I had an old flex frame pouch that was quite worn and tattered. I deconstructed it and used it to make my pattern to sew these pouches using cork fabric and a 4.72 inch metal flex band for the 'snap' opening.
The metal flex frames/bands came in three sizes and this was the larger size of the three.
The pouches measure approximately 4.5 inches square.
For the drawstring I used cotton cording adorned with wooden beads.
The bag measures 5 inches square at the base and is 5.5 inches tall.
I was inspired by this short video here provided by Tendersmile Handmade and just made a few modifications.
These were simple flex frame pouches to sew once I had created a pattern from an old worn pouch I had deconstructed.
I used embossed vegan leather to sew these two pouches. The teal pouch is square and measures 4.5 x 4.5 inches and the rust pouch measures 4 x 4.5 inches.
Handy size pouches for your earbuds, keys, coins, cards or other small items.
I used the pattern I had created by deconstructing an old pouch I had and used two different materials to sew these two flex frame pouches.
The rose gold cork fabric pouch measures 4.5 inches square and the pink leather pouch is approximately 4 x 4.5 inches.
Sometimes these pouches are referred to by different names; self closing pouch, pinch pouch, squeeze coin purse, snap top, spring frame, but are usually made using the same metal flex band hardware.
This hand stitched scrappy boho-ish textile bowl was a fun and quick project. I used two pieces of white needled cotton batting basted together for the base. I drew a circle for the size of my bowl and a smaller inner circle for the size of my base. I then cut this circle out and cut 6 equal 'pie' sections to the 'base' of the inner circle. Folded each section up overlapping slightly to create the bowl shape. I used 12wt Egyptian cotton thread and randomly hand stitched my pieces of fabric to this base.
You can view a demonstration here to create the bowl template.
My wonky, wabi-sabi bowl measures 2"H x 4"Diam. and 2" at the base.
I sewed this fabric bowl using the pattern included in the Tilda book; Hot Chocolate Sewing. I used 100% cotton coordinating fabrics from several Tilda collections and a low loft fusible fleece as an interfacing.
Finished size measures 3"H, 5"W at the rim and 3" at the base of the bowl.
In the book she provides two pattern sizes for the bowl; large and small, I made the small bowl.
This book is filled with over 20 projects. You can choose from quilts and softies, bags and dolls, pillows and purses. Autumnal motifs include reindeer, mice, apples, butternut squash, ducks, birds, houses and more.
So grab yourself a hot chocolate and plan your next project!
They're such a joy to see. Sadly, their vibrant, bright, cheerful appearance will soon be gone, full bloom typically lasts only about 20 days.
If you'd like to read about the amazing history of the sunflower you can visit the National Sunflower Association.
'Native Americans have been using sunflowers for food and medicine for at least 8,000 years, cultivating them as early as 2300 B.C. They utilized sunflower seeds for various purposes, including making flour, snacks, and even medicinal applications.' Visit the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to read more.
Sewed this Boro Sashiko Tea Bag Wallet using patchwork dobby weave Sevenberry Japanese cotton fabric and did a bit of sashiko stitching.
Used a natural coconut shell button 10mm (0.394") and simple small hair elastic for the closure.
It has four pockets for your teabags and could easily tuck in two more comfortably or include a couple of sugar packets.
Measures approximately 3.5 x 4.5 inches. Open it measures 7 x 4.5 inches.
A simple pattern that holds four tea bags You could easily tuck in two more comfortably or include a couple of sugar packets.
I used natural coconut shell buttons that measure 10mm (0.394") and simple elastic hair bands for the closure.
The finished size measures approximately 3.5 x 4.5 inches. Opened, the wallets measure 7 x 4.5 inches.
If you'd like to make your own, check out Pinterest for a variety of DIY tea bag holders.
Cute gift for your tea loving friends! Convenient to toss in your bag!
For the black/gray pouch I used linen prints from Around The Bend Collection by Anna Graham. For the other pouches I used cotton fabric collections from Tilda.
The two boxy bottom pouches measure approximately 6 x 5 inches. The lined triangle pouch is 5 inches.
For the triangle pouch I was inspired by sewingtimes where she offers an easy to follow tutorial. For the lined boxy pouches I was inspired by a tutorial here by neige where she provides a simple technique using only two pieces of fabric with the option of making these into drawstring pouches if you'd prefer.
