here’s the funny thing… When I look back at the projects I’ve shared with you over the past few years, there are very few that fit what I would call my signature style.
So why has it changed?
Why Your Creative Style Can Change
The more I thought about my friend’s question, the more I realised something important:
Your creative style isn’t always fixed. It can shift and evolve depending on what’s happening in your life.
There are many reasons a person’s creative style changes, including (but definitely not limited to):
- Time
- Creative mojo and mood
- Available products
- Budget
- Product trends
- Learning new (or rediscovering old) techniques
Let me break down what that looks like for me.
Time (Or Lack of It!)
For me, having time to create is a huge factor.
Creating for a class, Coffee Cake & Cards, a make-and-take, or a YouTube/Facebook Live is completely different from creating “just for fun.”
Class projects need to be achievable in a limited amount of time, and they need to be easy for other people to recreate without stress.
And while being a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator is my main gig, I don’t get to spend all my workdays happily crafting at my desk with ink all over my fingers.
There’s admin. There’s planning. There’s emails. There’s product ordering. There’s business stuff. (So much business stuff.)
And all of that takes up valuable crafting time.
Sometimes the creative heart wants layered vintage grunge… but the schedule says: “Quick card with a punch. Go.”
Creative Mojo & Mood
Have you ever lost your creative mojo?
If you have, you’re not alone.
Some days creating feels effortless and joyful… and other days it feels like hard work. REALLY hard work!
Over the past five years, I’ve spent a lot of time doing post-back surgery rehabilitation. To be honest, it’s been exhausting. Daily exercises, physiotherapy, acupuncture, doctor appointments… and then add fibromyalgia flare-ups, depression, concussion, two hand fractures, chronic health conditions, and general life stuff into the mix.
Fatigue has been a constant companion.
Some days getting out of bed is really tough. Once in a while, it’s completely unachievable. (Thankfully, those days are becoming less frequent.)
But fatigue affects mood, and mood affects creativity.
When my mojo feels like it has dried up, I don’t force myself to create complicated layered projects. Instead, I lean on my idea book, my art journal, or a simple sketch layout.
In those seasons, I tend to reach for:
- stamps with coordinating punches
- bright colours
- simple designs that still feel “finished”
It’s faster, easier, and still gives me a creative win.
And honestly… sometimes those “quick” projects are exactly what I need to get my spark back. (And yes… I’m doing a post about this soon!)
Available Products
Another big factor is what products are actually available. Last December, when the Stampin’ Up! Mini Catalogue pre-order was released, there was very little that screamed “THIS IS MY STYLE!”.
My choices were basically:
- wait until the next Online Exclusives or May Catalogue release
- buy things that weren’t really my style
- or… not order anything at all
After browsing the catalogue properly, I decided it would be fun to play with the Gears & Textures Bundle, along with some of the gorgeous papers.
I also bought the Woolly Friends Bundle.
Now let me be honest…That bundle is NOT my style at all. But it’s cute, easy, and sometimes you just need a stamp set that makes you smile.
Full disclosure though…I still haven’t created with it yet. 😂
Sometimes we buy things with the best intentions. And sometimes those intentions sit in a box until we “feel ready.”
Why I Stick With Stampin’ Up!
Sure, I could have bought a different brand of craft supplies, but then I risk not having perfectly coordinated products, or not being happy with the quality.
I stick with Stampin’ Up! because I know everything works together, the coordination is brilliant, and the quality is consistently reliable.
That makes crafting less stressful — and more enjoyable.
Budget Matters
Money also has a big impact on our creativity.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t have endless funds to spend on craft supplies. I dream of being able to buy whatever I want… but sadly, I have to stick to a budget.
Even as a demonstrator, I still need to make thoughtful choices about what I purchase.
But I choose genuine Stampin’ Up! products because I know they’re high quality and that everything coordinates beautifully — card stock, patterned paper, ribbon, ink, embellishments… it all works together.
And when your supplies work together, it makes creating so much easier.
“But Stampin’ Up! is so expensive…”
Sometimes I hear, “Oh, Stampin’ Up! is so expensive.” And yes, it isn’t cheap — but you’re paying for premium, beautifully coordinated products that just work together. I have a friend who spends $269 every five weeks on shampoo, conditioner, toner, and styling products (and her hair does look magazine-perfect!). YES! you read that right $269 every 5 weeks! When I asked why, she said, “Everything coordinates and I don’t have to think about it. It’s easy.” That’s exactly the point. A Stampin’ Up! bundle can last years, not weeks — and when you buy from me, you also get my years of experience, project ideas, tutorials, and support to help you get the most out of it.
Product Trends (Flowers Everywhere!)
For a while there, Stampin’ Up! catalogues seemed to be dominated by flowers and cute animals.
Now don’t get me wrong…
I LOVE flowers.
I love them so much that I’m seriously considering getting a monthly floral delivery from my favourite florist. (Shameless Plug for my niece there 😂 )
Because truly… Flowers make me happy. But I don’t want to create with flowers all the time.
And cute animals?
They’re adorable and they make my heart smile… but most of the cards I give are to adults who would probably consider them a little too childish.
When I stepped back and looked at it differently, I realised Stampin’ Up! wasn’t just reflecting paper craft trends… they were also reflecting trends in fashion, decorating, and home décor.
And at the time? Flowers were everywhere.
So in seasons like that, you can either:
- buck the trend and walk your own creative path
- or experiment with one on-trend stamp set or product
And sometimes experimenting with a trend is how you discover a new style you didn’t even know you’d enjoy.
Learning New Techniques (Or Rediscovering Old Ones)
Learning new techniques is a brilliant way to discover your crafting style.
Over the years I’ve kept a couple of technique journals where I write down ideas, instructions, and sometimes even stick in a sample.
I also have a sketch journal where I record layout ideas (sketches) for cards and scrapbook pages.
Every time I learn something new, I add it to my journal… and over time, I’ve discovered a few things about myself:
- I don’t mind getting inky
- I do NOT like getting gluey
- I hate trying to get glue off my fingers
- I love colouring with alcohol markers
- I love distressing, splattering, and sponging
I’m also slow and considered with my crafting.
No matter how hard I try, I will never be the crafter who makes 30 cards in an hour. Or even five cards on a YouTube Live.
And honestly?
That’s okay.
For me, crafting is immersive. It’s calming. It’s where my brain gets to slow down and my creativity gets to breathe.
Every card is made with love. I’m not a production line. There will be mistakes…and that adds to the charm, right?
So What Is My Creative Style?
So when my stamping bestie asked me, “What’s your creative style?” it took me a while to answer.
But now I think I can finally say it clearly.
My style is:
✨ Eclectic
✨ Blingy (because a project isn’t finished without embellishments or ribbon)
✨ Interactive (fun folds and moving elements make my heart happy)
✨ Technique-driven (I love trying new things and getting a little messy)
But I’ve also learned something important…
My style changes depending on my season of life.
Sometimes I create big, layered, time-consuming “masterpieces.” And sometimes I create quick, bright, simple cards that get the job done and still make me feel creative.
And both are valid. Both are still me.
What’s YOUR Crafting Style?
So now I’m turning the question back to you…
What’s your crafting style?
- Are you clean and simple like my friend?
- Do you love white space and quick colouring sessions?
- Are you a scrapbooker, a mixed media adventurer, a grunge-and-distress lover, or a “give me all the layers” creator?
- Or do you feel like your style changes depending on your mood, your time, and what supplies are currently sitting on your desk?
I’d love to hear how you would describe your creative style — pop a comment below or send me an email and tell me!
Until next time… happy creating.
Chrissy xo
