Finding inspiration

I find inspriation in everything around me. Whether I use the inspiration, that is another story. I keep a notepad with me so I can jot down design ideas, or make note of an interesting texture or color I see in passing. I have also been known to clip pictures and tuck them away to use another day. Soon my little notebook becomes a weatlh of idea referals when my idea pool is empty.

Another great source of inspiration are Soul Cards . A beautiful collection of prints by artist Deborah Koff-Chapin. The cards have no meaning - they are intended to inspire you. I have gifted several of my 'artist' friends these cards to have for those times when the creativity just won't flow.

One exercise I use after I have had a low point in creativity, is a recreate project. I use an image or an item and try to design a piece that imitates it, as opposed to being inspired by. I am a firm believer that creativity spawns creativity. This being said, more times than not, as I am doing this exercise, I have an idea for something else. I keep an inventory of base metal findings, mismatched jewlery, and odds and ends for these practice sessions. I do this as I don't want to waste sterling on an item that I may tear apart two or three times trying to get it right.

In the dreary throws of winter, I love looking at pictures of flowers in bloom. I takes me to a place in my mind where I want to be. Planting flowers and strolling through my yard enjoying them. Below is an image of the elder bloom, and the bracelet created from it.