"Raggedies" For My Unembellished Junk Journal !

My first attempt at making 'Raggedies'! Thanks NikThe Booksmith!! Great way to fill up or stuff a plain Junk Journal. Gives the appearance of being stuffed with papers but allows the recipient of the journal the option of keeping the additions or not and using it as just a writing journal if they wish. Nik The Booksmith did a recent tutorial on making Raggedies, check her out! Thanks for watching 🙂

A Cherokee Feast Of Days ~ Dec. 29 Passage

Wood For The Fire ... 

Winter Sunset ~ "fires the horizon with live embers, blue, then deep purple, red and gold" ...

Honey Bee Journal

 This is a journal I made that is a journal within a journal! More digital printables from Nik The Booksmith (Ode To The Bee) which I downloaded and resized to make this cute little double journal that's a 4 x 5 inch handy pocket size!

Wildflowers Leather Bound Journal

 A sweet little simple 4 x 5 inch leather bound journal. I downloaded and resized digitals (Prairie Wildflowers & Art Nouveau Flowers) from Nik The Booksmith (The Booksmith Shop on Etsy) and printed onto celery parchment paper. A pretty little pocket size journal!

Dec 25 2023

 

Tonight We Eat ..

Enjoying our traditional Ukrainian dinner this Christmas eve... 🎄
 Borscht, Holopchi & Pierogi ( we are grateful to Mrs. T's for the pierogis 😉 )

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Today I Made Holopchi

🎄

Today I Made Holopchi 😋

Cookies & Hot Cocoa

   Dear Santa, 

    I've been good.
  Please enjoy these cookies and hot cocoa for all the hard work you do. Thank You, Sully 😊

    

Made a Pot of Borscht Today ...

Tomorrow I make Holopchi :)
 

May Your Days Be Merry & Bright

 

Never Ending / Flip Flop Journals

Created these two simple 4 x 6 inch never ending / flip flop journals without envelopes using double-sided scrapbook paper base. The first journal has 4 signatures and I used 'Shabby Rose' Scrapbook Paper by Stamperia to craft the cover, pockets and journaling cards. I used assorted papers from my stash for the signatures.

 The 2nd journal was created using 2 pieces of Tim Holtz Backdrops for the cover and pockets and used his Pocket Cards to tuck into the pockets. For the 3 signatures I used plain distressed papers. Lots of variations and tutorials available for 'flip flop journals' online. Check out @ShanoukiArt for her flip flop inspiration. Fun, easy journals to create! .... Or use your Christmas Scrapbook paper stash to create quick little gifts!

Christmas Accordion Folio Junk Journal

 Decorated this Tim Holtz Accordion Folio using up most of my remaining stash of the Tim Holtz Christmas papers and ephemera that I had. Watch a Flip-Thru while listening to a Snowy Stroll Down Mainstreet!

Happy Holidays! 

Infinity Christmas Tree Card

Started with an 8 inch square black piece of cardstock to create this Infinity Christmas Tree Card / Never Ending Christmas Tree Card. I used Stamperia's 'Christmas Greetings' Scrapbook Pad to decorate.  Followed Sam Calcott UK - Mixed Up Craft tutorial to make this fun and easy to craft card! Happy Crafting!

Infinity Christmas Card

I created this 6 inch square Infinity Christmas Card / Never Ending Christmas Card using Stamperia's 8 x 8 inch Scrapbook Pad titled 'Christmas Greetings'. I used black cardstock base and blue cardstock for matting. I followed 'Nicole Fenimore's easy to follow tutorial. In her video she mentions that she offers measurements on her blog. I made a coordinating envelope using 9.5 inch square cardstock with the We R Memory Keepers Punchboard. Fun to make! Happy Crafting!

Junk Journal Using Old Book Cover

I gutted an old children’s reader titled 'The Natural Method Readers, A Fourth Reader'. Great tattered old book cover. Added some Junk Journal flavor with distressed papers and a few other embellishments. I kept it mostly blank for journaling & more embellishing :)

A Great way to fill up or stuff a plain Junk Journal is with 'Raggedies'. Gives the appearance of being stuffed with papers but allows the recipient of the journal the option of keeping the additions or not and using it as just a writing journal if they wish. 'Nik the Booksmith' on YT did a recent tutorial on making 'Raggedies'. Check out my Dec 30 post to see the 'Raggedies' I added to this journal.

