Mountain Laurel Blooming

           The Mountain Laurel 

         has been admired for its 

           beauty, resilience, and 

        its symbolic connection to 

         love, purity, and strength.
 

Coffee with Emily Carr

Emily Carr 1871 - 1945

"It was not handling of paint but handling of thoughts which overwhelmed me. Trying to get around this problem, I took always in my sketch-sack a little note book. When I had discovered my subject, I sat before it, asking myself these questions, What attracted you to this particular subject? Why do you want to paint it? What is its core, the thing you are trying to express?

Clearly, and in as few words as possible, I had answered these questions from myself to myself, wording them in my little note book, presenting essentials only, discarding everything of minor importance....This saying in words as well as in colour and form gave me double approach."

Hundreds and Thousands is the record of the life, work and thoughts of a great individualist, an extraordinary woman.

Read her bio here 

Chunky DIY Spiral Planner

Another DIY skinny planner, but CHUNKY! Got carried away adding loads of inserts!

Measures 5" x 8.5" with a laminated cover. Spiral bound using The Cinch. A cheerful, undated/perpetual planner:)

Created weekly and monthly templates printed onto colored cardstock and added folders to store papers.

Each month is separated with a colorful, plastic tabbed blank index card.  Lots pockets and sticker elements.

Additional papers and cut-a-parts used are from Echo Park Scrapbook Pad Collections.

View a short video flip through below 

Skinny DIY Spiral Planner

Fun DIY project! Spiral bound planner using The Cinch and measures 5" x 8.5". A happy, undated/perpetual planner with a laminated cover:)

Created weekly and monthly templates and printed onto colored cardstock with additional folders for notes.

Included tabs for each month along with lots of flips, flaps, pockets and sticker elements.

For added interest, colorful paper clips were used to include cut-a-parts from Echo Park Scrapbook Pad Collections.

View a short video flip through below 

Forest Gnome...Tree Stump Dweller

More Whimsy!
 

Slot & Tab Binding Book

Simple technique called 'Slot & Tab Binding' does not require any glue or stitching. Stumbled upon this technique here. Measures: 4"W x 5.5"H x 1"thick

Used double sided scrapbook/cardstock for the cover. For the pages I used single sided scrapbook paper. Rounded the corners of the pages with my Crop-A-Dile Corner Chomper. Images on the paper create interest and the white back sides leave plenty of space for notes or journaling. Lies flat for easy writing.

You can view a quick flip-thru below.

National Dandelion Day

 Make a wish! For the magic to be at its best you must blow all the seeds off with one breath!

Each time you wish upon a dandelion you are sending anywhere from 54 to 172 seeds into the air.

It is said that the 3 phases of a dandelion represent the sun, moon and stars. The yellow flower represents the sun, the white puff ball represents the moon and the dispersing seeds represent the stars.

  May all your wishes come true!

 

Love this little 4”x 6” Dandelion Book I made entitled ‘the Story’. You can read about the materials used and construction of the book here in a previous post.

View a short flip thru below.

Signs of Spring

At the end of winter, there is a season in which we are daily expecting spring, and finally a day when it arrives.

            Heny David Thoreau

                — Journal, 8 March 1853
 

Honeycomb Notebook

This sweet little 3.5 inch Honeycomb notebook was bound using my Cinch Bookbinder. I cut the hexagon shapes using my Cricut Explore 3 Craft Cutting Machine.

Added a few chipboard accents to the cover from the Carta Bella Honey Bee Collection.

A simple little notebook, but oh so cute! 

 

Upcycled Mini Notebook

Cut the cover for this upcycled mini notebook from a card board box. The pages are from plain brown kraft paper. 

The flowers were cut from a variety of colored cardstock using my Cricut Explore 3 and then mod podged to the surface.

I bound the little notebook using The Cinch bookbinding machine. It measures 3"W x 2.5"H. 

Another fun little crafty project! 

Mini Cinch Egg-Shape Notebooks

 These little Egg-Shaped Notebooks measure 2.25" x 3" and 3.5" x 4.5". All the oval shapes were cut using my Cricut; covers from double-sided scrapbook paper and pastel cardstock for the pages. Used The Cinch to bind the books. 

 

 

 

 

The basket was made with a 12" x 12" double sided scrapbook paper following this origami folding technique here.

