Mar 13 2007
I promised…
I promised more blog sweets very soon and so here they are. Yesterday I reached 10,000 hits to this site and want to celebrate with you. I just LOVE this new Basic Grey paper! My new goodies just came in the mail from Jacksonbelle (what fabulous timing!) and I’d love to share a couple of my favorite new things with you. These new 6×6 paper packs are so cool! Love their size…perfect for cardmaking, nicely scaled down in size and so easy to store! What could be better? These are two of my new favorites… Phoebe & Perhaps by Basic Grey. They are the cool & convenient 6×6 size. If you are interested in these treats…just comment on this thread. Is there something you like to do before or while papercrafting to inspire you? Do you clean your desk, listen to music, smell your new rubber? LOL Inquiring minds want to know! Deadline to comment is Friday March 16th at 11am. EST. Shortly thereafter….I will post the winner. Winner will be drawn at random from all the comments.
Cornish Heritage Farms Design Team Coordinator
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Hmmm.what do I do to inspire me. Well before I use to look at SCS, but now I get too overwhelmed while doing this, so I like to gather up a nice snack, a drink and go down to my cave (lol), turn on the radio and then try to relax and let the creativity come. Now mind you, I haven’t had much creativity as of late..lol! Kids sick, husband has stress at his job, it all takes it out of me. UGH!
I’ve been really eyeing these new Basic Grey papers. They’re gorgeous! Amazing giveaway. I like to clean my stamping desk and put everything away after I stamp every time. That way I’m more likely to stamp again. I would probably just not stamp, rather than clean first the next time.
Great candy!! Besides searching around blogs and websites I like to watch TV while I work. At least to have it on in the background because I seem to get more distracted in pure silence. Its also a great time to catch up on everything on the DVR.
~Melissa
Ooo, GREAT blog candy!! Thank you! I definitely like to surf stamping blogs or SCS gallery right before stamping. Then my head gets chock full of ideas and I can create away! I also like to listen to music, but only if my kids are awake:)
Ooooh, pretty paper.
hmmm… I’d love to hear what helps inspire others when they stamp. Right now I am in a bit of a slump. One thing that inspires me is to think of the person that I’m making the card for. I love trying to fit what I’m making with their personality.
Jenny (aka penelopepitstop)
Fun papers! Surfing all the great crafting blogs, I’ll put aside (or “star in google reader”) certain postings with tutorials or colors or ideas that really inspire me! Before I create, I’ll take a look at those. I have started to clip out from all the junk catalogs I get- pretty colors or patterns. This was a great idea I picked up from SCS! It provides a good starting point for color combinations….
Nothing motivates me more to be creative than #1 listening to some great music (XM Radio on-line) and #2 - a nice clean workspace. I’m a fairly organized person and I just don’t function well in the midst of clutter…so I clean and that really gets my creative juices flowing…that and the great music of course.
- Love your blog and this “candy” is so very SWEET!
I love to look at blogs and SCS to get inspriation!!! I also like to look at magazines. Of course, if you have new “tools”, “pretties” or stamps is ALWAYS inspriation!!
Kyla in KY
Beautiful sweets you are giving away!
When I work I like to have plenty of light, so I turn on every light. Inspiration sometimes comes from magazines but most often I just get one stamp set out and start stamping.
thanks for giving away the paper,
frannyb
Gorgeous papers! Hmmm what do I do to become inspired…definitely start with a clean desk, and very often I have an inspiration piece or idea in my head before I begin - it’s usually from pretty papers, a pretty napkin, fabrics, sometimes mail order catalogs.
Can’t wait to see what you create with these papers!
Oh my goodness! I love these papers! I have Lilly Kate and Blush and these were the two others I wanted to ‘eventually’ get! I can work so much better on a sunny day! I have big windows near my work space and the light just floods in at times! I also am a music lover and currently in my CD play I have Daughtry (not a surprise to those who know me!) but I also love to listen to the Yahoo Messenger Adult Alternative station.
My most current source of new ideas is blogs. However, I have always kept a binder of cards that I have found inspiring. I made copies of them and catalogue by theme. Winning this candy would be an awesome treat! How generous of you to offer it.
Before I stamp, my ritual is to put my kids to bed (it’s amazing how much creativity can flow when little ones aren’t vying for your attention)! I also surf my favorite blogs and check out some of my favorite galleries on SCS. Then I walk away from the computer (so I won’t be so tempted to CASE) and start playing with my stamps.
Linda (LSN on Splitcoast)
Love all the new BG papers! My inspiration always comes from all the wonderful artists on SCS! When I’m in the mood to make a card, I always hop on the SCS site and cruise through the cards that use the stamps I’m thinking about working with. Works like a charm!
