Journals

I've been thinking journals lately.  Comment on any of my posts and your name will be put in a drawing to receive the journal at the top of my sidebar.  Just leave a way for me to contact you.  I'll be pulling a name out of the hat on the eve of July 31.  I won't be posting anything until then.  I'm taking a break.

This journal went to S'More Couture, a cute little boutique in which I place some of my creations.  Take a look here.  I used a purchased notebook, scrapbook paper from Shabby Cottage Studio, a beautiful copy of a photo (offered in Somerset Studio magazine insert), a hem from a dressing gown, old text, a lovely lacy edge from an old hankie (so love this), mother-of-pearl buttons, lacy edging from a old slip, a piece of an earring (thank you, Deena),  seam binding by Martha Stuart, pink sheer ribbon, a vintage double button cuff closure.  Click on the photo for a closer view.  It's simple to do.  Try it.

Journal to My SIL

My sister-in-law had a lumpectomy yesterday and everything went well.   Regardless, it is cancer and she'll probably have to have more "treatments."  I can't imagine the emotions one would encounter after hearing the words, "Yes, it's cancer."  This one's close to home.  I hope this little journal brightens her day just a little.

I used a purchased lined book, a page from a vintage photo album, scrapbook paper, a vintage button, embroidery floss, bugle and seed beads, an old copper leaf with patina,  a piece of selvege, the hem of a dressing gown,  vintage book papers, old music, ribbons, a vintage measuring tape section and linen.  I drew a little nature design on the album page.

The scripture inside reads:  "Consider it pure joy, my sister, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." --James 1:2-3 (the same I used in my Etsy listing yesterday, except I add, "my sister.")  This verse is so easy to read yet so difficult to live.

New Journal on Etsy

This journal went into my Etsy shop (see side bar and click on photo to take you to my shop).  I used a purchased book of lined paper and added a vintage album page, ephemera, string from a broken necklace, a selvege edge, a piece of measuring tape and the base of the flower is a cardboard disk with a hole in it.  As I was walking today, I looked down and saw this on the pavement.  Near it was a used up firework.  When I saw it I knew that it would make a great flower.  I've embroidered in and around it, added bugle beads and glass seed beads and a turquoise bead.  The leaves are parts of a kit of cutsie brads, etc. I bought quite a while ago.  I added ribbon, seam binding and the hem of a vintage dressing gown, all tied to the rings of the binder.  Scrapbook paper was added and the word "bliss."  The scripture inside reads:  "Consider it pure joy...whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."--James 1:2-3.  It's all in how you look at things.  Choose bliss.

Shirts for Grandgirls

I'm going to see these little girls soon so I wanted to take them something I had made.  Each one is a little different--both roses and girls.  Each one is special--both roses and girls.  They seem to enjoy wearing a "Grandma Creation" and I enjoy making them.  Now, if only the boys were that easy....

Flower Frenzy

A frenzy is what is seems.  I purchased some new vintage lingerie and I'm back in business.  It seems like I get tired of using the same old stuff (well, it is vintage) and new pieces bring back my creativity.  I love the green satin and sea foam blue and green pieces and I'm not even very fond of green.  Some of these will go to my Etsy shop and some to the little boutique around the corner.  Have a great week.  I'm off to put roses on tank tops for my grandgirls.

Continuing the Norm

I made another shirt to put in my Etsy shop.  It's a small (4-6) ribbed tank top with four handmade rolled roses with crystal centers.  I used the leftovers from another project to make the roses and I think the black looks great on the hot pink.  Check my Etsy shop in the right side bar and click on the shirt or any photo there to take you to my shop.  There you can view price and get more detailed photos.
Also, you'll want to note the top of my side bar and enter my give away that ends July 31.  You could win that handmade journal by just commenting on my blog.  I'd love to hear from you whether you want the journal or not.  Thanks for visiting.

700th Post Give Away

Yesterday was my 700th post and I'm going to celebrate by giving away this little journal.