Here's a tutorial for the cute little origami rabbit.

 

Spring & Farm Fresh

Cute little mini notebooks bound using The Cinch.

Echo Park Papers were used for both.

The flip up Spring Theme notebook measures 3" x 4".

The side flip mini notebook also bound using The Cinch and themed Farm Fresh is 3 inches square.

 

 

I can't stop! I enjoy constructing these little mini cinch bound notebooks. 

Origami Basket Filled With Mini Notebooks

Another origami basket, but this one I made slightly smaller by using an 11" square piece of double sided scrapbook paper from Bunnies & Baskets Collection from Echo Park. 

The mini cinch notebooks measure 2 inches square. Made the covers by using papers from the same paper collection and added pastel colored, lined index cards cut to size.

OMG! I think they are just adorable, nestled together in this sweet little pastel plaid, spring basket!

You can find a tutorial here for the origami basket. 

Bitty Bricolage

bricolage noun

bri·​co·​lage ˌbrē-kō-ˈläzh 

constructed using whatever materials happen to be available

 

Constructed these bitty bricolage junk journals using materials from my paper stash and imagine they could be referred to as bricolage.

 

A word I recently learned and rather like the sound of it :)

 

So... these are Bitty Bricolage Journals that measure 2.5" x 3.5". 

 

Bitty Cinch Notebooks just waiting for personal expression by incorporating layers, textures, fabrics, scraps and embellishments!

Betty Crocker Hot Fudge Pudding Cake

Yum! Chocolate lover's delight!

This recipe was from my Betty Crocker cookbook. A 1974 paperback issue that has been much used, well thumbed, tattered and taped.

 

 

 

 

Many versions of this recipe online, including video tutorials and ingredients necessary to bake this scrumptious cake.

AKA known as Chocolate Cobbler or Lava Cake.

So Easy!  This recipe actually makes its own fudgy chocolate sauce! Just serve warm and add whipped topping or your favorite ice cream. So delicious!

Origami Spring Basket

I discovered an easy to follow video tutorial to construct this sweet origami basket demonstrated by Easy Origami and Crafts. 

Used a 12 x 12  sheet of double sided scrapbook paper from an Echo Park collection entitled 'My Favorite Spring' to fold the origami basket. Any size square sheet of paper may be used.

Papers from the same collection were used to make covers for my mini 2.5" x 3.5" cinch notebooks. For the pages I used pastel, lined index cards cut to size. 

So cute! A basket full of minis! 

 Happy Spring!

Irish Pan Haggerty

So delicious and so simple! I never made an Irish Pan Haggerty dish. This showed up in my YouTube feed and it looked tasty and easy to make. I followed the video here but made a few changes because I didn't have the exact items mentioned in the recipe. No Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, I had Red Idaho and left them unpeeled.

Some recipes throw in bacon, didn't have any so used a jar of mushrooms I had. As directed in the recipe, I used shredded cheddar and also sprinkled grated parmesan on each layer. Lastly, in addition to the butter the recipe called for, I melted 2 more tablespoons and lightly drizzled the top before putting it into the oven. 

There are many variations to this recipe and often they start out prepping the food in the pan on top of the stove, then into the oven to grill for the last several minutes. This recipe appealed to me because it was a "one pan meal"! Love Easy Peasy!

Layered everything in my 10" Lodge Iron Skillet and popped it into the oven at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Amazingly tasty for so few ingredients!!

Happy St. Paddy's Day! 

The Birds and The Bugs

More Mini Cinch Notebooks bound using the ... what else but the Mini Cinch!

Papers used were from Echo Park and Graphic 45.

If interested you can view a short video flip through below.

Thanks for visiting!

                                        Music: Traces of Tomorrow / Citizen Music

March ~ National Crafting Month

It's National Crafting Month! Not that I need a reason to craft:) Crafted a few more mini books using The Cinch Binder.

Circular (3.5") and Clam Seashell Books (3.5" x 4" and 2.5" x 3") used my Cricut to cut out the shapes onto a variety of solid colored cardstock papers.

The 4" Chunky Notebooks I used Echo Park Papers; 6"x6" Pad called Plan On It and a 12" x12" Carta Bella Pad called Farmhouse Summer. Included in each are lined index cards cut to size, variety of solid color papers and added Pockets, Tags, Tabs and stickers.

