desktop file: inspiration...

Welcome again to another Papertrey Ink group post.  Today's post is a bit unique but so much fun!  This stamp set and file concept was designed by Nichole Heady and features concepts by Dawn McVey.  
It's a set designed to coordinate with all three of the Desktop File dies and Rolodex filing systems and includes everything you need to create an easy to manage system for filing bits & pieces of inspiration. From color combinations to sketches, techniques and so much more.

My take on this stamp set and system is probably a bit different from others as I seem to think in non-traditional ways, but one thing that is very important to me is to create things that inspire me and make me want to look and touch, even in my file system shown here.  This sits on my desk in my craft room and in starting this system I knew I wanted it to be something special, more of a decor piece filled with bits of me and my style.  I have started filling it with ideas that float about in my mind or that I see online and have found it to be so much fun to sit down and let an idea come to life quickly and document it on an index card, ready to be put to use later.

I chose to focus mainly on the Embellishments category and have a few samples to show you my take on this system.

Each of these embellishment ideas can be used over and over again in various ways just by changing the color of products used, switching the dies, adding a different sentiment, etc.

Even taking the embellishment to a larger level is an option and so inspiring.

Documenting color combinations that I have wanted to try or that I love to use is another category I focused on.  

I love taking bits and pieces, buttons, scraps, etc, and clipping them to my index card to inspire me even more.  Here I've taken bits of fabric scraps in the color combination noted on the card and mixed in patterns of gingham, floral, and dots, so not only am I inspired by the colors but also by the pattern combinations.

And lastly, I chose to focus a bit on the Packaging category as this is an area that I love to seek out and enjoy incorporating into my paper-crafting.  Here I've listed what I need to make a certain package come to life and have clipped it to a quick version of the package that I can tuck away inside my file system.

I've learned that my file system can be used for so much more than strictly staying organized.  To me it is completely inspirational and I can't wait to fill it day by day and will be sure to share my ideas with you here as they are placed in their new, shabby home.

I can't wait to see how the other designers have used their Desktop File:  Inspiration sets.  I know each will be unique and very much a reflection of themselves.

• Heather Nichols
• Dawn McVey
• Betsy Veldman
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• Maile Belles
• Jessica Witty
• Erin Lincoln
• Danielle Flanders

Thanks for your visit!

Melis

Comments

[Patty O'Malley]

Your filing system is, indeed, a reflection of you--inspirational, detailed, organized, and beautiful! Who knew a filing system could be a decorative item!

[Kristii]

Love, love, love your filing system!! It definitely is a reflection of you...totally inspiring!

[Chrissy L]

These are beautiful! Thanks for sharing a little how you think about creating your own embellishments! :)

[jan m]

Gorgeous goodness!! It would fit nicely in my crafty world too!! :)

[mj]

this is truly an amazing and inspiring work of art ... perfection for getting creativity to flow!! :)

[kelly]

this is just amazing and reminds me of the 'canvas' full of stitching ideas that rebecca sower put together. i would so love to experience all of the textures and ideas in your system as well. love it.

[Tami M.]

You took a storage system to a whole new level! So pretty and inviting, I would love to dig through your ideas! Every card is a little work of art! Love the little box too, so adorable!

[Debstamps]

Reading this post made me think back fondly to my childhood playing "office." I loved everything to do with organizing, ideas, efficiency. I was struck by your observation that the file itself is inspiration! Beautiful work!

[Jennifer K]

A beautiful inspiration box - love it!

[Cresta Woodruff]

Oh, how I love your idea! It is so beautiful and delightful! Thank you for sharing this with us. Have a wonderful day, Melissa!

[Chris]

I love how you took a simple idea and made it your own. Great ideas.

[Susan from Colorado]

Melissa I'm sooo excited about this new product. I think everyone in cyber-space will want this! The presentation was fantastic...can you please tell me what the back ground music and artists is? I adore classical music and would love to have this in my library. Thanks!

[Stacy Simpson]

WOW! What I would give to get inside your creative head! You always blow me away with your projects and take on things. TFS!

[Gabby]

LOVE your inspiration box! It is so nice, it's a decoration in itself! Beautiful, Melissa! :)

[Jill Norwood]

I especially like the idea of recording embellishment recipes since I don't always remember how I came up with a flower or tag that I really loved....I think I will remember but I don't....LOL! This could really help me!

[Kolleen moss]

I love your shabby file system. Awesome. My favorite.

[scrapcat]

c'est superbe !! je suis sous le charme !!! bisous !!

[Helen LeBrett]

Love your take on the file system and making it more 3-D and tactile: it looks so fun :-)

[Maya]

Yours is the best! Super cute and functional.

[dee]

spectacular!!

[Mary Davis]

Love how you have decorated your file cards. Beautiful project.

[Barbara M.]

Beautiful and functional...what more could you want in organization?

[janet wilson]

Beautiful embellishing :)

[Lisa]

This is so YOU Melissa and I love it! Why not make a filing system uniquely yours...perfect idea!

[Cynde]

This form of taking all the things and ideas and putting them together for future works of art is Wonderful. I already do that only I put them all in file folders. an get a bit bulky!! Like the idea of the little cute box and then have better access to them also. Thanks for sharing.