I listen to public radio…certainly not inspiring but more of a habit!
Hmmm…inspiration comes from many sources like these blogs, my child, nature and I like to listen to music while I stamp. Inspiration also comes from those lovely papers you are giving away, boy oh boy would I love to win those!!!
WOW…. oh WOW!!!!
Inspiration for me comes when the desk is cleared of most of the clutter… I can’t work in a mess. Makes me nuts!
Great giveaway!! Love your blog! What i do to get inspired……hmmmm let me think, I do watch tv while I stamp and sometimes I listen to music, but as for inspiration I would have to say everything, outside, inside, clothing, paper, etc.
I like to focus on making my cards by browsing through some blogs and then searching through all my papers and embellishments for inspiration. I usually have a movie playing, and then I get straight to work.
Thanks for being so generous,
Janet
I don’t know that I’m inspired by it but I love to listen to Spirit 105.3 online when I’m stamping. Only if it is at night…I have to listen to the t.v. I get lots of inspiration from SCS and the blogs I visit, though!
Clearing my desk does inspire me, but it’s not necessary to have everything tidy in order to start creating. I just need a little corner of the table to work.
Nice blog candy! That paper is gorgeous!
Cindy
OMG, I love these papers! I love patterned paper, especially Basic Grey! I am addicted to paper! I have to have them all! What do I do to get inspired? I leaf through all of my patterend papers, pick something out and then decide which stamp(s) to use. Tell me that isn’t weird! :)! Oh well, as weird as it sounds, it works for me.
Dorothy
I usually just pick one or two elements that I want to work with and build from there. I am also trying to practice every day so I can get better at what I do. Mostly I just love to have fun and relax! That is what it is all about!
Lesa
I just love the look of the new Basic Grey papers! Lucky you! To prepare to stamp, I clear off the top of my stamping table and put in a copy of the CD my daughter made (songs about babies and rainbows)for her baby. The first song is “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by the late Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. I just love that version! It makes me think happy thoughts! Thanks for all your inspiration, Julia!
Wow! That paper looks amazing. I have yet to play with Basic Grey…but would love to get my hands on this paper!
Most often I take a quick look at SCS or print off a new template or project that I want to give a try and then turn up the heat(I am in the unfinished basement) make myself a cup of Tazo Chai and head on down to my stamp room.
Love your blog…I will be back! :0)
I always like to look through magazines, blogs, and Splitcoast for papercrafting inspiration. There is just so much to be inspired by!
Love your blog, and love this new Basic Grey paper!!
Megan
Oooooo! Love those Basic Grey paper packs! Nice giveaway - thanks so much for a chance to win! For inspiration while I’m scrapping I like to surf SCS (of course!) & I also have a small (shoebox size) organizer full of things I’ve colored, stamped, but never used. A lot of times I’ll dig thru this “project” box & immediately find something that lights that little bulb over my head. : )
What a fun giveaway! I usually have the TV or movies on when I stamp, but find I actually get more done when I have music on. During big creative weekends, like VSN, I get out the CDs and rock out while I create!
When I want to get inspired, all I have to do is browse through the Splitcoaststamper’s gallery! If I have “stamper’s block” I just clean up my stamp room and usually the creative thoughts start flowing. Thanks for your great giveaway! I have your blog on Google Reader so I can read every post.
i love BG! Great giveaway!
Usually to get inspired I look through my photos, browse galleries, or magazines.
Now That is some Yummy Blog Candy!!! Love your blog and our work, thanks for inspiring me!!
What I do to get inspired….I like to look through my notebook that I keep ideas in, I simply cut out pictures or write down ideas I see in magazines, on TV….Anywhere, it helps get my creativity flowing.
~Rachel Hope
I always have my computer on and nearly always have it on splitcoaststampers.com and will be browsing all the hundreds of blog I read every day!!! incredibly sad I am sure but it works for me!!!! lol fabulous blog by the way and you have been included into my favourites!!!!
First, Thanks for having such a great blog candy giveaway! I love your blog site.
I get my inspiration in colors. I match colored card stock and patterned papers that will complement each other and then stamp away.
-Cher
cher-k@pacbell.net
Hi.. Love your blog and what yummy blog candy! Those papers are so beautiful.
I’ve been doing a lot of patterned paper shopping myself lately and to be sure I don’t just hoard it all I usually start out by choosing my stamp set first and then going through all my papers to see what it might go with, then I’ll pick out some solids, get my inks out and start stamping…’
Thanks for sharing your beautiful creations…
-Ginna
Really pretty paper! I like to enjoy quiet time while I’m at my desk papercrafting. I find inspiration and ideas browsing cool blogs like this one
I enjoy flipping through card magazines and catalogs to get inspiration. I also usually like to have a nice cold (or hot) beverage… and a clear mind.
