My daughter and I decided to try our hands at coptic book binding. We made them smaller to save on paper while we were still learning. We had such a good time that we taught her friend how as well. We added a few embellishments such as button loop closures, belt closures, rinestones, beaded bookmarks, and turned one small jounal into a necklace.

My kids like to listen to audiobooks, but I don't like to give them the originals. I could have bouht an inexpenve cd case, but I thouht Inkheart and Inkspell deserved something better. I used my limited journal making skills to create a "book" that keeps with the theme of the books.

I used cd sleaves from Dollar Tree, cardboard from a broken picture frame, leftover scrapbooking paper. I tried to make the inside look like it was from a strorybook.

Here is my pic.



I used the menu from the first list and newspaper and brown paper bag from the second list. The newspaper became the fire crackers, the paper bag became a fan, and the menu was framed in an old bark frame. The frame is from a mirror that had broken. Ribbon and beads from my stash were also used.

While working on the twilight swap, I decided to make something for myself.



After making it I decided to change the beads on the strap to more represent the pebbles on the beach. I used some green stone beads mixed with wooden beads.



I used a wooden button as a closure as it reminded me of driftwood.



I made a tri-fold wallet and a large bag to match. The bag is huge, I can carry my purse, snacks, sweater, and everything I need for work and still have room leftover. I like to say that it is so big that I can carry enough snacks for even the La Push pack.

I have been trying to practice my calligraphy, but I am not very good yet. Too much discipline needed. I decided to have a little fun, something a little organic. I decided to make initials for the kids. These are a little more modern than traditional illumination. I just kept adding things until they looked balanced to me. I plan to frame them to hang in their rooms.

I was picking up some tissues and thought that the boxes were too cute to throw away. I pulled out the top and adhered card stock to make a solid lid. I used a strip of adhesive backed ribbon to cover the brand name one the bottom, added some tags and handles to one.

With just a recon shirt, choker, and home haircut my daughter went from Alex to Alice.
After photos:




before photo:

I used some recycled materials to make these puzzles for my nephews. The tin is from spices, recycled cards, coasters, and beads. They were inspired by some ball bearings that my son brought home. I like the old fashioned Christmas appeal. They make great stocking stuffers and can be done in cartoons as well. These are not for very small children though.

I saw the ones keeperox made and decided to make a set following the tutorial she linked to. I followed the guidelines for the original pattern 4x9 and then also cut it down to 2 1/2x5 3/4 for smaller ones. I thought about making a larger curler, but we don't have long enough hair.

I found some ugly dark brown candle  sticks at goodwill. I painted the off white but then they were too stark so I sanded the paint off the edges for a rustic feel. The previous owner had made holes in one. I believe they wanted to add a sconce. This caused the wax from a lit candle to melt down through the holes. My now ex-boyfriend had some copper shell casings that were made into bowls/dish. They finished up the rustic look and contain the wax.


My second recon is a table I picked up at a second hand store. I liked the pair of tables, but needed more storage. I took off the tops and hinged them for easy access inside. On one of the tables I cut out one of the circles designs on the sides and finished it to match. A small trash can fits perfectly inside. The other may get a shelf installed for storage. The tops are carved so it is difficult to set a glass on top so I cut a plexyglass topper and adhered with sticky dots so that they would stay in place when the lid is tipped open.