Pretty Handmade Paper Notebooks

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.

 

 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. 

Chimaphila Maculata ... Striped Wintergreen

This sweet, delicate little plant was growing just outside our back door.

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!

 

Lampropetis Getula aka Eastern Kingsnake

After several rainy days, we finally spent some time outdoors and spotted this black snake slithering up our chimney!

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.

So Simple, Yet So Tasty!

 It was Pan Haggerty night, and this recipe has quickly become a new favorite! Who would have thought that combining just a few simple ingredients could create such a delicious and comforting dish?

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.

 

First Day of Summer

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”
– John Lubbock

 

Another Series of Desk Sitters

More Desk Sitters have joined the collection, each created from Jenga blocks.

These four are perched on unfinished Jenga blocks that have been cut in half, giving them a simple pedestal to rest upon.

For a closer look at how they came together, see my earlier posts from June 13 and June 9, where I share more of the process.

Vellum Laminated Reporter's Notebooks & More!

Continued descent into spiral bound madness!

I've laminated the covers of these 8 notebooks using 'Colorful Vellum' by Recollections for a vibrant, durable finish.

The 3 taller notebooks are classic 'Reporter's Notebooks', measuring 3.75" x 8.4", while the smaller notebooks were made from the leftover off-cuts, giving them a unique, handcrafted touch.

Inside, the white paper notebooks feature a mix of unlined, lined and graph cream-colored recycled paper. For a fun twist, the pink and lavender notebooks are filled with sturdy cardstock pages, perfect for writing, sketching, or crafting.