As the new year approaches, I'm in the mood for a fresh start in my studio. After this busy month, I feel compelled to get organized and straighten up the mess, especially the pile of magazines I've been hanging on to. So I spent some time this morning leafing through them and pulling out tear sheets to add to my inspiration book.
Consisting of a simple, inexpensive sketch book with my own handmade cover, my inspiration book is filled with images from favorite shelter magazines. Though I enjoy these publications, I don't have room to keep them all.
But before they get tossed into the recycling bin, I always make sure to skim through them one more time and rip out the photos that speak to me. Today's new pile will get added to the many sheets already in my book.
I'm all done tackling my overflowing basket of magazines and things are already looking tidier in my studio.
Hmm, how interesting . . . I just noticed that most of the publications are over a year old. I guess since I frequent many beautiful blogs, my desire to read decorating magazines has diminished. The only one I have faithfully saved is every single issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion. I never tire of looking through those pages and wouldn't dream of tearing them apart, especially since the magazine is no longer published.
So now I'm left this morning with a big stack of inspiring tear sheets. And as I only have a few pages left in my inspiration book, it looks like it's time to start Volume II.
(This post is linked to Kimba's DIY Day at A Soft Place to Land. Check it out!)
Susan
Hi!
Just discovered your blog-LoVe it!!
I do the same with my mags, and I have every.single.page. that you clipped in my book!
Crazy, huh?
Off to read more!
Posted by: April | March 05, 2010 at 08:05 AM
You've just inspired me to do the same thing with your pretty inspiration book!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | December 23, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Hi Claudia,
For my inspiration book, I used the Academie Wirebound Sketch Book in the 11" x 8 1/2" size. It is inexpensive, has heavy weight paper, is acid-free, lignin-free, and fade-resistant. You can find it online at www.mead.com.
Posted by: Susan | December 19, 2009 at 10:16 AM
Those pictures look familiar! They are among my favorites. I suffer from too many magazines - you may have inspired me to tackle that task. I, too, have every issue of MEHC and will never part with them.
xo
Claudia
What kind of notebook/binder do you use, Susan?
Posted by: Claudia | December 19, 2009 at 09:25 AM
I also have an inspiration book (OK, a few of them), though I use plastic slipsheets in a binder. I just love looking through them for inspiration & ideas or even just to feel happy!
Posted by: Kim | December 19, 2009 at 08:22 AM
Great, an excuse for a new project! Can't wait to see the new book.
I tried to explain your system, which is the one I also use. Hubby is appalled that I would "ruin" them. That's okay, behind every good man is an organized woman.
Posted by: Mom Wald | December 18, 2009 at 08:47 PM
Lovely idea....need to tackle my stack too!
Posted by: Carrie | December 18, 2009 at 03:42 PM
Go for it Pam! Then I'd love to see your inspiration book on your blog.
Posted by: Susan | December 18, 2009 at 03:41 PM
Love it. I always say I am going to make an inspiration book but I just have piles of torn out pages. You have inspired me. I also have all of Mary's issues. Never tire of looking at them.
Posted by: Pam | December 18, 2009 at 03:35 PM
i love how your book is like *your* perfect magazine.. all pictures that speak to you! cute idea! xo! Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Brandi | December 18, 2009 at 02:17 PM
Hi,
I also tear up my mags and keep the good stuff, but agree on ME Home Companion- those are kept intact!
Have a Great Holiday!
Leslie
Posted by: leslie Hernandez | December 18, 2009 at 12:32 PM
Hey, I have the same pictures in MY inspiration book! What are the chances?
Posted by: Vintage Cate | December 18, 2009 at 12:17 PM