DIY Idea Journal

I made a fabulous “Idea Journal” using great products from Office Depot as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars. #GearLove

Friends, if I haven’t said it before, let me say it now — I love office supplies!  For me, an office supply store is a like a toy store is for a child.  I get giddy and spend more money than need be because I must have that pen and those post its… and, um, did you see that cute notebook?  That’s my thought process while there… a little cray-cray, I know.

A few weeks ago I attended Snap and heard the fabulous ladies (Emma and Elsie) behind A Beautiful Mess speak.  One of the many things that stood out to me was the concept of keeping an Idea Journal.  Elsie talked about how important it is to keep your creative juices flowing and to take time every day to jot down ideas in an idea journal.

I’ve been obsessing about the idea now and thought it was about time to get to it.  Sure, I could have bought an ordinary notebook or a fancy journal, but as a DIYer and office supply lover — I thought I would put myself to the challenge and head off to my local Office Depot for supplies.  Office Depot has a huge selection for everything from home office and school supplies to gear for the craftiest of crafters (like me… hee-hee).  And here is what I came up with…

Supplies:

Recycled Composition Notebook (kraft color)
Paisley Duct Tape
See Jane Work® Permanent Self-Adhesive Labels
Scissors
Black File Band, optional
Plaid Post-it® Printed Flags, optional

Also pictured above:  
See Jane Work® Binder Clips
Jumbo Paper Clips with See Jane Work® Fabric Magnets attached

*Note:  All of the supplies used in this post and that are pictured were purchased at Office Depot.

Step One:  Attach Duct Tape.

I chose to attach my duct tape to the binding of the Composition Notebook; however, you could cover the entire notebook if you’d like {smile}.

Step Two:  Add Personalized Adhesive Label.

These awesome sauce See Jane Work® Self-Adhesive Labels allow you to print on them using the Avery Template 2225.  I used one of my favorite fonts (Heartwell) to personalize it with “Idea Journal.”  Simply print and attach to your (new) idea journal.

Step Three:  Add Extras.

Use the incredibly adorable plaid post-it flags to mark off pages and using your black file band to keep your notebook sealed.  This will come in super handy if you start to add loose sheets of paper, etc.   I love having both of these goodies on-hand, PLUS they add a little subtle bling.

What do you think?  Feeling inspired? Even if you don’t make your own, I do hope you’re inspired to start an idea journal.  It can be for food, doodling, pictures, crafts, quotes, etc.  I dare you to Google idea journals — then click on the images tab.  HOLY INSPIRATION, batman.  I was beaming ear to ear with excitement.  The possibilities are endless!

You can gear up for great and find just about anything you need for so many creative and organizational projects at Office Depot.  Show off your Gear Love on your social media channels by using the hashtag #GearLove!  I’ll keep a look out too!

Care to stay in the loop? I’d love to have you!
Catch me snapping + sharing pictures over on Instagram.
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