Decorating Notebooks: 3 killer design ideas!

Decorating notebooks for back-to-school is a time-honored tradition. It is either something that is intentional  {you are trying to hide a boring notebook} or happens organically  {you are doodling day after day after day in a snoozer of a class}. We love decorating notebooks because we can never seem to find the perfect notebook that to match our fave fashions, although Jonathan Adler makes some killer back-to-school stuff that comes pretty darned close.  But since notebooks are usually one of two things: bland or expensive, we made our own. Decorating notebooks is easiest if you just use the binders with the clear front and design on your computer or on a piece of paper. You can print your schedule and slip it in, or go crazy with patterns and have some fun. We printed out some free backgrounds and put in our classes and with a few tweaks, made some covers for binders that are bit more fun than plain old binders. But when it comes to notebooks, we wanted to see what else we could do besides just drawing on them on or putting cute tape patterns on them (which is always fun to do and can create amazing designs). Since glitter is a cure for just about anything, including a boring class, we got glittery and glam. But we also got preppy and perky with a traditional design in blue, cream and white. Let us know what you think!
I.  How to Decorate a Binder
Chloe decorates anything that can be decorated! iPhone backgrounds are a specialty and lately it’s been binder covers. She simply showed a few on her Instagram — @seebychloe1– and the orders for them have been rolling in. So Chloe suggested showing everyone how to make their own too!  We are in the process of opening a shop soon, but in the meantime, you can order from her on her Instagram or her blog, Preppy Diaries. Hopefully she’ll be creating some custom backgrounds  but have fun creating your own –> here’s Chloe’s binder cover secret:

1. open a file in Pages.
2. once you open a file in Pages go to the top bar and press view, then press zoom, and then zoom out. (repeat step 2 twice)

3. next, drag and drop your picture/print of choice onto your document.

4. then stretch your picture to fill your entire page.

5. click the “shape” tool (to the right of the text box tool), and choose the square shape to insert onto your page.

6. stretch the square into a rectangular shape

7. change the color to match one of the colors of your background.  TIP: white is a good base color and you can change the opacity (using the opacity tool) to 90%, and it creates the illusion of making the rectangle blend with the background

8. click onto your rectangle, and then click the “pt” button. manually type “20 pt” into the box, then change the color of you box’s outline to match your background

9. add your text into the rectangle, and change the color to match your background.

10. and you’re finished!!


II.  Initial Notebook Decorating Design
This is an easy idea that takes more time to gather supplies and to let dry between steps than it does to create. This is such a fun look when done and is very classy!

step 1: gather supplies. Glue gun, notebook, scissors, duck tape, paint, heavy paper, letter design, pencil, ruler, fabric
step 2: measure 1″ around front cover of notebook and cut away excess fabric
step 3: fold fabric in over front cover only (you can do back as well, but we just did front!) Fold in corners first for the cleanest look. Use glue gun around inside seam to glue securely to inside of front cover
step 4: trace cutout of letter wherever you would like letter to be placed. We chose bottom right corner and placed a period for the effect. Paint letter with your choice of color.
step 5: use duck tape along seam to hide fraying and to help secure fabric to notebook.  Step back and admire!

III. How to decorate a spiral notebook: 
Another project Chloe did was to cover a spiral notebook. This is a great project to do in your favorite colors or school colors. Choose as many separate colors as you like for the stripes.  You can either combine the 1 part modge podge to 2 parts glitter in a tinfoil lined bowl, or follow the instructions below. Make sure to wash the brush in-between coats so the modge podge won’t harden and keep layering until the glitter is consistent!
step 1 — Gather your supplies! You will need two different types of glitter (perfect in your fave colors or school colors or team colors, etc), a sponge brush, a notebook, and modgepodge.
step 2 — Brush modgepodge onto your notbook, and sprinkle the first glitter color (or use technique above). You might have to spread some glitter out with your fingers.
step 3 — Continue step two until you reach the bottom of your notebook.
step 4 — Add a coat of ModgePodge on top of your final first coat of glitter.

step 5 — Add ModgePodge on top of your first coat.
step 6 — Sprinkle glitter on top of step five’s ModgePodge coat.
step 7 — Continue with steps five and six, until you reach the bottom of your notebook.
step 8 — Add paint to make the stripes “pop” more!
 
