If you are like me, inspiration for creating can come from various places. Some folks might think that visiting beautiful places inspire songs, poetry, artwork- any kind of creation. Even foods, smells, drinks, noises or voices may inspire. Sometimes inspiration has come from less beautiful things though, like war, hunger, thirst, temperature extremes, death, struggles with life itself. Painful things inspire too. Some of the most moving pieces of music or paintings I have seen in museums were inspired by war, fear or pain.
Personally though, I am most frequently inspired, by the beautiful, more pleasant things in life. Blessed to live in western North Carolina, amidst gorgeous views of mountains, rivers, farms and quaint little towns, I don't have to look far for my next painting, print, drawing or greeting card creation inspiration.
This past Friday was a cool gray day that was begging for an afternoon pick-me-up while running errands. Hubby and I had been trying to find time to get into Orchard Coffee in Waynesville and try one of their "fancy" coffees, as I call them. You know, the large cup of expresso with that beautiful cream heart shape artistically placed in the middle? Oh, and don't forget the tempting handmade scones and pastry on the counter! Ordered the coffee. And while Joe was paying for our cups, I thought, "why not!" and decided on adding an apple scone too. So happy!¡! I have to say- coffee and scone perfection!
We spent our time basking in coffee house vibes, analyzing the photo collection for sale on one wall and beautiful paintings on other walls. These 2 old folks were pleasantly surprised at the broad variety of ages represented in this warm, cozy and bustling shop. We made two new friends, Maria Tice, the owner and one of her sons, Thornton Tice, the chef and barista I like to call "coffee artist". Because he is that, and many other things. I don't know if they realize how special they made our rare coffee date on a Friday afternoon.
Happily, Stampin' Up! just launched new Online Exclusives in my online store, and one of the brand new bundles released just this week is called "A Little Latte Suite". The images on the DSP, stamps and dies perfectly coordinate with our experience at Orchard Coffee. Needless to say, I began creating new card ideas using the bundle as soon as I got home. And I realize that not everyone enjoys coffee like we do. But I am sure there are memories of people they know and love, enjoying a cup of coffee at one point in their life. I bet that most of my friends will see the images in the bundle tied to emotions and feelings worth sharing to the ones they love. Beautiful cards that hold the warm comfort and sentiments of a good cup of coffee can be created using many different card ideas and techniques. Sharing cards to your friends and loved ones is almost a lost art, and yet communicates how much you care for them in a way we don't often see these days.
Look for those "A Little Latte Suite" ideas and videos here, and on Facebook and Instagram in the coming week. Be sure to leave your name and email address so you can stay informed! No spamming, I promise.
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