Where is the line between being consistant and just being bogged down in a rut?
I've been considering this question for a while.
Sometimes I fear that my style consistancy is a fancy way of saying I am in a rut. I don't really like to try new things. I like the dependable techniques and tools. I don't like adventure when it comes to scrapbooking. I know what I like and I stick to it. I would be perfectly happy if every layout could incorporate a song lyric or a song title. Would that be a consistant element or a lazy scrappers rut?
*Can* I do different/bold/innovative/original things?
Of course.
*Do* I?
Rarely. Because I like what I have.
Consistancy...yes. Rut...could be. Maybe I am OK with that.
There was a time when certain scrapbookers had distinguishable personal styles. There was a time when I could spot a Rebecca Sower layout from a mile away. The same for other prominant stylists such as Brenda Cosgrove, Joy Uzrraga, Carrie O'Donnell, Jennifer Ditz (now McGuire) and others. Now, it's not so easy.
Is it because others have duplicated what was once "their look" to the point of disassociating the look from the person - or - is consistancy in style no longer admired the way it once was? Has consistancy been replaced by versitility? Has personal style been relagated to the back seat?
Since changing from 12x12 back to 8.5x11 pages, I have reaffirmed my love for crisp and clean, well journaled layouts in what I think of as a sortof humble CZ/RS combination. My overstuffed drawers of stuff sit almost untouched. I'm drawn to ribbons, brads, the occasional tag and my trusty letter stamps and computer. I love textured Bazzill and small pieces of patterned paper. Dymo. Oversized photos. So why do I have a room full of stuff when each and every one of my favorite layouts consists of the above mentioned *basics*?
Sometimes I forget that I'm a very simple girl.
It doesn't take much to impress me.
It doesn't take much to make me happy.
I love simple, unassuming, unpretentious, uncomplicated things...especially in scrapbooking.
Apparently, sometimes standing in the midst of the local scrapbook stores (and stamp store and hardware store and craft store and office supply store and certain online stores) I get overwhelmed with choices and give in to the princess of acquisitions.
The Princess of Acquisition.
Someone should really smack her.
1 comment:
I'm right there with you! I would say do what you like, whether it's "consistent" or "in-a-rut" doesn't really matter. You are making layouts and pages and books for you and your family to enjoy and learn from later in life. I don't think when they are used for this now and years down the road, that it's going to matter at all. No one is going to look at them and say "oh my gosh, she was in a rut wasn't she?!" As for Princess of Acquisition, I hate it too when she rears her ugly head! Next time I see her, I'll smack her for both of us!
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