This time, I used several beautiful FolkArt Chalk Paint colors: Cascade, Castle, Vintage Mustard, and Spanish Moss. I love how these shades work together to give each piece its own unique character with a quirky, fun phrase added.
If you'd like to learn more about my process, check out my previous posts from June 9 and June 13.
They are spiral bound using the Cinch Binding Machine, and all feature cream-colored paper. Two of the notebooks contain lined pages, while the other two are unlined.
As Wikipedia describes it, “Bauhaus style is a minimalist and functional design approach that emerged in early 20th-century Germany, focusing on simplicity, geometric shapes, and the unity of art and industry. It emphasizes practicality and the idea that the design of an object should be based on its intended function.”
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| aka Coreopsis Tinctoria |
This flower, also known as Coreopsis tinctoria, has begun sprouting in clusters just outside our back door. A few years ago, we scattered a mix of wildflower seeds in this area, and it's rewarding to see them finally putting on such a colorful display.
Recently, we had several tall trees removed that had been shading this spot. With more sunlight reaching the ground and plenty of rain over the past several weeks, the conditions have been just right. The combination of extra sunshine and abundant moisture has encouraged a variety of wildflowers to bloom.
According to Wikipedia, the Zuni people traditionally used the blossoms of Coreopsis tinctoria to produce a rich mahogany-red dye for yarn. Before coffee was introduced by traders, they also brewed the flowers into a hot beverage.
It's always fun to discover what has been quietly waiting beneath the surface, just looking for the right conditions to bloom.
I used a selection of my decorative handmade papers to create the covers for these pocket-sized notebooks. Made in India, these beautiful papers have a wonderfully soft, fabric-like feel.
Two of the notebooks feature pages made from Natural Lokta Paper. The remaining notebooks contain Handmade Cotton cold-pressed paper in Mint Green, Peach, and Pink, all with natural deckle edges.
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Each notebook is hand stitched using a simple three-hole pamphlet stitch and finished with waxed linen thread.
Approximate notebook sizes:
• 2 notebooks: 4.5" x 5.5"
• 1 notebook: 3" x 4"
• 1 notebook: 4.5" x 6.5"
• 1 notebook: 4" x 7.5"
Each notebook has one signature. Used 10 folded sheets which created 20 pages and doubled equals 40 writing pages.
If you're interested, you can read more about it at the Extension Gardener.
One interesting fact I learned is that it's endangered in Canada. According to Wikipedia, it's also listed as endangered in Illinois and threatened in Maine. In New York, it's considered exploitably vulnerable.
"The Creek Indians called it 'pipsisikweu' and used it for medicinal purposes as did many Native Americans.
It's amazing to think that something so rare in parts of its range decided to sprout right outside our door!
When coiled up, its size wasn't nearly as impressive as when it stretched out to its full length. Using the dimensions of the bricks as a reference, we estimate the snake was at least 6 feet long.
Fortunately, this is a non-venomous snake. Even better, it can prey on other snakes—including venomous species such as the copperhead—so we consider it a welcome visitor!
If you're interested in learning more about these fascinating reptiles, including their habitat and other interesting facts, you can find additional information on Wikipedia.
I followed a video tutorial on YouTube by CelticCreations79—a short, easy-to-follow 3-minute video that includes both the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Here's the link to the recipe I used.
Completed another batch of Desk Sitters made from Jenga blocks! This time, I used several beautiful FolkArt Chalk Paint colors: Cascade, Cas...
