Tweet Birds Journaling Wallet

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Spiced Hazelnut coffee

Good morning! I hope everyone is having an amazing weekend so far!

Work and migraines have kept me from crafting the way I would like. I'm afraid my projects and posting will become more sporadic because of Camp. Staff training begins on Tuesday and runs for two weeks. then Camp opens to our summer programming, which runs through the middle of August.  

I'm not sure if all of you are aware, but my husband has been the director of a Christian camp for more than 20 years. I help wherever needed throughout the year, but in the summer I do all of the shopping. that means I am gone almost every day picking up groceries and supplies. that person you see in the store with several grocery carts? that's probably me. :D

but on to today's project! 

I was blessed to win a year's subscription of Gecko Galz tin toppers. Today's project is made with the Tweet Birds set. not sure if it's in the Etsy shop yet, but I'm sure you can find something similar until it's released. here is a link to the tin toppers section of the store.

when I saw the sweet images, it reminded me of the various cards I use when I am out shopping for work. so I thought it would be fun to create a little wallet.  I repurposed a mailing envelope into the wallet base. the papers used throughout are from Yvonne Preston's My Crafty Little Corner shop on Ko-fi. 

I used all 6 of the cards in the set, cutting out the birds for the back cover from one. the little ephemera pieces are from an Amazon Haul find. 

the pockets were created from a tutorial I saw on Youtube several years ago. because so much of my crafting materials are in storage, I was trying to be creative with what I have on hand. the pockets are stamped with a flourish from one of Tim Holtz's sets. 

I intentionally left the back of the cards blank for writing or photos. the wallet will either be sewn into the journal or be inserted into a pocket, not sure yet.

a mulberry flower and found button complete the front of the card. I used the tin topper title on the cover, too. 

thank you for stopping by today! 

Challenges:

Gecko Galz - Tweet Spring

Critter Crazy - anything goes w/a bird, critter, or fish

Creative Fingers #323 - anything goes

Allsorts #850 - anything goes

Crafts Galore Encore - anything goes

Ally's Angels - anything goes

Art Journal Journey - birds

Outlawz - anything but a card

Outlawz main challenge - linked on anything but a card

Baby Girl Nature Journal Cover

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Thyme mint tea

Winner at Outlawz main challenge

Hello! I'm back after spending almost a week in Maryland with one of my sons and his family for Mother's Day. so wonderful to be with them, playing with granddaughters and enjoying their company. unfortunately I had troubles with my car, but they were able to help me find an excellent repair shop in the town where my car broke down. I was able to stop at one of our favorite antique stores as I was driving back. picked up several vintage items to use in journals. that's always a plus! :)  

Today I am sharing with you the cover of one of the baby journals. I have used Graphic 45 papers for the cover, adding a vintage baby card and advertising, postage stamps, woodland ephemera, tickets, and pretty trim. the spine is covered in a thin weave burlap for durability and to go along with the nature theme.

Now that I am back home, I'll be getting back to crafting again. trying to do as much as I can before the chaos of summer begins. I'll be working every day at camp, so not a lot of time to craft. 

have an amazing day!

Jennifer

Challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft - anything goes

Crafting From the Art - anything goes

Crafts Galore Encore - anything goes

Daisy Chain - layer it up

Love to Craft - anything goes

Craft Rocket - not square

Outlawz - anything but a card

Outlawz main challenge - linked to anything but a card challenge

Sleep in Peace and Safety Baby Journal Card

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Earl Grey with lavender tea

Top 3 pick at Word Art Wednesday

I have another journal card for you today. it's for our granddaughter's baby journal. 

Sorry, but I can't remember where on the internet I found this beautiful image. the sentiment is from Word Art Wednesday. paper is from Graphic 45 and is the main collection I am using for this journal. 

I wanted to keep the focus on that spectacular image and the scripture, so I kept embellishments to a minimum - a seam binding tab, mulberry flowers, and a vintage button.

(photo editing made this paper much darker than it is irl)

the back side has a portion of a doily. I will be adding a photo of our granddaughter asleep in the hospital right after she was born. yep, my heart is melting! 

remember how very loved you are!

Jennifer

Challenges:

Word Art Wednesday - anything goes w/a sentiment

Enchanted Fairy Journal Card

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Maple Pecan coffee (this weekend is the 100th anniversary of our local Maple Festival!)

