Ever since I got hooked on Google Reader, I’ve found so, so many inspiring links, sites, shops, and the like that have just blown me away. There are a lot of mega talented people out the crafting & designing their little hearts out and coming up with super innovative eye candy and concepts. Each Friday, I’d like to share 3 different sites/posts that have inspired me in some way and get my brain buzzing. I hope they inspire you as much as they inspire me and get your creative juices flowin’ as well!

The Carrot Box
First off, I browsed upon this really cool web site…The Carrot Box. It’s a web site devoted to just rings, and super cool rings at that. I looked through their blog and was just blown away by the innovative ideas like these…

This rug ring by Atipika reminds me of my Grandmother’s old sofa (it was orange, red, and green faux flocking). I just love the 70’s influence and the abstract pattern and concept. Very unusual and very cool.

This orchid ring by April Aultman also caught my eye…

Of course, anything colorful always catches my eye, bu these little buds are just so fresh and fun, sweet and simple. Makes me want to have one for each finger!

This site is loaded with info, cool links, and the designer’s own design and shop and contains lots of quirky information and tidbits. So. much. fun.

Craft Critique’s review of Virtual Memory Boxes by Paint the Moon by Annie Manning
Craft Critique reviewed one of the new hot trends in digital scrapping–virtual shadow boxes. This concept is so fabulous and interesting and can be taken in so many different directions. Designer Annie Manning really outdid herself with these lovely Photoshop designed boxes. I just loved this doodly and happy piece, created by Annie’s design team member Holly…

And I love the realism in these vintage-esque boxes. They are so beautiful…

Word to the wise, though. Being a graphic designer, I know a lot of work went into making these photo illustrations. So, you need to be adept at your Photoshop before jumping in to tackling one of these. I think I could do a pretty good job of creating my own, but a beginner would really struggle. So, I recommend getting yourself a Photoshop book or digital scrapbook magazine to master more than just the basic techniques.

Silje’s visit to the Boneyard in Vegas
And finally, this post by Silje on the Red Velvet Girl’s blog made me really giddy and also mucho mundo desiring a trip to Las Vegas. She talks about a 3 acre sign boneyard that is the home to a collection of non-restored signs. If I could take photographs there, I would be a kid in a candy store! Check out this amazing set of photos taken at the Boneyard by Silje. Here’s a quick screen shot I took to show you of her cool photo set. Aren’t the colors amazing??? You can visit the actual Boneyard website by clicking here.

Hope you’ve found inspiration of some kind through these sites! I had fun sharing them with you.

Until tomorrow Swellions!!!

Alexa