Sunday 25 January 2009

The Crafters' Way 81 - Crafty Inspirations

Here is this week Messenger article.



Craft Inspirations




The New Year often brings with it new beginnings. Crafters are no different. We vow to finish some of our Works in Progress, learn new skills and techniques and make gifts for every birthday. Then life gets in the way. Our days fill up or we just don’t know where to start. Here are a few suggestions.





Join a Craft Group/Guild: Many clubs experience a surge in membership at this time of year and gear their activities to welcome and mentor newcomers. Joining a group can reignite creativity. Spending time with people who have a similar passion can be rewarding. As many groups also offer workshops the opportunity to learn new skills is available.





Visit the Library: Spend an hour or two browsing through the Craft Magazines and Books. Don’t go straight for the topics you usually do. If you knit, have a look through a ceramics magazine, if embroidery is you thing check out the mosaic. While you may not be ready to give up your needles you may find a photo that inspires you to try something new.





Get Online: The internet offers plenty of crafty inspiration. Visiting Craft Blogs can leave you feeling overwhelmed. You love so much but where to start? I recently had a conversation with Linda Simpson from Lilly Cottage. She had so many projects that she wanted to undertake but just couldn’t get started. She joined a Crafting Round Robin being offered on a Blog. Round Robins usually have a theme and a timeframe. Having a framework and deadline was all the inspiration Linda needed. The theme kick started her creativity and has led her to create new designs. The image is courtesy of Linda and features some of her Round Robin Projects Other similar activities offered on blogs are Online Swaps, Challenges and Forums. They are fun and give you a chance to try something new.




If you’d like to see more of Linda’s Designs you can visit Lilly Cottage at Old Petrie Town, Wednesday – Sundays.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

These are gorgeous. Lucky recipients who get one of these in the swap.

Anonymous said...

Great ideas. Thank you

Trish Goodfield said...

It's always a pleasure to feature Linda's art.

Anonymous said...

Another great idea is to visit an exhibition. Nothing spurs me as much as seeing what other people are doing.

Anonymous said...

What a pleasure to read! My new years resolution was to join in the fun with illustration friday. Thanks for leaving a comment on my 3rd submission for the year. Let's keep the 'craft power' strong throughout the year ;D

Anonymous said...

Hey Trish, great article and thank you for featuring little old me....two of those descriptive words aren't very descriptive of me at all, but nevermind. It was great fun doing the round robin which turned into a fat book. a fat book is where everyone participating ( say 16 people) make 16 pages in their own style to a set measurement and theme and send them to the 'hostess' who makes up 16 books with a page from each person and then sends you the book back. A wonderful way to get other peoples art work and to kick start new ideas....now just to find some more time to do them whilst I wait for my fat book to arrive and send me down another inspired pathway!! Happy Australia Day...didn't I just see you at Jondaryan or was it an illusion caused by that revolting heat??? Kiss Noises Linda Lilly Cottage

Trish Goodfield said...

The way the New Year has started I think 'Craft Power'is booming.

Trish Goodfield said...

Yes, Linda that really was me at Jondaryan. Though I have to admit that it wasn't too hot where I was. I was one of the lucky ones getting a breeze.