Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I am so thankful for many things this year, especially for all the readers of this blog. I wish you a wonderful day with great food, friends, and family!
image via Belindas Great Ideas
Posts Tagged ‘Inspiration’
Happy Thanksgiving
Thursday, November 22nd, 2012Be The Quote
Monday, June 18th, 2012
I am back and I have missed you all! I didn’t realize how much this little space on the internet actually meant to me and others until I stepped away for a few weeks. I felt a little guilty not posting daily and then it became weekly, but I am happy to say 8Balloons is now back! It has been a busy few weeks, but that still is not a good enough excuse. A big reason for the absence started almost a month ago. I had a light bulb moment (don’t you love those?!), and I focused all my energy on how to make that “light bulb” idea come to fruition. This idea came from the love I have for the blog community and I cannot wait to see if this little idea becomes reality. For now, I can’t say 8Balloons will be a daily posting, but I can say there will be no more once a week posts. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s start this week off with some of my favorite quotes right now.
Have you ever had an idea that felt so right and you wanted to do something to create it? If so, how did you do it? If you haven’t yet, maybe these quotes will resonate with you and give you that push you need. Here is to a great beginning of the week!
P.S. Thank you to all the readers who emailed me throughout the weeks about the blog. Your kind words meant the world to me!
{first image via thx thx thx}
via My Attic
via behappy.me
via Daily Pep Talk From A Best Friend
Reverb11: Beginnings
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Reverb11-To Reflect and Manifest What Is To Come
I am excited to embark on a new journey for the last month of 2011 and I encourage you all to join me! Last year I followed Gwen Bell’s Reverb10 and thought it was a wonderful idea and hoped to participate this year. If you are not familiar with Reverb10, it was an online community that helped you to reflect on the past year and allow yourself to go forward into the new year with purpose. This was done with daily prompts throughout December that focused on different areas of your life within the past year.
I was watching for it this year and soon found out the previous contributors were not hosting it. However, with that said my dear friend Carolyn of A Beautiful Ripple Effect with her friend Tiffany Moore decided to host Reverb11 on Carolyn’s blog, and I can’t wait to embark on this project and the daily prompts she chooses. I will be posting hopefully everyday the prompts and I hope they will help you gain some insight within yourself. As Carolyn states, “The purpose of Reverb11 is to reflect on the past year and usher in the new year with intention.” If you find it touches a chord with you please join in on her site and we can all form a community of encouragement for each other going into the new year!
Note to Self: Just because you forget or can’t write a prompt doesn’t mean you should quit!
Prompt #1: One Word
Encapsulate the year 2011 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2012 for you?
“Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do.” (44) The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
To encapsulate almost 365 days of different emotions and experiences is extremely difficult but if I had to weigh most of these feelings into one word it would have to be best summed up with the word “beginnings”. This year I set out to do the very thing that had terrified me most of my life; writing. I have been known to have turned down numerous jobs and also have not applied to many jobs within the years if they had writing in any of their job descriptions. My whole life I always wanted to write and yet I was petrified to. Every time I even attempted to sit down and type I would freeze up. Now looking back this last year, all the other years I really never did try. For five years I have had an idea for a book. It was all in my head, but I just couldn’t get it on paper. I decided I would start a blog and write daily as a way to help ease into writing. I decided I would write about my favorite things; paper goods and other inspirations. The only issue was, I would sit in front of the computer and freeze again. But last January I decided to really push through it and I did. This is my 168th post this year. I started January 3,2011 and I never stopped. Every time I hit a road bump I would make note of it and also how I was able overcome it so I would never forget. Beginning this blog has changed numerous aspects of my life this year and overall giving me more purpose in everything I do. It has helped me overcome my writing fears and most importantly has helped connect me with some of the dearest people I have ever met. I even formed new jobs and career paths because of it. Sometimes you have to reach out of your own community to find the people that understand you and I have done so through 8Balloons. I still remember last February and how tough it was to write one post daily, and now I sit down more confidently and the ideas flow much easier. Sometimes you have to let go of pressures that only exist within. I am now starting to attempt to write my book and hope to be a more confident writer this coming year. I always say I just want to get to the beginning of my beginning and I hope to accomplish this in 2012. I would like the word that captures 2012 to be “Courageous”. Although I don’t think you can ever be completely fearless, I would like to find a way kick those self-doubts in the butt and manage them better. Overall, just to be courageous in all that I set out to do.
