Faber-Castell Design Memory Craft

Mandala Art in Your Bullet Journal!

Hi there, friends! Did you know that Faber-Castell includes stencils in some of their Pitt-Artist Pen sets? Well... now you do! I'm quite fond of one in particular - the Mandala Art set!

This set not only includes fabulous pens, but also stencils to help you step up your journal game! They are super easy to use and absolutely stunning on their own. Mandalas are very popular right now, but I know how challenging they can be to achieve. These stencils will give you the helping hand to be part of the craze and add something a little fun in your journals, scrapbooking, happy mail - wherever you want!

If you want to use them in your journals but aren't sure where to begin, you can adjust them to fit your needs if you break down the shapes of the stencils given to you. For instance, you can use the inner most shapes of the mandala stencil for a simple look or tracker, or you can use the top or bottom half only to create a really fabulous header! You can even add other shapes such as leaves to make it look like a flower - the possibilities are endless!

I've also included a free mandala printable - you can grab it HERE!

Thanks for stopping by - keep creating!

 

Novelty Trackers For Your Journal!

Hi there, you creative thing, you! I'm back to show you some fun novelty doodle trackers to put in your journals and planners! For my last weekly spread, I subbed out my usual habit tracker for novelty ones, and it was much more popular than anticipated! Due to said excitement from my kind following, I decided to team up Faber-Castell USA to bring you even more!

As seen here, I’ve shown you just a few ways you can track your goals and habits. It may look complex, but trust me - it's not! If you think deeply about the habit you are trying to either accomplish or quit, you can doodle your way to your goals!

For instance, take the water tracker example I've drawn... What I wanted out of a water tracker, is one that I can fill in every day of the week, and something that can represent the standard 8 glasses a day, per day, so this was the perfect option for me. You could prefer different types of drinking glasses, mason jars, water drops - whatever works best for you! Have fun with it!

Fun fact: I love doodle trackers because I actually want to fill them in... which, in turn, means I am more productive... solely because I like to color! 

Interested in these trackers and want to use them in your journal or planner? Be sure to tag myself @plansthatblossom and @fabercastellusa so we can see how you doodle your way to productivity! Are you not really into doodling, but still want to enjoy these? I may or may not have a free printable available HERE

Thanks everyone! Stay motivated, and keep creating!

Spring Doodles!

Hi there, lovelies! I'm back to bring you more doodle tutorials (my personal favorite!)

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again (and shout it from the rooftops!) - if you break your doodles down into simple steps, ANYONE can achieve them, I promise! Often we look at something as a whole which can be overwhelming and disheartening, but if you look at something in terms of smaller shapes, it will take the pressure right off and allow you to push your creativity!

What better way to take that pressure off, than to practice with some Spring doodles! Spring is right around the corner, and I think we all could benefit from adding a little sunshine into our lives!

These doodles can make the perfect addition to your journal! Not into journaling, but still want to give them a shot? Go for it! Make them work for you! Use them for any Spring occasions or holidays that call for crafting, decorating, or gift giving! I personally like to sign my name and add a little doodle inside cards - makes for an extra special touch!

Once you follow these 5 tutorials, be sure to make it your own. Add color, shading, texture - whatever you want! For example - you can add more flowers to the flower pot... or try a different flower all together. Doodle a tiny bee flying around it to add some interest. Make it yours with Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens!

Please enjoy this tutorial and keep your eye out for more doodle tutorials on the blog, very soon!

Until then, download this free spring doodle PRINTABLE and keep creating!!

How to Create Dot Grid Patterns

Hi there! I wanted to share one of the most fun and creative ways to use your dot grid journal - patterns! It's like a grown up version of "connect-the-dots" - but you make the rules!

A dot grid journal gives you so many secret guidelines, and once your design is done, the dots disappear beneath it! The result is a complex and ornate pattern, when really, it can be a very simple process! Using your favorite PITT Artist Pen, follow these tutorials to jazz up your dot grid journal!

You can start simple by filling a "box" with a tiny doodle or shape, and then repeat it to gradually build a pattern!

Download a dot grid pattern worksheet HERE this will allow you to practice outside of your journal.

Thanks for stopping by, keep creating!

Doodle Dividers For Your Journal

Hi there! It's Nicole from Plans That Blossom once again to bring you examples of journaling dividers! These are a really fun and simple way to spruce up your journal and compartmentalize your days and tasks. Mostly, I like to use them to underline text, but they have so many other possibilities!

You can use the dividers to separate your lists, or even connect them together to create frames and boxes! A lot of you washi lovers out there are familiar with this decorate border concept, and can create your own faux washi page edges using these examples!

I love using Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens on my dot grid journal to make these dividers because it allows me to create symmetrical designs by connecting the dots! A divider can appear very complex, but is actually quite simple to create using the dots as a guide.

Download a free printable page of dividers to use in your journal HERE !

Thanks for stopping by - keep creating!

How To Create Daily Boxes in Your Bullet Journal

We’re back with another tutorial! I decided to focus my attention to my daily boxes, because I receive the most questions about them.

