Shelled Gastropods

 Snail Convention

While researching 'snails' I learned something rather astonishing...at least unbeknownst to me. 

There is a snail slime extraction market industry. They harvest mucus from snails for a variety of uses, particularly cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

"The global snail slime extract market was valued at USD 555 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 850 million by 2032. Key growth drivers include rising consumer demand for natural skincare and the proven efficacy of snail slime in skin repair and anti-aging"... According to 24marketreports.com 

Wow! once again...who knew?!!

William Morris Paper Notebooks

I love these beautiful William Morris design papers from Pepin. They make such elegant covers for these handmade top-spiral notebooks, which I bound using my Cinch Book Binding Machine.

Each decorative paper was carefully adhered to bookboard that I cut to size, creating sturdy, durable covers designed to last.

The collection includes two reporter's notebooks (also known as tall spiral memo pads), each measuring 3.75" × 8.25". They contain 40 lined, cream-colored sheets (80 pages).

The smaller notebook measures 4" × 5.5" and contains 36 unlined, cream-colored sheets (72 pages).

These notebooks are perfect for journaling, note-taking, lists, sketching, or tucking into a bag to carry wherever inspiration strikes.

My Sketches

I was going through some of my art supplies and  came across these pencil sketches. I drew them quite some time ago and had completely forgotten about them.

As a kid, I spent hours drawing. We didn't have much, but we always had a pencil and paper. 

I've always loved the look of loose watercolor with pen and ink (aka line & wash) and have experimented with them a bit over the years. Hmm, maybe it's time to pick up the pencil and brush again...
 

Wow... this old yellowing newspaper article was from quite a long time ago! It shows me being presented with an award for a pastel painting I did. I think my perspective was a little off and wonky, but I guess the judges liked it!😁 I believe I received the award during my junior year of high school.

Seeing it jogged my memory. I remembered winning an earlier award back in grade school. We were assigned a project to use leftover scraps of colored construction paper from a previous project to create a brand-new piece of art. They liked my 'scrappy art'!

No wonder I'm so good at 'scrap busting' !😊

Mini Composition Books w/ Dust Jackets

This was a simple project to pretty up some mini composition books and create a 'dust jacket' that holds two books, each book measures 3.25 x 4.5 inches. 

I used double-sided scrapbook paper from the Carta Bella Collection to cover both the notebooks and to make the dust jackets.

Makes a thoughtful little gift!

If you'd like to know how to make your own, check out The Posh Paper Lady.

You can view a short slide video below:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-valley

License code: S3GLKG1TZPLNZFPO

Origami Frame Books ~ Inspiring Phrases

I've crafted three Origami Frame Books and included inspiring phrases in each. 

For the two books that measure 4 inches square I've used high quality double-sided Japanese Shibori Origami Papers. The smaller book that measures 3 inches square, I've used a collection of Origami Papers from Yasutomo featuring unique designs created by Artist Karen Elaine.

Liberty Grove Paper Arts has an excellent video tutorial if you'd like to make your own Origami Frame Book.

Below is a short slide video of the three books.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): 

https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-barracuda/julieta 

License code: VUDI5MFM5OOZYY0F

 

Mini Laminiated Traveler's Notebooks

Two Mini Laminated Traveler’s Notebooks

Each notebook set includes:

• Two lined notebooks
• Two dashboard folders with pockets for journaling cards and keepsakes
• Laminated bookmarks
• Colorful paper clips for securing notes and ephemera
• One mini ballpoint pen

Both notebooks were handcrafted using beautiful Stamperia scrapbook paper off-cuts from my personal stash, making each set unique.

These fun, pocket-sized traveler’s notebooks measure approximately 3" x 5" with a 0.75" spine—perfect for journaling, note-taking, lists, or creative inspiration on the go!

You can view a short video flip thru below - ASMR

Cork Fabric Pocket Notebooks

Each notebook contains 40 sheets of paper 

(80 writing surfaces).

These pocket notebooks were handcrafted using cork fabric for the covers. They are very soft, comfortable, and have a feel similar to leather and are lightweight and pliable. Bookcloth is traditionally used on the outside of a book, I chose to adhere it to the back of the cork fabric and add durability to the covers. The bookcloth also becomes an attractive and colorful interior giving each notebook a finished, handcrafted look inside and out.

"Sumi-e-Washi-Rice" papers were used for the pages, which lend well to pencil sketching and pen and ink. Each notebook measures 3.5" x 5" and is hand sewn with durable waxed linen thread using a traditional five-hole pamphlet stitch. Ivory parchment paper endpapers add  a lovely detail.