Real Places to be Inspired

So many of us crafters tend to find inspiration by looking on the internet. We use blogs, product websites, social media, etc. It's fun and fast-we like finding instant inspiration gratification. However, sometimes it's not so instant and we wind up spending hours browsing Pinterest or a craft website and still don't stumble upon the 'Aha!' moment we were looking for. Using the internet to find inspiration can be extremely frustrating, which brings me to the point of this article: R-E-A-L brick-and-mortar places to find inspiration. Places that require you to get up and go. Sometimes a little movement is all we need.

The Library

Has it been awhile since you've been to the library? Believe it or not, your library is a hotbed of crafting inspiration. Most libraries have copies of all the latest craft books available for you to check out. In addition, take a look through photography books, back issues of magazines, find a new type of craft to try, pick up some interior design books.

Take a Train Ride

50.5% of the world's population lives in urban areas. Chances are, you're one of the 3.5 billion people who live in the city. Public transportation in the cities is cheap and you can get to many places. However, the idea here is not to get somewhere, it's just to ride the train or the subway. Grab a notebook (no iPads or laptops-no electronics!) and hop on the train and just write, doodle, make lists, whatever could jump start your inspiration. 

Coffee Shops

The title of this source of inspiration is pretty obvious. A hot cup of coffee, a fruity smoothie, bubble tea; whatever your favorite drink is, it's bound to make you feel better. Instead of making it your reward, just for a day, make it your motivation. Not to mention, coffee shops usually have great art, great music, and a fun and inspiring atmosphere.

College Campus

Does your blog or your craft involve fashion? The your local college campus is the place you should go to people-watch. College students will always be wearing the latest trends and it's fun to be inspired by what people are wearing. Want to find hipsters, athletes, girly-girls, business professionals, nerds, etc, all in one place? Campus is the way to go.

Quilt Shops

A quilt shop is a fantastic place to find inspiration. Now, when I say quilt shop, I don't mean a craft supply store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby, I'm talking mom-and-pop quilt and fabric shop. They tend to be super quirky, full of cute little grandmas, and gorgeous fabrics from ceiling to floor. Even if you're not someone who works with fabric, pop inside to take a look at patterns and color schemes.

Thanks for reading, I hope this inspires you to try a new source of inspiration! Where is your favorite place to go? I'll shamefully admit to Starbucks :) but I also l-o-v-e the library and riding the train. 

-Taylor