Gecko Galz Staff Choice Winner

Hello, everyone!

Today I'm sharing another journal card using a free image from the Gecko Galz blog. it's fairly simple, but I try to mindful of not adding too much bulk to the journals I make. they always end up stuffed to the gills anyway! :) the base is yet another advertising postcard. I told you my mail box has been inundated with them lately! ;)

bg paper is from the Basic Grey Tea Garden digital collection. sentiment was created with a label maker, the linen ribbon is tied with yellow, white, and gold baker's twine. this creates a perfect little tab. a little mulberry flower completes the card. I added a paint sample card to the back. this was one of many we collected when trying to decide on the paint color for our living room. 

I hope you have a most amazing weekend surrounded by those you love!

Jennifer 

Challenges:

Gecko Galz - Fairy Lands

Crafty Catz - anything goes

Creative Fingers #321 - anything goes

Fairy and Woodland Altered Envelope for Baby Journal

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Thyme and mint tea

today's post is going to be photo heavy, so grab a cup of your favorite beverage before you begin scrolling. ;)

my husband is always saying that I save just about anything and everything, and he's not wrong! this envelope arrived in the mail the other day, and I knew it would be perfect to alter for our granddaughter's baby journal. I saved that adorable bear image the best I could. he makes me smile!

This piece will actually be sewn into a journal signature. I've repurposed the envelope and advertising postcards, which are the bases for the inserts. 

(this shows how it will be in the signature)

all of the cutie little fairy images come from a Gecko Galz collage sheet called Breath of Spring. papers are from Carta Bella and Simple Stories. baby ephemera is from Graphic 45. sentiments were generated with my label maker. 

a precious little "it's a girl" floral enclosure card sits on the right side.

and here are the inserts;

thank you for hanging in there to the end! :)

Challenges:

Gecko Galz - fairy lands

As You Like It - brights or pastels (I tend to like pastels best as I've gotten older. I find those shades very soothing)

 Creative Knockouts - 2 or more patterned papers

Woman of the Forest Journal Flip

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Peach green tea

Hello again! thanks to all of you who have stopped by! :) and a very happy Earth Day!

my project today is for an upcoming nature journal. I have used the free image found in the Gecko Galz fantasy challenge for April. I really love the way this turned out.

the papers are from the new Tim Holtz green palette collection. ephemera is also by Tim Holtz. the base for this flip is another advertising postcard I received in the mail. I seem to have had quite a few of these arrive over the past few weeks, so I'm glad to be able to reuse them. a piece of natural ribbon creates the tab, and the vintage button is from my stash.  

have a fabulous day, and I'll see you tomorrow with more to hopefully inspire you.

Jennifer

Challenges:

Gecko Galz fantasy - use provided image

A Perfect Time to Craft - anything goes

Ally's Angels - anything goes

Crafts Galore Encore - anything goes

L'il Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes

Little Red Wagon - Happy Earth Day (base is an advertising postcard received in the mail)

Large Gothic Bat and Skull Journal Tag

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Whispering Wildflowers tea (a delicious herbal from Bigelow)

Top 3 Pick at Two Old Bats

Crafting From the Art Top 5

Hello!

Today I'm sharing a large journal tag I made using the free image from Gecko Galz for their monthly gothic challenge. Eventually I want to make a gothic themed journal, so this is a first start.

I don't know about any of you, but I get quite a few advertising postcards in the mail. they are of differing sizes which make them perfect for journaling ephemera. I used a large one as the base for this tag.

the background paper is from Mintay and covered in a piece of patterned tissue paper by Tim Holtz. I then sandwiched a piece of black glitter tulle between the base and gothic image. a sticker of red rose stems was added for a pop of color. the edges were trimmed in Tim Holtz washi tape.

the back is decorated with parchment paper accented with another floral sticker and pieces of Tim Holtz transparencies. a tab at the top of the tag complete with vintage button finishes the project.

thank you for stopping by today! :)

Jennifer

Challenges:

Gecko Galz Gothic - use the provided image

Creative Fingers - anything goes

Craft Rocket - layer it up (the front of the tag has 6 layers)

CRAFT - anything goes

Crafting From the Art - anything goes

Two Old Bats - anything Halloween or mood board inspired

Journal Cabinet

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Caramel Vanilla coffee

Top Pick at Crafting from the Art

Hi there!

