Pulling the covers over my....notebook

Last week I posted about making a notebook cover that I'd made from an experiment with fusible web and scrap fabric.  I love it and have received many compliments and several "how do I make that" comments.  So that led me to thinking -- "hey I should teach a class on this!"  I will and have added it to my offerings.

That got me thinking I have to make another one.  I have a standard composition notebook that needs some dressing up.



Not over-thinking it, I pulled scrap strips of fabric - all sorts including silks and ribbon.  You know it wouldn't be me if there wasn't a little French on it somewhere.

Fused together

Voila!  Finished. 

New Journals!

I know it seems I've fallen off the face of the planet, but no not really.  Many areas of life kept me distracted from posting but not away from creating!  Four new journals and some lovely felt flower pins and hair clips.  What do you think?

 and then there is the jewelry -- felt flower pins. 

I have more to make but they are really fun and easy to make.  Tutorials are available on the internet.  Check them out and enjoy!

Accordian Journal

Well, the exploration continues into journal styles.  I happened across this idea and sat down with the supplies I had in the house (yes used my stash).   It's about the size of a wallet, with small mailing envelopes as the pockets and the pages of the journal.  The base is an old cereal box cut to size, paper to cover it, envelopes, ribbon and a button.  But now that I'm looking at it again, what if I used fabric instead of paper to cover it?  FYI the "button" is actually a scrapbooking brad that matched and some ribbon that just wrapped around to close the entire thing. 

This journal is going on my next trip to collect all of my little souvenirs but it would work for just about anything, receipts, coupons, lists, anything.  Enjoy! 

  

Thursday's class

This past Thursday, I was at the Indian Trails Public Library, to teach my handmade journal class.  What an uUnbelievably cold and windy day.  The class wasn't going to be very large but this wonderful January-in-Chicago weather may have chased a few away.  We had a small but fun class.  A young lady joined her older sister, thinking she'd just hang out with us.  My immediate response was "she can make one too."  Her sister had assumed that she couldn't since it was a class for teens BUT all we had to do was help her with the sharp tools (awl and needle) and she could make her own journal.  An art book as she named it. 

We all thoroughly enjoyed her skull decorations with their googly eyes (thanks to Sarah Heimsoth at the library for finding those).  Very nicely done.  I hope you can see the detail in their photos below. 

Do you see the eyes? One of them has one red eye and one black eye!

  

Scrumptious Journal Cover

 

Journals continue to keep my attention. I diverted to small pieces of art in the fall but journals called me back.  In fact, I have made 4 new covers in the past couple weeks. Actually, I made two while on a business trip this month; I'd love to have seen the hotel housekeeper's face when she sees the desk in my room covered in plastic and paints, art supplies, journal covers and more!   This one is made of a recycled hardcover book with a fabric spine, fur and flower decorations.   ALL BLACK!  I love it.  Very luxurious.  Yum. 

Journals to go...

I've been experimenting with other styles of journals - easier - faster versions.  One day, researching surfing the items on Pinterest, I came across this adorable journal.   Gold has been my mood lately or shall I say golden?  That does mean I painted it gold and "aged" it accordingly.  My scrapbooking stash came in handy.  Sweet, easy and so amusant!

Journals and more Journals!

I just spent the evening getting ready for a craft fair that I'm joining on Friday. It's a small one at the office building where I work. We participated in the same one about 18 mo ago and had a great time and great feedback. Sue can't join me as the "real" job demands her time all day Friday. BUT some of her items will be joining me including her keychains and several handbags - the new "recycled" ones. I haven't seen them yet but plan to take photos. Yes I'll post them. I'm excited. Other than my husband, Sue is the only one to have seen my journals. Of course she's a bit supporter and I'm really proud of how they turned out.

Stay tuned...I'll update with photos of items and the show.

Ah Journals...

So have I told anyone about my newest hobby in addition to the art quilts? The journals, thanks to Dawn Devries Sokol, I'm too passionate about these!

Here's the latest I made on a girl's weekend in December!