what inspires you artistically & creatively? what would those inspirations look like visually? in this fun series, (please see the others here) ... i’ve invited some wonderful artists to share with us 4 images of inspiration in their artistic life, something of an interview in images! the guidelines were basically this: choose 4 visuals (something like your creative-stimuli *greatest hits!*) that you feel most inspires & expresses your art or craft today. for some, it might be a person, place or thing; a material; a pattern; a colour; a sound or song, etc. it might be a photograph, a drawing, a scan, etc. i’ve tried to leave it a bit open-ended so that we might better glimpse into these artists' motivations and their amazing, raw talent! today i’m delighted to present the next in the series : greatest hits with TickledPinkKnits (and a giveaway, too!)
ah... the transforming beauty of handmade!....................
isn't that a wonderful thing? seeing creations that can transport us to another place!
that's exactly how i feel about today's guest, Elena of Tickled Pink Knits. i'm sure so many of you, just like me, have long oogled over this beautiful shop. filled with gorgeous textures and luxurious colours, i just adore Tickled Pink Knits' talented designs, and what a breath of fresh air her work is in every season. a visit to see her is functional escapism at it's best!
and now... a Tickled Pink Knits original piece can be yours! (read on for how to enter this fabulous giveaway!) but first...
i believe that Elena has handcrafted not only the most gorgeous works, but also the most gorgeous of shops: i am always transported by the beauty of her images! now.. let's see what images inspire her....
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1. COLOR and SHAPE provide boundless inspiration for me every day, and they directly influence my knit designs. I love exploring the properties of color through the medium of yarn and fiber. It’s sheer joy to play with color juxtapositions, contrasts, and gradations. While I have a few favorite colors (warm orange and turquoise among them), there isn’t a color I shy away from in my work. Form and shape, the undulations of lines, merging and diverging, are also fascinating to me. When knitting and designing, I am always toying with curves, folds, symmetry and asymmetry.
2. The beauty and power of HANDMADE amazes, surprises, and inspires me very, very much. I am fascinated by how imagination, creativity, and vision can be brought to life and expressed by our hands, be it through drawing, embroidery, working with clay, wood, fabric, gems, or fiber. There are few limits to what the hands can shape, mold, sculpt, and fold. This power (and joy!) to take raw materials, small and large, old and new, substantial and virtually weightless, and see them transformed by our hands and in our hands – it’s exhilarating!
2. The beauty and power of HANDMADE amazes, surprises, and inspires me very, very much. I am fascinated by how imagination, creativity, and vision can be brought to life and expressed by our hands, be it through drawing, embroidery, working with clay, wood, fabric, gems, or fiber. There are few limits to what the hands can shape, mold, sculpt, and fold. This power (and joy!) to take raw materials, small and large, old and new, substantial and virtually weightless, and see them transformed by our hands and in our hands – it’s exhilarating!
source: Valerie Hammond
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3. Serendipity is one of life’s loveliest phenomena. You know, the discoveries we make, the people we meet, and the directions our lives take, when we least expect them. For artists and artisans, it is often finding beauty in unexpected place and at unexpected times. The way a tree’s silhouette looks from a certain angle, or the way some random objects colors echo each other, or how sunlight, shadow, and reflection combine at a certain hour to conjure up something mesmerizing. When encountered, serendipity is always magical even if not always tangible. Having experienced it, and hoping it will happen again, and again – that’s an inspiration to me.
source: windowsill daydreaming by minor white
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4.I knit almost exclusively with natural fibers, like various wools, alpaca, and cashmere, and so I am infinitely grateful to the amazingly beautiful creatures that provide the gorgeous material that is then turned into yarn. I have a mild (mildly speaking) obsession with imagery and representation of sheep, alpacas, and llamas in all incarnations, and I find it impossible to resist their silhouettes on paper, fabric, stone, and such. So if you are ever in need of a miniature ceramic sheep or an alpaca-shaped pendant, please get in touch, and I will point you in the direction of all sorts of sheep-ly and alpaca-full goodness.
thanks so much, Elena!
now.. this nicey has something superfun for you!
now.. this nicey has something superfun for you!
a custom knit wrist cuff/bracelet, designed and made especially for the lucky winner,
by the talented Tickled Pink Knits! woowee! what a fun prize!
by the talented Tickled Pink Knits! woowee! what a fun prize!
