Art Journals

 I promised a blog friend that I would do a post that wasn't about birds or wildflowers but I'll probably sneak a few of those in this post! 

I usually call my journals 'junk journals' which makes my youngest son laugh a somewhat nervous laugh as if to say, Mom's gone over the edge. 

But these journals are so beautiful, I need to use the term 'art journal'.

I bought both of these books from a sweet Etsy shop called Nudgery Faire HERE and then I proceeded to cut and glue things onto the pages. 

She is very talented and I feel blessed to have 2 of her journals....and another one on my wish list. 

Her prices are exceptional too and I appreciate that. 

The first one I bought was the Fairy Forest.

The name is enough to sell me!

And it is indeed delightful. 

I still haven't finished it. I like to leave some pages available in case I find some perfect images to add later. And I always write quotes in all of my journals.

The second one is made in a different style and is so easy to work in. The pages stay open with the ring binding.

And of course she has put a lot of special touches into this one too.

Everything about it is beautiful!

A few more pages in a mosaic!

I love cutting things out, arranging the pages and gluing things in. I need a diversion when I can't be IN the forest!

(doesn't that look a bit like a monster or a BEAR in the center of the photo?)

Be sure and check this shop if you want a a journal to work on this summer! Just look HERE!

Are you working on craft or sewing projects this summer? 

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too! 

What I do in between hikes!

I wish we could hike every day! But someone has to do the laundry and housework and hubby is planting more knock out roses and putting down new mulch. So we keep busy when we are 'in between hikes'. 

I love doing junk journals. Some of them I make myself and others I buy from Etsy shops. I love Etsy!

So here's a little pink journal I've been working on lately.

I bought some ephemera to add to this one. 

This seller has some neat things in her shop at great prices. Her shop is HERE! Check it out!

She made the door and I glued it to the front of the journal that I made.

Lots of cute things to add to the pages and tags, etc. 

I will need to get to a point with this one and then sit down and write some thoughts and quotes to finish it up. I never really complete a journal. I always have a few pages to add to when the mood hits.

OK, this gorgeous journal is made by the Etsy shop HERE! 

I placed a bookmark in the front when I tied it with silk ribbon.

She made it and put lots of special touches inside

and then I added some of my own.

It was super fun and I still have space to write inside too.

I tend to like the cutting and glueing and leave the writing for last.

One more...

Even the back of the journal is a work of art!

SO....I know you want to see my desk with works in progress.

I put some things out on my desk to start on something new but I keep it pretty neat while I am working. I like to be able to see what I am doing. I can't work when there is too much out and in the way.

With the gorgeous Florida weather (highs in the 70s and 80s) we are hiking just about every other day. That works out great and gives us time for work (hubby) and crafting (me!).

 

Have you done any arts and crafts lately?

It's FUN and addictive!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

My Fall Tag Journal

 I wanted to make something special for Fall as a gratitude journal. 

I've been keeping a list of things that have helped me through the pandemic.

So I used the list I had made to make different size tags to include in a tag journal.

It's a fun way to use smaller pieces of paper and it's a project you can work on a little at a time.

I get a bit overwhelmed with a huge project so this is perfect for me.

I've mentioned several times that Fall is my least favorite season but that just means that I make an extra effort to make it good. We are hiking more and making some new 'good' memories.

And I'm taking time to be thankful for all the people and blessings I had in the past few months.

The very first tag says Faith, Family and Friends. 

(not pictured)

And when I got to a point that I wanted to stop, I made a list to include in the back of the tag journal.

These tags are on a ring with pretty silk ribbon and a leaf charm to finish it off.

Have you been artistic or creative this week? 

It helps, doesn't it?

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays and

I like Thursdays HERE too!

*Holiday Baking with Wednesday Wee Ones*

On the days I don't hike, I stay busy working playing around the house. I scrub and clean, get my laundry caught up, oh....and dress dollies! 

Well, you know what they say! And I definitely don't want to be DULL!

So one day I dressed Noel in her pretty holiday dress and then made sure she had her apron and hat for her baking 'chores'. I made all of these little clothes, even the potholder, mitt and dishtowels. 

I even made those gingerbread men....years ago!

 And I got to meet M.A. Vessey years ago at an art show in Hendersonville, NC. She painted this Christmas scene. 

 

I wanted to buy some little cookies but they all looked so fake! (at least the ones in my price range did! lol) So we're not sure what's in the oven but I'm sure it will be yummy! (we'll REALLY have to use our imaginations now)

So don't forget in this busy holiday season to

Take Time to Play!

I’m joining Thankful Thursdays .