I collect creative ideas! From magazines... and catalogs... and books... and blogs...and pinterest... and media... and friends...
There are usually so many ideas rolling around in my head that I soon forget them... for my memory is not the safest place to store them!
Where do your keep your ideas...
With so many wonderful and accessible sources for creative ideas, it is easy to be overloaded with inspiration!
I have found a very easy, very basic and very old school solution for keeping my ideas...
A NOTEBOOK...
I don't have a pretty or a fancy journal.. Just an index card spiral notebook... a little sad and dog eared... but it works for me... and fits perfectly in all of my purses.
As I am sipping coffee at Barnes and Nobles and reading a stash of magazines (that I have no intention of buying), I keep my notebook ready and fill it with ideas, recipes, thoughts, wordings... anything that inspires me...
And I sometimes draw pictures too... really basic!
I take my notebook with me everywhere... you never know where you will be inspired!
My little notebook almost guarantees that I will not be running out of blogging ideas any time soon!!!
Where do you keep your ideas? I'd love to hear!
Join me at 8:00 tonight for TUTORIAL TIPS AND TIDBITS.
Show us and show off what you have been doing!
Join me at 8:00 tonight for TUTORIAL TIPS AND TIDBITS.
Show us and show off what you have been doing!
What a great idea Yvonne!! Now that I have an ipad I keep a lot of things there, plus it helps to have all my online inspiration there too. But, I have stacks and stacks of old Country Living magazines (mid 1980s to 1999) that I pull out each season to browse through. I know it sounds odd, but I started getting back fall and Christmas issues in the mid 1990s, and for some reason I love them even more today. I wish I could keep up with a notepad!
ReplyDeleteI thought everyone kept their ideas on post it notes stuck to the wall?? No? I used to keep a notebook like you, but I had trouble finding things and forgot what I had. Last year we bought a high speed document scanner from fujitsu (scansnap). Now all of my magazine clippings, or printouts get scanned. The best part is the document scanner makes all of the text searchable, and I name the image or pdf the topic of the scan. The file system is so easy to use and I can locate things quickly.
ReplyDeleteI keep them in my head. That explains everything, haha.
ReplyDeleteI love your writing, esp when you put in on your blackboard with your special pens.
Your notebook with drawings is too cute.
I have a notebook about that size. It is blank. I use it to wrap chewed up gum. Kidding, I don't chew gum but my attempts at humour, which is not working.
Oh yes it is! I got a giggle!
Delete:D I keep mine in an old-fashioned composition notebook. Sometimes I even write my Literary Friday posts in it.
ReplyDeleteI have a three ring binder and a three subject spiral notebook filled to the brim with magazine clippings, sticky notes,etc. Honestly if I can write on it, it is in there.
ReplyDeleteI use to subscriptions to a lot of magazines...and now I just have my very favorites that I look at again and again. But when I'm in Barnes and Nobles or anywhere and something I see inspires me I whip out my Iphone and take a picture and it has a notebook also.
ReplyDeleteI, too have a spiral notebook. But now, my family has convinced me to use my smartphone more. I can keep notes on the notepad in it and I have learned to use the camera when shopping. For example, my daughter has her eye on a blouse at JCrew, but it is $98! So, she tried it on, I took a snapshot of it then I took a shot of the tag with the item number, size, and price. Now, I can make sure that I remember the important info as I wait for it to go on sale. Its very handy and you don't have to be very smart to use it!
ReplyDeleteI have a mid sized spiral notebook, a binder with clear pockets and the notepad on my laptop. I'm been trying to stick with the notebook so everything will be in one place. Next time, I'm going to buy an index card book like you have since the pages in the spiral notebook tear more easily!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! The best I do is take pictures with my phone if I see something I don't want to forget, but for the most part, any inspirations get stored in my brain, which is probably why most get forgotton! A little notebook to carry is just what I need.
