Inspiration

Inspiration....It comes from so many places. I was reading an article in Simple Scrapbooks the other night about how as 'artists' we go through cycles of creating. As a scrapbooker we can go through major slumps. But we never really give up that creative process. While we aren't actually working on things we are always checking our surroundings for anything that may inspire us. By reading magazines, organizing, pursuing other ventures or creativity etc. It's so true. The article really struck a cord with me.

I have been in a scrapbooking slump for a long time. I can create for other people but when it comes to doing my children's books I just sit and stare at blank paper. I don't know why. I have been slowly trying to get my groove back. By doing my friends alubm I have had so many ideas fill my head for my own books. I have been sketching and writing things down. I have also really taken a liking to cards. I never considered myself a cardmaker or a stamper but as of late I have been completely enthralled by it. I know I have mentioned it before but Jennifer McG's blog and the Hero Arts Blog/Site and Tim Holtz's blog has really helped me get those creative juices flowing again. These are some extremely talented people with a wealth of knowledge and a talent for teaching. I have learned so much this week.

I have started making cards, playing with new techniques and just having fun. It's really been a learning process for me and I have never felt more creative. I am hoping to do a page full of photos about our weekend this week. It's been a long time and I really need to do a page start to finish to feel like I have completed my creative process. I have so many ideas swirling in my head that I am not quite sure where to start at the moment. I am going to take a long walk with my boy today, take some pictures and come home and create something. In the meantime, here are some cards that were inpired by others...



This was inspired by the paper towels that I use in my daily life. I loved the colors and the design of circles and flowers. I recreated those paper towels in a card. I love this. It's so simple and who would have thought a paper towel could inspire something like this?


This is a technique that I picked up on Tim Holtz blog. The whole thing is an entire lift from his March Challenge. His is so much better than mine. His tree is cooler and his birds are better. I made a few bloopers along the way and they are evident up by the birds but shhhh....don't tell. It was a lot of fun to do and I loved the quote. It was perfect for a college graduation card. I gave it to my little cousin this week when she graduated from Boston University. I am so proud of her! :)

This was inspired by the Hero arts blog. It was Bloom week. I wanted to enter it into the contest over there but felt funny about posting a card without a thing produced by Hero Arts. So I'll just post it here.

My challenge to you. Find something that inspires you. It doesn't matter what it is. Then create something using that inspiration. I can guarantee you won't regret it.