A Memory Book For Luna

Here’s a book I made for a friend of mine, Dawn, who just had a little baby girl. I’m headed over there, and just wanted to share with you the book I made.

You’ll notice there’s no quote today or philosophical quote. That’s because I decided I’m going to do them as separate posts, once a week. I hope you don’t mind waiting.

Anyway, here’s the book I made:

It’s just a quick little book I made, really. The baby’s name is Luna Love.

You like? I can make these books in my sleep.

The Craftaholic

Day 347: A Halloween Chunky Book

Quote:

“Human potential is the same for all. We all have the power of thought—so what are you lacking?”

-The Dalai Lama

Holy moly! The power of thought. When we think of what we’re lacking, we tend to think of practical things like diapers, money, clothing, food…but those are just external things. What we lack is the idea that things will get better, that we have the power to improve things, just on our own. And we can. When we believe in ourself, we accomplish much.

Today, I accounted for the lovely autumn weather by making a Halloween themed chunky book. I really love how it turned out. I have an appointment next week with someone (I can’t tell you who yet) and I must prepare a portfolio of my work. I am so excited for it! I wish I could tell you, but I can’t yet. It’s next week, though. I can tell you that.

Anyway, here’s what I made:

I used a vintage frame that I had laying around, just waiting for such a project. Lovely, right?

The tabs are handmade, of course.

That frame was part of my wooden vintage frame. I took it out, and voila!

The handmade flower is easy. It’s just six or so scallop circles with a brad in the center, then they are crumpled up into a ball to look like a flower bulb, then you slowly unfold them. Easy peasy!

So, what do you think? You like it? I love it. Today is lovely! The weather outside reminds me of when my husband and I first married, in the fall. It was such nice cool weather, and everything we had was brand new…you remember that feeling?

I guess I am feeling nostalgic because my anniversary is coming up next week, on the 30th. It’ll be 7 years of us being together. I’m not a fancy pants kind of lady, so I don’t need much. I’d like a Smashing Pumpkins CD that I lost  to an old boyfriend years and years ago. That, and a sit down dinner at this old fashioned diner in manhattan. It’s called La Bonbonnierre, and it’s almost next door to the Ink Pad. That’s all I want, really.

Anything else I want? Actually that’s all. I honestly can’t think of anything realistic that I want. Amazing, right? Meh, I’m a simple girl, really. Given the chance, I would rather buy art supplies than clothing. I don’t know why, but whenever I set aside money for clothing, I end up buying art supplies.

I don’t know what to get for my husband. At all. He’s not a tie wearing guy, I can tell you that. I got him the mandolin he’d been asking for. Maybe, I’ll make him some really good soap. He’s into good soap. That’s how I got into soapmaking. I had made soap before I met him, and then when we started dating, I started making more for him, because he loves a good bar of scented soap. So I’ll do that then. I wonder if anyone makes a fragrance oil that smells like Irish Spring…?

The Craftaholic

Day 342: A Finished Matroyshka, and some Swapped Goodies

Quote:

“Wasting any essence of this precious human existence is almost like taking poison while being fully aware of the consequences.”

-The Dalai Lama

Don’t waste your time wasting time! How do you waste time? Think about it. Worry, doubt, anger…all those emotions that take away from you. This is how we waste time. Negative emotions like anger and resentment only take away from our internal and external beauty and radiance.  We must choose what we want in life, and then pursue it. Pursue what you wish to have in life, or life will choose for you.

Today, I finished the book I was working on yesterday.

It looks like she has a flower on her head, but I kind of like it that way.

What else? I had a stuff swap with my craft group yesterday. It was a small but fun event. Here’s a few pics.

That’s Yoshi. She happens to be THE swapping queen. She knows of ALL the swaps in the five boroughs. Seriously.

We had so much fun! I will photograph the vintage crewel kits that I got, later today.

That’s all for now. Hubby needs the ‘puter.

The Craftaholic

Day 340: I never get tired of recipe books

Quote:

“When we contemplate death and the impermanence of life, our minds automatically begin to take an interest in spiritual achievements.”

-The Dalai Lama

I guess it’s true.

I always say that I don’t really worry about much because life is so short, that really. Who cares, in the grand scheme of things. Plus, worrying does NOT accomplish anything. At all. Put your faith and trust in yourself, in your hard work and determination to make things happen, and seek your own spirituality. That helps in dealing with life’s everyday insanities.

Today’s post is late because I had to charge the battery on my camera. Also, I had made a set of little things for a swap, then I packaged them up, forgetting to take a picture!

So, I got started on another swap. This one is a fun recipe book for a swap I’m in. The problem I encounted was that the pages had to be 8×8! But I managed to find a way to make a book in my style.

It’s simple, but I like how it turned out. Anyway, what else did I do today besides wait for my battery to charge? I packaged up some swaps. I try to do a bunch at a time, just to get them out of the way. It’s easier that way, you know?

