Creative Inspiration: Spring Dresses

photo from Forever 21

As much as I love bold and bright colors, I think pastels are my favorite. I am especially loving all of the pastels and nudes that are popular this spring! As soon as I saw these dresses on Forever21.com I started thinking of jewelry designs that would look nice with them. Isn't it funny how a photo of dresses can inspire you to create something? 

I hope that you are feeling inspired on this beautiful Wednesday!

Creative Inspiration in a Bottle

I found this Wet n Wild nail polish at Walgreens last night and loved the color and the $1.99 price tag! The color is Wet Cement and I'm not sure if the color actually resembles wet cement, but I sure do like it! The color has taupe, grey, pink, and purple undertones and looks great with the nudes and blush pinks that are in this spring. The polish features the Manicurve pro brush that makes application super easy and even.

This post is unlike most of my crafty posts, but the color is serving as creative inspiration for some projects that I want to work on. I'm thinking pearls, lace, chain, floral fabrics, et cetera. Stay tuned! :)

Monday Quote

Photo from Design Editor

5 Easy Ways to Overcome A Creative Block

Art by EeeBee on Etsy

All crafters have been here. You sit down to work on a project and it's almost as if all of your creative juices have left you. This, my friends, can be referred to as a creative block. Even some of the most creative people experience this feeling. When this happens to me, I often try to make myself be creative, which generally results in creative fails. Luckily there are several ways to trick yourself into being creative.

Here are a few ways that I inspire creativity within myself: 

1. Browse Etsy. I love to check the front page of Etsy. I have seen some of the most unique ideas and colors schemes and they almost always inspire me to create. I am not suggesting that you copy another artist's designs, but the act of simply looking at other work might help get you out of your funk.

2. Watch crafting videos. Whenever I feel especially uncreative, I like to get on YouTube and watch videos on how to make specific things. I'm a visual person, so I like to see the technique rather than read instructions.

Photo from Pinterest

3. Organize your area. If you are anything like me, your crafting area tends to get very messy very quick. Even my most organized drawers can quickly become unorganized when I am working on a project. The simple act of picking up, organizing, and throwing out unnecessary items always helps me feel more creative. Most crafters are visual people, so their surroundings can greatly effect how they feel. Put things that you like or that inspire you around this room. You can also check out Everything Etsy for craft room inspiration!

4. Get out and go to a craft store. Sometimes when I'm in a creative rut I like to go to craft stores and look around. Even if I don't purchase anything or need any supplies, sometimes it helps just to look at supplies and imagine how I could make the piece unique!

5. And last (but certainly not least) check out Pinterest! If you are a crafter and you haven't joined Pinterest yet, you are really missing out! Pinterest provides ideas for crafting experts and novices alike. I am inspired to create things on a daily basis thanks to this wonderful website! You can find my boards here.

I hope that these ideas help to get you out of creative ruts. What do you do to overcome crafter's block? I'd love to hear your ideas!

Craft room inspiration

I feel like my craft room and I are never-ending battle. I just can't seem to get it looking exactly how I want it to. Nevertheless, I am going to try to tackle it a little bit every day this week. I really love looking at clean, organized craft rooms and thought I'd share a few of my favorites for inspiration.

Source: craftingonalfredavenue.blogspot.com via Lauren on Pinterest

I love the little mugs that hold scissors, etc. The curtains are awesome too!

Source: everythingetsy.com via Lauren on Pinterest

Love, love, love this frame!

Source: everythingetsy.com via Lauren on Pinterest

I love this color combination. The cool table makes me want to paint my plain white desk a funky color.

Well, I suppose that I should stop looking at photos and get to organizing. Have a lovely, creative day!

- Lauren

Historical inspiration

I get a lot of my creative inspiration from history. Whether it be cameo pendants, antiqued-gold charms, or retro print fabric, most of my designs have been inspired by the past. Yesterday, my boyfriend and I took my nephew to Shiloh National Military Park, which is the location of a Civil War battle. Scattered around the grounds are cannons, monuments, and the famous "Bloody Pond." While walking around one of the battlefields, I found this cannon. I absolutely love the color of the cannon, and found it intriguing that something so dangerous could be so inspiring.

Isn't it cool? If you haven't visited Shiloh and you live nearby, you should check it out. I'm no history buff, but it is a really neat place.

- Lauren