Ways to Stay Creative [SIX] - Carry a Notebook Everywhere

BLUE J.Crew / KEITH HARING PRINT Quo Vadis / BLACK Moleskine / ORANGE Anthropologie

... and use it. Obviously. Better not let all those ideas go to waste! :)

Ways to Stay Creative [FIVE] - Go See a Museum Exhibit

Last week, I went to check out two new exhibitions that opened at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center. I mean, just the place itself inspires me. The building, with its spiral-like ramps that take you from one floor to the other, is very modern. The place is filled with natural light in the central atrium, and many spaces are offered to artists and craftsmen for them to work, or show their labor. I think it's a great way to get away from the chaos and heat of the street and plunge into some quiet time in front of great works of art. 

Photo by Dee & Duke. 

Devil in the Details: DIY Wall Art + Weekend Reads

Have you given some thought to last Wednesday's post about injecting creativity into your life? Cause I know I have! While skimming over my Home inspiration folder (yes, just like mentioned in last week's Ways to Stay Creative - I'm not trying to overly self-promote posts by the way, I write about thoughts that also touches my day-to-day life, and so I end up repeating myself... Sorry. Back to what I was saying...), I re-discovered pictures from Jess Constable's house. She is an inspiring young entrepreneur and I loved her nifty thrifty ideas she had when decorating her Chicago apartment. I mean, the girl made her own wall art! And she's not an artist! 

Create art of your own by using blank canvases. The right picture is just pink duct tape on blank canvas, and the left one is a chevron pattern she copied online, pinned on canvas, painted bronze over it and removed. Easy! And I think it makes for a striking focal point in the room. Check out her tutorial here. 

Aaaaand here are some reads for the weekend: 

The First 5 Things to Do with Your New Camera

Three Keys to Success for Entrepreneurs
10 Google Search Tricks You Might Not Know
What Your Handwriting Says About You

Enjoy!


Photos via. Edited by Dee & Duke. 

Ways to Stay Creative [FOUR] - Get Away from the Computer

It's pretty self-explanatory, isn't it? ;)

In other news, today's International Women's Day. So why don't you treat yourself or go out a treat a special female in your life?


Photo by Dee & Duke. 

Ways to Stay Creative [THREE] - Curate an Inspiration Folder

While you browse your favorite websites/blogs, save any picture that inspire you, or that you like for no particular reason. Arrange them into folders, if you'd like (Outfits, Food, Home, etc.) or keep it all together if you prefer a little creative chaos. I like going back to mine and just flipping through the images to get new ideas. Take the time to delete the ones you no longer need. Make sure to name the pictures accordingly and add the source. You might need to go back to the site or the article for more info. I forgot to do the latter with mine, and I'm still biting my fingers over some unknown pictures I would like to retrace. Oh well. 

Photos by Dee & Duke. 

How to Inject a Little Creativity into Your Life

By now, you're starting to be acquainted with my post series about my Ways to Stay Creative, which is inspired on methods I actually use to keep up my creativity. I think that most people would like to be creative in their lives, or at least a little more than what they are now. And I'm not talking about becoming an artist, starting a band, or writing a book. There are much simpler ways to add a little inspired vision to their life. And use their imagination. 

1. Identify one/many thing/s that you've been wanting to do for a while, like a side project. Would you like to be a better cook? Or add to your cooking knowledge to be able to whip up fantastic last-minute meals? Or maybe you would like to re-decorate your house. Or just one room. Maybe you would like to make something with your own hands. Or write a short story. Or start a blog! The possibilities are endless, really. 

2. Get inspired. Look up websites or blogs that cater to your needs. I often find myself overwhelmed with the amount of great food, fashion and design blogs that are out there! I bookmark new favorites and subscribe to blogs I want to regularly follow. But that's only one way: inspiration is all around. Books, magazines, the world outside. Yes, remember The World Outside Your Door? Riiight. 

3. Start small. Little by little. I have been following a few blogs on DIY Fashion, where bloggers re-design or modify items of clothing and accessories. Or work on objects that could be used to decorate the house, by adding their personal touch. Well, I decided I wanted to start a few projects of my own. But I am not the best seamstress out there. Nor am I a fashion designer. And so, little by little, I am learning new skills. And most importantly, I'm enjoying myself in the process. 

4. Rethink everyday routine elements. Try new recipes. Make it a point to go out midweek to try out a new spot for drinks/dinner, if you're not already doing that. Change up your breakfast staples. Search for events in your city that could interest you, even though they are outside your comfort zone. Make little changes that keep you on your toes. 

5. Learn a new skill. Take a class. Or register for an online course / seminar. For example, I am teaching myself basic HTML keys. And reading up on SEO and social media techniques. I think it's so interesting, and feels fulfilling.


And just remember that everybody can create something. Really. So... this is a great start to my day! Thanks for reading, and I would LOVE to know if this inspired to do something creative this week. Tell me about your projects. Or the little things. Cheers!


Image by Dee & Duke. 

Ways to Stay Creative [TWO] - Take a Break

... And make yourself a coffee! Genius print poster below for some "recipes", by Plaid. I know it's difficult to read, but if you try to download and zoom in, it's actually pretty helpful and a great way to mix things up - in the AM or in the PM.

Image via. 

Ways to Stay Creative [ONE] - Listen to New Music

This is a new series I have been wanting to start. Things that can inspire all of us to stay creative. 
Enjoy and take note! :)

You could

 - Check out Last.fm
 - Consult what people who bought your current favorite album bought as well on Amazon.
 - Listen to streaming Web radios that specialize in your favorite genre. Find a good selection here, here, and     on iTunes.
 - Ask for a friend's recommendation.



Image via. Edited by Dee & Duke.