Great give-away. I enjoy your blog. Thanks for sharing!
Beth (mommy to a busy 3 1/2 year old)
grazing through SCS galleries, sometimes to get some ideas for a specific stamp set. I also like to mark ideas in the craft mags that I get so I can use those for inspiration.
I also like to have some munchies on hand. I just can’t seem to think without my munchies!
(Probably a hold over from writing papers in collage, I just can’t seem to get over.) 
I am always inspired by the great creations of fellow stampers however lately I have just been looking at DP (like Basic Grey) and VOILA a design pops into my head. I live over an hour to the closest scrapbooking/stamping store so I revel in simply standing in the paper section and dreaming. These new Basic Grey papers are FAB!!! I love them.
Alli
I love these papers - they are gorgous. I like to have my work area clean and ready to create, so I try to keep it organized after I finish each project. To get inspiration, I usually look through old magazines and books and my 3 ring binders full of ideas I have cut out of magazines or copied off the internet.
Hi Julia,
You cards are amazing, this is my first visit to your site, but I’ll certainly be back.
For inspiration, I like to look on blogs or SCS (But mostly blogs as I find SCS a bit overwhelming… there’s just sooo many cards!) I always stamp in the evening after my kiddies have gone to bed, that way it’s really just ‘Me’ time. I always used to just listen to the local radio station, but recently, I’ve got hooked on listening to Michael Buble. My DH jokes and says it sounds like we’re living in a hotel lounge! Isn’t that terrible? But, I find it very relaxing and inspiring.
Thanks for the chance to win your gorgeous papers! What a great giveaway!
Now who doesn’t absolutely LOVE Basic Grey! I love your creations, and especially love how you are able to incorporate the larger sized Prima’s into your cards. They are just STUNNING. I have a hard time doing this. It’s easy for me to use the smaller ones, but I don’t have your ability to work with any other size. I love the Primas and admire your ability to use all of them so beautifully. Linda SS
While papercrafting, I have to have SCS open on the computer and the TV going to whatever reality show is on! Then I stamp, stamp, stamp!!
My favorite thing to do is get a big ole’ bowl of m&m’s and have on the desk while stamping. stamp one eat 3, stamp one eat 4…good brain power medicine! I just saw your site and love, love, love it! TFS! Lisa K
Love the Basic Gray. Don’t have it yet.
I like to listen to music while I am crafting, and I love to have a cup of coffee beside me (it usually get’s cold though). Thanks for sharing such great blog candy!
I love these new Basic Grey papers. I just went to the LSS today and they did not have them
I usually just enjoy the silence when I’m stamping, occassionally munching on Twizlers or drinking juice! 
Thanks for sharing!
by the time I actually get to creating, an idea has been brewing in my mind for a while, so I just get down to business. I like to listen to music while stamping - mostly because it is fun ‘me time’.
I love these Basic Grey packs. The colors are just so vibrant. I usually have my coffee in the morning while catching up on my blogs and then after that, I’ll do my stamping & cardmaking. I also like to have the tv on when I stamp.
who doesn’t love basic grey?? even though i usually keep it for EVER because they are too pretty to use…
i get inspired mainly by the person i am making the cards for… but when i am stamping just for fun, it’s always great to browse the blogs for inspiration a new techniques.
Well I have to start with a clean spot on my desk, though lately that has been a chore in itself. I have a 2 year old who is clued to my side the mintue I walk in the door from work!
ohhhh what absolutley yummy candy!!!
What ispires me. Well to start every time I leave my stamp area is is a complete disaster so before I begin I tidy, as I tidy I seem to notice other little things, colors, styles that I can use on my next creation. If that draws a blank I go through some of my samples & begin a layout from there…oddly enough when I do go that route the card usually doesn’t remotely resemble what inspired the makings of it.
Thanks for the chance at your yummy candy & for sharing such beautiful artwork!
Awesome candy, PLEASE pick me!
Actually, I think my problem is “over stimulation” - does anyone else feel that way? I spend so much time looking at blogs and SCS that I could be using actually doing the craft I love! LOL! Seriously, though, when I do want to sit down and stamp I usually like to browse the projects I’ve saved to my hard drive first. Then I usually go do my thing! Thanks so much for your generosity - I would love to win Basic Gray papers - I don’t have any yet!
I love the yummy Basic Grey paper! I’ve been looking for the 6×6 pads and haven’t located them yet…so thanks for the link. Love your blog, I visit it often!
I think I look at way too many blogs and spend entirely too much time on SCS… BUT… I am so inspired by all of the creative people out there! I appreciate all of the time and creativity shared on the ‘net! Thanks for sharing!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Basic Grey papers! I have found great inspiration from the blogs I visit. There is an amazing amount of talent ‘out there’!
