Flea Finds and a Growing Inspiration Board

I'm a little behind with my Jenni Bowlin BPS challenges- but I did finally get to go to my very first flea market last Sunday. We didn't have much time, but I did find a few treasures there, and also a few while browsing antique shops while on vacation. I got the two very large dictionaries for a whole dollar. A few bird postcards, and antique key, a vintage music book, milkcaps, a button card with a bird print, a few old photos, a mini ledger, an antique Cosmopolitan magazine, and a "Book of Knowledge" that features great old pages on language, science, art, maps, and so much more (a $4 steal). Sum total was less than $30.

Also updating my Inspiration Board - with one of my "Experiments" that I chose to keep, and a Haunted Moon Ribbon tag.

I have a piece of chicken wire just waiting to be painted black and a frame all ready for it- they may fit these pieces better. Just have to get it made!

Inspiration (Un)Board

I'm so excited that Jenni Bowlin's Re-Purpose, Re-Think, Re-Invent Class has started over at Big Picture Scrapbooking
One of the first things she sent us off doing is creating an Inspiration Board. Now, I am in the process of creating a True Inspiration Board, but it set me off thinking as to how I do surround my work area with my favorite and inspiring objects. Little bits and bobs of texture, color, designs, and simple whimsy fill nooks and crannies in my studio space. Notice many of my favorite etsy artists creations peeking out at you? The little banner (by CariKraft) reads "follow your bliss" (egads I am so disorganized, I promise my kitchen looks a little better)

See all that inspiration couldn't possible fit into ONE inspiration board.

Gotta love those craft cubes. Wonder how many more I can get in the room. You should see the other side of the set. Stuff, um, I mean, Inspiration ALL over the floor.

Currently the paint is drying on my real board. Hope to show it off soon!

Go Make Art

There are so many lovely colors in the world's paintbox! While I enjoy a particular few (red, pink, robins egg blue!) as my go-to colors, I really do love them all. I have always had a deep relationship with colors, from my first crayon box to my many dyes. I associate many objects, ideas, feelings in my mind with their own color.

Magnolia and Marmalade

I am constantly running into color inspirations for my many projects. Sources are so varied, so I must keep my mind and eyes tuned to what falls into my path. For instance, Magnolia and Marmalade came from a lovely word association. My sweet daughter Carmen was telling the family a story of her stuffed poodle- Magnolia. Later that day I read about the store Marmalade in Stampington's Where Women Create magazine. Magnolia, Marmalade. Those words just BELONG together. They must be created with, side by side. I am almost feverish when it comes to an idea that needs to be created, sometimes dyeing several lengths of ribbon before I get what I am sure is the look I desire.

Easter Eggs Vintage Swiss Bird's Nests

inspired by the beautiful colors of spring

Magnolia and Marmalade ribbons in a pretty jar.

Hydrangea and Rose ribbons

inspired by watercolorist Marjolein Bastin

I love examining other artist's work- Marjolein Bastin (of Hallmark fame) uses the most beautiful combinations of colors for her works. I also enjoy Cicely Mary Barker (Flower Fairies). Nature itself can be most inspiring. I also love creating colors based on foods (what does cotton candy, circus peanuts, cherry bombs, mint chocolate chip ice cream make you think of?).

Magazines, catalogs, and other photographs are great sources as well. I love the children's catalog "Chasing Fireflys" with their pretty boutique clothing- lovely texture, as well. And check out Wedding Chicks ! Wedding photography is just teeming with gorgeous color combinations just waiting for the artist to lift onto their palette.

What inspires you?