This will probably get me in trouble.....

(Bracelet picture complements of my talented daughter)

Even though this will raise the hair on some people's necks....I am just going to say it. It is OK to copy! That's right. It is OK to copy. I think that is one reason why kits of all crafty kinds are so popular. All the ingredients are included, all the instructions are included. A huge portion of the unknown and decision making process has automatically been removed. For someone starting out in a new craft or even a first time crafter....this is the perfect answer. While producing the kit, you are getting a feel for the creative process. You get comfortable with the tools that may be required, you get a tactile connection to creating something. When you are done, and it may not be perfect, but it is all yours! Copying serves a similar purpose. It skips that sometimes overwhelming step of the creation of an idea. Obviously it is NOT ok to copy someone else's work, and then market or sell it as your own. I am merely speaking here of becoming comfortable in the world of creating. The right brain will begin to take a dominate role, and before you are even aware of it, you will make automatic associations with making just a little change here, and a little adjustment there. The next time you try it, you will be putting more of your own brand into whatever it is that you are creating, and a few short steps from there, your comfort level and curiousity level will increase, and you'll be off and running.
It can be something as simple as an elastic bracelet. Use several larger beads that delight you, some elastic cording and larger (3x3) crimp beads. Those three components can all be purchased right at your local bead store or craft store. Cut a piece of cording several inches larger than your wrist and string the cord through the beads in an order that looks good to you. Hold both ends firmly, and roll the bracelet over your wrist to check the finished length. Keep in mind that the bracelet will stretch just a tiny bit after wearing, so it should roll comfortably without stretching too much as it goes over your hand. Take one end of the elastic cord and pass it through the crimp bead, then take the other end and go through the crimp bead in the opposite direction. Another pair of hands is very helpful the first time.....hold the bracelet, and pull the ends of the cording until they are snuggled up against the beads, then use a simple pair of needle nosed pliers, and smash down the crimp bead. Think of a strong handshake as you press down the crimp bead, as that is the amount of force you need to exert. Voila! You have your own designer bracelet! Simply cut off the excess cording on either side of the crimp bead. There is no need to try and work the cord back through the beads. These are very popular right now, and you can find stretch bracelets in trendy boutiques everywhere. As you get comfortable with the process, you can experiment with new beads and combinations. As you wear your very own creation, and look down at it during a stressful day, it will not only tickle you to be reminded that you made it, but it will take you back to an enjoyable experience, and you will naturally be replacing some of those stress hormones with some calming happy thoughts.
Mastering the simple first steps will lead to giant leaps in the creative process.

(An important note of warning:)
Before long, you will find yourself having dreams about new designs...be ready, this is the first sign of addiction!