For the past two days, I’ve been participating in the inaugural Stampin’ Up! card retreat, and it has been such a fun couple of days of creating. But if you know me at all, you know it’s usually not just the projects that stick with me—it’s the ideas and conversations behind them.
One of the concept designers shared something that instantly made me nod along, because it perfectly aligned with something I’ve believed for a long time.
We all have our own creative style—and that is a good thing. But she talked about how important it is to sometimes step outside of that style and try something new, even if it feels a little uncomfortable at first.
Creativity Is Like a Muscle
Her analogy was simple but powerful:
Creativity is like a muscle.
And honestly? I loved that way of putting it.
Because I truly believe that using your creativity helps your creativity. Showing up, making something, trying an idea—even when it feels a little awkward or unfamiliar—that’s what keeps our creative spark alive.
The more you use that muscle, the stronger it becomes.
The more you stretch it, the easier it is to try new things.
And over time, you start to notice you have more ideas, more confidence, and more flexibility in the projects you create.
images © 1990-2026 Stampin’ Up! ®
Comfort Zones Are Cozy… but Growth Lives Just Outside Them
As scrapbookers and card makers, it’s really easy to stay in our comfort zones.
The same layouts.
The same card styles.
The same colours and techniques we know we love.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
But every once in a while, trying one thing that feels a little “not very me”—a sketch you wouldn’t normally pick, a different fold, or a colour combo that makes you hesitate—can open up so many new ideas.
And here’s the important part:
You don’t have to love every project you make.
You don’t have to keep everything you try.
But every time you sit down and create, you’re strengthening that creative muscle—and that strength shows up in all the projects that come after.
A Gentle Nudge
So if you’ve been feeling a little stuck, uninspired, or creatively flat, consider this your gentle nudge to create anyway… and maybe stretch just a tiny bit while you’re at it.
Your creativity hasn’t gone anywhere.
Sometimes it just needs to be used to remember how strong it is.
Here is a gallery to scroll of the cards I created
images © 1990-2026 Stampin’ Up!
A Little Extra Encouragement
This is honestly one of the reasons I love being part of tutorial groups—they push me to try ideas and styles I might not naturally choose on my own, and that always makes me a better, more confident creator.
And if you’re looking for a simple way to stretch your creativity right now, my January Product of the Month tutorials are ready to go in my shop. They’re designed to give you a starting point and the freedom to make the projects your own.
Thanks for being here and creating alongside me. 💛 #virtualcardretreat26
images © 1990-2026 Stampin’Up! ®
If you shopped with me this month, your Product of the Month PDF will be emailed automatically at the end of the month. If you’re in a different region, it’ll be available in my PDF shop.
If you have any more questions feel free to email me @ chris@chriscreativelife.com
images © 1990-2026 Stampin’Up! ®