The Pineapple & Button Co. Planner starts to take shape!

July 16, 2015July 16, 2015 hansjones4 Comments

As you will know from my first planner blog a couple of weeks ago, I shared that my stationery addiction had taken me to another level, another world, another dimension!

You will also recall that whilst I am very keen to grab this obsession with both hands and embrace it, I don’t want to get too passionate too quickly. So I decided to use my love of scrapbooking and inspiration from the amazing planner community to create my own on a budget.

The process was fairly easy once I had racked up hours and hours of ” research” on YouTube, Pinterest, Etsy and fellow bloggers. Dashboards, dividers, paperclips, page markers, inserts…..I had a lot to achieve with this new planner but I was pretty certain how I wanted it to look and the purpose it would fulfil.

First stop – Staples. I picked up a Martha Stewart A5 2-ring binder. It was quite the bargain (of course!) reduced to £5. It would be the perfect way to house my planner until I had decided that this passion was long term.

As there was a lack of pockets on the inside of the planner, I needed (actually, wanted) to create a layout that was both practical and creative.

I scoured the shelves at TK Maxx and found some great pads of craft paper for around £5. Gold paperclips from Rymans (although I now know you can buy cheaper online) and my piece de la resistance – the Pineapple notepad from Paperchase!

Having watched some of you share your amazing setups, I was pretty certain on what the finished product would look like. I placed the Pineapple notepad on the inside cover for easy access. And to make sure it stood out, I placed some craft paper behind it – all of this was secured using double sided sticky tape.

The pocket was created by simply folding the double sided card and securing again with double sided tape and the paperclips were made following tutorials on YouTube. I also created some paperclip page flags using complimenting craft paper. The bow is from my superb stationery swap pal!

The back inside cover also needed some attention and I thought it would be the best place for a dashboard. Using the same techniques as the front inside cover, I created a wide vertical pocket to house Project Life cards and secured an array of sticky notes. In order to make sure they didn’t move, I had to use double sided sticky tape which means that I will probably need to replace the whole pocket once I’ve used them all. The pen loop was added and made extra wide to fit multiple pens.

I loved the process of deciding on the colour scheme and being able to add my own slice of creativity to an already creative world. It took me time and I will certainly admit that my perfectionist side didn’t cope well when lines were wonky or not symmetrical. But what I have learnt along the way is to embrace some of those imperfections.

“Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring!” – Marilyn Monroe

This planner may not be to everyones taste but I have fallen head over heels – my planner was taking shape and I couldn’t wait to use it. Next stop inserts…..

What are your favourite planner YouTube channels? Where do you get your inspiration from?

x PB x

Getting lost in Venice

July 7, 2015July 7, 2015 hansjonesLeave a comment

I recently returned from a trip to Italy where one of our stops was Venice for a couple of days.

With our friend, Google Maps, Mr PB and I spent most of those 2 days wandering the narrow streets and absorbing ourselves in this amazing city (it also felt, at times, that we were just trying to escape the hoards of tourists around St Marks Square!)

Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada and Gucci lined the narrow streets. Have designer brands become so needed that they have to try and draw you in in one of the worlds smallest cities that is just rammed with tourists?! A coffee can sometimes reach €15 so my eyes water at the thought of how much the designers inflate their prices.

Imaging Shakespeare walk the cobbled paths, it was hard to understand how the City has just become a tourism haven and very little else. I appreciate that all cities have to have their tourism income, but the city felt like it emptied each night and the hoards returned around 11am the following morning…….I guess it made dinner enjoyable without having to queue for a table!

However, on a positive note, it was whilst getting lost, in between the many delicious (expensive) ice creams we consumed, that I stumbled across a shop and my faith was restored! No shop name, no bright lights or promotions plastered over the windows. A shop with the most stunning selection of pens and wax seals presented in the most unobtrusive, blink and you miss it style. It would have been rude not to investigate further….research purposes of course!

“Bonjouro. Lei parla inglese?”

“Si”

And with that, we perused the shelves with plenty of oohs and aahs and eventually The Pineapple & Button Co. gift set was purchased!

The set compromises of a glass fountain pen made from the Venetian Murano glass. There is no nib to the pen. The ink draws up into the end of the pen and writes beautifully. You would think that without a nib, the quality would be poor but it certainly isn’t. I obviously chose a teal ink.

