Last year we painted our dining room table(s) with chalkboard paint – I wish I had kept a record of all the fun stuff that has been sketched and written on them over the year. I have started now. For Thanksgiving (and probably the rest of the season) I found the perfect quote “To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition” (Samuel Johnson) and sketched it out using chalk and chalkboard pens. It’s not perfect but I’m OK with that, it’s my first attempt at something like this and it can only get better from here. I enjoyed every moment. Sometimes I forget to take the time to just create, not for a company, not for a reason, just because. Home is the perfect place to do that.
This is a great idea for a gift (hint hint). A mug that you write on, then bake (to set your message) and send. Or just leave it blank and let them design their own mug. From Bailey doesn’t bark (a new favorite of mine)
Nothing will ever quite be the same again. The people who bought us idea paint (yes, I have mentioned it before) – the paint that turns any surface into a whiteboard have launched a new product – CLEAR.
CLEAR can be applied over any type and any color of interior paint to achieve a dry erase think space that seamlessly blends with any decor. It is also certified low-emission, virtually odorless (insert happy dance here). This is one of those companies who make innovative products with a conscience (insert sigh of contentment here). To add to this they are donating $25 for each kit sold to charity: water a non-profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations.
The future just became CLEAR - imagine the possibilities! – what would you use if for?
Watch the video below. You can read my other post about idea paint here.
UPDATE: I would like to welcome all the people visiting from NOTCOT – you obviously already have good taste and a creative mind, you are most welcome here.
Sometimes all you need is simple – beautifully simple. I love this week view desktop planner – and it’s the same size as a MacBookPro – now that’s clever. From MoreMatter via BetterLivingThroughDesign
Thought I’d share this with you today – A Valentine’s card you can download and make your own. Fill the heart with words, pictures, a story, a poem, little drawings, anything you like… be creative, be clever! – and Happy Valentine’s Day. Click here (or on the image) for instructions.
If you are looking for something more humorous to make, Check out the “punny Valentines” post here.
I must admit I have been a fan of idea paint since I heard the name. Now I have tested it I’m a fan for life.
One day, when I have my giant ‘thinking space’ – oh yes, there are plans in my head – everything will be painted with this magical stuff. This weekend I got sent my first actual swatch painted onto some dry wall and in person, it’s whiter, harder and more durable than I imagined. It seems as though all dry erase markers wipe off easily (with none of that typical whiteboard shadowing). I even wrote on it with a Sharpie (yes a permanent one) and it came off (it took a little gentle scrubbing) – I wouldn’t recommend trying it.
I have a wall waiting for this stuff, it’s not cheap by any means so I have to save up. But look out 2012 – this is your first project.
If I could I would paint EVERY surface in my office with this stuff.. I really don’t have anything bad to say about it. The guys who invented this took 10 years to get it perfect, and it shows.
Start with a small can, paint a table, a board, the back of your front door, a square on the wall. Paint something. This stuff is genius. Find out more here
I know, it’s another calendar but I just couldn’t resist. And yes, I’m ordering this for me.
You get two rolls, one date, one month to give you endless combinations. You could put the whole year on a wall, put the month on the back of the door, even wrap gifts marked with the person’s birthday.
I may already have a collection of interesting tape (will remember to show you in a future blog post).
from Innovatoys – (it’s out of stock at the moment, if anyone finds somewhere to buy this please let me know via Email – I NEED THIS)
UPDATE: it’s made by SuckUK (my favorites- expect a gushy post about how I met them before they were famous one of these days) but doesn’t seem to be available at the moment. If anyone finds it let me know and I’ll share here)
This is my vanity table where I get ready every morning. The message helps me remember not to say mean things to myself about the way I look. It sets me up for a good day of meeting beautiful people.
Yes, I do stick letters on anything – most of them peel-off well and you can change them (with a bit of help from goo-gone or something similar). I like to be reminded of things for the days I don’t feel that way naturally.
By now you know I love things you can write on, and these cushions seem incredibly cool. (I know about 1000 teenagers who would love them too) – they are from GNR8* (along with lots of other cool stuff) – You write on them and then rinse it off with cold water, and write on them again. They tell me that the writing doesn’t rub off onto your face but I wouldn’t want to drool too much. I can suddenly think of so much I would like to write on a cushion…. hmmm… I wonder if I could write messages to the dogs to stay off the sofa – now to find out how to teach my dogs to read!
When you see a clever idea, ask yourself "how does this apply to what I'm doing?" You will be amazed what you can learn from seemingly unrelated ideas.
Aileen is a graphic designer turned cynical motivational speaker who is obsessed with clever ideas and the creative process. She is a published author, columnist, award-winning speaker and English. She helps businesses create, develop and launch ideas to help marketing, culture, customer service and profits.
Last year we painted our dining room table(s) with chalkboard paint – I wish I had kept a record of all the fun stuff that has been sketched and written on them over the year. I have started now. For Thanksgiving (and probably the rest of the season) I found the perfect quote “To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition” (Samuel Johnson) and sketched it out using chalk and chalkboard pens. It’s not perfect but I’m OK with that, it’s my first attempt at something like this and it can only get better from here. I enjoyed every moment. Sometimes I forget to take the time to just create, not for a company, not for a reason, just because. Home is the perfect place to do that.
This is a great idea for a gift (hint hint). A mug that you write on, then bake (to set your message) and send. Or just leave it blank and let them design their own mug. From 
