Tutorial Tuesdays - How to make a Capturing Moment Mini Journal? and Competition

Tutorial Tuesday - Capturing Moments Mini Journal

In today's Tutorial Tuesday I thought that would share with you how to make these simple journals - Capturing Moments.  I called them this because they capture moments of whatever you want to use them for.  I was inspired to make some more after two that I made from recycled materials were shown in a magazine called Craftseller.

Here's how you put them together:

Measure out card to suit the size you want

Recycled card measures 3x7inches 

 Choose paper that you want to use as the cover both sides and use either pva glue or double sided tape

Using a bone folder you are going to create a spine allow 3 inches on either side and one inch for the spine, this is where the signatures will be sitting

 The signatures measure 3 x 6 inches in length and you will need 11 of them 

Fold in half an see how they fit in the book

 Get your wool or string of choice and rap round the outside cover, tie it in a knot 

 begin to wrap the wool round each of the signatures and round the back

 Once you've wrapped it round each signature you cut off a length of the wool

 Use large needle and thread the remaining wool back and forward through the spine

 If you want you can thread beads on it at this point

 Once you have secured the wool all the way down tie off and before you cut it off you can decide to add a beads at this point.

I added a paper bead to my one.

Then you can add what ever decoration to the front of the mini journal and begin to have fun in it.

Competition

Win a Capturing Moments Mini Journal and tags selection - 

enter below for a chance to win.  Leave a blog comment and choose some of the additional ways to increase your chances - good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Material Mondays - Crochet and Fabric

Welcome to Material Mondays - Crochet and Fabric Monday Makes a selection of posts where I share what I’ve done with fabric and crochet, things that I have been experimenting on, trying to perfect and hopefully things that will inspire you to give it a go for yourself.  The only way to get better at something is to keep practicing.  I don’t profess to be an expert, but I am willing to give it a go, and extend my creative abilities and even see how some techniques can be altered and used in my mixed media work.  

To check out what I have made click on the link:

Crochet Necklace

Painted Recycled Fabric

Recycled Bag Journal

Chunky Button Fabric Journal

Crochet Neck Warmers

Crochet Baby Hat

Amigurumi Owl....

Fabric Journal

Crochet Wrist Cuffs

All things fabric

I've been experimenting quite a bit with using textiles and making fabric journals, with my first exposure to fabric journals being with Teesha Moore with her fabric journals and Mika Diaz with painted pages. They both have different styles and are very inspiring.  I have also been stepping up with the crocheting, graduated from the circles and squares and actually making functional items.  It is a very relaxing activity, among some of the things that I have started include jewellery, and scarf’s and a hats!  I will share what I have done when I finish the pieces.

Crochet was never something I was keen on.  Growing up I was used to seeing my mother crocheting and making table decorations, all intricate and delicate looking, (I’m sorry that I didn't keep any of them).  I’m not sure what became of them, perhaps they gave way to more modern table adornment.  I stumbled across a site called Craftsey and they introduced me to the side of crocheting that I never explored.  But more and more crochet and fabric are now becoming integrated within some of my work.  I’m not sure if I will make a crochet blanket but I do love the many things you can do with crochet.   Fabric it is also so versatile and you can do so much with it, especially if you have recycled, painting it and giving it a new lease of life.  I was inspired by some of the quilts that I saw whilst on holiday earlier this year and also many of the textile artists and quilters that I have met online Carol - Jehjireh Spirit.  I recently got a kindle copy of the story of Estella Weaver Nukes who made Franklin Roosevelt's Postage Stamp Quilt written by Kyra E Hicks and I have been inspired to write a short story about quilts that were passed to the women of the family and the magnificent colours and patterns and story that the pieces of materials and designs tell - this is a work in progress.

Reusable Crochet Journal Cover

My first showing for the ‘Monday Makes is a journal cover for one of the Capturing Moments mini journals. 

I have made a reusable crochet cover for a along with pockets to store items in for crafting.

