Getting More Done - With A Challenge (Or Two)

I really had a lot of fun creating my Halloween scene with my husband, and can't wait to start the holiday scene I have now in my head!  I have a few tips up on my Creative Paperclay Design Team blog that will help you to start to create your own holiday scene!  Check out the link above and join me this month in creating a fun holiday scene for your family to enjoy!  

As far as creating handmade paper-craft's for people, I don't just make them for everyone in my life...I am very picky about who gets a handmade creation from me!  In order to get things done when they should be done, I have found it is easier to keep track of the ideas I want to make for the people I want to make them for - with a bit more information as well!  It is what I have learned so far I share with you here, in hopes it will help even a few of you!
  
I will tell you (and my kids will as well) that I procrastinate with the best of them - and creatively, I do my best work creatively when on a time crunch!  I do not create the things I should , when I should create them...  With my hand being hurt, I also can't write like I used to, or craft like I used to - without being in pain that is!  So, I have learned during this process to get a bit more organized - it is that in which I am learning, I share with you here:

• For the upcoming holiday season, have a notebook - such as the one above, where you can keep track of things you need to get done before then!  In mine, I have started a basic list of people who are getting cards, sketch ideas for my cards, gift list, things that need to be made and bought...ornaments I want to make, and lists galore!   
• I also use Microsoft Office OneNote to keep track of more detailed information for the project I am working on.  This can be used with the notebook above, for more thoughts and information, just on a digital format!  (See below for the form - also can be printed out):
  
  Project title:                                                                                       Due date:
  Gift  y/n      For whom:                                                                     Mail by date:
  Description of project:
  
  
  
  
  Pictures of ideas:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Supplies to use:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Techniques:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anything to purchase:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Anything to get done:
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Use a calendar to keep track of all events both business and personal.  This way, you are able to get things done before you get busy with other things!  
• Have things in one area for the project you are working on - such as in a file folder, or a Ziploc style bag even....  That way, everything is in one place and you don't have to search for things when you have the time to work on them.
• Make sure to look at pictures online - and keep the link or picture documented or sketched out.  This way, when you end up with inspiration, you can document it and work on it later!  
• As you are working on the project at hand - make a few cards, bookmarks, or other small things with the supplies you have out!  This way, you don't have to pull the supplies back out, and you aren't stuck on that theme you were just working on! 
• Shop at home first, look at everything you have before you go shopping at a store!  

This year, I am getting more done - because I actually have a list of things to do!!!  I cross things off my list as I get them done, and I look at my schedule for upcoming time periods so I can figure out what needs to be done NOW!!!  I also have a date on each project sheet to be finished by - and mailed by!  I look at my OneNote each day, and know what needs to be done - for the most part anyway!!!
For your challenges...join me in getting more done!

1. Get your gift list going for any birthdays or holiday events between now and the end of the year.
2. Using a design sheet to keep track of what you need to make, start to write down any details for things you are making.
3. Start to shop at home for anything you can use for things you want to create.  Make a list of what needs to be purchased after all of that!  
4. Decide how you are going to keep track of the things you need to get done - notebook, computer, smart phone, tablet, or whatever. 

Thanks for stopping by, make sure to check back often for gift ideas, challenges, shopping, and more!!!!  This is going to be a season full of posts!!!

Lynda Jeffs

Memories in Tyme and

Creative Paperclay Design Team