“Whatever, you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin it now.” (101) The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
My Apologies, I promise the prompt answers won’t be this long. I’m new to this!
Join Carolyn’s Reverb11 here for daily prompts and connect with others and the Reverb Facebook Group Page
Showing Up
Saturday, September 10th, 2011
One Positive Thought via A Beautiful Ripple Effect
This has been a difficult week for me as I am sure it has been for everyone else. The past week I have continued to question whether I should post about what occurred ten years ago, tomorrow on September 11th. However, I kept contemplating doing so because I did not know what I would say, how I would say it, or even if my response was warranted on this subject. Last night I read my friend Carolyn Rubenstein’s post on A Beautiful Ripple Effect on the matter, and was very inspired by her words and how she summed up beautifully what I was feeling as I am sure it is what others are feeling too. She discussed that although you may not have the words nor the answer in which to respond, you could and can still show up. As she says, “just showing up and acknowledging the emotions at play. There is no “right” thing to say”. She also spoke upon the fact that although you can be consumed by the media’s take on it and be overwhelmed with the fear and anxiety, that she wanted to stay true to her blog (as she does) and create a beautiful ripple effect of inspiration one person at a time. Like Carolyn, you can do this too by placing one positive thought into the world this weekend and/or lighting a candle to signify hope and light.
I am responding to that and will be lighting a candle in memory of those who have lost their lives and for those whose life was forever changed that day. I hope you join me in doing the same. I have learned that although I do not have the words or the right thing to say I could still show up and let others know simply that I am thinking of this day and what it meant personally to me. Sometimes that is all you have to say. That is all we can do-let each other know we are together.
Help to create this beautiful ripple effect too.
via One Positive Thought from A Beautiful Ripple Effect
Happiness Visualized
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011This week has gone pretty fast for me surprisingly, but for some of you who maybe feeling the Wednesday hump day blues, here is a short list of (very) random things that have made me happy this week and hopefully you!
Bookcases are an obsession right now for my new apartment
Skull Chair
Dream Bedding (Anthropologie)
SeeJaneWork work space inspiration (Ikea desk)
LBCpaper (Leah Copplestone) Handmade Paper Flower Magnets
Japanese Papers via Paper Source
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Shoes!
Anna Sui Dress
Trolls- very random but miss playing with them more so than Barbies
Eggs, Toast and Avocado (California Style)
I have been liking Newcastle
Mallomars-a classic
The War of Art
True
I have to remind myself this everyday
All images via:
Follow me on Pinterest @8balloons
The (not so) Organized Bride
Friday, February 11th, 2011
Paper Heart Wreath
Love… It is the order of the day each February 14th… Valentine’s Day
It is common knowledge that this day is filled with couples eager to celebrate their love for each other whether that day include heart shaped candies, exchanging valentines, or a romantic dinner (if you could even get a reservation, apparently Valentine’s Day set-menus are very popular!). But did you ever wonder what the legend is behind St. Valentine?
Although the truth cannot be traced to any archive, there are several stories that can be told. One particular is that Claudius II, a Roman Emperor who ruled in the 3rd century, thought unmarried men made better soldiers. He believed that married men were too emotionally attached to their families, making them weak. As a result, Claudius II had prohibited the marriage of soldiers. St. Valentine, a bishop during this time, took pity upon the young soldiers who were unable to marry or see their sweethearts. He recognized that young lovers were giving up their hope of ever being married. Due to this, St. Valentine planned to respond to the Roman Emperor’s order in secrecy. So, whenever lovers thought of marrying, they went to St. Valentine who met them in a secret place, and joined them in matrimony. And, since St. Valentine performed these secret marriages, it is very fitting that couples declare their love for each other through having their own wedding ceremony held on Valentine’s Day.
