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January Release Day

Feathered Friends 7 + Feathered Friends Mini 7

Just Sentiments: Milestones + Numbers + Just Sentiments: Established + Inside Greetings: Established

Random Inspiration Jar

December 31, 2010      Nichole Heady      15 Comments

 

With the new year comes all the standard thoughts for wiping the slate clean and delving into better routines and striving to live your best life.  I have lots of ares in my life that I certainly wouldn’t mind polishing up a bit, one of which is my stamping and paper crafting habits.  I find that over time I tend to stay within my comfort zone, but at the same time I collect loads of inspiration from magazines, online sources and more, but don’t use it.  I thought I would share with you today a little something that I have created for myself to help me start new crafting habits in 2011.
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To begin with, I decided to focus on what aspects of paper crafting appeal to me most, what makes me the happiest, what is the most fulfilling for me.  I realized that I was having the most fun when I tried something new successfully.  I guess in a way it makes me feel as though I have opened a whole new aspect of the craft to myself, something new to pull out of my “bag of tricks”.  Kind of like finding a great new recipe that you know will be a longtime family favorite. 
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After coming to this conclusion, I decided to create myself a new system, a new way to challenge myself to try as many new things as possible in 2011.  I knew that it had to be a system that was easy to use, because if you are anything like me, when you sit down to stamp you feel so overwhelmed, you don’t even know where to begin.  I knew the system had to be fun and low-maintenence.  I know myself too well and when starting a new system, I always tend to be a little over-zealous and make things too complicated which in turn leads to me not keeping up with it.  So I ended up deciding that a Random Inspiration Jar was in order (kind of like Random Dancing, like so many of you may be familiar with if you have kids in the house that watch iCarly!).
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Jar front

I started with an over-sized jar that I purchased at Hobby Lobby for just a few dollars.  It’s about 9-inches tall and 8-inches wide.  I decorated the front of it with a fun label, because it is always nice to have something sitting on your desk that you love looking at… you’ll be more likely to keep it out and use it that way!  
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Label closeup

I started with a basic label that I designed on the computer, printed it on vellum cardstock and then added a few stamped images and embellishments to jazz it up.  I have made the label I designed available here as a free download if you would like to start with the same basic I did.  If you print it on vellum, then you are able to overlay it on top of  any patterns or colors that appeal to you and suit your tastes.
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Download Random Inspiration Label
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Next up was what was going to go INSIDE the pretty little jar!  I decided that I liked the idea of scrolls in my jar.  Little bundles of inspiration that would be a complete surprise when unrolled.  start filling the jar with random challenges that I have been wanting to try for years!  The beauty of a Random Inspiration Jar is that you release yourself from the pressure of having to decide what to do; you just pick something and go with it!  I decided to include a few of my favorite jumping points, but you could adapt your jar to what kinds of triggers appeal to you most.
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I love…
-color inspiration photos
-new techniques
-handmade embellishment ideas
-gift packaging inspiration
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Scrolls

To create my scrolls, I went through my “inspiration” file on my computer and printed out my favorite photos that I have collected over the years from blogs and other online sources.  I printed them on regular typing paper, trying to fit two or three per sheet, and didn’t worry about sizing too much.  I trimmed the photos out individually, rolled them into scrolls and tied them with a bit of twine.  I thought the hodgepodge of sizes and lengths would definitely keep the jar looking fun AND it make it easier to add more scrolls in the future.  Just print your inspiration from your computer or cut the images from the pages of a magazine.  Then roll into a scroll without any worries about size or scale!  
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Jar side

Once you’ve started your Random Inspiration Jar, you can also throw unconventional things in… like tags from new clothing that inspire you,  tea bag packaging from restaurants or anything else that speaks to you!  Since beginning my jar, I have found myself much more prone to sit down for an hour here or an hour there and just stamp for fun.  Having the opportunity to begin any craft session with a randomly selected scroll is like opening a little gift of inspirational magic!  And really, in the end, this hobby is all about having fun and using our supplies to bring both ourselves (and the recipients) joy!  
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Happy “random” stamping everyone! And happy New Year!

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dorothy says

    January 1, 2011 at 6:05 AM

    Thanks for this inspiration, Nichole! It’s just what I needed. I’ve bookmarked so many great inspirations during the past year since I’ve started this hobby but never seem to find things when I need an idea. I get overwhelmed to the point of paralysis. Although it may take me the year to even fill my jar, this project in itself sounds like much fun to me. Again, thanks!

    Reply
  2. Deirdre says

    January 1, 2011 at 6:41 AM

    Great idea, adore your jar. TFS. Happy New Year to you and your family.

    Reply
  3. Mary Leeson says

    January 1, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    What an awesome idea! I can relate. I freeze sometimes when in fact I have so many inspiration ideas in a binder that I just forget to OPEN up!!!

    Thanks for the idea and I LOVE those colors….teal, turquoise, aqua family…they are my HAPPY COLORS that I plan on using to decorate my new crafting area.

    Thanks so much. Love your work~

    Reply
  4. JeanFB says

    January 1, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    What a great idea! I am definitely going to do this!

    Reply
  5. Jeanine says

    January 1, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    This is a wonderful idea! I continue to get good ideas from so many blogs, but have a hard time deciding on what to do. I think I will have two separate jars, one with general ideas and one for my favorite time of the year, Christmas. This will make sure I don’t wait till the last minute to craft for Christmas. Now when I sit down to craft, I’ll just craft whatever I pull out of the jar!! Thank you and Happy New Year!

