The Chalkboard Organizational System

We probably all want to be a bit better organized - I know this is something that I struggle with a lot.

Ever since I started this chalkboard organizational system, I've been a lot better at staying on task and prioritizing my life - both long-term and daily.

How it works

1. I have two chalkboards - a big one and a little one. Using a wall-mounted chalkboard erases (pun intended) any risk of mis-placing my to-do list.

2. Place them in a high-traffic area. I keep both of the chalkboards on the wall in my dining room, where I walk by them about 5,000 times per day.

3. On the large chalkboard I write my longer-term, on-going list of things to do: projects to finish, people to get in touch with, ideas to gets started... even home and family-life tasks.

4a. The small chalkboard is refreshed at the beginning of each day. On my small chalkboard, I write the three things I need to get done that day. Those three things are usually the ones with the most urgent deadline, or maybe just the ones that I feel ready to tackle that day.

4b. Things that go on the smaller chalkboard can also just be a smaller piece of a bigger to-do on the larger chalkboard. For example, painting the dining room could be on larger list, but on my smaller list for that day, I might just decide to "put up painter's tape."

5. As I complete the tasks on the daily to-do list, I erase them from the larger board as well, and replace it with something else in life that needs to get done. It can be as big as painting the dining room, or as small as replying to an email.

With this method, I find myself staying on track, and feeling a bit less overwhelmed in general. Knowing that I only have to do those three things each day makes my bigger to-do list a bit more manageable.

So I am curious - do you have a method for your to-do list? How do you keep everything in line?

Introversion, Persistence, and Creativity

I've had great feedback to the original post in this introversion series - it seems to have struck a chord among many other creatives and introverts. Before I get into the importance of solitude for creativity, I want to point out that in no way am I trying to say that introversion is better than extroversion, or that introverts are smarter (I feared that heavily referencing Albert Einstein, it might be perceived that way!). This series is meant to celebrate a personality trait that is central to who I am, and is core to who many creatives are inside. After years of trying to change who I was, I have accepted my quiet disposition. I hope to bring light and value to introversion where there might not have been any before.

Imagination

Never underestimate the value of a good imagination. Even Albert Einstein held a higher regard for imagination than knowledge: “I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”

It may or may not be a surprise to you that Albert Einstein was a self-confessed introvert:

“Solitude is painful when one is young, but delightful when one is more mature. ” 

Creative types are problem solvers by nature. Creativity is all about recognizing possibilities; finding the right way to communicate an idea; and discovering new ways to be entertaining.

It all fits together so beautifully:
▼ Introversion inherently allows for solitude
▼ Solitude allows for introspection
▼ Introspection allows for reflection, visualization, and problem solving.

Introverts process information internally. The much-desired solitude that creative introverts crave give them time to reflect on all of the information they've absorbed: to see problems in a new light, or express their thoughts and feelings on paper, in words, or in music. Extroverts likely need solitude from time-to-time, too - but it isn't the air they breathe.

For an introvert, solitude feeds the soul, and satisfies our inner being.

Persistence

Says Susan Cain in an interview with the Harvard Business Review:
"... Solitude is so crucial to creativity. And it is easier for introverts to go off by themselves, to think in this way because it's something that they need to do, kind of for their own emotional peace. And that coincides really well with creative work. But it's kind of beyond that, too. 

It's also introverts, they show a kind of persistence, and a kind of level of concentration that extroverts have sometimes more trouble with. So for example, if you give introverts and extroverts a difficult problem to solve, like a complicated maze or whatever it is, you will find that the introverts spend more time analyzing the problem before they delve into it than extroverts do." 

This brings us full-circle to the Einstein quote above:

"It's not that I'm so smart, it's just that I stay with problems longer."

Introverts: do not fall prey to the ideal that you must be out-going, that you must be constantly networking or collaborating to get ahead. You have within you a different, but important skill set. Use your inborn talents and tendencies to solve problems for the world, and in that way you will remain your authentic self.

     

Kid's Craft: DIY TV Toy from Recycled Materials

Note from Ashley: I love projects that are not only useful, but recycle materials that would otherwise be trash! This project from Jessica Rebelo is so sweet - sure to be a favorite of your little one(s)!

Hello! I have a very easy and fun project for your little ones today. Like most kids Matias is always playing with empty boxes, especially empty Kleenex ones that seems to be everywhere in my flat lately (blame the cold!). Recycling them seems like a good thing to do and Matias is already loving this. Have fun!

