Inspiration, and where to find it

Posts about inspiration are common in the blogosphere.

Whether you make jewellery, sew, or paint, or do anything even vaguely creative, then chances are you've hit that point when you lack all inspiration, and spend a morning just staring at your materials and tools.

And equally likely is the chance that you have times when inspiration is all around and you don't even have to think about it.

I've had both experiences and I'm still not entirely sure what causes one over the other.

I do find that sometimes what inspires me most are things that I don't (or can't!) make. I love textile designs especially, with patterns that make me think about how I could translate them into metal, so I purposely hunt them out when inspiration for new ideas is lacking. I also love interviews with other jewellery makers (especially when they talk about inspiration).

And, yes, nature too is always a source on inspiration, even if I'm not quite sure at the moment how to translate the beautiful textures and colours of the feather, pictured above, that I found in a car park last week.

Here I'm sharing a few hints for finding inspiration that I've found on the web lately (and, yes, that does mean I've been lacking in and looking for that illusive inspiration!). They're mainly based around jewellery, but the principles apply to any craft and, most likely, anything.

First up, Poppy Porter, ex-lawyer turned jewellery designer and maker... the chrysanthemum rings are just beautiful...

How to find inspiration when you need to - just look around you - it's everywhere!

Looking for inspiration after a break - how to find your inspiration niche.

Draw up a shortlist of your favourite designers - whether you're in their league or not... Come back to it, refer to it, dream about what you could make... Have a look at this too on a similar theme.

The whole world can be your oyster.


And if none of that is doing the trick then try this post - 101 ways to find inspiration. Worth bookmarking for emergencies!


Also, here's a link to a rather wonderful jewellery giveaway. Let's face it, you can't make every type of jewellery you'd like to wear. And I would love to wear this beautiful wood and aluminium bracelet...

Have a good weekend!