I'm almost finished retrieving files and folders from my corrupt external hard drive. have saved as much as I can. still so much has been lost though. lesson to me to back up the back up! I did learn that most external hard drives only have a 3-5 year lifespan. I would have thought it would be much more than that. 

anyhow, as I was going through my blog trying to save photos, I realized that I never shared the picture of the cabinet I made to hold all of Ryan and Elizabeth's journals. there are 5 journals total, each with about 40 or so pages. it was fun to make the cabinet. my sweet hubby helped by cutting the mdf board for me. 

inside and outside are covered in Tim Holtz papers and then edged with his washi tapes. I did use mod podge to adhere the papers as well as seal them. this helps keep the cabinet somewhat protected. each journal is covered in Tim Holtz fabrics. you can't see it in the photo, but the cabinet does have pretty little feet to elevate it. 

I plan to make cabinets for Mick and Tyler's journals, too, but must finish baby journals first. 

hopefully I can get some crafting done this week to share. have a fabulous day!

Jennifer

p.s. if you want to see some of the elements made for this journal, go to the sidebar on the right and select 2022, mainly in July. 

Challenges:

Outlawz - anything goes but not a card

Crafting From the Art - anything goes

Bundle of Joy Journaling Card and Envelope

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Mint Thyme tea

It's the weekend! woohoo!

I'm sharing with you today a little repurposed envelope that holds a journaling card. it's to go in the baby journal for our granddaughter, Elowen. her journal will have a forest theme, with an emphasis on trees. her name is Cornish for elm tree. isn't that beautiful?

I've taken a piece of an envelope and turned it into a tuck pocket. the journaling cad is fairly blank on the other side so that a photo can be added. I'm currently thinking that this will also become a tuck spot, allowing for a larger piece of ephemera to be placed behind it. to do this would mean that the left side and lower edge would be adhered to the journal page. I'll know more once I get the actual pages made and the book bound.

the main collection of papers I will be using for this journal is from an older Graphic 45 set called Little One. I'll try to mention any other papers I use along the way.

Everyone have a fantastic weekend!

Jennifer

Challenges:

A Perfect Time to Craft - anything goes

Crafter's Cafe - for the girls

Winter Fairy Journal Card Envelope Flip

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Pumpkin Caramel Spice coffee (it's still my fave!)

Happy Friday to everyone!

I'm back to share the envelope pocket flip that I created to hold the Winter Fairy journal card shared on this link 

I took an envelope that held my monthly daily devotional from Our Daily Bread. it's such a great devo, and the envelope is the perfect size for journals, too! the top portion of the envelope is folded so this will flip from the top once it's adhered to a journal page. the tag tucks in from the right hand side.

I've used a variety of papers, some from digital sets and others from scrapbook paper kits. parchment paper is always a staple for anything I make. some little cut out bunnies and a bird frame the opening and a beautiful used postage stamp compliments the colors and theme.

thank you for stopping by today! I hope all of you are safe and warm, wherever you are. but more than  anything, know that you are loved! have a great weekend!

Jennifer

Winter Fairy Journal Card

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Mint Thyme tea (a delicious blend a friend brought back from the Ukraine as a gift)

Paper Funday challenge winner

Hello again!

I decided to try to get one more project made for this month's Gecko Galz winter woods challenge. again this double sided journal card is for the baby journal for our granddaughter, Elowen. it's a forest themed journal, so a precious fairy will be right at home. :)

The image is from the same Magic of Winter free collage sheet as my card from a few days ago. the collage sheet was free with a purchase of $2 or more from the Gecko Galz Etsy store. the winter fairy image is matted on both a piece of parchment paper and white cardstock. pretty ribbons, a tea bag tag, and found white flower complete the card. 

I'm working on an envelope pocket to tuck this in. will share once it's complete.

*updated to add the link to the envelope pocket.

thank you for your patience and encouragement as I slowly get back into crafting and journaling. my tremors are causing more problems than I thought they would, so it's taking me a bit longer to do simpler tasks,. the important thing is that I'm crafting again though! :)

much love to all of you!