ReplyDeleteI'm a list girl. I have lists of lists =) I keep a larger, pretty piece of paper filled with each project I have planned for my home. I cross it off as I go, and revise when necessary. I also have a 'home binder' which holds all my magazine clippings, paint chips, fabric samples etc. Trouble is, it's too big to bring along with me on shopping trips. Love your handwriting =)
ReplyDeleteI too have a notebook...then I have large 3 ring binders with home and garden inspiration,(all the magizine clippings I have saved over the years.) In a finished room in my basement I have my Martha Stewart, Country Home, Fine Gardening and Country Living back issues. It is an obbsession of home lovers I think.
ReplyDeleteMine are everywhere! I need to get organized, I have them in between books, on shelves, i keep coming across them when looking for something else lol
ReplyDeleteJan @Door251
I really like Pinterest for things found on the internet. Very handy.
ReplyDeleteI use a notebook too! But I hadn't thought of taking it with me to B&N...great idea, cause sifting through magazines fills your brain with ideas, that I often forget too! Excellent post.
ReplyDeleteI have a notebook, too, and it contains ideas, suggestions, quotes, recipes scribbled quickly from tv shows, phone numbers, email addys, you name it, it is in this book. It is not pretty to look at, though. I like your handwriting, pretty style. xo
ReplyDeleteGreat Idea! I am aweful here lately. I have just been printing out what I could but in not labeled or anything. Just in a box! Thanks for the tips. I gotta get more organized! LOL! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteI have a little caddy in my kitchen with sections and they are all filled with scraps of paper with notes, ideas, recipes and clippings! Sort of unorganized but it's all there in one place!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
I have a little note book but I'm not using it in the right way like you! I will follow your example because I love your note book.
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of notes on my computer but I'm not satisfied..
Thanks,
Vale
I love the little notebook idea!
ReplyDeleteI store my magazine ideas in a binder, my recipes in a folder, and all other ideas I write/draw in a sketch pad, but it's too big for my purse. Maybe I need a little notebook too? :)
I keep my ideas in a spiral notebook with pockets....I love the index card size as it is so portable!!...I have way too many notes and ideas and just need time to execute them!!!...
ReplyDeleteWow, great idea for keeping your ideas and reading everyone elses ideas were very educational. I have learned something here today! Loved this post! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI don't think an idea could be much good if it's not a little sad and dog eared from lots of use. :) I love your idea of perusing magazines at Barnes and Noble!
ReplyDeleteI keep notes every where but try to have a journal or two for easy access. Who can remember all those wonderful ideas. Sometime of think I won't forget an idea before I leave a store but give me other tasks to complete and it must be in the wastebasket of my brain.
ReplyDeleteYvonne~ You're notes are so tidy and artistic! I have LOTS of magazine clippings in folders and binders and I used to write in a legal pad but occasionally I couldn't read my own frantic scribbles :) I started writing notes in my smart phone and I take photos to remember if I see something.
ReplyDeleteYvonne~Love your little notebook. May have to try that idea. I use several things; large notebooks with plastic sleeves for recipes and gardening ideas, my phone's camera and note app, bookmark ideas on my computer, and pinterest. So many ideas, so little time! Enjoyed reading everyone's ideas. Pam
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea, Yvonne! So handy to have in case of an idea emergency! I keep magazine pages of recipes and ideas in file folders with handles that I can carry from room to room. xx
ReplyDeleteWell of course you keep a journal, you have gorgeous hand-writing!! I don't have a physical journal. I keep a list of blog ideas and project ideas in Evernote, that I can access on my phone, or on my computer. But I think your system is better. If you wrote it or drew it with your hand, you are more likely to remember it, even if you lose the actual notebook. This really is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteI keep any tips, notes or ideas on index cards and file them in mini file folders that I got at DOLLAR TREE. I organize the folders by topic: FAVORITE WEBSITES/BLOGS, DIY Tutorials, RESTAURANTS/FOOD, DECORATING IDEAS, HOUSEHOLD Tips. Each item gets its own card (So I can make notes on the back) & I just pull the cards I need and keep them together with a binder clip when I go shopping. I also save most of it on my computer but sometimes I have trouble finding it because I am a computer novice. Looking at the index cards will jog my memory and if my notes are incomplete I can usually search for it with the notes that I have taken. I also make sure I make a notation at the very bottom identifying the source. This is extremely helpful.