VOILÀ! The finished notebook!

IV. BONUS And as an added bonus… check out this amazing upcycled t-shirt notebook cover tutorial! Great for old band tshirts you might have outgrown! It’s right here on trashn2tees.
There you go – 3 killer notebook decorating ideas + 1 bonus idea! Which one do you plan to use?

source : http://www.popcosmo.com/2012/08/17/decorating-notebooks/

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Blogging: Writing, Inspiring, Networking

Blogging: Writing, Inspiring, Networking
As I think about what to write for this prompt, my mind wanders down memory lane, and stops around the nooks of the building where I am a trainee journalist writing report after mundane report on this and that, and sulking about the inanity of it all. Some where around this time a colleague introduces me to the big and wondrous world of blogging. A blog, he explains, is an online diary of sorts where one could share their writings and photos. And that if I wanted, I could start my own blog and could unleash the creativity that I always cribbed about. And that's how I make my own blog - finalizing a name for it, gradually putting all the layout together, and finally getting down to write the first tentative uncertain posts.

Now that I reminisce about it all, my blog was my virtual diary indeed, where I could pour my heart out - I could WRITE about anything and everything. Random conversation with the rickshawala, an hour spent observing the mad woman across the street, a story about a lovelorn girl, musings about a hindi film from the 60s, comments on the lyrics of a particular song - my blog was the place where I could write anything without the fear of it being edited or modified to suit someone else's fancy.

Blogging for me initially was just about venting my observations and musings, and readers did not really matter. Though I must acknowledge that when friends and random readers came visiting and left a comment or two, it felt good and I would beam around a bit and would read and re-read my own posts, wondering what was in there that captured someone's interest.  The comments and interaction encouraged me to write more. It also helped me NETWORK with many fellow bloggers - blogger shared what they wrote, who read my posts, helped when I faltered, complimented when I won and pulled me up when I fell short of words. Bloggers, who with the passage of time have now become my buddies.

It's now been a few years since I have been blogging. From writing about random observations and musings, I have moved on to experimenting with many creative themes and prompts, all thanks to the many blogging communities. From posts on big and small social and political issues to fictional tales about car tyre going flat on a deserted road, these communities give me ample opportunity to write more often and write on topics beyond my comfort zone. Just recently I got an opportunity to write on gendercide - deliberate and systematic killing of the female child, and the post was very well received and remains one of the most read post of my blog. The detailed post inspired many readers to do their bit against this heinous practice. It gave me a high too. Yes. A sense of pride in the fact that the what I write is motivating enough to INSPIRE people to do their bit towards the cause. Isn't it an exhilarating feeling to read comments where readers say that your post was beautifully written and it has inspired them.  You bet it is! :)

I am not slogan shouting, placard holding activist, neither a big-shot writer who has best-sellers to her name. I am just another eager soul who wants to share the incessant monologues that go on inside her head. Incesant monologues, random asides, musings, sane thoughts and insane tirades, quips, banters and what nots. It feels nice to scribble them down on the blog. And it feels even nicer when somebody stops by to read them all and leaves a warm comment or two.

Blogging indeed has been a big, big blessing. 

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The Blog Republic!

The Blog Republic!
Once upon a time, there lived 3 friends. they were- Write, Inspire and Network.

Together they lived in the country called "Blog-land". Now blogland was a newly developed country and by any means, second to none. It was fast emerging as another superpower in the world, inviting many a talented prospective citizens fondly known as "Bloggers".

The land of blogging was vast, rich in culture and offered manifold prospective to all its citizen. There were many sects and states of "blogging" like Creative writing, Cooking, Sports, Technology etc etc...Each admitted basis citizen's interest and demonstrated abilities and no other biases irrespective of caste, economic condition, past life, number of fingers etc were allowed .

The three friends- Write, Inspire and Network went hand in hand and went together. Wherever one go, the rest two will follow. Their love enriched by each passing day and soon "blogging" became a cosmopolitan country that made the world stand up and take notice.

They say where there is opportunity, opportunists strike as well. Something similar happened in the reserved demography of "blogging" where few opportunist stroked and disturbed the quality and balance of the place. It caused a rift amid all including those 3 friends and diluted the essence that was much the backbone of the "blogging" Republican.