Using simple straight forward pattern the inserts are the same for the ‘capturing moments mini journal and has a bead to button it that has been decorated using Bead enhancing glue.  I am looking forward to working in it!

Some of the items will be for sale and I will list it on my website.  If you like something, what you get will be made with love.  If you are interested in learning how to crochet or quilting etc there are lots of links on you tube, you can also check out Craftsy who run online classes and at the moment have a selection of free online classes for you enjoy.

Tutorial Tuesday

Each week on Tutorial Tuesday I will be showing you how to make the recycled projects that I have made over the weeks. Here is a list of all the current tutorials, click on the link to take you to the post.

Current Tutorials

DIY Washi Tapes


Mini Frames



Textured Chunky Journal A6


Teabag Treasures


Teabag boxes

Handmade Stamps

Directories Book Journal

Toilet Roll Journal

Capturing Moments Mini Journal

Strength - Creating in Faith

Creating in Faith - Strength

Physical strength is something that we all possess to varying degrees and we can build upon it through training and exercise.  Inner strength is something far different built up from the trials we have been through and calls on reserves from a place that at times can be tested to the limit, and we can find ourselves wondering if we can make it through, whatever the situation, ready to throw in the towel one minute to the next being able to see some rays of sunshine and hope.

I have had my inner strength tested to varying degrees over the past 15 years and seen the strength of others tested in different ways.  Having looked after my mother and shared her journey on my blog, there have been moments where I wasn't sure if I could cope, or if I wanted to carry on.  In April early this year she suffered from a mini stroke and then another one in July while we were away on holiday.  As she ventures on the road to some form of recovery I am thankful that she is still here.  

We have shared our joy, laughter and pain as we venture into still unknown dementia territory, as her main carer I try and find things that will make her life more comfortable and look at ways to make her environment safe.  At the moment she has trouble walking, and her vision is very poor, so we have to look at alternative accommodation and preempt things that may arise and try and make her remaining years as comfortable as possible. 

In March 2011, Barbara my fellow artist and best friend of over 30 years passed away suddenly, no warning, no sickness, nothing leaving behind a husband and 5 children.  Our worlds were turned upside down.  I admired the strength that her husband showed, whilst in his pain he was there for everyone else, always asking how you were, giving you encouragement or seeing if there was anything he could do for you.  He pulled the family together, he had to, he was tested in the fire, there were some very dark times and it seemed inconceivable that he would ever see a glimmer of light, but on 4^th October this year 2 ½ years after Barbara’s death he met someone that showed him how to laugh again and they celebrated their wedding along with family and friends.

On 2^nd June this year, my brother passed after fighting multiple myeloma for 4 years, I am still trying to be strong calling on the experiences that I have been through, it doesn't feel like he is gone sometimes, I sometimes shaking my head in disbelief that this could have happened.  I look at the strength that Frances his wife has to call on to be there for their 3 children, to carry on doing the routines that used to be shared.  I wonder how I would have coped, with every corner a reminder of the loss. 

I was at the hospital right before he went to be with the Lord, not ever imagining that it could ever happen, hoping that it was a nightmare or to be able to flick the switch and change the channel.  Robert had said to me in 1992 when my father passed away that we had to be strong for my mother and we were.  Through my tears on the 2^nd June I knew that I had to find the strength, I was not alone in my grief and as we shared our memories and experiences our pain was and will be eased.

God says that he will never leave or forsake us, and that we can do all things through Him who gives us strength and I must say that despite the past few years my strength has truly come from God.  There is nothing that we can do on our own; we know others who have suffered things that we don’t even want to contemplate.  I talk to my son talk about Robert and the times we shared as children and growing up.  I also tell him about all those who risked their lives, fought and died so that he could be free and in his soon to be 18^th years allowed to vote and to be able to enjoy a life where his views and thoughts can make a difference – the generation of tomorrow.

Whatever you are going through remember that you are not on your own.  There are others who are praying for you, reaching out to you, lifting you up, and hearing your story, hearing your voice.  You will see that you are not on the journey alone, for in our strength we will begin to breathe again one day at a time.

Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace.  And the God of love and peace will be with you... 2 Corinthians 13:11

Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away... Matthew 24:35

Recycled projects - Capturing Moments Chunky Mini Journal

Welcome to a new feature that will be on my blog.  In my bid to become more organised and up my game a bit I thought I would start having a few regular features to show you what I have been getting up to in my studio and to share some of the processes.  On top of the mixed media art, paintings, working in my art journal and working on resources for carers I have been doing quite a few projects. I will be using Saturdays to share the things that I have been creating in my studio, the majority of which using recycled materials to create a piece of art. You will be surprised at the types of things we have around us that can be totally transformed.  On the Tuesday of the following week I will be showing you how the pieces were made, and do a mini tutorial called Tutorial Tuesdays. On Mondays (Material Monday's) I will be showing you things that I have made from fabric or crochet.

The first project has been these mini journals that I call Capturing Moments.  They are fairly easy to make and measure approximately 3x4 inches.  Making them and putting in all the detail has been quite therapeutic, and there is much to be said for the art processes and creating a sense of well-being.  They are great to just grab put in your bag or pocket and be able to be creative wherever you are - capturing the moment at hand!.

On Thursday I shared two of my mini journals 

that were shown in a magazine called Craftseller.  I had used some of the free paper selection that came with the magazine.  It was my first time to submit to a magazine and in the process also won a voucher which allowed me to purchase some craft supplies from stickytiger! Yay!

Capturing Moments mini journal

The Capturing Moments mini journals are just that - to be able to capture ideas, thoughts, quotes, images or whatever you like. 

Recycled materials form the basis of the journals

I have been using them for a variety of things especially when I am on the go - as a means for sketching out some ideas, looking a colour so that I can then do a larger image on my chosen surface.  

Multiple uses and fit in your pocket!

I also have one that I place photos, quotes, scriptures, and encouraging words that I want to be reminded of.  

Selection of the Capturing Moments mini journals

I made them with a set of 10 tags for use alongside for that extra special message and have added decoration along the edges using beads, paper beads and whatever else I could find in my stash.  Let me know what you think of these mini journals, have you found some interesting materials to create with, do share.

If you come back on Tuesday I will be showing you how I made the journals, and I will also be having a giveaway and you can win one of the Capturing Moments Mini Journals.  Have a blessed weekend.

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Week 14

 

Gratitude and Celebration Journal - Week 14 - Let Peace Reign

Let the Peace Reign

I have been thinking about making changes to my routines, to foster some better habits and to see the fruit that can come from my endeavours   I am tired of fighting against what my body thinks it needs (chocolates, lounging and inactivity and with that comes the aches and the pains, the illnesses and the depression), and I want to have peace within my body.  

I will be making room to do more of the things that will cause my body and state of mine to be more in balance.   This means that I need to spend more time preparing food that will edify, eat more fruits and vegetables.  I will go out and walk for a minimum of 20 minutes despite what the weather is saying - it was raining and bitterly cold this morning but I did feel better for it.  I usually spend first thing in the morning reading my bible and writing in my journal - this I will continue, as I make room for the other things by getting up half an hour earlier.  With balance will come peace.  I am grateful for the peace that holds my heart and celebrate this period of reflection and rest.

As this week draws to a close can you think of the areas where you need to take a step back? Take some time out, and give yourself permission to take stock and see what parts of your life that you need to let peace reign. Do let me know what you plan to do.    Have a blessed weekend! 

In the news.....Craftseller Magazine Surprize and more!

Paper Love
I love paper,  always have, not only the textures but the different colours and weights.  Over the years I have built up quite a collection and love finding different uses for the paper in my work. I also like buying art and craft magazines, they are filled with inspiration and ideas, and most come with additional free items for you to use in your work whether samples of paper, stamps or both.

