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"TraVeL ThRouGh ThE LaNd Of “Soft in the Head”
...the home of “Singing and Dancing Mice & Humorous Frogs!”.

Where “Original Designs” of patterns and soft sculpture characters come to life..…

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For Patterns check out the...."Soft in the Head" site
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For Finished Characters: Click Here

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Ideas.......

Where Do Your Ideas Come From........
Are you one of those that keeps pad and paper next to your bed so you can jot down ideas. Some people have their best ideas as their tired brain starts to relax....you know that period between closing your eyes and deep sleep. I like to refer to it as "the sunset of your mind"! I know I often have the funniest concepts and truly bizarre ideas during this time. It often makes me wonder where I came from and what I was exposed to while I was growing up, lol! Most of the quirky and "teetering on edge" ideas definitely come from books that I have read and the stories I heard while growing up. I was fortunate enough to come from a family of "story tellers". True stories no one will ever know for sure but truly entertaining nonetheless! When I first started in this business I would often name my characters after my colorful family. When I ran out relatives the names and their personality started to develop on their own (hmmm that sounds scary)! I'm sure almost everything I do comes from something related to my colorful childhood.....you have no idea how colorful!!!! I'm also an avid reader and seem to find myself drifting towards the magical with a touch of whimsey! Halloween has always been a favorite of mine due to the fond memories I have of it as a child. Some of my ideas also come from the amazing people (characters) I meet in my life. Nothing amazes me more than the expressions that are made during a scary or embarrassing moment. Since my skills with human like characters is limited I find myself creating more with animals or magical characters. My PODDS (Portly Original Designer Dolls) are a favorite of mine and often emulate real life individuals that I find interesting.....like Phantom of the Opera, Albert Einstein, Colonel Sanders, or characters from Alice in Wonderland! It's important to me that my characters have props and are doing something, it makes them seem almost animated. I never surf the internet for ideas because I just don't want to look like anyone else....I need to stay true to myself which means there are times the well is a bit dry and creating is tough. Best thing for me is to go shopping and empty the brain!!!!! Nurseries and hardware stores are places of choice to shop....don't ask! Someone once said there is no such thing as an original idea....I beg to differ! Sure, there are a lot of mice, birds, cats, frogs and bears out there....but it's what you do with that design that makes it original and yours! I've started many trends and can definitely say they were mine and original...but that will get me nothing more than a touch of heartburn and hours of wasted time so why bother! An idea is an idea
and if it's yours and you're one of kind then it's original!!!!

13 comments:

WoolenSails said...

I need to get my right brain back, seem to have lost it over the years;) I always love to add whimsey to my designs, but need to get back into that goofy side of me;)

Debbie

kavettahulse said...

I usually get my ideas driving to work, I have an to and from, or falling asleep. Books to me are more inspirational than the web. I absolutely love your stuff, and have to say that you are one of a kind!!

TheCrankyCrow said...

It's been said that only those who lack imagination escape into reality.....Glad you're not "THERE!" Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin

Rachaelkiwi22 said...

I agree...i have the best ideas when im drifting of but then in the morning they are GONE!!! I have always MEANT to keep a pad and pencil by the bed......Pam I love your wonderful work, you are so inspirational!!

The Moonlit Stitch said...

My childhood was always full of human-like bunnies, witches & goblins and winter elves too. When we can find that tiny little bit of our childhood in our hearts and spark it into a fire, the magic is rekindled! You are sparking big-time! ~*~Lisa

Susan At Glen Oaks Primitives said...

My sweetheart buys me those little spiral bound notebooks to write in. I have one by my side watching television or blogging, one on the nightstand for those ideas that come to you at 3 in the morning, and one for the car. Trouble is, I can't make sense out of most of what I put in them!
Warm Regards,
Susan B., Western MA

MJL said...

You yourself are an amazing story teller I must say. I enjoy reading your stories very much. Your imagination is that of wonder and amazement. Keep up the good work.

Fanny said...

I get ideas from EVERYWHERE! From nature, from my dreams, from fellow craftsmen/artists, and simply from my vivid imagination. =)

I just wanted to say thank you for your beautiful blog!

Clare said...

great post - it's interesting to see how you develop your ideas, the process of inspiration - how you give life to your creations.

Unknown said...

Sure wish we lived closer as I think we'd get on beautifully with such similar interests! :-) Super post Pam!
~ Deb

softinthehead said...

Thank you one and all for your wonderful comments...I wish, at times, that we could teli-port to each others homes for a good chat and some soothing tea! You guys are awesome!

Maggie said...

Oh Pam, if and when you can teleport, I'd love to invite you for a cup of tea and a chat ASAP! As for where my ideas come from, God only knows. Sometimes from dreams, sometimes when I'm working on a project I'll get an idea for several more. Most of the time I don't write them down... Sometimes my mind wanders and forgets to come back. I'd love to invite you to my blog to sign up for my first giveaway!

Lauren said...

I just love your portly creations! I have several patterns of yours from Pattern Mart and just love them. Are you planning on making a pattern for these?

Your blog is great to read and a great source of motivation and inspiration for me. Ilove seeing your home and your creations. Thanks for sharing with us.

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