Finding Inspiration

I am often asked by my readers, family and friends, how do you find inspiration? How do you keep creativity flowing? Well, I thought it would be best for me to share my answers. I wrote a post last year about what was inspiring me at the time. The thing with inspiration, is that it's constantly changing and with it your work. What I was inspired by last year is completely different to what is fueling my creativity now. I
move with my influences and channel this inspiration into my work. My love of horror inspired me last year to create character cushions, but now I am inspired by it in a completely different way. 

I recently watched Frankenstein (1931) and I sat right on the edge of my seat, not because of the monster, but because of her veil! I sat forward and analysed her veil, 'how was that made?'. I almost paused it! She looks absolutely stunning and what a dress to be frightened in! She looks absolutely beautiful! I really think the 30s style cap veils are gorgeous and is something I would like to explore. I guess it seems strange being inspired to make something beautiful by a monster film, but it goes to show that inspiration comes from many different sources. 

My other love is for vintage and old movies from the 20s through to the 60s. I love looking at photos of old movie stars from all the different decades and it's interesting how they change. I love Marilyn Monroe and I know I am not alone; How can you not love her? I love the pictures from her wedding to Arthur Miller. She wears a modest but classic dress, and she makes it look fantastic!

Grace Kelly is probably one of the most famous brides to have ever walked down the aisle! A movie star that became a Princess, women and little girls have read this fairy tale for hundreds of years. Grace's dress and her look has inspired countless designers and brides and most recently, Kate Middleton. Kate's lace gown was obviously inspired by Princess Grace and the classic design is as stylish today as it was 60 years ago.When I am creating a veil I think about classic design, it will never go out of fashion and will always look amazing. I guess what I am saying is that there is nothing wrong with not moving with the times, great design will never die so use it to your advantage. The past is a great resource and it is all around us. 

Inspiration is not something you can force, you have let it come to you! Try to remember what has inspired you and start from there. I have often gone for weeks without feeling inspired, it's a terrible feeling but it never lasts forever. I thought I would write a list of tips I have found useful in my quest for inspiration. 

Take a long walk with your camera

Have a movie marathon

Watch your favourite film

Go to a museum or gallery

Read a magazine or book

Window shop

Go to antique markets or car boots

Browse Pinterest

Read your favourite blogs

Organise your work space

Cook an exotic meal

Wear something you never wear

Take a little sketchbook or notebook out with you

Look at old brainstorms or create new ones

I hope this post helps you on your creative missions. Don't freak out if you have a dry spell! Try one of the tips on my list! Get out there and soak up the world around you! 

Abbey

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Garters!

I would like to introduce two new garter designs! I have never made anything like this before so I was pretty scared when I started cutting. I am super happy with the end result and would love some feedback!

My New Craft Studio!

Before

When we moved in to out new house it was clear we needed to freshen up the studio walls. The blue was bringing the room down and it was crying out for some TLC. I took a little trip down the garden and was excited to find some magnolia paint left for us to brighten up the joint. We have spent a few days painting and the end result is amazing! The room looks so much bigger! Soooooo after years of moaning about magnolia paint, I have painted my studio magnolia. 

After!!!

I feel blessed to have this amazing space all to myself! I have also created a little space in corner for my painting and I am currently looking for a comfy chair to snug on in the winter months. I decided to have two desks, one for sewing and the other for writing and drawing. I used to waste a lot of precious energy unpacking and repacking materials which had a huge impact on the amount of work I could do. I am looking forward to getting all my pictures up on the wall and settling into my new home :) 

Abbey

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Brighton Blogger Bash

Last week I went to a fantastic event! The wonderful Steph set up a bash for Brighton bloggers at Super+Super in Brighton. The aim of the event was to network, make friends and share tips with one another. I have followed many of these blogs and the writers on Twitter for months and so it was great to finally meet the people behind them. It was a great opportunity to share what we do and exchange tips on content, and how to drive new visitors to our blogs.

