Winter Blahs? Instant Inspiration Swap

I'm a creature of habit and influence... if i'm not inspired to sew for example, a few new notions, buttons, thread, magazine or maybe some funky fabric that suites my taste or upcoming holiday will often inspire me,or even some sketches of new pattern ideas?..

for a random sampling...(for me for example) you could send.... a small chunk of tie dyed ribbon, a couple vintage buttons, a jar of bubbles(so I remember what summer is like), something from the beach, a cool but unknown object that would make me think :) some random pieces of cardstock or paper that you arent using but maybe used to inspire you? this could be some J.B. Weld and 5 metal object to make a new Art piece even!!! Just something new and fun to get rid of the winter blahs!

I guess the real deal here is to think about what inspires you when you are inspired and pass it on in order to inspire someone else.... but have fun and be imaginative!

I thought it might be good to leave a note as to what types of things I like inspiration for?? It might help my partner. Collage of all sorts, assemblage and tin decorating, beading, anything vintage.

HEAD IN THE CLOUDS.... YOU ARE WELCOME...ANY OTHER NEWBIES OUT THERE??? I REALLY NEED SOME INSPIRATION SOON!!!

oh! i'm a newbie! i like ribbon, particularly in interesting color combinations, scraps of fabric, handmade paper, interesting pictures or photos, that sort of thing. i'm a cartoonist and cardmaker and often get ideas by looking at assemblages (like the paper source catalogue, if anyone else gets that!). i'm also really into cool packaging (biggs and featherbelle is great for this!).

I think it would be neat to get foreign coins, vintage or really cool buttons, hand made or textured paper, any kind of fibers, a couple of pages from a dictionary or paperback, watch parts, an earring that's missing it's mate, a vintage photo, vintage or unusual beads, something shiny you found on the street (that's clean, i hope,) a fortune from a fortune cookie, a poem that you found in a book that spoke to you or a copy of your favorite poem, a pen in an unusual color or form, or a pencil with a pattern on it. A photo of your summer vacation, a sunset, a sunrise or a rock that you found interesting. A story from your local newspaper, in english or not. Oh my gosh, i've got so many ideas!! a dried flower or some seeds for me to plant from your garden (don't tell me what it is, make me plant it and wait!!) a ticket from a movie you went to, a matchbox or pack from a local restaurant. a memo pad with a picture on the front. a lucky penny. a brochure from your town or any flyer that has pictures on it. a picture of your favorite pizza place.
Hope this helps I'll probably post more as i start to gather stuff!! Dianne

Okay, more ideas! something from your "junk" drawer something you would have found in your father's desk drawer (my dad had political pins in his, i will have to ask if he still has them, it'd be nice to scan and use on ATC's for ephemera) a balloon that thing that keeps floating around your house cause you don't know where to put it a magazine article something from your sewing box an add for a piece of jewelry you could never afford but is breathtaking Does anyone need more ideas? Dianne

okay, can i say that i think this is just a stellar idea for a swap and that i wish i'd thought of it?? matter of fact, i'm going to make up an inspiration box, put these things i get into it and then add more and when i'm "stuck" i can grab a few things and see what happens. Kudos to you sarah!! I think this is great fun. I can't wait to start gathering!! Dianne PS - another idea - one of those kid's erasers in a fun shape, like sponge bob or something!! oooh oooh something out of a gumball machine!!! someone make me stop!!!

I love to make ATC's so anything interesting and tiny would fun. I love fortunes from fortune cookies, fabric scraps, buttons, thin ribbon, charms, inspirational quotes, a page torn out of a book that contains an emotionally moving passage (nothing religious though please), old photos, photos with character, and last but not least; read my profile and see if you can think of something that you would like to offer me as inspiration because things from the heart rock ;)

I'm beginning to make ATCs,especially with knitting and book themes. I write and journal, so anything that could be a prompt would be welcome. I like postcards, especially old ones from the thrift store or junk shop with messages written on them. I love word games...

I'm just interested in whatever shows up in my mail box!

new postcards and new stationary always inspire me to write, new t-shirts (us S) or new underwear (us S/5) or socks (us women's 6-7)u sually make me feel "new" the day I first wear them. :) That probably sounds weird, but when I'm wearing the new clothing item i just feel fresh! Also, postage stamps "burn a hole in my pocket" so to speak. When I have them, I have to find a reason to use them whether it means putting together a package or writing a letter and shooting them off.. I hope this helps!

seems like we could basically "feed" off each other just by posting our ideas.... you guys are way more inspired than I am!!! I think this is gonna be grate... and yes I did spell that wrong... I love the grateful dead... I would love to make a huge list as to what would inspire me but I will leave you to it... I made a shorter one at the top of the comments... I have been making atc's but havent touched my sewing machine in days....

Everything that you guys have posted is great! I'd be happy with any of that stuff. My main passions are sewing and knitting though. :) And I'm totally addicted to Flickr, so pictures really inspire me!

I just signed up for this fabulous idea for a swap! I always like to get little mysterious metal thingies, like gears, rusty bits, old keys, little pieces of driftwood, primitive beads, interesting fibers and yarns in small pieces. I love handmade paper, and very textural fabrics--all this in very small sizes and quantities is just fine, bcause I work on very small art! Sometimes a piece of beach glass or twisted copper wire is enough to get me working on something!

