the path to inspiration is lined with leaves

Walking on this beautiful fall day I was stopped short by the "found patterns" in these leaves. I immediately started imagining a textile design with hand-painted elements. I am seeing it in a palette of yellow-green leaves on a gray background, or maybe turquoise-blue. If I get to this project soon, I will post pieces/parts as they come to life...

Playing with the leaves.

I am never sure where an inspiration is going to take me. Collecting these leaves on my walk started me playing with different backgrounds to capture them on. Then, I thought a little bit about whether I might do a painting based on the photo. And, I also dug into a little color palette play.
Sometimes these meanderings of mine result in a creative project. And sometimes...it's just another day of play...

Thanks for the inspiration Eileen Kathryn Boyd & Duralee Fabrics!

I keep seeing this ad. I loved it the first time and it keeps stopping me, so I finally clipped it and pinned it up on my wall. The color combinations and the design of the textiles are gorgeous. Thanks for the inspiration Eileen Kathryn Boyd and Duralee!
http://eileenkathrynboyd.blogspot.com

http://www.duralee.com

Step One: Get Started

I have been inspired lately but I have not made the time to start creating something new. I think it is because I am not sure which direction I want to go in, not even sure what medium. 

So when in doubt, do something, do anything. Just do, instead of thinking about it. The rest usually works itself out. So I did. 

Morning coffee tends to bring inspiration.

My favorite part of the day. A cup of coffee, a window, and my thoughts. Today I was enjoying the texture of my patio table. It has been repainted several times, but I didn't paint it this year as I thought it was pretty done for. But I am starting to like the patina and texture that is developing.

My studio feels white, fresh and ready for what's next.

I like to be surrounded by things I love. Every wall in my studio gets covered with bits and pieces of inspiration that I collect along the way. It becomes a collage of color, type, quotes, messages, trends and things I feel I need to capture, before they slip away. In fact, it was the inspiration for this blog. To share the things draw me in, move me forward, or just make me happy. But, every once in a while, it's time to clean house. So today, I took down my wall. My studio feels white, fresh and ready for what's next.

Some of the things that showed up recently...

loose, hand-drawn patterns...

pinks...

deep plums and dark grays...

artwork featuring words...

organic shapes...

neutral color palettes...

birds...

I have a huge sketchbook I keep, a sort of visual log, into which some of these trends will get taped and saved for future reference.

Yes, I love type!

is for Daily Drop Cap, a project created by type lover Jessica Hische. She offers up these, and more, original initial caps for "your enjoyment and for the beautification of blog posts everywhere." That's what I call generous. Thanks, Jessica! And thanks for the inspiration. (No, I am not related to Jessica, just love to share when I am inspired).
See more of the awesome alphabet at dailydropcap.com.
(Also, be sure and follow the usage rights.)
Daily Drop Cap by Jessica Hische.

It's always a good idea to ask questions.

I don't have a 5 year plan. I tend to like to meander a bit through life, leave some room for unexpected turns in the path. I do have goals. And I do know the general direction I want to go. And I have also learned that I will not get anywhere without defining the steps and taking action. But I like to keep the rest kind of open-ended.

What I continually do is ask questions. Am I enjoying what I am doing? Am I contributing to this world? And always....Am I following my passion? For me it is the things I am passionate about that drive me in the right direction. That is where the real juice is.

Inspirational tools are a great way to explore yourself. I am a huge fan of Compendium and their products. I have the book "where will you be 5 years from today?" that a friend gave to me. It poses some great questions.

Click on the above image to view the video promoting the "5 book". And ask yourself some questions.