The set also comes with blotter, wax and stamp. The stamp is also Murano glass and matches the pen almost perfectly. I haven’t yet used the seal but will share results when I do.

If you are visiting Venice, the shop is called Frizzi e Lazzi, San Marco 818, Venezia. I highly recommend a visit.

so, for all of its quirks and, at times, frustrations, Venice is an incredible place with an atmosphere that cannot be matched anywhere that I have visited. Whilst you feel that you are constantly on a film set or even visiting The Venetian in Las Vegas, I would recommend anyone to visit – one day, this place could be a lost City…..just make sure you take dosh and plenty of it!

In my next blogs, I will be reviewing the 2 hotels we stayed in during our stay – Lake Como and Venice, so watch this space!

x PB x

First Impressions – Notepads and Pens galore!

June 30, 2015June 30, 2015 hansjonesLeave a comment

Just a quick post to share my thoughts on some of my recent purchases that I shared in the recent stationery blog.

I have been using the List Book from Paperchase pretty much every day. The fact it comes with a notepad makes it super versatile for on the move and it doesn’t get squished in the bottom of my bag either! 20150630_082755614_iOS

For the smaller handbag requirements, I have been loving the Marks and Spencer Today notepad and the Target Dollar Spot floral journal from the swap. Both look cute (in fact had a couple of compliments from fellow commuters) but are also very practical. I highly recommend if you stumble across either (or both! 😉).

I have also been using the Sharpie pastel palette pens – whilst the colours are great and make your pages look summery and inviting, they do bleed through regular notepad paper. Most Sharpies will do this because of their original purpose of being a multi tasking pen for writing on CD’s to whiteboards so it is worth bearing this in mind. I can cope with that given the colour palette is a beaut!

I have also been writing……and then erasing a lot too! The Pilot Frixon pen is all its hype led it to believe. You can actually write and then erase with pretty much all of the evidence disappeared. It reminded me of the magic ink from my childhood that “vanished”……although it never really did. This actually does scrub away to nothing. I am definitely going back to purchase more colours. The range seems to be expanding in most standard UK stores – most have standard blue, black and red but keep your eye out for more colourful options.

The only items I have been a little disappointed with are the Uniball gel pens. I love the colours but they aren’t particularly easy to write with. I prefer pens that you can write both in your best hand as well as the quick shopping list but with these Uniball, you certainly need to concentrate more with these pens. I will of course have a use for them – great for birthday cards for example – but would suggest a thinner nib if you are looking for something to fulfil those every day needs.

Have any of you made the same purchases and have thoughts on your first impressions?

Please leave a comment by clicking on the link above this post And don’t forget, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

x PB x

Let’s style it up!

June 25, 2015June 22, 2015 hansjonesLeave a comment

If you are a regular visitor to my blog, you will know that in one of my first posts, I shared that as well as Stationery, I am also very keen on interior. Let’s not pretend that this is verging on interior design. I did sign up to complete an interior design course… I just haven’t quite got round to finishing the programme.

However, I find other ways of researching interior fashions. That is usually a visit to T K Maxx!

I did this recently. In fact, I browse regularly. You never know what you will find. They regularly change their stock so I try to visit once every couple of weeks. I also love that there isn’t 15 of the same thing so hopefully you are adding a little bit of uniqueness into your home.

And guess what?! The unique found me and I found a pineapple! How convenient.

That came home with my right away. It would look perfect on my shelving around the fireplace.

When I positioned it, it looked a little lonely. I haven’t yet tracked down a large silver button, but if you spot one, let me know! So, it needed something extra.

I wanted to create an easy style to the shelving. A selection of items that look like they belonged. Therefore, I added some Posh Graffiti. Every household should have (one or more) of their products. Such a simple concept but with great results and can be used in a variety of surroundings. The addition of the initials was perfect. I haven’t fixed them to the wall, they just lean in which can be precarious when cleaning but it adds to that relaxed “oh, I just chucked that up there” look.

