What Gets Your Creative Juices Flowing???

[jttheclockman]

Just curious because we talk about this site losing its audience sort of speak and the amount of new ideas and true craftsmanship that has graced these many pages through the years, got me thinking. That usually is a dangerous thing, but what is it that gets your creative juices flowing? Not only in the pen turning world but all aspects of hobbies. We have for many years had some of the most creative minds produce projects that were outstanding and drew the envy of lots of members here. Lot of those people still are here and some have moved on or passed away. We all know life gets in the way and takes us away from our little space of relaxation in our shops. I have had this happen for the past several years with health problems as well as other home projects that needed to be done. But i am leaning to getting back in my shop and need that shot in the arm to get those juices flowing again. So I turn to the masses here.

One thing I always love to do is visit different forums and check out what people are making. Always love to see other's projects and and maybe pick up a few ideas that can translate to things I am interested in trying. This site has been an inspiration for so many years because there is always new ideas shared here as well as new projects other than pens that get shared. I always look back to the many albums available here from different sources such as members albums, Bash albums, and pen exchanges done over the years. I can mention a ton of artisans that I enjoyed watching over the years here but I am sure I would leave some out because there were many. Going back in time by looking at some of these albums brings back memories that make me enjoy them even more now. I still have a huge bucket list of pens and other projects that I want to try just beacuse of seeing them here and how cool the final results came out. I hope to chip away at some of these in the coming months. I also hope to give credit to those that inspired me.

So as I say I would like to hear what it is that gets you fired up. I highly do suggest checking out the albums available here and seeing some of the finest pens made as well as other projects. This site has so much to offer because of both the staff over the years as well as the membership. One can not be without the other. As they say it takes 2 to Tango.

Maybe if you even have a few suggestions of things you would like to see more of is not out of line posting here as well.

 

[Danny Linguini]

I'm just a year into this madness, so pretty much anything I see is still new, and much of it ticks off another box of things I'd like to try. Interestingly, a lot of ideas come from instructional type videos for a specific product or tool. But many ideas also come from just seeing other people's work. I'm always looking for better ways to do things, and techniques that render better results. But, the longer you do this (or anything, for that matter), the harder and less likely it is to stumble on anything new that you haven't already seen or tried. So, if you've been doing this for a long time, it can create a bit of a challenge getting your motor running again if it's been parked for awhile. In that case, I'd suggest trying to find inspiration from different places, maybe some other type of woodworking or crafting that isn't necessarily related to small turnings. Maybe a shape, or even a new turning technique you haven't done before. And of course, there's always the old faithful kick-starter: buy a new tool!

 

[jttheclockman]

I'm just a year into this madness, so pretty much anything I see is still new, and much of it ticks off another box of things I'd like to try. Interestingly, a lot of ideas come from instructional type videos for a specific product or tool. But many ideas also come from just seeing other people's work. I'm always looking for better ways to do things, and techniques that render better results. But, the longer you do this (or anything, for that matter), the harder and less likely it is to stumble on anything new that you haven't already seen or tried. So, if you've been doing this for a long time, it can create a bit of a challenge getting your motor running again if it's been parked for awhile. In that case, I'd suggest trying to find inspiration from different places, maybe some other type of woodworking or crafting that isn't necessarily related to small turnings. Maybe a shape, or even a new turning technique you haven't done before. And of course, there's always the old faithful kick-starter: buy a new tool!

I just did that but how much I will incorporate that tool into my plans remains to be seen because of the learning curve.

 

[wood-of-1kind]

As I age, my creative juices have lessened (weakened???). It's just not there most of the time. The "proverbial air" is also deflating from my tires.lol

-Peter-