This new group is good for my creative inner self.

I've been making paper bags into "stuffies".

Stuffies seem to be any bit or piece of art work used inside or to enhance a junk journal.

These I made out of flat paper bags folded into a card and enhanced. I added pockets to some of the insides. And teabag shaped booklets to the pockets. One I even made a book to fit inside the pocket created by the bag.

I ended up making 5 stuffies

This is the only one that has fabric as the focal point

The layering is not as easy as it looks. For me it is a struggle for everything not to be perfect.

I was gifted this pink burlap ribbon

I ended up making 3 with the pink pockets and teabag booklets

This is the only one made so the pocket formed by the bag is to the back

2 tags for the book-page pocket and a fan folded booklet for the bag pocket

The Creative Bug Just Keeps on Biting

Two very different results to the same concept. A tag with a side pocket containing a little attached book.

The creative bug has bitten again

I went looking for something I wanted to use on my latest project but instead found some beaded trim I have had for ages. For some reason it reminded me of a "how to" video I had watched on YouTube.

I went looking for the inspiration and found lots of new ideas before I found what I was looking for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=nd9zmZK0gH0  if you are interested in seeing the inspiration.

Here is what I came up with. Please notice the beaded trim along the bottom of the pocket.

Fairy packed up

Fairy unpacked to show off tags

Santa packed

Santa unpacked

To use as a gift there is still room for a gift card in the lower pocket and all sorts of room in the upper one. I think they would be great additions to journals as a place for special memories.

I have plans on making at least a few more. (the package of paper bags held 12)

Advent Junk Journal

I have finished one of the most time consuming projects that I have attempted in years. I am pleased with how it came out but even more pleased it is over. Funny how you can be so enthusiastic about something and a few months later almost hate it. If it had not already been promised I would have put it with my other UFOs.

Here are pictures from front to back. Hope you enjoy the show.

All the pages were coffee stained. The tags are a mixture of free downloads, old Christmas cards and stamped images on music.

Am I proud of this? Yes! and proud I saw it through, in spite of numerous setbacks and days of creative block.

I do hope it goes to a loving and appreciative home. (feels almost like sending my child out into the world)

New inspiration

You never know where inspiration will come from. When I finished the tags in my last post I had 2 strips 12 x 4 left over. I ended up folding them lengthwise and cutting them in half to get four 2 sided tags 6 x 2.

My sister had shared some silhouettes made with her new die set.

4 tags destined for a future accordion book

Decorative tags for inspiration

Then I made the tags using more of the silhouettes.

Both were quick and fun to do. I just hope my creative juices keep on keeping on.

New Facebook group is inspiring

I joined yet another Facebook group about junk journaling. This makes 3 that I belong to and each is different in focus.

But I did find my creative juices flowing when the owner of the site posted a demonstration for the "Wall of Inspiration". The video showcased a tag she had gotten from another member of the group. The challenge was to take what we had and make something similar.

I haven't a picture of the original but here is what I managed to make from this gentle nudge.

Tag 1 front and back.

Coffee stained lace and doilies, rubber stamped and embossed sunflowers, lots of fiber and handmade Mason jar all come together on an inked background to make this and Tag 2.

Tag 2

 I used leftovers and a bit of bling to make these paperclips.

Origami Flip Book

I had a lot of fun making this colorful flip book. I started with an origami folded cover and decorated like crazy.

Front cover

Pages 1-2

Pages 3-4

Pages 5-6

This is perhaps one of many if I can find pieces of paper in my collection big enough for the cover.