Monday, December 31, 2018

2018 Wrap up!

Where did 2018 go?

Last I knew it was August.... and I was sailing into September.  

My goal for 2018: 1 blog post a week, I have to admit, that was a bit too adventurous.  Instead I settled on one blog post a month, which I was almost able to accomplish, minus April, and September, October, November...  

Having a newborn, starting back to work, and keeping up with the blog (and the rest of my activities) proved to be a bit too much.

So, I took a break... from the blog... but not from making, and not from my journal.

Last time we had a chat I was just diving into a Digital Bullet journal, which I loved.  I was able to cut down on how much I was carrying around with me, I didn’t need a ruler, or washi tape, and highlighters... don’t get me wrong, I still love all of my supplies and use them regularly, but didn’t feel the need to always use them.  I could make notes on my phone, iPad, and laptop with ease.  

I was also able to incorporate my work schedule, childcare pickup schedule, weekly recipes, grocery store trips, and more, without having to recreate, or print and tape into my book.  Things seemed to work seamlessly.  I made my grocery lists while watching my 8 year old at ninja class, including recipes, then simply print out the page and take it to the store with me.





So how did I start this journal?  I started noticing digital journals on Instagram, and found that artists were using #keynote and #Goodnotes, so I started with Keynote.

Over the years, I’ve had students use keynote and create slideshows, and was amazed at how they were able to navigate through each presentation using links on symbols for page selection.  So after watching a few YouTube tutorials and googling a lot of questions, I came to create my own Keynote Slide show aka Bullet journal.

I then uploaded my keynote PDF to GoodNotes and started writing.  I was able to create clickable tabs, to section out the journal.  I even started a sticker book, which helps me track my layouts and drawings.

I haven't ventured into image stickers yet, but have been playing with Procreate a bit this holiday and hope to be able to create a few fun designs to get me started.




The downside I had was my tools.  I am very fortunate to have been given an IPad mini a few years back, and that paired with a new stylus https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Compatible-Samsung-Capacitive-Touchscreen/dp/B07528YXC1/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1546228814&sr=8-3&keywords=Digital+pen

I was able to create some amazing layouts.

However, there was a lag to my penmanship and things sometimes looked sloppy, and I had a difficult time lining up corners and lines.

This Christmas I was fortunate enough to recieve a new Ipad Pro and Apple Pen, so Look out 2019! 

I'm headed into the new year with new tools and a positive outlook!

Keeping it up in 2019!  More to come!

Happy New Year!