Some Inspiration...
September 12, 2008
Probably the question I get asked the most is, "What inspires you?". Well today I thought I'd share my inspiration of the morning, and maybe you'll even get a giggle from what inspired my latest design.
It started when I spotted the blossom in my garden (for the millionth time) and decided that I REALLY must photograph it TODAY before I lost the opportunity of the start of Spring:
With lots of deadlines to meet the last thing I needed was to be inspired and spend the morning on a new design! But hey, when the moment strikes you have to go with it or it will be gone.
I have had 'the birds of happiness' on my design wall for sometime now (look out for them in other new designs that I have coming up). It started with them on some blank A3 paper:
To which I added a few branches, inspired by my blossom in the garden.
I was further inspired when I received a lovely card from Carol in NSW and she included the most divine piece of fabric (the white spotty piece)(BIG 'thankyou' Carol):
Of course when I started seeing what would look nice with the spot from Carol I added fabric and thread and decided that this would be the start of the 'birds of happiness quilt'. Then I spotted the 1 Krone on my studio desk (a little souvenier from Norway):
Which inspired me to add to the 'birds of happiness' small circles using the fabric from Carol and the circle of the coin as a template! (You see, I said you'd giggle when you found out what inspires me!).
Hope you got a giggle!
Leanne Beasley xxx
P.S. Maybe some of the girls from Norway know if the little bird on the coin means anything special? The coin has such a beautiful design and it is one of my treasures.
Being a norwegian girl, I have always liked these coin-motifs. It kind of reminds me of the "romantic" vikings (the ones who weren't too busy hitting someone over the head, were probably romantic):). I love your bird-design!
Posted by: Snux | September 18, 2008 at 06:35 AM
It's Interesting to read how you DO get your Inspiration...looking forward to seeing your Stitcherie come to life.
cheers
maree
Posted by: maree watt | September 15, 2008 at 06:16 PM
Hey Leanne! I did have a giggle at your story - so pleased I'm not the only one who gets 'side-tracked' by brilliant ideas!! Tee! Hee! Hee! I often have my best ideas when I'm in the shower!! Thankfully for all concerned, I usually wait til I've finished before rushing into the sewing room to draw a sketch or write a 'note to self'!! Will look forward to seeing your birdies take flight, as I love the colours you showed with your spotty fabric!! Happy creating! Bear Hugs! KRIS (Tag Along Teddies)
Posted by: Kris Meares (Tag Along Teddies) | September 15, 2008 at 03:01 PM
I can't wait to see it all finished.
It's such a shame the winds have come and most of our blossom has gone.
Posted by: Maddy | September 14, 2008 at 08:22 AM
I did not giggle I just thought to myself.what a great mind you must have you are very clever.the drawing looks great.
Hugs Mary.
Posted by: Mary Wood | September 13, 2008 at 04:05 PM
Now Leanne...your inspiration has inspired me to think that I will have to be making your "Bird of Happiness" Quilt when it becomes available eventually....hope it's not too soon though...as I have way too many other things to finish LOL...It looks fantastic...even at the "Drawing board" stage...Lisa
Posted by: Lisa R | September 13, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Very interesting post on how you get your inspiration. I think a lot of people will appreciate that it is rather simple things that have inspired you for this project. I think we all think that if it isn't some huge idea that hits us over the head - then it isn't inspiration...
Posted by: Sara | September 13, 2008 at 07:52 AM
Really fun that you are using our norwegian krone for inspiration!
Posted by: Elisabeth | September 13, 2008 at 01:23 AM
Great inspiration. Amazing that our little coin inspired you to make this new pattern. I look forward to see the birds of happiness. Another "must have" pattern.
Posted by: May Britt | September 12, 2008 at 06:14 PM
Hello. I realy are looking forward to see the "Bird of Happyness"done. I see that May Kristin has answered you about the bird on out money.Have a great day. Jacob says Hello. :-)
Posted by: Laila | September 12, 2008 at 05:42 PM
Leanne, I'm really looking forward to seeing the peeks of this quilt as it grows and develops. With those colours it will 'blossom' like spring as it is created.
Posted by: Ethne | September 12, 2008 at 05:40 PM
It's fun to read about what inpires you! You asked if we norwegians knew anything about this motif. I goolged it, and found this. I have tried to translate the text...It is a bird sitting toward the left side on a vine. The motif is freely adapted from the carving on the portal of Hylestad stavkyrkje, Setesdal, Norway. This portal is the oldest and most famous amongst the group of "stavkyrkje"portals from the 1200th century. The motifs are from the story about Sigurd Faavnesbane, from the old norse mythologi. I've added two links if you want to find out more!http://wapedia.mobi/en/Sigurd http://www.museumskopi.no/loft-viking.htm
Posted by: May Kristin | September 12, 2008 at 05:16 PM
beautiful pics.......looking forward to seeing birds of hapiness develop
Posted by: chookyblue | September 12, 2008 at 04:22 PM
Creation is a great inspiration. I am looking forward to seeing how your 'Birds of Happiness' quilt turns out. I love the colours that you have chosen, they look so fresh and inviting.
Regards
Jane 8o)
Posted by: Riches Stitches | September 12, 2008 at 04:18 PM