• Blog - Crafts - Creativity

    Small journal love

    March 31, 2022 - By 

    I was recently inspire to create some new journals. These are single signature journals.

    I’ve never thought to create small journals such as these but I realized that these are going to come in very handy.

    I used scraps of heavy fabric for the outside of the cover and recycled posters for the inside of the cover.

    The denim cover is from a pair of jeans that my now college-aged daughter wore as a preschooler.

    Since the embroidery was so cute on it, I saved the leg. Waste not, want not.

    I used about 15 pages of various papers for the signature.

    I wasn’t worried about them all being exactly the same size, in fact, I prefer that there is some variation.

    The rose on the left is a digital creation of mine. I had a group of mine printed at Kinkos to make sure that they would print properly if I were to sell them as digital downloads. I have not taken that step yet but maybe someday. In the meantime, I have some fun and uniquely me pages to play with.

    The right side has one of the tags I have created from the masterboards I’ve been creating with scraps. I like to stitch around them both for interest and to secure the edges.

    Here’s yet another tag slipped in a side tuck on the page. The tuck is from my stash of mini colleges. Also a scrap busting project.

    Both masterboards and mini colleges are things that I tend to do when I’m lacking that creative spark. They are quick, use lots of scraps and are great to have around for later projects.

    Here is yet another example of both being used on one page.

    Attaching an envelope to the edge of a page then folding it to the back creates a fun flip out that can hold a secret note or photo or whatever you want to tuck away for safe keeping.

    I’m really having fun with these journals. They are quick, no pressure of strict theme, multi use and just really darn cute.

     

  • Blog

    T Tuesday: this and that edition

    March 28, 2022 - By 

    Once again a month has passed. Crazy how that happens.

    Since my last post I’ve been dealing with some health issues. The most debilitating of which was a case of cellulitis. I had never even heard of it until a couple years ago. Thankfully I did learn about it so I went in and got checked out. Steroids and antibiotics did the trick. Although I learned that I will never take Prednisone again unless it is a life or death situation. Uff Da. That is some wicked stuff.

    Now that I am feeling better I have been inspired to create a bit.

    I created a selection of journal covers from leftovers in my stash. The inside is a heavyweight poster that I have recycled to act as book board that was then machine stitched to the fabric covers. This creates a nice folio type booklet for a single signature of around 15 pages. Small books such as these make great gratitude journals, everyday thoughts, lists and so on.master board covers

    Here’s another stack of them in progress. I do get obsessed and can’t stop once I get going.mixer cover

    Another project I tackled a few weeks ago was creating a pattern for a KitchenAid mixer cover. Yes I could have purchased a pattern but I enjoy the creative process and truth be told… like being able to say that I made it, me, completely from my own brain. The above photo is my mock up cover. A co-worker purchased it from me after I made my pattern templet. Now ask me if I have made the one for myself….umm…no. Soon…very soon.

    One of the things on my list for my Spring break is to go through and reorganized my supplies. Yesterday I organized this entire drawer of trims while watching Yellowstone. I am not an organized person but this was oddly satisfyingly.

    My list of to-dos for Spring break is lengthy but then again, it always is. The weeks leading up to it were kinda crazy.

    My BFF sent me this and it was very relatable. 🙂

    Mini-me was home for her Spring break a couple weeks ago. It was great to see her. She sent me this photo the other day that another friend had snapped as they stopped to pet the horses.

    Mini-me said that they often stop by the barn to pet the horses. Pretty cool that they are able to do that right on campus.

    Kombucha has been my friend since the round of antibiotics. Trying to rebuild that gut flora. I’ve also got a crockpot full of soup bones simmering for bone broth…another good thing for gut health.

    Tuesday has me working on my list….phone calls, bills, taxes…such fun stuff.

    T stands for Tuesday
    What are you doing today?
  • Blog

    T Tuesday: Super twos day edition

    February 22, 2022 - By 

    Yep I’m still around. I took a very long break from blogging or even exploring other blogs. It was not intentional, it just became the norm after a while. I could go into dozens of reasons or excuses that could explain but who really wants to hear another person complain or justify something.

    I have been flexing my creative muscles a little bit. A few journal pages, handmade journals, sewing projects, and prep for upcoming projects…maybe?!?

    A page in my wonky junky journal.

    A bit a scrap busting making a master board.

    A bit of contemplation on a personal ephemera journal that really needs to get completed before I forget the when, who and why of the items.

    A travel journal from before COVID to finish.

    And a bit more scrap busting while watching tv. I don’t often watch much tv but when I do I try to justify it by doing something else while watching. Yup…sad but true.

    I have been keeping my word of the year in mind. Taking a moment to treasure the little things…not take them for granted. Treasure time laughing with friends…its good for you.

    The depth of the word I chose this year is coming to light. I’m reaching the age where sickness and loss are more prevalent in my circle. It’s a great reminder in the midst of grief and sadness to remember those treasured memories and pause daily to treasure the now.

    How’s that for a somber thought. Again this may be a reason I have paused my posting. I find myself very gloomy when I write…and who wants to read that!

    School keeps me busy exhausted most days. We recently reached our 100th day. Not something usually acknowledged at the middle school level but we’ll take any reason to celebrate that we can.

    Yesterday was Presidents Day so I had the day off. I used it to get my house clean. Not the most fun task but it was so good to get everything done all in the same day.

    Marvin kept me company until he felt a bit of a chill and decided to lay on the heating vent. So much for washing the floor right then. It likely was on purpose…he hates it when I mop…his paws get wet.

    I found this really funny this morning. I was making my breakfast as I always do before leaving for work. I cracked my eggs and came up with a double yoke on 2/22/22. Must be my lucky day. Maybe it was…we got a two hour early release due to a winter storm.

    You’ll just have to imagine my cup of coffee on the side of my eggs and toast.

    T stands for Tuesday