The World, Her Playground

Adventure Girl is an Aussie living a very interesting life. I suppose it's the life of all flight attendants, but to read her adventures is very inspiring. I have always loved travel, and this site always gets my feet itching!

But I will be doing something about that itch next week, so expect things to be a bit quiet around here for most of March - I'm off to South Africa!! My husband has been working there for the past month, I've been missing him terribly and can't wait to see him. I also can't wait to see some big game especially lions, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, etc.

Utata

Utata has enough eye candy to give anyone diabetes. I have been a regular visitor to the site - home of Catherine Jamieson - for quite a while now. Catherine regularly changes the look, and her photos are just amazing. She has a talented eye for composition, colour and light. Catherine also has an interesting story - she has certainly faced some challenges in her life. All in all a very special place to visit.

Ebay

One place I like to go to for inspiration is ebay (and ebay Australia). I browse through the categories of things that I make, especially looking at those sellers who do it as a business, not just those people flogging off some old stuff they don't want anymore. I like to see what other people are creating, how they promote their business and how they price their products.

I don't do this to plagarise, in fact I can't remember the last time I actually saw something I liked so much I'd consider bidding on it, I do it as research. I live in a remote area, so it can be difficult to get access to other people creating and selling in my areas of interest. ebay gives me access to a whole community of businesses and people that I don't otherwise have access to.

Anyway, just a suggestion for other people who may be feeling isolated but wanting to research their field. Maybe you are thinking - "I wonder if I could actually make a living selling my art/jewellery/dog collars/ironing board covers/whatever" - there are alot of people making a comfortable living just selling via ebay. Take a browse, monitor some auctions to see if they sell and for how much. How many bids did they get? How long was the item listed for, does it make a difference? Is it worth paying to be a featured item? See - there's a lot of info there if you look.

biggerKrissy

biggerKrissy is a web site of wild stuffed toys. Probably not to everyone's taste - but I just find that looking at them always makes me smile. I also really like Krissy's approach and outlook. Worth a visit if you are in need of some smile therapy.

Frecklewonder

Frecklewonder is living my dream life - working from home making jewellery and handbags, selling over the Internet, going to markets, working with her hubby...

Her style is very different to mine, but I really enjoy her positive nature and her operation looks very professional. Take a look at the site and have a read of her journal.

Camp Creative

If you are in Australia (or are planning to visit) Camp Creative looks very interesting. It is "a summer camp for families and individuals - a fun learning event where you mix with happy people of widely differing interests in a challenging and creative atmosphere. The accent is on exploration, imagination and innovation" - all sounds pretty good doesn't it!

Comments Please

I would love some feedback on the links and reviews available here. Do you agree with my reviews, would you like more or less info?

Do you have any favourite sites that you'd like to share?

Please leave me comments and be a part of improving Inspire Create.

Thanks!!

Eye Candy

Eendar is a very beautiful site. It is the portfolio site of Monica Calvo in Madrid, and everytime I visit it I'm inspired by the calm, simply prettiness of it.

A Superhero

Superhero Designs is the home of Andrea Scher - an artist and jewellery maker who always has a beautiful perspective on life. The site has gorgeous photos, and Andrea's artwork is very striking. Definately worth a regular visit.

The Painter's Keys

The Painter's Keys is the site of Robert Genn - a full time artist. The site has some interesting slideshows on the process he goes through to develop an artwork and it has a great register of art quotes which may be helpful if you are looking for some pearls of wisdom. He also has a mailing list which looks like it shares Mr Genn's responses to letters he receives - all aimed at inspiring artists. I have just subscribed - I'll let you know what I think after I have read a few of the letters.

Get on the Nest

Nest is a web site to promote and inspire female designers. It has information on available jobs, seminars, exhibitions, portfolios, etc. It has links to some amazing web sites. Definately a good place to start if you are looking for some eye candy.

The Shoes

I'm in love with fashion, and would love to be working in the industry. I actually saw a job about 6 months ago that I'm kicking myself for not applying for (couldn't have at the time as it would have meant moving to Sydney - but I could now :( ). It was IT Manager for a fashion chain store - the ad even said all staff get discounts on clothes.... Ahh well, je ne regret rien...

Now, this blog is to be about all things creative and inspirational, not just about my specific areas of interest. But for a giggle wrapped up in fashion advice you have to check out Manolo's Shoe Blog.

Girls At Play

This is the website that started it for me - Another Girl At Play. Full of interviews with women living creative lives (and making a living from it), resources and links. One day, I hope I get invited to be on this site - then I would know I had really achieved what I set out to.

Unfortunately, the owner Alex Beauchamp, has moved onto new things and the site isn't getting the attention it used to - but it's still a fantastic spot to get that "YES - I CAN DO IT" feeling!!

Welcome

Welcome to Inspire Create!

The purpose of this blog is as an outlet for my web-wanderings in the constant search for inspiration.

I'm a 32 year old IT Manager who desperately wants to quit her office job and make a living creating... I'm happiest making jewellery, handbags, web sites, food... But at the moment I'm not in a position to take that leap, so I'm furiously researching, studying and preparing for the moment when I can. In my never ending hunger to read about those people who are living out loud, I come across alot of wonderful web sites - which I plan to share via this blog.

So, if you know of any inspirational people, please let me know and I'll link to them from here.