Finally, I spotted these seriously gorgeous rose gold, dusky pink tea light holders. Along with a lovely pair of inexpensive clear peach candlesticks, these tea light holders add a blast of colour but with softness. When lit, the colour is really ornate and, like, most of my purchases, they were cheap! Around £5 each which I think is a great price for something that draws the eye.

What additions have you made to your home recently?

Where else do people shop, other than T K Maxx? I would love recommendations of where to find inexpensive gems.

Please leave a comment by clicking on the link above this post And don’t forget, you can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

x PB x

http://www.poshgraffiti.com/

The obsession is real…..I’ve started writing about hauls!

June 23, 2015June 22, 2015 hansjones2 Comments

And I have a stationery swap pal! But more on that shortly….

In my search for all things perfect about stationery and style, this has developed an interest in regularly shopping. “Developed an interest”?? Who am I kidding. I am forever shopping. There ain’t no thing as no spend months in my little world.

So, to that end, I have collected a fair few items over the past few months which I thought I would share. Those pieces that I have starting using will appear in a follow first impressions so watch this space if you are keen to purchase the same.

First up – notebooks. Although I try to use up a notebook before moving onto another, that doesn’t stop me from having stock. In a recent visit to Paperchase, I spotted these adorable sticky note sets. I love that they come in a hard back storage book making them using to use on the go without damaging them. They also look cute on a bookshelf. One of the sets is a List Book so also includes a standard notepad which I think will be super handy. 20150620_190924007_iOS

I also picked up a pack of Cath Kidston notebooks which come in a set of three in their usual cute floral designs. These are probably more an A6 size which is great for slipping into a handbag. I use these in meetings if I’m travelling quite a bit with work. You can still get plenty of content on the pages but they are far more convenient than the usual Black and Red A4 pads.

So, my next item was purchased purely for its look rather than its practicality but how cute is that Today slim pad!? It’s from Marks and Spencer – that was a treat! If you are from the UK, you will know that M&S are more renowned for their bras and meal for £10 so it was a pleasant surprise to see that they have upped their stationery game. The store I visited, which is their flagship in the South, had a wide collection of new products so I would highly recommend checking it out either online or in store. I’m not sure about availability for overseas but, leading into my next items, you could always find a swap partner to connect with to send you a selection!

As you will guess from the title, I recently connected with a lovely lady from the U.S. on an FB group. Fully aware from my extensive research that the U.S. seem to do it better than us, I reached out to see if anyone would like to swap and this lady said yes!

We did our first swap a few weeks ago – it was an easy, pleasant and painless experience which I know is sadly not always the case for some, but I hit lucky!

The items included in the box will continue to feature in my next few blogs but as a starter, she sent me 2 adorable journals and 2 list pads from Target. Apologies to all the stationery experts out there, but for those starting out, you will see a lot of hype about Target Dollar Spot. I have not visited this part of the store before as I always just thought it was seasonal products but the Target Dollar Spot has got a lot to say for itself! Beautiful stationery that retails around $1-$3 each!! I haven’t started using these items yet, saving for a special reason but I’ll be sure to feedback.

You can’t have a notebook without a writing instrument! So I have also built up my pen collection recently. Included in the swap box were some cute gel pens in pink, teal and green. I particularly love the heart on the lid.

Other recent pen purchases – pastel Sharpies! I have seen their primary colour collection but spotted these pastel beauties in the line up at Paperchase.

I also love any type of heavy gel pen and these uni ball are just gorgeous colours which I know will write well too.

Finally, I had heard on the blogging grapevine that the Pilot Frixon pens were awesome. So I had to try! I just purchased the pink neon for now and will see how I get on.

You can find links to all purchases below.

Have any of you swapped with someone recently and been super chuffed with the contents?

Any recent purchases that you would like to share too?

Please comment clicking above this post. Also, remember to find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter!

x PB x

http://www.cathkidston.com/cath-kidston/set-of-3-clifton-rose-notebooks-1012698

http://www.paperchase.co.uk/stationery/essentials/sticky-notes/blur-floral-boxed-sticky-notes.html

http://www.paperchase.co.uk/stationery/essentials/sticky-notes/chunky-floral-sticky-notes-book.html

http://www.marksandspencer.com/geometric-shopping-list/p/p22367946

http://www.staples.co.uk/fine-permanent-markers-pastel-colours-assorted-x-4/cbs/416339.html

http://www.pilotpen.co.uk/en/must-have/frixion-family.html

Shh…I have another love….don’t tell the stationery!

