Crafting in the Polar Vortex!

They’re calling it a Polar Vortex!

It’s very cold here in Wisconsin.  The big temp today was -23 degrees F with a wind chill factor of -52 degrees F

Excellent day for indoor crafting.

I found at clearance price the Eileen Hull’s Traveler’s Notebook Inserts cutting dies.  I didn’t read all the packaging, so I thought it was the whole notebook.  After some research regarding the cover die, I decided to make my own cover to fit the inserts how I wanted them to fit.  

This little booklet is about 4” X 6”

I had some special scrapbook papers that I was saving for something special.  I decided this booklet was it.  The papers are called Happy Accident.  I used that part of the sheet to reinforce the front and back edges.

I’m not really a journaler except for my little calendar journaling squares.  But I really wanted to make one of these.  I finally thought about how my odd ephemera and rejected die cuts needed organizing.  So this is my ephemera keeper booklet.

It really was a lot of fun to make the pages and all the pockets to keep the little pieces in.  No more digging carefully through a box.  I couldn’t believe how this little project cleaned up my mess of bits and pieces.  Amazing.

I think the little see-through corner type pockets were the most fun to make.

This booklet has three folder style page sections.  To attach the pages to the cover I sewed down the middle of each of the three folders.  And stitched right through the selvedge booklet tie to keep it attached.

A little papercrafting and a little sewing.  My two favorite things to do.

It’s so cute.  AND it’s useful.

I’m trying to think of some other small something that needs organizing.  I’d love to make another.

Greetings Mail

Greetings..... 

Birthday, Thank You and Get Well Wishes.

These are what have been keeping me busy.

A birthday greeting pocket tag.  I tucked a quick little letter into the pocket.

A thank you for some yummy Christmas goodies.

Another thank you for something special.

The envelope is made from scrapbook paper using the 1-2-3 Punch.

And some Washi tape to dress it up a little more.

A birthday card for my creep-loving grandson.

Lastly, I still buy cards when I see ones I like.  This one is full of happy glitter.

Then I try to gussy-up the inside so that it isn’t like every other store bought card.  I added a little stamping and a die cut flower.  The hearts are also die cut but they are loose inside the card.

Of course the envelope can’t be any ole normal envelope when it comes from me.  Just can’t send it without adding some fun to it.



I might be finished with January greetings now.  We never really know until the month is over do we.  

Now I really need to uncover my sewing machine...

Sewing Space Decor

I was inspired by Pinterest (as usual) to gussy up my vintage wooden bobbin to hold a special pair of scissors.

The sewing machine charm is also special.  As well as the vintage shirt buttons that my grandmother had saved, and the pearl head pin.  (I’m sure it isn’t a real pearl, just looks like one).  A small collection of memorabilia that I’ve saved and pushed around for years.

Well now, making one wasn’t enough!  But I had no more bobbins and I wanted to make another for a special friend.  I found some on eBay for a pretty price.  I couldn’t find any others, so I finally talked myself into buying them.  When they arrived, I was sure they were reproduction bobbins, not vintage.  But they would have to do.

Now my friend has one too for her sewing space.

Her cute little scissors came from Hobby Lobby and the sewing machine charm I’ve had for years.  I knew I’d think of use for it eventually.  I tried finding one that was more defined like mine, but I had no luck with that at all.  The buttons are from my small vintage stash from my grandmother.

Details

Antoinette, we’re bobbin buddies! 

 I’m trying hard not to collect “things” unless they have great meaning to me, or it is something I LOVE and enjoy or serves a purpose.  Clutter is a thing of my past.  Not my present.  Not my future.