Where do you get your inspiration?
Monday, September 19, 2011 at 12:34PM 
Fynn taking a peek inside while we were still in line.
We spent the day yesterday at the 2011 NY Maker Faire, and to say it was inspiring is an understatement. It’s a gathering of inventors and hackers and crazy artists in the realms of science and techology and crafts and engineering and art. There were many hands-on demonstrations, oodles of booths, a giant recycled dragon on wheels, a life-size Mousetrap
69’ Dragon that the kids could climb on and play with and swing the tail of …My two came home with Marshmallow Shooters, which I’m going to have to switch to pom-pom shooters because picking sticky marsmallows off of my clothing isn’t making me too happy.
There were so many ideas that it was overwhelming and a bit hard to take in. Thankfully there were open spaces and quieter corners where the boys played mini-golf and hung out on the Science Playground.
Giant balance-scaleJust the shot in the arm I needed to keep my mind churning on what I’d like to make, projects for my kids, and a renewed joy on the amazing creativity of others. In a word, INSPIRING.
How and where do you get inspiration? Books, craft fairs, blogs, magazines, friends, shows … what do your ideas come from? I’m not just talking about projects and making things, but ideas for work and parenting and life and bucket lists … do you have favorite sources? Also, do you have any way to capture or keep track of them? Digital lists, file folders of clippings, idea boards, scribbled lists in the back of planners, or simply wish lists tucked in your head? Love to know, and if you’ve been inspired lately and can share the story that would be great too!
Reader Comments (2)
Art always! I am in awe of how much talent is out there. One of my favorite memories is of getting to be in the studio with my friend Laura Hall as she and Kelly Macleod recorded their CD last year. In fact it was one of Laura's songs that inspired me to write my novel Searching For My Wand.
Thanks for sharing that Bridget, and how cool is that! I just looked up Laura Hall and love her voice... and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of Searching for My Wand when it comes out! -- Sanemom
I would have to say, having children has inspired me the most. Seeing things through their eyes or watching how they respond to things they feel or hear, especially things that bring them great pleasure, inspires me to try to create those feelings. I have painted pictures for their rooms, made tons of soft fuzzy blankets because we all love to hold them, and we say that a blanket or pillow made by mom is just like a hug so they can cuddle when I am not around. I have begun writing again, something like a long letter/story/bookish thing that might serve as a guide for them someday. I have all the photos, and they have inspired me to reach out to different techniques and technologies. They are the ones that have engendered in me a desire to leave something behind, if only for them to enjoy. Most recently, I was reminded of the poetry I used to write almost daily, and challenged to get it together to show them, and to write new things for them. And, as I watch one of my daughters now growing talented at drawing/storytelling - she wants to be an author/illustrator - my challenge too is how to showcase the talent in our family and teach all the girls to be proud of what they can do.
Thx Karin, great reminders. I know the times that I make things for my boys it's so enjoyable to see them love them to death ... Fynn's pillows are a great example as he literally loves them until they're spilling flax seeds all over the house. Inspired to do things for them, and inspired by them: a great combo :). -- SaneMom