Inspiration

: something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create : a force or influence that inspires someone : a person, place, experience, etc., that makes someone want to do or create something: a good idea

Wow. I was thinking recently about the things, people, places, whatever, that inspire me to create. Things that inspire me: beautiful paper, elegant embellishments, pictures from magazines or websites, browsing through books, looking at online blogs and shopping sites, etc. People who inspire me to use my creativity are, of course, people like the members of my family, particularly my immediate family; but I’m also inspired by other people as well: other people I come into contact with at creative events like my Meetup group and attendees at various retreats, as well as other Stampin’ Up! demonstrators and other paper crafters in general, regardless of the brand. Right now I’d have to say that I haven’t been inspired by any particular place lately, and I have to be honest, I’m not inspired by (or even inspired to go to) the paint selection at the stores.

I also realized that how I’m feeling on any particular day can also have an impact on my inspiration. There are days when I can’t wait to get my hands on paper and ink because I’ve either had an idea for something pop up in my head, or I look at my crafting space and feel guilty because I haven’t done anything for a while, or even that I just took some pictures that I couldn’t wait to scrapbook.

Of course, probably my number one inspiration arrives on a random basis in a brown box delivered by UPS or by the US Mail. I love getting a fresh box of creative stuff, I love opening everything up, looking at it, checking it all out, and dreaming of what I’m going to make next. And, of course, praying that I have once again escaped the curious (censorious? [look it up!]) eyes of my husband. 😉

With that being said, here is a card I made that I CASEd (Copy And Share Everything) from Andrea Walford over at Paper Crafter’s Library (a subscribers’ only website). I have to say, she truly inspired me!

A brief note: when stamping on our Whisper White cardstock it is usually best to use StazOn ink; it won’t smear, and it sets quickly!):