Craftseller Magazine - issue 28

I recently found a uk magazine called Craftseller which encourages creatives to make and sell their products.  Within the magazine they always include a selection of paper with some amazing designs, so I decided to see what I could do with the selection that I had and how they would work with some mini journals and tags I was making.  I made a selection of mini chunky journals and cards, they are part of my Capturing Moments Journals series, which I will share with you on Saturday. 

Chunky Journals - Capturing Moments

Craftseller Readers submission - 

I then took the step to submit my work to Craftseller, it wasn't a formal submission, just a readers letter and example of what I had done.  They then wrote back informing me that they would be including my images in the magazine.

Chunky Mini Journals with Tags

Capturing Moments Chunky Journal details

Star Letter Surprise

They sent me a copy of the magazine in the post, my journals were put in issue 28 above.  I saw that as well as putting my chunky journals in their magazine they also awarded me the star letter and I received a £45 voucher to buy products of my choice from Stickytiger supplies!  I was over the moon and I brought a selection of stamps and stencils, it was a lovely surprise and boost as I go down the road of submitting some more of my craft based work.

Katherines Corner
Today is also Thursdays Favourite Things on Katherines Corner Take a stroll over there and visit some of the inspiring blogs listed in the links, you can leave a link to your post and show some support to others who have listed theirs.  


Round up
Other news today, I am stocking up on lots of vitamin and mineral rich food, the flu seems to be going round and a lot of people around me have become victims, my mother has been sniffing and sneezing a lot, and with the elderly you have to make sure they keep as fit as ever, so the old time remedies of ginger, honey and lemon come to the rescue and wrapping up warm.

I am very happy to share that Alan Springer - My husband, has republished his book E-Kidz - Mission to Cyberspace with Hansib publishers.  The book is about e-safety and encourages chilodren through fiction and information to be more aware of the dangers of the Internet.  I will no doubt be getting him to share his work over the next few months. Take a look at his Ekidz website

Tomorrow I will be sharing the latest Gratitude's and Celebration Journal page, take some time to think about what you have been grateful for and remember to celebrate something about your life. Hope you've had a blessed day, check out some of the links, leave a comment and do let me know what you've been up to!

Nurturing - Memories of Home

Memories of Home

Welcome to the first day of the Memories of Home Series.  

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.  

I will be sharing a selection of mixed media houses that I created alongside words that I want to foster in my environment or that bring back memories of home life.  Along the way creativity will be at the heart of it.

Nurturing

Looking back our early days were spent being nurtured, by our parents (in their own way) making the mistakes, picking yourself up and dusting yourself off.  Knowing that while you were at home you would feel secure as you take the time to spread your wings.

I tell my son that our home is his training ground.  I want him to feel free enough to make his mistakes - we all make them, but to also feel that he won’t be judged by his mistakes, he will have his foundation and have the space to learn and grow and be himself.  Being in a nurturing environment is key for the growth to happen and I want him to be able to look back on his childhood and teenage years seeing with fondness knowing that he was in a supportive environment that inspired, guided, and gave him the necessary tools to become the man he will no doubt be one day.  When you have had a challenging day it is important to feel the love and nurture within your home and that everyone understands the part they play in keeping it so.

I would love to hear what you have put in place in your own home environment that allows nurturing to take place, please share in the comments below.

I hope you continue to join me on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and some art journaling and look back to the memories of home.  I look forward to hearing about some some of your own memories.

Water - Creating in Faith

Water is something that none of us can do without.  Our bodies are made up of around 75% and as well as hydrating internally, we need to hydrate externally as well.  It can be comforting to soak in after a hard days work and also refreshing drink.  Living in the UK we often take it for granted that it will always be at the end of a tap having access around the clock.  There are countries whose population still do not have access to clean running water for the very essentials in life, and the thought of having to give water to drink that you got from the lake, the same lake where the cattle tread, where you bath and wash clothes and every other imaginable use, to your child to drink is unthinkable, but the reality they face, check out these facts about water in the developing world.  If you alsowant to find out ways in which you can take more care with the earths resources check out reduce the footprints a blog about making a positive impact to our environment and has some great tips.

