Wise Words on Alphabet Bead Bracelets

Hello everyone!

I stumbled upon these greeting cards that came with a little gift:

"I Am So Grateful for You" made by Little Words Project 

"Happy Valentine's Day" spotted at HomeGoods 

These are bracelets with wise words that you can wear...TADA!

I really like this idea, an alternative to personalizing a bracelet with your name. Every time you wear the bracelet, the word is a reminder of a desired state of being: gratitude, love, peace, courage, grace, etc. A version of our higher selves.  

Of course, I had to make some myself:

Using alphabet beads, beads, and elastic string or stretchy cord that I found in my craft drawer, I spelled out "Bloom" and "Shine" on these bracelets...TADA!

Using a key ring, cord (rescued from a paper bag), and alphabet beads, I created this bag charm that spells "Love"...TADA!  

I found some scrapbook paper and paper that I decorated myself (using rubber stamps and paint). 

I attached my bag charm to the cardboard backing. I can write a message on the back side and put this inside an envelope when I'm ready to give it away. 

The message on the scrapbook paper and the word on the bracelet make perfect sense -- This moment: Bloom.  

Same for this one -- You glow differently when you're happy: Shine.

Accessories that are handmade with words that uplift. These can turn someone's day from blah to TADA!

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A Junk Journal Made from a Brown Paper Bag

Hi there and thank you for stopping by!

Brown paper bags are readily available from shopping trips and takeaway meals. I always save them and turn them from blah to TADA! 

I've used them as the main material for collaged gift bags, painted gift bags, tiny gift bags, and DIY envelopes. I have so much of them in my stash, here's another idea I came up with:

I made this tiny junk journal...TADA! Essentially, a junk journal is a booklet made from recycled materials and is used like a scrapbook.

First, I started with a brown paper bag that I opened up by cutting the seams so that it lays flat like a piece of gift wrap.

Then I cut them into long rectangular strips like this.

I glued two rectangular strips together to make the pages heftier. I used regular white glue. 

Then I folded the piece into squares (if necessary, trim any excess paper to form a perfect square).

Here's how I added color and texture: abstract art using watercolor, a wax seal, a ribbon closure using left-over twill tape, and collaging with paper remnants. The blank yellow pad is an easy way to make a label (ex. title of the journal or who it's for).

This is what it looks like inside:

As you can see, it reveals a wish or affirmation (made with alphabet stamps) for the recipient as a new page is opened...TADA!

A junk journal filled with sincerity. That is how I turned a brown paper bag from blah to TADA!

*****

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Three Things for April

Wishing you all a Blessed Easter! 

Hooray, April is here! I love this month because:

Spring has finally arrived - the promise of warmer weather, lighter coats, blossoming trees and basking under the cherry blossoms. 

Capturing nature's beauty - after a long, dark winter, seeing color come to life really turns blah to TADA! I like to capture what I see in my sketchbook and in different crafts like sewing, handmade stationery, and pressed flowers. 

Baskets spotted at Dille & Kamille 

Bring out the baskets - for some reason, I think of baskets now that days are longer and there's more time spent outdoors. Farmer's markets, picnics, and outdoor entertaining are just a few places to put our baskets to good use.

Here's to a beautiful April and an exciting spring!