Working through the winter blahs

This is the time of year when I often run into a creative slump.  The Christmas frenzy is over, and while I do make Valentine's Day gifts, there's a definite slowdown of the creative juices.  This year one thing that has pushed me to continue creating new pieces is the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild.  We have regular theme challenges, just finished a Valentine's Day scavenger hunt (I supplied one of the prizes), and in general we're a very active guild.  Sometimes it's easier to create pieces when I have a specific theme in mind.  Interacting with other "clayers" also sparks my creativity and pushes me to try new things. 
Right now I'm working on a lighted polymer clay house in the shape of a boot, somewhat along the lines of "The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe".  This is a very complicated piece and I have to figure it out as I go.  Sometimes I'm not in the right frame of mind to work on something so "intense", so I'll make a pair of earrings, or a whimsical sculpture instead.  Sometimes I spend as much time thinking about these complicated sculptures as I do actually sculpting.  I have to work through problems in my head, then try my solutions on the clay.  Thankfully, polymer clay is VERY forgiving, until you bake it.  I'm not rushing this particular piece- I'd rather take it slow than rush to finish.  If I take my time I'll end up with a piece I can be proud of.  So far, it's coming out quite nicely.
I've also been making teddy bears.  I use very high quality faux fur and sew them by hand.  There's something very soothing about hand sewing, and the soft fur is very nice to work with.  I've made teddy bears in the past, but these are the best yet.  They have joints in their arms, legs, and head, so you can pose them into all sorts of cute positions.  I also make knit teddy bears (as well as other knit animals).  Knitting is another calming motion, and I often knit at night before I go to bed.  All of my bears are one of a kind creations, and somehow they always end up with distinct personalities.  That's the magic of art- it tends to take on a life of it's own.
So in general, when I'm trying to work through my creative blah periods, I'll alternate complex projects with easier ones.  Changing mediums also helps- I tend to get bored if I do too much of the same thing.  And having a challenge inspires me to create as well.  I really haven't had too much of a lull this winter.  Since joining ArtFire I've had a lot of additional inspiration, and an amazing amount of support from other artists.  So if you're in a creative slump, try something different, learn a new craft, or join a guild that matches your interests.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
-Michelle of CreativeCritters