Book Tour & Giveaway: Betz White

Hi everyone! I'm so excited to be a part of Betz White's Sewing Green book tour. She's been so busy touring for the book so I truly appreciate her taking the time to write this post about ideas and the key to inspiration - something I think we can all relate to. So please give Betz a warm welcome... and make sure you say hi for a chance to win your very own copy of Sewing Green! I'll be picking a random winner! Giveaway closes 11pm EST so hurry!


What's the big idea? Inspiration, Ideas and Keys to Creativity
by Betz White

The question "Where do you get all of your great ideas?" is a common one that I am asked but hardly ever know how to answer. Most of the time, for me, the question is WHEN do I get my ideas. A lot of people get great ideas in the shower. Why is that? It's because creativity comes to us best when we are relaxed, comfortable and happy. Racking your brain to come up with ideas just doesn't work. Having a tight deadline to "hurry up and be creative" doesn't work either. Creative thinking takes effort, but it needs to be coaxed out, not forced. I believe it is all about taking a break and letting go...

Speaking of letting go, a friend once told me that Einstein found that he had the best ideas just as he was drifting off to sleep. To leverage this, he would sit in a chair holding a ball in his hand and would proceed to take a nap. As he dozed off, his hand would relax and drop the ball. The theory was that when the ball would bounce, it woke him up and he'd be able to capture any ideas he had subconsciously. (By the way, I have tried to validate the truth of this story and have not been able to find any supporting information.) For me, napping in a chair holding a ball is not what would make me relaxed and happy, but a little catnap on the couch sure would. I find that a lot of ideas seep into my consciousness during my drifting off and waking up moments. See there? Now I've given you an important reason to nap.

Part of coming up with fresh ideas is to look at things with a new perspective. Like the nap, taking a break from your task can do wonders for your creative mind! This feels so contrary to what you feel you should do. "I SHOULD stay and finish this, I'm so behind!" or "I almost have this figured out, I'll just try a little harder!". A smart designer/artist/creative person knows when it's time to STEP AWAY. Take a walk, go outside and get the mail, meet a friend for coffee, but whatever you do, allow yourself to have some separation. Of course I don't always follow my own advice (good grief, naps and long walks in the park? I've got a business to run!) but when I do, my subconscious creative side often rewards me.


Be sure to visit www.melaniefalickbooks.com to get a sneak peek of Sewing Green!


I view myself as a creative problem solver. I look at things and think, what can I make this into? (like some cool old neckties sewn into a water bottle sling) Or what can I use to make one those? (for example, I needed cake stands, so I decided to make some out of dishes) It's probably my background as a designer that leads me to be this way. I grew up looking at things in different ways and was encouraged to do so. I don't believe that people are necessarily born either "creative" or not. I think we all have the capacity to see something beautiful or interesting, such as a flower or a painting or a quilt, and feel changed and inspired by it. The key is to absorb these things and let them all become part of your experience. Then when you create and express yourself, all of those inspirations and experiences come together in your own way, that is yours alone. Being inspired by something is not about copying someone else's work, it's finding your own voice, telling your own story. Let the spark of inspiration be a springboard to your own creative discovery.

Creativity is a fascinating topic and I am only able to scratch the surface here. Some fabulous research has been done on the creative process. For a few of my favorite books on creative thinking, please visit a special selection of books I put together in my "Betz White Book Shop".

Thanks Betz!!