Origami Frame Book

I created this Origami Frame Book and coordinating Tato Box using Yasutomo origami papers. 

Colorful cardstock was cut to size to insert into the frames which created the base for the lovely botanical images. The artwork comes from the Fern Fables collection by Iron Orchid Design Transfers. They add a beautiful nature-inspired touch.

I decided to let the images trail and transfer onto the frames, and I was happy with the result.

A simple hemp cord tie provides a charming and functional closure for the book.

The Origami Frame Book and Tato Box measure 3 inches square. The book includes 10 pages, counting both front and back covers. When fully open, the book extends to 30 inches.

The Origami Frame Book was made following the video tutorial by LibertyGrove Paper Arts, while the Tato Box was created using the tutorial provided by Yasutomo demonstrated by Karen Elaine.

 You can view a slide video below

 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

 https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/lazy-sunday-afternoon 

License code: KXCL1P59P1TWEIR0

Retro Xmas Junk Journal Stitched Pamphlets

Thinking COOL thoughts in the 90 degree temps!

I stitched 8 little Retro Christmas Junk Journal Pamphlets with red & white bakers twine using a 3-hole pamphlet stitch. 

Smallest at 3" x 4" and largest at 5" x 7". I used my handmade distressed papers for the pages. Largest booklet has 16 sheets (32 pgs). Smaller booklets have 8 sheets (16 pgs) and one having 6 sheets (12 pgs).

 Using select digital images from KBandFriends I printed these onto cardstock to create the covers and ephemera. 

Below is a short slide video featuring the pamphlets.

Favorite Go-To Summer Desert

Ambrosia Salad

Ambrosia Salad is a classic summertime dessert that's light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make.

Ingredients

1½ cups Cool Whip
½ cup whipped cream cheese
3 cups mini marshmallows
1 (15-ounce) can mandarin orange segments
1 cup chopped pineapple
¾ cup maraschino cherries

Directions
In a large bowl, mix the Cool Whip and whipped cream cheese until smooth. Drain the canned fruit thoroughly to prevent the salad from becoming watery. Gently fold in the marshmallows, mandarin oranges, pineapple, and maraschino cherries. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend. 

Just before serving, I like to add extra fresh fruit if I have it on hand. Sliced bananas, strawberries, and green grapes are all delicious additions and add even more color and flavor.

There are many variations of Ambrosia Salad. The classic version typically includes shredded coconut, so feel free to stir in about 1 cup if you enjoy it.

Pocket Notebooks ~ Upcycled Vintage Cape Cod Atlas

These pocket notebooks are handcrafted using the pages of a vintage 1982 Cape Cod and Islands Atlas and Guide Book as their covers.

The maps feature locations including Downtown Falmouth, Provincetown Harbor, and Martha's Vineyard, making each notebook a small piece of Cape Cod history.

While bookcloth is traditionally used on the outside of a book, I wanted the vintage maps to take center stage. By adhering the maps to sturdy bookcloth, I created covers that are both durable and beautiful. The bookcloth also becomes an attractive interior lining, giving each notebook a finished, handcrafted look inside and out.

Each notebook measures 3.5" × 5" and is hand sewn with durable waxed linen thread using a traditional five-hole pamphlet stitch. Parchment paper endpapers add an elegant finishing touch.

Each notebook contains 36 cream-colored pages (72 writing surfaces). One notebook features graph paper, one has lined pages, and one contains blank pages, offering a variety of options for writing, sketching, or journaling.

Happy 4th!

 

Cat-Theme Desk Sitters

Cat-Themed Desk Sitters

With Playful, Quirky Phrases!

These cat-themed Desk Sitters started out as simple wooden Jenga blocks and were transformed into these fun little creations.

For this collection, I used FolkArt Chalk Paint in Cascade, Castle, Vintage Mustard, and Spanish Moss.

If you'd like to see how they're made, check out my posts from June 9 and June 13, where I share my process.

I've had a wonderful time crafting these and have completed a total of 30 Desk Sitters! I think it's time to take a break —for now, at least!

Marbled Paper Design Notebooks

I'm finally putting more of my beautiful Pepin papers to use! The covers for these handmade spiral notebooks were created using designs from the Pepin Marbled Paper Designs Collection. Each sheet was cut to size and adhered to book board  & bound with The Cinch.

Each notebook has 40 sheets (80 pgs) unlined, cream-colored paper. Been hoarding these lovely Italian writing papers from Rossi1931. Wonderfully smooth and a joy to write on.

    Notebook sizes:    

Fisher Space Pen

       5" x 7"
       4" x 6.5" 
       4" x 5"
       3.5" x 5" 

 The chrome pen shown in the photo is a Fisher Space Pen—a pressurized ballpoint pen that writes upside down, in extreme temperatures, and on a variety of surfaces. At just 3.75" long, it's the perfect compact size.

This one was a souvenir from one of our trips to Disney. I couldn't resist bringing it home simply because it was so unique! ☺