Ooh, I love seeing everyone's ideas!! Myself, I'm an artist in 'real life' (tho my art is ceramics and sculpture, so this is a hobby for me! go figure!) and pretty much ANY art supply will inspire me. Books or Magazines about artwork of any sort inspire me- (I get inspiration that makes people wonder 'how did he get an ideas for a teapot from a rug catalog?' for example!) Speaking of which, I am a catalog HOG. I love 'em. 'Catalogs' (or Books/collection guides) with tons of pictures of stuff people make, used to make, or sell are always welcome. I love seeing what is out there in the world that people do, and I can make use of the strangest little items... in a multimedia sculpture, I might even use those tiny toys you buy ten for a quarter, you know? A box of ball bearings might find a home in one of my works, or some wire from the hardware store, or a bag of very cheap 'connector rings' from a jewlery findings section might become chainmail for a model horse... A tiny rubber/plastic animal might become a taxidermy display in a miniature diorama or something... If it's odd and fun to look at, I LOVE it. (yep. what imspires ME is strange. I know. grin)

I get inspired by magazines and catalogs. Even diggin through my stash is exhilerating. I also love reading crafty blogs and looking at free internet patterns. I seldom make anything for myself. :-( I am into needle felting, knitting wool and felting it. I alos love paper bag albums, scrapbooking, making mini-scrapbooks, quilting, sewing (especially for little girls). I collect beads and buttons, but haven't made anything with thme yet. I want to learn ATC's so a kit and samples might inspire me. I'd also like to do an altered journal or other altered art. I like to make things that are older into something new, like a purse out of a sweater or apron from jeans, that kind of thing. I love emboridered work, but am not good at it. Vintage photos and postcards intrigue me. Is that ewnough? :-) Chy

!hem sorry but...10 things for 3 different persons?so 30 things?it's not too much?

WOW, just reading the comments is inpiration. This sounds like a great swap. I'm a newbie here so I hope I get to play.

It's a short time span so I'd better go searching tomorrow.

As for me, I'll just say look at twobluecrows....as I could have writen that!

Marlene

Just a reminder....

yup... 10 things... these dont need to big large things as much as I'd love to recieve a huge bucket of goodies... its not necessary... how do you define inspiration???

read profiles as well as this coment board!!!

i am a newbies here... interesting swap... it's usual that i lose my inspiration! for my partners:beads are always welcome!!! any other thing could be ok for me anyway. maybe also a little thing that you did yourself,buttons,threads,blank box that i will decorate,handmade cards,photos and poems that inspire you,a new pen...!!! i will be very happy if you have a small stamp (maybe from the ones that you use for biscuits) about a heart or a star or something cute...and of course beads beads beads are my fav!!! but also use your imagination for this free swap!!!

I have to say that just gathering some inspirational "stuff" has already fired my own imagination. So far, I have magazine pictures, stickers, beads, paper, and off to find some cool buttons, photos, yarns.....I think that we don't need to go out and spend a fortune....just look around you....what turns you on? the view from your window? send a photo. The colors that you saw in a painting? send some fabric, paper, beads or yarns in those colors? did you hear a piece of music that was great? send the title or the website where it can be heard.

Ye gads, I do go on. Can't wait to get my partners! Don't know if this in an International swap but if it is, I'd love some other than US partners.

There are some great suggestions in these comments! I just wanted to let my partners know that I would love whatever inspires you. I'm not going to give any suggestions particular to me because I already know those ways to inspire myself; I want more ideas!

Can't wait to get my partners' names, because I've got so many ideas!

well... feel free to ask your partners what their hobbies are, although most everyone has their profiles pretty filled out... good luck guys!!!

I think I already posted plenty, but I wanted to add that lately, I have been experimenting with scrapbooking 'items' like brads, bars, and eyelets on my ATC projects- so those are always welcome. The same is true of ZIG or Micron type pens, or gel pens in about 03 size... I love doing abstract work, and I can't get enough of those narrower scrapbook/art type pens. :) Just in case you got assigned me, and couldn't think of ten easy things, now ya know. I'm experimenting, so anything to experiment with is spiffykeen too.

My crafts are polymer clay work and beaded jewelry, dabbling in papercrafts. Would love: -interesting food labels that I use for collage (even tags from tea bags) - any kind of small items I could incorporate into a mixed media polymer clay construction - little knobs or handles to top the lids of decorated jars and boxes - japanese patterned papers -interesting seeds - bits and pieces of handmade papers -beads and jewlery findings -anything your heart desires - inspire me with what inspires YOU!

Please don't spend a cent on this for me - just send stuff you have around. I'm a great believer in recycling and passingthings on.

GREAT swap idea!

