Creative Goals for November

November already, this last few months has gone by so quick, luckily I've  been setting hte4se goals or time would of just gotten away from me altogether.
Last months goals were all complete! First time this year I think, Yay me!!
I did manage to get an amazing amount of charity projects done to, many more than I thought I would be able to. Will be sharing more about that later.

So lets get on to goals for this month. I don't have any birthday's in December to make a gift for so I will be concentrating on Christmas gifts.
I wont be listing those gifts as I don't want those people to read my blog and see what they are getting :)

Jot Mood board challenge
Scrap the boys challenge
Christmas Gifts
Christmas cards
2 x birthday cards

Crochet bags for Sewing for Charity Australia - as many as I can fit in.



Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Creative Goals - October

Is anyone else a bit freaked out that  it's already October? It's like I blinked and three months just flew by. On a positive note September's goals were completed except for one scrapbook layout, which wasn't a priority. I also completed quite a few charity projects as well as helping out with labeling and, packing of last months preemie items ready to be delivered.

Let's look at goals for this month,
Scrap the boys challenge
Jot mood board
Jute crochet basket
Market bag
6 birthday cards
Start Christmas lists

Time permitting as many charity projects as possible.

Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

September Creative goals

Oh wow can I please get a do over! August was so full on that I didn't get hardly anything from my list completed.
I needed to be alot better organised in the first half of the month and I may have stayed on track, but life happens and it didn't work out that way. Having my sons 21st birthday, a surprise party to organise and fathers day all in the last week put me totally off balance.
Here's hoping for a much better month in September.

(photo a gift made for my niece 6 years ago)

So what should September see me completing?

Finish birthday gift for niece
Sew in ends of crochet blanket
2 x birthday card for this month
5 x birthday cards for October
Calendar journal
Scrap the boys challenge
Jot Mood Board challenge

The following items on my list for  our charity group want to try and get as many done as possible

Twiddle mitts
crochet scrubbies
crochet baskets
bookmarks
face washers
note cards

I also aim to blog 3 times a week and not miss any days.
Wish me luck

Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Get organised for Christmas

How early do you start planning and getting organised for Christmas ? I was chatting with a friend last week and mentioned that I should start to get myself organised, her reply was "but its months away".
Yes, it is months away just over 4, but if your the creative time then now (or earlier for some) is the time to start getting your lists made and making gifts.
We have a family birthday on the last day of this month so normally I wait until we celebrate that then I move onto getting everything planned and my lists in order. This has worked for me in the past so am sticking with it until it doesn't. With my charity work this year I'm going to have to be on the ball and very organised, so my lists will start to get made next week.

I try to get as many handmade gifts made as possible, but there are some on my list that I cant make for. I also make all my own cards as well as tags, so will get some designs for these drawn out too.

How early are you planning for Christmas? Please share your ideas for keeping organised with us in the comments below.


Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Vintage craft storage

How adorable is this little vintage sewing basket? I was lucky enough to find this on one of my thrift store visits for a really low price. Ive had it for awhile now and its held a few different bits and pieces. I decided recently that I was accumulating quite a few mini cross stitches and already had a fair bit of Aida cloth.
The little basket was the perfect home for them, the padded lid is great for needles and after a bit of tweaking I arranged everything so that I can see it all easily.

I may of course out grow this little basket, but I'm sure I will always find a use for it.



Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

April Creative Goals

Another month just flown by, we say it all the time but the year really is moving so quickly. Before we know it, it will be Christmas again. It makes staying on track and organized even more important to make sure that everything you need to get done or made happens.
March goals were all accomplished accept for birthday decorations, but the birthday isn't until the end of April, so still plenty of time for them.

The year from here on gets busy for us with Footy season starting tonight and with Josh and John at one club and Dan at another its going to be full on.
This month in particular we have 3 birthdays including the very exciting first birthday of my gorgeous grandson! I make no apologies for all the posts featuring Chayse that will happen towards the end of the month :) its an exciting time for us as first time grandparents.
So lets have a look at what I hope to achieve creative wise this month.

5 cards ready for May birthdays
Scrap the Boys
Jot Mood Board
Birthday decorations (helping)
Chayse newborn layout  and project life page

I'm currently waiting to find out the gender of my nieces bubba and a friends daughters bubba, so there will  be some sort of baby crochet (yes more) happening as well.

I really want to get back into working on my Sophie's Choice blanket also but feel that might be a little optimistic for this month.
Lets see how I go.


Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Lets get organised - family planner

At the start of each year I like to get myself organised, purchase my calender and planner and have everything I already know is happening written in.
I'm still very old school and use a planner rather than my phone, I think it has alot to do with if i write it down I tend to remember alot of it. It is also sitting open on my desk where I can see it everyday which I like.
Choosing the right planner has always been the hard part for me. With adult kids all having so much on that I need to be aware of as well as mine and Johns activities, makes it a juggle to fit it all in something.

