Hey all,

Ali Edwards wrote about her Creative Manifesto in her AEZine of 7 February, 2007. A creative Manifesto is important. She's looked into the subject. According to the dictionary, a Creative Manifesto is:

a public declaration of policy and aims, esp. one issued before an election by a political party or candidate."

Now, what does this mean? To put it simple (according to Ali), it's a statement of beliefs. In this case your own believes of creativity. It reminds you of what you stand for, it lets others know what you stand for, what is important for you and where you inspire to be. So why should we make a Creative Manifesto?

Because taking the time to lay out and define the creative you want to be is a big part of actually becoming that person.
Because outlining your creative belief system gives you permission to grow and evolve as a life artist.
Because making lists are fun.
Source: Ali Edwards: February 7, 2007

This all got me thinking. What is my Creative Manifesto? I think it's a good idea to write it down for me. And to remind myself in about a year that I have to update this manifesto. Hmmmm, let's have a look at the here and now first.

I've tried to answer the questions Ali asked:

Why do I create?
What is the most important part of a scrapbook page for me?
How does my attitude effect the outcome of my projects?
What are my personal truths related to scrapbooking and creativity?
What do I tell myself each time I am working on a project? (something positive, not negative - if the first thing you think of is negative then that is a good indication that you should be telling yourself just the opposite...add it to your list).

This is what popped into my mind:
1. It's perfect the way I've created it.
2. Have fun!
3. Preserve Memories
4. Photos & Journaling
5. Whenever, Where ever
6. Personal
7. Interactive

I guess I'll come up with a few more things by tomorrow, but that's okay. I'll just update my Manifesto! Now that I have my Manifesto, I'll try to keep up with it. Ah, but how to do this, when all I have is a list? I should clarify a few things, I think.

1. It's perfect the way I've created
I read this statement in americanmom's blog and I thought this is the only thing that matters. I have a certain style, I use it in all my layouts and I'm very happy with it! This style does not necessarily reflect the way I normally work with other things, but it is me. I'll tell you all about my style later.

2. Have fun!
Scrapbooking is a hobby. To me this means I have to have to have fun with it. Not in the way that its obligated to have fun while I'm scrapping, but in the way that I'll only scrap when I'm in the mood for it. That's the time I'll have fun in doing it. It's not so different from my other hobbies. I'll only read when I'm mood for it and more things like that. When I can't have fun in scrapping, I don't do it.

3. Preserve Memories
The question as to why I scrapbook is an easy to answer: I want to preserve my memories. I know memories will fade while we grow older. And although I know this is part of the process of growing older, I do want to have a good recollection of my memories. Albeit through my scrapbooks and not only in my mind. Better yet, I prefer to have them in my scrapbooks, because in my mind they will fade and I won't know those small little (but important or funny) details anymore in about ten years. SO yes, I scrap to preserve my memories!

4. Photos & Journaling
What is the most important part of my scrapbook pages? There's no other option then photos in combination with journaling. Either one usually part hidden, due to everything I want to include in my layouts. There's just no doubt about that. I usually have a lot of photos to include in my layouts. Next to that I do believe that a picture tells a thousand words, but a few words accompanying the picture will tell you the whole story. That's why I simple have to have journaling in my layouts!

5. Whenever, Where ever
Scrapping is for me more then the actually cropping and pasting of photos, papers and embellishments. It's also thinking about the subjects, the layouts and everything else that comes with it. That's why I "scrap" whenever and where ever. It is very well possible I think of something while I'm at work. Then I'll jot it down, so as not to forget, and I continue with my work. Or for example when I'm looking Television. How easy can things pop into your mind? Or early in the morning while having breakfast? That's why it's for me: whenever, where ever.

6. Personal
This may sound weird, but I see scrapbooking as a very personal hobby. You can crop with friends, but you are working on your own project. And although you show your projects to others, it is your project. The only exception is when you're making something as a present (or for your children, I guess). Usually I wouldn't show off something really personal, but my scrapbooks are things I'm proud of and I'll gladly show them to someone. So even though it is personal, I don't mind to give other's a view in my personal life this way.

7. Interactive
Due to the fact that I usually include many photos in my layout, I need to find new ways of doing that, every time. This means I have to be creative and go look for interactive ways. This means I include a lot of things that you can fold open, slide out or something similar. And I like it. It really gives the people something extra and it makes them curious.

I think this is my Creative Manifesto. Whenever I feel I'll need to add, remove, change something in my Manifesto, I'll do that. Until then, this is it.

What's your manifesto? I'm always curious to know!