Materials

• A small empty (square) Kleenex box
• Old newspapers
• Paper glue (PVA)
• Scissors and paper knife
• Medium size brush
• Acrylic paints
• Black Sharpie marker
• White and coloured paper
• Crayons or colours markers

Directions

 
 1) Cut long pieces of newspaper (around 7 x 2cm long), enough to cover the entire box. If you want a more sturdy result you will need to add more layers. This was my first time working with paper mache, so I used this tutorial which uses half glue half water for the recipe and it worked perfectly.

2) Start covering the box using the paper and the mix - there’s no real formula. It’s pretty straight forward, just cover the entire box. Use the brush to get rid of the air bubbles (Tip: Try not to use dark pieces of newspapers as you will need more paint to cover it up later).

3) If your box has rounded corners like mine, I found useful to cut thinner paper stripes to get a smoother result.

4) Measure the box window.

5) On the top of the box mark where you will cut the opening for the cards  using the measurement from above and add an extra centimeter on each side for extra room for the cards.

6-7) Very carefully cut the opening at the top of the box using a knife or scissors.



8) Using a brush and acrylic paints, start painting your box with your favourite colour! Keep in mind that you might need more than one coat to cover the newspaper. You can still see some of the printing on mine, but I like the unfinished look :)

9) After it is completely dry, draw some extra details with a sharpie marker. The speakers, plug’s holes, etc. Make it very personal, funky or retro, this is the fun part!

10-11-12) Cut some colourful paper or cardboard to fit in your boxes window. These should be the width of your window and the height of the box adding an extra centimetre or so to the top (so you can easily add the tabs – see below).  I drew pictures of some of Matias’s favourite things and coloured them on white paper and stuck them onto the coloured papers.  Alternatively,  you can let your little ones draw doodles (or whatever they like) or you can use pictures of family and friends.

13) At the last minute I thought the idea of “channels” so I added some tabs made of the same paper and put numbers on them.

14) Done! Now enjoy and have lots of fun playing with your kids, “changing” channels, learning new words and colouring!

Jessica

Introversion: Using Solitude to Shine in the Handmade World

This week, we are celebrating introversion, and the benefits of solitude. If this sounds like you, then grab a cup of coffee and meet me back here every day this week!

“Introversion- along with its cousins sensitivity, seriousness, and shyness- is now a second-class personality trait, somewhere between a disappointment and a pathology. Introverts living in the Extrovert Ideal are like women in a man's world, discounted because of a trait that goes to the core of who they are.”
― Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking"

I am quiet. I am without a doubt an introvert. You might remember me talking about this in my Featured Seller interview on Etsy, or when I shared the video of Susan Cain's Ted Talk about introversion. Well, almost a year after hearing Susan's talk, I finally read her book.

The book is called, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking. It occurred to me through this book that there are likely a lot of introverts in the handmade and blogging world. According to Cain, "introverts are comfortable spending time alone, and solitude is a crucial (and underrated) ingredient for creativity."

In the handmade and creative world, we all know how much work, and how much time is involved in our creative endeavors. I honestly don't know a person could produce so much by hand if they didn't enjoy their solitude. For me, I am alone when I create, but never lonely.

My Story

Six Year Wedding Anniversary

The back of my reception dress

This weekend is my 6th wedding anniversary, and I realized that I've never really shared any of my wedding projects or photos with you. My wedding was a huge handmade affair, and my wedding stationery was the catalyst for opening my shop.

Above

• Getting my hair done. I had a semi-retro updo with a handmade white lily hair clip in it.
• You can see my handmade programs laid out before the ceremony. I also made my invitations, RSVP cards, maps, thank you cards, place cards, and signs around the reception.
• The back of my ceremony dress. I was in love with the back of this dress. I loved the train, the buttons, and the straps. I hand-beaded the straps.

