Sending You A Piece of My Heart

In 2017, I did a small scale art project called "Art in the Heart." I used watercolor paper cut into 4" x 6" rectangles. Then I made hearts by tracing a heart-shaped cookie cutter. With watercolor, I decorated each heart in many different ways:

Some were abstract and some had little things I love: flowers, popsicles, and colorful fish. 

It was a very therapeutic exercise and I have a body of work that I can be proud of. Over the years, however, they remained in a drawer, forgotten until I accidentally found them en route to retrieving something else. I looked at the stack of hand-painted hearts and told them, "I have to give you away."

Let me show you how I provided them with a new look.

I trimmed the paper to emphasize the heart shape.

I added floral elements (cut out from printed scrapbooking paper) and hand-stamped birthday greetings. I attached these to the heart with white glue. The layering of paper is so much fun!

Before sending it off, I'll write a personalized message at the back of the heart. Then I'll put it inside this reusable plastic sleeve together with other goodies like heart-shaped stickers and handmade bookmarks...TADA!

These hearts have a new purpose...they are now birthday cards that I can send to my dearest friends.

I feel these hearts are appropriate for birthdays because every time I send a greeting card, a piece of my art and a piece of my heart always goes along with it. I hope it will turn my friends' special days from "blah to TADA!"

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Magnetic Bookmarks

Hey there!

I love books and that is why I love bookmarks, too. I like to make my own bookmarks out of ribbon remnants and paper clips, brown paper bags, old magazines, clothing tags, collage, and watercolor.

I spotted these magnetic bookmarks at a bookstore: 

These are a nice souvenir or gift to take home from a vacation.

These ones are adorable! I can see myself using them to mark cookbooks, craft books or a daily devotional. 

There are so many kinds. But I thought, "Why buy when we can D-I-Y (do-it-yourself)?"

I started off with thin sheets of adhesive magnets. 

I'm using washi tape and printed scrapbook paper as the design for my magnetic bookmarks. I trimmed the adhesive magnets so that they are the same size as the washi tape. Make sure to leave a 1/4 inch margin on the washi tape so that it can easily fold at the center.

I carefully attached the washi tape (or scrapbook paper) to the adhesive magnets. Try your best to align the edges but don't sweat it because the tape peels off easily and can be repositioned. Leave a small gap at the center of the magnets to allow the washi tape part to fold.

Here's what the magnetic bookmarks look like on the reverse side...TADA!

To use the magnetic bookmark, put one side on the page you want to mark, fold it at the center looping over the page until both sides of the magnet attract each other.  

Make several magnetic bookmarks because don't we read more than one book simultaneously? It's also a nice surprise to mail to a friend. 

The cute prints peeking out just brings me joy!

With very simple materials, I was able to turn blah to TADA!

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Five Things for September

Hello there September! Summer is winding down and slowly, we transition to a new season.

In September, we remember. We remember all the lives lost during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. This Tribute in Light, done every year, shines brightly where the World Trade Towers used to stand.  It honors the brave heroes of that day and symbolizes New York's unbreakable spirit.  

September also means back to school. While I've not been a student in many, many years, I love the feeling of new beginnings. I also love back to school shopping! I avail of the bargains at the shops to replenish frequently-used supplies my home office and craft stash...TADA!

Outdoor brunches during the cooler temperatures of September are a lovely luxury. Of course, sausage and eggs, pancakes or French Toast, and coffee are my top choices on the menu...TADA! 

PopUp Swap photo from last year (2023)

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be dedicated to spring. We can do it all year round! When I switch out my summer clothes to autumn dressing, I put aside clothes and accessories that I no longer use. I usually donate them at the thrift store but I found about clothing swaps like this one from PopUp Swap. Maybe there's something similar in your city? You'll never know who might find use for what you no longer need. Plus, we all get to save clothes from the landfill...TADA!

And finally, sharing this piece that I found serendipitously but truly resonate with. Let's all cherish ordinary, normal days!

Have a sweet, sweet September!