The Idea Line was first 'thunk' up over coffee with friends. As mentioned in
Tweeteasock with Peanut Butter, my mentor Jo suggested a clothes line and I went nuts on Etsy, shopping for the perfect pieces.
 |
| Click pics to look at the goodies! |
The purpose of the line is to organize lists, scraps of paper with quickly jotted notes, and random story prompts, keeping them in plain sight. I hate desk clutter and stacking notes tends to hide awesome possibilities. The Idea Line allows me to stare at ideas while leaning back in my chair as I ponder blog posts or music to buy.
 |
| The candle doesn't hang on my idea line, but it is a story prompt. |
I found amazing clothesline clips in an Etsy store. I bought both sets featuring a 1922 dictionary's definitions for sale on
KK's Candles, LLC. The one to the left is "spontaneous." The order came quickly and the individual packaging was stunning. As I untied one piece, I was inspired by the string and bought basic hemp twine for my line, as well as some fun scissors to create interesting shapes for notes.
 |
| Way too much fun. |
As with all of my projects, the process is as important as the outcome. In this instance, playing was magic, turning me 7 again. (If you've lost the art of playing, I say buy some some color pencils and funky scissors. I spent hours cutting and coloring, my tongue sticking out, my creative soul stimulated in ways unimagined when I began this project... or buy a dump truck and take the hose in the back yard. I dunno!)
 |
| "Graffiti" ideas and a reader's note. |
 |
| The Dictionary Clip here is "succeed" |
The function of the Idea Line is everything I dreamed it could be. Plus, I stick a variety of notes up there: music to buy, blog topics, one line inspirations, contacts!
 |
| 500 Acres |
I found an interesting article in a weekly business paper about a 72,000 square foot mansion. The details of the article faded away as I drafted a story using just such a monstrosity. It hangs on the line, ready to be used. How would you use an estate that's the "modern version of the Jeffersonian ideal of self-sufficient [and] sustainable"?
I love looking up and seeing my inspirations hanging there. In fact, I've been more adventurous, seeing story ideas everywhere just so I can clip them to the line. It truly is an Idea Line.
 |
| My portion of the office. I love my desk! |
Requires: hemp twine, two hooks, clips, scissors, coloring, fun $15