In the past few years I have gone with an A5 day to a page planner and it sort of worked, but last year I noticed there was alot of waste, most days the pages were pretty much empty.
So this year i wanted to go with something different. After looking at alot of different planners in stores - I don't tend to buy one online as I like to see it and make sure its what I need - I purchased an A4 monthly planner.  It was important for me that the weekends have a decent amount of writing space as this is when the most of our activity's take place.
It has a monthly calender at the start of each month and then a week to each opening which so far has been perfect.
 

 I always write up all the birthdays for the whole year and any other events that I know will be happening at the beginning of the year, that way I don't forget about them.
Then usually will fill in each month with other things as they arise.
So far I am liking the new format but only time will tell as to if its better or not.

Do you still use a planner or have you updated to your phone?

Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

November Creative Goals

Whoa when did it become November, the year is almost over and it only feels like it was January not that long ago.

Time to set out my creative goals for the month ahead. How did I go last month? I'm pleased to say that I got everything ticked of my list!!
Maybe I should be setting myself higher goals?
Novembers goals are.....

Scrap the Boys challenge
Jot Mood Board
Sophie's universe 2 or 3 parts
Set of crochet washcloths (6)
Finish  hexagon blanket
2 birthday cards
start my Christmas gift list and tick at least 3 items of it

I just realised typing this that next month is December and almost Christmas....eeek and I thought I was pretty organised for it this year but it kinda just snuck up on me.
Wish me luck that I can get all items ticked of my list again this month!

Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Are you a List maker?

Sometimes when I mention that I make lists I get laughed at or asked if I have a bad memory. My memory is ok But I find that making lists just helps me keep track of everything so much better.
I have lists for everything from my daily to do list, blog post ideas, crafts projects I need to make and the all important wish list!

Some my say I'm a little OCD with my lists but it works for me. I have them all in a planner on my desk where I can flip through them daily. I have to admit that crossing items of the lists when I've completed or accomplished it is a nice feeling too.
Do you make lists?


Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

October Creative goals

Its that time of month again where I set out my goals for the month ahead. I'm happy to report back that I completed all of the projects I had planned for September. That's a first for me!! I even managed part 11 of Sophie's Universe blanket as well as 10.
Can I do it again this month? I am having a much better outcome with my creative projects by setting them monthly instead of a huge list at the start of the year. The smaller lists each month are helping me keep my time management under control and not giving me realistic goals I will never reach.

So lets see what I'm planning this month....

Scrap the boys challenge
Jot Mood Board challenge
2 or more scrapbook layouts
2 cards
10 rows or more of my hexagon blanket
weaving for birthday present
Part 12 and 13 of Sophies Universe

Wish me luck!!





Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Decorating your daily planner

When it comes to organising all my dates, places I need to be or go as well as the rest of the families I'm a little old school. It's become popular to use your phone or tablet and online calendars to keep track of everything and for lot of people this works. 

I like the fact that it's easy to write it all down in my planner and I don't have to worry about my phone not working or the battery going flat. Carrying a planner around is not as simple as a phone though but I'm ok with that.

It would be so easy to buy a planner, and just write down everything that needs to be in there, right? As someone who loves to be creative it was a given that my planner was going to get the treatment. It can be as simple or as elaborate as you want or your planner allows and there are endless ways and things you can use.



Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Projects im working on

Most of us who love craft spend a fair bit of time browsing through lovely images of projects others have done or patterns looking for inspiration or perhaps patterns. I'm certainly one of those, I'm also pretty bad at needing to start that amazing project even if I already have one or five projects on the go.

I cant seem to help myself when I get asked to make something or I see something I need to make, the previous project (unless it needs to be finished asap) gets put aside and the new project gets started. Sound familiar?

In my defence (at the moment) I am working on a large hexagon blanket so little in between projects are a nice change.
I'm trying to get myself into the spirit of gift making so I'm on top of Christmas gifts this year so starting with some little things now is a good start.

What are you working on at the moment, I would love to see photos. Please share with me below photos or links to your projects.


Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

September Creative Goals

Its that time again where I set all my creative goals for the month ahead. August was a bit of a non event for creative goals with the move and unpacking, but I did get a little crocheting done of a night.
I have a few birthday's coming up that I need to make gifts for and I would like to get a bit of a start on Christmas gifts!

 So here are my creative goals for September

Sophie's Universe blanket part 10
Two birthday gifts (cant mention what they are as the ladies receiving them might read)
Jot Mood Board
Scrap the Boys
Journal catch up
Three birthday cards

After a month of hardly being creative I'm going to leave this list as is and see how i go and maybe will get more done if I'm super motivated and organised.


Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Organisation - craft room

The space that never stays clean and never is organised the way you need for productivity! Sound like your craft space? Its definitely mine so after being in this house for a few years I decided that I needed to sort, purge and organise in a way that better suited how I create.

First step was to pull everything out and start with clean empty storage units. I also moved my desk from the far wall to over by the window, this gave me a better natural light during the day.
I made some noted about what i used the most which helped with where I put everything. The top photo is the before shot and the one just above is the room after. Still not perfect but much better.

I have a designated computer desk with the phone and printer close by but also close to where I create so I'm able to multi task.
Beside my computer desk and right behind my craft table are two storage units with papers, and embellishments I use all the time.

I then have two larger storage shelves holding various containers of everything else, from scrapbooking  products to paints, material and various other mixed media items.
I also store all my albums along the bottom shelves as well as a large tub of yarn on the top.

My desk is a nice large size (great for when a friend comes to create with me) and has plenty of space to create but still have my journal and planner and utensils close at hand.
I love that I can now look out the window whilst I create and am able to see anyone coming and going up the stairs and into he rest of the house and not have my back to it.
The boys quite often come and sit and chat whilst I work.

Now after getting this room how I wanted it we have found out we have to move, so stay tuned for another post about my new craft space. Fingers crossed we find a home with a space that I can use.


Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Gift wrapping station

Gift wrapping can be one of those jobs that you either love or hate. Some of us love to get really creative and make the gift look as pretty as its contents.
If your anything like my boys then you find the nearest thing that will cover the gift and you sticky tape it all together.

Personally I love gift wrapping and making it all pretty and am constantly looking for ways to keep all my supplies together not just so its easier for me, but maybe the boys might take a bit more care too (I can dream haha).
Recently I was given a couple of these filing drawers, and I had one more than I really needed after looking at it for a few days I realised it would make the perfect wrapping station.

The large bottom drawer is perfect for all those gift bags, I have the larger ones in the back and have used a couple of small containers to house the smaller bags. Ive also put a couple of gift boxes I had in their as well. The middle drawer holds all my wrapping ribbons, its just the right depth for the large spools to stand up, the only thing I'm going to do is add a little sticker to the top of each spool so I know at a glance which colour is which.

The top drawer will eventually hold all my gift toppers and other smaller bits and pieces, at this stage they are in the middle drawer until I find containers small enough to fit in the top drawer.
The top of my drawers holds all my gift wrap, a thrifted basket which holds all my rolls of paper and another basket which holds all my flat gift wrap and tissue and cellophane.

So far its working well with everything in one place.
Do you have cool or clever storage for your gift wrapping ? Please share with us in the comments below.


Thanks for visiting
Lis :)

Lets get organised - crochet hooks

Since I started to crochet I have accumulated quite a number of different size crochet hooks. I did have them in a jar on my desk, but needed something that I could transport to the lounge of a night and in the car if needed so I chucked them all in a zipped bag.

This system worked for a little while until the OCD in me got annoyed with having to take all the hooks out to see which one I needed.
I tried a crochet holder but wasnt happy with that, next I got a hook holder from Lincraft which honestly was useless. It didnt hold any of my larger hooks and it was small.

I happened upon this smiggle pencil caseon one of my thrifty ventures, when I opened it up I had a little light bulb moment.
I brought the case got it home and Yay!! It is the perfect size,holding all my hooks large as well and I can fit scissors and measuring tapes as well.
The next thing I have to do is put a little needle holder in there and it will be the perfect transportable crochet case!


Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

Lets get organised - Gift wrapping

 

Its almost that time of year again when we all have a zillion presents to wrap up. October and November are busy birthday months for me so the next 3 months I will be going through alot of paper, bags, ribbon and tags.

 I thought I would come and share how I organise and store all my gift wrap supplies. Its by no means a fabulous system and im sure there are better out there but this works for me.
I tend to buy paper by the roll, its easier to get the amount of papre required. I store all my rolls in an upright container, nice and easy to see what you have.

 I have a small container that holds any paper I get not on a roll, along with tissue paper and cellophane, it sits on a shelf beside my desk.
I have a plastic crate filled with ribbons, bows, pom poms, large tags and anything else I might use to decorate the outisde of a package.

 Beside my plastic crate on a shelf I have this basket I thrifted which holds all my bags, paper and plastic.
This system works for me and its easy for the boys if they need to wrap things.

What sort of system do you have for all your wrapping supplies ? Would love for you to share your ideas with me, leave me a msg below with all your ideas.

