Midweek Inspirations: Inspiration Walls and Tumblr

One of the reasons I started writing Midweek Inspirations posts for my blog was to keep track of the people, places, things, and ideas that are inspiring my work. The only problem is that there is too much. I could write about my inspirations nearly every day, but that would make this an entirely different type of blog. And so, I've taken to starting an inspiration wall in my studio. Mine is too small to show yet, but here are a few that I love...

from perfectbound

from simply photo

from Heather Smith Jones

I've also decided to start a tumblr blog, mostly for myself (and to shorten my list of bookmarks a bit), but you're welcome to follow along whenever you need some inspiration. And just for fun, you can find a few more tumblr blogs that I like here, here, and here. Have a lovely day!

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Midweek Inspirations: Maxine Sutton

I stumbled across the work of Maxine Sutton a while ago, and I keep heading back to her site when I need a good dose of pretty. I especially love her textile artworks. Enjoy!

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Midweek Inspirations: Pretty Porcelain

Today I'm feeling inspired by this gorgeous porcelain work by Samantha Robinson.  Go browse through her site; you'll thank me.  

found via bliss

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Midweek Inspirations: Suturno

Today I'm feeling inspired by tile patterns, and especially love these tiles by Suturno.

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Midweek Inspirations: Daisy Janie

Jan is the workaholic designer behind Daisy Janie fabrics.  I've had the great pleasure of working with her as a guest blogger on her blog Scoutie Girl for the past several months, and Jan is warm, talented, detailed, and funny.  She recently handed over the control of Scoutie Girl to someone else so that she can focus on her fabric line.  Jan's work is an inspiration not only because it is beautiful, but because she obviously loves her work and that passion shows in her designs.  Enjoy!

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Midweek Inspirations: Les Indiennes

Les Indiennes is well known for its beautiful block printed fabrics and housewares.  The method by which their fabrics are printed is fascinating.  Today, I'm loving these hand block printed paper rolls; they're just lovely.  Enjoy!

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Midweek Inspirations: Heath Ceramics

When Edith Heath founded Heath Ceramics in the mid 1940's her goal was simple: make good things for good people.  She was dedicated to the craft of ceramics and the skill of the artisan.  In 2003 the company was purchased by a husband a wife team, Robin Petravic and Catherine Bailey, who have revitalized the company.  They have preserved Edith Heath's handcrafted techniqes and design legacy while introducing strong new designs.  When my husband and I land in our dream house someday it is Heath Ceramics that I will turn to for tile and tableware.  Not only are the ceramics beautiful, but the company is run beautifully as well. 

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Midweek Inspirations: Susy Jack

When I think about small businesses with a great brand, one name immediately comes to mind: Susy Jack.  Her brand is so strong that you really can recognize her work without a label.  Her website is one I look to whenever I'm working on packaging and branding.  Even though our styles are very different, there is much to be learned from people who are doing things well.

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Midweek Inspirations: Fog Linen Work

This week I'm working on taking some new photos of my line of products for my first catalog, and as I do, I'm looking to my favorite shops for inspiration.  I adore fog linen work for both the simplicity of their products, and their fantastic photography.  I could spend quite a while just looking at their site.  Don't say I didn't warn you!

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Midweek Inspirations: Muji

I cannot possibly tell you how excited I am that Muji now has an online shop:  Simple, clean, functional items for you and your home.  

Kraft paper notebooks

A white calculator (genius!)

A rubber alarm clock 

Beautifully packaged colored pencils

And my favorite, the chronotebook: a new way to plan your day by AM and PM.

See you tomorrow AM....

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Midweek Inspirations: eco-friendly finds

As promised, here are a few of my favorite eco-friendly finds:

Fantastic jewelry made from recycled skateboards at 2ReVert

Bracelets made with upcycled data and telephone wire at CourtneyWatson

Totes made with upcycled sail boat sails at reiter8

Cute shoes made with vintage materials at infusion

There are so many great shops out there doing great eco-friendly work...what are your favorites?

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Midweek Inspirations: craftysynergy and A Little Hut

I want to say a big thank-you to Patricia for the lovely interview on crafty synergy!  crafty synergy is a collection of interviews with inspiring artists. I've found so much inspiration there and am really pleased to be part of it.

       

Patricia, of course, is the extremely talented artist behind A Little Hut, a wonderful shop full of linocuts, papercuts, and printables.  If you've never seen her work, you are in for a treat!

Patricia also runs Zapata Design, a graphic design studio, and has a new book, Home, paper, scissors, coming out in the fall of this year.  I can't wait to get my hands on it.

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