Showing posts with label New Years. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Years. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

New Year Goals Tin


Happy New Year everyone! It is that time of the year: when you set those goals to last until 2015 rolls around. If you are like a lot of people, you might set some lofty goal and then fail to reach it each year, but I'm here to give you a crafty little way to make the best of it this year. A cute little tin filled with monthly goals to help you achieve the bigger "resolution".

To make your own goal tin for 2014 you will need:

Colored papers or card stock of your choice
scissors or a small paper cutter
pen or pencil
washi tape
small jar or decorative tin



Start by cutting out your paper strips. I used 12"x12" sheets of cardstock and cut them into 6"x1" strips. I used a different color of paper for each goal area: 1 for blogging goals, one for exercising goals, and one for food goals. You can make as many "mini goals" for each category as you like, but don't overwhelm yourself with more than 12 in any category--you want to be able to achieve them all by December!


Next, write a mini goal for the month onto each paper slip. I really want to try to blog more this year (I find I often don't realize how long it has been between posts because of all the updates I post on facebook or instagram- I want to be more present on my blog this year).

Try to set yourself up for success by not making your goals too specific (instead of "lose 2 pounds each week" make goals like "take a 30 minute walk after dinner 4 times a week"). By setting small goals that can become habits, you set yourself up to succeed in your larger goal!


Close each mini goal with a colorful piece of washi tape. This will help keep you from "cherry picking" your goals each month by keeping those paper slips closed (no peeking!). I also find that by having a bunch of colorful paper slips in your jar, with happy little tape accents you are more likely to notice those goals at the start of each month--and maybe even look forward to each new challenge!

Put all of your paper slips into a jar, and place that jar somewhere you will notice it. You can even set up a reminder at the start of each month so you don't forget to start those new mini goals (if you use Outlook or another program with calendar capabilities it is easy to set reminders up--you can even do them on your smart phone!).


As you can see, I chose a decorative tin for my goals, as it is what I had on hand. I have seen lots of different glass jars, etc. at places like the dollar store though, so get creative on what method best motivates you to keep your mini goals going all year long!



Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!


Hello everyone and welcome to 2012! If you are like me, 2011 kind of went by in a blur and left you in the dust (hence this post not coming until January 4th!). First of all I want to take a minute to thank each and every one of you for joining me here on The Craftinomicon, whether this is your first visit or just another one of many. I love writing these blogs, but without anyone to share them with I'm sure I'd eventually give it up. All of your comments, questions, emails, etc. are genuinely appreciated by yours truly.


The picture above shows several of my favorite projects and recipes from the past year. I can only hope I manage to outdo myself this year with even more great projects for you all to try out yourselves! The Holidays actually brought me and my family some very good news that will be the inspiration for some super awesome crafty projects this year.

First off, my cousin Lindsey and her husband announced on their Christmas card that they are expecting their first baby, due in late June! Everyone is quite excited and you can rest assured that there will be several baby themed projects making their way to the blog the first half of the year (and probably on through to the end!).


Second, and what I am probably most excited about, my little sister got engaged just a couple days after Christmas! Aaaah! Congratulations again, Katie and Isaiah! I am super duper excited! Being the crafty older sister, I am going to be providing ideas and likely several final projects for their special day! If you are planning a wedding or know someone who is, you will definitely want to keep coming back for some great tutorials on centerpieces, paper flower arrangements, folding several varieties of paper flowers, wedding accessories and more. We are frugal people, so these tips will be especially worth note to those of you who are being budget savvy this new year!


I also have a few crafty New Years resolutions that will be making their way onto the blog, as well as into my newsletter.

1) I am going to learn how to make soap this year. I have wanted to try it for awhile, but I am finally going to put forth the effort to research, buy the necessary supplies and then get to work experimenting on making my own soaps! If this is something you've always wanted to try too, get ready for a great journey into the world of soap making with me! If you have any resources that you would highly recommend, I would also appreciate them!

2) I am going to start including scrap projects monthly! My scrap projects ideas and scrap project roundup from this past year were really quite a hit, and the ideas don't stop there, so once a month (maybe more!) I am going to let you in on some great projects to use up scrap fabrics, papers and more!

3) For those amongst us trying to be a little healthier in 2012, I will be trying to limit my sinful dessert recipes on Friday Food Craft posts to only one or 2 a month. Other posts will likely have yummy dinner recipes, including a lot more veggies! I am also gong to be making some yummy breads and side dishes to liven up the everyday dinner fare.


Do you have any crafty resolutions? Are there any projects in 2012 you can't wait to start? I'd love to hear all about them!


Posts featured in above photo are:

Alice in Wonderland painted coaster
Humpback Whale Plush
Easy Bruschetta
Gift Card Envelopes
Make Your Own Bath Salts
Squid Drinking Glass
Hotdogtopus!
DIY gift bows