I pieced my outer fabric in a boro style using select cotton fabrics from my stash. The lining and cord casing is a solid color black dobby weave Sevenberry Japanese cotton fabric.
For the draw string I used two pieces of leather suede cording and added decorative colorful glass beads.
The bag has a 5 inch square base and measures 5.5 inches tall.
The Stamperia Scrapbook Paper Pads used: Voyages Fantastique & Around the World
The folios measure approximately 4 x 7 inches.
I had never sewn a slipcover before, but thought I'd give it a go. Not too much in the way of online video tutorials when I did this project, so I picked up a very helpful book; So Simple Slipcovers. It gave step-by-step instructions with full color photos.
I completed the slipcover with a zipper! I was quite happy with my results. I even made two coordinating throw pillows! Not happy with the stark white wicker, I spray painted the chaise lounge with a dark sage green. Definitely completed the look!
Not sure but it may be a Cooper's Hawk or possibly a Red-Shouldered Hawk.
Years ago when we were in Florida I visited The Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersburg and snapped a few of these photos. You were only permitted to take photos on the first floor and in the gardens. It's located on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront overlooking Tampabay. Beautiful!
You can see and read more about the amazing museum here. And they're expanding! Read about the expansion here.
These three Notepad Folios include a pen holder with pen, removable notepads with full magnetic backs and colorful mini binder clips to hold additional papers for notes.
Both have handy slots for your pen. One folio includes a colorful binder clip with a removal shopping list pad that measures 3x7 with full magnet back handy for your fridge.
Each folio measures approximately 5.5 x 8 inches.
Stamperia Scrapbooking Pads used: Sunflower Art and Forest
They are reusable folios with removable notepads. The notepads I used have full magnetic backs making them handy for your fridge. Each has a convenient slot for your pen. I've added colorful mini binder clips to hold additional papers for notes. Each measures approximately 4 x 7 inches.
If you'd like to make your own, you'll find many variations on Pinterest for notepad holders and folios.
You can view a short slide video below
Music-pixabay; silent joy -alexrockbeat-579338
I bought an inexpensive Heavy Duty Stapler that staples 50 to 90 sheets. It uses 1/2 inch heavy duty staples and it came with 1000 staples all for only $15, which I thought was reasonable.
These little Matchbook Notepads measure about 3.5 inches square and each holds 60 sheets thanks to my new heavy duty stapler!
Over the years I've collected a variety of pretty beads and began my little hoard with the intention of making a chunky bead dangle some day. Occasionally I'd pick up other necessary tools and wires for simple bead making. Recently I bought a 'One-Step Looper' which turned out to be quite the handy tool for this project!
I tried my hand at wire wrapping sea glass and made some pendants using suede lace for cordage. You can view that previous post here.
These miniature Blizzard Books measure approximately 1.75 × 2.25 inches. The tiny book measures 1 x 1.25 inches. The book pages are folded from Sumi Art Paper (washi/rice paper). The marble paper covers are from Pepin. The blue floral on white paper cover is from Norman’s Printery, it's a screen printed design on recycled newspaper, which I believe is no longer available. The purple-ish book, including both its pages and cover, is folded entirely from the same handmade paper from India.
I followed the instructions in Hedi Kyle's The Art of the Fold to create both the Blizzard Books and their pleated-closure schoolbook covers. Everything is made entirely by folding—no sewing, glue, or staples required!Paula B. Krieg also offers easy-to-follow tutorials for both projects on her YouTube channel. In one video, she explains how to calculate proportions, customize the Blizzard Book/Card Carrying Case, and in another demonstrates the folding process. In another, she shows how to fold the Pleated Closure Book Cover.
I created these boxed mini notebooks using Steampunk-ish papers from Stamperia. They're double-sided cardstock and a good project to use up scrapbook papers from my stash. I made these 3-inch square notebooks each with its own coordinating gift box.
The notebooks are simply bound with staples and filled with 100% cotton white woven papers from Southworth, making them quick to assemble and perfect for sweet little gifts.
I was inspired by a tutorial from The Posh Paper Lady. I adjusted the dimensions to create a smaller box to fit my 3-inch square mini notebooks.
If you'd like, you can view a slide video below
So simple and fun to make that I had to make more!
I created these boxed mini notebooks using a Designer Paper Pad from Desecraft. It's 240gsm premium double-sided cardstock. Good project to use up scrapbook papers from my stash. I made these 3-inch square notebooks each with its own coordinating gift box.