Christmas Junk Journal

Another Christmas Junk Journal. This one is a little larger and measures 4.5 x 7.5 inches. I made it using the tab binding method using Tim Holtz Linen Christmas Tape. Lots of Flips, Flaps, Folds, Tucks, and Journal Cards. File Folders were used to create mini writing journals. All made using Tim Holtz Christmas Ephemera.

Mini Christmas Junk Journal

 I made this Mini Christmas Junk Journal using Tim Holtz Christmas Ephemera and Tim Holtz Christmas Linen Tape to create the tab binding. Cute little chunky size chock-a-block full of goodies that measures 2 inches by 3 inches. Fits nicely into a Tim Holtz Idea-Ology Trinket Tin! Makes a sweet gift!

Beautiful Blossoms ~ Never Ending Junk Journal

Created this four signature 'Never Ending Junk Journal' (or sometimes called a 'Flip Flop' Journal) using Stamperia's 'Hortensia' double-sided scrapbook paper for the cover and for creating flips, flaps and pockets. I used a variety of pretty papers for the signatures and botanical images to create journaling cards. It measures 4 x 9 inches. Lots of variations and tutorials available online if you're feeling crafty! 

A Watcher in the Woods

 I gutted or rather deconstructed a vintage book and retained the cover and spine and kept them intact. I created this woodland theme Junk Journal by binding a variety of papers from handmade paper, rice paper, tissue paper, newsprint and a variety of tea-stained papers. I edited digital images and printed them on many of the pages throughout the book all in keeping with a woodland or forest theme.

I liked the way the book looked with just the bound signatures so I left all the Ephemera Inserts (journal cards, envelopes, notepads, etc.) as loose elements that can be rearranged or completely removed! This provides a flatter surface while journaling in the book while still being able to load it up with all the wonderful ephemera. Sweet gift for a nature loving friend!

Vintage Junk Journal

This is a little Vintage Junk Journal I made using Tab Binding. Perhaps also called an Art Journal or Mixed Media Journal. I used Tim Holtz Linen Tape for the binding and many of his papers, assorted metals and miscellaneous ephemera. Fun little project!

November Woods

One Page Wonder Mini Album

This Cute 'One Page Wonder Interactive Mini Album'  is 3 inches square! I constructed it using a 12 x 12 inch piece of cardstock as the base. Decorated it using Stamperia’s "Patchwork" 12 x 12 inch Scrapbook Pad. Makes a sweet gift for a tea loving friend! Inspired by Einat Kessler over on YouTube.

Envelope Junk Journal

This was a fun little Envelope Junk Journal to make. The envelopes, file folder notepads and journal cards were created using Stamperia's ‘Lady Vagabond’ Scrapbook Pad. I constructed it using a tab binding adding Tim Holtz baseboards and people. Embellished it with more assorted bits and bobs and miscellaneous ephemera. A little journal inspired by Shabby Soul.

Relax Express Yourself It's Art!

 Picked up this fun cap on a visit years ago at this interesting and eclectic shop on Anna Maria Island, a quaint & historic old town. Everything from local art to unique and vintage items. A  great little cafe with fresh baked goods every morning! 

Ginny and Jane E, two sisters established and together ran this wonderful cafe and coastal store. They've since retired but the store continues to thrive on! Fun and friendly shop to visit! Great for inspiration too!

If you're ever visiting Anna Maria Island drop in and get out of the heat for a smoothie at Ginny & Jane E's !

Mushrooms ~ Mythology & Folklore

 

An abundance and variety of mushrooms are definitely to be found around here! These lovelies look like they popped right off the pages of a Beatrix Potter book! Before she began writing children's books she had developed an interest in mycology. She did some amazing scientific illustrations of fungi. She painted and drew her specimens with skill. To see some of her wonderful illustrations and to read a bit about her interest as a mycologist click here.

And of course there are also the wonderful myths and folklore surrounding mushrooms often having a strong association with the magical realm. If you're interested in reading about mushroom lore check out this site Incredible Mushrooms.

