Where Do You Get Your Inspiration From?

I have a few questions for you. Your reason to visit here is probably because you are creative. I am so grateful that you join in my journey. Oh, how I wish I could see your face and chat… Do you wonder how I come up with my ideas?! It’s one of the questions creative people hear the most:
“Where do you get your inspiration from?”

I remember when I taught at the college and we started a new assignment I asked students to come up with some concept ideas. They sat there and tried to ‘force’ an idea to just appear, and nope, it didn’t happen. ‘Just let the ideas waft along while you are busy doing other things…

Nature Is Always a Starting Point

Nature is probably my most obvious source of inspiration, but it never gets old. The textures, colors, and patterns outside are endless.

A twisted branch might become an idea for a concrete chair.
A mossy rock might inspire a colour palette for a needle felted painting.
Even the soft texture of wool itself reminds me of natural forms—clouds, nests, animal fur.

Nature doesn’t try to be perfect, and that’s the best part of its charm.

The funny thing is… inspiration rarely comes from just one place. It’s usually a mix of small moments, curious observations, and a willingness to see everyday things a little differently. One of my biggest skills that I have noticed is the ability to observe, see how things went well or not.

For me, inspiration is often hiding in plain sight. Ask my friends who know I will just stop in my tracks and point out something – a view that I just need to capture. The amazing way that Mother Nature makes butterfly wings, so I just needed to create this super large one!

Ordinary Objects Can Spark Big Ideas

Some of the best ideas start with the most ordinary objects. Those stones on the beach, but wait, make them of wool!

A bright leaf in the tree! Replicating the veins with a sewing machine
A pile of wool roving becomes a painting, sculpture, or decoration.

Creativity often starts with asking a simple question: “What else could this be?” Once you start thinking that way, the possibilities multiply over and over.

That old leather jacket becomes a journal or a pair of mittens

Colour catches you eye, shapes and contrast make it interesting!

The Real Source of Inspiration

If there’s one place inspiration truly comes from, it’s this: Paying attention.

Noticing textures. Looking around differently, with more intensity. Staying curious about how things work, how mixing media can give it new outcomes.

The more you observe the world around you, the more ideas seem to appear.

Media & Materials Themselves Can Inspire

Sometimes the material can lead the way.

Instead of forcing an idea, it’s often more fun to let the material guide you. Swirl that paint and take in the sensory tactile joy!

When you pick up wool roving, for example, it has a softness and movement of its own. As you needle felt or shape it, the material starts suggesting forms—animals, textures, landscapes.

Curiosity Is Fuel for Creativity

Inspiration often comes from curiosity.

• What happens if I try this technique differently?
• What if I combine two materials (like fabric and concrete) that normally aren’t used together?
• What if I simplify something instead of making it more complicated?
• What if I add some metallic paint!?

Creative people don’t necessarily have more ideas, really — they just follow their curiosity a little further. It’s perfectly fine to be considered a bit odd. I am now really quite accepting of all my oddities and so are my friends!

Inspiration Grows From Making

One of the biggest secrets about inspiration is this: It usually comes after you start, as you get drawn in deeper into the that trance.

Waiting for the perfect idea can stop creativity before it begins. But once you start making something — anything — ideas start to appear, so true!

A mistake turns into a new technique. A simple experiment becomes a whole new project. That’s not the way to use that (old markers)!

And the wonderful thing about creativity is that inspiration doesn’t run out. The more you create, the more ideas seem to grow. That’s my problem… I often get so excited and start going off into multiple directions and need to decide which to pursue.

So where do you find your inspiration? What’s the craziest idea you came up with?! You know it inspires but not sure yet how…