The Gift of Inspiration

The last DIY project I did for the Austin Wedding Blog...

I've been going through what some might call a dry spell, creatively speaking.  I've been waiting for gift of inspiration to strike, to feel like I am doing what I am meant to be doing.  I'm tired.  When you are constantly generating and putting yourself out there, trying new things, exhausting your possibilities, sometimes it helps to take a long break and relax, let go of your expectations and find relief in not doing anything.  But that's easier said than done.

Yes, it's important to free yourself up for when the moment strikes.  But sometimes you've got to actively seek inspiration to find it.  Even when you're tired.  Here are a few of my inspiration outlets (outside of Pinterest and Country Living - my go-to founts of inspiration!), that I go to when I need to refill that creative cup.

Music.
Music has always been my number one source of creative inspiration.  When I was a child, I spent countless hours in my bedroom with the radio on and I would just draw and draw.  This continued through high school, but then I hit a long dry spell after I graduated.  No drawing, no music, not much creativity at all (I did spend a lot of time traveling though.)  When I was in my early 20's, I lived overseas in England for three years.  It was an incredible experience, but at times I felt very lonely and isolated.  Then I discovered Radiohead.  Their music injected creativity back into my life in many ways.  I felt connected to the emotion and artistry and intellectualism of this band.  Now when I'm feeling a sense of disconnect, I turn on iTunes.  Listening to music helps inspire me to find myself drawing and craft dabbling once again.

Photo courtesy of Lalalaurie

Creative Friends.
I had a great talk with my friend Lalalaurie today, who is a champion of creativity.  She is a talented paper artist, she writes projects for the Fiskars creative team, and runs the too cute for comfort Itty Bitty Kitty Committee, finding homes for sweet and cuddly shelter kittens and raising money for the Tacoma Humane Society.  I look up to her not only because of her artistry and talent, but because she is a focused hard worker.  Her tenacity and drive is evidenced in her beautiful creations, photos and cohesive styling.  She also gives great advice.  Today it was to aim high, think big.  Don't go after something unless it's exactly what I want.  As I contemplate some big life choices, this was just what I needed to hear.

My Kids.
"When can we go to the park?"  "I don't want to take a shower!"  "She stole my toy and then hit me!"  "I don't WANT to eat a sandwich for lunch!"  This is part of what drains me.  I was interrupted about 8 times while trying to write this one section.  But when I need a to let go and have fun, I know I can always count on my kids for lots of giggles and silliness.  That should be their nicknames: Giggles and Silliness.  They remind me that I can't always take life so seriously.  Sometimes I've got to stop and smell the roses.  And then run around in circles screaming about the spider in the roses that almost touched my nose.  They draw awesome pictures like this:

It's me.  I feel like it's a pretty solid reflection of how I felt that day.

I love this stuff.  They challenge me to draw too.  We take turns and acknowledge each others strengths as artists.  My kids rule.

Nature.
I feel like the woods are where God dwells here in the Northwest.  Point Defiance Park is right in my back yard.  It's my favorite place to go when I need a little nature therapy.  I'm reminded how small and temporary I am, how big the world is, how my problems aren't part of the big picture.  It's a great place to find peace and breathe.

Travel.
I love few things as much as a road trip.  Getting in the car and exploring new territory, new people, new surroundings is incredibly inspiring.  We just visited Lake Chelan, one of my favorite places.  A vacation destination since I was a kid, Chelan provided us with some much needed sunshine and it was only a few hours away.  I bought 20 pounds of peaches.  I have no idea what I am going to do with 20 pounds of peaches, but I'm sure some inspiration will strike... ;)

Craft Blogs.
There are too many to name!  A few favorites are listed on the right.  I LOVE BLOGS.  I love seeing into other creative people's worlds.  I always find inspiration when I look through my Google reader.  I also love link parties, because I get to see what other people are making and it gives me an excuse to conjure up a new DIY, craft, blog post, etc. and helps me connect with other bloggers and crafters.  This post is linked to the Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop.  It's my first time doing so, and I'm hoping this will be a great way to connect with others creatively.  Check it out and I hope you'll leave a comment if you're here visiting via the link party!

Gussy Sews