There is something about Spring that really recharges creativity. I think it's because Spring is such a season of rebirth and growth.

In terms of growth, think about how much your crafting has grown since you first started. Whether it's knitting or painting, sewing or scrapbooking - we all started somewhere. I always think it's fun to look at where you started and where you are now, because it gives you a sense of accomplishment and you can see how much you've grown in that craft.

I'll share one of my examples. The first layout was done in 2002. Looking at it now, I realize that I have definitely grown as a scrapbooker and I'm not trying to use every technique I know of anymore.

I think in this layout I was trying to use metal, fibers, eyelets, charms. You name it - I was going for it. Then, I realized as I grew in crafting that I did not have to use every technique that I know on one project. It's almost like you mellow-out as a crafter and you KNOW you know how to do things and you do not have to prove it when you're creating something.

Here's another layout I did about 9 months ago. (I'm sorry I don't have a more recent example because I feel like I've even grown since then.) Still a lot going on but I think it's a bit more refined. This one has a definite title, there is more journaling on there, the photo is the focus, etc. (By the way - this is my baby now!)

So - how have YOU grown in your craft? We'd love to see photos. Post to our gallery your before and after photos to show how much you have grown in your craft. Trust me - it's really neat to see how much others' crafting styles have changed.

Ginger