There are so many creative ways to incorporate the theme of Valentine’s into a wedding… here are just a few of my favorite examples from save-the-dates to reception decorations…
Tell everyone you are tying the knot on Valentine’s Day…
Chucks Shoe Tie The Knot Save the Date
Let this conversation heart say it all… I love save-the-dates! (And The Office)
Heart Inspired Wedding Save the Date
Inside
A “heart felt” save-the-date magnet- unique and decorative!
Heart Magnet
Ruby & Willow by Kate Holland
Classy and cupid inspired invitations…
Ruby&Willow Invite
This craft featured on TheKnottyBride.com is adorable and simple, makes a bride and groom’s first toast extra special. Paper straws with hearts by Andrea Gray Harper:
Paper Straws with Hearts- Andrea Gray Harper
I Love it All with Monika Wright
How about a banner just for the new couple hanging over the sweetheart table- very cute for pictures!
Be Mine Banner
Via:
Save the Dates: http://jackandjillwedding.com/
Save the Dates: http://www.etsy.com/people/rbgcolor
Save the Date Magnets: http://www.loveandlavender.com/
Wedding Invites: http://www.etsy.com/shop/rubyandwillow
Paper Straws with Hearts: http://theknottybride.com/
Banner: http://iloveitallwithmonikawright.blogspot.com/
History:
http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/history-of-valentines-day.htm
http://www.theholidayspot.com/valentine/history_of_valentine.htm
365 Series: Week 4 of the Creative Journey
Monday, February 7th, 2011Congrats to Merryl for reaching week 4 of her creative journey! They just keep on getting better 
I can’t wait to see next week’s creatives…
Day 22: Create a bridge. Thanks to Alisia and the inventory closet. Rough terrain for those sour patch kids!
Day 22
Day 23: Waste not! Use materials from the recycling bin today! I made a journal using the book backs from Day 8, bottle labels, and pop cans.
Day 23
Day 24: It’s not easy being green. Use green materials and maybe even create with a green background! These are friendship bracelets with letter charms for my 365 friends on Instagram!
Day 24
Day 25: Work with nature. Walk outside in the yard or a park and find your materials. “The weather is here, wish you were beautiful.”
Day 25
Day 26: Make something portable that usually isn’t. I don’t live in the same town as my family, and I think the idea of them being “portable” (even the ones not pictured) at any moment would be quite a blessing. So instead I put them in my mini wallet, and heart of course! Home is where the heart is!
Day 26
Day 27: Use an event dream as an inspiration. I often times, can not remember my dreams. So instead, I used this photo I took recently at the beach one night. It was so dark and so beautiful out, it almost felt like a dream. There is a quote I LOVE by Neil Gaiman that speaks perfectly on this photo, the way I feel about this project, and life in general. I wish you all good madness, and make art!
Day 27
Day 28: Use traditional school supplies like a number 2 pencil and lined notebook paper to make something not so traditional. A couple of paper chimes!
Day 28
To see Merryl’s daily prompts follow her on Instagram @Merskies
The (not so) Organized Bride
Friday, February 4th, 2011
Edward de Bono
“‘Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way.” - Edward de Bono
My established pattern involves burying my kitchen table under piles of wedding magazines and bridal etiquette books amid other wedding materials begging to be properly put away. I just can’t bring myself to put them away though. I have combed through these books and magazines, tearing out pages and dog-earing others, thinking I’ll do something with the beautiful images, but what? It was that question that haunted me each time I looked at that inspirational mess of papers and books. I knew I wanted to display them somehow so I could enjoy them and have my wedding ideas grow daily. Visual inspiration is something I need to keep me motivated. I’m not the type of person that can visualize possibilities without inspiration. My sister, Lauren, however, can look at an empty room, imagine all its possibilities and paint you a verbal picture. I lack that gift and as such I need to “see” my wedding. But since I wasn’t sure how to organize my pictures yet (surprise, surprise), I continue to collect them.
