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! ☺

New Collection of Desk Sitters

Completed another batch of Desk Sitters made from Jenga blocks!

This time, I used several beautiful FolkArt Chalk Paint colors: Cascade, Castle, Vintage Mustard, and Spanish Moss. I love how these shades work together to give each piece its own unique character with a fun, quirky phrase added.

If you'd like to learn more about my process, check out my previous posts from June 9 and June 13.

Bauhaus Notebooks

I've had a collection of these Bauhaus-style large papers from Pepin that I've been holding onto, and finally decided to use them as covers for these pocket notebooks.

They are spiral bound using The Cinch Binding Machine, and all feature cream-colored paper. Two of the notebooks contain lined pages, while the other two are unlined.

2 notebooks: 4" × 5.5", 40 sheets (80 pages total each)

1 notebook: 4" × 6", 40 sheets (80 pages total)

1 notebook: 4.75" × 6.5", 54 sheets (108 pages total)

As Wikipedia describes it, “Bauhaus style is a minimalist and functional design approach that emerged in early 20th-century Germany, focusing on simplicity, geometric shapes, and the unity of art and industry. It emphasizes practicality and the idea that the design of an object should be based on its intended function.”

Plains Coreopsis

aka Coreopsis Tinctoria

This flower, also known as Coreopsis tinctoria, has begun sprouting in clusters just outside our back door. A few years ago, we scattered a mix of wildflower seeds in this area, and it's rewarding to see them finally putting on such a colorful display.

Recently, we had several tall trees removed that had been shading this spot. With more sunlight reaching the ground and plenty of rain over the past several weeks, the conditions have been just right. The combination of extra sunshine and abundant moisture has encouraged a variety of wildflowers to bloom.

According to Wikipedia, the Zuni people traditionally used the blossoms of Coreopsis tinctoria to produce a rich mahogany-red dye for yarn. Before coffee was introduced by traders, they also brewed the flowers into a hot beverage.

It's always fun to discover what has been quietly waiting beneath the surface, just looking for the right conditions to bloom.

Pretty Handmade Paper Notebooks

I used a selection of my decorative handmade papers to create the covers for these pocket-sized notebooks. Made in India, these beautiful papers have a wonderfully soft, fabric-like feel.

Two of the notebooks feature pages made from Natural Lokta Paper. The remaining notebooks contain Handmade Cotton cold-pressed paper in Mint Green, Peach, and Pink, all with natural deckle edges.

 

 Each notebook is hand stitched using a simple three-hole pamphlet stitch and finished with waxed linen thread.

Approximate notebook sizes:
• 2 notebooks: 4.5" x 5.5"
• 1 notebook: 3" x 4"
• 1 notebook: 4.5" x 6.5"
• 1 notebook: 4" x 7.5"

Each notebook has one signature. Used 10 folded sheets which created 20 pages and doubled equals 40 writing pages. 

Chimaphila Maculata ... Striped Wintergreen

This sweet, delicate little plant was growing just outside our back door.

If you're interested, you can read more about it at the Extension Gardener.

One interesting fact I learned is that it's endangered in Canada. According to Wikipedia, it's also listed as endangered in Illinois and threatened in Maine. In New York, it's considered exploitably vulnerable.

 "The Creek Indians called it 'pipsisikweu' and used it for medicinal purposes as did many Native Americans.

It's amazing to think that something so rare in parts of its range decided to sprout right outside our door!

Lampropetis Getula aka Eastern Kingsnake

After several rainy days, we finally spent some time outdoors and spotted this black snake slithering up our chimney!

When coiled up, its size wasn't nearly as impressive as when it stretched out to its full length. Using the dimensions of the bricks as a reference, we estimate the snake was at least 6 feet long.

Fortunately, this is a non-venomous snake. Even better, it can prey on other snakes—including venomous species such as the copperhead—so we consider it a welcome visitor!

If you're interested in learning more about these fascinating reptiles, including their habitat and other interesting facts, you can find additional information on Wikipedia.

So Simple, Yet So Tasty!

 It was Pan Haggerty night, and this recipe has quickly become a new favorite! Who would have thought that combining just a few simple ingredients could create such a delicious and comforting dish?

I followed a video tutorial on YouTube by CelticCreations79—a short, easy-to-follow 3-minute video that includes both the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. Here's the link to the recipe I used.

 

First Day of Summer

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”
– John Lubbock

 

Another Series of Desk Sitters

More Desk Sitters have joined the collection, each created from Jenga blocks.

These four are perched on unfinished Jenga blocks that have been cut in half, giving them a simple pedestal to rest upon.

For a closer look at how they came together, see my earlier posts from June 13 and June 9, where I share more of the process.

Vellum Laminated Reporter's Notebooks & More!

Continued descent into spiral bound madness!

