How cardmaking helped me find creativity again with chronic migraine

Today, it’s World Brain Day. It made me stop and think about my own journey with cardmaking and chronic migraine.

When you look at my cards now, you see the colours, the techniques, and the finished designs. But there is also a story behind each one of them. Cardmaking became more than a hobby for me. It helped me reconnect with parts of myself that I thought I had lost.

In 2019, life was especially hard. I had many migraine attacks and was often unwell. A few years before, I had to stop working because of chronic migraine. When my daughter grew older, I started searching for something I could do from home.

I was not searching for a new hobby just because I had more time. I was looking for something that fitted my life. Something I could enjoy even on days when my energy was limited.

Stopping work has changed more than my daily routine.

I missed the social contact with colleagues and working together towards something.I found it difficult not having something that was completely mine, outside of my role as a mother and everything that comes with running a household.

Before migraine became such a big part of my life, I was someone who loved being there for the people around me. I enjoyed helping others, listening to their stories and stepping in whenever someone needed a helping hand.

Suddenly, there were many moments when I just couldn’t do those things.

I struggled with that more than I expected.

It made me rethink who I was and discover new parts of myself.

When you live with chronic migraine, it can sometimes feel like your world slowly becomes smaller. Plans need more thought, your days start to look different and sometimes you have to let go of things you would have loved to do.

But over time, I learned that migraine is something I live with. It is not who I am.

For a long time, I did not think I was creative. When I was younger, I never felt very good at drawing or crafting. Over time, I started to believe that creativity was something other people had, not me. I have learned that it is normal to doubt your creativity, and that many people feel this way. If you feel unsure, you are not alone. The important thing is to give it a try anyway.

Then a friend suggested I try making cards.

She is creative herself and also understands what it is like to live with a chronic illness. She saw that I was looking for something that would give my days more meaning and thought I might enjoy making cards.

She was right.

My first steps into cardmaking were very simple. I didn’t start with lots of supplies or complicated techniques. I think my first cards were Christmas cards made with images from craft books you could buy at Action. This are paperblocks I used in the beginning for example:

I started making cards with the person receiving them in mind, hoping to create something personal they would enjoy.

And slowly, I discovered something important.

I actually enjoyed creating.

One of the reasons cardmaking became such an important part of my life is that it can adapt to me.

Some days I have enough energy to try a new technique or spend more time making a card. Other days, that is simply not possible.

And that is okay.

If detailed work feels like too much, I can choose something else. I can colour an image, create a simple background, cut a few pieces for a future card, organise my supplies, watch a cardmaking video or write down an idea I want to try later.

A card does not have to be finished in one sitting.

Sometimes I have materials drying on my desk, and that naturally becomes my moment to stop. I can come back later when I have more energy.

That freedom helped me.

It showed me that something I created could mean something to other people too.

In the beginning, cardmaking was just an occasional moment.

Then I noticed something.

It helped.

When I was in pain, creating gave my mind somewhere else to go. It did not take the migraine away, but it gave me a break from constantly focusing on the pain.

On difficult days I often start with colouring because it feels calming and manageable to pause when I need to rest. These small moments are valuable steps in your creative journey.

Small moments still matter.

I thought for many years that I was not creative.

But creativity is not only about drawing beautifully or creating something perfect.

Creativity is also about experimenting, learning and finding your own way.

I started with simple 3D die-cut paper blocks from Action, combining the images with patterned paper to make my first cards. It was an easy way to begin, and with every card I learned something new.

Once I realised how much I enjoyed cardmaking, I wanted to learn more. I started watching YouTube videos and looking for inspiration on Instagram and Pinterest. Every new technique made me curious to try something different.

If you are thinking about starting yourself, do not feel like you need lots of supplies. I began with a few simple papercraft books, some patterned paper and basic card blanks. That was enough to discover how much I enjoyed making cards.

This might be one of the biggest things cardmaking gave me.

Something that belonged to me.

Not something I did because someone needed me. Not something connected to my illness.

Just something I enjoyed.

And when I created a card for someone else, it gave me something even more.

It gave me a way to show people I care.

When I hand over a handmade card, I love seeing their curiosity. They wonder what I created this time and what message is inside.

That moment means a lot.

It reminds me that even when migraine limits me, I can still bring something positive to someone else.

In 2023, I started sharing my cards on Instagram.

That was scary. This was my first card I shared on Instagram.

I wondered if people were really interested. I wondered if my cards were good enough.

When people responded positively, it meant more than I expected.

It showed me that something I created could connect with others.

Through cardmaking, I found a wonderful community of people who share the same passion. That connection helped me feel less alone and gave me the confidence to keep creating. If you have ever felt unsure about sharing your own creations, I hope you know there is a place for you here, too.

There are still days when migraine wins.

When the pain is too severe, when I feel sick or when the light is unbearable, creating is not possible. Some days I have to rest on the sofa.

I have learned that those days are part of my journey too. I do not have to force myself to be productive or feel guilty because my body needs rest. Sometimes the most creative thing I can do is listen to what I need and give myself permission to slow down.

But even then, creativity can still be part of my day.

Sometimes I listen to a cardmaking video and let ideas form in my head. I think about a technique I would like to try or a card I want to make when I feel better.

I have learned to look at what’s  possible instead of focusing on what is not.

That is something I am proud of.

I am a person who keeps looking for what can be done.

Maybe you are not living with chronic migraine.

Maybe your challenge looks completely different.

Perhaps you have limited energy, a busy life, health challenges, or you simply do not believe you are creative.

I hope my story reminds you that creativity does not have to start big.

You don’t need a huge collection of supplies, or a complicated project. You don’t need to be confident before you start.

Start small.

Find something that fits your life.

For me, it started with simple Christmas cards and a friend who believed I might enjoy creating.

That small beginning grew into something I never expected.

Cardmaking gave me more than handmade cards.

It gave me creativity, connection and a way to feel like myself again.

It became a part of my life that exists alongside my chronic migraine.

If you are searching for a creative outlet, I hope my story encourages you to try. It might be cardmaking, or it might be something completely different. The most important thing is finding something that brings you joy and fits your life.

Start with what you have. Choose something that feels possible today.

I would love to hear from you.

Has creativity ever helped you through a difficult season in your life? What small creative moment brings you joy?

I have linked several blog posts here about cards that are achievable for beginners. These projects are wonderful for making in small stages throughout your afternoon. You can pause almost any project but these designs are especially manageable for quiet days.

Easy Card-Making for Beginners: Creating a Simple Collage Card Step-by-Step

Easy Layered Chocolate Cake Card Tutorial

Create Your Own Magic: Easy DIY Holiday Cards and Universal Crafting Techniques