Desktop Easel Note Holders

This was a great 'scrap busting' project! Typically these are referred to as 'post-it note holders' or 'sticky pad note holders'. At the moment I was out of 'sticky pads' so I decided to refer to these as just 'desktop easel note holders'. I had lots of paper off-cuts so I trimmed them to size to fit into the holders.

Here is an easy to follow video tutorial by Einat Kessler. She provides you with cutting dimensions, and demonstrates how to score, fold and glue to make this DIY Easel Note Box. 

I made one box with the dimensions she provided and then adjusted the measurements and made two more slightly larger Note Boxes.

I have tons of notebooks, but I'm always reaching for a piece of scrap paper to just write a little note. These will be handy to have around my craft room!
 

1930's Pillsbury Cookbook

This was a great find, even includes some of the previous owners' handwritten and saved recipes.This hardback cookbook, titled 'Balanced Recipes,' was copyrighted 1933 by the Pillsbury Flour Mills Company, Minneapolis, Minnesota. The cookbook features a durable metal cover with the title embossed on the spine and a decorative design on the front.

 The pages are bound by a secure metal ring binding system, and the tabs separating the sections are intact. Inside, the book includes classic recipes prepared under the personal direction of Mary Ellis Ames, head of Pillsbury's Cooking Service.

Below is a short slide video of the cookbook 

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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

License code: XB0HESAG4T26WJV0

Art of Hand Block Printing

I received this Hand Block Printed Dishtowel Set as a gift. I love the colorful designs. They're 100% cotton and made in India. 

You can find basic information about The Art of Hand Block Printing here.  

If interested, you can do a google search for a more in depth explanation of this traditional textile technique that involves hand-carving wooden blocks to create intricate patterns onto fabric and various surfaces using natural dyes.

 Disclosure: I'm not an affiliate, don't receive a commission for the product. Just sharing  my honest appreciation for the product.

It's Still July, A Little More Christmas...

This was a simple project to pretty up some mini composition books and create a 'dust jacket' that holds two books, each book measures 3.25 x 4.5 inches. 

I used double-sided holiday scrapbook paper from the Carta Bella Collection to cover both the notebooks and to make the dust jackets. I added tuck spots to the front and back covers of the books and inserted holiday theme tags in each.

Makes a thoughtful little holiday gift!

If you'd like to know how to make your own, check out The Posh Paper Lady.

You can view a short slide video below:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/home-for-christmas

License code: DBPOLBUSYTPYWH6N

Shelled Gastropods

 Snail Convention

While researching 'snails' I learned something rather astonishing...at least unbeknownst to me. 

There is a snail slime extraction market industry. They harvest mucus from snails for a variety of uses, particularly cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

"The global snail slime extract market was valued at USD 555 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 850 million by 2032. Key growth drivers include rising consumer demand for natural skincare and the proven efficacy of snail slime in skin repair and anti-aging"... According to 24marketreports.com 

Wow! once again...who knew?!!

William Morris Paper Notebooks

I love these beautiful William Morris design papers from Pepin. They make such elegant covers for these handmade top-spiral notebooks, which I bound using my Cinch Book Binding Machine.

Each decorative paper was carefully adhered to bookboard that I cut to size, creating sturdy, durable covers designed to last.

The collection includes two reporter's notebooks (also known as tall spiral memo pads), each measuring 3.75" × 8.25". They contain 40 lined, cream-colored sheets (80 pages).

The smaller notebook measures 4" × 5.5" and contains 36 unlined, cream-colored sheets (72 pages).

These notebooks are perfect for journaling, note-taking, lists, sketching, or tucking into a bag to carry wherever inspiration strikes.

My Sketches

I was going through some of my art supplies and  came across these pencil sketches. I drew them quite some time ago and had completely forgotten about them.

As a kid, I spent hours drawing. We didn't have much, but we always had a pencil and paper. 

I've always loved the look of loose watercolor with pen and ink (aka line & wash) and have experimented with them a bit over the years. Hmm, maybe it's time to pick up the pencil and brush again...
 

