Sunday Inspiration

I know there are people out there in the world who think an entire country mourning the loss of one man is foolish, but I'm proud to be Canadian. And I'm proud that we don't think that what happened in Ottawa last week is normal.

#OttawaStrong

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Sunday Inspiration

Matchbook Motivations

I have a colleague at work who has to juggle a lot of personalities in the office, which can be pretty stressful. I try to be a sounding board for her but I thought she'd appreciate a little gift to inspire her on those days when she feels like crawling under her desk or banging her head against the nearest wall (I think we've all been there).

Here's all you need to make your own little booklets.

Supplies:
-printer paper
-2 sided scrapbooking paper
-paper cutter or craft knife and healing mat
-access to images and a printer &  word processing software
-stapler
-optional: embellishments

Steps:
1) Use these measurements to create a template for your matchbook cover:

You'll cut the outside edges and just score the other lines on the inside of the box.

2) Cut a pretty piece of 2 sided scrapbook paper out using your template ( or even better, get your cutting machine to do it for you!)

3) Score the lines as indicated above and set aside.

4) In a word processing program create this shape several times.  I just used the insert Text Box feature.

The smaller rectangle at the bottom is just a guide, you don't have to draw it in, score it or cut it.  Just don't put any images below this line or they'll be hidden.  However, what you can do is use a tracing wheel from your sewing kit to perforate along that line.  Then the pages can easily be torn out.  If you don't mind keeping them all in the book, then you can skip this step.

5)  Now, decide what kind of images you want to use.  I just went online to Pinterest or Quotesnsmiles.com and found lots of inspirational picture quotes.  Copy and past the images to fit inside the top rectangle.  Once you have a page of them, print them off, and then cut around the outside of each of them.

Optional: As above, you can use a tracing wheel to create a tear line.

6) Fit all of your pages inside your cover and just staple it along the bottom a couple of times.  Voila!  You're done~

I made another one for my niece that's just filled with adorable pictures of baby animals.

You can add embellishments or glitter or some other pizzazz to the outside if you want.  You could use them as a coupon book or for love notes or just leave the pages blank and throw it in your purse so you always have a notepad handy.

What will you put in your Matchbox book?  Leave a comment below~

Goal Setting - 2014

I'm a big believer in setting goals, so when I came across this video I was really intrigued.  It's a slightly different way of going about it all, starting with the emotion you want to feel and then figuring out what you need to do to feel that way.

           

It's kind of a long video, but if you're into this kind of thing I'll think you'll enjoy it.  I'm definitely going to look for the book that they're talking about the next time I'm at the book store.

MarieTV is a pretty neat place that's all about living an inspired life and figuring out how to overcome obstacles to reach your goals and live a life you love.  Check it out, who knows...this could be the year of your dreams!

Happy 2014!

Do You Issu?

If you follow FREE online magazines then you probably already know about ISSU.  If not, then get on over there and check it out.  It's a great place to find all kinds of inspiration.

Last night I was strolling around looking for new ideas and came across this online catalogue:

Victorian Trading Co

I found all sorts of fun inspirational ideas inside.

 I've been meaning to make Christmas crackers for years but have never gotten around to it.  This inspires me to use some of those awesome printables I've been collecting on Pinterest and just get it done this year!

These clip boards are so pretty...and easy to make too!

You won't believe this, but lace cuffs have been on my 'to do' list for ages.  This just might be the week that I actually make them!

I just got some very pretty Martha Stewart lace for decoupaging.  Now I just need a box to put it on.

You'll find other Victorian-ish type stuff that you would expect...

As well as a few pages of things you might not expect!

What's your favourite magazine or online catalogue?  Share the link in the comments section below~

New Journal

I got another ugly freebie journal from work awhile ago.  I really wanted to use the book but given everything that was going on there over the past few months I really didn't want to be reminded of the stress with a big fat logo on the front cover....so I Mod Podged it.

I had no clue what to do with the bright blue edging, closure and pen and in the end just decided to ignore it and hope that it would somehow blend in with whatever I put on top of it all.

Guess what!?!?  I think it worked~

Ever since I made my travel journal last winter I always add pretty tabs to my new books.

I love it!  Who knew what an improvement a cheap paper doily, some scrap paper and printed vellum could make.  I use it to record inspirational quotes, card sketches, project ideas and inspirations, and websites I need to go visit.  I'm know I'll fill this baby up super quick~