Some days, it feels as though your creative muse left on vacation, never to return. Here are a few tips to recharge your creativity.

Head for the library. This is the least expensive option, although it does require you to leave the house. Libraries often stock great crafting magazines and books that may be outside of the average person's budget. Take a leisurely stroll through the 700s section in non-fiction for books on artists, art museums, art history, instruction, and projects. You never know where inspiration will strike. Pull out a few different titles and see where it leads you. If you find something interesting, snap a photo or two with your smartphone or camera for use later on.

Next, see what is available in the library's periodicals section. From paper crafting to scrapbooking to quilting and painting, many libraries carry many magazines that cater to their community's craft interests. Find out if your library carries Zineo, a digital magazine product. Titles are available on-line with a mobile device. Most libraries will take title suggestions for this popular service, so if you do not see a title of interest, find out who orders them and request an addition to the collection.

Head for your local craft shop. This can be a dangerous place to go, I realize; but often it is the best place to see what is new in the crafting field. Often local stores have schedules of classes available and/or demonstrations of the latest craft techniques and products. Sometimes refreshing your creative inspiration is as easy as seeing what new supplies and techniques are available.

Head for the nearest museum or art gallery. Use this as an opportunity to admire other artists' treatment of subjects that may inspire you to rush back to your studio and try something you never considered before. If the museum or gallery does not allow photographs, try the gift shop for postcards.

If you have tried all of these and inspiration is still not forthcoming, perhaps it is time to let your creativity lie fallow for a time. Take a walk outside, breathe in the fresh air. See what beautiful creations nature has made. Take a small bag for any treasures that you may find. Broken evergreen branches make great subjects for painting and interesting textures can be made by dipping the needles in paint and using them to splatter paint. Smooth stones, pine cones, and interesting leaves are only the beginnings of what you can find with your artist's eye.