The Changing Colors of The Season

 Took a drive through the countryside to enjoy the season’s changing colors. Enjoy !

Double Trifold Junk Journal

This was a fun little Junk Journal to create with a trifold within a trifold that measures 3.5 x 6 inches. I used some Tim Holtz Backdrops along with some of his ephemera pieces and other miscellaneous papers.

This was inspired by Sunset Crafts & More. Loved her idea with the envelopes, didn't have any so I made some from vellum paper and stamped them up!

Mini Folio Album

 I crafted this Flip Flap Interactive Mini Folio Album with a file folder base. I used the Stamperia 'Atelier Des Arts' double sided 8 x 8 inch scrapbook pad to create this 4 inch square album. Lots of flips, flaps, tucks & pockets with mini journaling cards. 

If interested in learning how to create the folding mechanism, 'Liz The Paper Project' provides a tutorial for a similar Album Folio in a 5 x 7 inch finished design. Happy Creating!

Mini Junk Journal

 I created this Chunky Mini Junk Journal from a mini composition notebook that measured 3.25 x 4.5 inches. Had so much fun decorating it that it developed into a 'gator mouth'! Chock-a-block full of clips, flips, tucks, envelopes, vintage photos and lots of ephemera and notepads and space for journaling!

Fabric Fold Over Pouch

Made another one of these easy to sew adorable fold over pouches. 

I used cotton linen blend fabrics with a geometric pattern and a complimenting cotton fabric for the lining. 

You can check out a few others I have sewn here in a previous post.

To sew one of these cute little pouches you can find an easy to follow tutorial at Sotak Handmade. She provides you with dimensions for a smaller version of this pouch which measures 3"W x 3.25"H when finished. I adapted her pattern to make a slightly larger pouch. My pouch measures 6" W x 5" H when folded. 

Chunky Art Journal

I created this 4 x 4 inch journal using Tim Holtz 'Abandoned' 8 x8 inch double sided scrapbook pad. From each 8 x8 inch piece I cut two 4 x 6 pieces and scored and folded the pieces randomly at  2 & 4, 4 & 2 and 3 & 3. The leftover 2 inch pieces I used to create pockets. I used geometric stencil stamps to create the shapes and inserted contrasting cardstock for more visual interest. 

I bound this book with a tab binding method and used Tim Holtz marble washi tape for the inside and book cloth tape for the outer binding. This was inspired by a technique on Jogglesdotcom.

A mixed media art journal with fun backgrounds...ready to play and embellish!

Butterfly Garden

A visit to the local Butterfly Garden

Nature's Inspirations

A simple to sew Foldover Wallet Clutch constructed from one piece of fabric. An easy to follow tutorial can be found here at Lizzy Curtis on YouTube. I altered mine slightly by making it a one pocket and added a button closure with a thread button loop. 

More Leaves!

Did I say I love the fall?! Oh yeah, I did :)

There are many legends as to why the leaves change color; here's one from the Farmers' Almanac.

Or if you're interested, here's the scientific explanation from National Geographic explaining why leaves change color.

Or if you'd prefer, here's a 4 minute podcast from NPR as to Why Leaves Change Color.

Legend or science, both are interesting. Either way, I LOVE when the leaves change color in the fall! Sooo lovely!

Cardinal

Spotted this Cardinal hanging around our bird feeder this summer. 
 
I believe this is a Northern Cardinal that can be spotted all year round in our area. 

They are a great sight, especially against a white winter backgorund. 

Junk Journal

I used the Tim Holtz Idea-ology worn notebook binder for this junk journal. I assembled the book using leftover papers from previous projects. I stamped, washi-taped and sticker-ed to my hearts content! Includes foldouts, tucks and journaling cards. Lots of collaging, but still room for notes and journaling! Ring bound journal allows you to easily re-arrange your pages! Fun project!

Loving The Fall!

Hmmm...Is it Autumn or Fall ? Interested in what the Merriam-Webster Dictionary has to say ? Click here.

As they say...Happy Fall Y'all !

