Creative Process

I am often asked at classes and at Scrap-a-Doodle where and how I get my ideas for projects. I get a lot of my ideas from the internet, classes I take at CK, books, magazines, message boards and some of them from fellow bloggers, however, I need to emphasize that I ALWAYS try to add my own twist in one way or another. I don't feel proud of something I made if I copy it exactly how I see it. For example, I will follow the basic layout of a page but add my own elements and/or switch things around a little. Right now I am working on a basic Cricut and Design Studio class that is in the works. So, I wanted to show you a little bit of what my creative process is...
The class that I am working on entails a page layout with elements used with the Cricut and the new Design Studio program that connects the computer and the Cricut.
I started by looking through an Ali Edwards book and found this layout that I liked.

The things that I liked about this layout are that it includes more than one central photo and the background paper that helps your eye to focus on the subject. Here is my version...
I obviously didn't include it as two layouts and I changed the colors, I also made my photos larger and used one less than Ali did. It always amazes me how different pages can look from one person to another even when you use the same basic elements. I tell people all the time that anyone can create beautiful pages when they use something that inspires them and add their personality to the project!! And, you know what, creativity can be messy, just remember to set the atmosphere that helps you to feel creative and inspired. This is what my space looks like right now.! Note the i-pod, I always have some kind of music going on, it helps me to focus and concentrate and inspires me to try new things. I hope this inspires you to try new things and remember you can be only as great as you let yourself be!!