Memories of Home

I shared in Memories of Home series my experience between the age of around 4 – 6 years where the house we lived in two rooms with my family.  The house didn't have access to a bath or inside toilet.  We used to have a portable tin bath in the room and containers where the water had to be stored and was boiled as needed.  Many houses in the UK in those days didn't have bathrooms and had to use what was known as a public baths, buildings specifically designed to meet then needs of local people, you would also take your laundry there as well. The baths would have separate first and second class areas for use.  

Holiday surprises

We also found when me, my brother and sister visited our Grandma in Jamaica in 1982 just what it would be like without the modern conveniences that we were used to. As teenagers at the time we rolled up our sleeves and got on with it, and we handled it quite well seeing it as an adventure. With no running water each morning we would have to go down to the well - which was down a hill - to fetch the water that would be used for bathing and drinking and washing up the dishes.  It was a humbling experience and really put things into perspective.

Calling the Repair man

We can often take what we do have for granted.  Recently my mothers bathroom cold water tap stopped working and when I called for the repairs they told me that it would take them a week before they could come and look at it.  I was surprised that it wasn't seen as an emergency, especially for the elderly to have cold running water at home.  What we were having to do to set the bath for her was to run the hot water tap, let it go cold and then add the hot water after and make the best of the situation.  I waited in for the repair man to come, glad that the week had passed and we would soon be able to carry on as normal. Just before he came I decided for some reason to turn the tap on, I knew that it wouldn't work because I had been trying every day from the time I called them out.  To my surprise 10 minutes before he came the water began to flow out of the tap as if there had never been a problem. 

I was stunned, why on the very day that it was supposed to be fixed would it start working, all week there had been nothing and then all of a sudden the tap started to flow.   The door knocked and in the repair man came.  I explained, (slightly embarrassed), what had been happening and said funnily enough the tap started working that morning.  I wasn't sure if the look that he gave me was one that questioned whether there was a fault in the first place.  Anyway, after much fiddling and banging he eventually said that it was fixed, and confirmed what I thought it was - the washer.  I was at last able to get on with my day.

New Insights

When we look for the revelations and insights that can come from different situations in life, it can often show us interesting and important things.  It reminded me that you never know how things are going to turn out.  You can be dissuaded by how things look in the moment and sometimes you need to find temporary solutions making the best of it before a way is made.  You also have to slow down.  There are so many things that we find ourselves trying to do all at the same time we begin to miss the life that is passing right before our eyes and we forget to enjoy the simple things.  Take time to think about the events that happen in your life, what interesting revelation could they contain that you can apply to your life in a positive way?

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it's fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever they do 

prospers Psalm 1:3

The Lord will guide you always;  he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail Isaiah 58:11

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Week 13 - Recharge

 

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - Week 13

It is time to recharge your batteries - let the renewal begin

 

Recharge and Renew

There are times where we find that the things that we used to be able to do quite easily ever so slowly become harder, and I am not including the ageing process which we all naturally face, but the times where we have been running our bodies down and the stresses that can come with that alongside poor nutrition impact on our life until we eventually hit empty.  We then find ourselves wondering why we feel so tired and in pain, and if your not careful your body turns around and forces you to stop. 

Every now and then we need to sit back and allow our bodies to get the rest and nourishment it needs along with the exercise and care.  Don't wait until January when you make your New Years resolution to promise yourself to take time out and get fit, do something about it today, this week!  You also need to seek out activities that allow the mind to rest from the constant information overload. 

I am grateful that I can have access to information and resources that show me how to care for my body and give it the rest it needs to face another day.  Working in a journal and being creative allows my mind to process ideas and information and acts as a pressure guage.  I also celebrate that despite being October, here in London we are having wet but mild weather and there are some pretty changes that can be observed happening to the landscape this time of the year. 

Gratitude's and Celebration Journal - week 13 - It is time - are you ready?

