Is all this cold and snow causing you to have a case of the winter doldrums?  Well...this is the perfect time of the year to be inspired.  Things might be slowing down a bit after the holiday rush so now's the time to be inspired to create something fun, new and innovative.

So how do you find those creative inspirations if you're in a rut?  Participate in a Challenge!

Columns and Circles Inspired by the Office Space Challenge in Season 1

The second season of Project QUILTING is onto it's second challenge - What's in a Name.  You can join in anytime for any challenge.  You can even look at past challenges for inspiration to create something new. 

Follow along on a blogger Quilt Along.  It looks like a fun one has just started over at QuiltDad called Block-A-Palooza.  Quilt alongs, or even purchasing a crafting kit is a great way for you to hone a skill or learn a new technique. 

Participate in a ‘Block of the Month’ Club like this Underground Railroad one at Fabrics N Quilts. 

Another great challenge blog with fabulous inspiration challenge each week is Iron Craft.  Some of the challenges are wide open, some more specific, all create inspiration!

Personalized Valentine's Day Gift Leather Card from joevleather

Want a fun, non-stressful challenge that you kids could even help you with - make some Valentine's for etsy's 'Special Delivery'.  It's a great way to try some new card making techniques and spread some love.  My girls and I made cards last year and I hope to do it with them again this year. 

So far, the challenges I have participated in this year have inspired me to create two new products for my shop that I'm super excited to get off the ground.  We'll just have to wait and see what happens from here!

I would love to hear if you have any challenges that you are participating in, plan to participate in or participated in in the past and were inspiring.