In addition to magazines and books, I check out online wedding sites and blogs for more color ideas, patterns, bridal gowns, flowers and so on. In the midst of my search I learned about the site called Pinterest.com. Actually I learned of this through Julie’s post “Stay Pinterested!“ (Thanks Julie!) The site is self described as a social catalog service. “Think of it as a virtual pinboard — a place where you can post collections of things you love, and “follow” collections created by people with great taste.” Not only is it a visual board containing all things of your choosing, it’s also an organizational site that does the organizing for you (now we’re talkin’!) and will benefit me when I am ready to put my pictures to work. For instance, if I choose to pin flowers on my virtual pinboard, then I can create a “flower box” (no pun intended) for all flower inspirations. This organization will come in handy when I am ready to meet with a florist for the wedding. I just simply log on to my account, click the ”flower box” and print all the flowers I want to show the florist. Although it sounds as though I have already started Pinterest, I do not have an account set up yet. I am anxiously waiting for my invitation to the site to be accepted. Yes, one must first request to be invited to the site before being able to make an account, part of its appeal, I think. Until then, I still have to deal with the mess on my table and with the inspiration of Pinterest guiding me, I will now fashion my own wedding inspiration board allowing me to let my creativity flow thus breaking my own established pattern and looking at this beautiful mess in a different way.
BlushingandSweet Inspiration Board
This site is just a feel-good website. It is another new discovery, but each time I go on I know I will leave it with a smile and encouragement. Luckily, this week they wrote the article, “Project: Inspiration Board.” This is a long the lines of what I would like to do with my pictures! I like how they incorporated fabrics and words as well…
Snippetandink Inspiration Board
Another great site! This one is about “Daily Wedding Inspiration.” They have a whole portion dedicated solely to inspiration boards which are categorized by Mood and Palette, check it out…http://www.snippetandink.com/category/inspiration-boards
Via:
http://www.blushingandsweet.com/
Edward de Bono image from:
http://trc.virginia.edu/Staff/Palmer_WorkshopDesc.htm
Creative vs. Craft
Monday, January 31st, 2011Merryl Magnuson is a weekly contributor on 8Balloons, sharing her journey of daily creatives from Noah Scalin’s book, 365: A Daily Creative Journal-Make Something Everyday and Change Your Life.
In the beginning of this Daily Creative Journal, I was having an inner struggle on where I thought this adventure was heading. Certain ideas were attainable, yet sometimes the final product was not what my original intentions were to be. This project has become such a wonderful outlet, why was I feeling frustrated? Almost instantly I became my own worst critic putting pressure and too much thought into the process. I inhaled the word creative and spun it into this synonym for crafting, finding myself confused on what was sitting right in front of me. What direction am I taking and why am I finding it difficult to make a decision? I couldn’t just “do” my creative prompt. The motivation was abundant but the jumping right in felt stalled. I read Scalin’s message on how this was supposed to be a stress free, fun, small moment of my day and pretty much chose to ignore it. Until I re-read why he created this book in the first place and the break through happened. I was thrown into this parallel universe of the Creative vs. the Craft. My ideas were fighting my ability to construct. This was all wrong. They coincide together and should work as a team. Having a creative idea is where the craft originates. So after taking all of this into consideration I threw my arms up took a deep breath and just worked. The heavy feeling was released and the next couple of prompts came easily, without any hesitation! I hope you enjoy this week’s batch!