Lynda
Yes! I usually go to splitcoaststampers and look through the gallery to find some inspiration or check out my favorite blogs. Helps to get the creative juices flowing!
Ooooooooooh those beautiful, gorgeous paper!!! What I do that inspires me, definitely going to SCS’ gallery for inspiration. I don’t ever look at magazines these days. SCS does it all for me! Congrats on the 10,000 hit!
Wendy
Before I stamp, I make sure my puppy “Lily” is on the bed in my craft room. That way, I’m not distracted about where she “might” be and what she “might” be getting into!
I love color combos. So I look all around me to find new ideas for colors to go together. Thanks so much for the goodies!!! Sue
Well, I fix a diet coke and then I start picking out paper - I like the “feel” of different papers, those with texture and color - of course, I usually have a stamp in mind while I’m groping my paper!
Thanks for the great blog!
Love the blog candy, those papers look yummy. I like to listen to music as it does inspire me. Another thing I do is cruise all the different blogs I enjoy as there is always something creative to be inspired from on them! Ida
Oh PLEASE let me be chosen!!! Awesome candy!
I like to put away the stuff that I left out from stamping previously, then I make sure that my ipod is plugged in and charging, and finally, I get out my stash of sweets (shhh!) and set a handful within reach. Then, if I need inspiration, I turn to my color coach and then from there I choose a set.
Thanks for sharing! Congrats on the 10,000 hits!
I like to stamp at night after everyone has gone to bed. I usually have an idea of what stamps I want to use. Then I start to pull out colors. Usually I’ll atare at the mess for a little bit and come up with something! Thanks for sharing with all of us! Those papers look amazing! Christine
Love the paper…I have to have a clean workspace, but it also helps to browse through some stamp magazines…..
I start by browsing the galleries on Splitcoaststampers but usually get to distracted by looking at all the great artwork that when I look at the clock all of my “freetime” is gone and it is time to feed the family or get kids ready for bed….
Dina Anderson
Recently, I am hooked on blogs…so that is what I am inspired by. I am sure not inspired by a clean desk because that usually does not happen. lol
The paper you are showing is beautiful. Thanks for your blog!
Cindy
before I stamp, I turn on the CD player, my awesome desk light and then jump right in! A lot of time I pick ribbon first and go from there
I wish I had time to light candles and put on the oldies music I love, but with 2 one year olds running around I just grab any moment I can. Yes life use to be easier pre adoption days, but life wasn’t half as much fun!!
Shelley
Wow. I have not seen those little basic grey papers. How fun are they!? I really love reading your blog and looking at all the wonderful things you make.
I really don’t do much to get inspired. I usually start with one part of the card and then think up the rest as I go along.
I peruse the challenges on SCS. Sometimes I need that extra push to get me motivated to make something different or out of my comfort zone.
I also eat chocolate while checking out the challenges, but we won’t go there …..heheee
Have a great day and thanks for giving US some inspiration !!
Lori aka paperchick
Hmmm, I usually just turn on the computer, open up winamp and play music from my 38+ hours long and growing playlist. Then I roll over to my table and begin.
These 6×6 pads looks awesome, I haven’t yet found any locally, I may have to break down and do the online ordering…
Glad I found your blog!! WELL!! Sounds like you have good taste girlie!! My faves are Phoebe and Perhaps too!! Heehee!!
For inspiration I do a couple of things! Firstly I have Splitcoast open….at all times!! I’ll maybe use a sketch or a colour combo to start me off! Then I either have a book on cd running or a movie on my computer. Or sometimes I’ll have some music going like INXS or Bowling for Soup!!
Thanks for doing this draw and I will definitely be putting your blog in my faves!!
Looking at my printed papers gives me lots of color combination ideas…. and I seem to gravitate towards Basic Grey. Just love their paper designs!
I’d like to say that I keep my stamping area tidy so when I am in the mood to stamp, I just need to sit down at my desk. Unfortunately, I always need to gather up my things and find a workspace, often my coffee table! I like some noise, like the TV.
DeniseB
Wonderful blog candy!! I haven’t found those papers anywhere locally yet. What I do for inspiration is usually look through a couple of magazines (stamping) or catalogs and pick a design I like, then see what I can do differently with it. Sometimes it works, sometimes not.
Julia, what a terrific blog and wonderful give away. I have been anticipating you would start to blog…thanks for not disapointing me! I just signed up to be a demo, just entered my first order from my first show…over $600.00, so you know how thrilled I am. Even better, I didn’t spend all my earnings!!!
I can’t see the top of my desk…I like to hunt for things and my inspiration comes from all of you who so freely share your talents….hubby is building me my own space…I can hardly wait. Thanks for all the sharing and inspiring you do…Rebecca (from Dorchester…practically neighbours we are, so no need to ship my goodies..I can pick them up!!!!)