Soon bloggers started drifting from blog-land and searching for a shift elsewhere. They grew highly suspicious of each other's behaviors, formed their cartels and started revolting against the Blogland Republic. The situation turned chaotic and grave with sincere citizens moving out of the country.  The unison of Write, Inspire and Network took all together a different meaning and it was never the genuine self again.

Do not lose heart. Like all good stories with happy endings and a "Knight in shining armor", this story too got it's happy ending and a "knight", a "hero" of its own. The Hero was not one person but a group of people who joined hand and vowed to create a better environment. They together formed a cartel and took the torch in their hands. "We shall be the beacon and lead the change" was their motto!

Soon they launched a platform that democratically took care of interest of all citizens of the "blogging" nation. They tried different things to entice all kind of citizens. They fondly named it "Adda" [a place] so that it merged well with one and all. Some started calling them "ada" [style in English, given their unique value propositions & flair].

To keep the interests of everyone alive, they created multiple channels like writing contests, inspiring creative writing weekends, networking bloggers review program. They recently added a new feather to their fat hat of achievements and attempts. The feather was named- WIN 2014, to commemorate the spirit of 3 friends "Write, Inspire and Network".

Yes WIN i.e. Write, Inspire and Network. The same old three friends who once formed the essence, the life of the "blogging" nation. They were combined and bring to life in a hope to change the face of "blogland democracy" and reward it's citizens by inspiring and encouraging.
________________________________________________________________

Well that was a short story of "blogging" and "bloggers". Bloggers across India are celebrating their first WIN in Mumbai this year at 8th February. I am honored to be among the top 5 nominated bloggers in "Creative Writing" Category and I may join them to bring together their extravaganza on 8th Feb 2014. How about you? Wanna come? well you must!

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Compliments : How they enrich us

Compliments : How they enrich us
"You make the best pancakes."

"I admire how you handled that difficult situation. "

"She gives the best hugs in the whole world."

How happy do you feel when you get a compliment?

Does it warm your soul to hear something heartfelt?

I'm guessing you feel wonderful. It's human nature.

Looking back, one of the best compliments I've ever got from people is, "You inspire me." I don't claim to be a model. . . anything, actually. Life is long and you learn some good, hard lessons on the way. But, to know that you've touched people, even in some small way, is very gratifying.

As a senior in college:

I remember prowling the hallways of our hostel ,back in college, since it was my duty to ensure that study hours were maintained. Invariably, the girls would catch one glimpse of me from afar and dart into their rooms. I'd always picture them viewing me as a monster, out to wreck their peace.

When the time for goodbyes came around and we were getting our autograph books out, almost everyone used the word 'inspiration' while referring to me. To say that I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. They said they admired my resolve and how they respected me ,even when I was out on those rounds.

As a teacher:

My first job was as a trainer. I was fairly confident of taking it on, as it was something I'd always wanted to do. The challenges were many.  For one,  this wasn't a twenty-minute paper on Robert Burns. This wasn't among my friends and peers. I wasn't being gently nudged by a teacher in the background, when I stumbled.

This was two hours of talking, knowledgeably on a subject.  This was igniting young minds, who sat before me. And the only one nudging me was my inner voice.

But, I made it through. I went on to take many classes. I met some delightful students, many of whom still keep in touch.

One evening,  as I leaned on the wall outside the classroom, waiting for my students to trickle in, a shy student of mine came up and said,  "Ma'am, I've met teachers who instruct and teachers who encourage. You're the first one I've met,  who chooses to inspire us. " I don't recall anything else that evening, since I had a lump in my throat.

As a blogger:

Blogging brought meaning into my stay-at-home existence,  after Gy came along and lovingly took up all my attention.

I chose to blog, since it ensured that my love for writing and language would stay alive.

Today, seven years later,  when I read comments that mention how my posts inspire them or help them in some way, I'm motivated to continue the journey.

If what I write can also inspire people to continue to grow their network of love, I feel blessed.

Gy, too has had her fair share of compliments and I'm still a bit unsure about how 'too much praise' can be damaging. In fact, she probably gets more criticism from me than she deserves.