Day 15: Use a dollar bill as your inspiration today. New readers and a bookmark for 6 bucks, beat that big chain bookstores 
Day 15
Day 16: Use a potato/ sponge to create a stamp! 8 Balloons was my inspiration!
Day 16
Day 17: Make something that’s inspired by or goes over the eye! Mum mum mum mum p p p poker face!
Day 17
Day 18: Work with things you find in your car(or a friends.) Time was limited today, although, I had enough earrings in the car for a mini chandelier
Day 18
Day 19: Create something that floats on water. Foam locket necklace. Give hope a chance to float up, and it will…
Day 19
Day 20: Use clay today! Separate pieces of clay rolled up here. It ended up pink and the perfect little pen holder on my desk.
Day 20
Day 21: Write a 10 word love story. You look good wearing my future.. I’ll take size forever.
Day 21
To see more of Merryl’s daily prompts follow her on instagram @ Merskies
Resources:
Noah Scalin’s 365: A Daily Creative Journal-Make Something Everyday and Change Your Life
Happy and Creative Monday!
Monday, January 17th, 2011As I was discussing last week, my best friend Merryl decided to put creativity back in her life daily with Noah Scalin’s, “365: A Daily Creativity Journal: Make Something Everyday and Change Your Life!”. Each Monday I will be posting Merryl’s weekly journal of her creations. Here is the first week of her journey in her own words…
Every first day of the New Year, I find myself sifting through my mental notes of all the ideas or projects I wanted to accomplish from the previous year. At the end of 2010 I felt those echoes louder than ever. The little things I enjoyed doing, such as crafting, became completely isolated. You know, “life happens” and “there aren’t enough hours in the day” syndrome. Then I fell upon a fun, creative iPhone app (Instagram) and a girl’s photo about a book, and her idea for the New Year.
The book Julie mentioned earlier, 365: A Daily Creative Journal- Make Something Everyday and Change Your Life spoke to me. My inner crafter started dancing with motivation and two hours later I was at the book store. I felt like the stars aligned and this was exactly what I needed. The idea is to make an original creation everyday, and in return feel the sense of accomplishment. No stress, no restrictions, and no pressure for the next Mona Lisa. A simple and inventive prompt for each day of the year and you step into adult recess; a tiny break from your hectic day to have fun and be creative! Ironically, on the first day of 2011, what I was yearning for so long, fell right into my lap!
Julie invited me to post some of my daily creatives here on her blog. I’m exited to see where this new creative adventure leads! Here are Days 1-7!
Day 1: Make something that fits into the palms of your hands using materials only in your immediate enviorment. Velcro and a button in the shape of a heart. (from my flip-flop) All you need is love!
Day 1
Day 2: what is your favorite animal? Use that as your inspiration today. A basset hound named Tank. Paper weaving of a pop art pup, I like to call it “basset weaving!”
Day 2
Day 3: make something out of paper but don’t use scissors, glue, or draw on it. Monogram post it’s paper sun 365.
Day 3
Day: 4 Take a five minute walk and where you end up, use whatever materials available. Then, leave it there for someone else to discover. “amour, period” This was in a local park.
Day 4
Day 5: What do you collect? I felt my home grown roots and chose a selected group of UI garb! Each save a great memory and remind me of a place I really, love.
Day 5
Day 6: look in the kitchen and use the first fruit/ veg you see. “The Berry Bunch”
Day 6
Day 7: Make a stencil. A favorite classic in rotation lately, Auntie Mame. She’s fabulous and inspiring.
I also gifted a bottle of wine and used it for the bag. “Life’s a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!”
Day 7
Day 7 extended
Follow Merryl on Instagram for more updates @ Merskies
To purchase the book go to:
http://www.amazon.com/365-Creativity-Journal-Something-Change/dp/0760339961/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
I am 8Balloons curator Julie Reif and I love all things paper and other beautiful creations. I am not the artist but rather the admirer. 
