Mina's Journal

Apparently, I nearly died as a child from chicken pox. Just started school was bedridden for six weeks. I don't remember much of that. But I DO remember I was in Mum & Dads bed (don't know where they slept) and I DO remember Dad coming in with a small newsprint jotter, a roll of sellotape, scissors and a pen. He thought I needed something to do and I wasn't very impressed. Should he show me how to make something? How about a bag? Yeah right. (1) Fold the bottom bit up. Put tape on the sides to hold it together. (2) Chop off the top corners. (3) Now fold that top bit down. (4) Chop off a long bit of paper. I was pretty interested by now. (5) Tape the ends to the bag. (6) He drew a flower on it. I was amazed. Now you've got a purse like Mum's. No you haven't. He put five cents in it. NOW you've got a purse like Mum's, hers has money in it. Gave me a kiss and went to work. Therein began my love affair with paper. This simple thing....

Got the castle finished: ...and got the pop up book finished: Nearly finished drawing the French ladies... :)

Yes! More Halloween stuff! Had some fun making these houses for Halloween. Turned into a set of spooky houses. These things are easy to make. Have a go! Get the orange one : Full instructions are on this post. Read this baby and you'll have it down for the rest of the pop up house cards. Get the blue one Get the black one Get the green one :)

Printable paper piecing for Halloween - A4 pages. Easy, colourful project. Scissors and glue - that's you! Halloween Cat Paper Piecing Project Halloween Cat Paper Piecing Project Cut out bits and bobs to build your Halloween poster. Choose your kind of starry skies, chimneys and buildings. Bats for Halloween - Paper Piecing Project Bats for Halloween - Paper Piecing Project :)

Grab an old tee shirt and turn it into a tote - quick project, classy outcome Beach, shopping, library bag.....you get the idea! :)

Here's a cat duo in red. Grab those cardboard tubes! You can go get 'em here . :)

I love paper, blank exercise books, diaries, journals... Here are some I've made... Handmade journals are quicker to make than you might think. They're just about my favourite gift to give to friends...   My first go at something like this was at primary school, where we marbled paper for the cover. It must have stuck in my mind because 40+ years later I remember it well and utilise the techniques often. These journals are cheap to make, I use stuff I have on hand. The only bought stuff is acid free A4 copy paper reams for journals I use as workbooks or idea books. Its pretty cheap at about $5 per 500 pages. An A5 journal of 240 pages takes 60 x A4 pages - a fat, substantial book for arty goodness for about 60 cents (plus time of course)... cheaper than a lolly and better for your teeth. :)

 Race car set from cardboard tubes... You get a printable for car grills and trunks, decals to write car numbers in etc, blank number plates to write your own into and car racing stripes. Get 'em here. :)

More Jungle Printouts Safari Animals : Zebra, Hippo, Rhino, Cheetah Matching Masks Matching Bookmarks Jungle Trees :)

This is a gorgeous book by renowned designer and author Nicky Epstein for knitters who have wee girls (or not so wee girls) in their midsts. Geared for the experienced knitter. Lots of accessories. Well photographed, sumptuous book. Publisher: Sixth and Spring Books Published: 07 July 2013 Format: Paperback 128 pages ISBN 13: 9781936096541 ISBN 10: 1936096544 Winner will be randomly drawn on 17 July 2013 To enter say hello in the comments... If you can't wait for the giveaway you can grab yourself one from here Find out about author Nicky Epstein here :)

Making a journal..... from cardboard, wallpaper or scrap paper and copy paper. I've made a few of these babies - they are easier to make than you might think.  The time guide below should be fairly true even if you have never made one before. Time Guide Part 1: making the cover - takes about 30 mins plus drying time Part 2: The Signatures - takes about 10 mins Part 3: Readying the Spine - takes about 5mins Part 4: The Binding -takes about 30 mins Other stuff you need: glue packing tape needle crochet cotton or strong thread awl or other pointy tool scissors This is currently my fav gift of choice to make and give to my mates....   Wanna have a go? Start here: Wallpaper Covered Journal Decided I was gonna keep this for myself (ahh ha ha ha haaaaa...manic laughter) :)

Got some Jungly Goodness happening elsewhere Go get 'em Cardboard Tube Jungle Critters Printable Jungle Animal Masks Jungle Critter Bookmarks to Print :)

I used to buy jotters before I had a go at making them. You could have a go yourself...if you wanted to... Make yourself some 'proper' jotters from scrap paper... Scrap Paper Jotter Pads Go on... you know you want to... :)

I really like pop up cards and books. So naturally slot together type things appeal to me too. My parcel arrived from China. ...anticipation... ...too yummy... EEK! No English instructions. Just numbers. Plenty good enough for me. Was easy to put together once I got the hang of it. Pieces push out easily. You get a couple of tiny pieces of sandpaper - which is plenty for the project - it was hardly needed. Some pieces like window awnings were 'helped' along by white glue. ...close ups... ...and the aftermath... ...lots of goodies for my arty goings on...either that or really small kindling for the fire. :)

Ideas for your DIY stamping craft stash. Easy, re-useable, recyclable...all that good stuff Involve the kids! Get it heeeerrrreee and save to your machine. :)