Hmmm…..I’m in a halloween kind of mood! I might order some new stamps soon, just to get in the proper spirit of things!

The Craftaholic

Day 299: A Chunky Book Work In Progress

Quote:

“We are not well equipped to be aggressive beings. Even the size of our mouth is very small.”

-The Dalai Lama

We really are

small beings

but we make ourselves

we inflate ourselves

as if we somehow…

deserve to be more

than the woman in times square who wraps herself in bags.

she smiles often.

who are we, are we better than ants?

ants work hard and work together

never biased

never divided

we however

always differ

Today, I packed up my stamps for a fun workshop that I am teaching at Glassybaby, in Manhattan. We’re doing a “stamp a stack” style class, making a stack of 5 o 10 hand stamped cards.

I also started a project: another book. I have high hopes for this one. I found a cute little frame that is going to go on the cover.

These are the pages of the book. I distressed the egdes, but I’m not finished aging them yet.

Here’s the little vintage frame I found:

Pretty, right?

It fits the pages perfectly. I’m not sure about a theme, I usually don’t know until I start decorating it.

Well, I should go. I have to pack up my stamps, and my heat gun, and get ready for this workshop!

The Craftaholic

Day 290: Hair Clippies & A Scrapbook for Itzel

Quote:

“To understand everything is to forgive everything”

-The Buddha

I once knew a woman who lived her life so bitter of the past, she never did anything with her life. She never married, she never found true love, never finished college…she is just as bitter now as she was when she was a teenager.

That’s sad, don’t you think?

I think that the key to understanding and forgiving someone, is walking a mile in their shoes. Until you walk in someone’s shoes, you are truly in no position to pass judgement.

Today, we are going to a kid’s birthday party. It’s for the niece of my good friend Karina. Her name is Itzel, and she and Dakota get a long so well. The funny thing is she is nothing like Dakota. She is quiet, shy and calm. Dakota is a talkative little thunderstorm of a girl that is naturally assertive at a very young age. It’s funny, you know? But  I digress…

I made her a set of hair clips, and a very cute scrapbook that I want to keep for myself.

Oh, and here’s the hair clippies. I made her a few, because her mother really likes the ones I make for Dakota.

Hello Kitty, because all little girls love it. At least all the ones I know do.

Well kids, I’m off to the party. I’ll take pics, don’t worry. And I will attempt to get my little world wind of a girl into little braids. We’ll see.

Oh, and I cooked yesterday. Chicken burgers. OMG, so good. And so easy, you don’t need a recipe! Just add an egg, breadcrumbs, romano cheese, salt & pepper to taste, and garlic. I also added something called Mojo. You can find it in most latin supermarkets. It’s a cuban thing, but lots of latinos use it.

And then of course, form the patties and cook them in butter. Not oil, please. Gross. Butter gives them a good flavor.

Okay, I’m off.

The Craftaholic

The Craftaholic

Day 269: Jewelry for Mommy

Quote:

“What is the meaning of life? To be happy and useful.” -The Dalai Lama

Not many words of advice today, because the statement (although it’s recycled) speaks for itself. Be happy and useful. Think about it. Let it sink in. When you are contemplating an argument or desision, think about this. Let it become your mantra.

Today, I was browsing an old aquaintance’s blog, and it inspired me to make some jewelry.

I LOVE handmade Jewelry.

I love these. I don’t have enough red earrings.

What else? I will be making more earrings and things when I get back home. I have to go to the art supply store to purchase findings and felt sheets for a workshop I’m going to be teaching this sunday! We are making felt embroidered jewelry! Necklaces and earrings. So today, I’ll be making the class sample.

Hmm. Its also really hot in New York City. REALLY hot. I just want to stay indoors, and hibernate, staying under the A/C. But, I will leave my home today, armed with sunblock, and will defend myself against the sun with cold water and a frappucino.

Here’s another book I made. I told you, I NEVER tire of making these little books.

I haven’t listed it for sale, because I think I may want to keep it.

And my little one again, she’s the popular one these days. We were looking out the window this morning.

She loves dogs. And Thomas Train. A lot.

Okay, I should go. I have to buy supplies for a class.

The Craftaholic

Day 257: A Memory Book for my Daughter

“It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.” -The Buddha

This is probably the third time I use this quote. But what can I say, I love it.I love it because it is such a hard thing, conquering yourself. What does conquering yourself mean to you today?

Today, for me, it means eating healthier. I am a holistic practitioner, and am embarrassed to say I have slipped a lot with my eating habits, as far as eating whole grains and things are concerned. I still heal myself naturally, and all that. But sometimes being a mommy gets the best of you, you know? Time becomes of the essence.

So conquering myself to me, today, means reforming my bad habits and trading them for good positive actions. What negatives can YOU trade for positives today?

Today, I made a very special project. I made a little scrapbook to hold pictures of my little one.

