20 January 2020

A Bookmark with Page Flags

Reading is one of my favorite pastimes and whenever there's a book, there has to be a bookmark to match.

Over the years, I've turned paper and cardboard from blah to TADA! to make my own bookmarks. Here, take a look:

This one is made from a bakery package that I laminated.

This one was cut out from a paper bag.

These were made from clothing tags.

I thought I'd make a different kind of bookmark this time.

books, reading
The one that contains page flags or mini sticky notes attached to it.

crafting tools, scissors, corner punch, one-hole punch, embroidery floss, watercolor
I started with some simple materials: card stock, embroidery floss left over from a sewing project, page flags (from the dollar bin at the craft store), scissors, and craft punches.   

crafting tools, scissors, corner punch, one-hole punch, embroidery floss, watercolor
Cut the card stock to your preferred size, curve the corners and make a hole with craft punches.

crafting tools, scissors, corner punch, one-hole punch, embroidery floss, watercolor
String and tie the embroidery floss. You can use ribbon, twine or yarn if that's what you have.

crafting tools, scissors, corner punch, one-hole punch, embroidery floss, watercolor
Add some color using paint or pens.

crafting tools, scissors, corner punch, one-hole punch, embroidery floss, watercolor
Attach the page flags to the bookmark.

crafting tools, scissors, corner punch, one-hole punch, embroidery floss, watercolor
And here's a festive bookmark that can be used for books, notebooks, or planners...TADA!

books, reading
If there's a passage in the book that I really love, I can mark it with the page flags. No pesky folded corners, underlines or highlights with a pen -- we get to keep the integrity of the book...TADA!

crafting tools, scissors, corner punch, one-hole punch, embroidery floss, watercolor, books, reading
This craft is easy to make, practical to use, and a thoughtful gift for fellow book lovers. TADA!


Make Your Own Bookmarks, DIY bookmarks

13 January 2020

Pages from my Sketchbook: Everyday People

Everyday, I try my hardest to develop my creativity.  Whether it's something related to making art, solving a problem at work, or mundane tasks at home, I go the route, "What is a fun and unique way to do this?" This approach keeps fear and boredom at bay and who knows, I might just learn something new from it. 

I was reading a book on improving one's writing skills and one advice the author gave (I'm sorry I can't recall who it was) was to "Take home a face." She meant being observant in your daily life. Choose a person and take him or her to your writing desk. Describe him or her in detail -- this will help give animation to your writing.

I took her suggestion and used it for both sketching and writing. Here, let me show you a some of the faces I took home: 

"The Man at the Supermarket"

"The Man at the Coffee Shop"

"The Snow Sisters"

"Modern Day Dracula"

"Strawberry Girl"

I hope I can do this exercise often to allow me to "be present" and appreciate the world around me.

06 January 2020

Shopping in my Closet : A Winter Outfit

Last year, I started this idea called "Shopping in my Closet." It's a discipline of using what I already have, giving away what I no longer use, and not having to shop if it's not necessary. I'd like to work around a capsule wardrobe where every single piece is worn on a regular basis.

Today, I prepared a winter outfit.

This turtleneck sweater was a hand-me-down from my Mom's sister. She gave me a bunch of her winter clothes to make sure I was bundled up when the temperatures dropped. Just the thought makes me smile. It's a loved one's hug in clothing form...TADA!

Anyway, I rarely wore this because it felt a little scratchy. But I always wear a shirt under a sweater and a long-sleeved shirt was the solution.

I'm a casual dresser and a good pair of jeans is a staple.  I also paired it with a hat (or a beanie) to keep my head and ears warm. 

I'll wear a puffer jacket (such a wise investment!) over it to keep me toasty and dry even if the wind howls or the snow falls. I'm ready for winter...TADA!

Here's to turning our old outfits from blah to TADA!, as well as being smart and mindful of the things we shop for.

01 January 2020

Hello 2020!

I hope your holidays were bountiful with food, fun, and happy memories with friends and family.

As we begin a New Year, I promise you more crafts, suggestions on how to be kind to Mother Earth, and inspiring ideas on how to turn blah to TADA! 

Won't you come and join me? 

Let's all have a wonderful 2020!

31 December 2019

Everything Will Be Alright

I came across this lovely letter of assurance and I thought I'd share it with you:

You are that turn after the cold
via Pinterest
May this be a reminder to be hopeful and confident for what is about to come. I hope 2019 was kind to you and I hope 2020 will be even better!

Have a Happy New Year!

30 December 2019

How To Store Your Christmas Cards

Hello everyone! One of my favorite things about the holiday season is receiving Christmas cards in the mail.

blah to TADA!, crafty recycling, how to recycle used gift wrap,
I appreciate that we are part of a relative or friend's mailing list! A card from a boxed set, a personalized postcard with family photos, or an annual newsletter -- I love them all!  

I read in a poll on Twitter that not everyone keeps Christmas cards. Some people toss them out after the holidays. Gasp! I can't imagine doing that. I keep all of the snail mail I've received over the years in a big plastic storage box. 

If, like me, you keep all the Christmas cards you receive, you might like this idea:

blah to TADA!, crafty recycling, how to recycle used gift wrap,
First, get rid of the envelopes for less bulk. Then punch a hole on the corner of each Christmas card. 

blah to TADA!, crafty recycling, how to recycle used gift wrap,
String the cards through a binder ring or a piece of ribbon. Close the ring or knot the ends of the ribbon. 

blah to TADA!, crafty recycling, how to recycle used gift wrap,
All the cards from one year are grouped together...TADA!

blah to TADA!, crafty recycling, how to recycle used gift wrap,
It's easy to flip through the cards, too.

blah to TADA!, crafty recycling, how to recycle used gift wrap,
Just so we can identify the year the cards were received, why not make a cover page? 

blah to TADA!, crafty recycling, how to recycle used gift wrap,
It's a quick craft that uses paper remnants, rubber stamps, an ink pad, glue, and a cute gift tag that I wanted to save. 

blah to TADA!, crafty recycling, how to recycle used gift wrap,
We can also turn gift wrapper scraps and cardboard from blah to TADA!

blah to TADA!, crafty recycling, how to recycle used gift wrap,
By turning them into a cover for my 2019 Christmas card collection.

blah to TADA!, crafty recycling, how to recycle used gift wrap,
I hope this idea is helpful when it's time to pack away your holiday mail.

A Christmas Card Organizing Tip

25 December 2019

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

In the Philippines where I'm from, we decorate our homes with this star-shaped lantern called a "parol". It's fashioned after the star that led the Wise Men to the manger where Jesus was born. It's a symbol of hope and finding direction. 

I wish you a very beautiful Christmas enjoyed with all those you love!