Wow... this old yellowing newspaper article was from quite a long time ago! It shows me being presented with an award for a pastel painting I did. I think my perspective was a little off and wonky, but I guess the judges liked it!😁 I believe I received the award during my junior year of high school.

Seeing it jogged my memory. I remembered winning an earlier award back in grade school. We were assigned a project to use leftover scraps of colored construction paper from a previous project to create a brand-new piece of art. They liked my 'scrappy art'!

No wonder I'm so good at 'scrap busting' !😊

Mini Composition Books w/ Dust Jackets

This was a simple project to pretty up some mini composition books and create a 'dust jacket' that holds two books, each book measures 3.25 x 4.5 inches. 

I used double-sided scrapbook paper from the Carta Bella Collection to cover both the notebooks and to make the dust jackets.

Makes a thoughtful little gift!

If you'd like to know how to make your own, check out The Posh Paper Lady.

You can view a short slide video below:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/sonda/the-valley

License code: S3GLKG1TZPLNZFPO

Origami Frame Books ~ Inspiring Phrases

I've crafted three Origami Frame Books and included inspiring phrases in each. 

For the two books that measure 4 inches square I've used high quality double-sided Japanese Shibori Origami Papers. The smaller book that measures 3 inches square, I've used a collection of Origami Papers from Yasutomo featuring unique designs created by Artist Karen Elaine.

Liberty Grove Paper Arts has an excellent video tutorial if you'd like to make your own Origami Frame Book.

Below is a short slide video of the three books.

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): 

https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-barracuda/julieta 

License code: VUDI5MFM5OOZYY0F

 

Mini Laminiated Traveler's Notebooks

Two Mini Laminated Traveler’s Notebooks

Each notebook set includes:

• Two lined notebooks
• Two dashboard folders with pockets for journaling cards and keepsakes
• Laminated bookmarks
• Colorful paper clips for securing notes and ephemera
• One mini ballpoint pen

Both notebooks were handcrafted using beautiful Stamperia scrapbook paper off-cuts from my personal stash, making each set unique.

These fun, pocket-sized traveler’s notebooks measure approximately 3" x 5" with a 0.75" spine—perfect for journaling, note-taking, lists, or creative inspiration on the go!

You can view a short video flip thru below - ASMR

Cork Fabric Pocket Notebooks

Each notebook contains 40 sheets of paper 

(80 writing surfaces).

These pocket notebooks were handcrafted using cork fabric for the covers. They are very soft, comfortable, and have a feel similar to leather and are lightweight and pliable. Bookcloth is traditionally used on the outside of a book, I chose to adhere it to the back of the cork fabric and add durability to the covers. The bookcloth also becomes an attractive and colorful interior giving each notebook a finished, handcrafted look inside and out.

"Sumi-e-Washi-Rice" papers were used for the pages, which lend well to pencil sketching and pen and ink. Each notebook measures 3.5" x 5" and is hand sewn with durable waxed linen thread using a traditional five-hole pamphlet stitch. Ivory parchment paper endpapers add  a lovely detail. 

Spiral Mini 'Sticky' Notebooks

'Smashin My Stash'! I had a bunch of these mini 'sticky' notepads from a previous project, bookboard off-cuts, cinch binding wire and was able to use up an assortment of Echo Park summer theme stickers to make these mini notebooks.

The mini sticky note pads are 1.5 x 2 inches. The finished notebooks are 2 inch squares. I bound them using The Mini Cinch. An easy project to use up lots of my stash.

I was inspired by 'craftytinas', she showed how to use up lots of leftover scraps for this project.  I made mine simple and just left the black bookboard exposed as the base and used cute summer stickers to decorate.

A simple, 'scrap busting' project!
 

30 Desk Sitters In All Their Glory!

Here they all are!!

As I mentioned in a previous post...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!

For my process in making, these you can check out my posts of June 9 and June 13. 
 

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 Dessert

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!