New Uses for Old Envelopes

Hello everyone! Today, let's turn old envelopes from blah to TADA!

The first inspiration comes from this book:

It's a compilation of works written by the great American Poet Emily Dickinson (1830-1886).

She wrote about 1,800 poems in her lifetime but only less than a dozen were published. Many of the poems she wrote were part of letters to friends; were found inside "fascicles" or booklets she sewed herself; and on envelopes that she recycled. It's as if she had billions of ideas but not enough paper. So she used whatever she could find!

Here she writes on the flap.

And here, the inside part of the envelope.

The preface of the book mentions: "Written with the full powers of her late, most radical period, these envelope poems seem intensely alive and charged with a special poignancy -- addressed to no one and everyone at once. They remind us of the contingency, transience, vulnerability, and hope embodied in all our messages."

The pages of the book show the actual envelope poems and beside each, a more legible presentation of the poem. Here are a few examples: 

Through what transports of Patience/I reached the stolid Bliss/
To breathe my Blank without thee/Attest me this and this --/
By that bleak Exultation/I won as near as this/Thy privilege of dying/
Abbreviate me this/Remit me this and this

'Twas later when the summer went/Than when the Cricket came -/
And yet we knew that gentle Clock/Meant nought but Going Home -/
'Twas sooner when the Cricket went/Than when the Winter came/
Yet that pathetic Pendulum/Keeps Esoteric Time

On that specific pillow/Our projects tilt away -/The Nights' Tremendous Marrow/
And whether Sleep will stay/Or usher us - a Stranger To Situations New/
The effort to comprise it/Is all the Soul can do/
Exhibition - Comprehension of Comprising

I found some envelopes in my recycling bin and I tried my hand at writing poetry: 

You can see a theme of frustration: about the passing of time, about the chaos in the world, about the cold...I just had to get my feelings out. My poems are not at par with Miss Dickinson's but at least we share a love for repurposing envelopes. 

I plan to practice poetry writing on more envelopes and other paper scraps then add these to my art journal.

Here is another idea I learned from Twitter:

A lady tweeted that she cut the corner of an old envelope and turned it into a bookmark!

I love this blah to TADA! idea. It costs nothing and fits perfectly on any kind of page.

This one is from the blog archives:

Make tiny envelopes out of old bill envelopes (use the plaid/printed side). You can find the tutorial here.  

Also, I used old bill envelopes as a background for stamping:

I made these labels for my bullet journal. 

And finally, why not use an old envelope to make more envelopes:

Open up an envelope you no longer need.

Trace the shape onto cardboard (I repurposed an empty cookie box...TADA!) and cut around it. Now we have a template for an envelope.

Use it to trace around all kinds of paper like gift wrap, scrapbook paper, magazine pages, notebook paper, or old calendars. 

Fold the envelope and glue the three sides together. All we need are matching notecards and we've made our own stationery...TADA!

Look at that! We've extended the life of envelopes originally destined for the trash.

The New York Botanical Garden

For several years now, a trip to the New York Botanical Garden has been a personal rite of spring.  It must be the anticipation of warmer weather and witnessing the miracle of growth.

Here are the flowering plants that I most look forward to:

Cherry Blossoms 

Magnolia Trees 

Daffodils

A visit to the conservatory is also a must. It's picture perfect on the outside.

And there's lots to see inside and the temperature feels more tropical, allowing a condusive environment for these plants:

It's also where the annual Orchid Show takes place. Orchids from all over the world, in every size, shape, and color!

Being surrounded by these blooms have only inspired me to capture them in watercolor:

Here's wishing everyone a beautiful spring!

A New Locket

Today is my Papa's first birthday in heaven.

To deal with sadness, I've always turned to crafting. 

I made this locket when my Mama passed away 2 years ago. It has a photo of her and my Papa on their wedding day. The photo below it shows me and my Mama. I think she was very radiant in these photos.

I added a new locket, this time showing me and my Papa. There's also a family photo of us before my brothers came along.  

I cherish these old photos that show our happy times as a family.

And I carry them close to my heart. 

A Sticker Coloring Book

When coloring books for adults first came out, I was on the fence about the idea. I thought the lines were too narrow and there were too many details to fill in compared to a child's coloring book. But I tried it out and I got hooked. 

Coloring the fine details promoted focus and mindfulness. And that's what every adult needs in a busy world. When I need to pause and do something artsy but non-commital, I'd choose a page and "color". My preferred materials are watercolor or colored pencils.

But I found this option: 

A coloring page using stickers!

It's similar to "paint by numbers" but instead of paint, you use the corresponding stickers. Just match the sticker to its number on the blank page.

Here's the first piece I completed...TADA!

It's quick to finish and if you make a mistake, the sticker peels off and can be repositioned.

These are "roses" on the label. But they look like peonies, too.

They can easily add life to an empty wall in an office. Just stick them on with washi tape, or they can be framed as a series.

These also make good gifts -- the sticker books or the completed pages. There are many options at the bookstore or on-line shops.

As for these sticker remnants? I'm not about to throw them away just yet.

I'll make smaller stickers with a hole punch.

And cut out geometric shapes.

And stick them on a clothing tag (the labels that are attached to new clothes).

It now has new life as a bookmark...TADA!

Here's another one made from cardboard and stickers cut out in petal shapes. As an option, finish it off with a layer of Mod Podge to keep the stickers in place.

To be used for all the books you have, or to share with another booklover...TADA!

Happy Easter

Isn't this topiary adorable? I think it would be a pretty addition if you had a large garden...everyone in the neighborhood would go crazy!

May you all have a wonderful Easter!

Easter Eggs for Entertaining

Hi guys! Maybe you're already making plans for Easter. If you're setting up an Easter brunch, might I suggest how to decorate the table?

It involves plain eggs decorated with paint. I'm using the blues but you're welcome to chose your own color story.

Instead of a large centerpiece, why not have an Easter egg on each place setting:

You can personalize it with the guest's name, like a place card, and they can take the eggs home as a party favor. TADA!

Greeting Cards for Travel

What are the odd things you like to take with you when you travel? 

I like to bring stationery with me.  And I pack it in this little kit...TADA! 

The sleeve was once home to notecards. I saved it because it's clear (to easily spot its contents), compact (carries what I need), and the plastic material protects all the paper inside. 

Here are some of the cards that I included in my kit:

Thank you cards to express appreciation to hosts and other gracious people I meet while traveling.

Personalized cards for an extra special touch.

Blank cards that can easily turn into "Happy Birthday", "Congratulations" or "I'm thinking of you" greeting cards.

I included a favorite writing pen and some envelope seals.

A glue pen (to close the envelopes) and some postage stamps are handy, too.

Pack everything up and add it to your suitcase.

With a kit like this, it's easy to keep in touch the old school way wherever you are in the world...TADA!