Mood Boards: The Fun Way to Plan Your Next Crafting Project

Ever sit down to start a project and feel completely overwhelmed by all the possibilities? So many colors, textures, and embellishments—where do you even begin? That’s where mood boards come in! They’re like a creative warm-up, helping you pull together a vision before you start cutting, gluing, or printing.

And the best part? They’re super easy to make and can help you get the most out of your printable supplies like backgrounds, ephemera, stamps, and stickers.

Where Do You Start?

There’s no right or wrong way to make a mood board—it’s all about what inspires you. Here are a few fun ways to start:

• Color First: Maybe you’re drawn to soft pastels, bold jewel tones, or cozy neutrals. You can build a mood board around a color palette and then find backgrounds, ephemera, and embellishments that match.

• Pattern First: Have a printable background you love? That can set the tone for the whole project. A vintage floral might lead you toward lace textures and antique script, while a grungy mixed-media background might call for bold stamps and distressed edges.

• Theme First: Maybe you’re working on a botanical journal spread, a celestial ATC, or a nostalgic travel scrapbook page. Once you decide on a theme, you can pull in elements—like printable stickers, ephemera, and textures—that bring it to life.

Bringing It All Together

Once you’ve picked a starting point, the fun begins! Here’s how a mood board can help guide your choices:

• Backgrounds set the scene. Whether it’s a watercolor wash, a grungy texture, or a vintage book page, this is often the foundation of the project.

• Ephemera adds personality. Printable tickets, postcards, labels, and torn paper pieces help build layers and interest.

• Stamps and stickers bring in detail. These elements help fill in gaps, add movement, and tie everything together.

• Textures and embellishments finish the look. Think about ink splatters, stitched edges, or even washi tape effects to give your project that extra something.

Why Bother with a Mood Board?

Making a mood board first helps take the guesswork out of crafting. Instead of jumping in and feeling stuck halfway through, you have a clear direction—and it makes the whole process more fun. Plus, it’s a great way to mix and match your printable digital supplies so you can see what works together before you even print.

So next time you’re not sure where to start, try making a quick mood board—whether it’s a digital collage, a pile of printed pieces, or even just a few scraps spread out on your desk. You might be surprised at how much easier (and more enjoyable) the creative process becomes!

How do you plan your projects? Do you like to gather everything first, or just dive in and see where it takes you?