I  love the look of old vintage suitcase and the many possibilities for storage. A few months ago, I was hurrying out of my driveway, when I spotted this suitcase. I couldn't pass this treasure out, specially that I have seen some for sale for more then 50 dollars. My treasure is in pretty good condition, so I just add a bit of color, without taking the vintage flair way                                                             

                                                               1.  Here is what I did:

                            Clean inside and out,  including letting it sit open outside in the sunshine.

                                                                 

        Bought  a variety  of scrapbook paper (on 50% off). To get the apperance of patchwork I used 7 different patterns of  the 12x12 in.  paper,and cut out each by 6x6 in.. That seem to work well for my project, my briefcase is about 28x21 in.

 

     I Started with the corner edges, and use modge pod. Is very important to keep smoothing over.

          For a nice  look in the edges, make little snips ,that will be overlap on the paper already in place. 

 

              The paper that is lifted, should be glue after the bottow part is glued. 

                                                            After working with the corners, start to work on the top, then all the edges. For the edges I used I sharp knife to cut the extra paper.

                                                                                                                       All done!                                                                          

 

Nature study- Early Autumn

 Early Autumn is still warm here(80's).For us is more like pleasantly warm, I should say, since summer is usually in the 90's and up. So one delightful activity is nature journaling. We usually equip ourselves with color pencils, nature books of every kind,cameras and our journals.

Nature journaling has a relax effect, is so wonderful to observe and reflect our observations on paper.

We been doing this kind of journaling on and off for a few years,but this year we will be more committed ,since we have a group that is doing the same.

We have Oak trees in abundance here, and acorn of all shapes and shades of browns, those are always fun to collect .

My daughter always surprises me with her beautiful work and choice of colors. Is fun to look on some of her journaling from a year ago and see how she adds more details as she grows.

I am always trying to be a model for her, by participate, observe,drawing and writing on my journal,and quite frankly is not hard to do, since I enjoy too. If drawing is difficult there are many resources on the web for inspiration . A few ideas is to collect some of your finds and paste to your journal, or photo journaling . I have a few wonderful ideas on one my Pin board.

morning glory, mexican sage, mist plant

Nature Journaling doesn't have to be a big ordeal, your own backyard can supply many inspirations. Flowers, bugs, plants and grass is all available in abudance everywhere. My backyard is very tiny,but we always find plenty of beauty , from bunnies to snakes.

Ladybug on  Hibiscus leaf.

Hibiscus bloosoms, perfect for flower study.

Tadpoles,every child should have the joy of observe tadpoles.

A October wild flower,name unknow to me.

Goldenrod

One of our backyard sessions.

    Books that we love for nature study:
1.Trees,a golden guide from St.Martin's press                                                                                2.A guide field identification Birds of North America
3.Anna Botsford Comstock,Handbook of Nature Study 

 

Tiny Books inspired by Tasha Tudor

 

Tasha Tudor was one of the most creative minds out there, she is an author, illustrator, craftswoman, farmer, gardener...a complete self made, and resourceful woman.  Her books are hoarded by many collectors (I have been one of those). If you do not know who Tasha Tudor is, you could be missing out. Her books (and herself) should be considered an American classic. 

Her daughter, Bethany Tudor  wrote a delightful biography,"Drawn From New England- Tasha Tudor a portrait in words and pictures". From her book (on page 75), I got the inspiration to make those little books with my daughter, adding my own twist to it.

 

 

MAKE YOUR OWN:

You will need:

1. A cardstock-like paper


2. Printing paper


3. Acrylic Paint, various colors


4. Scraps of fabric


5. Sewing machine or needle and thread if sewing by hand


6. Mod Podge


7. Scissors


8. Acrylic Varnish


9. Your own creativity

 This is mostly a step-by-step with photos, hopefully is understandable.

 

From my Etsy shop : Dear Emma

Dear Emma is a lovelly young lady, proper and very determined to do good all the days of her life. Emma plans in never to be married...but that doesn't means that she shouldn't act as cupid for others.

"Dear Emma" was inspired by the book Emma by Jane Austen . Her clothing is inspired by the fashion of the early 19th century. She has a one piece dress with lace, a white underskirt and a petticoat.The hair is yellow and is made of recycled cotton sweater pieces. Facial features and shoes are hand painted (acrylic). What do you think? Visit me on my Etsy Shop.

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I finally got the courage to open my VIA JOY ETSY store. A humble beggining ,visit and let me know what you think.