I love love love this. So much. I used the “Nerdy Bird” stack by Sassafras, along with some others that I can’t remember. I used a vintage Bingo Card for the cover, and paper bags for the inside. I used ribbon to bind the pages together, using my own version of the coptic stitch.

I added lots of journaling pages, so we can write little stories to her, about all the funny, quirky things she does.  In total, this book has 12 pages. I loved making this so much.

I went to Coney Island today with my little one!

We had so much fun, she went on all the rides, and ate cotton candy for the first time. And, I was good. No junk food at all. I am quite proud of myself.

We got our pictures taken in the black and white photo booth. I love those, don’t you? I didn’t scan the pics, but I’ll post it tomorrow.

The Craftaholic

Day 232: Fairy Wish Book & Stitch-A-Long Update

Quote:

“If one assumes a humble attitude, one’s own good qualities will increase.”

-The Dalai Lama

Humility is not a very common  thing here in New York City. In fact, it almost seems as if one must be arrogant, just to survive in this wretched city. But…if we all strive to just be who were are, and not try to live up to other people’s expectations, we can find ourselves with a humility that doesn’t mean people walk all over us. It means you know who you are, and you are secure in that. There is no need to inflate yourself. It only makes you look unattractive, and unappealing. With a humble attitude, others can see who you really are, who you strive to be.

Today, I made another book. I know, I know. As a designer for DMC Threads, I should be stitching like mad. But I can’t help it, I am on a roll with these books.

Cool, right? I used my sizzix die cut to make the chipboard pages, and a prima flower on the cover, with some butterflies cut from a vintage stack of playing cards. The paper doll fairy is also vintage. The letters are from Thickers, and they are hand glittered.

I have said to people before that I love making these books, although I don’t keep pictures in them too much. Number one because I keep my pics in a regular album, and Number two because I don’t want to take away from the photo. So I’m trying different things. This book is a mini sketch book. It has little blank spaces for drawing or sketching your wishes, or things you are in need or want of, like a new job, bigger apartment, or a better wardrobe.

The fairies inside bring you inspiration, and help your wishes come true.

More butterflies. I really have been on a butterfly kick.

Anyway, so that’s that. I forgot to mention that I used my Bind it all machine also. I love that thing.

Here’s a photo update on the “Count Your Blessings” stitch a long:

The Lion’s Den is a club where I met my husband for the first time. He played there, with a band he was in at the time.

The womyn symbol is because I am blessed to live in a country where womyn have reproductive rights, and the right to speak out.

I knit to keep myself sane. ‘

I am blessed by Art, and it blesses me back. And I love New York City, most of the time anyway. I know the square came out crooked. Ohwell. I don’t think it matters, do you?

So that’s all, so far. I’m plugging away. As always, I used DMC Threads.

I’m also starting a cool project today that I am so excited about. More on that tomorow. Suffice to say that it involves bingo chipboard cards,  unstretched canvas, embroidery thread, and paint.

The Craftaholic

Day 229: A Bird in a Cage

Quote:

“The way is not in the sky. The way is in the heart.” -The Buddha

My husband is always telling me that I’ve got my head in the clouds. I have an aquarius rising, so he’s probably right. It’ nice to dream and to be positive, and happy go lucky at times. It’s nice to not worry. But we must keep our head above water, earth grounded, and centered, so we can listen to our hearts. Listening comes from being quiet and still, not from chattering on and on and on. So be quiet and listen to your heart, and do as it instructs.

Today, I finished a project I have been working on for a while. It’s another chunky book, but this one is a book that encases a poem I wrote years ago, entitled “Little Bird”.

So this book is entitled after the poem, “Beautiful bird”.

Here is the bird that sits inside. It’s embroidered felt, using DMC Threads. The Branch is from a sizzix die that is painted with copic markers. And the paper is from a friend, from a store here in NYC, although the friend who gave me the paper went nuts (litterally) so I have no idea how to find this beautiful paper again. Oh and I forgot to mention that the felt flowers are from K & Co. and the Chipboard album is from Maya Road.

Like it? Oh yeah, here’s the poem:

Beautiful Bird

Little Bird, lift up your eyes

and your heart to me

sadness lingers only a minute

Little bird, take your wings

and fly

Happiness is the song you sing

your song

lifts my spirits

my pain, it soothes

sing a song for me

Beautiful little bird

Beautiful bird

don’t

stick your head in the water

and

dorwn yoruself in pain

the sun still shines and

the flowers still bloom

Beautiful Bird

now missing from your tree

fly to me

sing to me

a song of

liberty

Beautiful Bird

my heart bled once, in pain

in

lonliness

Beautiful Birds sang to me a song that healed my soul

Well, what do you think? I’m still working on the stitch a long, and also a little photo album. Every year my husband and I go to Coney Island and get our pictures taken in those little old fashioned booths. So I’m making an album for them.

The Craftaholic