I always hear people say the phrase, “stuck in a rut”. Do you need a way out?! Here are some ideas to consider:
1. Use a sketch.
I used the latest one over at Sketchy Thursdays. There was something about the simple design that made me want to use it. I took this sketch…
…and I created this layout:
2. Use your older supplies.
My older supplies have allowed me to think outside of my usual range of ideas. I brought out the brads from my embellishment stash, and I mixed it with some of the latest patterned paper from American Crafts. Having a combination of some old and some new supplies will always bring something unique!
3. Use some of your shape punches.
I decided to take out one of my flower punches and one of my circle punches. I used 72 Degrees and Sunny by We R Memory Keepers. I love how this one turned out. Don’t you think this looks very “Sarah”?! …and yes, I used brads on this one too, hehe. 
If you get stuck in a rut, try something different. You are bound to come up with something creative!
Today, the weather was warm and comforting, so the dogs and I spent a good amount of our day outside on the patio. While I was outside reading, I noticed all of the pretty flowers that added splashes of color to our house.
Pretty stuff, huh?! It’s amazing how a garden can make someone’s day.
Maui and Hilo kept following me around when I was trying to snap those flower photos. I think they were getting jealous of how much camera time the flowers were getting, so they constantly kept trying to “pose” for a photo. They have totally become pros. I snapped one, and this is what I got. They make me smile… when they’re not being naughty, of course! 
As for making my blog private, it looks like the majority of my readers wouldn’t mind having to log in with a password. Phew! However, I am still contemplating the best option for me and my work. As for those of you who do mind, I’m curious to know why.
If I decide to change things up around here, my readers will be the first to know.
PS: How’s work? Do you feel like you “…need to get out of here”?
25 comments
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April 6, 2010 at 11:53 pm
deftoned
Maui: “When is Uncle Scott going to visit next?”
Hilo: “Yeah Mommy, I want to watch baseball with him so much.”
—–
LOL THE GNOME! I actually started singing that in my head this morning at work. Thank goodness this is only a 4-day week for me.
April 7, 2010 at 3:31 am
Isolde
I hope to find some time to work with that sketch too.
April 7, 2010 at 5:20 am
julie
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh I loveeeeeeeeeeeee all of these sarah-bera!!!! I loveeeeee the photos too….and I think brother is wrong…the kiddos are actually wanting Mr. Dandy to come over and play!! LOL!
:):):):):):) thanks sooooooooooooooooo much for playing along with ST my dearest! 
:):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)
April 7, 2010 at 5:42 am
kat
love your new layouts!!! i have been trying to pull out some of my old stash recently too….mainly because i have way too much stuff right now! haha.
April 7, 2010 at 5:53 am
gloria
crap! you totally have that song stuck in my head now! “tadiddle deet deet deet deeet deee..i need to get out of here!” haha.
love the LOs. congrats on your pub once again. wednesday, the hardest day to get through. augh!!!!
love the photo of the freaks.
April 7, 2010 at 5:57 am
Heather
Your new layouts rock! I love all of the brads. I have about a billion of them and never remember to use them.
April 7, 2010 at 6:19 am
Jing-Jing
It is so enjoyable to come here and you always treat your readers with adorable pictures and really great projects, thanks for the inspiration Sarah!
April 7, 2010 at 6:29 am
Bekka
Well, you are most certainly NOT in a rut! I love these layouts. And great advice…I’m not so much in a rut as my job is just taking over right now. The flowers are soooo incredibly pretty! Yay for Spring. And you know I love a good Maui and Hilo pic!
As for the blog, I don’t mind logging in with a password, really. But I’m a forgetful girl. Not that I’d forget your blog. But it might slip my mind for a few weeks if it doesn’t pop up on my Google Reader. And I don’t want to miss anything. But I’ll stop being selfish for your sake.
April 7, 2010 at 6:32 am
Chris
What an inspiring post! Love your varied layouts and thanks for the little talk on how you continue to create new and different layouts and projects. Love all the flowers – so colorful – and of course, the furkids! Have a great day!
April 7, 2010 at 7:04 am
jessicaw2930
Love these ideas…got any ideas for adding more time to my day to be able to do some pages? I seriously have sooo much to get done lately and no time to do layouts:( Maybe this afternoon I can do one…and I love shape punches….maybe I could create something simple with those…you have me wanting to create!!!! Have a great day. Love, Jess
April 7, 2010 at 7:26 am
Colleen
This is all so very true! Thanks for the reminders!
You asked on my blog about ScrapFest, but I won’t be there because it’s about a 5 hour flight for me! I’m teaching 225 people later this month at a weekend scrap event that the lss I work in is hosting though, so that should be fun!
April 7, 2010 at 8:50 am
Audra
super awesome layouts!! looove them!! they all look very “sarah” lol
I love the idea of mixing old and new supplies to create something unique… really great idea!! your garden is gorgeous!! and your pups are super cute as always!! 
April 7, 2010 at 10:01 am
Antonia
Your flowers are so pretty!! I soooo agree with your “get outta the rut” ideas! Sketches are my #1 go to and I also love to dig though my old stash and challenge myself to use it up!! I love your ST page
April 7, 2010 at 10:19 am
Sarah Mullanix
LOVE the new LO’s…we just totally enjoy those bright sunshiney colors!!! TFS
-sarah
April 7, 2010 at 10:57 am
Deana
Cute LO’s & yes, the Summer Days page is VERY SARAH! So fun, happy & colorful… just what I ♥ about your work!
Pretty flowers…. I ♥ Gerbera Daisies, especially red ones!
April 7, 2010 at 11:22 am
jacque
You are so awesome! I love your suggestions and I adore your talent!!! You go girl!
April 7, 2010 at 12:17 pm
Hanneke
Love all you LO’s and thanks for the great tips (I am stuck in a rut all the time, so i could really use some advice, hahaha)
Love the photo of the doggies, so cute!!
April 7, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Vel
I’ve lost my scrappy mojo but have been cranking out the cards. Pretty soon here I’m going to grab some sketches and get moving. I do think that’s a fabulous way to get going again.
Love the pics of the lil ones!
April 7, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Nancy K
Thanks for the tips. Love your photos.
April 7, 2010 at 1:57 pm
Jocelyn
Thanks for the inspiration today….I just adore what you did with the Sketch…it is a great one and the LO is PERFECT!!! The flower pictures are just gorgeous and the PUPS….can I borrow them when you go on vacation…..sooooooooooooo cute!!
Wishing you a wonderful day filled with smiles!!!!
April 7, 2010 at 3:54 pm
Kathy K
3 great layouts!!! I love using sketches & brads.
Your dogs are super cute too!
April 7, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Becky
Oh my goodness, is that cat wearing a sweater? lol too stinkin cute. Your layouts are awesome as always, I love those flowers with the brads. Your garden is beautiful. You pups are cute, do they just do that or do you have to hold treats? I can’t get my daisy to look at me, she sees the camera and turns her head. Sorry to be so long winded. Have a great night.
April 8, 2010 at 7:26 am
Michelle
wow wow wow… love what you did with those lo’s they are wonderful!!! the photos are so fun!!! gotta love the doggie photos!!! too cute!!! {{hugs}} Michelle
April 8, 2010 at 4:00 pm
jc.chris
Your layouts are brilliant here!! I especially love the summer days. The tips that u used when u r in rut are basically what I do too. Guess great minds think alike *winks*
April 8, 2010 at 6:27 pm
kim whitten
great tips!!!
I have not scrapped in ages, but I am thinking I need to break out some paper and get with it. just a rut I suppose!
Love that pic of the babies.