The notebooks are simply bound with staples and filled with pastel copy paper, making them quick to assemble and perfect for sweet little gifts.
I was inspired by a tutorial from The Posh Paper Lady. I adjusted the dimensions to create a smaller box to fit my 3-inch square mini notebooks.
If you'd like, you can view a slide video below
These fun Notepad List Folios measure approximately 3.5" W x 7" H and are perfect for keeping your shopping lists and notes organized.
Each folio features an elastic pen loop with a pen, an elastic closure, and a pocket on the inside front cover. The included notepad measures 3" x 7" and has a full-size magnetic sheet on the back. The notepad is removable, so you can place your shopping list on the fridge and keep it handy until you're ready to shop! Folios are reusable, just replace with a new pad!
I was inspired to create a few of these folios after stumbling upon a YouTube channel that demonstrated the entire process of making them. I used various Echo Park and Carta Bella Paper Collections and their coordinating stickers.
If you'd like to make some of your own, you can visit the channel here. She provides step-by-step instructions for creating these fun and useful folios.
Below is a short slide video flip through:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/lazy-sunday-afternoonLicense code: KXCL1P59P1TWEIR0
I created several of these boxed mini notebooks in two different sizes. They're a fun and simple way to use up the cut-apart sheets that are often included in scrapbook paper collections. For these, I used paper collections from Echo Park and Carta Bella.
I made both 3-inch square notebooks and 3 × 4-inch notebooks, each with its own coordinating gift box.
The notebooks are simply bound with staples and filled with white and pastel copy paper, making them quick to assemble and perfect for sweet little gifts.
I was inspired by a tutorial from The Posh Paper Lady. I also used her box tutorial, then adjusted the dimensions to create a smaller box to fit the 3-inch square mini notebooks.
If you'd like, you can view a slide video below
The horizontal notebook features tabbed card dividers and extra lined index cards for writing. It measures approximately 6" W x 4" H.
Two of the notebooks measure 4" x 4", while the smallest notebook measures 3" x 4".
Perfect for jotting down notes, lists, book quotes, or everyday thoughts!
Below is a short video flip thru - ASMR
I created these boxed sets of mini notebooks using Enchanted Botanica Scrapbook Papers from Recollections. It was a fun and simple project to use up papers from my stash of scrapbook papers. I made these 3 x 4 inch notebooks each with its own coordinating gift box.
The notebooks are simply bound with staples and filled with cream and lavender copy paper, making them quick to assemble and perfect for sweet little gifts.
I was inspired by a tutorial from The Posh Paper Lady.
If you'd like, you can view a slide video below
The label on the chair identifies the manufacturer as Harter Corporation, of Sturgis, Michigan, a company best known for manufacturing institutional, hospital, medical, and office furniture. Harter produced seating for universities and government offices from the mid-20th century onward.
This is a swivel task/office chair manufactured approximately 1968-1980, Model 468. It has a cast aluminum four-star base, heavy-duty steel seat frame, thick vinyl upholstery and industrial construction characteristic of their office furniture. The cast aluminum 4-leg pedestal base has a swivel mechanism and heavy duty height adjustment. Molded aluminum arm supports with padded armrests with thick commercial-grade vinyl upholstery. Robust construction-built for decades of service. Love these vintage finds!
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| Vintage Amano mechanical time recorder |
The clock belongs to Amano’s 9000 series. The production period was most likely between 1973 to 1978. It’s newer than the late-1960’s models because of the safety labeling, solenoid design, and 9000-series mechanism.
The large exposed gear is part of the clock drive train. The blue ribbon spool appears to be intact. The mechanism looks remarkably clean with no obvious corrosion or missing parts. The zinc chromate plating still has its original gold/iridescent finish, suggesting relatively little use or excellent storage conditions.
Not terribly rare, but super cool, I love vintage mechanical machines!
These vibrant boho greeting cards have been given a new life as beautiful covers for a collection of mini notebooks.
The cards were carefully glued back-to-back to create sturdy, durable covers. Several additional greeting cards were incorporated inside as decorative side pockets, attached by gluing only along the top and bottom edges for a functional and unique touch.
The horizontal notebooks feature coordinating pastel-lined index card pages, while the vertical notebooks include colorful cardstock pages with bright, tabbed dividers for added flair.