Because of the winter storm i had time to go through what i had already collected and get my swaps together, hopefully you will find something to inspire you amongst the varied objects i chose.
my best to you all Laura, Anne and Ambra, as soon as i can get to the post office - hopefully tomorrow, the packages will begin their journeys to you - Dianne

Hello from snowy MA! I just got out to the post office today and sent mine out to Laura (NY), Ambra (Italy), and Sarah (WA)--Sarah, you are getting a huge bucket of goodies, from me anyway, not just to inspire you but as thanks for putting together such a rad swap!

presents for me???? yipeee!!!!!

I love mail and my mailbox was so full yesterday i had to actually go to town and pick up some of it!!! swap bot is my addiction...

i'll let you know when i get it! thanks!!!

okay, finally got to the post office today. Enjoy! Dianne

Got my first package of goodies today (and I thought the post offices were closed due to Presidents\' Day)!

thanks to Yooper Hill....I\'ll have some fun!

Marlene

Just came back from the Post Office so Sage in AZ, Sue in CA and Jennifer in NY: look for the party envelopes coming soon.

This was a fun swap! I\'m jazzed just gathering the items so I have to go play, now.

Thanks, Sarah, for organizing the swap.

oh my gosh!! just got home to packages from Amy and Jessica and i received two of the most gloriously inspiring packages. you both were sooo generous. I thought i sent a lot and i had the same problem both of you did, i could have just kept going!!
Jessica - i especially loved the pictures from Russia, especially St. Basil\'s. I am orthodox so they will be especially treasured.
And Amy - my son and I are already planning our garden and will think of you when we eat the carrots and squash. I\'m a terrible gardener so i probably won\'t really get any veggies, but i so love to plant things and garden anyway.

There was so much that i loved in each of your packages, ideas are flooding through my head, i need to get my inspiration box done, it needs to be bigger than i thought! Dianne

Thanks to Amberli in MA for the nifty stuff. My ATC experiments are gaining ground...very inspring!

Packages went out tonight... hope everyone is delighted and most of all, Inspired!!! It was inspiring to have to put something together, in fact... wondering what kinds of things I should include, and what would make my partners inspired in whatever project they\'re working on, or might start soon!

I got two cool postal goodies on the same day (from Dianne in PA and Amy in OH)! Thanks, ladies! Very inspirational!

I got all 3 of my inspirational packages today! Thank you sooo much to Dianne, Ambra, and Anne...everything was wonderful!! I really appreciate everything and all of the thought that went into the packages. This was a tremendous swap - both the initial idea and my 3 partners follow through. Thanks again.

I\'ve just been putting away my \"stuff\" from my 3 packages (that I got yesterday). Not only do I have ALOT of GREAT collage materials, I also will have terrific teas and coffee to drink while I collage and my skin won\'t be as dry (and this winter I need all the help I can get in that department)!! Thanks again - this is one of my favorite swaps that I\'ve ever done. I hope my 3 partners all really like my packages (they went out a few days ago).

WoooHoo I got the prize! A wonderful collection from J of OK. It was a FAT package of fabric, yarn, stickers (Asian), different papers, a little paper bag book (oh that\'s different!)and more fabric, more yarn and a little bag of beads and charms (also Asian). You are so generous....you\'ve spoiled me!

I am totally over my winter blahs and can\'t wait to play with your goodies. Thanks so much!!!

Marlene

WOW, Laura your wonderful package arrived today.THANK YOU so MUCH - what a GREAT surprise on a cold, snowy day!!! Hearts to you! :D

Where can we leave our ratings? I want to let everyone know about the goodies I received.

Marlene

just so you know... I probably wont be setting up anymore swaps for a while.... I\'ve had too much unannounced bad crap happen this month... the list goes on and on but the big one is that i blew the engine on my car, so Im moving out of state simply to get away from it all.... so when those of you who were partnered with me recieve your goodies, please know that right now isnt typical for me and had i not been stressed out about life in general, your packages would have been great and glorious. Its easy to do swaps like this when you are inspired, but after the month from hell that i have ha im just not inspired to da anything. usually Im a great swapper and I had no intentions of disappointing anybody.... sorry!

Sarah - really sorry to hear you've had such a bad time, but this too shall pass, be good to yourself till then.

Received a really cool package from orcasong, i love how all my partners thought to include some background on the objects they choose, and orcasong - we have a LOT of the same taste in music, loved your lyric picks, they alone will keep me going in times of dry spells. i will just cut them apart and put them in a special jar of inspiration!! Dianne

did I mention that I recieved nice envelopes full of goodies... I guess there is good in everything... now that my car is dead I have more time to be at home and be crafty... and maybe if I managed to come up with enough cash I can by that little vw bug I've been wanting for so long... I left my crappy day post up... but I am not in such a bad mood now... thanks you guys made my day!!!

One of the awesome things that Jennifer from NY sent me was a bit of 'ribbon'- more like a lovely fringe of loops in a range of colours of cord- they happen to be the favourite colours of a friend of mine. She wanted one of my staffs that I occasionally carve and decorate, but being vegan, doesn't like my 'suede' or 'fur' accents... She asked especially for one with only non-animal decor... and this one peice of looped 'fringe' (I'm so not a ribbon person normally- that probably has a name!) just totally inspired me to do a staff for her that would fit her exact needs... I had been stumped! Thank you, Jennifer, for waking up my creative flow in that art project!