My Sparkbook

I have completed my Sparkbook! Did you make one? Were you inspired to make one anyway?

Before I tackle my front entryway/porch project I decided to make my Sparkbook so I could collect all my ideas and inspirations in it.

I purchased a nice sketch book in plain black. I really liked the black and white polka dot one that HOME Made Simple had, but I decided on a plain one that I could embellish myself. I also decided to use paper tabs instead of fabric swatches since I don't have any fabric here to use.

I opted for Martha Stewart's pretty paper tented place cards. They were perfect in size and they had a blank spot for the label. Because they are cardstock and folded, they make extra sturdy tabs.

I then added some scrapbook paper embellishments and "Karol's Sparkbook" as the title along with "2008". Just incase I decide to make one next year.

Be Inspired, make a Sparkbook! -Karol

Sparkbook!

Forget about the Pot Roast I was going to share about! I'll save that for some other time.

I just received my email update from HOME Made Simple. I just love this idea! It is more than a planner. It is a book of inspirations. I love it!

In drawing graphics, I have begun making an idea board in PSP. I will begin with colors "swatches" and maybe photographs of things I want to draw. This keeps me inspired as I am drawing.

HOME Made Simple has done just this with a journal. It is called a Sparkbook. Here's what they have to say about it:

There are so many things that we experience, read or hear about in our daily lives that “spark” inspiration. We make promises to ourselves to remember these little details but as we get busy it’s easy to move on and forget, even with the best of intentions. What if you had a useful planning tool as your designated place to store and organize all those “sparks” of inspiration?

Isn't that great?! Click on the picture or HERE to go to HOME Made Simple's site and read more about starting your Sparkbook. I am starting one this week!

Be Inspired! -Karol

My Brand New Year

Well, hello. Happy New Year (well, almost) to anyone and everyone that may wander by my blog. Thank you to The Nester for adding me to your Birds of a Feather list! Wow. You're awesome. I love visiting your adorable & fun blog.


This whole blog idea came about because of "inspiration". It's part of the name of my blog and part of my life. I am inspired by so many things: art, designers, friends, pictures, magazines, photographs, beautiful skies I see each day, the wonder of God's creation I take in as I ride my bike in the quietness, and people in my life.


Already as this new year begins I have had some unexpected things happen in my life. Too private to mention, but part of this new year that I begin. Can I give you a word of advice? Mabye a new year's resolution, if you didn't already have one?


Think about the choices you make in life. Even if you're headed in a certain direction, stop and take a look at where you're going. Make adjustments if needed. Each choice we make in life is so important.

As I look back on my life I have regrets. Decisions I made so young that are part of who I am now. Good and bad. We can't change the past, but we can make our future better.


If there's something you've always wanted to do, go do it! Life is short. Do you love to take pictures? Take your camera wherever you go. If you see something, stop and take a picture. Don't think, "I don't have time" or "I'll do that next time I see that". Stop and take the time.

I am beginning a training program in the next week to start running. Will I run a marathon someday? I would love to. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time. Right now I'll just learn how to run without passing out.

I have always wanted to kayak on a lake. I am going to ask for a kayak for my birthday. We'll see. I am going to start going out and enjoying my life. Taking in the beautiful world around me even if by myself and more than I ever have been.


I love to read, but rarely do (besides my Bible). The last 2 books I remember reading in the last year were "The Martha Rules" (10 essentials for achieving success as you start, build, or manage a business) and "More Than A Hobby" the story of David Green, owner and founder of Hobby Lobby. I am going to take the time to read now and then. Gosh, I don't know, maybe go to a coffee shop and sit outside and read. Why have I never done that before? It's so beautiful where I live. I should have been doing that already.

I'm so thankful for the people in my life. My friends, family, and even the strangers I greet in passing. I hope that in some way I can make a difference in someone else's life. Even if just by returning a smile. ...Inspiring them in some way as others have done for me.


Happy New Year and be inspiring to someone else!