magazine ads. & not just from Quilting ones. I go by the percentage of colour from the ads that I'm drawn to now.

I love to look at ether the pattern I am going to make or the fabric that I have and go from there. I love to just sit and "pet" my fabric and play with it on the floor. I have actually gotten two different quilt tops fabric picked out that way. If I like the combo and it is appropriate for the pattern or the recipient than I go with it. as for inspiration for patterns and stuff. I just look for what is all ready out there and make up my own combos for what I think looks good.

I keep a 3 ring binder and page protectors. I recycle copy paper to tape pictures on. I get the pictures from every where, like magazines, brocherues. I love color and to study shadows in nature. I look through that notebook all the time. Once it was really full and I had 12 baskets I wanted to appilque. I looked at my binder and selected the 12 color combos from my book. They really came out looking great and I was pleased because I was able to use the binder. I think this one tip has helped me often. I share it with new quilters.

I take pics of my travels and when I need inspriration.. I look at pics...

Great idea for the notebook. I have files and files but a notebook will make all the ideas so much more visble and handy.