What's on your Workdesk? Wednesday 137 - Safmat !!

I'm using my other workdesk today.  The one where my computer and printer sit.  I started out tidying the space it as things have got out of hand.  There is a pile of paperwork waiting to be filed and a bill to be paid.  As always I got distracted and I haven't done as much as I'd planned, but I felt I had made progress so I thought I'd give myself some time to play this afternoon. 

I bought a pack of Safmat and have been keen to try it out.  Have you come across it yet?  If not, it is self adhesive printing film which you use like rub ons.  You pop it into your printer (wax side down) and print directly onto it. I hoped it would be as good as it sounds....

After printing I cut out the word that I wanted to use, then realised that I should have printed it in mirror image.  I thought you rubbed it on, you see, and I didn't read the instructions before using, which is typical me!  But having the printed words I thought I may as well experiment, and that's when I discovered that you simply peel off the backing.  And this reveals a sticky back clear plastic with your printing on. 

You can see it here on my page.  The word 'first' is a bought rub-on, and the year and word 'sleepover' are Safmat.  You can see the clear film a little, but overall I am pleased with my new purchase.  If you want to give it a go yourself, here are a few tips I have picked up:

1.  Read the instructions before using a new product!

2.  Safmat is not cheap (I paid £8.25 for 10 A4 sheets).  So print as near to the top and edge as you can, to make good use of each sheet.  I printed across the top and after cutting it off I still have the best part of the sheet intact.  It's an idea to experiment on plain paper first if you are not confident with positioning your text.

3.  Cut close to the word or image so that there isn't too much film showing around the edge.  I learnt this after applying my first word.  My second attempt is much better and there is much less reflection.

4. Peel off the wax backing and stick your word onto your page.  Put a piece of paper over the film and rub. Once burnished the film becomes almost see through.  Again, I learnt by my mistake and rubbed straight onto the image first time.  This lifted some of the ink, so second time I did as suggested and it looks much better.

So, that's what I have been up to on my workdesk today.  You can see what others have been doing over at Julia's and I'm interested to know if you have used Safmat.  If so, what tips you have picked up?  Please share, and  have fun whatever you are doing!

Just One Word for 2012

I have struggled this year to find one word. Yes, lots came to mind and they were good words.  Inspiring or powerful, but somehow they did not completely fit what I felt.

I knew 2011 was going to be a challenging year with lots of decisions and choices to make.  

And so I chose the  word 'intuition'.  It was a reminder that I just need to sit quietly and listen, rather than to act straight away.  And I learnt that if I didn't follow my head, or what other people said, I could trust my intuition to guide me.  

And so, I sat with not having a word  to start this new year.  Hoping that it would come to me when the time was right.  And it did.  Last night.

Progress

It's not a word that I had considered or even thought of.  But it felt just right.  And last year I made a lot of progress.

For one thing I was redeployed and my role within a new service  has involved lots of adaption and a big learning curve.  It has worked out much better than I expected, and it continues to be a time for development and change.  And I am looking forward, rather than to the past. 

And my home.  Well, yes that is still work in progress, with the kitchen and utility room unfinished.  But change has happened since I posted here.  Lots of change infact.  And it

continues to happen.

                                                             In all areas of my life.

But, because change can happen slowly and progressively I don't always  acknowledge how hard I have worked throughout the year.  But I am giving myself a pat on the back right now, and recognising that progress has been made and that 2012 has started out on a much more positive footing. 

And the more I think about the word, I like Progress.

Yes, I really do. 

I wanted a word that recognised change, movement, and growth....   how far I came last year in practical achievement and personal growth.  And the work that is yet to come.... the planned and the unexpected.   And the dictionary defines it just so:

noun1.

1. movement forwards, esp towards a place or objective

2. satisfactory development, growth, or advance

3. advance towards completion, maturity, or perfection; the steady onward march of progress

Progress sits comfortably.  It is not static or stuck.  Yes, I can happily live with this word, because it is positive, inspiring and it has energy.  Thank you, intuition.....


Before I go I want to share these two posts.  Because they describe how other people chose their words.  

So, I wonder if Alexa, at Trimming the Sails will leave you thoughtful and moved, like I was?

Or, Layla, at The Lettered Cottage will make you smile with her tale of a movie?

And finally, I wonder if you have a Word for the Year, and if so, what inspired you to choose?

 Because what ever it was, I hope it brings you guidance and inspiration throughout 2012.