Denim Sashiko Card Case

This was an easy to sew denim card case using one piece of fabric. I chose to add some sashiko stitching to the fabric before I sewed the card case. The finished dimensions for this two pocket card case are  4.25 x 3 inches.

You can find an easy to follow tutorial at The Sewing Room Channel to make this simple to sew card case. She also shows you how to add a snap closure. I chose to make mine a foldover style.

Great size for business cards or even a nice presentation if giving a gift card!
 

Azuma Bukuro

Azuma Bukuro also known as a Japanese Bento Bag or sometimes referred to as market or origami bags. A stylish way to wrap a present or stash your knitting project when on the go!

A popular style bag and easy to sew, you'll have no problem finding tutorials on the web if you're interested.

I made a few others, see my previous post here.

Hummingbird

Was able to capture a few shots of this hummingbird at our feeder over the summer.

"Legends say that hummingbirds float free of time, carrying our hopes for love, joy and celebration. The hummingbird's delicate grace reminds us that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning and that laughter is life's sweetest creation." 

          ~ PAPYRUS ~
 

Autumn Bursts of Color !

The forest is coming alive with vibrant color!

Enjoying the cooler crisper air on early morning walks. No mistaking the signs of Autumn ! 

I love sweater weather!

Mini Christmas Junk Journal

 I created this 3x5 inch Mini Christmas Junk Journal in a black and white theme and a few pops of color using My Porch Prints digitals and donated it to a non-profit organization called dAFi, Disabled Artist Foundation, Inc and it will be auctioned off at their next event scheduled for noon on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Wonderful cause run by a great hardworking group of folks. They energize through the arts and give free art packages to financially qualified disabled artists. Check them out!

Below is a short video of the little journal that comes in its' own handmade drawstring gift bag!

Shabby Pink Christmas Junk Journal Folio

I created this 4x6 inch Shabby Pink Christmas Junk Journal Folio using My Porch Prints digitals and donated it to a non-profit organization called dAFi, Disabled Artist Foundation, Inc and it will be auctioned off at their next event scheduled for noon on Saturday, October 14, 2023. Wonderful cause run by a great hardworking group of folks. They energize through the arts and give free art packages to financially qualified disabled artists. Check them out!

It also comes in its’ own little handmade drawstring red fabric gift bag. A coordinating gift tag and matching envelope is also included. Handy to use if intended to gift it to someone special! Or gift it to yourself to keep as your own special Christmas Journal to enjoy!

Leather Bound Christmas Junk Journal ... Auction Event!

 I crafted this Leather Bound Christmas Junk Journal and donated it to a non-profit organization called dAFi Disabled Artist Foundation, Inc and it will be auctioned off at their next event scheduled for noon on Saturday, October14, 2023. Wonderful cause run by a great hardworking group of folks. They energize through the arts and give free art packages to financially qualified disabled artists. Check them out!

Here's a short video of the Christmas Journal below.

Mixed Media Art Journal KIT!

I crafted this little Mixed Media Art Journal KIT and donated it to a non-profit organization called dAFi Disabled Artist Foundation, Inc and it will be auctioned off at their next event scheduled for noon on Saturday, October 14,2023. Wonderful cause run by a great hardworking group of folks. They energize through the arts and give free art packages to financially qualified disabled artists. Check them out!

 Below is a quick little video of the KIT in a sweet little handmade drawstring bag!

Mini Keychain Album Ornament KITS !

I created KITS for these Mini Keychain Album Ornaments and donated them to a wonderful non-profit organization called dAFi, Disabled Artist Foundation, Inc. There will be 10 KITS up for auction at their next upcoming event being held this Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 12 noon. They energize through the arts and give free art packages to financially qualified disabled artists. They're an amazing group of hardworking folks who dedicate their time and energies to this great cause! Check them out here for this Saturday's Event. Here is their Calendar for their upcoming events. Check them out!

 Below is a short video clip of the donated kits and a video demo of the little albums.

Chunky Junk Journal Lapbook

Video below is a flip through of this Chunky Junk Journal Lapbook that I created. I’ve donated it to a great cause, an organization called dAFi – Disabled Artist Foundation, Inc. I believe it will be up for auction at their next online event in November. Here is the link to the event if you are interested or if you’re just a junk journal lover!

 dAFi is a great non-profit organization run by a wonderful group of folks. They energize through the arts and give free art packages to financially qualified disabled artists.