June 18, 2015June 20, 2015 hansjonesLeave a comment

Unlike my long lasting love of Stationery, my other passion for interior design has grown more in my later years – particularly since I became a home owner.

I take great pride in making my house a home – a cliche for most, but for me, I truly believe this. To walk through my front door and see a collection of accessories, furnishings and decor that has evolved from many influences has a great feeling of satisfaction.

I say that this has developed more as a home owner, but I do vividly remember decorating my room at University with limited resource, money or scope to paint the walls! I signed up one weekend for my room to be used on the University tour for Open Days and certainly received a healthy amount of positive vibes from those visiting. I’m not sure what I did other than make my room feel like home, creating a haven to come back to.

I have continued to do just that in each place I have lived in. Having, last year, moved into our forever home, the collection is steadily building and giving each room an identity is a long term project.

Whenever something new is added to a room, THE question is asked – how much? And actually, I always surpise Mr PB because I honestly don’t spend alot. Most of my finds come from high street stores, charity shops, antiques fairs or friends having a clear out.

And the truth is – you don’t need to spend the earth to make something look high quality. It will always come down to what it looks and feels like to you and if it fits with the room’s personality.

This is how easy it is…….how much would you think this floral display is?

Ok, so a leading question because you will know it didn’t cost £100’s. But before I tell you how much, I’ll share how I achieved it. I wanted a centre piece for my dining table to add some height into a fairly open room. I measured the height I wanted and then costed up semi-professional arrangements – that was a no go!

So, opted for the DIY option. Tape measure in hand, I headed to TKMaxx. I am frequently hunting in the home section! I found a cheap vase in the clearance section! Then onto Hobbycraft who have a great selection of very, very reasonably priced artificial flowers that I arranged in the vase whilst I was there to ensure I achieved the look I wanted. The shop assistants thought I was a little strange but did comment that they thought it looked lovely…..The stems varied in length and some didn’t quite meet the bottom of the vase so to cover that up, I added a piece of burlap into the bottom of the vase to add depth and character. Total cost, £23. Pretty impressed even if I say so myself.

So, I will continue to share when I find treasures and how I have settled them into their new home. I am very aware that not everyone’s tastes are the same and you may purchase something that not everyone likes or see something on my blog that makes your eyebrows raise. But……who cares. If you can live with it and it brings a smile to your face, that is what is important.

Do you have a bargain that you are super pleased with or a piece of creative DIY? Please share your photos via my social media sites.

If you would like me to share hints and tips on anything in particular, please comment below.

Love x PB x

My Love For S.R.O (Stationery Related Objects)

June 15, 2015June 20, 2015 hansjonesLeave a comment

There isn’t an exact date or moment in my life that I suddenly found a passion for all things stationery – like most of us I’m sure, it has evolved gradually over time. If I was to start anywhere though, I guess my childhood is as good as any.

I will always remember the excitement building in late August of being taken shopping with my mum to buy school supplies. Indeed, it was a highlight of my academic years and I still get a small flutter of anticipation in my early 30’s. Each year demanded a new pencil case and matching contents, of course. Even if last years purchase was as good as new, it was a must, a need, a want. I saw stationery as my accessory and still do.

In fact, the stationery I owned as a child was so treasured that some of my earliest purchases are still very much in use today. I have one of my very first pencil cases – it has that freshly sharpened smell. I also own an adorable mouse clip which has found a new lease of life with the evolution of the planner and a gold engraved fountain pen which makes a regular appearance.

Move forward 20 odd years and my tastes (and the amount spent!) have matured like a fabulous bottle of Champagne! The likes of Kate Spade, Mont Blanc and Moleskine now adorn my working environment. My stationery collection continues to be my accessory and is as important as my choice of handbag and shoes. It completes my outfit and in some ways, it completes me.

I would love to hear from you guys as most of my inspiration comes from lovers of stationery and not just the high street.

What is your childhood stationery memory? Do you still use something you vividly remember buying in preparation for school?

Please comment below and also share anything you would like me to cover in my future blog

Until the next blog..

Love x PB x

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