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Flashes of inspiration

Photography by Baxter Imaging

In April, I traded a gig I loved for 13 years (as an entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic) for a new one designing my own national craft product line. Sure, it was a dream job come true, but gone were all the little convenient comforts that office life provided.

My new life involved working from home. I soon discovered that the family room and back patio would only go so far. I needed to find new avenues of creative inspiration, fast.

I make it a point to break out of mi casa every other day, to search out places to chill, sketch and write.

If you are cozy in a steady home routine, mix it up and venture out! Pick up a blank journal from the bookstore, and buy a sparkly new pen so you can elaborate on that decorating idea you’ve had. Ring up an old friend to meet you for a cuppa joe, and to help you look through the latest décor mags. Here ar e some of my favorite Phoenix places for inspiration:

TRADICIONES (1602 E. Roosevelt St.): Sure the salsa rocks, as does the atmosphere, but the main reason I hang out here is to shop at the mini-mercado outside of the restaurant. Where else could I buy a ceramic Chihuahua statue, take it home and cover it in glitter?  Priceless!

PALATTE (606 N 4th Ave): This new French haunt is the perfect spot for hanging out on a weekend morning. The coffee has a European bite (yum!) and the oversized pastries to die for. The French mercado setting is inspiring enough to move that dream trip to Paris to the top of your travel list. Soak up the garden’s ambience - take it back home and plant it on your own patio. Tip: Be prepared for a crowd.

COPPER STAR COFFEE (4220 N 7th Ave.): Perez Hilton can have the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf for his office; I’ll take this quaint indie shop that sits in what used to be a gas station back in the day. The seating area offers contemporary chairs and tables, couches, plus WiFi and a work table for your laptop. The setting, with bare brick walls, is eclectic/loft. I’ve had many memorable meet-ups here!
LA GRANDE ORANGE (4410 N. 40th St.): Every inch of this place is jammed with something curious to look at, including the food cases. There are oodles of gasp-worthy seating areas (outdoors is the best) to choose from, and the contemporary décor matches the energy of its clientele, many of whom are chatty, artsy types. I go here when I’m in the mood to chat, network or meet new friends. Check out the stationery store in the same strip for personal correspondence-style inspiration.

DUCK AND DECANTER (1651 E. Camelback Road): Years ago, I worked at the Duck and learned about the healing qualities of good wine and a tasty cheese tray. I’m still hooked. My husband and I like to visit the Duck on Friday evenings. We’’ll sit under the towering trees, spritzing misters and white lights, sip on a glass of Chardonnay (or in his case, Guinness) and share juicy ideas about our next big adventure!

Kathy Cano-Murillo is an artist and writer based in Phoenix who periodically writes for Latino Perspectives. For more craft and décor inspiration, visit her web site, CraftyChica.com