I love to start with a clean desk and oldies (1968) music playing.
Claudia F.
Oh that paper looks GORGEOUS!!!
WOW! What a FABULOUS blog candy!
Julia,
Congrats on reaching 10,000. I love your work and check your blog often.
For me to start stamping…I do clean my table first. Because it’s usually a mess from the last stamping session. Then I turn the music on, check the challenges on SCS and start creating.
I can’t believe you are already giving your gorgeous paper away after just receiving it. I ordered some packs from Joy. I can’t wait to get them. Thanks for your candy giveaway. That is one SWEET candy!
I have found if I get on SCS, I spend all of my time there, checking out all the inspiration on there & don’t get any stampin’ done myself!! What works for me is to pull out 3 sets… a background, a word & main image set or I will figure out what colors I want to use, which helps me decide what stamps to use. And sometimes, I just CASE & that will help to inspire me!! LOL
Love your creations, the Floral Baby especially caught my eye. Those Basic Grey papers are gorgeous!!
Karen B
Ooooh what wonderful blog candy you are giving away! How generous of you. Congratulations on the big 10!
I definitely go to the SCS gallery for most of my inspiration. I don’t ever read stamping magazines anymore! SCS does it all for me.
Wendy
I do have to clean up my desk before I start stamping. I also listen to National Public Radio too!
Let’s see, my favorite thing to do while stamping is to turn on my radio and listen to some tunes!! And of course shut my door so it’s harder for my kids to find me! LOL
Congrats on reaching 10K hits!!!
I just love your work! Your cards are just beautiful. When I’m ready to stamp, I turn on my music on my computer, get a nice clean work area, and stamp away. I look back on the sketch challenges and usually use one and go from there.
Love the giveaway!
Becky
It’s funny..today when I was cleaning my craft room my husband comes home from work and says..What are you making today? Oddly I looked at him and said no..why? He said cause you always clean up before you start something new. SO I guess I do clean up, but I have never noticed. But I do like organization. So I make sure all the stamp pads are in order and pull out my cutting mat and grid paper. Oddly enough when I order my stamps, I already can see what I want to make and normally in what color. SO..before I even place the order I am inspired! OH..this basic grey paper is sold out everywhere…I am on everyone’s waiting list…I am crossing every part of me..hoping to win. Good Luck me!!
thanks for sharing
ronee
Good question for a *delicious* giveaway! I like to tidy up my space before I stam (although this should’ve been done earlier!) and I look through some of my favourite patterned papers for inspiration. I also have a stamp image index, so I look through there, too. But mainly, I look at some of my favourite cards (or SCS galleries of my favourite ‘artists’) to get the juices flowing.
Be sure to tell us what you do, too! =)
Cristina
Hello, I love looking at your blog….I like to listen to my ipod and jusy relax before I start crafting
Thanks for having this wonderful blog candy
Tanya
Humm… I usually put on a favorite movie to keep me company while I stamp. To get inspired I take a look at my best friends creations. Laurie is so creative. We tend to talk stamp as often as we can. I also search out stamping/paper art blogs. It was a pleasant surprise to find your blog. Thank you for sharing and inspiring!
Smiles,
Nancy Grant
Congrats on the 10,000 hit! What wonderful blog candy, oooooh! How generous of you. What inspires me? Definitely going to the SCS gallery! I don’t read magazines anymore. SCS does it all for me!
Wendy
Most of the time I visit some blogs first or go to SCS to get motivated and inspired. It helps get the creative juices flowing. I love your blog site btw. You are one that always inspires me.
I just love this blog (candy or not).
I am SO NOT a neat freak, but if I clean my desk before I get started–I am much happier with what I make, and I enjoy doing it more. (RARELY do I ever finish cleaning my desk–it is just a good place to start. I also like to have a card sketch before I start (mine or CPS or something).
Hmmmmm, I think in my head I feel like if I clean up a bit before I stamp it will work better, but it never seems to work out that way. LOL I end up cleaning/reorganizing way longer then I planned and run out of time to stamp. If I could just get my room organized the way I want it, I really think that might help.
I stare at my new DP and get inspiration from that. I also like to stare outside my window and think of colors. TFS…
Awesome blog candy! I haf-ta, haf-ta, haf-to have music on while stamping. Well, come to think of it I have to have music on while doing ANYTHING. LOL I love to blog surf for inspiration.
Yummy candy, Julia, and no calories! I love to do the daily challenges on SCS. That is usually the start of my inspiration, plus seeing some of the other great samples. I tend to design as I go and never know where I will end up.
