by Linda | Jan 17, 2015 | my creative journal
Is that a long enough title for you? Well, it’s warranted because the point is to consolidate and make one thing serve multiple purposes. When we have limited time, we have to optimize, right?
Planners seem to be the trendy hot thing these days and there are many beautiful ones out in the market. I decided to go DIY and make myself a custom planner, tailored to my purposes. It’ll allow me to get creative, while serving my own specific needs. I used black leather for the outside cover and just wrapped around some chipboard. The inside of the covers are lined with a brown leather and it’s all held together with some little book rings.
I designed my own monthly calendar pages and decided to get crafty and decorate with all the pretty scrapbooking papers in my stash. It’s time to actually use my supplies rather than hoard them!
Since I use a digital calendar for actual appointment keeping (way easier to maintain, share and edit) – this paper version is really for memory keeping reasons. It’s about capturing glimpses of my daily life – something to be kept even after the year is finished.
Obviously, I don’t have everything worked out yet, as I’m not sure how to combine my daily routine notes with scrapbooking with art journaling and whatever else goes through my mind. It’ll definitely evolve along the way, which I think is natural.
Do you use a paper planner or journal? What do you use it for and what do you include or exclude?
by Linda | Jan 3, 2015 | my creative journal
Happy 2015!
I had the unfortunate experience of coming down with a high fever on New Years Eve… shucks! All my celebratory plans were ruined, although I did hear the happy hubbub while resting in bed. Despite the rough start, I’m determined to make 2015 an amazing year. I’ll have it no other way. Demanding, huh?
Often I like to have a mantra of sorts for the year… something like a cover page for my planner or a poster tacked up on the wall to cheer me onward. In reflecting on my past experiences, I realized that I often stall on many ideas thinking I’m not ready. It’s not the right time or I still need this or that – excuses… excuses… excuses…
Well, enough is enough. Phooey to all that. I came across this quote and decided to make it the cover page for my planner.
“If we wait until we’re ready, we’ll be waiting for the rest of our lives.” -Lemony Snicket
Such wisdom in a little sentence and oh so true for so many of us, I think. We hesitate and wait around, stopping ourselves from greatness. I don’t think we have ever feel fully ready for anything. It’s just not the way life goes. That scary, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling shouldn’t stop you from chasing your dreams, right?
That’s what I think and I’m using the quote to help me forge onward. If you would like to print out the quote for yourself, feel free to do so by downloading the PDF here. Hope it helps you out this year!
by Linda | Dec 30, 2014 | my creative journal
Recently, the lovely Kate Leonard (amazing artist!) asked if I would like to be a part of a blog hop she participated in and I immediately said yes. It’s the perfect opportunity for me to jump back into blogging!
What I’m Working On…
At the moment, I’m basically in preparation for 2015. I’ve been on hiatus for a long time and finally I’m all for jumping back in full force. My first step is to get organized, so I’m creating my 2015 planner right now. I’ve always been into planners, journals and organization – it’s just fun! Otherwise, my craft is a huge mix of drawing, painting, bookbinding and designing.
Why Do I Create?
This is something always hard to explain and it might sound mundane, but I simply have an urge to create. There’s something magically about making something, with whatever tools and ideas you have… it’s amazing and satisfying. Over the years, I’ve realized that is always what it comes down to – that core feeling of just wanting to do it because it feels right. There need not be any other reason.
How Does My Creative Process Work?
Sometimes I’m inspired by something I see, sometimes ideas just pop up in my random journaling and doodling. I would consider myself pretty freeform. I follow whatever sparks my interest to begin with, but to follow through I like to have some kind of game plan and end goal in mind. It’s the project manager in me!
How Does My Work Differ From Others?
I feel that we are all unique and no matter how hard we might try to mimic others, our personal work will always have our fingerprint on it… there’s just no denying your true self! I would describe my style as sort of cute, but not necessarily childish. I don’t know if there’s a word for it, but that is what I’m shooting for, because it would be a true reflection of who I really am. The way I draw by hand is unique to me and it’s something I’ve always been proud of… even with no formal art training. I hope to experiment and try new projects this coming year to see how my style permeates across all different mediums.
It’s amazing how answering these questions really have helped me orient myself for 2015 in general. I would invite all of you to blog on the same topics if you are interested – it’s a great way to start the new year. Here’s to an amazing 2015 together!
by Linda | Jun 13, 2014 | my creative journal
Want a blast of creative inspiration and motivation? When I need a kick in the butt, I turn to my top video playlist to jolt myself back into action. These are must-see videos for all creatives!
by Linda | Jun 12, 2014 | my creative journal
When it comes to gift giving, I always struggle with finding the right item. Especially on a holiday like Father’s Day, it’s ever-so-more difficult to find a thing that is supposed to express the enormity of your love and appreciation. It’s really not possible, is it?
Over the years, I’ve realized that it’s the experiences that really matter the most, mean the most and are the most memorable for everyone. So this Father’s Day why not try gifting your love with a sentiment and your time by planning an activity that can be enjoyed together?
I think it’s the ultimate DIY!
Haha, but of course I had to design a card with a sentiment to go along with my idea. Nothing like a card to express your most heartfelt sentiments! I opted for a really minimal design this time around, would be so cool letterpress I think! Feel free to download, share and gift the printable love you card shown below. Enjoy!
by Linda | Jun 6, 2014 | my creative journal
I know that we all like to take a peek into an artist’s sketchbook and get that behind-the-scenes look at their art processes. Often what may seem mundane to the artist, might actually be totally weird, cool and inspiring to an observer.
With that in mind, I thought it would be nice to round-up my favorite art journaling posts. It’s actually been fun to look back at my own work and getting that sense of creative accomplishment and enjoyment.
I hope my pages will inspire you to create and have fun in the process.
by Linda | May 30, 2014 | my creative journal
Looking for some business know-how geared towards creatives like you and me?
Here’s a round-up of my most helpful creative business 101 posts, sharing lots of actionable steps to life your entrepreneurial spirit and get your work out there.
I’ve learned so much from those before me, so I’m always happy to help others who are just starting their journey!
by Linda | May 23, 2014 | my creative journal
Are you feeling a bit creatively drained or empty?
Remember that we all need to fill the well with inspiration. Input can help spark up the fire inside of you, so here’s a round-up of my favorite inspiration posts on the blog.
I hope they motivate you to create, create, create!
by Linda | May 16, 2014 | my creative journal
Looking for easy bookbinding tutorials? A bit of artsy crafty motivation?
For inspiration and instruction combined, here’s a round-up of the most popular bookbinding posts I have shared on the blog.
I’m happy to be able to help you learn and get a bit creative with whatever materials you may have at home. Enjoy!
by Linda | May 9, 2014 | my creative journal
Since combining my various crafty art blogs, I realize that many links have been broken and super old posts need to be updated and cleaned up. After so many years of blogging, the posts really add up and it’s no easy task to sift through thousands of posts!
I know from my analytics that you folks are coming for many of the printables I have offered, so I made it a point to clean things up asap. Here’s a printable round-up of my favorite offerings, even the oldies are goodies! Enjoy and let me know what you think!