Jennifer

Challenges:

Gecko Galz - winter woods

WAW - anything goes with a sentiment (I just LOVE this quote!)

Paper Funday - anything goes with optional twist

Try it On Tuesday - add some text

Everybody Art - anything goes

Winter Woods Journal Card

Coffee/Tea of the Day - Earl Grey with Lavender tea

Hello and happy Tuesday! I'm so thrilled to be crafting again and sharing with all of you! :)

Today's project is another double sided journal card, this time using an image from a Gecko Galz free collage sheet with purchase. If you make a $2 minimum purchase from their Etsy store, you are able to receive a new collage sheet. The free collage sheet changes each week. This  one is titled  Magic of Winter and contains about 8 images.

My journal card is once again for Elowen's baby journal. I love this little fox! I realize the card is not super wintery, but the colors are ideal for her journal. the photo looks a bit wonky because of the angle I was taking the picture and my shaky hands. sorry about that. 

I've used a lined paper from a new to me Etsy store called Pixel Petite Shop. the set is called Floral Lined Journal Pages, and I have used papers from here on all of the projects I am sharing this week. I really like having lined paper on the reverse side of journaling cards and tags. a bit of torn book page, a button repurposed from an old purse, and the bread tag snagged from a bag of hamburger buns complete the card. you know I love to use found objects whenever I can!

Take care and have an amazing day!

Jennifer

Hello Again and Project

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Pumpkin Caramel coffee

Winner Gecko Galz fantasy challenge

Hello to all of you who might still happen to be around! I hope you are doing well! :)

I've been out of commission for a while. Sick almost all of last year. blech. a winter flu has had me out of sorts since just after Christmas, but slowly starting to come around. 

Most of my craft tools and supplies have been put away, but I told hubby that I absolutely NEEDED to get crafting again. so here we go!

Today's project is for the Gecko Galz fantasy challenge. a new image is provided each month. I'm so behind on making baby journals, so I'm using the adorable image for our granddaughter Elowen's baby journal. it's a forest and tree theme, so this sweetie will be perfect! 

I've created a double sided journal card using a torn book page, jute, vintage button, and repurposed ticket. I know it's simple, but I am trying to start slow.

I've several more projects to share over the next few days, so I will see you again soon! :)

Challenges:

Gecko Galz fantasy - use provided image

Crafty Calendar - something new (paper behind image is from a new ephemera set)

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - anything goes

Creative Fingers #314 - anything goes

Junk Journal July Day 31 - Farewell

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Lemon Lavender Mint tea

It's time for my final project for Junk Journal July.! 

for more information about the challenge, please visit this post. 

back page of signature

Today's prompt is 'farewell'. I thought I would make something using one of my favorite prompts for the month - fold out. I really like adding this element in journals I make. :)

first foldout

The page I am showing is the last one in that particular signature, very appropriate for the farewell prompt. ;) I try to have the first and last page of each signature be actual scrapbook paper or heavy cardstock as opposed to lighter weight paper. using 12x12 paper creates 2 6x12 sheets that are usually perfect for a set of journal pages.  on this particular sheet, I didn't want to cut off a section so that each page fit better in the book, so I folded over the paper to create a flip base.

The multiple flip out element uses a journaling card from the Carta Bella Family Night collection and a mini cd envelope. the card inside the envelope is from Simple Stories Family Fun. I have also added stickers from the Carta Bella collection. ( here is a link to the digital format. )

completely opened

one of the many talented journal artists I follow on YouTube is Carol Laws. she is so inspiring. she says that she always makes sure that the first and last page of a signature have a little extra 'wow' factor. I have tried to follow her example. 

thank you so much for stopping by and visiting my blog this month. I hope you have enjoyed all of the different prompts, and it's inspired you in your crafting. :)

Jennifer

Junk Journal July Day 30 - Favorite Quote

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Vanilla Nut coffee

Only two projects left for Junk Journal July! it's been so much fun using the prompts to create things for various journals. I hope you have had fun, too! :)

for more information about the challenge, please visit this post.

Today's prompt is 'Favorite Quote.' while I have several quotes that I really love, none of them seemed to fit any of the journals I am working on. 

"Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether they could, they didn't stop to think if they should." Ian Malcolm, Jurassic Park

you can see that it doesn't really work for a baby journal. tee hee! 

pocket on coffee dyed page

so I went for one of my absolute favorite quotes for babies: "Let her sleep for when she wakes she will move mountains." (this can obviously be changed to 'him') this is for Tyler and Danielle's baby journal. Echo Park has a baby girl collection that uses this saying several times - on journal cards, stickers, etc. perfect!

individual items for pockets

I created a pocket to hold ephemera.  the edges were sewn and dried flower stickers accent. there is a long tag in the back pocket and the front one holds the journal card with the saying as well as an antique postcard. it dates to 1919 and is from Belgium. so cool! the image on the tag is from a digital baby set by Gecko Galz. a ticket serves as the tab, and it's finished with a vintage button. (added after the bottom  photo was taken)

thank you so much for stopping by today! take comfort in knowing that you are deeply loved. :)

Jennifer

Junk Journal July Day 29 - Geometric

 Coffee/Tea of the Day - Melted Marshmallow coffee

it's time for another day of Junk Journal July, and the prompt is 'Geometric'. for more information about the challenge, see this post.

My project for today is inspired by an amazing crafty creator I follow on YouTube - Margreth from Seven Plaza. it's because of her that I am playing along in the challenge. :) in this video, she made an ephemera wallet. on one page inside was this fun pocket element. I have the Tim Holtz die that cuts something similar, but I can't seem to find it. it's off on vacation with my tiny attacher stapler. ;) ugh. the downside of trying to create while having a craft room in boxes and disarray. someday I will finish organizing it....

anyhow, I used this great geometric paper from the Carta Bella Family Night collection. (here is a link to the digital format. I have used both digital and printed items in the journal for Ryan and Elizabeth.) Margreth's tutorial makes creating one of these pockets super simple. 

the pockets are filled with vintage cigarette and game cards as well as pieces from the Carta Bella collection and Simple Stories Family Fun collection. I know I have said it before, but I really am impressed that these collections work so well together. 

thank you so much for stopping by today! :)

Junk Journal July Day 26 - Memento

 Coffee of the Day - Bourbon Pecan coffee

Only a few days left of Junk Journal July. it's hard to believe that it is almost over. I have had such a good time creating! I hope you have been able to use several of the prompts in your own craft projects. :)

for more information about the challenge, please visit this post.

today's prompt is 'memento'.  I am sharing the cover for Ryan and Elizabeth's Family Fun journal. the finished journal ended up being so big that I had to separate the 5 different signatures and cover them individually. I am waiting on more fabric to arrive. we are also going to build a small open box type cabinet to hold all of the pieces. once it's completed I will share photos.

I used fabrics from Tim Holtz and vintage game cards & pieces. lots of sewing. Ryan's very favorite game is 'Life.' so it seemed appropriate to use a card from an old game. We all enjoy playing Wordle every day, so some Scrabble tiles were a close bit of ephemera. so while not exactly mementos, they are still poignant. the journal does have many old postcards and first day of issue envelopes, as well as movie tickets and comics. none of those projects seemed very exciting to post for this prompt, so I thought I would share the cover instead.

I hope you have a most fabulous day! thank you so much for stopping by! 

Junk Journal July Days 25, 27, and 28

Coffee/Tea of the Day - Lemon Lavender Mint tea

 It's time for another multi day project for Junk Journal July. for more information about the challenge, please see this post.

I am combining prompts from days 25, 27, and 28 - peaceful, stripped back, and stenciling.

I thought it only appropriate to make a project for Christmas in July in addition to the others.

I have started with a junk mail postcard covered in coffee dyed paper as the base. for the 'stripped back' prompt, I used paper tearing, leaving an exposed corner in the upper right hand corner that reveals stenciling. this was done with a Tim Holtz mini stencil. 

the beautiful postcard image is from The Graphics Fairy. when I think of 'peaceful', nature always comes to mind. the snowy portions were covered in stickles. a fabric ruffle, vintage milk cap, ribbon snippets, and vintage buttons were added.

my prayers are with all of you who are experiencing such extreme heat. please stay hydrated and take care. even though our 160 year old house does not have air conditioning, we are blessed that it stays fairly cool, even on the hottest days. 

thank you for stopping by today! have a good one! :)

Jennifer