AND... she's also offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING on any purchase in the shop! (Just use code "rikrak" at checkout, and upon purchase completion, the shipping amount will be promptly refunded via PayPal.)
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here's how to enter the giveaway!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
1. go visit the wonderful Tickled Pink Knits shop!
... take a look around ... come back here and leave a comment in this post about your favourite lovely goodie from her shop & why.= 1 entry
2. leave us a comment on something that inspires you!
... = 1 entry
3. visit Elena on twitter and follow her:
... then come back here and tell us about it. = 1 entry.
4. tweet on twitter
about this giveaway and leave us a link to it in a separate comment here. please be sure to include @therikrakshop so i can find you! :) = 1 more possible entry.
5. blog about this giveaway and leave us a link to it in a separate comment here.= 1 more possible entry
6. follow or subscribe to the rikrak studio blog
and leave me a comment here telling us that you do! = 1 more possible entry.
7. :: PLEASE NOTE:
each entry must be it's own comment.. thanks! ::
:: RULES :: ... take a look around ... come back here and leave a comment in this post about your favourite lovely goodie from her shop & why.= 1 entry
2. leave us a comment on something that inspires you!
... = 1 entry
3. visit Elena on twitter and follow her:
... then come back here and tell us about it. = 1 entry.
4. tweet on twitter
about this giveaway and leave us a link to it in a separate comment here. please be sure to include @therikrakshop so i can find you! :) = 1 more possible entry.
5. blog about this giveaway and leave us a link to it in a separate comment here.= 1 more possible entry
6. follow or subscribe to the rikrak studio blog
and leave me a comment here telling us that you do! = 1 more possible entry.
7. :: PLEASE NOTE:
each entry must be it's own comment.. thanks! ::
..........................................
a) it is possible to have a maximum of 6 entries total per person.
b) please make sure to leave each entry as it's own comment. thanks!
c) using random.org, 1 winner of the Tickled Pink Knits giveaway will be chosen on monday march 1st @ 9pm EST.
d) please be sure to leave me an email where i can reach you if your account doesn't link to one. thanks.
................................................
happy monday nicies!
hope you had a great weekend - and what a great week it's going to be!
hope you had a great weekend - and what a great week it's going to be!
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What beautiful work! It's hard to choose just one favourite but I'd have to go with the Rococo Shawl featured at the beginning of this post - it is breathtakingly beautiful. I love the cozy factor of a shawl like this, but the styling and attention to detail is also elegant and tres chic!
ReplyDeleteI just followed TickledPinkKnits on Twitter as well. :)
I definitely like this: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37157800
ReplyDeleteReally out of my reach financially, but if I could have whatever from her shop it'd be that! Love it.
spektorish@gmail.com
The world inspires me! Nature is one of the greatest tools of inspiration for me. All of the colors, textures, shapes... so gorgeous!
ReplyDeletespektorish@gmail.com
I follow your blog! :)
ReplyDeletespektorish@gmail.com
ooh!! i can't resist adding some more fibery goodness to my collection!!
ReplyDeletejust visited her shop, i like the hand warmer muff:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37721345
Following her on Twitter! Name is spektorish.
ReplyDeletespektorish@gmail.com
I'm a follower of the rikrak blog!
ReplyDeleteand finally.. something that inspires me? lately it has been the re-emergence of sunshine in this cold landscape. its the notion of hope for the future and that spring is on its way!