I've laminated the covers of these 8 notebooks using 'Colorful Vellum' by Recollections for a vibrant, durable finish.

The 3 taller notebooks are classic 'Reporter's Notebooks', measuring 3.75" x 8.4", while the smaller notebooks were made from the leftover off-cuts, giving them a unique, handcrafted touch.

Inside, the white paper notebooks feature a mix of unlined, lined and graph cream-colored recycled paper. For a fun twist, the pink and lavender notebooks are filled with sturdy cardstock pages, perfect for writing, sketching, or crafting.

More Mini Colorful Notebooks!

More Colorful Mini Notebooks!

 These are four laminated mini notebooks, created in a style similar to my Chunky Colorful Notebook posted on 6/12/26.

Measure 3.5 x 5 inches and feature durable laminated covers. Inside, you'll find a variety of interactive elements, including pockets, flip-outs, journaling cards, envelopes, and additional tags secured with colorful paper clips.

Created using scrapbook papers from Echo Park, resulting in bright, cheerful designs that are both functional and fun for journaling or note-taking.

View 2 ASMR flip throughs below: 

More Jenga Blocks Transformed into Desk Sitters!

More Desk/Shelf Sitters crafted from wooden Jenga blocks! I created several additional pieces using digital artwork from my collection, which I printed onto rice paper.

Cut the Jenga blocks in half heightwise, and width of the rice paper was a perfect fit. The blocks were painted with FolkArt Cottage Green Milk Paint, then I adhered the artwork using Mod Podge. Distressed the blocks for a vintage look, added the text and sealed everything with a few final coats of Mod Podge.

For a few of the other desk/shelf sitters, I used FolkArt Vintage Mustard Chalk Paint and experimented with an IOD Fern Fables 2026 Collection transfer design. I love the extra character and charm these details added to the finished piece.

Measure 2.5" W x 3.75" H x 1.5" D. 

Colorful Chunky Notebook

This adorable 4.5 x 5.5 inch chunky notebook was handmade using The Cinch binding tool. The cover was laminated for durability. 

Inside you'll find a playful mix of flips, flaps, mini envelopes and pockets filled with journaling cards from Echo Park Scrapbook Papers. Additional tags & cards are secured with cheerful paper clips. 

Perfect for photos, journaling, note-taking or creative doodles, this mini notebook is as functional as it is fun! 

Enjoy a flip through video below...ASMR paper sounds. 

 

Crafted Wood Desk/Shelf Sitters

Jenga Blocks transformed into Desk Sitters!

These Jenga Blocks had been sitting in my wood shed collecting dust, so I decided it was time to put them to better use!

Using digital artwork from my stash (CherylFrancesArt) that I had printed onto rice paper, I created my very first Desk (aka Shelf Sitter) Sitters! 

Cut the height of the Jenga blocks in half and the width of the paper was the perfect fit. Painted the blocks with FolkArt Cottage Green Milk Paint  bought ages ago, attached the artwork with Mod Podge, distressed the blocks, added the text, and sealed everything with a few more coats of Mod Podge to create a vintage chippy paint look.

Measure 2.5 W x 3.75 H  x 1.5 inches thick.

Book Notes & Wildflowers

 For these two little 4" x 6" notebooks papers used were from Echo Park; the Bookish collection and a floral collection from Carta Bella adding additional cardstock papers for note keeping. 

 Journaling cards and color paper clips were added in the Wildflower book.

 Laminated the covers and bound using The Cinch.

 Cheerful pocket size notebooks!

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

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/lazy-sunday-afternoonLicense code: KXCL1P59P1TWEIR0

Funky Birds Notebook

This little chunky notebook was bound using The Cinch. Used two colorful blank greeting cards for the cover, glued them back to back and laminated them.

The elements throughout included more blank funky bird greeting cards, washi tape, colorful paper clips for envelopes & retro journaling cards (Echo Park Scrapbook Paper) and colored cardstock.

The book measures 4 x 5 inches.

Another simple project using blank greeting cards!

Below is a short video flip through

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/yeti-music/twee-fmLicense code: LXUHBJ0H4OGPWTBQ

Gratitude Card Notebooks...Pens Added!

I had more of these mini pens in my stash so I decided to add them to the little Gratitude Card Notebooks I recently made.

Made the pen holders by adding a loop onto colorful binder clips.  I glued coordinating pastel elastic ribbons onto the binder clips using Gorilla Super Glue. 

The binder clip pen holders are removable! 

Simple method to make pen holders for any of your favorite notebooks! 

Easy to follow tutorial for pen holder clips here. 

Gratitude Cards Made into Notebooks

Simple project using boxed 4 inch square gratitude cards and turning them into mini notebooks.

Used double sided tape to adhere two cards back to back to create the covers and binding them with The Cinch. For the pages I used colored cardstock. 

Fun little pocket size notebooks to toss in your bag!

Easy, Peasy!