12 Days of Design

Today kicks off the first day of our second annual 12 Days of Design! We’re delivering 12 days of design tips directly to your inbox to help you create your first, or next, textile design!

Sometimes the hardest part of fabric design is just getting started. It’s common to feel completely uninspired, but luckily there are a million ways to get the creative juices flowing! We’ll start this year’s series by sharing our favorite places and ways to find inspiration. How do you get inspired? Please share in the comments below!

Bright-yellow-and-pink-pastel-New-YorkBright Yellow and Pink Pastel New York City Patern | Little Smile Makers

1. Visit a downtown: Hit the streets in a urban area to be inspired by the city buzz and bright lights!

Lullaby-JungleLullaby Jungle | Leann

2. Plan a trip to the zoo: Animals are the perfect subjects for your first (or next) fabric design.

Fresh-MarketFresh Market | Demigoutte

3. Check out your local farmers market: Let the hard work and bountiful harvests of local farmers inspire you.

Come-hike-with-meCome Hike With Me designed by Vo aka Virginia O

4. Go for a run or bike ride: Clear your head with a little fresh air.

Museum-Animals,-Dinosaur-SkeletonsMuseum Animals, Dinosaur Skeletons | Boho Bear

5. Spend time at a museum: What better place to find inspiration than a place filled with historical creatures, beautiful paintings and creepy crawlies!

'c0ffee'-pots-with-'black-coffee'-beans“C0ffee” Pots with “Black Coffee” Beans and Cream designed by Victoria Lasher

6. Your neighborhood coffee shop: Spend the afternoon sipping on a warm up of coffee and taking in the inspiring tastes, smells, and views at your local coffee shop.

Dancing RoadsDancing Roads | Fantazya

7. Go for a long drive: Get behind the wheel and let your daily thoughts and cares go as you dream up an exciting textile design.

FriendsCocoa with my Dragon | Miss Clover Brown

8. Relax with friends and family: The best ideas can come during a break–so take a few minutes to relax and chat with friends.

Family-framesFamily Frames | Mummy Sam

9. Look through old photos: Reminisce about the good ol’ days and create a beautiful design inspired by loved ones or a great adventure!

Air-plantsAir Plants in Hanging Glass Terrariums | Amy G

10. Visit a handmade market: Check out what other creatives in the area are making and what they use to motivate their work.