My May: What I Created and How I Grew

May 29, 2025April 21, 2025 Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

This month, our theme was “Bloom Where You Are.” And I did just that—in ways I didn’t expect. Some days I created beautiful spreads. Other days I sat in stillness with scissors in hand, unsure what to say but still showing up.

May wasn’t about perfection. It was about presence. About making space for creativity, connection, and self-compassion in the in-between moments.

So here’s a little look at what I created—and how I grew.

🌱 What I created:

6 full 6×8 layouts using gentle colors like Wild Wheat, Bubble Bath, and Lost Lagoon
12 journaling cards with single sentences that helped me process emotions
5 handmade cards I sent to friends as part of our Happy Mail challenge
A “Roots & Wings” layout using the Thoughtful Journey DSP to honor my mother
A creative ritual I’ve now added every Sunday: light a candle, shuffle some scraps, and make just one thing—no pressure

💬 What surprised me:

How calming repetitive stamping can be when I don’t overthink it
That I actually loved using florals—especially sunflowers and daisies
How connected I felt sharing my journey inside the VIP group
That documenting the small wins made me feel big joy

Reflection from my journal:
“Creativity didn’t save me this month—but it made space for me. It reminded me that I am still growing, even when I feel stuck.”

🌸 What I’m proud of:

Showing up, even on days when my energy was low
Giving just as much to myself as I gave to others
Using my art to process my feelings instead of bottling them
Helping others tell their stories by sharing mine

You don’t need a gallery of perfect projects to call yourself creative. If you made one thing with your heart this month—you bloomed.

➡️ Now it’s your turn:

Take 5 minutes today to reflect on your May. What did you make? What did you feel? What are you proud of?
Post a photo of your favorite May project using #MyCreativeMay and tag @gemspaperscissors
Want to keep your momentum going into June? Subscribe to the weekly newsletter for gentle inspiration all month long
Grab the Bloom Tracker and color in the petals you’ve filled with intention, creativity, and care

Why Comparison is a Creative Block

May 13, 2025April 21, 2025 Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

Have you ever opened Instagram, seen a perfectly styled layout, and instantly questioned your own creativity? We all have. Comparison is sneaky. It shows up as admiration, but often leaves behind doubt. For those of us who’ve survived trauma, battled chronic illness, or are healing from burnout, comparison can be especially painful—it chips away at the safe space we’re trying to build.

But creativity isn’t a competition. It’s a path. A practice. A deeply personal journey.

🌿 Why we compare:
We compare to feel connected. To orient ourselves. But in a creative space, that habit can become harmful. Instead of inspiring, it can paralyze us. Especially if we’re already feeling vulnerable or uncertain.

🧠 Comparison tells us lies like:

“Your work isn’t good enough.”
“You’re behind.”
“Why even bother?”
“Look how much better she’s doing.”

✨ The truth is:

Your story is unlike anyone else’s.
You are allowed to create slowly.
You don’t have to share your work to validate it.
The messiest page can still hold the most meaning.

Last month, I spent hours on a layout that didn’t come together. I almost gave up—until I reminded myself it’s okay if it’s just for me. That shift in mindset helped me finish it and actually love the result.

💗 Reframing your mindset:

Instead of “better,” try asking: What’s different?
Instead of “behind,” try: What do I want to feel?
Instead of “they’re better than me,” try: I admire their style. I’m finding my own.

Comparison is a thief of joy—and creativity. The next time it sneaks in, pause and ask: What is true for me today? Then create from that space.

➡️ Need a judgment-free space to reconnect with your creativity?

Download my free Bloom Tracker to focus on consistency, not comparison
Subscribe to the newsletter for gentle encouragement each week
Share a photo of your real, in-process work using #CreatingWithoutComparison and tag me @gemspaperscissors—I’ll cheer you on every time 🌸

creating · creative wellness · Healing through art

Why Repetition in Art Can Be Restorative

May 6, 2025April 21, 2025 Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

Repetition often gets a bad rap—seen as boring or monotonous. But in creativity, repetition can actually be healing. Whether it’s stamping the same image, layering paper in similar ways, or journaling a repeated affirmation, repetition provides rhythm, grounding, and comfort. For those of us navigating trauma, chronic illness, grief, or stress, this rhythm can feel like a lifeline.

🌀 Why repetition works:
Repetition gives our brains a break from decision fatigue. It lets us sink into the flow, bypassing the critical voice that says “this isn’t good enough.” In fact, it can be a meditative creative practice.

🖌 Examples of restorative repetition in papercrafting:

Stamping the same image in a row with different ink tones
Using a grid format for journaling cards each week
Layering the same flower die cut in three tones of pink
Writing the same affirmation on every page of a mini album
Repetitive stenciling or embossing across backgrounds

“When I’m overwhelmed, I stamp a simple leaf image in a soft color over and over. It becomes almost prayer-like. I don’t need to think—just create.”

🌼 Why it helps with healing:

Anchors you in the moment
Creates safety through structure
Boosts confidence as small wins accumulate
Encourages mindfulness without pressure to innovate
Gently rewires neural pathways toward calm and joy

Don’t be afraid to repeat yourself—creatively, emotionally, or spiritually. In fact, that repetition may be exactly what your nervous system and soul need to feel safe and seen.

➡️ Want a space to explore repetition in your creative healing?

Grab my free Bloom Tracker to see how repetition builds creative momentum
Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly inspiration and gentle motivation
Share your own “repetition ritual” with the tag #RestorativeArtRepetition so we can celebrate your process

creating

Creative Intentions for May

May 4, 2025April 20, 2025 Tina Biornstad-SzafranskiLeave a comment

As we enter a new month, there’s a beautiful opportunity to set creative intentions—not with pressure or perfection, but with permission. Permission to be messy, gentle, and joy-filled. May is a season of blooming, and with it comes the chance to align your creativity with what your heart needs most.

Setting a creative intention can be as simple as choosing one word or phrase that will guide how you want to feel or show up creatively this month. Here’s how to do it:

🌸 Step 1 – Reflect: Ask yourself: What do I need right now? Do you need rest, expression, color, quiet, connection?

🖋 Step 2 – Choose a word or phrase:
Some examples: peace, play, explore, express, reconnect, soften, rise.

🎨 Step 3 – Create a visual reminder:

Make a mini journaling card with your intention.
Stamp the word onto a tag or 3×4 card and display it in your space.
Use a Stampin’ Up! color that evokes that energy—like Fresh Freesia for softness or Old Olive for grounding.

🧘‍♀️ Step 4 – Anchor your crafting:

Begin each session with a breath and your word.
Use your word to guide your layouts and color palette.
Let it be a soft focus, not a strict rule.

My intention this May is nourish. I created a soft 6×8 layout using So Saffron and Petal Pink cardstock with a quote that reads, “This is how I care for me.” It reminds me that creativity is a source of healing and rest.

You don’t need to force creativity—just let it meet you where you are. Your intention will carry you gently forward.

➡️ Want support all month long?

Subscribe to my newsletter for weekly prompts and gentle encouragement.
Follow me on Instagram @gemspaperscissors to see my own creative intention unfold.
Share your word with a card or layout using #CreativeIntentionMay and tag me so I can cheer you on!