It measures about 6" x 8 1/4".  I've decorated it with scrapbook paper, the cover of an Trees of Tennessee book, a page from an old photo album, old text, string, scrim from the inside of a book spine, craft feathers, the corner of an old needle book, fabric, a red tape measure (fun) and glitter glue (more fun).

I've put a scripture in the front from Psalm 104:16a and 17a--"The trees of the Lord are well watered....

There the birds make their nests."

I've put a tag in the back that says: "Paper Art by, 2010, (signed), Sally L. Smith, sallylsmith1@yahoo.com.  The back cover contains a pocket.

There are about 75 lined pages and 5 unlined pages (in the back), each with a little design on the sides.  This was previously a bride's book--thus the cutsy stuff.

The back is covered with matching scrapbook paper and the spine is covered with even weave fabric, frayed.  I've enclosed a little bookmark made with ribbons and buttons.

I appreciate your visiting my blog and on Saturday, July 31, I'll draw a winner from the comments made on my blog between now and then.  Happy Summer.

Catching Up

Here's another shirt I made last week.  It goes to one of my friends who I think will look lovely in this color.  I don't seem to get tired of making these rolled flowers--so fun.  Hope your Sunday is righteous, in both the obvious and the contemporary (not so obvious) meanings.

Tanks on Etsy

By request, I have added a brown tank (size L) and a red tank (size M) to my Etsy shop. Click on the picture on the side bar for more of the details for each.  Shipping is free.  Hope you have a great Saturday.

Tanks for Another Day

Thank you for another day, Lord.  I appreciate the gifts you give me and I praise you for all you've made.

Psalm 118:24--"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

I put rolled flowers on a ribbed tank today.  Though it's not earthshaking, I thank God that he still allows my mind to work.

Another Pocket Dilemma

I bought this cute shirt, absolutely wonderful as is, that I wanted to redesign by removing the pocket.  I've done this a number of times in the past but after getting it home, I observed that the snap was completed attached through all the layers thus making it impossible to remove.  What does one do?  I used the fuzzy serged edge of a shirt hem and decorated the v-neck and pocket and added a bead to the snap.  It works for me but I'll see what Amy thinks.
Happy creating!

Rolled Roses

This is what yesterday's shirt was to look like.  I succeeded in removing the pocket today without making holes so I was able to make the rolled roses.  My daughter said that Old Navy has this style of shirt--"Hey, Mom, Old Navy has your roses."  I borrowed the idea from someone else and made up my own way of making them.  They're everywhere.  Now I want to make my own. Ideas, ideas, ideas.  I have to have some divine ideas for Fall.  Seems like the ones I concoct have already been conceived by others so I need to be unique.  We'll see.  Designing is hard work.

What To Do In Case Of A Hole

Just Add Ruffles!

That's what I did anyway when, after removing a pocket from this shirt, I discovered a hole.  I added ruffles to the shoulders and down the sides to cover the hole.  I went to iron it and I found that I had pulled another hole--thus, the ruffles in the front.  No, they are not symetrical and at this point I don't care.  Maybe when I look at it tomorrow, I can fix the crooked front ruffles but not now.  I spent all morning on this shirt and that's way too much time to sell it for the price I've been selling my shirts.  This one goes to my daughter, after I fix it and if she wants it.  O, well, on to another shirt.  (Click on the photo to enlarge, if you are interested in seeing my patch-up job.)

Firecracker Red!

I made this t-shirt for a friend and thought it was the perfect item to display today, the Fourth of July.  I didn't know, however, that capturing the true red would be so difficult.  This looks artificial (well, it is only a photo).
Happy 4th, everyone.

Back At It

We had a great week helping two small churches in PA: painting, pouring concrete, laying flooring, putting on facia, organizing storage rooms, cleaning, feeding the crews.  No, I didn't do all that.  My job was the feeding and cleaning part but we did have some brave women doing the facia work.  The lady on the ground was on the ladder too handing them nails and tools.  They have my deepest respect.  What a special church body we have!  I feel so blessed that we all can work and play together and though we may disagree, we still love and respect each other.  That's quite rare in today's world--anywhere.
Philippians 2:2--"Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose."