Finding Inspiration: There's a Mouse in my Memory

Inspiration can come from so many places. Sometimes a word or a picture will stir a memory.
As I trace the thread of a memory it often weaves a tapestry in my mind of vivid images, ready to be transformed into art.
A few words triggered such a moment recently when I remembered a favorite childhood book that I’d shared with my children,  “Frederick” by Leo Lionni.
 I went searching through the bookshelf of children’s books in our home that we'd kept even after the children had outgrown them. I found "Frederick", and began flipping through it.
Next I picked up “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle and paged through the beautiful illustrations. Sometime later I emerged from my journey through “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein, “Where the Wild Things Are” by Maurice Sendak, and “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter.
I was flooded with ideas and inspiration for projects. The experience brought a smile to my face as I realized that the simple little story of Frederick had been an inspiration my life through.
Much like Frederick, I’ve always labored to collect colors and imagery, things that aren’t always tangible but have a value all the same.
What things from your memory inspire you? Have any of them shaped how you value art? Tell us your story in the comments below (now through May 31, 2012), and we'll choose our favorite to win a Pattern Making Kit (a $64 value) which you can use to turn your memories into real patterns!