I don’t use daily pages as many bullet journalists do, because I need more structure. I’ve tried using them but it gives me this sense of pressure to fill it all in, which in turn brings my focus from my actual tasks to solely filling the page. To me, while bullet journaling is an amazing creative outlet for me, I need it to be functional above all else. The result: daily boxes in a weekly spread.

Using this method helps me compartmentalize my week so I can focus on the days and tasks at hand. While I appreciate and admire other methods, after my 3 years of bullet journaling, I’ve found this to be the most helpful.

Using the simple steps above, you can try out your own daily boxes! Keep in mind, what I add to mine are suggestions only - it’s important to create a personalized system that fits your lifestyle and helps you be your best self!

Here is a Free Printable with a few styles of daily boxes for you to use in your journals!

Tip 1: If you print out 7 copies, you'll have enough daily boxes for 8 WHOLE WEEKS!

Tip 2: Color them in using Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pens!

Thanks! Keep creating!

Nicole

@plansthatblossom

How To Create Ornamental Boxes!

Hi everyone! Faber-Castell USA and I are back with another tutorial! This time, I'm going to walk you through creating simple ornamental boxes for journal!

I’m here to tell you that while some of bullet journaling looks complex, it can actually be pretty simple if you break it down into steps! Starting with a simple rectangle, you can create an interesting space in your bujo for lists, notes, or even quotes!

Tip: Use a pencil first! (Word on the street... Faber-Castell has some pretty sweet supplies if you’re interested... just sayin’) 

Try out each step shown here on these 4 simple boxes! As you can tell, I wasn’t sure what to call them, so forgive the names... I just can't help myself!

Once you’ve completed the three steps, it’s time to push it (...push it real good!) Add flourishes, shadows, florals, and metallic elements to help elevate your boxes, and then use them in your journal! How many other ornamental boxes can you create from a simple rectangle? Experiment and make it your own!

If you'd love to use ornamental boxes in your journal, but aren't ready to take the plunge, check out this free printable here! Download

Thanks, everyone! Keep creating!

Tutorial: How To Create Art Deco Header Boxes!

Hi there, old sport! I’ve shown you a few ways to make header boxes before, that's nothing new - BUT since you are all so kind and supportive of my Art Deco posts, I figured I’d show you some simple ways to make your header boxes with a little 1920s flare! ✨

A lot of Art Deco is built upon symmetry, angles, and line work, which makes them easy to create step by step, and easy to apply to any dot grid journal. The dots create the perfect canvas for this style!

Using the simple steps above, and some fantastic Faber-Castell pens, you are able to bring a little glam to your days! Did you know they make metallic pens as well? In MORE than just silver and gold? You heard me correctly! I'm such a fan!

Want to give these tutorials a try and share it? Be sure to tag @fabercastellusa and @plansthatblossom so we can take a peek! If you’re interested in this style, but can’t master the technique, we've created a fun printable with many different art deco styles to use in your own journal! I've left them blank so you can use them for months, days, lists - whatever you choose! Jazz them up with some fabulous pitt artist pens as well! Download the printable HERE.

Thanks so much! Keep creating!

Grip Color Marker Swatch Page & Doodles!

Hi there! Faber-Castell USA was kind enough to send me a set of Grip Color Markers, and I LOVE them! The colors are so vibrant, and the markers themselves are created to be easy to hold while using. Plus, they are non-toxic and washable, which is perfect for kids! (...and me!)

So, what’s a girl to do with a fresh set of supplies? Make a swatch page, of course!

Swatch pages are one of my favorite pages to make - I use them as a reference constantly, and they are just so pleasing to look at.

Another great part of playing with new markers, is seeing them in action! Here I’ve shown you how to create 3 writing utensils from a rectangle. It’s amazing how much you can do with a simple shape!

When you’ve finished creating your doodle, be sure to make it pop with vibrant colors like the ones shown here!

If you’re not sure how to create a swatch page, I’ve created a free printable template for your journal or sketchbook! You can download it *here*

Thanks for stopping by - Keep creating!

Preparing for the New Year in Your Journal!

Happy Holidays, everyone! Now that 2018 is coming to a close, I wanted to share some tips on how to reflect on the year, and prepare for the next one!

Faber-Castell USA and I partnered up to give you examples on how to create list and topic boxes to help you grow into your best self! Using these simple structured boxes, you are able to make a plan for the new year.

There is real value in taking time to pause and reflect on the past year before you make your resolutions. We are able to learn so much about ourselves and really focus our attention toward the future.

So while this year is quickly dwindling, don’t run from the difficult moments - take time to learn from them. A new year full of opportunity and possibility is right around the corner! Cheers to you and to 2019!✨

Click the link for a free download to help you prepare for the new year!

Pitt Artist Pens Used:

Black 199 (Sizes: XS & F) - Warm Grey III 272 (Brush) - Green Gold 268 (Brush)

Happy New Year! 

Nicole