What do I do before stamping? I make sure I know which shows are on, then I drag my stuff over to the living room coffee table, and get going. I can’t wait until we move and maybe I can have a bit of space for a table for me.
I sneak in stamping time when available, so my best inspiration is a little web surfing for fun color combo’s and other great ideas. I typically turn on the TV and listen to headline news (not necessarily inspiring, but since I stamp in the basement I don’t feel so “alone” and it helps me keep track of time!)
This is such beautiful paper, which leads me to what I do to get inspired. I need something visual to get me going. Sometimes it’s checking out blogs or stamping web sites (SCS is a biggie, of course, but there’s also some great ideas on some of the store sites). Other times, I’ll just go through my paper, stamps, or accessories until something comes together.
Thanks!
Well, one thing I do to get inspired is visit your blog and SCS gallery. ;0)
Other than that, it depends- most of the time I clean of my desk first (that’s a necessity since my desk is always a disaster and I wouldn’t be able to find anything)! Then I usually rummage through my papers and ribbon and go from there.
Anette- snowmom13
I love those colors! I is really making me itch for the warmer weather to get here!
I usually re-organize my craft area and go through my supplies to get me inspired. I always find some treasure that I forgot about and use that as my inspiration to create something new.
: )
Sarah - Angel #3653
What I do to inspire me is browse through some of my favorite blogs & galleries on SCS. This usually gives me something to start with. I also stare & stare at my gorgeous basic grey papers that I’ve been hoarding and something hopefully comes to me. But it seems to take a very long time for me to create even 1 thing with my numerous interuptions from my 2 very busy children who are still at home (1 is in Kindergarten for the afternoon). This isn’t fair to them so I try to stamp when I’m alone which isn’t very often. Lately I’ve not done any stamping but hopefully this drought will end as I enjoy it very much. Thanks for sharing all of your beautiful creations with us!!
When I need some inspiration, I read blogs! LOL! Then, when I am good and ready to stamp, I put the baby to sleep and sneak off downstairs to my little oasis.
I try to have something in mind to create before heading to stamp. I’m physically limited at times to stay as long as my heart desires to stamp. My inspiration comes from blogs! Thanks for the chance to win some awesome candy!!
Oooooh! That paper looks so fun. I’m loving your blog and all your wonderful ideas.
For inspiration, I check out SCS and believe it or not–I clean my scrap area. Nothing inspires me better than a clean desk! LOL
Hi , you have real nice blog candy . thanks for putting it up! . I get my inspiration from things around me in the real world. anything can set me up. A color of a tree, or the sight of a flower. I love to copy nature. thanks for letting me enter for your candy. Gerrie
I think I am inspired by looking at blogs and magazines for ideas although that often intimidates me. Lately I have been inspired for color combos by my one year old daughter’s wardrobe. She has the cuteset clothes and what great colors they use!
I love you blog…
Amy in Houston
I try to get my desk clean so that I have room to stamp/create. I usually do it after the kids have gone to bed so there are no interuptions. I look through some blogs to get ideas or go to split coaster stampers. Thanks, Cheryl
First thing in the morning I’m on the puter checking my mail and getting inspired by everyones blog and Splitcoast. I like to make sure my stamping area is clean before I play. I love to have the radio on as well. You have a wonderful blog!!
I can NEVER stamp until I have settled into my chair and turned on some music to match my mood. I then take a peek around the room and see what’s jumping out at me to be used and then I try to focus my project on that product I want to use.
Heather S.
color is what inspires me…I always pick a color before I go to bed to play with the next day. also I have to have the cd player playing. Basic Grey is my new favorite of papers! yummmm!
Wow! That paper is awesome!
Wow! What great blog candy. When I’m ready to really spend some quality time stamping, I head upstairs to my craft room and a good cup of white tea, turn the radio on and check out my paper and ribbon selection. Very relaxing!
I have a Claire Burke (original) potpourri simmering in the room where I work on cards. Just walking into the room excites my creative juices. That room is used exclusively for my craft room…sorry honey, since you left for college, I figured you didn’t need your bedroom any longer and well, it looks a little different now…
I love the new Basic Gray papers. So fun. I love to peruse back issues of my stamping magazines for inspiration before I stamp. So that usually means I have a magazine in my hands at all times.
Oh, your website is just stunning. Beautiful work and creative designs.
I need to have lots of light and I also work best very VERY early in the morning before anyone else is up. I like to peruse furniture catalogs for inspiration (silly, I know), but all the unique angles and neutrals get my mind working about what patterns and colors I could add to spice it up!
I also light some incense to get inspired.
Thanks for making this fun!
Fantastic papers! I am so glad someone told me about 6×6 being scaled down not just a 6×6 cut of the original! I am loving all the new scs blogs!