Since the event we have all been in contact and new friendships are being made which is fantastic! People blog all over the world but bloggers are active in your community! Why not get out there and meet them? I believe Steph has truly formed a community that will continue to meet and share blogging experiences.

Great blogging tips

Be unique

It was clear at the bash that many of us have crafts blogs, but as Steph pointed out they all come from a different point of view. Some are thrifty and 'refashions' blogs, others like mine are from a business and health point of view. If you want to start a blog don't mimic someone elses, find your voice and blog about what is important to you. So many of the successful blogs out there do well because they have their own spin on their chosen subject. 

Keep ideas to yourself

When you have an idea for a project or post, try to keep it inside. Don't advertise what your next move is so then in case someone uses it and takes credit for it. This was a great tip! It protects you and your blog so always keep this in mind.

Guest post
 Guest posts are awfully popular in the blogging world, but it is a good way to boost your stats and will help to drive new visitors to your blog.

Contact Companies
 A great tip from Claire, one of the joint owners of Super+Super, was to contact companies related to your blog. It only takes a few minutes to write an email! What if they don't reply? Well, it's just an email and you haven't lost anything! Claire talked about some of the companies that sponsored her and it was all because she asked! Great advice from a successful blogger!

Be confident! 
This is something I was talking to Lauren about. I alway care what people think of me. Why should I? Why do I waste all this time caring when I could just be care free and enjoy my life. So, I am moving on! Be confident in what you do and you will become a success!

Brighton Blogger Directory 

http://www.teacakemake.com/

http://missdemeanourisonthemake.blogspot.com/

http://www.belledubrighton.co.uk

www.ladiesinmonochrome.co.uk

http://sewsare.blogspot.com

http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.co.uk/

http://skyepennant.blogspot.co.uk

http://thebigforestuk.wordpress.com

http://yesilikethat.wordpress.com

http://www.wordsbysarah.com

http://www.skullsandponies.com

http://supersuperhq.com/

Abbey
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A Fun Guide To Starting A Business

Today the lovely Georgy sent me a fantastic article!!! It's an inspiring article by Andrea Scher, a creative business owner with years of experience. Andrea has put together a list of tips to help new business owners enjoy what they do. I have posted the link below because it has really inspired me as a business newbie and I am hoping it will inspire at least one other person. Fingers and toes crossed! 

A Superhero Guide To Starting A Business

The tip that is most helpful for me is to create a friendly and fun environment to work in. I currently work in the hallway which is not ideal and I find it hard to create staring at a wall. I am moving next week and I will have a room dedicated to my business. Hooray! I plan on making it an inspiring space that I want to spend most of my time in. I am already dreaming about wall colours and storage solutions. UH-OH!

The next tip I found useful is to create a work plan that fits around you and your body. Fantastic! I am not the only one! I recently created a work plan to fit around my m.e and it has really helped. Great advice. I think this is essential if you don't want to burn out or become sick of your work.

Ohw shh Abbey! I don't want to hijack this article as it speaks for itself. I am so glad this article reached me! I hope you all find it as handy as I did. 

You can find out more on Andrea's blog 

http://www.superherodesigns.com/

Abbey

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Goodbye Hove!

If you follow me on twitter, you will know by now that I am moving again. I moved in with my lovely boyfriend four months ago to a modest flat, but since we moved the flat has had endless problems with leaks. A few weeks ago my brother announced he was moving and asked us if we would like to rent his house! My response was obvious- uhhhh yeh! So after 4 months we are moving again and we only have a week to pack! Goodbye little flat and goodbye Hove!

Me! Happy silly face!

I love Hove beach! I will miss it.

We say our goodbyes. 

New Dolly Designs!

I thought I would share a few photos of what I have been up to this week. I have been working hard on new designs and these are two that I have finished.

Pink sating corsage fascinator with a netted bow

Gold pearl tulle veil

Abbey

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