ReplyDeleteTweet: http://twitter.com/spektorish/status/9486592832 & following
ReplyDeletespektorish@gmail.com
I like this one: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17769680
ReplyDeletePetite Bridget Cowl
I like this one because I love cowl necklines and I like to think they like me too.
Something that inspires me is when I just have a handful of destash beads and wonder what I can come up with using so little. I like the challenge.
ReplyDeleteI am now following Elena on Twitter.
ReplyDelete@findingcharm
I am already following your blog.
ReplyDeleteI really like the Rococo Shawl. Will be tweeting this giveaway right now.
ReplyDeleteI'm following Elena on twitter :)
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/tamsytrends
Just visited her shop and I love this Marley Merino Wool Knit Hat:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38276333
I love the color blue!
I also tweeted about this giveaway :)
ReplyDeletehttp://twitter.com/tamsytrends
and I am also following your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love the Jasmine Green Tea Knit Shrug - Elegant Luxurious Organic Cotton Handmade Knitwear because it is absolutely beautiful and so feminine! :) I knit as well..but have yet to make something so beautiful! :)
ReplyDeletethecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
I am following TickledPinkKnit on Twitter! :) KatyLMA
ReplyDeletethecountryblossom AT hotmail DOT com
I love Elegant Knit Wrap - Rococo Shawl - Custom Colors and Materials . I think it's absolutely gorgeous... I'd love to have one like it!
ReplyDeletecal_rubies at yahoo dot es
I follow you!
ReplyDeletecal_rubies at yahoo dot es
I just LOVE this shawl!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32347872
It's such a peaceful color, and SO elegant!
Great shop, great giveaway! Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Sincerely,
Becca
pennyroyaltea168@gmail.com
www.FunktapusDesigns.etsy.com
My fave item in the shop (it's so hard to choose) is Raspberry Sorbet Knit Headband / Scarflette / Neckwarmer / Belt. I love the versatility of the piece. :) And the color and the design.
ReplyDeleteAmy (artsyrockerchick@aim.com)
What most inspires me is God's creation. I see things in nature and what to emulate them in my projects. The other day I was making a beaded ornament that i wanted to look like the sun...and it does, in its own way. I love that about inspiration--you start out going one way and end up somewhere completely different.
ReplyDeleteFollowing Elena on Twitter! (@amysondova)
ReplyDeleteAmy (artsyrockerchick@aim.com)
I'm a follower of the RikRak Blog!
ReplyDeleteAmy (artsyrockerchick@aim.com)
Tweeted about giveaway:: http://twitter.com/amysondova/status/9519085337
ReplyDeleteAmy (artsyrockerchick@aim.com)
The Rococo Shawl is absolutely beautiful - I love the style and textured pattern on the wrap.
ReplyDeleteI follow Elena on Twitter (@sd9302)
ReplyDeleteI subscribe to the Rikrak Studio blog.
ReplyDeleteThe Boucle Bliss Cowl - Soft Merino Wool Knit Neckwarmer is absolutely gorgeous. I love the colors and texture of the neckwarmer. Definitely on my list for my birthday in March! Thank you so much for this giveaway!
ReplyDeleteceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com
My daughter inspires me. The way that she perceives the world, the way that she approaches artwork and nature -- very inspiring and far more imaginative than I could ever hope to be! Thank you again and best!
ReplyDeleteceevegnashville [at] gmail [dot] com
I love this : Cashmere and Silk Knit Fingerless Gloves - Russet. The color is amazing and I could really use a pair right now!!
ReplyDeleteAngie
rennieangie at gmail dot com
i just adore the Rococo Shawl - Elegant Organic Cotton Knit Ruffle Wedding Wrap because it is so elegant and feminine yet very trendy!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
Fruit inspires me and watching the Olympics inspires me too!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
I love love love the "Claudine Knit Merino and Cashmere Neckwarmer Scarflette." SO beautiful--and the color!
