Double Notepad Folios ~ Jr Legal Pads

These colorful Double Notepad Folios were made using heavy black cardstock as the base and matted with Dina Wakely Media Collage Collective 270gsm papers.

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. 

Notepad List Folios

I made these Notepad List Folios using Stamperia 8x8 Scrapbook Pads and heavy 300gsm/110lb kraft cardstock paper as the base.

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
 

 

Matchbook Notepads with Hidden Staples

I discovered a tutorial that demonstrated how to make these matchbook notepads/notebooks with hidden staples at Remnants Remade here.

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!

 

Chunky Bead Dangle

Finally made my first bead dangle! I was inspired after seeing this Simple Beaded Dangle Technique here. 

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.

Little Blizzard Books

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. 

Steampunk-ish Boxed Mini Notebook Sets!

 So easy, I had to make more!

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

 Music: 'You're all Around, 

Bronze Falcon

 

Boxed Sets of Mini Notebooks ~ Designer Paper

 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

Music: 

Sierras, Orchard Heights

Notepad List Folios

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

Boxed Sets of Mini Notebooks

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

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/justin-lee/daybreak

License code: 4HF0VDGGEL8B1HXW

 

Bookish Theme Mini Notebooks

These charming mini notebooks were handcrafted using papers from the Bookish Collection by Echo Park. Each notebook has been laminated for durability and includes coordinating solid-color cardstock pages for additional note-taking. All notebooks were bound using The Cinch binding system.

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

‘Enchanted Botanica’ Boxed Mini Notebooks

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

Music: 

"Dusk" Orchard Heights

Retro Office Chair - Swivel 'Propeller' Base

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-20^th 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! 

Amano Vintage Punch Time Clock

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!

Floral Boho Greeting Cards Transformed!

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:

• Three horizontal notebooks: 5" W × 3.5" H
• Two vertical notebooks: 3.5" W × 5" H
• All bound using The Cinch  

You can view a short video flip thru below - ASMR 

Matchbook Notepads ~ Scrap Buster!

This was a simple little project and a great way to do some “scrap busting” and use up some of my paper stash!

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!

Greeting Cards Remade into Mini Tabbed Notebooks!

All bound using The Cinch!

Lovely watercolor greeting cards were transformed into beautiful covers for these tabbed mini notebooks.

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 

Wise Old Owl

Sat there just long enough for me to take the photo

“A wise old owl lived in an oak;
The more he saw the less he spoke;
The less he spoke the more he heard:
Why can't we all be like that bird?” 

    

         ― Edward Hersey Richards

A Visit to the Local Farmer's Market

Quilted Triangle Pouch

An easy project to sew by machine and a little bit of  hand stitching. This little quilted triangle pouch measures approximately 3 1/2 inches. It closes by folding in on itself by pulling the leather drawstring, no zippers, snaps or buttons.

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.
 

Stationery Day

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.
 

Treasure Finds

 

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.

Below is a short slide video of these  handcrafted gems for a closer look:

Music: pixabay: Silent Waters, Captain_Sleepy 

Treasure Hunting...See what I found

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 

Chunky Travel Junk Journal

This Chunky Travel Junk Journal measures approximately 4" x 6".

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)

Vintage Book Finds!

Great Find!

Color in the Garden Fragrance in the Garden ~ Copyright 1953

The Ready Reference Yearbook 1932 ~ Copyright 1929

 

 A Year In My Garden ~ 

Copyright 1938

If you'd like, you can view a slide video flip through of the three books below: Music: Dreaming - Helios

Magnolia Flower

"Magnolias are prized for their large, magnificent flowers, they are vibrant and fragrant and also packed with plenty of meaning.

• Magnolia flowers represent many qualities, but especially endurance and perseverance.
• Magnolias also symbolize beauty, purity, love, and joy – depending on the color.
• In Victorian floriography, magnolias embody dignity and pride.

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 

More Mini Blizzard Books

These miniature Blizzard Books measure approximately 1.75 × 2.5 inches. The pages are folded from Sumi Art Paper (washi/rice paper), while the covers are made with Bauhaus and Marble Design Papers from Pepin. Each book features 14 pockets and a pleated-closure cover.

To make a book this size, you'll need a piece of paper measuring 5.5 × 26 inches. I cut mine from a roll of washi paper to achieve the required length. For the cover, you'll need a piece of paper measuring 5 × 12.5 inches.

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. The entire project is made by folding alone—no sewing, glue, or staples are required.

If you don't have a copy of Hedi Kyle's book, you can also find the video tutorial links I shared in a previous post.

Below is a short slide video:

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

 https://uppbeat.io/t/oliver-massa/another-happy-day 

License code: H0PY8TLOS70DTX2C

Enjoy The Little Things - Many Mini Notebooks

These 7 mini notebooks (or often called mini jotters) were a great little busy project on a rainy day.

I used Echo Park Scrapbook Papers, pastel lined index cards and colored cardstock for the pages of these mini notebooks all bound with The Cinch.

These little laminated notebooks measure: 

4" x 4", 4" x 3.5", 3" x 4", 3" x 3" and 2" x 3".

 

Who doesn't love a mini?!

 

There are two short video flip throughs below - ASMR

 

 

Miniature Blizzard Books

These miniature Blizzard Books measure approximately 1.75 × 2.5 inches. The pages are folded from Sumi Art Paper (washi/rice paper). The orange book, including both its pages and cover, is folded entirely from the same handmade paper from India. The covers for the other three books are folded from screen-printed designs on recycled newspaper by Norman's Printery, which I believe are no longer available.

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. 
 

Colorful Finds !

Time to step away from the craft room and head out for a little shopping therapy! Found these wonderfully colorful pieces of tableware.
 

Very delighted with the treasures I found 😊! 

 

After all, they say...Presentation is everything! 

Mushrooms in the Forest

I had hoped to get out and photograph the many mushrooms growing in our area before the torrential rains swept through, but I didn't make it out until after the storm had passed. By then, these resilient little fungi had endured sheets of rain and even a brief barrage of hail. The National Weather Service issued an emergency tornado warning for our area and urged everyone to take shelter. Thankfully, no tornadoes touched down in our county. 

 We were fortunate to experience only a few downed tree limbs and scattered debris, which were cleared with simple clean-up. There were no confirmed reports of storm-related injuries. However, the county experienced significant impacts, including widespread downed trees and downed power lines causing outages and blocked roadways.

Though battered by the storm, the mushrooms seemed all the more beautiful for it. Their weathered caps and worn edges gave them a quiet character and charm, as if each one carried a story of resilience written by the wind and rain.

View a brief slide video below:

 Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): 

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

 License code: VUDI5MFM5OOZYY0F

Mini Wildflower Notebooks

Sweet wildflower greeting cards are transformed into beautiful, sturdy covers for these handcrafted mini notebooks.

 Each cover is made by mounting two cards back-to-back for durability and charm. 

Select cards are also featured inside as pockets, secured at the top and bottom to hold pastel cardstock journaling inserts. 

Inside, coordinating pastel papers, lined index cards, and delicate floral line-art pages create a soft, cohesive look throughout.

Bound using The CInch

Dimensions: 3.5" W x 5" H

View a short video flip thru below - ASMR