When creative pursuits are your hobby, it can be very difficult to want to continue when it is not fun. Because you’re doing it for fun! But remember why you fell in love with your creative hobby. Some days all your thread will tangle and you will be miserable but making things is also a process of problem solving and overcoming challenges which brings many rewards both mental and emotional. And when you have a final product to show off for your hard work even better! Here are some tips especially useful for beaders and jewelry makers to break the cycle and get back into the creative mode:

• Don’t stress about it. We’ve all seen the memes and posts floating around the internet about how everyone is using this time to be super productive. Don’t be fooled and don’t let it make you feel bad. Sure there may be some super motivated people who feel very secure in this moment but the majority of us are struggling with this new reality and the psychological burden of this unknown will put a damper on even the most creative mind. Why? Simple human psychology. If our basic needs for safety and security aren’t met, we will not be able to move up the pyramid towards self actualization, where creativity lives. However, this would be a short list if the first step was to just forget about being creative until this is all over. There are a few tricks you can use to get you back into the groove like the following:

• True Blue. Studies have shown that the color red raises anxiety levels but the color blue has a calming effect on the mind. Surround yourself with the color blue. An easy way to do this is just to change your computer screen background to blue if you have to stare at a screen all day. Have a blue tablecloth, bedspread or blanket? Pull ‘em out! Grab your favorite blue beads and play around with them. Get inspired with unusual color combinations that use blue as a starting point by checking out our Blue Color Palettes page. Browse our blue Collections to spark creativity.

• Collaborate and Learn from Others. When you have a creative block and can’t decide what to do next or what colors to choose for your next project it can help to look at what others are doing. It may seem uncreative but making an exact copy of something someone has already done can get your creative juices flowing as you work. You’ll get ideas and discover new solutions as you work! Luckily you don’t have to go far to see what everyone else is up to, join our Beader’s Nook Facebook group and become part of a community of beaders who can help with practical advice as well as be source of constant inspiration! Another great idea is to check out our ad free YouTube channel and browse videos. Try something new, try something simple, it’s up to you! Just trying something can pull you right out of a creative funk.

• Laugh. Mood is a significant factor in creativity. Studies have shown that just watching a clip of a baby laughing can boost creativity and foster new ideas. So find your favorite comedian’s stand up routine or just browse the internet for funny videos to spark your joy before you sit down to your bead mat. I enjoy listening to podcasts that have a comedic element while beading.

• Walking Meditation. If possible where you are, going for a walk alone outside can not only boost your mood but also your creativity. Nature has a calming effect on us and moving your body helps circulation and blood flow to your brain – a double boost! Let your mind wander and your subconscious will start chugging along. Ideas will pop up randomly that had been sitting dormant in the back of the mind. Please stay safe, use your best judgement and make sure you are following local ordinances and rules when outside.

• Get out of your comfort zone. Do you mostly do bead stringing? Try learning a stitch! Are you a devoted beadweaver? Try your hand at bead embroidery! Try a new type of bead or a color family that you’ve always avoided. Let go of the idea that this project has to be perfect and polished. Revel in the learning process and take pride in your mistakes, they will make you better! You can try beading around a component that isn’t normally used for jewelry. Make something completely avant-garde, make something shockingly ugly. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s to jump start new ideas.

• Step away from the bead mat. Sometimes, it can be a struggle and we feel stuck. Don’t force it and beat yourself up. Put the beads down and go do something else. You can take a walk or take a shower or bake some bread or read a book. Forget about the beads for a while and when you come back to the mat you will come full of fresh ideas and with a renewed spirit.

I hope these small tips from my experience were in some way helpful. This can be a difficult time for creativity so be easy on yourself, take your time, try these tips and let it flow. You are a creative soul and your creativity will be back. I promise. 💗

Do YOU have any helpful tips to share? Write a comment! Tell us how you’re doing and how your beading journey is going. We’re here for you!