Answer: a LOT of work. I find inspiration everywhere, but the hardest part is encountering something at just-the-right-time to spark an idea. So I keep thoughts, clippings, quotes, ribbons, fabric scraps, websites…..anything that will fit…….in a journal or notebook.
I remember this journal page distinctly…. because it marks one of the first times I saw reverse applique used in a really trendy way. I was in a small boutique and I made a bunch of mental notes on some of the clothing I saw. I just write down things that make me say “wow” or that I think are intriguing or that I think could be used in a different way. Also on this page: some magazine clippings of kimono tops, fabric I loved on a Gucci purse, and a sketch of a cute airplane-shaped cracker I recieved for an in-flight snack. There is no rhyme or reason to what goes together on a page.
I love the pages below because they have so many random things going on. Many times I will start a page and then revisit it at a later date filling in blank space. These pages have fabric and jacquard scraps sewn onto the page, there is an idea for a cork board using music sheets, a random halloween sticker, and a diagram on how to do a chain stitch…. not to mention the birds that I added party hats to.
Many times I will just make lists. I’ll brainstorm long lists of things I’m liking at the moment, movies I’ve seen, and stuff I want to check out. There is also a photocopy of a page from a Sabrina Ward Harrison book and a cigar label glued to the page.
So…..if you’re feeling a little “un-inspired”…..you could start compiling things together that will spark your creativity. Or maybe these pages will inspire you?
How do you stay inspired? How do you come up with new ideas? I’d love to hear from you.
Have a great weekend!
You inspire all of us! Fabulous 🙂
Denise
I really need to start an art journal!!! I have a notebook of crafty ideas, but it's mostly just lists and handwritten notes. No clippings, fabric swatches or color…hmmm maybe tomorrow I'll make my first "official" art journal. Thanks for inspiring me 🙂
As if you even need to ask…YOU inspire me…as does the rest of the crafty blogosphere 🙂
I agree, you are inspiring! I stay inspired by keeping my eyes open at all soaking in EVERYTHING. I love reading crafty blogs for inspirations. I have so many webpages bookmarked, LOL
I agree – I'm inspired by you! I also love http://www.oneprettything.com. There are more ideas there than I can keep up with! I'm not really "from scratch" creative very often – I really need tutorials, patterns, instructions, etc.
That said, I love browsing Etsy for patterns, like for felt play food. And I will (very occasionally) stumble across something that gives me an idea for something else.
Right now, I am actually working on two different ideas that came to me out of the blue, based on what I need. I suppose that necessity is the mother of invention, after all!
And, just as much as I love crafting, sewing, and painting, I also really love cooking and baking. (Check out the tutorials or posts labeled 'cooking' on my blog.) So I will sit down and read – like a novel – cookbooks, especially ones with full-color photographs.
Happy weekend!
What a great inspiration!
This is such a great idea! Your journals are fabulous and would be fun to look through. I've always wanted to start an inspiration journal. Thanks for inspiring us!
This is really wonderful!! SO much better than all my random notes on scrap paper and different notebooks all over my house. Now I just need to make one and attach it to my hip. I always have to write things down and ideas come in the strangest moments sometimes. Funny question – where are those kimono tops from? They are cute!
Love, love, love this idea. Your journals are works of art in and of themselves. You go girl!
I just started making an art journal about a week ago. I decided to make mine from an old book (because the intended craft for it would take WAYY too much time. Making a book into a box is a lot of work!!) and I already have about 40 pages and I keep on wanting to add more and more. You totally inspire me! Also, other things that inspire me are lots and LOTS of craft blogs, church, and family. Plus books. Lots of books.
♥