Sparrows Nest

I believe this is a sparrows nest. I decided to consult our National Geo Birds of North America field guide and discovered there are several pages of different kinds of sparrows...almost 30 different types listed! Oh my gosh!

Although I enjoy observing birds...I'm not an official bird watcher or even a backyard bird aficionado. I can't completely attest to the fact that these are sparrows...but I think so? Either way, always a joy to see and hear the little chirps.

 

Handmade Leather Bound Journals

 A few handmade leather bound journals I made. I  bound the signature pages using pamphlet stitches. They measured 4 x 6 inches and 5 x 7 inches. I used a variety of papers from vintage lined papers and an assortment of handmade papers.

 

The leather journal on the right was bound using a criss-cross binding and I used heavier deckled edge handmade papers in a natural color. It measured about 4 x 6 inches.

On the left is a mini leather bound book measuring 2 inches. 

One below measures 4" x 5".

Lion's Paw Sea Shell Book

Another Coptic Bound Book. The one on the left  I used two Lion's Paw Sea Shells to create the covers of the book and bound with handmade papers to create the book and it measures 6 inches in size.

In contrast to the
size of the Lion's Paw I bound the Sunset Scallop Sea shells on the right using the same coptic stitch method but this one measures only two
inches. Certainly makes an adorable little journal!

Sea Shell Book

A Scallop Seashell book I made using a genuine scallop shell and bound by hand using a coptic stitch and handmade papers.

Great little book for journaling, watercolor or sketching or however you choose to use it! 

   

            

             Makes a lovely unique gift!

Zhen Xian Bao ~ Chinese Thread Books

During a period of paper crafting I stumbled upon Ruth Smith who shares information about “A Little Known Chinese Folk Art : Zhen Xian Bao”  This one I made using a combination of Handmade Batik, Nepalese Lokta and Mulberry papers. 

Zhen Xian Bao is a combination of bound book, origami folds, and a multi layers of compartmented boxes for storing all  kinds of treasures.

  Here is the link to  “A Little Known Chinese Folk Art : Zhen Xian Bao” PDF article. It's the article by Dennis Walker (from the British Origami Society magazine). It includes history and instructions on constructing two of the basic elements including the twist fold box which is the top box I chose for mine.

 Women made these“Chinese Thread Books” to carry their sewing supplies. They would often include threads, snips of fabric, needles, paper patterns and other items all folded and tucked into pockets. Ruth Smith also published a series of 4 booklets called “Folded Secrets”. They’re wonderful, full of the history and many variations and inspirations, as well as complete directions for these 15 (or more) compartment books.  I don’t think she has a website, but she is on Instagram as ‘Folded Secrets”.   

This is another variation I made using handmade papers. I chose the ‘star fold box’ as the top layer. This book has a total of 11 compartments. I made covers for the books using paper slightly larger than the large bottom layer box.

Another interesting journey down
the rabbit hole if you’re curious! The internet and Pinterest are good sources
of information on this technique.

Here is a link to a Flip Though of the book on the right

Colorful Coastal Sunset

 Amazing colors! 

So beautiful and breathtaking!

Wire Wrapped Sea Glass

Tried my hand at wire wrapping sea glass and made some pendants using suede lace cordage

 

Stumbled upon this lovely poem

 

            

          Sweet little gifts!