If you’ve been crafting as long as I have, you know — our creative clocks tick just a little differently than everyone else’s. While most folks are lighting summer fireworks, I’m usually knee-deep in Christmas paper, covered in glitter, and humming “Jingle Bells” like it’s perfectly normal in July.
That’s the life of a creator, isn’t it? We’re always looking forward — to the next holiday, the next color palette, the next cozy collection that makes us say, “Ooh, I can’t wait to make something with this!”
Living a Season (or Two) Ahead
As paper crafters, we kind of live in two worlds — the now and the next. Designing ahead means I’m already playing with pumpkins when my garden is still blooming, and making snowflake cards long before the first chill hits the air. It’s not about rushing through the year; it’s about staying ready to inspire others when they reach that season.
I always think of it as setting the stage — pulling out ideas, experimenting with colors, and giving myself plenty of time to just play. Because when the holidays actually arrive, I want to be enjoying them, not scrambling to photograph projects or finish blog posts between batches of cookies!
My Favorite Ways to Stay Ahead
- Keep a Seasonal Idea Journal: I jot down ideas all year long. If I see a color combo that reminds me of Easter or a cozy pattern that screams Fall, it goes straight into my notebook. Inspiration never shows up on schedule, so I grab it when it does!
- Batch My Crafting: When I’m in a creative groove, I make several projects in the same theme. If I’ve pulled out all the reds and greens, you can bet I’m doing Christmas everything before cleaning up that mess.
- Theme Bins Are My Best Friend: I keep bins labeled by season — Fall, Christmas, Valentine’s, Spring, etc. When it’s time to start designing, I can just grab the right one and go.
- Leave Room for Play: Even though I plan ahead, I always leave space for those spur-of-the-moment projects. Sometimes a new stamp set or paper pack just speaks to me, and I’ve learned to listen!
Why It’s Worth It
Designing ahead keeps my creativity flowing and lets me truly enjoy each season as it comes. It also means my readers and followers can craft right along with me — with plenty of time to shop their stash, try new techniques, and make something special.
And honestly? There’s something magical about celebrating every season twice — once in the making, and again when it arrives.
So if you’re crafting Christmas cards in August or cutting out hearts while your tree’s still up… you’re not behind or out of sync — you’re just ahead of your time. And that, my friends, is part of the creative joy we share.
Thanks for stopping by!
I’m so glad you’re here sharing a little creative time with me. If you love talking paper, color, and seasonal inspiration, be sure to subscribe or follow along — there’s always something new (and a little glittery) just around the corner. Until next time, happy creating and stay crafty! ✂️💖
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