The day she graduated from preschool, every kid in class was given a sash, with the child's most prominent quality printed on it. How she grinned and posed with happiness, displaying her 'friendly' tag, is an image I'll never forget.



We respond to the good, the beautiful and the positive.
It's why we love a sunrise.

It's why our children beam when we praise their efforts.

It's why we smile  if our partner admires our skills( like writing a blog, for instance;).

So, don't wait. Get out there and make someone feel better about themselves. And, the bonus is that you get to feel great, since you've spread your share of sweetness and joy.

Read More

Compliments : How they enrich us

Compliments : How they enrich us
"You make the best pancakes."

"I admire how you handled that difficult situation. "

"She gives the best hugs in the whole world."

How happy do you feel when you get a compliment?

Does it warm your soul to hear something heartfelt?

I'm guessing you feel wonderful. It's human nature.

Looking back, one of the best compliments I've ever got from people is, "You inspire me." I don't claim to be a model. . . anything, actually. Life is long and you learn some good, hard lessons on the way. But, to know that you've touched people, even in some small way, is very gratifying.

As a senior in college:

I remember prowling the hallways of our hostel ,back in college, since it was my duty to ensure that study hours were maintained. Invariably, the girls would catch one glimpse of me from afar and dart into their rooms. I'd always picture them viewing me as a monster, out to wreck their peace.

When the time for goodbyes came around and we were getting our autograph books out, almost everyone used the word 'inspiration' while referring to me. To say that I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. They said they admired my resolve and how they respected me ,even when I was out on those rounds.

As a teacher:

My first job was as a trainer. I was fairly confident of taking it on, as it was something I'd always wanted to do. The challenges were many.  For one,  this wasn't a twenty-minute paper on Robert Burns. This wasn't among my friends and peers. I wasn't being gently nudged by a teacher in the background, when I stumbled.

This was two hours of talking, knowledgeably on a subject.  This was igniting young minds, who sat before me. And the only one nudging me was my inner voice.

But, I made it through. I went on to take many classes. I met some delightful students, many of whom still keep in touch.

One evening,  as I leaned on the wall outside the classroom, waiting for my students to trickle in, a shy student of mine came up and said,  "Ma'am, I've met teachers who instruct and teachers who encourage. You're the first one I've met,  who chooses to inspire us. " I don't recall anything else that evening, since I had a lump in my throat.

As a blogger:

Blogging brought meaning into my stay-at-home existence,  after Gy came along and lovingly took up all my attention.

I chose to blog, since it ensured that my love for writing and language would stay alive.

Today, seven years later,  when I read comments that mention how my posts inspire them or help them in some way, I'm motivated to continue the journey.

If what I write can also inspire people to continue to grow their network of love, I feel blessed.

Gy, too has had her fair share of compliments and I'm still a bit unsure about how 'too much praise' can be damaging. In fact, she probably gets more criticism from me than she deserves.

The day she graduated from preschool, every kid in class was given a sash, with the child's most prominent quality printed on it. How she grinned and posed with happiness, displaying her 'friendly' tag, is an image I'll never forget.



We respond to the good, the beautiful and the positive.
It's why we love a sunrise.

It's why our children beam when we praise their efforts.

It's why we smile  if our partner admires our skills( like writing a blog, for instance;).

So, don't wait. Get out there and make someone feel better about themselves. And, the bonus is that you get to feel great, since you've spread your share of sweetness and joy.

Read More

Compliments : How they enrich us

Compliments : How they enrich us
"You make the best pancakes."

"I admire how you handled that difficult situation. "

"She gives the best hugs in the whole world."

How happy do you feel when you get a compliment?

Does it warm your soul to hear something heartfelt?

I'm guessing you feel wonderful. It's human nature.

Looking back, one of the best compliments I've ever got from people is, "You inspire me." I don't claim to be a model. . . anything, actually. Life is long and you learn some good, hard lessons on the way. But, to know that you've touched people, even in some small way, is very gratifying.

As a senior in college:

I remember prowling the hallways of our hostel ,back in college, since it was my duty to ensure that study hours were maintained. Invariably, the girls would catch one glimpse of me from afar and dart into their rooms. I'd always picture them viewing me as a monster, out to wreck their peace.

