Saturday, November 12, 2016

A Crafty Week in Review

I kept eyeing my handmade papers and wondering about how I could use them.   I like recycling materials, especially junk mail envelopes, but my handmade paper is not very flexible, and while it wouldn't be expected to be as flexible as regular paper, I wonder if  there a way to decrease the stiffness some.  Definitely need a good book on the subject; there are so many things I'm curious about.

One of my original thoughts was to use the handmade papers as backgrounds for some of the stitched leaves from the last couple of weeks.  Auditioning the leaves on the papers was satisfying, but then I wondered about other options.

 I had a couple of thank you notes to write, so I cut some pages down and folded them into little note cards.  Ended up choosing 3 leaves and adhering them to the folded papers, then wrote short notes inside expressing my gratitude.

Yep, I tried this, but boy, is it easy to tear a leaf!



I cut up some under paper from painting and sewed two little envelopes, adding a few details and marks along the way.  Popped the "thank yous" into the finished envelopes and sent them on their way.  There is one note card left, and I may make some more.



 I also made some tiny gift tags.
These might be good for Christmas gifts
if I add some Christmas-y embellishment.

Collaged postcard 
with a leaf 
and some birch bark
and sent it to Jacque.

I wish...


10 comments:

  1. Wow!!! I wish I'd been this productive last week -- or any week *smile*. I love it all!

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    1. It is hit or miss, isn't it? Some weeks I get things done, some weeks I don't. I spend a lot of time thinking of what I'd like to do, though! While doing a little cleaning up and organizing, I found a needle-punch kit ordered a couple of years ago and never opened! When I get some of my projects out of the way, I'm going to give it a try--and I may be asking you for help. :)

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  2. This is a fun post, seeing your entire process of thought for your handmade papers. You came up with great ideas. Love the notecards and tags. Did you make the whole card with the paper or just cut a piece for a card front? And what fun to make your under papers into envelopes! Mine never looks that good tho. LoL. Love this inspiring post, Jen.

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    1. I cut the paper down to size and just folded it in half--they are not professional looking, but I liked them. I use old under paper to wipe brushes on and to experiment with colors and marks. They go through several incarnations, each one useful. :) P.S. I love your recent birthday cards!

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  3. So glad that someone has found a use for junk mail. :) Plus, you've got such pretty paper! Very creative and personal to add your sewn leaves to the cards. Don't forget to post a pic of your gift tags after you embellish them--I know they will be interesting and creative.

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    1. I'm collecting a whole new batch of junk mail! You know how I go from one obsession to another--at least this one keeps a little trash out of the landfill. :)

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  4. Very pretty paper...And I do think there is something to add to the paper slurry that makes it less hard. I love your tags and the postcard-so cool.

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    1. I'm learning a little more--another obsessive project, for a while. :)

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  5. It's good to think of a use for junk mail, that's for sure!

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    1. And there is always plenty of material to work with!

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Good to hear from you!