Below

• My wedding bouquet was handmade by me, too. It featured white lilies, a few light pink roses, pearl accents, and was tied with a white ribbon.
• All of my reception decor was handmade (except those paper lanterns). I bought many sizes of candles and hot glued pink, brown, and gold ribbons to them. It was a major fire hazard, but there was only one fire the whole night (groom saved the day!)
• This cake was the best part. I still dream of this cake. The top layer was chocolate, the middle layer was carrot cake, and the bottom was vanilla (my favorite). It was covered in butter cream (no fondant). I just remember wanting a pearl motif on that cake, and the baker made it happen with the edging and polka dots. Monograms were huge in 2007, so that's what I asked for. I also knew I didn't want the traditional couple atop the cake, so I found this gorgeous pink flower.
• Pink and brown were everywhere at my wedding - I went a bit over-board. What can I say, I was 20-21 years old while I planned this huge event. The party favors were pink and brown Neapolitan candies in little pink sacks with a thank you note. The guest tables were decorated with little votive candles and scattered rose petals.
• As you may have noticed, I had two dresses: one for the ceremony, and one for the reception. I loved both dresses equally. I wanted something fun for the reception, but this short dress wasn't what I wanted for the ceremony. I set a budge of $500 for my wedding dress, and both of these combined came in at under $400, so I did well.

After the wedding, we took an Amtrak train to Chicago for 5 days. I'm not sure we would have chosen Chicago had we known we would  move there 18 months later, but it was a blast.

DIY Mother's Day Cut Out Card

Mother's Day is one of the most personal holidays we celebrate each year. If you choose to give a gift, it really isn't about what you give, but what it means. I think especially when you get older, a handwritten note is especially meaningful, and as a mother now myself I can say handmade is thoughtful and appreciated.

Before I get into the tutorial of this post, I want to tell you about the picture I chose. I was flipping through old childhood photos when I realized: there are basically no photos of just my mom and me. Apparently, she was the one who took all of the pictures in our family, so it's rare to find one of her, and even rarer to see one of both of us. I found this picture of my mom, dad, and me at Christmas in 1987, and I made it work. Hopefully others out there don't have the same problem as I do! (Message to moms: get in those pictures, too!)

Materials

• Card stock cut to fit your photo when folded in half (mine is 5.5” x 4” when folded)
• Pencil
• Craft knife
• Eraser
• Photo
• Calligraphy pen or marker
• envelope

Directions

1. Hand-draw your tulip design in pencil. Use your photo for reference of where to draw the blossoms.
2. Cut the card along your pencil markings to create a silhouette.
3. Erase any leftover pencil marks.
4. Using a calligraphy pen or marker, write, “Happy Mother's Day”
5. Insert your photo into the card – no need to glue in place!

There is no real need to glue the photo to the front flap – the photo itself is a nice gift, which can be framed. Place your paper cut card in a pretty envelope, to keep the photo from falling out.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you mamas out there!

May 2013 Issue: She Makes a Home Magazine

The second issue of She Makes a Home Monthly Mini Magazine has arrived! The best part? My mini magazines are FREE to read! Check out the May issue, including:

► A tulip-themed gift guide
► Pamping gift sets for Mom
► A DIY Mother's Day card
► An Emerald gift guide
► Finds for the Taurus in your life
► An interview with jewelry designer Lisa of Listiques

If you'd like to view or bookmark this issue, or if you'd like to subscribe to all upcoming future free monthly issues, visit me here on Issuu.com.

P.S. Checkout my full-length, holidays 2012 magazine, Snowed In! 

Online and In Stores: Realizing my Dream

It's been 5.5 years since I made my first sale. I opened my first shop in October 2007 with the dream that I might some day sell my work to galleries or boutiques, never certain if that would ever come to fruition.

Things really started snowballing for my paper goods in 2012, after my Featured Seller interview on Etsy. First, I was contacted by Terrain to work with them; then came the Lansing Art Gallery around the holidays, followed by Haven's Kitchen in New York City. I am beyond excited to have my work in stores across the nation (and maybe soon internationally!).

Now, I am happy to announce that my work can be found at K Colette in Portland, Maine! The owner, Karen, and the whole staff have been so wonderful to work with online. I count my lucky stars each day that I've been able to work with these amazing people in these wonderful stores... although I am not one to believe much in luck.

Find my work at:

Haven's Kitchen
New York, NY

Terrain
Glen Mills, PA and West Port, CT

K Colette
Portland, ME

Of course, you can always find me online on Etsy, too!

It's like I said back in Breakthrough Boot Camp: NEVER GIVE UP! I almost gave up on this dream so many times, and look at what I would have missed out on if I had. There are times when I feel like I've taken on too much, even now - but I know that the more I but into it, the better the results will be. There is so much joy and love that goes into every package I send off to a store - it gives me the butterflies. And I have to keep chasing those butterflies.

How about you - what's your dream? Have you ever considered giving up on it?