When the time for goodbyes came around and we were getting our autograph books out, almost everyone used the word 'inspiration' while referring to me. To say that I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. They said they admired my resolve and how they respected me ,even when I was out on those rounds.

As a teacher:

My first job was as a trainer. I was fairly confident of taking it on, as it was something I'd always wanted to do. The challenges were many.  For one,  this wasn't a twenty-minute paper on Robert Burns. This wasn't among my friends and peers. I wasn't being gently nudged by a teacher in the background, when I stumbled.

This was two hours of talking, knowledgeably on a subject.  This was igniting young minds, who sat before me. And the only one nudging me was my inner voice.

But, I made it through. I went on to take many classes. I met some delightful students, many of whom still keep in touch.

One evening,  as I leaned on the wall outside the classroom, waiting for my students to trickle in, a shy student of mine came up and said,  "Ma'am, I've met teachers who instruct and teachers who encourage. You're the first one I've met,  who chooses to inspire us. " I don't recall anything else that evening, since I had a lump in my throat.

As a blogger:

Blogging brought meaning into my stay-at-home existence,  after Gy came along and lovingly took up all my attention.

I chose to blog, since it ensured that my love for writing and language would stay alive.

Today, seven years later,  when I read comments that mention how my posts inspire them or help them in some way, I'm motivated to continue the journey.

If what I write can also inspire people to continue to grow their network of love, I feel blessed.

Gy, too has had her fair share of compliments and I'm still a bit unsure about how 'too much praise' can be damaging. In fact, she probably gets more criticism from me than she deserves.

The day she graduated from preschool, every kid in class was given a sash, with the child's most prominent quality printed on it. How she grinned and posed with happiness, displaying her 'friendly' tag, is an image I'll never forget.



We respond to the good, the beautiful and the positive.
It's why we love a sunrise.

It's why our children beam when we praise their efforts.

It's why we smile  if our partner admires our skills( like writing a blog, for instance;).

So, don't wait. Get out there and make someone feel better about themselves. And, the bonus is that you get to feel great, since you've spread your share of sweetness and joy.

Read More

Compliments : How they enrich us
"You make the best pancakes."

"I admire how you handled that difficult situation. "

"She gives the best hugs in the whole world."

How happy do you feel when you get a compliment?

Does it warm your soul to hear something heartfelt?

I'm guessing you feel wonderful. It's human nature.

Looking back, one of the best compliments I've ever got from people is, "You inspire me." I don't claim to be a model. . . anything, actually. Life is long and you learn some good, hard lessons on the way. But, to know that you've touched people, even in some small way, is very gratifying.

As a senior in college:

I remember prowling the hallways of our hostel ,back in college, since it was my duty to ensure that study hours were maintained. Invariably, the girls would catch one glimpse of me from afar and dart into their rooms. I'd always picture them viewing me as a monster, out to wreck their peace.

When the time for goodbyes came around and we were getting our autograph books out, almost everyone used the word 'inspiration' while referring to me. To say that I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. They said they admired my resolve and how they respected me ,even when I was out on those rounds.

As a teacher:

My first job was as a trainer. I was fairly confident of taking it on, as it was something I'd always wanted to do. The challenges were many.  For one,  this wasn't a twenty-minute paper on Robert Burns. This wasn't among my friends and peers. I wasn't being gently nudged by a teacher in the background, when I stumbled.

This was two hours of talking, knowledgeably on a subject.  This was igniting young minds, who sat before me. And the only one nudging me was my inner voice.

But, I made it through. I went on to take many classes. I met some delightful students, many of whom still keep in touch.

One evening,  as I leaned on the wall outside the classroom, waiting for my students to trickle in, a shy student of mine came up and said,  "Ma'am, I've met teachers who instruct and teachers who encourage. You're the first one I've met,  who chooses to inspire us. " I don't recall anything else that evening, since I had a lump in my throat.

As a blogger:

Blogging brought meaning into my stay-at-home existence,  after Gy came along and lovingly took up all my attention.

I chose to blog, since it ensured that my love for writing and language would stay alive.

Today, seven years later,  when I read comments that mention how my posts inspire them or help them in some way, I'm motivated to continue the journey.

If what I write can also inspire people to continue to grow their network of love, I feel blessed.