ReplyDeletejune_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
The etsy shop inspires me... seeing everything that people make that is beautiful and handmade. It inspires me to create my own projects.
ReplyDeletejune_spirit2628 at hotmail dot com
I love Genevieve Cowl - Kid Mohair Blend Knit Neckwarmer / Scarf because it looks so warm and soft.
ReplyDeletecarethediva[at]hotmail[dot]com
I like the Extra Long Knit Cowl Scarf - Merino Wool - Paola, because I love black color.
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Music inspires me always and forever!
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Follow Elena on twitter: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/sweepstakelover/status/9537696703
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Blogged: http://sweepstakelover.blogspot.com/2010/02/giveaway-with-tickled-pink-knits.html
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
Email subscriber.
ReplyDeleteannabell_lee_dk (at) yahoo.com
I love the Rococo Shawl - Luxurious and Elegant Knit Cotton and Merino Wrap
ReplyDeletelejn05@yahoo.com
My daughter inspires me!
ReplyDeletelejn05@yahoo.com
follow the rikrak studio blog
ReplyDeletelejn05@yahoo.com
i like the blossoms and fruit, crocheted lariat - i'm in love with crochet necklaces lately!
ReplyDeletekateandoli@gmail.com
wow!! i love the Winterberry Scarflette, very royal 8) i have a long neck and could really rock this!
ReplyDeletehttp://phranne.etsy.com
phranne[at]yahoo.com
the love of my friends truly inspires me 8)
ReplyDeletehttp://phranne.etsy.com
phranne[at]yahoo.com
i follow them on twitter! @FlamingBlingy
ReplyDeletehttp://phranne.etsy.com
phranne[at]yahoo.com
I LOVE her shawls. The lightly ruffled trim makes them elegant without being too frilly.
ReplyDeleteaschertle at yahoo dot com
following
ReplyDeleteaschertle at yahoo dot com
What inspires me? Mostly colors. I look at everything in terms of what are the color combinations: green moss next to golden autumn leaves, carrots and celery on a platter,
ReplyDeleteaschertle at yahoo dot com
I love the Luxurious Pure Wool Neckwarmer Scarf, The Bridget Cowl because purple is my absolute favorite color!
ReplyDeleteRecently, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers musicals have been inspiring me.
ReplyDeleteI follow Elena on twitter, username slowclublover.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted: http://twitter.com/slowclublover/status/9542985006
ReplyDeleteWaaaoo! She has such beautiful pieces! I looove the Rococo Shawl II - Luxurious and Elegant Knit Merino Wool, Alpaca and Silk Wrap. The shapre and color is simply gorgeous!
ReplyDeletelagringa_009@hotmail.com
I am constantly inspired by color. I love seeing different color combinations from places such as flowers, sunsets, and people. Its very inspiring.
ReplyDeletelagringa_009@hotmail.com
Following Elena on twitter! (http://twitter.com/thejoyoffashion)
ReplyDeletelagringa_009@hotmail.com
i love the Winterberry - Luxurious Knit Scarflette in Merino, Alpaca, Pure Wool!
ReplyDeletejellen814 at live dot com
i love the Winterberry - Luxurious Knit Scarflette in Merino, Alpaca, Pure Wool!
ReplyDeletejellen814 at live dot com
i am inspired by portrait photography...catching an emotion in one frame.
ReplyDeletejellen814 at live dot com
I love the Claudine Knit Merino and Cashmere Neckwarmer Scarflette. I love it because it looks so warm and soft, and also so pretty.
ReplyDeleteBETH
bethnaf at hotmail dot com
It's tough to pick bc she has so many wonderful (and well made!) items. I like the Luxurious Knit Wool and Bamboo Collar - Victoriana Scarflette because it seems like a great and effortless way to make sure my neck stays warm & yet, elegant! It would really match my winter jacket very well!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37124764
Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com
What inspires me? Nature! I love the sounds, smells and views of nature, especially when they are completely untouched by civilization. And there's nothing quite like the deep silence of the mountains!
