Tuesday, 26 April 2011

Inspiration




So what inspires you?



I have 8 files full to bursting of images that I have collected over the years,


well since 1999 to be precise!


Each file holds a collection of scraps of paper ripped out of magazines before they got thrown away or passed on.



They are full of images and stories that inspire me. It might be a success story,


or an interior photograph in someones home.



It might be an article about a business and the story behind it.


There are images of gardens, seasons, celebrations.....




.... recipes, products or just lovely images.




I wouldn't be without these files for the world - they chart my design channels, the way my ideas have developed and styles have changed and evolved over the past 12 years.



I tweeted that I was sat, about to go through my magazines and I was met with tweets from like minded souls who either do just that - rip out and store their favourite images or those that keep the whole magazine because they couldn't bare to part with them!



It was then, that I was introduced to a way to store the wonderful images that I now stumble upon on the web. I had often wondered what was the most efficient way to keep an inspiration bank of images I find daily and Pinterest is the place to do just that.





I must confess that I have become a bit of an addict over the past few days but it is, a truly amazing visual collection. You can store your images in collections on 'boards' so that the images are easy to collate and subsequently easy to find. For example the above board is the red and aqua board and below, the bunting, wreaths and garlands board.





Think of Pinterest as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can create collections of things you love and "follow" collections created by other people.


What is even better is that you get to see what other people are 'pinning' and they get to see what interests you too!


You just sign up, add the pin icon to your toolbar and pin away and what's even better is that it does the technical bit of storing the source web codes for you.



I have honestly spent hours enjoying this visual feast that is Pinterest.




So now I have two places to store all those fabulous images that inspire me!



To check out my page and boards click here!

14 comments:

RosieRibbon said...

I do the very same in keepinf cliping from mags/ to randam images I have found :) x

www.daisyley.co.uk said...

Welcome to the Pinterest Addicts Club - I've "lost" hours looking at it! x

Unknown said...

It is rather addicitve. But great fun and reet inspirational. Loves Ionwen X P.S. I have stacks n stacks of my fav magazines especially Country Living, just canna throw some of em out. Gona make a feature out of em soon! X

Sparkly-Fabtastic said...

just wondering when you requested an invite on pinterest how long was it before you got one? I'm new to it and requested an invite yesterday... plus I too used to have clippings and clippings from mags which I must admit I 'cleared out' a few years ago but have since started again!!

dots and spots said...

I received an invite from someone on twitter - so jumped the queue as it were - I'm not sure how long it takes and not sure how to invite people either! Sorry I can't be of more help

Pretty Petal Handmade said...

Thats looks really fab, your boards are very inspiring! Can see why you'd keep all those images. Thanks for sharing!

Rhi x

Paperfanatic said...

I have been on Pinterest for a little while now and love it.

Calico Kate said...

I don't know about Pinterest, just looking through your blog I'm all inspired and terribly jealous of your new kitchen cabinet have wanted one since I can't remember when!
What a lovely visit I've had here today. Thank you!
CKx

Suzanne Lake - made from my heart said...

I have to say you are an inspiration to me! I love your blog and all your photos and pics. I loved hearing about the flea market finds your lovely pieces of furniture and all the hearts at valentines. I do keep all the mags (can't bear to tear the pics out) but might consider it soon as I have quite a collection now! In this world of working from home and sometimes not getting out for inspiration, I am thankful for the net and inspirational people such as yourself! Thank you and keep it up xo

Gilly Tee said...

I also have files of clippings, I've been having great fun looking through yours.
Gillx

Tamsyn said...

I put my name down for pintrest the other day, when I saw 1 of my cushions had been pinned. I've always liked keeping pages from magazines and stuck them in scrap books, was looking at some from late 80's yesterday.
Your boards are a visual feast :)

Wendy said...

I also have loads of files full of magazine clippings! I really should find the time to get into pinterest too. x

gooseberrymoon said...

I am also a pinterest addict! It is a genius idea that I wish I'd thought of. x

The Bunny Maker said...

Oh noooo another totally addictive website! I must sign up! NOW!!