Gy, too has had her fair share of compliments and I'm still a bit unsure about how 'too much praise' can be damaging. In fact, she probably gets more criticism from me than she deserves.

The day she graduated from preschool, every kid in class was given a sash, with the child's most prominent quality printed on it. How she grinned and posed with happiness, displaying her 'friendly' tag, is an image I'll never forget.



We respond to the good, the beautiful and the positive.
It's why we love a sunrise.

It's why our children beam when we praise their efforts.

It's why we smile  if our partner admires our skills( like writing a blog, for instance;).

So, don't wait. Get out there and make someone feel better about themselves. And, the bonus is that you get to feel great, since you've spread your share of sweetness and joy.

Read More

The Vicious Circle-- Write... Inspire... Network

The Vicious Circle-- Write... Inspire... Network
Write --- Inspire --- Network

I will begin it with an old poem of mine---


A writer's Dilemma

I can not voice, cannot suppress
An urge to write and to express
That happiness that joy, the unfortunate sorrow
The excitement and thrill that await me tomorrow
How to begin? Where to end?
Should I be true or should I pretend?
The matter, the genre, the code of conduct
How to refine the end product
Why can I not just let them flow?
My words are my weapons: my friends and foe
Let them take the charge and hail the war
There will and my way to question the power
To question the norms and the senseless notions
To mirror my thoughts and reflect my emotions
Does someone tells me to stop or to start ?
Is it a neccessity or just an art ?
R.S.

Write--  3 words that are part of every writers life not only bloggers. It is like a vicious circle. I remember as a kid when I used to write, the urge to share it with people was so strong that I used to bore people to death with my latest poem or story.

Inspire or be inspired
A poem, short story or any form of words can never succeed without an inspiration. It can be a muse, a fuse a failure or a victory, there is something that inspires. Something that inspires us to write. Sometimes our writing inspires people what to write.

Networking
And then the crucial part of sharing... "networking" of ideas, works, and thoughts. A place where people could hear what you have to say, write or do without making faces. Because they want to know what the world outside is "writing" so that they can feel "inspired" and create a "network" of like-minded people.


Google Image

Early examples of networking

The Bloomsbury Group—or Bloomsbury Set—was an influential group of associated English writers, intellectuals, philosophers and artists, the best known members of which included Virginia Woolf, John Maynard Keynes, E. M. Forster and Lytton Strachey.

Cavalier Poets is a broad description of a school of English poets of the 17th centurythe Cavalier poets are Ben Jonson, Robert Herrick, Richard Lovelace, Thomas Carew, and Sir John Suckling.

The Beat generation poets met in New York in the 1940s. The core group were Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs, who were joined later by Gregory Corso.

The imagists, symbolists and there are so many other names like these to describe the very idea of getting together with like-minded people. Networking is nothing but the sense of "belonging", the realisation that we are not the only one.



That is why we need participatory audience and not dead readers.
Google Image.

Here's excerpt from Neruda's poem one of my favourites, to explain the need to voice out what we write.

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
Neruda

Write, for example, 'The night is starry
and the stars are blue and shiver in the distance.'

The night wind revolves in the sky and sings.

(Write)

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too.

Through nights like this one I held her in my arms.
I kissed her again and again under the endless sky.

She loved me, sometimes I loved her too.
How could one not have loved her great still eyes.
...

(Inspire)

Tonight I can write the saddest lines.
To think that I do not have her. To feel that I have lost her.

To hear the immense night, still more immense without her.
And the verse falls to the soul like dew to the pasture.

What does it matter that my love could not keep her.
The night is starry and she is not with me.

This is all. In the distance someone is singing. In the distance.
My soul is not satisfied that it has lost her.

(Void)

My sight tries to find her as though to bring her closer.
My heart looks for her, and she is not with me.

The same night whitening the same trees.
We, of that time, are no longer the same.
...
Though this be the last pain that she makes me suffer
and these the last verses that I write for her.

We all write for a silent reader, listener or spectator. Sometime we say it, sometime we don't.
But, the need for the audience, the people who read, the people who help us write is pertinent. This circle of
Write, Inspire and Network is a life-cycle of a writer. If any of the link is missing, writing as an activity might not be as satisfying as it normally is :)

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