Oh I do love these new paper designs by Basic Grey. I guess the thing I do before stamping is clean my desk. It seems like every time I finish a card or project I get called away by one of my family members. There’s never a dull moment here. Oh I hope I win! Thanks for sharing blog candy, it’s so much fun!!!
By the way I love your work. I’m really enjoying your new challenge with jacksonbelle. Keep up the great work!
Chris Hauck
My inspiration comes from viewing other crafter’s galleries. And sometimes just sitting there staring at the stamps for awhile can be inspiring. Or even better, crafting with someone else is always inspirational too!
Wow! That BG paper looks georgous. I haven’t seen it IRL yet. For inspiration I usually check the color and sketch challenges on SCS and check my DP I want to use for inspiration.
I am usually watching the recap of the day’s sporting events on ESPN while I craft into the late night. Then I may watch a rerun of Larry King unless the other sport’s station is showing a rerun of the ACTUAL game. Then hubby gets up at 4 AM and I crawl in, watch the early morning headlines and hope to get in a few hours sleep but I usually get up and make another card or nitpick the ones I did make.
What great blog candy…..I alsways like to look at all my favorite blog sites before I stamp gets the creative gene going !!! Then a nice cold drink and off I go who knows when the house will see me next!
Lee-Ann Walsh
Love the blog candy! I am so hooked on creative stamp/scrap blogs now, and this is where I get my inspiration. I also love looking at the gallery on SCS.
the only thing i do before I start crafting is spreading out all my paper, and seeing where the colors lead me. That’s how I start all my projects. I very rarely have something in mind beforehand! BTW, awesome blog candy Julia! I am drooling over those papers!
Hi, the first thing I do is get out everything I need and spread it out in front of me. That way I’m all organized first. Then I like looking at magazines or blogs to get inspired!
thanks
I like to reorganize my pictures and search for ideas before I scrapbook, often I will have forgotten what exactly it was I had wanted to do.
I also need to have my cup of tea with me.
Alexa
Hi!!! Before I start I look at everything I have in front of me and compare colours and patterns- paper, ribbons, everything, just to see what I like together. Then I usually use those colours and patterns to create something.
Great blog! You make such lovely cards - it’s always a treat to see your latest postings.
What inspires me? When I’m stuck I do a self-imposed version of a Limited Supplies Challenge. Here’s the limitation: I have to use something that I bought because I couldn’t live without it but I haven’t used it yet. Once I’ve got my stamps/paper/embellishment of choice, then I just dream something up that uses it. I like this technique because it gets me using things that might not be at the top of the pile on my stamp desk
I love the Basic Grey 6×6 papers! Thanks for offering such a generous blog prize!
I read the blogs and also the splitcoast challenges for inspiration. I can hardly wait for the day when I can create my own card with my own design that I think up myself. Thanks for this awesome candy. I adore Basic Grey.
Cheryl
I’m not sure if you’ll even get down this far in the comments, but this is what I like to do before I start a creative session.
I stand in the middle of my room, blindfolded, spin around three times, grab the first thing I can to stop myself falling over, and that is how I begin. Sometimes I grab a punch, my pencils (they have sharp points), I hate it when I get an open ink pad on occasion, and, if I’m really lucky, I end up with one of the hundreds of stamps I own that I still like.
That is the beginning of my creative session!
I look through my stamp sets and which ever one calls out to me I grab.
Next I look for something that I have bought and haven’t used yet. (embellishments)
Then I try to pick cardstock colors that I haven’t used for a while. Seems I always go in spurts using the same colors.
Then I just play until something clicks.
I always get a few ideas from morning blog snooping so I have something in mind before I start.
I love these papers, but none of our scrapbook stores carry the 6×6 pads. I like to be well organized (at first) I have a table I set up in the living room and bring in everything I think I’ll need for the particular card I have in mind. That way I can catch up on all my shows that are DVR’d and do something creative at the same time!
What do I do before playin’? Well, I have to have my space in order (cannot handle clutter), then I check out SCS and the many blogs I check out … then, if it’s not too late, I’ll go sit in my chair, muse for a while, and then off I go!
I love the new Basic Grey papers! I only have Phoebe but hope to get more when I can get to the Scrapbook store (nearest one is 40 minutes away). I just found your blog (from Splitcoast) and have always looked forward to seeing your items on Splitcoast. You do a fantastic job on everything! Anyway, to inspire me, I just pick up some paper, stamps, ink and just go to work. I lose myself when making something. Working with paper products is very relaxing. Also, the blogs and Splicoast inspire me. Keep blogging!
I generally have to dig to find the bottom of my desk, and I like everything neat and tidy before I start a stampin’ marathon. If I am just doing a quick card, I will just stamp on the bed with a little tv in the background though!