Happy Crafting! 

3 Inch Square 'One Page Wonder' Mini Album

Fun & simple little 3 inch square crafty mini album with a 70's vibe. Used one 12" x 12" scrapbook paper from an Echo Park Pad (I'd Rather Be Crafting) scored vertically at 3", 6" & 9". Then turn your paper once and cut 3 inch strips. Then fold your strips on the score lines. I followed this tutorial here.

I've made similar 3 inch square 'one page wonder' mini albums in the past (can see them here) by folding a whole sheet of 12" x 12". This is the same concept, but I believe cutting the 3" strips removes some of the bulk you get when you fold the whole sheet. 

Made tags from colored cardstock, adhered stickers, added pockets & more tags from the pad.

For the pretty olive green closure I used chiffon curly ribbon from my stash. 

View a short video flip thru below

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

 https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/green-clouds 

License code: XSNHR7ZEPVSZ8MIL

Two Cute Mini Notebooks ~ "Jotters"

I used The Mini Cinch this time to bind these two cute little notebooks.

I 'smashed' a couple of my Echo Park Scrapbook Pads; 'Day In The Life & Telling Our Story'. Added additional pages using colored cardstock and index cards cut to size.

The horizontal mini with the 'typewriter' images measures 3" x 2.5" and The Vertical Flip Up with the Boho Rainbows measures 3" x 4".

I believe a majority of the notebooks I make can be considered "jotter" notebooks...many are colorful, compact and portable!

View a short video flip thru below

 

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): 

https://uppbeat.io/t/justin-lee/silver-linings 

License code: XB0HESAG4T26WJV0

Hidden Cinch Binding Mini Recipe Book

This cute Retro Recipe Book measures 4.5" x 5.5" with 1" spine. Has 4 tabbed dividers with pockets, Journal Cards, 20 lined index cards and a few recipes.

The papers are from a Collection called "Roll With It" from Echo Park.

Making this hidden cinch binding was easier than I thought and am sure to be making more!

Learned to make this binding by following the tutorial here. 

 

National Peanut Butter Lover's Day

Fun Peanut Butter Facts:

• It takes about 540 peanuts to make a 12-ounce jar of peanut butter.
• Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup was introduced to America in 1928.
• Americans spend almost $800 million a year on peanut butter.
• January 24th is National Peanut Butter Day.

Early Daffodils

Sticky Note Pad Holders with Mini Pens

Another crafty project to use up left over paper scraps. 

Sticky Note Pad Holders for 3 x 3 inch sticky note pads. This one includes a slot to hold a mini pen and on the inside flap a tuck pocket for notes.

Many variations and tutorials available online.

I made one with a ribbon closure and followed the tutorial here. 

The holders with the front inside pockets I followed the tutorial here. 

Happy Crafting! 

'Bookish' Mini Wrap Traveler's Notebook

This laminated Traveler's Wrap Notebook is approximately 3.5"W x 5"H. It has 4 bands. This one has two notebooks 3.25" x 4.5" and two laminated 'dashboards'/folders, each with two pockets. 

I made a clear pocket on the inside cover. I used the trimmed cut-off from the laminated cover and cut it down to size and used double-sided tape to adhere it to the laminated cover.

Once again used an Echo Park Scrapbook Pad called ... what else?? but 'Bookish' ! Used 6" x 6" doubled sided papers to make the folders and some tags and bookmarks which I laminated. From the 12 x 12 pad I added some stickers. 

I used metal brads to connect the elastic on the bands as well as the notebook closure wrap. Eliminates bulky tied elastic knots. 

A short video flip through below if you're interested:

Music: 'So Young At Heart' - Judson Crane

Sticky Note Pad Holders

Crafted these little cuties using double sided papers, magnetic closures and added mini resin flowers on the front. Easy to make holders for 3 x 3 inch sticky note pads. 

Cut my paper 3"W x 9"L. 

Scored at 2 ½, 27/8,  57/8, 6¼. Rounded the corners of the front flap. Creased the score lines and adhered the sticky note pad using double sided tape. Glued the magnetic closure in and added a decorative resin flower. 

 

A simple crafty project to use up left over scrap papers. Lots of variations and tutorials online.Here's a link giving the dimensions for 3 different sizes of Sticky Notes and video tutorial.

