As part of getting my crafty groove back, I've been spending some time working on some handmade/embellished journals again. One book I'm altering is a heavy chipboard book that I'm keeping subtle, warm and romantic. I've used some embellishments that I bought from my friend Michele (http://lifeonthisgoodday.blogspot.com) who recently opened a fabulous etsy shop.
Before I use this book as a journal I'm customizing each page with shabby, creamy embellishments and papers and trims to make this a calm, soothing journal to go to when I just want to write down my thoughts.
I like having a varied selection of books to choose from when journalling. Sometimes the look of the journal just has to go with the mood!
I thought it would be nice to have a journal that didn't overstimulate my senses. A place to write on a quiet day...
But then there are those days when you need a place to go that is a little more fun, pretty, and girly!
And that is why I made this Marie Antoinette- inspired book! A place of indulgences...
Since I loved this oversized tag I got at www.thelittlepinkstudio.com and didn't want to give it away, I thought I'd use it as a centerpiece for this handmade journal. After making the book itself, with pastel papers, I needed a perfect focal point. I just layed down some flocked dotted fabric and there went Marie on top! Since she really takes the show I didn't add much else- just a few pretty antique jewels and trims.
I figured this journal could be a place to collect Marie-themed inspiration. A pretty place to escape to!
And then I got completely out of my comfort zone and decided to whip up a bright, red, white and blue decorative book, made with Jenni Bowlin papers! Since I love house-shaped books I thought I'd do another "house of kandeland" book, with pictures of family and some spots for journalling too!
The Before: (very boring!)
The After: (very fun!)
Now isn't that just so much better?! Now, I'm not usually into red, white and blue together, but these Jenni Bowlin papers drew me in for some reason. They just seemed so bright and happy!
By adding a few photos and some snippets of leftover trim, this came out better than I expected. I like just whipping up a little mini family book just for the heck of it sometimes!
I always find it so much more inviting to browse photos that are in embellished formats rather than in a plain old photo album. So most of my family "albums" are taking this form lately.
So out of all my crafty endeavors this week, these are the books... As I get more pictures I'll show the other things I've been making. But before I go I wanted to share what two of the kindest girls out there sent me, "just because"! (don't you just love those "just because" gifts?!)
This banner surprised me at my doorstep from my dear friend Linda (http://lindajos.blogspot.com) who is just the best! She had sent some ATC Jams back to me that we had been working on and this banner was included with the wonderful ATCs! Thank you Linda- this really brightened my day!
And this sweet treat arrived from Karla (http://sugarbeardesigns.blogspot.com) who is just a sweetheart always! She's been making these resin necklaces and sent me this one...the cutest ice cream cone- perfect for kandeland! Thank you so much for thinking of me Karla! You two girls just make me smile I'll tell ya!
Well that's my show and tell for today, but I will get more together to show you real soon! xo
