A Pretty Paper Package ...

... all tied up with string ...

How lovely is this handmade envelope? On its own, a present to treasure:

This is what my friend Kim (last night's hostess) handed me just before our meeting adjourned - which was much later than intended, but we were having such fun - as a thank you for bringing my file system to the gathering last night. Well, you can just imagine my reaction to such a pretty paper package, one fastened with silver alphabet brads and tiny tinkling bells ...

Oh, my.

And the goodies inside were equally thrilling:

The brand new Living Crafts magazine!!! (For which I've searched high and low the past two weeks to no avail.) And the sweetest little squirrel stickers, too! Such a thoughtful treat, inside and out. :)

(By the way I've grilled asked Kim for the instructions to the envelope, and I hope to try this handcraft sometime myself. And when I do, you can bet I'll post about it here - though I doubt my results will be nearly as pretty!)

Oh, yes, about the meeting! Well, before we even got started on our topic (organization, if you remember), we tucked into slabs of freshly baked gingerbread with dollops of homemade whipped cream. (Recipe forthcoming!)

Then we got gabbing about all kinds of things - food, health, curriculum, travel - but eventually we did come around to the topic of the night, and there were lots of organizational tips shared. I was able to explain the file crate in what I think (or hope) was a somewhat clear manner (though I'm considering writing up a little brochure to keep it all straight, lol). And best of all, I came home with a fresh eye for my clipboard, an element of the file system I've sort of ignored until now:

No, it's not quite so pretty as practical - but what it holds are the papers and notes for the day at hand (pulled from the week's folder), along with a small sheet of paper for jotting down timely tasks. At the end of the day, I re-file (or perhaps toss) the papers and pull out the next day's materials. I also start a new list of to-do's. My goal is to prepare my clipboard (and therefore preview tomorrow) each night before bed.

Oh, there's more to say, but the late night is catching up with me, so I'm off! I hope you all have a great night, and as always, thanks for stopping by. :)

Comments

[Kristie]

Dawn,
Thanks for reminding of the beauty and versatility of the simple clipboard. I also used to use my clipboard daily. It was my mini on the go file box. It has of late become one of the nature walk clipboards, so I will have to reclaim it!

I am glad your presentation went so well, and Happy Thanksgiving down there!

[Angel]

Brochure? Dawn, you should write a book! (Like you need something else to do, right? LOL) I'd pre-order it now.

I read your nature notes... our rain has just turned to snow. It's supposed to be solid snow tomorrow.. and we have doctor's appointments. I'd rather have everyone inside together, too!

[ChristineC]

Lovely little envelope. Craft Magazine just featured a How To, linked from here http://fatorangecat.wordpress.com/2007/11/05/envelope-tutorial/

[Jennifer]

What a great gift! Dawn, I am wondering if it would be okay with you if I put you on my list of links on my blog?

[chickadee]

hi, i was here looking around your blog, loving all the organization posts. added you to bloglines so i can keep up with all the goodness here.

[a chime of wrens]

Dawn, you are too funny! I've emailed you the recipes. You did a wonderful job. Everyone said so. Thank you so much for speaking!