Quilting with paper

Two recent paper "quilt" projects can be seen fully here and here. I am in love with them. Going to explore them for a bit.

I bought this book at the San Francisco Art Museum about 3-4 years ago. Instantly fell in love with the art form, started a couple, then discovered digital scrapbooking right after. It completely slipped my mind until I saw the Sew, Mama, Sew blog hosting February Quilting Month. Since all my fabrics are up 2 flights of stairs (can't climb them yet and unable to drive, ie: buy more), I wasn't really "equipped" to play along. I decided to "quilt" using paper instead and so far, these two are the results. Then, I saw a recent post on Ali's blog with gorgeous colorful butterflies that she was inspired to make after seeing these and it all seemed to say "hey, the universe is talking to you about the same kind of thing so listen up and give it a try." LOL, well, if the universe talked, I'm sure at that moment it sounded somethng like that. And I did order a butterfly punch because it is just too cute.

Spring is in the air. I can feel it :)

Reduce/Reuse/Recycle

I save a lot of stuff, and one of my favorite things to reuse is the cool packaging that comes from so many products (especially scrapbook products). These two packages were just right for candies (Skittles!) so I remade them into Valentines for my kiddos. Easy, quick and fun. And you use scraps to decorate them, so really, it's a win/win.

Mini Gift Books

OK, they're little (4" x 2.25" including the spiral) and each has 5 coin envelopes inside, stamped one - five. The cover wraps around to protect and hold in the contents and tucks into the front like a matchbook. So petite and cute and perfect for holding money or love notes. A very good friend bought one for her husband and is filling each pocket with rare spices (he cooks), boudoir pics, love notes, felt hearts and even a lock of hair {swoon} I think it's so romantic.

I got the idea when trying to come up with a fun way to give my teen what she wants most for her birthday - money. Made a 10 pocket one and filling each pocket with $10 and $20 dollar bills. (My mom once got me an art bin "tackle box" and stuffed $1s and $5s into each compartment and I thought it was terribly clever and fun.)

These three each have 5 pockets, and again, they're small, so keep that in mind. $5 each plus shipping of $4.60 per package. They say, from top to bottom, "Superstar", "Love you" and "Take 5".

Hard to scare

My layout for this week's Journaling Junkie Challenge: Journal about something scary! I had to seach a bit for what to journal about, as I have done a couple pages already on my fears, bizarre as they are (the thought of aliens terrify me!). This page is about Shade and her LOVE of scary movies. I think she's seen them all.

A little birdie told me Stella at Journaling Junkie is going to be hosting some cool contests with PRIZES in the future, so there is one more reason to start stalking, I mean READING, the blog :)

I still have those promised books coming later today. Just need to finish binding one and get a few pics snapped. Back later!

For Sale: Be Mine card set - No. 2

edit: OK, these have been spoken for as well. I'll have some very cute mini envelope gift books up tomorrow.

Here is another set of 8 handmade Valentines, with envelopes. Done as tags (they don't open) but you can write on the front or back if desired. (You would need an opaque white or metallic pen for a couple of the dark ones.) Or let them speak for themselves with their little clipped "be mine" sentiment. These are looped with my favorite fat, red wool, machine stitched, inked and layered with coordinating patterened cardstock. $12 + $4.60 Priority USPS shipping = $16.60.

I have something REALLY adorable coming later today or tomorrow :)