HOW TO STAY INSPIRED AS A MAKER (and how you can too) | Rustic & Refined, Summerland, BC

How I Stay Inspired as a Maker (and How You Can Too)

Being a maker is such a rewarding journey, but let’s be honest—it’s not always easy to stay inspired! Creativity ebbs and flows, and sometimes, it takes a little extra effort to reignite that spark. Over the years, I’ve developed my own ways to stay inspired and motivated, and I’d love to share them with you. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just getting started, I hope these ideas will help you find your own rhythm and spark new ideas for your creative projects.

1. Follow Other Makers

One of my favorite ways to stay inspired is by following other makers and seeing what they’re up to. Whether it’s through social media, blogs, or online communities, there’s so much creativity out there to admire! I don’t just replicate what I see—instead, I use it as a jumping-off point to put my own twist on things. I’ll change the shape, color, or even the whole look of a project to make it my own.

Tip for You: Spend time browsing Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook groups relevant to your craft. Save the ideas that catch your eye, then think about how you can make them uniquely yours.

2. Draw Inspiration from the Seasons

Seasonal projects are another huge source of inspiration for me. Each season brings its own colors, themes, and trends, so I love incorporating those into my work. I also revisit past projects to see what worked, what didn’t, and how I can improve or reimagine them.

Tip for You: Take a walk outside, visit local stores, or look back at pictures of your previous projects. Nature and seasonal trends can offer endless inspiration for your next creation.

3. Scrapbooking and Card Making Techniques

You might not expect it, but I draw a lot of inspiration from scrapbooking and card making. Stamping, distressing, layering textures—these techniques translate beautifully into my painting projects and give them a unique, artistic flair.

Tip for You: Explore craft techniques outside your usual niche. You might be surprised at how they can elevate your current projects!

4. Keep It Simple and Fun

I try not to choose projects that feel too overwhelming because they might not get finished. Quick, easy projects are usually my go-to—they’re more manageable and just as satisfying.

It’s also fun to craft with a friend or get feedback from someone I trust. I often bounce ideas off my Dad, who’s amazing at helping me figure out how to bring a project to life. Sometimes it doesn’t work out as planned, but that’s okay! We pivot, try something new, and learn from the experience.

Tip for You: Start with small, manageable projects that you can finish in a short time. Bonus points if you can share the experience with a friend or loved one—it’s always more fun together!

5. Explore What’s Selling

I like to stay current by checking out what’s popular in stores and online. Trends vary by region, so I’ve learned that what sells in one area may not sell in another. This helps me decide what to create next and ensures my projects are relevant to my customers.

Tip for You: Visit local markets, browse Etsy, or check out craft stores to see what’s trending. Use this insight to refine your ideas and align them with what your audience wants.

6. Join Creative Communities

Facebook groups have been a game-changer for me. I’ve joined several groups where makers share ideas, projects, and tips—it’s an amazing source of inspiration and support. I also love asking my customers for feedback or ideas; their input often sparks my next project!

Tip for You: Join online groups or forums in your niche. The collaboration and idea-sharing can help you stay inspired and connected to your community.

7. Easy-to-Find Materials Are Key

Whenever possible, I stick to materials that are easy to find and use my laser cutter for the majority of the project. Simple supplies make the process smoother and more accessible, both for me and for anyone following along with my DIY kits.

Tip for You: Start with materials you already have on hand or that are readily available in your local area. Keeping things simple will make your projects more approachable and enjoyable.

Your Turn: How Do You Stay Inspired?

Staying inspired as a maker is all about finding what works for YOU. Whether it’s following other makers, experimenting with new techniques, or collaborating with friends, there are so many ways to keep your creativity flowing.

Now I’d love to hear from you: What inspires your creativity? Do you have any favorite ways to come up with new ideas? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to connect and learn from you, too!

Let’s stay inspired and create something beautiful together. 🌸✨