inspiration and chocolate

For years I’ve been wandering around the creative universe with blinders on. I try to avoid really looking at anything other people make because I’m afraid that their ideas with taint my own and then I won’t know who’s idea it is was to begin with. How dumb is that?

Recently I’ve been mingling with more creative folks. I joined the Craft and Hobby organization and have started making friends. In the process I’ve also started absorbing the creative vibes in magazines. Every time I go to the craft store (which isn’t that often, or my children wouldn’t have any food), I pick up a few magazines in all directions of craftiness.

The brilliance behind what these designers make is amazing to me. Their inginuity and ability to make beautiful things out of old junk or mere paper is breath taking. I’ve started jotting down ideas, and allowing myself to brainstorm. Most importantly I’ve started allowing myself to see the wonderful inspirations created by others and it’s reviving my own love for the process.

One of the trends I really love is the use of earth tones, antiques and the whole “steam punk” direction of things. The mix of old and new has always been facinating to me, and I’ve always been a fan of textured items. Making something appear to be more intricate than it is or have more tacticle elements is a fun challange. The warm browns and coppers is relaxing to me.. it reminds me of chocolate, and everyone knows chocolate is the ultimate in inspiration!

To add an extra bit of flare to your creative moments, consider challanging yourself to combine something old with something new and then pick a color scheme to unite them.