Dimensions:
You can view a short video flip thru below - ASMR
The finished size of these Matchbook Notepads is 3 inches square.
Materials:
I used off-cuts from previous projects, along with white and pastel copy paper (30 sheets for each pad). For the covers, I used scrapbook papers from Echo Park and Carta Bella. Each little notepad requires just two staples.
Making the Matchbook Notepad:
I cut the scrapbook paper to 3 inches x 7 1/8 inches. I then scored the paper at 7/8 inch, 1 inch, 4 1/8 inches, and 4 3/8 inches.
After folding along all the score lines, the cover takes shape like a little “matchbook.”
I then placed the 30 sheets of copy paper inside the cover and stapled them into the front 1/8-inch fold. Two staples, using a regular desktop stapler, are all that’s needed to secure each little pad.
Toss in your bag. Perfect for notes, to-do lists or anytime you need a piece of paper. Carry them anywhere. Great party favors!
A quick, easy project—and a fun way to use up those leftover scraps!
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| All bound using The Cinch! |
The greeting cards were glued back-to-back to create sturdy, durable covers. Several cards were also incorporated throughout the notebooks as side pockets, attached by gluing only the top and bottom edges.
Coordinating pastel-lined index cards and colorful cardstock were used for the pages, which are separated by vibrant tabbed dividers.
Dimensions: One notebook measures 4" x 6", and two notebooks measure 3" x 5".
You can view a short video flip thru below...ASMR
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| Sat there just long enough for me to take the photo |
I used double sided pre-quilted fabric from my stash, a ceramic bead and leather for the tie closure.
If you'd like to make your own, you can check out bookhou on her channel here. She provides a free downloadable template and a video tutorial on how to hand stitch this sweet little pouch.
Great for coins, notions or any small items you may have.
I just learned that there is a Stationery Store Day, celebrated each year on the first Saturday in August throughout the United States and around the world! This site here has a list of officially vetted stationery shops from all over the WORLD.
I also learned that there is a World Stationery Day, coming up on April 28, 2027. It’s an international celebration, and you can read more about it here.
“World Stationery Day celebrates the enduring power
and charm of writing tools every last Wednesday of April. This day encourages
us to appreciate the pens, paper, and various supplies that facilitate
communication and creativity. Rediscover the joy of handwritten notes, journaling,
or sketching, and explore the vast world of stationery.”
— National Today
I love stationery! I always have. Ever since I was a kid, I looked forward to the first day of school. I would receive my allowance and head off to Woolworths all by myself to purchase my school supplies—new notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, and a pencil case.
Looking back, I realize that’s where my love of stationery began! There was
just something so exciting about choosing those fresh notebooks, colorful pens,
and brand-new supplies. Even today, stationery brings back that same little
spark of joy.
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I was out treasure hunting and look at these fascinating items I found! I don't know anything about them other than they appear to be handcrafted. I also found two interesting books that I couldn't pass up, which I'll post separately.
Here are the two books that I just couldn't leave behind and brought home from my treasure hunt.
DANCING COLORS PATHS OF NATIVE AMERICAN WOMEN ~ Published 1992
SEVEN ARROWS by HYEMEYOHSTS STORM
Copyright 1972
Below are two video flip throughs of the books...
Music:pixabay; Dreamwalker's Path; Captain_Sleepy/Sacred Earth Dreams; Captain_Sleepy
Variety of vintage ephemera with a combination of Tim Holtz papers was used.
Filled with lots of pockets, tags, tabs and space for journaling.
Below is a short video clip:
(Music: Spatial Awareness-Charlie White)
Great Find!
Color in the Garden Fragrance in the Garden ~ Copyright 1953
If you'd like, you can view a slide video flip through of the three books below: Music: Dreaming - Helios
"Magnolias are prized for their large, magnificent flowers, they are vibrant and fragrant and also packed with plenty of meaning.
The scientific name “magnolia” dates from the 1700s and pays tribute to Pierre Mangol, a French botanist.
Symbolic of many qualities, making them an incredibly diverse statement flower. One of the primary meanings of magnolias revolves around endurance and perseverance. This relates to the toughness of the flowers and the astonishing longevity of the species – magnolias have been around for millennia."
According to Petal Republic
I had an old flex frame pouch that was quite worn and tattered. I deconstructed it and used it to make my pattern to sew these pouches using...
