I am endlessly fascinated by the creative process, specifically what inspires artists, makers and just generally amazing ladies. So in a twist on my old "Blogger's Favorites" series, I'm launching "Inspired By" here on the blog, where I occasionally share the inspirations of, well...inspiring people." (How's that for eloquent?)
I'm kicking things off with my virtual friend, and a woman that I admire greatly (let's just say that she's a major girl crush), Heather Taylor.
A gallerist, cook, weaver, maker, entrepreneur, bon vivant, entertainer, blogger... (the list goes on), Heather embraces creativity in a way that is wholly infectious. In addition to her day job running Taylor De Cordoba, a Culver City art gallery/creative lab that she and her husband Alex opened in 2006 to showcase emerging artists and serve young collectors as they begin building collections, she produces a series of webisodes and pens a stunning blog that celebrates living a beautiful, meaningful life (a woman after my own heart).
In her free time (?!) Heather has also recently launched Heather Taylor Home, a line of textiles that perfectly encapsulate her aesthetic sensibility.
Clearly Heather is the perfect person to kick off this new little series, yes? So I asked Heather to share some of the things that inspire her creatively, and she happily obliged with the seven items below. She also offered to do a giveaway of some of her beautiful textiles to one of my readers. (Thanks Heather!)Just leave a comment on this post about what inspires you creatively by midnight on Tuesday, April 23, and I'll announce winner on my Wednesday "Loving List" to receive one of Heather's gorgeous table runners and four of her lovely napkins in the color/print of their choice.
(* To be entered in the giveaway twice, "Like" Heather Taylor Home on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.)
So, without further ado, to help get your creative juices flowing, herewith Heather inspirations.

1. Travel. Last summer I went to Santa Fe and was in awe of the architecture, textiles, colors, and food. I still reference the notes I made following an inspiring tour of Georgia O'Keefee's home.
2. Cooking. Creating a beautiful meal always gets my creative juices flowing.
3. Books. My favorite books are always on hand for design reference and insight.
4. Museums. I am always looking to the past for reference, and the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City is a treasure trove.
5. Flowers. The colors and composition of a good flower arrangement can be the jumping off point for my designs.
6. Color. A table of radishes and eggs can inspire my vibrant yet earthy color palette.
7. Yarn. The colors and textures in my yarn basket always give me ideas and the making textiles by hand (knitting, weaving) is so satisfying.