I am always collecting little pieces of paper - images, words, it doesn't much matter - that speak to me in some way. I gather much inspiration this way. It isn't uncommon for me to have a library book, usually an art or craft book, but just as often a nature book, at my bedside. I stare at the images and gather many ideas for my own creative work. As an art teacher back in college once said, "All art is a re-expression of things that have come before." We all learn and pull inspiration from what has come before us.
The top photo shows some current images on my bulletin board (If you click the photo it should be reproduced larger for better viewing). The top left blue and green gocco print is by Melissa. The photo next to it showing two women's laps is by Abby. The small photo of two women stuck in the far right side is of Camilla and Elisabeth of Studio Violet. Camilla is playing the accordian. How cool is that? The framed piece to the right of the bulletin board is a painting on fabric that I did when I was 17 years old. I have kept it all these years.
The bottom photo is of a postcard from a storefront artist project down the road in Pittsfield, MA. I love the children's school chairs hanging on the back wall. Pittsfield has attempted to re-create itself as a friendly home for artists. It has had some success. You can see more here.