I may never wear pants again!
I have been in yoga pants or sweat pants for over 5 weeks now. Every once in a while I put my jeans on - just to check how tight they've gotten and then I take them off again. I may never wear jeans again!
I take walks with my dog Bones in the morning and now am motivated by my good friend who tells me she walks 5 kilometers a day. I was doing 3 kilometers but she just upped the ante.
And I try and do something creative - Every. Single. Day. I think I am so fortunate to have a creative outlet during these long, long days, that it would be a shame to not take advantage of this time to do all the things I always said I wanted to try but never had the time.
Well now I do have the time, so, yes, some days I have to force myself to turn Netflix off - but I do -and I go to my art room - and once there, I’m okay - the creativity starts.
So I thought I’d share what has come out of this in hopes that it gets you off the couch too. Maybe it’ll inspire you and you’ll feel like heading to your art space too.
Laminated Bookmarks*
I made laminated bookmarks even though I know no one uses them anymore. I do though - I recently joined the library and got back to “paper” books which I hold in my hand and remember the title of because the book is right on my night side table.
Laminated Business Card Holders*
I made laminated business card holders - just because. The bookmarks were an afterthought. When I made the business cards I had long strips of laminate left over so the bookmarks above emerged.
New Handmade Books to add to the shop
I made some new handmade books which I will be listing in the shop as soon as I finish the binding.
Did I ever mention how much I love making these books. It’s really a labor of love given all the steps it takes. I actually made this one just for me. and I love the details.
I love thinking about the binding and what I will do with the spine. In this case after doing the coptic stitch binding (the most difficult for me but the nicest) I added little yellow, floral sequins to the spine. Oh so sweet. The pink eyelets instead of just “holes” are my favorite too.
And I added an elastic closure which fits through those pretty pink eyelets. I love these finishing touches once it is all put together.
Oh but did I mention this one is for me ; ). It’s filled with watercolor paper and I think I might use this one in an up and coming tutorial.
Now if I do say so myself - this one is a beaut! Another handmade book which I haven’t finished yet but which will be in the shop soon. Pink pages and beautiful watercolor paper inside. Look at all the fun - I used my agate geode in fushia dangling from a brushed copper fastener. And look at that cover paper - swoon. The inside covers are as beautiful as the outside with a buuuuutiful pink floral.
This is a new one too with a pamphlet stitch. I love the cover paper and have been harboring it for years waiting for just the right project. Don’t you love the polka dot inside covers! Inside there is good quality cardstock - perfect for writing. This too will be in the shop soon - as soon as I finish the binding which I am still working out.
And then I went old school - the types of journals I made before I knew the “formal” book binding methods. I still love these - the looseness, the freedom, the do whatever you want with it kind of style.
This cover I had made, I want to say over 10 years ago, and I kept it for all those years, and still love it today. This was clipart that I had purchased of a ledger sheet, and then I digitally overlayed the florals. (Not sure I even remember how to do this). I remember I used Golden’s Tar Gel to create a glossy, waxy feel on the cover - I need to use this again. I love it still. The idea is to fill this journal it with random papers and findings. It’s still not completed - but it will give me something to do in the weeks still to come in hibernation!
Special Notes
Because I made so many of the bookmarks and business card holders they are available for purchase for $14.00 US$ + free shipping if you are interested. Just email me at cathy.bluteau@bell.net. I will not be listing these in the shop
The “old style” journals will also be for sale if you are interested. Again email me at cathy.bluteau@bell.net with your request.
I’d also love to know whether you love the old style journals or the new “formally” bound ones in my shop. Let me know. You know I love hearing from you in the comments section below.
Let me know how you are keeping busy. If you are being creative I would love to share your ideas here on my blog. Leave a comment below and we can discuss.
