Reported by Jo-Anne te Raa
I know I am not alone when I say that sometimes I really feel like all my creativity and inspiration has decided to leave at once! Sometimes we can give it a push by buying new supplies, taking a new set of photos of an event in our lives. But sometimes we need a little more of a kick! That’s where the new book The Scrapbooker’s Creativity Kit: Prompts And Ideas To Jump Start Your Layouts
from Claudine Helmuth comes handy.
from Claudine Helmuth comes handy.Packaged in a cute, sturdy box, the kit contains two card decks stacked with 180 words and colours. There is also a book of projects illustrating combinations, showing you how creative you can get.
Claudine Hellmuth is a nationally recognised artist, author and illustrator. This is her 4th book and a twist on the other 3, challenges and inspiration rather than technique. Including the work of several artists including Rhonna Farrer, Ashley Calder and Donna Downey and even a group of Fashionistas from SCRAP IN STYLE TV, its a breath of fresh air when creativity seems to have left the room!!
OK so lets have a go….
Shuffle the two decks of cards and deal a word and a colour card. Each card has two prompt words on each side. Use the word that is facing up when you deal the cards. I decided to draw two word cards and two colour cards.
So I draw BLUE and GREEN and words RAIN and TIME.
I needed to create a project that had something loosely to do with RAIN and TIME. Don’t limit yourself to a traditional scrapbooking layout, you can interpret the elements how ever your imagination allows.
I was “pulled” by the word RAIN. It reminded me of a bible text I have always loved and a conversation with a friend I had earlier in the week. I didn’t want to make a layout but a hanger so that the text was visible everyday.
I love the shapes of the new 8×8 Making Memories papers but no green or blue 
so I decided to trace the shape onto the GREEN check paper of the same collection. A BLUE fabric flower, from Pink Paislee, a GREEN cupcake paper and a picture of me taken over 35 years ago dressed in BLUE!!
so I decided to trace the shape onto the GREEN check paper of the same collection. A BLUE fabric flower, from Pink Paislee, a GREEN cupcake paper and a picture of me taken over 35 years ago dressed in BLUE!!Using Jenni Bowlin letters I added my text. I know the words don’t specifically mention TIME and RAIN, but it’s the text that those words prompt in my head. And this is the total aim of this book. From 2 words and 2 colors I was able to create this hanger. It’s a real creative kick when inspiration is no where to be found.
I am really pleased with what I created, but most of all I enjoyed the process of stimulating my art in a new and fresh way. This is definitely a great addition to any bookcase. You don’t have to be limited to scrapbooking, it’s actually a great general kick for the creative process.
Pros:
- The “kit” is a great handy size, ideal for putting in your scrap tote.
- Novel and simple idea with perfect results.
- Easy to use and understand
- Perfect to use in a crop, alone or with a big group of people.
- Great to play with other scrappers online!
- Good quality product, competitively priced ($19.99)
- Artistically presented, using the skills of not just the author but a range of styles including digital and altered items.
Cons:
- The only con I would say is I wish there had been a “catch” or an elastic on the box to keep it closed. The box tends to fall open allowing the cards to fall out.
Overall I cannot recommend this book enough. Buy it for yourself or as a gift, you will definitely get value for money and will not be disappointed!
Purchase The Scrapbooker’s Creativity Kit: Prompts And Ideas To Jump Start Your Layouts
Have you used this fab creativity prompt? What other things do you use when your crafty mojo has gone the ways of the wind? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Click on the link at the top of the page to visit Craft Critique for comments, giveaways and more!
This is on my wish list!! I think it would make a great Mother’s Day gift for ME!! I’ll have to tend my girls and my husband!! I love what you created! I mean, really LOVE it!! How beautiful! Excellent review! You’re making me want this even more now!
Nice plug for SISTV. Now, don’t get me wrong, I love it there and am a regular, but maybe next time you do a review of a Fashionista’s work you should choose someone other than another Fashionista to review it.
I’ve had this for over a month and just now took it out to look through the book. I loved the idea of it, but I have yet to use it and not sure if I ever will. I am more prompted to scrapbook with challenges. But this would be perfect to take to a crop. I usually just sit there like a zombie overwhelmed. I think the next time my friends and I get together to crop, we’ll give this a try. This would be great for a circle scrapbook with friends.
This book looks like such fun! Thank you for reviewing it!
You really don’t know what you are gonna run across when you are blog hopping. I have been stumped about making a thank you card for my Sunday School class for a few weeks now and BOOOOOOM now it hits me. Psalm 30:5 is my FAVORITE Bible verse but it hadn’t come to mind to use that verse until I saw it used here. Thank you for the insight and the project is beautiful. ms.cheryl
I need to find this book.
tina
I need to find it too. Is it at Amazon?
Thanks for the reminder! We added the Amazon link to make it easier for you to find!
This reminds me of the old Creative WACK-PACKS graphics designers used to use.
Claudine Hellmuth is just Fabulous – If you ever get a chance to take one of her classes (via http://www.artandsoulretreat.com you will NOT regret it) She is a very creative, patient and generous teacher with her vast knowledge.
This so cool!!! I dont’ know how much I would really use it though??
This book/card kit intrigued me so much, I had to buy it, I just got it two days ago but love the concept already. I have stalled with my scrapbooking and I can see myself starting up again with this creativity trigger and it can be used for cardmaking too. Thanks for the review. X Fab