 

Roasting Marshmallows

Did you know Roasting Marshmallows dates back 125 years?!

If you're curious, here's a link to "The Delicious History of Roasting Marshmallows"
 

Mini Origami Fabric Pouch

For this Mini Origami Fabric Pouch I used fabric from a collection by Zen Chic called Celestial for Moda fabric. 
 

This mini pouch only required two pieces of 10 inch square fabric plus ribbon or cording for your drawstring. Check out my previous post for a link to Julie Cefalu's Youtube for an easy to follow tutorial to make these origami pouches.

The perfect little size to hold my handmade Sunset Scallop Sea Shell book!

If you'd like to make your own sea shell book check out an easy to follow tutorial over at Sea Lemon.

Here is a video Flip Through of this Sunset Scallop Shell Book.

Origami Fabric Pouches

 

I pulled out some coordinating fabrics from my stash and sewed a few more of these quick and easy Origami Fabric Pouches.

 You only need two 15.5 inch square pieces of fabric for each pouch plus ribbon or cording for your drawstring. Beads are optional. I used fabrics from Riley Blake and the Cotton+Steele Collections.

 If interested you can find a simple to follow tutorial over at Julie Cefalu’s YouTube channel from The Crafty Quilter.

Gerbera Daisy

Gerberas, also known as African Daisies are symbolic of joy, beauty, and a sunny disposition.

Can't help but smile when you receive a lovely bunch of Gerbera Daisies!

Nuts-A-Plenty!

 

     The squirrels are 

       going NUTS!!

Mini Pumpkins!

Some of the world's largest pumpkins have weighed in at more than 2500 pounds!

Did you know the largest Pumpkin Pie ever made was over five ft. in diameter and weighed over 350 pounds! It used 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and took six hours to bake!
 

Meadow of Goldenrod

Passed a Meadow of Blooming Goldenrod this morning...a sure sign of fall's arrival!

Autumn, my favorite season!

Vintage Find - Victor Adding Machines & Vintage Hole Punch

These were a fun find. I love vintage office equipment ! I used adding machines like these at my first job! They sure were big and heavy! The larger one is probably circa 1920's and sometime later they came out with a '10 -key' which they called their portable model :)

If you enjoy a bit of history here is a link to the "Made in Chicago Museum"   where you can learn more about the Victor Adding Machines as well as the industrial history of everyday objects. Have to chuckle... "Believe it or not, one of the key selling points of these sleek beauties was their 'lightweight' construction; bearing in mind that the 30-pound bulk of the early 1920's models was a bit of an improvement on the popular precursors on the market."

The cast iron hole punch by Wilson Jones Co. is circa 1940's.  

American Burnweed

 Even in a weed 

    there is beauty.

Impatiens

My impatiens are still blooming. They are loving the shade!

Did you know there are more than a thousand varieties available?!!

 

Through The Seasons...in these woods

A Cherokee Feast of Days ~ Joyce Sequichie

Oriental Lady's Thumb

Persicaria Longiseta is a species of flowering plant in the 'knotweed' family known by the common names Oriental Ladys Thumb, Creeping smartweed, Low smartweed, Bristly smartweed, Tufted knotweed, and Asiatic smartweed.

The Lady's Thumb flowers can bloom anytime from late spring to early fall. 

It's an invasive species...has definitely spread prolifically around here!
 

Another pretty weed!

Mini Keychain Albums

These were fun little mini keychain albums (or ornaments) that I made by following a video tutorial on RosaKellyScrapbooking on YouTube. She provides you with all the cutting and folding dimensions.

 One I created using vintage Christmas photos which made a sweet little photo album. The albums measure 2" wide x 2.5" tall. The other little keychain booklets I made using Dina Wakely Media Collage Sparks cardstock papers. When assembled these made cute abstract collage albums. I used black cardstock for the base. Fun style to create a variety of mini keychain albums or even ornaments, get creative!

 

Summer Time ... is Cookout Time!

 

Yummm !