Sara's Blog

It’s another gray and rainy day in Amsterdam and this week I’ve found myself searching for a little creative inspiration. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

I can’t resist old and crumbly books—especially those unloved titles that somehow find their way to flea markets and used book sales. I love the feel and the smell of old paper, and all the words and sentences that can be cut out and incorporated into cards, ATCs and other papercrafts. The old men at the Friday Boekenmarkt have even come to recognize me now…but I don’t have the heart to tell them I’m cutting up these books!

When I was little, my mother used to let me play with “the button jar” in her sewing room and I could spend hours admiring and sorting them. (I was easily entertained.) So there’s something about having my own jar of vintage buttons to sort through and admire now that I’m grown up.

My writing class has taught me a lot about journaling—it’s become really important to me now to journal every day. And it helps to have a fun notebook (or two) to write in.

There’s something so invigorating about the row of brightly colored paint bottles at the store or in a craft room—obviously mine have been well-loved!

I always listen to podcasts when I scrapbook or make cards—that way I can catch up on current events, practice my Dutch or learn a little history. And if I’m stuck for an idea, I can watch the Webisodes on iTunes too. (Yes, we’re updating them every week!)

I’m lucky that Amsterdam is full of galleries and museums…it seems there’s always a new exhibit on. It’s a great way to get exposed to different kinds of art too. I’m not usually drawn to modern art but loved this exhibit.

I picked up these wooden clothespins for a few euros without having a plan for them. (Other than, well—hanging the laundry.) But since they come 100 to a pack, I thought I would try stamping on them. So I painted and stamped and now I’m on to a whole new thing…

…so I’m decorating ATC-sized cardstock with vintage paper and will add Dazzles™ and a stamped message—then attach a magnet backing to the clothespin so it can hang on the fridge. It’s a quick little piece of creativity.

Other than a chocolate bar (which I don’t have a photo of—sadly, there’s nothing chocolate in the house right now) a cup of tea is a must-have for me. Right now I’m savoring Herfst Storm Thee (autumn tea) which I’ve stockpiled as it’s only available in the autumn.

PS. Thanks to all who emailed me about the upcoming Paper Wishes Message Board. I have a feeling it will inspire all of us. And yes, there will be a place for you to post your projects too—I’m excited to see them!