A good pattern won't be hard to find with this book:
http://kapitza.com/shop/geometric-book
Take a break from the 2d and get inspired by this eclectic furniture:
http://www.atelierabigailahern.com/
Make some peeps:
http://www.twigandthistle.com/blog/2009/03/diy-marshmallow-peeps/
Design with a purpose. An amazing portfolio:
http://www.coroflot.com/public/individual_set.asp?individual_id=236737&set_id=269731&c=1&
How about jotting down design ideas in this lovely?
http://nubbytwiglet.com/blog/2008/12/21/moleskine-helvetica-edition/
MAGAZINES
Put the money you found spring cleaning your couches and jean pockets to good use, subscribe to a design mag (or at least check out their site):
Print Magazine: www.printmag.com
CMYK: www.cmykmag.com
Communication Arts: www.commarts.com (or at least buy the 50th anniv ed at your local bookstore. It's worth it!)
Graphic Design USA: www.gdusa.com FREE if you put down your company *cough*
Layers: www.layersmagazine.com
This mag's are more about culture, socio-eco-awareness:
Colors: www.colorsmagazine.com
Art, not necessarily graphic design:
Juxtapoz: www.juxtapoz.com
Shepard Fairey's Mag: www.swindlemagazine.com
How: www.howmagazine.com
-Laura
