Make Before You Must: Starting the Day with Creativity

before the to-do list

Before the social media replies. Before the meetings. Before the emails. Before the editing, there is a new morning habit I have been endeavoring to cultivate this past month. It seems simple. It mostly is. But here's the thing: if it doesn't happen that time it just might not happen at all.

What is that you say?

It's making.

Yeah. I know. I am a content creator. I teach making stuff. I have an educational company and I share how to make the stuff.

However, crafting first thing in the morning guarantees that I will actually get some crafting in my day. Because just like all of us, it does not always happen. Even though I tell myself when I get done with my administrative work. Or when the editing is done. Or after I answer one more email I will stop and make something just for fun. But then I don't. Because I am usually just too tired by then.

So I changed that up.

I am 'starting' to make something just for fun. First thing of a morning when I get to the studio.

There are so many positive reasons for morning creativity. I already shared that it was me making sure I got some creating making time in of a day. That if I did not do so of a morning it might not happen at all. And it was true. 

Mornings are truly the quietest time of the day around here. No one is up as early as I am. And I like it like that. This is me taking advantage of the quiet.

It's said we are actually the most creative first thing in the morning. We are still not quite awake. We are a bit drowsy. Thoughts are not yet fully formed. So perhaps we are our least critical to ourselves at that time of day. So create away! Do not over think it. Just go where the creativity takes you.

It's a win! It's a creative win first thing in the morning. Just like they say making your bed gives a sense of having something done early in the day. It's the same for making something. It creates momentum for more making later in the day. It creates momentum for everything else.

And oh...how about this: it's a beautiful reminder that you were created to create, not manage the tasks. Yes. We have to work. Of course. Whether employed or entrepreneur. Whether stay at home or outside the home. Whether retired or just getting started. We must work or everything else falls apart. We don't HAVE to create, right? But we should. And first thing is best.

You may have watched the YouTube video tutorial I made for the journal highlighted in these photos. The book was made from new Sizzix & 49 and Market Snap and Swap File Folder Dies. You can see that video HERE. Well, between this one I made and a couple others around here that I have crafted recently, I have worked on making a daily habit by popping into these books and adding to the pages. What is great about this file folder journal is that it is small. So the making task is small as well. Just about 3 1/2 x 5 inches. I can layer or add rub on transfers or write journaling in about 30 minutes or so. Then I walk away with a sense of gratitude and satisfaction that another page was added to the mix. Eager to get to it again the next day.

The above page is a perfect example of just what might be popped on a page. 

This is The Flower Emporium Collection. I keep the rub ons and stickers in my Craft Caddy on my work space. The Vellum Ephemera is kept in a craft box close by. So far I have mostly just kept it to that.

1. Transfer rub on to the page.

2. Layer with an acetate frame.

3. Over that add a vellum circle that includes a vellum leaf.

4. Before adhering layer the butterfly then tiny staple it all together.

5. Finally I added the Beauty is everywhere rub on that only cemented the reality that beauty is indeed everywhere. And we get to participate in that by making as well.

What's changed since starting this habit?

I am just so dang happy to have added to this journal. It's a steady building of this book. Not to mention the simple lovely task of making. Making a something. Making every day. There is a certain peace in me knowing I have already exercised some creativity in the day. It fuels me for further tasks. Plus, I have added more pages to this journal than I would normally have done because of the daily-ness of this habit.

Here are a few ideas for you to jump start your morning making habit:

1. have supplies orderly but at the ready
2. keep it small and playful, like this journal
3. if you have to, use a timer. But I highly suggest just making until you want to be done.
4. it's not about perfection, it's about discovery
5. celebrate your habit of consistency

When you make something before the world demands of you, you are choosing to begin with intention, with beauty, with inspired creativity. It's a gift you get to give yourself daily.

And if you decide to join this habit, share your morning makes with me on Instagram using hashtag #MakeBeforeYouMust

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Be sure and leave a comment. I absolutely love hearing from my creative making friends. I always do my best to respond in kind.
Keep making!

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