Today I was planning to get a 3-hour spa treatment to celebrate my birthday and Valentine’s Day. However, my therapist called in sick so I created this instead.

Years ago I covered this old red planner cover (last photo) with pretty paper, which has since gotten faded and torn. The vinyl has torn, too, so I used the old cover as a template to make a new one from a hanging file folder. I covered it with gorgeous “Couture” papers from Graphic 45 and am thrilled with how it turned out! The velvet ribbon on the spine of the prior cover actually worked perfectly with this new paper, too. I also created moveable mini folder that I can clip onto any calendar page. The folder has pockets insdie that can hold such things as a ticket to an upcoming event or in this case, a check for my doctor appointment next week. I love love love how this came out! Did I mention that I love this?  EnJoy!

Planner Cover

Planner Cover 2

Planner Cover 3

Planner Folder

Planner Folder 2

Old Planner Cover

Happy December! I have finally been able to open my boutique again; visit here for last-minute holiday gifts! Note that the custom print gifts (such as mugs and wall hangings) are temporarily unavailable. 

Here are a few of my most recent creations to spark your gift list. These are actually not listed in the boutique, so send a message if you wish to purchase any of them. EnJoy!

Pink Crinkle Journal

Pink Crinkle Journal 2

Pink Crinkle Journal 3

Pink Crinkle Journal 4

Pink Crinkle Journal 5

Pink Crinkle Journal 6

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 2

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 3

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 4

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 5

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 6

Seasons Envelope Journal

Seasons Envelope Journal 2

Seasons Envelope Journal 3

Seasons Envelope Journal 4

Seasons Envelope Journal 5

Seasons Envelope Journal 6

I was inspired by Natasa of Treasure Books to make this Packing Paper Journal, using various calendar pages, fabric, and more to decorate the pages. I find it interesting that I was able to be OK with wrinkled paper and crooked placement of some of the decorative elements,, given that I generally prefer my pages to be smooth and straight and perfectly aligned! EnJoy!

Packing Paper Journal Front Cover

Packing Paper Journal 2

Packing Paper Journal 3

Packing Paper Journal 4

Packing Paper Journal 5

Packing Paper Journal 6

Packing Paper Journal 7

Packing Paper Journal 8

Packing Paper Journal 9

Packing Paper Journal 10

Packing Paper Journal 11

Packing Paper Journal 12

Packing Paper Journal 13

Packing Paper Journal 14

Packing Paper Journal 15

Packing Paper Journal 16

Packing Paper Journal 17

Packing Paper Journal 18

Packing Paper Journal 19

Packing Paper Journal 20

Packing Paper Journal 21

Packing Paper Journal 22

Packing Paper Journal 23

Packing Paper Journal 24

Here are some recent pieces I’ve made using recycled paper bags of different sizes. The one with Ganesha on the front and the floral one were inspired by Natasa of Treasure Books.

The tiny pocket journal and the Pink Crinkle Journal were my responses to two different weekly challenges posed by Pam of the Paper Outpost.  Thank you ladies!

I love using up things that might otherwise be thrown away, and reducing (slightly) the piles on my art table and other places. EnJoy!

Ganesha Paper Bag Journal

Ganesha Paper Bag Journal 2

Ganesha Paper Bag Journal 3

Ganesha Paper Bag Journal 4

Ganesha Paper Bag Journal 5

Ganesha Paper Bag Journal 6

Ganesha Paper Bag Journal 7

Ganesha Paper Bag Journal 8

Ganesha Paper Bag Journal 8

Ganesha Paper Bag Journal 9

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 2

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 3

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 4

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 5

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 6

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 7

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 8

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 9

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 10

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 11

Flight of Fancy Bag Journal 12

Mini Bag Journal

Mini Bag Journal 2

Mini Bag Journal 3

Pink Crinkle Journal

Pink Crinkle Journal 2

Pink Crinkle Journal 3

Pink Crinkle Journal 4

Pink Crinkle Journal 5

Pink Crinkle Journal 6

I made this lovely little Surprise Box for a cusomer order, using Graphic 45 “Flight of Fancy” papers. So pretty! I had a friend stand behind me to take the video with her cell phone, hence the narrow frame. I wish I’d thought to pull the table closer to me to hide my lap! The lighting isn’t ideal, either, oh, well. Enjoy!

Last Autumn I created this beautiful “Firebird” ballerina using pressed leaves, velvet fabric and paper on a canvas background. Today I am offering print copies on canvas to share her and brighten your home. Go here to place your order; shipping is free on this item! Be sure to round up another dollar; the extra dollars will be donated to support Rising Worldwide. You can also shop on my Rising store here. Thanks for your order!

Firebird Canvas

I made this little journal from two envelopes glued together, inspired by a tutorial by Natasha of treasure books. I started out using three envelopes, however I accidentally tore one away as I was creating, so I ended up with just two.  Each envelope makes a pocket for holding pretty cards that I made, and the pages are made with tea dyed paper. This was a fun little project and I hope you enjoy it!

Seasons Envelope Journal

Seasons Envelope Journal 2

Seasons Envelope Journal 3

Seasons Envelope Journal 4

Seasons Envelope Journal 5

Seasons Envelope Journal 6

I had this boxy yellow jacket that I love but that did not fit me well. In my sewing group, I asked for suggestions on making it over. Several people suggested turning it into a waistcoat, so I began the makeover by removing the sleeves.

Then I modified the fit by adding darts to the fronts and the back. I loved one suggestion made: “Lovely fabric that’s begging to be turned into a sensation more fitting to its tone. I’d take out the seams and add blue fabric of a similar weight. Loads of blue fabric, not just to widen the fit, but to extend it to calf or ankle length. I’d use a blue velvet and add a cape like swing to the lower width.”

It so happens that I had Blue velvet coat that I’d gotten at a clothing swap; the coat was too small so I’d already removed the sleeves but had not finished altering that coat. Now it had a new purpose! I cut off the bottom of the velvet coat and stitched that beneath the hem of the yellow jacket, then hemmed the armhole openings. I love the final result! We got to make our first outing Friday evening,  including a headshot session from a photographer at our Center for the Arts! I added captions to photos. EnJoy!

Yellow and Blue Jacket

Yellow and Blue Jacket 2

Yellow and Blue Waistcoat

Yellow and Blue Waistcoat 2

Yellow and Blue Waistcoat 3

Blue Velvet Jacket

Blue Velvet Jacket 2

Blue Velvet Jacket 3

Yellow and Blue Waistcoat 4

Yellow and Blue Waistcoat 5

This is a little different from my usual art projects. Some years ago I saw a post someone made of a necklace she created, using a tube of fabric and inserting large seeds of some kind for the beads. I always wanted to try that, and yesterday I got inspired to do so by another artist who made a necklace of fabric beads.

I chose this silk necktie for my base, sewing it closed to make a tube. I inserted dried avocado seeds to form the beads, and tied a knot in the fabric between each bead. Today I decided to add some tiny gold beads that I strung and sewed between each larger bead. Oh, yes! It’s stunning and I am eager to wear it soon! EnJoy!

Black and Gray Tie

Avocado Seed Necklace

Avocado Seed Necklace 2

I used the folder that my new checks came in for the cover of this lovely folio, and some of my favorite papers! Do you love the ocean and beach as much as I do? With an added booklet, cards, and a fold-out page there is plenty of room for recording your beach vacation or your dreams to go on one! EnJoy!

Voyage Folio

Voyage Folio 2

Voyage Folio 3

Voyage Folio 4

Voyage Folio 5

Voyage Folio 6

Voyage Folio 7

Voyage Folio 8