What's on my inspiration wall?......Portuguese azulejos

The colours of Portugal are gorgeous. Coming here, where there's not many people quilting, I didn't imagine there'd be so much around to inspire me as a quilter. But I've been really taken by some gorgeous azulejos (ceramic tiles) and can see some new block designs and colours singing out....

I've been enjoying wandering the streets of Viano do Castelo and the local towns and here are some typical azulejos from the Minho region in northern Portugal. They are mostly located on the exterior of homes and apartments. I love the colours and am inspired by the designs which may be translated into patchwork blocks.

Azulejos (tiles) on the exterior of an apartment building in Viana do Castelo

I was also inspired by some Portuguese tiles that was featured in an old Dwell magazine and i read about in a blog by Factotum of Arts. They are just gorgeous. I love the colours and the design and although the colours aren't the usual, they do sing Portugal and are so fresh. I would loooove this on my bathroom floor!

I can't wait to get back home and go through my fabrics, new and old, and see what i can come up with. I do hope they inspire you too.

Linking up for Really Random Thursday at Live a Colorful Life