Recycled Projects - A6 Quinoa and Toilet Roll Journal

OK what do you do with those grains you have in your cupboard that are out of date?

....recycle them - right!  We are not going to put them in the compost bin, we are going to use them in a creative project.  You would have seen me use quinoa in one of the capturing moments mini journal that I showed you a couple of weeks back.

Capturing Moments mini Journal - Quinoa adds texture to the front of the journal

I've made another journal using the toilet roll inner tubes as pockets to write on but also use to hold tags to add your own journalling.  The quinoa is glued and allowed to dry, you can paint over it or leave it in its natural state.

This A6 journal also uses a glue gun to write some of the words that are on the front and the back panels and is also added as a border.

You can choose to do a number of things on the pages and have some inspiring messages, photographs or quotes

In the pockets you can have a range of tags in which you can journal, putting your thoughts..

On the front and back covers you can see how I have used the quinoa for decoration.

There is no end to what you can do with the quinoa, and over the next few weeks I will be sharing quite a few ideas...

I hope you have a blessed weekend, and allow your creativity to push back the boundaries in order to allow yourself to really soar! 

Come back on Tuesday to see how I made the Journal in Tutorial Tuesday. Do share creative ways in which you have used recycled materials and leave a comment below.

Gratitude's and Celebrations Week 18 - Happiness

Gratitude's and Celebration - Happiness

You deserve happiness

Do you go around thinking that you don't deserve to be happy, that the silver lining in the cloud wasn't meant for you?  We can often allow those throw-away comments that sometimes fall out of the mouths of others affect our journey.

Are you listening to the naysayers.....

Get out your tool kit and bat away all those comments that won't contribute to your growth and disturbs your peace, you might even need to work on some of the thoughts that you hold about yourself that you haven't addressed.  Give yourself a make over, it's time to get some of that happiness that has been storing up for you!

Today I celebrate the many blessings that will come out of the tough times I have been through and those yet to come. I strive for peace, and I am grateful for the nuggets of insight that will help push me towards the things I know I deserve.

Peace - Gratitude's and Celebration Journal

As this week draws to a close can you think of where you need to find some peace. Do leave a comment and have a blessed weekend!

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

Relaxation - Memories of Home

Relaxation - Memories of Home

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.

Relaxation

Being able to feel relaxed at home is important.  It is the place where you can come back and not only unwind, but be yourself.  You step out of a world where you are judged by the way you look, car you drive, clothes you wear or whatever and into a world of total acceptance.  You can be yourself and let the cares of the world stay outside the door for another day. 

When I was younger the thought of having a candle lit bath was the thing that we saw in films and was reserved for grown-ups to enjoy, or something they did in the blackouts when all the power went out!  As I got older I understood that it was something that I could do for myself – run a hot bath, put on some soothing music and light a few candles as it promoted relaxation and a sense of well-being and peace. 

Luxury locations - Barbados

There are many other ways in which you can promote relaxation – going out for a stroll and taking a look at your environment, spending time in the garden, putting on your favorite piece of music can be relaxing or you could decide to read a book taking that 5 minutes of alone time to gather your thoughts before you launch yourself into the evenings activities.  

Frangipani Flower - Barbados

And where would we be without a deck of cards?  When all the homework is done, the food cooked and eaten, spending time playing a card or board game has always been something to create great memories and encourage the whole family to relax.

I would love to hear what creative ways you have come up with to help you relax 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 - Handmade Stamps

Handmade Stamps

I shared with you on Saturday the Handmade stamps that I had made out of sleeping bag mattress foam, and here are some that I made,  It is really easy to create your own stamps and I hope you have as much fun as I did in coming up with your own creations.

Stamp collection made from foam

Get yourself a piece of the foam, this one is approximately 1.5 cm thick. Cut to the size that you require.

I cut mine 3x3 inches as this fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to stamp

Select tools that you are going to make marks, shapes and patterns with

Selection of tools to make marks on the foam

Look through some magazines, books, textiles or around your home for inspiration to create a pattern, I chose this heart paperweight.

Once you have chosen your pattern and shape, cut to size begin to mark the foam as required

Cut a piece of card that will act as the backing for the stamp, I covered the edges of mine with home made washi tape (will show you how I made these in a few weeks:)

Cut a piece a paper the same size as the cardboard and stamp your design onto it.  Stick this onto the back of the cardboard,It will act as a guide to the stamp.  

Stick your creation onto the other side of the cardboard, and let dry

Your stamp is ready to be used!

Do leave your comments and share with me what you decide to create!