Why Can I NEVER finish a LO?

[gandcsmama]

I am new to digi scrapping and am finding it hard to commit to a LO. I have so many that I get half done and then just close PSE without saving because I don't like them. I am a novice scrapper (digi or otherwise) and have thousands of photos to scrap but nothing is getting done....ARGH. I am not looking for any comments, just needed to get it out. Wish me luck!

[iJenny]

I know you said you weren't looking for comments, but I wanted to tell you that I really struggled with this in the beginning. I still do it even now, just not nearly as much.
One thing that really helped me get on track with my layouts was to do the challenges here at SSD or other places. It helps me focus and gain inspiration and I tend to get much further than if I had just scrapped from scratch.
HTH! Good luck!
________
Glass pipe

[Alinalitas]

Best of luck!
I'm pretty much a newbie too.
I end up dumping a lot of them too. But once I set my mind into doing at least one I just try and try again.
If I' start not to like it, I rearrange what I've put there, make random layers invisible for a while see if they belong or not, and just keep going.

[Teresa]

Have you tried scraplifting? Or starting from a template? Maybe if you were lifting someone else's layout you'd have a better sense of where your final page was headed, it would be easier/more satisfying? I know I was always frustrated starting out as well- it gets to be more fun once you know what you're shooting for with style and content. Just a few thoughts- good luck!!

[Paula]

I think Teresa has a great idea. Try scraplifting or using a template. That seems to help me when I get in a creative funk.

[Mandy]

Or you could think of it as great practice! lol
I think the idea of working the challenges here at SSD is a great idea! Not only do you get the inspiration to work and finish a page, your final product, no matter how good you think it is, goes towards the Sweet Rewards program here which earns you %'s off some of our awesome stuff in the Shoppe.
Now THATS a win win situation!

[MikkelPaige]

I think it may really help if you save what you're working on. It helps me at least. Sometimes I'll start it, lose inspiration and save it anyway, then go back to it another day and get a fresh look and finish it!! Also, browsing galleries really helps get my motivation and mojo going! Hang in there! You're a work in progress...we all are!!

[Jen_Beschinski]

If you post here, you're going to get comments! LOL

My guess is you are struggling with perfectionism. I used to struggle with this too. I love Teresa's idea of scraplifting and using templates to get you going.
And I'd also suggest that you shift your focus to your photos and journaling. This is really about recording our memories. It's turned into an art form yes but the memories organization and care for your photos should be top priority.

The second step is to embrace your style. I loooove so many layouts out there that are so full of amazing things to look at. But when I try to do that, it's just not me so it doesn't come out right. For me, I have to go back to my simple roots. Every style is something to admire!

Jen

[newfiemountiewife]

I counted, and I have 18, yes 18, partly done LOs. I lose focus or something. Then I look in the galleries for inspiration, get completely intimidated, and go to bed LOL.

I really struggle, I'm fairly new as well, only been scrapping since June, and I don't know why it's such a problem for me.

[gandcsmama]

Thanks Ladies! All of your comments are so supportive and great. I am trying to do the challenges and have been marking LOs I like for scraplifting. I am glad I posted and that I am not the only one with this problem.

Kristy

[jenbalding]

sometimes we spend a LOT of time on a lo-and think it looks terrible-put it away for a week or so and you'll probably come back to it and think it's great -it helps to get away for awhile (just like the family!!) - also, the galleries are a great place for inspiration, do it just like they do it with your colors & papers (be sure to give 'em love though!!)