Link to previous post of my Mini Sticky Note Packs. 

Stand With Ukraine

 

Слава Україні

  Slava Ukraini 

    Glory To Ukraine 

Love

 

Mini Note Hearts

 

A bowl of mini Hearts, each with a pocket to tuck a note

I began working on these back in March of last year and set them aside. Finally finished stuffing them and added some ribbon and buttons. You can see my previous post here.  In another past post I shared info about how to make the fabric butterfly that tops the lighted tree here.

Boho Rainbow Mini Notebooks

Used this cute Boho Rainbow paper to cover these two mini notebooks I bound using The Cinch. Pages are from Echo Park Scrapbook Pad; 'Day In The Life' as well as colored cardstock and index cards cut to size. 

The square notebook is 4 inches square. The vertical flip notebook measures 3" x 4". Many of the pages I used are scrapbook pad 'cut-aparts' which are handy when making these simple notebooks.

Thought I messed up when I put the 'sideways' rainbow on... according to AI;  "The sideways boho rainbow symbolizes acceptance, diversity, and a carefree spirit, reflecting a playful and vibrant aesthetic. It encourages embracing all colors and living joyfully, often associated with creativity and uniqueness." I thought,oh, ok, good, because I liked the rainbow and didn't want to redo the cover ☺

View video flip thru below

 

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): 

https://uppbeat.io/t/corals/blossom

 License code: THBJPGP5LA1JQVDF

Horizontal Notebooks 6" x 4"

Bound these using The Cinch Bookbinder...what else!

 One is a crafty inspired colorful notebook for ideas & new projects. Used 'cut-a-parts' from 'I'd Rather Be Crafting' Echo Park Scrapbook Pad and added colored cardstock pages.

The other is a cheerful, simple monthly planner tabbed quarterly. Used Echo Park 'Day in the Life' Scrapbook Pad which had a sheet for each of the 12 months. Added 6" x 4"colored cardstock and index cards.

Both are simple, handy size notebooks to toss in your bag or keep on your desk!

If you'd like, you can view a short video flip through below. 

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/building-a-house

License code: 05YGLIGQHUPVX2AQ

Dusting of Snow This Morning

                            33 degrees now, beginning to melt...
 

National Golden Retriever Day

It’s National Golden Retriever Day 💛 So Goldie decided it was only right to speak on behalf of Golden Retrievers everywhere.

 

Sooo Many Mini Traveler's Notebooks!

Cute! Cute! Cute!

Pulled out the Thermal Laminator to make these! 

Three sizes: 3"x4.5", 3.5"x5" and 3.75"x6"

Papers used were from Stamperia and Echo Park Scrapbook Pads.

Included in these mini TN are 'dashboards' (folders with pockets) for tags, notes, and bookmarks with some paper clips and an additional mini pen!

 I'm hooked on making these Mini Traveler's Notebooks & Cinch Bound Notebooks ...at least until the next shiny object (or project) catches my eye!

Video flip though below
 

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-johnson/some-kind-of-feelin

License code: Z017L6I23AUEV5SL

Half a foot...forecast for more?

 

Zoooooomies!!!

Today's Weather...still snowing

3" Square Mini Cinch Notebooks

Power back long enough to publish this post after being out for 53 hours. Prepping for the next storm. Meteorologist says to expect more high winds and snow this time🤞

These little cuties are 3 inch square mini cinch notebooks with rounded corners.

Used a variety of papers from my stash. Thanks once again to THE CINCH to do the bookbinding!

See a short video flip thru below

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/weekend-chores 

License code: HAQMEAIYDSTWRXQG

Frosted Ferns & Glazed Mushrooms

 

 

'Winter Storm Fern' of 2026 ... Unofficially named by the Weather Channel

Icy Blue 'shrooms

 

Icy Branches

No Faux Icy Branches Here Today
 

The Burning Bush Turns Icy

Beautiful Magical Icicles adorn 

The Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus) .
 

Ice-Capped Mushroom

Forecast: Cold, sleet, freezing rain & snow. Plan: grab the cozy blanket and curl up with a good book. 

 Book: 'A Woman Of No Importance' Best Book Of The Year by NPR. 

Reviews: The New York Times: 'Excellent...riveting as any thriller, and as hard to put down.

Me: I'm ready to settle in...