Where do you get your creative inspiration?

Where do you get the inspiration for your projects? Whether it is sewing, knitting/crochet, etc. I look around at what pleases me and go from there.

Here is a granny square that I crocheted. The colors are white, brown aqua and burgandy/dark red (yes, I know it looks bright red, but trust me - it is not - don't know if it was the camera or the computer).



I got my inspiration from my favorite tote bag.  It has the same color scheme.



Here they are together.



The colors may not be an exact match (fabric and yarn do not always match), but I like the color scheme anyway.

So where do you get your inspiration?

Teacher Appreciation

This is the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week.  My kids wanted to take their teachers something (since I have 3 in school - 2 are in middle school and have multiple teachers - I can only do so much).  Yes, we did 10 pair of scissors.

I saw this idea on Crap I've Made and Char has an excellent tutorial.

I purchased my scissors from Hobby Lobby and they were made a little different from the scissors that Char used.  Not a big deal, just a little more work.  Char said that she got her scissors at Dollar Tree - I went there later to look for some and I found a pretty good selection - they are easier to decorate and less expensive too.  I now have several that I am going to keep on hand for a later use (see last paragraph).

I am pleased with how they turned out.  My 2 oldest boys helped with it.  It's too big of a job for little kids.  They seemed to be proud of the scissors.

The tag says "You are a cut above the rest."  What teacher doesn't need scissors?  And since they are so different - hopefully they will be returned if borrowed (although they are so cute - they might not be).

I really like the black handled scissors with apples (my son used it for his only man teacher).

This would be a great gift for scrapbookers, crafters or anyone that uses scissors (and don't most people at some time or another?).  They have so many scrapbook papers out there that you can fit anyone's personality (just choose a small print).  I love scrapbook paper - I use it for so many things that aren't even related to scrapbooking.  (It makes good origami paper among other things.)

God Given Talent

Have you ever thought about your creativeness? The ability and desire to make and create things was God given? I hadn't until Tamara Kelso came to our MOPS Scrapbook ing Luau (2008) and gave the devotion.

Here are some scriptures she gave to back up her thoughts (I wish you could have heard her, she was fantastic!).

Gen. 1:1
Exodus 31:3-6
I Peter 4:10

I had to fight back the tears when she was giving the devotion. She is an excellent speaker.

God is the Ultimate Creator. If He made us, why wouldn't He give some of us that same desire? I have always enjoyed crafting (making, creating, anything). Now I feel better about it, I no longer feel that it was just a hobby. I never thought about it as a talent or something given to me by God until now.

What is your God given talent?

Craft Journal

I have a crafting journal. Everytime (well almost) I make something, I write it down in a journal ($1 at the Dollar General Store).

What I include in my journal...
*the date that I started the project,
*the date that I finished the project,
*what it was,
*information about the pattern (name or number, brand, book/magazine name with issue and page #, etc. - everything that I can about the pattern),
*recipient of my project,
*materials used,
*picture of completed project (if I have one),
*swatches of fabric, yarns, ribbons, etc. used in project,
*where I got the idea (if it is original),
*and any other information that I might feel interesting or useful.

It is a great inspiration for future projects when you look back at it. It brings back good memories too. I have read pieces of my great-grandmother's journal and in that she included quilts she made and details about them (it was very interesting).

I really should do a daily journal and include crafts, new recipes I try, etc. (I'm just really not that ambitious yet.)

Why I enjoy crafting

1) I enjoy the act of creating.
2) I love seeing the finished product.
3) It is like my therapy.
4) It gives me the opportunity to try something I've never tried before.
5) I am able to see how much work others put into something they do and how much time and talent is required.
6) It gives me the opportunity to work with different mediums. (I love textures!)
7) It gives me a break from reality (housework, responsiblities, etc.).
8) It is calming and relaxing to me.
9) I love learning something new.
10) I love filling my home with one of a kind things that I have made myself.

Do you craft? Why?