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

Organising your scarf collection

 

So winter has set in well and truly now and is alot colder in some states than others. For those of us lucky enough to live in Queensland we aren't freezing our butts of with extreme cold and snow but it for us it is really chilly, especially first thing of a morning and once the sun goes down!

 

Scarves are awesome when its cold for keeping your neck warm and they even add some colour to your outfit. Warmth and accessory is a win in my book!
Working out how to store and organise my collection really bugged me until I found these Ikea multi use hangers. My son brought me one for Christmas a couple of years ago and it was awesome. You can fit so many scarves on it and still see them all.
I loved it so much  (oh and I have so many scarves) I went and got another one!

For the few ultra bulky scarves I have I have been using a sturdy wooden coat hanger and this works for now.
How do you organise and store your scarves? Leave me a comment below telling me how.

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)

Organising - Tapestry and Cross stitch cottons

 A few weeks ago on one of my thrift store visits I came across a bag full of embroidery and tapestry threads! Well they couldn't stay in the store now could they, not at $2 for the bag, there was about 50 in the bag! Bonus buy!

That bag sat on a shelf in my craft room for weeks, each day saying 'have to sort those cottons' in my defence the first week I didn't have any cards to wind onto, until a trip to Lincraft saw me stocked with plenty.
Cards in hand and cottons ready they still sat in the bag, I even moved them to the table next to my chair in the lounge in the hope that I would get started.....yep didn't happen

Finally sitting watching tv one night I decided it was time...grabbed my cards, a container, the cottons and thought this wont take long...hahaha famous last words right? To start with they were old...old enough that the little paper tags that go around them wouldn't slide off...I had to tear each one.

Over a week of sitting watching my favourite shows  little by little those cottons all got wound onto the plastic cards, there were alot more than I had originally thought when I purchase the bag. I grabbed a divided container (borrowed from hubby's workshop..sshhh) and starting sorting into colours and put in the slots.

They all look so pretty and colourful, ready waiting to be used! Have to find some projects to use them now...any ideas?


Thanks for stopping by!

An organised 2014

 

Organisation isn't my strong point, I'm sure that I'm not alone here. I have diary's and planners and lists all over the place, if it's not written down then I usually don't remember it. There were patches during 2013 where I was super organised and had everything under control, sadly these patches were few and far between.

My one little word I chose for 2014 is "happen" I want and need to make things happen when they need to happen instead of most of the time being days or weeks behind. It took me awhile to work out how I was going to stay on top of things both with John and the boys as well as around the house and creatively.

We have a calender in the wall in the kitchen with columns for each person which works well. The boys are good at writing their work and activities onto it. I also have a diary on my desk that has everything written down in a little more detail. So that is the family side of the things set.

With a fair bit of browsing the net for ideas I then set about making a planner for everything else. Searching my stash i found an A5 binder which I made look pretty, then worked out what sections I wanted and made up some dividers.

Two of the easier sections were my reading list - I have to keep track of books I buy that I haven't read yet - and my wish list. I also added a section for events, like Australia Day, Easter, Christmas. A place to jot down ideas and things to plan for those holidays.

Next up was a section for major areas that need cleaning out or sorting, big jobs that require a bit of time. This is where I put the challenges like January jump start and September sort it that I took part in last year. I did mention before that I had lists for everything haha.

Future projects has a little section all of its own too, a list of all those creative (or not) things that I find on Pinterest or around the net that I think hmm might try that one day. I may or may not get around to doing them, but if i don't write it down then its gone. I know that I can (and do) pin things to pinterest but I'm a huge fan of paper copies too.

Blog planning is something I have always struggled with, what is the best way to keep check on what I want to blog about. I finally decided on a calender, I used pages from a current diary. Two pages for each month and lots of post it notes till its definite what post goes  on what day. Its working for now!
Still with me? I'm almost done haha the second last section I have is for current stuff I'm working on. This months scrap/art challenges any cards or gifts that I need to make this month all go on a list and get crossed of as they are done.

Lucky last and I hope the section that will keep me on my toes as far as handmade and gift giving goes for this year. I kept it simple with 3 columns, one for who the gift is for, one for what I'm making and the 3rd for when I need to make it by. Fingers crossed things method works!

I can hear you saying wow that's alot of lists to look at, my boys have said it to me haha but I love my lists and have the binder sitting opened on my desk. Last thing at night while I'm waiting for my son to get home I write up my to do list for the next day (yep another list lol) make and changes to my diary (boys work shifts etc) and I flick through the binder just to keep everything in my head.
I also have a quick look through a couple of the sections of a morning when I sit with my coffee and check emails. We are only nearing the end of January but so far it seems to work for me, so hopefully it will continue to.
I would love to hear how you keep organised, please share with me in the comments below!

Thanks for stopping by
Lis :)