As this week draws to a close can you think of the areas where you need to allow your body to rest? Take some time out, and give yourself permission to take stock and see what parts of your life that you need to recharge and renew. Do let me know what you plan to do.    Have a blessed weekend!

Memories of Home - Mixed Media House Series

Memories of Home - 5 x 7 in mixed media painting

Memories of home, is a weekly series of art and reflections of home.  I will be sharing a selection of mixed media 4x7 houses that I have been making, that capture different elements of home either that I currently enjoy or that I remember as a child.  I had originally started making these as one of the monthly challenges on Motley Soul, but the challenges of life got in the way!    I have decided to continue to make and share the houses, which are made from a selection of materials.  As I continue to make the mixed media houses they take me back to times past and in contrast how very different things are now.  I chose a selection of words that all bring back memories of home life, or how I wanted my environment to be ie 'nurturing, relaxing, a sanctuary' things that I want to experience at home and I am sure that others too want to have that place where they can be themselves.  I will share a memory or thought whether from growing up as a child or where I currently live with my family.  Along with the mixed media house, every now and then I will add a journal page or a piece of art around the word for that week.

Earliest Memories

Parliament Hill Fields - age 4

 

My earliest memory of home was when I was around 4 years old.  We lived in 2 rooms on the 2^nd floor of a house.  My mum, dad, me and my brother who was a baby occupied one room and my sister who was 10 years old occupied the other.  A large fireplace dominated the room and at bath times we had a large tin bath which mum used to fill with jugs of water.  I never thought about how it would be emptied, but I guess there are a lot of things that you don’t question as a child you just know that one minute it is full and we are playing, splashing and laughing and the next minute you are being wrapped up in an oversized towel looking forward to the night time snack.

The house that mum currently lives is where I grew up in from the age of 7 until I left home.  As a family we faced the normal ups and downs, the challenges and triumphs and came out the other end.  My sister was the one who started our quest for adventure, if you were bored and wanted something to do when we were kids you went outside and played.  My sister would take me and my brother all over London going to museums and galleries and exploring the sights that people come from around the world to see but many who live here take for granted. When my sister went off to University it was just me and my brother Robert.  We didn’t have the technology they have now and our entertainment was playing outside with a football, or making it up a game as you went along.  The storyline for our adventure games always involved a space ship, aliens, saving the world and low food supplies!

Gardens on our doorstep

 

View from Parliament Hill

We had to make use of our environment, we had Parliament Hill Fields and Hampstead Health on our doorstep.  From a very young age it was one of the places my dad would take us on a sunny Sunday afternoon, and we relished being out in the wide open space.  

Me and Robert continued to use it as our back garden and when we weren’t saving the world we would frequent the adventure play ground with its climbing frames and tyre swings.  We had loads of great memories of our adventures during our 6 week holidays, riding out on our blue scooters and facing the world of ‘aliens’ –  the sweets in our pockets acting as our cloaking devices and energy packs.

Traditions handed down

Back at home, finished your homework, cooked dinners and all of us around the table, the chatter of our voices excited to share what we had done.  Mums cooking could rival any chef and she could put her hand to an amazing array of dishes - the tastes, the aromas, the combinations, she was an amazing cook.  She passed on those skills to us as we developed our own specialities.  Robert mastered making deserts, pies, - mums famous fruit spiced cakes and his custard with a dash of mixed spice and vanilla which he would make from scratch - he made it an art, he made it just right with the balance of texture and flavours, it was on his 'to do list' at every family dinner. My sister mastered fine dining and I was always a ‘lets see what we can make out of this’ type of person.  I love the challenge of learning a recipe and making it my own, altering and creating and entirely new dish.  I like the spontaneous and it depends how I feel what I will cook.

I think back to those days with fondness with the family - no elbows on the table mind you!  but you spent time sharing about your day and more time was spent, listening, laughing and relaxing....

I hope you join me each Wednesday on my journey over the weeks, as I share my mixed media houses and some art journaling and look back to the memories of home, and look forward to you sharing some of your own memories.