Black & White Inspiration

{image from here}

INSPIRATION 2014 #94: Lovely black and white assemblage. Check out many more beautifully styled vignettes here.

Rocks of Ages

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INSPIRATION 2014 #56:  Gorgeous collection of smooth rocks and pebbles. Take note of the variety of color in the seemingly monochromatic and subtle arrangement. The conscious placement of size and shape of the individual stones is especially beautiful as well.

Staying Warm & Cozy

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INSPIRATION 2014 #32: Rich & elegant color palette. As it is cold and icy outdoors today, it has put me in the mood to dig into my stash of yarn and work on a project ~ or organize my giant stash of yarn!

Inspiration for a Gloomy Day

{textile jewelry by tinctory}

It has been quite awhile since I have posted on the blog ~ life has gotten in the way!

Since it is such a grey and gloomy day here, I thought I would share some subtle and understated images that demonstrate that grey doesn't have to be dismal and depressing ~ in fact, it is rather beautiful.  Take a look at these gorgeous images from a variety of artists & sources.

{papier mache silverware by ann wood}

{nature collection by geninne}

{beautiful spools of vintage seam binding from here}

Simple Pleasures

Amidst my big career life change, other things in my life have been changing as well. As I have had some trouble with my lower back and sciatica this year, my physical therapist recommended working a 30-45 minute walk into my schedule every day. That had been very difficult or impossible to squeeze in with a demanding day job, but now that I am scheduling my own time, the walk is on my "to do" list every day.

I spend my walks taking in things I used to just hurry past without even noticing or sometimes just thinking about projects I want to work on ~ it is sort of meditative for me. One week I saw this beautiful lichen covered twig, so I picked it up for color inspiration along with the plain twig as I liked its shape. I decided the rest of the week I would find one thing to bring home that inspired me while on my walk, so now I have a little collection of found treasures ~ or some might say junk, but for me I found beauty in these simple objects!

Another week I took my camera with me and took photos of interesting textures and color combinations I thought were unusual ~ as it is winter, while it seems bleak and monochromatic at first glance, the color is there, it is just more subtle.

It is nice for a change to be able to enjoy and appreciate the simple pleasures in your life, so if you can manage it, squeeze a walk or jog in and look around ~ you'll be surprised at what you notice ~ and the walk itself will do you good too!

Color Inspiration ~ Design Seeds

A few weeks ago I came upon design seeds ~ a site for all who love color. This is a lovely site to explore for both beautiful images and inspiring color palettes. Each day a new pairing is presented, so there is always something new to take a look at. One can also click on palette search and search for specific colors, color collections or themes. So, if you are looking to freshen up your home decor or looking for some interesting color combinations to add to your wardrobe, visit design seeds ~ I don't think you will be disappointed! Here are a few of my favorites.....

{all images from design seeds}

Lovely Pink!

Growing up in Pennsylvania I'm quite familiar with mountain laurel ~ after all it is the state flower. Last week I was looking around at my parent's plantings and came upon this unusually colored mountain laurel (shown below) ~ most of the time they are colored like the one above (image from Wikipedia). Wish I could have stayed a day or two longer so that I would have seen it in full bloom! Don't you just love the delicate cuplike open flowers in contrast with the sculptural closed buds?

Color inspiration

{beautiful fresh autumn display of color}

{chandelier in a NYC coffeeshop}

{wonderful pile of wool felt rugs at the ICFF}

{handwrapped beads}