Inspiration Daily: 02. 24. 10

Image credits: 1. hello sunshine., 2. oh deer, 3. white room, black chairs, 4. 25.365 // an afternoon

DIY Photo Topped Mini Notepads

About two years ago I made a stack of photo topped mini notebooks for sale in my shop.  It was such a fun project...even my daughter got into it and made her own.  There is a bit of prep time and waiting (for glue to dry), but the end results are worth it in my opinion.  If you want to try it out Photojojo has put together a simple tutorial for d.i.y. photo topped mini notepads that looks perfect.

A few extra tips from my experience:

• Printing covers on photo quality premium heavyweight paper yields really nice vivid results.  I tried it with standard cardstock and was unhappy with the muted results.  I didn't use actual photographs on mine because I felt that they would become scratched more easily during use.
• To protect my covers from damage by the binder clips I made sure to fold pieces of scrap paper around my book before applying the clamps.
• I used a nice pH Neutral glue (good for photographs) on my books.  My first attempt was with standard craft glue, but I found it to be too runny.  The variety I used was PVA Glue from Paper Source and It felt that it was a great thickness to work with.
• For a nice finishing touch you can cover the top of your notepad with a small piece of book bining tape.  I purchased mine from Paper Source, but it is available other places as well.
• Also, I have never tried it, but it seems like Japanese Masking tape would look great topping your books!

Have fun!  If you give it a try I'd love to see the results!  xo  Ez

You can find more of my favorite tutorials and projects right here.

One Good Thing: Papercut Fashion Illustration

How amazing is this intricate Papercut Fashion Illustration by The Time is Now!  I love the combination of pencil and papercutting work.  So unexpected and beautiful!  xo Ez

Dreaming of Spring

We woke up to rain this morning and even though it's almost 9:00 am it is dark as night inside my house (outside it is almost as bad).  Thankfully I have my computer as a cheerful refuge from the gloom outside, as well as some pretty photos I took of the tulips and daffodils I treated myself to this past weekend.  When I'm feel especially uninspired or unmotivated to take care of much needed housework I like to pick up a bunch or two of affordable blooms at Trader Joe's (or pick something from outside if it is available) and place simple little arrangements around my house.  Nothing fancy...just flowers inside whatever glasses or jars I have laying around.  To me there is nothing quite like fresh cut flowers to make even the drabbest day feel manageable and the most mundane chores doable.

Do you have any little tricks or small pleasures that help perk you up when you're having a less than cheery day?  xo Ez

Inspiration Daily: 02. 23. 10

Image credits: 1. polaroid week 09, 2. 12º, 3. ., 4. merryberries