2010 Calendar

Some of you may know how much I love buying a new calendar every year.  Last year it was my letterpress calendar from Paper Source and the year before I bought a couple from a tourist shop in Florence.  Well, this year there were too many calendars to choose from and I really needed to save my money since I am leaving soon.  SO I decided that I could make my own considering I have taken quite a few photos that I enjoy and plenty to fill up a year.  After a little bit of time and effort in deciding on a layout I have come up with this:

The text is in Italian but generally it is pretty easy to read since the months go in the same order and the days just start on Monday.  Next year I will make a new one and find a good printer so I can sell copies on Etsy.

A Moleskine Year

I saw this last weekend at a bookstore and fell completely in love.  The Moleskine 2010 Color a Month Daily Planner.  I was instantly sad that I had already bought my 18 Month planner back in June, but then realized that the Color a Month Planner wouldn't be very practical for me right now.  It would take up quite a bit of space when packing and the new year doesn't start for few months.  I still have time if I find it necessary.  But for those of you who aren't planning on moving to another country right away-- who wouldn't want a planner that changes colors every month.  Perfect for planning events, noting different appointments, and if you like the idea of keeping a small journal this is great for that too!

Product Description: 
January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010
An individual Volant daily planner for each month of the year. Light and practical to carry, easy to collect. The 12 months are packed in a gift box that protects,organizes, and preserves.

Schmap

You may notice that I haven't updated in a rather long time. All of that is about to change and starting now. I am headed back to Italy and this time will have internet access so posting won't be quite so difficult. My adventures, photos and other ramblings will all be written about here instead of my usual mass emails.
But for today- there is now a little Schmap widget next to my posts. This widget has found it's way onto my blog, because Schmap has included one of my photos in it's 8th edition of the Florence Guide. If you look for the Piazzale Michelangleo photos (or click here)you will find one that is credited by me! I am pretty excited. Also for those of you who travel you can get a Schmap app for your phone so check that out.
I'll be back with more later and be sure to check out my website and flickr, because I will be posting pictures there as well!

Finally a 'Real' Website!

visit me @ www.meghanhawkes.com
see you there!

Paper Giveaway!!!

The Paper Place is giving awaythe an ultimate Chiyogami sample pack, an 8.5x11” sheet of every Chiyogami paper they offer in their online store– 637 patterns in total (retail value $1911.00). All you have to do is comment on their page for a chance to win. Deadline is December 31st at midnight. Visit their website for more details and of course a chance to WIN!

Recycle and Save this Christmas. project 1

Christmas Card Gift Tags -- great for all ages but little kids will need some help. Fun to do with family and share stories!

Supplies:
-Front of old Christmas Cards (make sure the back is blank)
-Scissors- fancy and/or regular
-Ribbon
-Hole puncher
-Pen
-Optional: Glitter and Glue

*Cut around desired image on the card. ex: star, snowman, writing
*Punch hole near any corner.
*Cut ribbon about 4 or 5 inches long and tie through the hole with loose ends. Later tie on a bow or ribbon on a wrapped package or on the handle of a bag.
*Write a message on the back and be sure to write who the gift is for and who it is from!!
*Add glitter if you wish, if not on the front then on the back.
*Most of all HAVE FUN!

Dresser Dressing

Before: green walls, purple trim, and silver dresser with blue/silver fabric over the drawers.













After: pale blue walls, cream trim, and white canvas covered dresser.















Supplies: spray adhesive, un-primed canvas (drop cloth will work), primer, polyurethane, scissors, and paint brush.

How to:
spray the surface with adhesive and the back of strips of canvas-- small portions at a time. Adhere the canvas to the dresser. Once the dresser is covered prime the canvas. After everything is dry coat the dresser with polyurethane and maybe two coats on top. I used a liquid but you can also use a spray and the color may not be quite as yellow.

Cost: $0 for me but very low if you don't already have all of the supplies.