Gratitudes and Celebration Journal - Week 17 - Hope

Gratitude's and Celebration - Hope

Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen..Hebrews 11:1  This page serves as a reminder for me and comes at a time where I have not been feeling physically on point and that also can effect how you see things.

It has been another one of those tough weeks and my thoughts are on my brother Robert.  I was sharing in my memories from home post and the image of me in my room is the room that we shared when we were little until my sister moved out to go to university, and then we both had our own room.

I thought about the things he hoped for and hadn't got to realise, seeing his children grow up and have children of their own.  I thought of my own pursuits and those things I hoped for say 10 years ago, and whether they had been achieved, changed or left by the wayside.  When you take a look back in your own memories can you see the achievements that you have made?

I am grateful today that I still have hope, in all that we have, all that we are, and in the very midst of it.  I can celebrate today, this very hour, the minute that has passed and I can see more than I could yesterday.

As this week draws to a close can you think of what you have hoped for. Do leave a comment and have a blessed weekend!

If you want to see how I made the journal (click here)

Clean - Memories of Home

Memories of Home - Clean

Welcome to Memories of Home, if you would like to find out more information about the series, Click here

Being in a supportive environment is important to our growth as individuals, not everyone has had that opportunity and as adults we try and create an environment that will nurture and bless our children and indeed ourselves.

As children we were given chores to do, and each weekend we had to do our bit. Out would come all the cleaning materials and we would have to get on with the hoovering, dusting and carrying out the rubbish. It wasn't something we looked forward to, but led by my big sister, me and my little brother were kept in check. My sister even drew up a rota for us all to follow and tried to rope my dad into it, but as far as he was concerned the cleaning was our job cause he went out to work every day!

Mothers helping hand

By the time my sister left home to go to university I was able to have a room all to myself and I think I rebelled within the confines of my room and on more than one occasion the messiness became overwhelming and my mother would save the day. I would come back from school and my room would be all tidy and clean. She would say "a place for everything and everything in its place", and I would be more than grateful that I had a my tidy room back.

Organising my space in my bedroom

And right she was! In my studio space that measures approx 6ft by 7ft, I have tried to cram as many things as I can whilst trying to create a sense of space, it can be difficult and making use of wall space and storage ideas is necessary.

Studio space, compact but everything has it's place!

I have had to be really strict with myself about clearing up at the end of the day and enabling me to allow the creativity to flow. Whilst I am not a minimalist, mums example set all those years ago provided the example that in my life now and at home with my family we have systems in place that enables us to appreciate the space that we do have.

I would love to hear what you have put in place in your own home environment that allows you to be organised. I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and look back to the memories of home. I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories. Blessings and peace to you!

Tutorial Tuesday - Phone Directories Journal

Directories Journal

In today's Tutorial Tuesday I have made a set of 3 journals from phone directories.  These are A5 in size and I began by gluing a selection of pages together because they were so thin.

I covered the selection of pages with either gesso or pattered paper. 

On the front cover I used patterned tissue paper and on the two lower ones I used fabric.

 I made some tags out of the scrap paper and applied some stamps and crochet edging 

 I typed out some encouraging words on card and highlighted specific ones....creativity

For me these books are for you to just let go and play with whatever supplies you have.  These books can look and contain whatever material that you want, you just have to let your creativity loose as there is no right or wrong way, just your way!

I would love to see what you do....until next week 

Material Mondays - Crochet and Fabric

Fabric Journal

Fabric Journal, an assortment of materials decorate the front

I made this particular fabric journal and decided that rather than have paper pages I would make it with fabric pages so that I could not only paint but apply and try out different stitches to the page, or if you wanted to add that piece of fabric that you thought was unusual. 

The pages I have used in the journal have been pieces from material that I either liked the design or ones that I have recycled and painted.  I have also included some crochet to some of the pages.

Buttons decorate back of the journal

The journal measures approx 4x6 inches.  I have included sections at the front and back inside covers to hold sewing supplies, and a mini pocket at the front. 

Journal at work

I guess the journal allows me to continue to play with different materials when and how the mood takes.  

Inside cover with supplies, and crochet detail to page

The journal can be taken anywhere as it has all the things you need contained within it to be self sufficient. When I've practiced a few more stitches and techniques I will let you have a look. Hope if you were considering making one for yourself that this has provided some inspiration.

If you are considering learning how to crochet, or any other creative activity check out Craftsy online courses, at the moment they are doing a special offer on some of their classes, and they are offering some free mini courses. Click here. 

Have a blessed day, see you tomorrow for Tutorial Tuesday.