New Start

 Where have I been. That is really a good question that I am not going to answer as it would take the rest of my life and I do have other things to do that will take the rest of my life.

At this time I am head-over-heels into junk journal construction as well as two hand fulls of other things art/craft related.

As for the junk journals, I got started with those a little over a year ago trying to fined something to do during the cold Winter months. Oh let's get real. I was bored with what I was doing and wanted something new to do and I saw some one on youtube constructing a junk journal.  And away I went. It used a lot of things I already had. Ja! that did not stop me from buying more. I did have to clean out my craft room so I would have more room for the new stuff. Now it is stuffed full of the new stuff.  I have boxes of journals that I am working on selling. I do not do the Etsy thing as they charge to much and have way to many rules. 

Here is one under construction. This was way last summer.

I am also involved in Anne Brookes' challenge #52tagshannedmade on instagram. she started it to give people something to think about besides covid. She gives a new prompt every Friday and I do look forward to finding out what I am in for in the new week. Cardboard hang tags are used (they measure 2"X 4") as well as paper, cloth, thread, beads, charms, or what ever else you want to be on your tag for that week. The following photos are what I have finished so far.

#1. We were to use white fabric, lace, paper or a combo of each as well as beads and hand/slow stitching on a white foundation then stitch to the tag.

 

#2. I do not use hearts in my work on a regular basis, but that was one of the prompt. I thought I would make it stand out as much as possible and be very unique . The heart was cut from one of my paint rags. I use them quite often in my work. We were prompted to use some stripped fabric/paper, buttons and lace if we wanted and stitching. 

#3 The prompt for this one was to use narrow strips of cloth or lace and sew them on a foundation fabric through the center of the strip so each edge made a "V". Anne demoed them going horizontally across the tag. I did not want to copy her. I did mine diagonally adding a button at the top corner as if they are radiating out from the button. This one took me the entire week to finish. Thought I would not ever finish hand sewing them on.

4# .The prompt for this one was to use a stitch you had never used before (she deemed this one). It is the Fly/"Y" stitch. Looks more like birds flying to me so that is what I did with them. The French knots are a flower garden.

#5.  The prompt was to use and "X" or more then one. Plus buttons.

#6.  The prompt was to use a scrap of old quilt and buttons and affixes  them on in various ways. This was a way to use some of the many buttons I have had for years. Some of them authentic vintage.

#7.  Prompt for this one was to use "yoyo's" and buttons. Anne showed how to make these little folded yoyo's.  Had fun with this one.

#8.  The prompt was to use Bullion stitches, French knots, and some buttons.

#9.  I do not remember what the prompt was for this one. I used lace, beads, Bullion stitch, French knots, couching, and a button. I wanted to cover all my bases.

#10.  I think this one was use a yoyo and button.  I am at work constructing #11. It will be using rings.  Check it out this week or on my Instagram   

See you later and stay safe and well.