Inspiration Overload

I am a visual person. Don't tell me HOW to make something- rather show me a picture and, nine times out of ten, I'll be able to figure out how to do it. As much as I love reading, pictures get my attention everytime.

I love magazines. It doesn't matter what type- crafty mags are my favourite, but I have been known to find inspiration in fashion mags, and even DIY, woodworking, or business publications. Layouts of articles and contents pages, advertisements and graphics- all are a visual feast to me. Often, I will spend the majority of my time looking at the pictures- sometimes I never even bother with the words.

At the moment, I am reading four different books, which are providing me with an inspiration overload.

The first book, which I have been reading the longest, is Ali Edward's, "Life Artist". My hubby, Chris, gave me this book for Christmas, and it has really helped me to refocus on what's important in scrapbooking. I am now more determined to record the daily events of our lives, and not just the special occasions or professionally taken photographs. It is an incredibly freeing experience.

I am also no longer fussed about finding "the perfect embellishment", or "the right paper". I choose paper I like, that does not clash terribly, and go with the flow. I find I am enjoying the process of scrapping so much more now, and I feel far less frustrated. AND I love my pages more than ever- what a bonus!



The second book was another gift, this time for my birthday. In Jowilna Nolte's "Scrap-boek", she demonstrates how to scrapbook using household items to make your own embellishments- the real, old-fashioned way of scrapbooking, with an exceptionally classy edge.

This book is written in Afrikaans, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this language again- something I haven't done since I finished high school seven years ago.

Also- and this might sound silly- I love the texture and weight of the paper it is printed on. It has that whole recycled feel to it, which ties in beautifully with the theme of the book: upcycling household items into gorgeous and inexpensive scrapbooking embellishments. I will never look at elastic bands the same way again! Should you like to purchase this book, you will find it over at lapa UITGEWERS.

The third book, another birthday gift (yes, I was spoilt, I know!), is Tara Frey's "Blogging for Bliss".

This book has been a HUGE help in starting my blog. Without this book, I wouldn't have even been able to do this post! I have a feeling that once my hubby reads my first post, he is going to be requesting the use of it too...

Besides being extremely helpful, this book is an incredibly delicious visual feast. The photography is amazing, and the subjects even more so. It also features "blogstars"- popular blogs, written by incredible women, who do incredible things. It also gives invaluable information for those who wish to showcase their crafts and businesses, and explains the world of blog-ettiquette. Definitely highly reccommended for those non-tech-savvy people who want to break into the blogosphere.

Last, but by no means least, I have been thoroughly enjoying revisiting a book I bought a good two years ago- Kaari Meng's "The French Inspired Home".

This book has made me look at family heirlooms in a different light. I have always had a strong sense of sentimentality and the importance of family history, but this book has shown me ways to incorporate these pieces of my family's history into my home decor. This year, I will be making an effort to unpack and repurpose the ornaments, crochet doileys and medals given to me by my grandmothers.

I want to live with these pieces that were a part of my loved ones lives. Even though some of these loved ones have passed one, I want to feel their presence as I co-exist with the possessions they laboured to create, earn and find.

Well, I hope my descriptions inspire you to hunt down and purchase these books yourself. I must say, that there is nothing better than settling down to read a beautiful book, and knowing that it is your's. What books have you read that have inspired you?