ReplyDeleteI started a blog 3-ring binder, and it ended up just being storage for what really helps me, which is a blog weekly calendar I found online. I have them printed up for a few weeks in advance, and when I get ideas I can pop them down on a day where they might best fit into the blog. It also has a little to-do list for each week's posts and projects, but I am such a list maker that my list always expands to the back of the page! I keep little daily lists also of what I have to (or should try to) get done that day, which helps me as well. I love crossing things off my lists, or checking them off! Your notebook is portable, so I should try adding one to my purse as well--it couldn't hurt! Your notes are gorgeous--I have atrocious handwriting! Thank you so much for stopping by my blog for a visit today--your words were very encouraging, and I'm glad you liked my tablescape!
ReplyDeleteI need to get a system... so far the best is my computer since almost all of my info comes online these days. I used to cut out things from magazines and newspapers and make little collages of things I liked... ah, a simpler time. I do miss that. Charming idea for the little book that goes with you!
ReplyDeleteI used to cut out and past stuff into notebooks, have lots of back issues of CLiving and others in tubs in basement (told hubby leave them alone!LOL!), but since I got an iphone I take pics when I'm out and about and they go into either evernote or dropbox. Love those two programs which then link to my main 'puter files. Hand written and cut out is the best cause if the 'puter goes I'm sunk and depressed! LOL! You are so organized and I really appreciate your sharing and love your blog. I was tagged recently with a 'What's in your purse?' tag so I'm tagging you ... now that you mentioned your notebook how do you organize your purse? Have a great day ...
ReplyDeleteMy ideas are kept in my phone... take a picture of the directions or quilt idea... or jot myself a note in notes. Simple
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to use a spiral of index cards. I use my phone and snap a picture of what I want to remember. The problem is that I noe have so many pictures that I can't find what I am looking for. I think the notecards might be easier for me. I will give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI have recently destroyed every old journal, list, pile of post it notes, files of magazine pages, and am trying to "un-pin" things on my Pinterest boards every few days. I am an OCD list maker. I spent all my time and energy generating ideas and lists and plans and regenerating lists and plans and almost zero time and energy actually doing anything beyond occasionally purchasing at item for a a project that rarely got done or completed. I currently have nothing beyond pinterest and this week's grocery list. It has been hard, yet liberating....I actually got several of the most dreaded projects on my list completed within two weeks of the date of list destruction!
ReplyDeleteYou need a smashbook!http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PFsArr4Z1s
ReplyDeleteI would love to see this as a reqular post. Maybe every month sharing a few of your pages! Love the Blog!!
ReplyDeleteI have kept notebooks for years. Don't know why but I am always pulled towards squared or graph pages. I use a Moleskine squared notebook and keep pictures and patterns in it. I also use the app Corkulous on my iPad. I love the iPad and the pictures that are so pretty and can be enlarged, but I still like my paper versions.
ReplyDeleteI use my iPhone for this, and just about everything! It has everything I need. I can even take pictures of ideas I see.
ReplyDeleteMy calendar is used for everything from birthdays to bills and I even keep my perpetual menu there.
Of course there are apps for notes and reminders as well. Pintrest and recipe apps.
I have a spending app which eliminates having to carry a checkbook, I even use that for controlling my credit card usage. (I start with a zero balance so all entries are a negative) I don't want to leave out my travel apps they are great.
Since I got my iPhone I have so much less paper it's unbelievable! To think I didn't want to get into the electronic age in the year 2000 when I debated getting my first PC was CRAZY!!! I was so afraid I get hooked on it. Boy was I right.Now I simply use electronics for everything.
My iPhone is my fave device. I don't own a tablet or laptop, just my phone and PC. I don't usually carry a big purse just my fanny pack, since I'm retired I use my time for fun and homemaking.
I used your method before my electronic age came to be, my spiral had dividers.
Thanks for asking this by the way, I have enjoyed reading your post and all the others as well.