A foundational element that leads to creativity is good ole curiosity. It is fairly self-explanatory and others write about this topic extensively, http://www.edutopia.org/blog/8-pathways-curiosity-hungry-mind-marilyn-price-mitchell
Ad agencies and creative groups acknowledge this role and often look for signs of this "curiosity" in new hires.
In addition to curiosity, another broad factor for creativity is learning new crafts and tool skills. Today's refreshing emphasis on tinkering with hand-tools, as found in the maker movement, steampunk and the DIY hacker push.... all of which is fueled by youtube videos ... is brilliant. I've always been jealous of the variety of tools the farm kids had access to, like welders, tractors and hydraulic machines and wood and metal shops.
The more we learn and immerse ourselves in new and fresh topics the more we are equipped to ponder and create.
Here is a photo of one of my kids creating electricity.