    Reply
  6. Nancy R Grimes says

    January 1, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    What a great idea!!!!! I really need to focus more. Thanks

    Reply
  7. Romaine says

    January 1, 2011 at 11:35 AM

    What a fun way to get inspired and use all the ideas that we are all hoarding.

    Reply
  8. Susan Beauchaine says

    January 1, 2011 at 11:44 AM

    Your idea is so pretty! I have a spiral notebook with sketches I have made and let me tell you, they are NOT pretty! I cannot draw and it is so evident!
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful jar!
    Susan

    Reply
  9. Susan from Colorado says

    January 1, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    Beeeeeutiful! I love Papertrey Ink and all your wonderful inspriation! Thanks Nicole

    Reply
  10. Claudia Steindl says

    January 1, 2011 at 12:22 PM

    Thanks, Nicole, for your great idea. I just printed the label (on lavendar paper, just because I never use purples) –it will “inspire” me to pick purple!!
    I’m choosing the jar that sits by my desk full of “snacks” — that takes care of another New Years’ goal.
    Loving my new craft! –and Papertrey!

    Reply
  11. Bonnie aka raduse says

    January 1, 2011 at 2:36 PM

    Fantastic idea Nichole. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Reply
  12. Purplekitten5 says

    January 1, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    Great idea!! I think I want to do this. But I think I want to put my stamp sets in a jar and choose a stamp set out that I want to work with. I have so many that I have never used and I think this will be a great way for me to get to use all my different sets.

    Reply
  13. Diane M says

    January 1, 2011 at 9:09 PM

    Thank you for a fabulous idea!! This would work so well for me. Thank you also for sharing the great template.

    Reply
  14. Melissa Rodgers says

    January 2, 2011 at 6:17 AM

    What a fun and exciting idea!! I so appreciate you and your inspiration!

    Reply
  15. June says

    January 2, 2011 at 8:48 AM

    I love this idea. I have a paper notebook with inspiration ideas, technique and all sorts of stuff listed. I like the idea of “random” and just selecting one and going with it. And what a fun way to decorate a jar (I don’t even have to buy one – have plenty here).

    Reply

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Kelly's FLASH SALE starts NOW and runs until Wednesday at 4 PM ET.
Don't miss out on 20% off of the products below.
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Jan 27

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View

Jan 26

Open
Kelly's FLASH SALE starts NOW and runs until Wedne Kelly's FLASH SALE starts NOW and runs until Wednesday at 4 PM ET.
Don't miss out on 20% off of the products below.
Balloon Wishes Stamp Set
To Die For Sentiments: Birthday Die
Balloon Wishes Die
Border Bling: Lots of Dots Die
Perfect Match Pure Poppy Card Stock
Perfect Match Tropical Teal Ink Pad
Perfect Match Pure Poppy Ink Pad
Perfect Match Aqua Mist Ink Pad @kellylunceford @papertreyink @inktopapercompany #papertreyink #inktopapercompany #clearstamps #stamping #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafts #papercrafting #steeldies

papertreyink

View

Jan 25

Open
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papertreyink

View

Jan 24

Open
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papertreyink

View

Jan 23

Open
Just soaking in this amazing card created by our G Just soaking in this amazing card created by our Guest Designer @crncards Cindy Norberg.  Sheโ€™s used the new Feathered Friends 7 dies, the Big Balloons Sentiments and Sprigs & Sprays stamp sets.  So beautiful!  @papertreyink @inktopapercompany #papertreyink #inktopapercompany #clearstamps #stamping #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafts #papercrafting #steeldies

papertreyink

View

Jan 22

Open
What color will your cake be? One of the most deli What color will your cake be? One of the most delightful aspects of the new Cake Please stamp set is creating cakes in any colors imaginable and seeing how they turn out!  We love this pink and white cake  with pops of black created by our Guest Designer @amykolling ๐Ÿค. @papertreyink @inktopapercompany #papertreyink #inktopapercompany #clearstamps #stamping #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafts #papercrafting #steeldies

papertreyink

View

Jan 21

Open
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papertreyink

View

Jan 21

Open
Our beautiful January Release is available now! S Our beautiful January Release is available now!  Shop for new items @papertreyink @inktopapercompany like those that our designer @apapermelody used on this lovely card...the Cake Please stamp set and dies and the Delicate Doilies dies.  @papertreyink @inktopapercompany #papertreyink #inktopapercompany #clearstamps #stamping #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafts #papercrafting #steeldies

papertreyink

View

Jan 20

Open
Release Day is here! Shopping for your favorite, Release Day is here!  Shopping for your favorite, new products will begin tonight at 10pm EST @papertreyink @inktopapercompany ๐Ÿ’—. Our designer @wheatfield_designs shows just how fun our new Cake Please stamp set and dies and new Number dies are.  Love the glitter and sprinkles on her numbers! @papertreyink @inktopapercompany #papertreyink #inktopapercompany #clearstamps #stamping #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafts #papercrafting #steeldies

papertreyink

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Jan 20

Open
Our January release @papertreyink continues with t Our January release @papertreyink continues with the new Feathered Friends 7 die collection. This gorgeous card created by our designer @handmadebykavya uses these dies  in such a lovely way.  Sheโ€™s also used the Feathered Friends Mini 7 stamp set for her sentiment and the Sprigs & Sprays stamp set for her florals.  All new products will be available on January 20th, 10pm EST.  @papertreyink @inktopapercompany #papertreyink #inktopapercompany #clearstamps #stamping #cardmaking #cardmakersofinstagram #papercrafts #papercrafting #steeldies

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