ReplyDeleteRonit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com
I'm following elena on twitter!
ReplyDelete@intlgiveaways
Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com
I blogged about this giveaway! Here's the link:
ReplyDeletehttp://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com/2010/02/cuff-from-tickled-pink-knits.html
Ronit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com
I follow the rikrak studio!
ReplyDeleteRonit
internationalgiveaways[at]gmail[dot]com
http://internationalgiveaways.blogspot.com
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteShe has beautiful pieces!
ReplyDeleteI love the Toasty Textured fingerless gloves, because I am obsessed with fingerless gloves right now;}
I ♥ her shop!
My son ispires me to be a better person not only for him, but for mylself too;}
ReplyDeletefollowing Tickled Pink on twitter;}
ReplyDelete@Ma21cuteboy
i follow and subscribe to the rikrak;}
ReplyDeletehttp://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37157800
ReplyDeleteLove this gray wrap - a bit out of my price range though. Great work.
I love the Winola Knit Fingerless Gloves in Pure Merino Wool!
ReplyDeleteruricloth[at]yahoo[dot]com
I love the Genevieve III Cowl Kid Mohair Blend Knit Neckwarmer / Scarf
ReplyDeleteSamneneD@aol.com
Children inspire me because they are like little sponges and amaze you with their wisdom, especially my grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteSamneneD@aol.com
What a great giveaway! I love this wrap: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37203730 - The ruffles are just very subtle and add texture. It's very romantic and looks very cozy and warm. I love a wide scarf for winter. Of the colours, I liked this berry red the most because it is a warm colour for winter.
ReplyDeleteWhat inspires me - I love to mix up paint colours and combinations and think about what I could draw while using them. I'm also greatly influenced by what I see through a camera lens. Somehow it is just so different from what I see with my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI'm following Elena on Twitter! My user name is SomewhatHip.
ReplyDeleteAnd I just twittered your giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteAnd now I'm following your lovely blog.
ReplyDeleteI pick the Elegant Cotton Blend Knit Wrap - The Meringue Scarf
ReplyDeletelusizova(at)gmail(dot)com
OMGosh, I just love the
ReplyDeleteJasmine Green Tea Knit Shrug - Elegant Luxurious Organic Cotton Handmade Knitwear. It is so delicate. And the colors are wonderful! Thanks for a chance at winning a cuff!
i love the Romantic Knit Wrap - Rococo Shawl - Custom Material and Color because the color reminds me of love!
ReplyDeleteRoxy
hockiemack at hotmail.com
i'm inspired by people!
ReplyDeleteRoxy
hockiemack at hotmail.com
follower!
ReplyDeleteRoxy
hockiemack at hotmail.com
Elegant Knit Wrap - Rococo Shawl - Custom Colors and Materials is my absolute fave! I love shawls! Especially the one in Photo 4. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeletereviewsbyabby at gmail dot com
Music inspires me. It makes me happy and chases the blues away. It is like another world
ReplyDeletereviewsbyabby at gmail dot com
I am a blog follower!
ReplyDeletereviewsbyabby at gmail dot com
Loving how unique the design is on the Buttercup Luxurious Knit Scarf - Baby Alpaca and Silk. The fabrics are to die for too! I'd love to have this.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
shiki6210 at gmail dot com
I am a old follower
ReplyDeleteshiki6210 at gmail dot com
I am inspired by, nature! And animals, and plants.
ReplyDeleteshiki6210 at gmail dot com
Love the Darting Diagonals Fingerless Gloves - Custom Knit Fingerless Mitts in Merino Wool
ReplyDeleteI'm inspired right now by reading crafty blogs
ReplyDeleteI love the red orabella fingerless gloves because of the cable in the middle i love cables vbarton24 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeletei love the red fingerless gloves with the cable so pretty vbarton24 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI'm following Elena's tweets!
ReplyDelete