Great contest, Julia and congrats on 10,000 hits!!!
I have a stamp area in our extra bedroom/craft room, but I seem to move into the living room so I can be a part of what is going on in the house. My husband usually watches his “shows” in the evening and I stamp in the room with him. We aren’t really sharing time, but it is better than being in two separate rooms. The bad part is that I have to put up everything I cart into that room each time I decide to stamp away from my craft space.
Nancy Clark
I usually start off with an idea in my mind of what I want to make. Then, I search for either the perfect paper or a stamp to make a background out of. Then, use some scraps to design my card. I like to work in final draft. But,if I’m stuck, I turn to my friends on the Stamp-Shack for their opinions. They are very friendly in their critique and have really good ideas.
i LOVE basic grey paper so this blog candy rocks
Before sitting down to get inspired, I like to enjoy a nice, hot cup of coffee with my usual indulgence of Starbucks Toffeenut syrup and french vanilla creamer. Once I am comfortable at my desk, I usually stroll through the days submissions to SCS for some inspiration.
I love Basic Grey’s mini paper pads. They are so colorful and they just seem to give off energy. I can’t imagine anyone not being inspired by them.
You can’t beat checking out SCS to get inspired, although hearing the heavy breathing of little ones down for the night can do it too!
Yummy blog candy…how generous! I get my inspiration from browsing through the SCS Gallery, of course while I’m eating chocoate!! Great blog!!
Love the candy…drool!
Different things inspire me, magazines, galleries, a clean table, and sometime cool paper and the color combos that they have!
Whatever gets me going!
Hi Julie,
I always have music on and burn scented candles when I’m stamping:)
Thanks for the opportunity to enter your blog candy:)
You’re very generous!
Julia, This is my first visit to your site, but I have LOVED your creations on SCS for a long time! Love the new papers too.
To get inspired for stamping I usually get a cup of tea~iced or hot~ and browse a stamping magazine or SCS. IF I know who I am making the card for I let that quide me in chosing the colors and stamps I use. I also like to do the challenges on SCS, as they make me think of ideas I wouldn’t otherwise come up with.
Thank you for sharing your talents with us all. Val
Great papers! I get inspiration from the SCS ladies..usually I look and look and then put them into my favorites then its too late to begin stamping! hehehe
To get the old creative juices flowing I put on some peppy music, get a glass of ice water, sort through my scraps box or my paper collection, and decide what stamps I want to use to go with the papers I selected. I’m a paper addict so this can take up to an hour or so sometimes. lol
Deb
I find inspiration in so many places. I’ve recently started carrying a note book because I’m always seeing color combinations or designs in just everything that without the notebook, I end up forgetting about them. The other day I saw an old school van with more mustard, summer sun and really rust stripes on it and thought of a design for a card and had my handy notebook to sketch it out. So, there’s not any one inspiration for me… BTW, I love your blog and that blog candy is sweet!! ~Crystal M.
I find inspiration by looking at card sketches, it seems to to the trick in getting the creative juices flowing. Thanks for sharing this awesome blog candy:)
Music is a definite must. A quiet workspace just doesn’t cut it for me. Splitcoast is usually my jumping off point…I see something that I just have to try. I only wish I had more time…Love all the new Basic Grey papers!
Hi, Love your blog. I sometimes have a hard time getting inspired. I try to listen to music, 70’s is my favorite, and relax. Then I can usually start off with one of my fav colors and go from there.
I love these new basic grey papers.
Before I start crafting I get a cool drink(usually cranberry juice:)and look around SCS for a litle inspiration and then start creating.
Thanks for the candy!
Ashley
Hmmmm things that I like to do while i stamp, scrap or do anything of the sort… pretty much i bring my whole bucket out into my living room… so i can watch tv and work off my dining room table. I also love listening to any music that is mellow and relaxing (and inspiring)… lately that has been Nora Jones. From there i choose a fun piece of paper and go nuts from there…
My stamp room is upstairs and I like to have contemporary Christian music playing and just let the ideas flow.
Debbie
It inspires me most to move all my supplies to a location where there are friends to share the experience with, most common are either my sisters dining room or my mother-in-laws basement (or porch when the weater is nice)
I’m trying again here to see if this gets through…
Congrats on the big hit! What beautiful blog candy! What inspires me is the SCS Gallery, hands down!
Wendy
Unfortunately a clean house inspires me! I feel guilty sitting down to create if I’m seeing messes around me. Needless to say, I don’t get to create as often as I’d like!
Oh well.
Love those paper pads!
Hmmm–that’s a good question and I’m looking forward to reading the other responses. Ilike to surf the web, getting some ideas, some kind of inspiration. Other than that, I set my things out, turn on a good movie, and away I go!
Love your blog and thanks for sharing. Janet B