As you can see from the faded covers of this book on Italian embroidery, it's been on my shelf for years and continues to be a favorite. Every time I go through these pages, I find a technique, pattern or material that inspires me to make something new.

I don't think I've ever managed to travel abroad without bringing back a book or two. This trip to France a few years ago was no exception. I found this beautiful edition of botanical images at the Tuilleries Bookshop in Paris.

I love how these close-up images of tree bark become abstract compositions of color and texture. 

Admittedly, I can't understand the French captions, but that has never stopped me from finding inspiration in these lush pages.