Saturday, December 3, 2011

December Is Here

It’s amazing that it’s December already.  It doesn’t feel like it’s almost Christmas,  but at least the weather has cooled and the 80+ mph winds are making it feel like winter.  The Christmas tree went up last night.
stuff 109It’s the first tree since adopting the puppy, so we shall see if anything is still standing by Christmas…so far so good.

Since November is over, it’s time to share the monthly calendar for the Calendar Challenge at The Kathryn Wheel.  I saw this color palette in a magazine a few months ago, and it reminded me of fall, so I used it for November.
stuff 111

I had hoped to spend my week long Thanksgiving holiday working in my journal, but most of the time was spent on my Christmas cards. 
stuff 087It was worth it though as the cards are made, written in, and addressed – just need to buy the stamps.

I’ve been playing around with some bookmaking.  There are just two pages left in this year’s journal, and I am on the hunt for a new one.  I’ve been disappointed in the paper that was in the last few, so I thought, “Why not make my own.”  It’s been kind of fun to be making books, and I foresee several MORE blank books lying around my house in the near future. 
The little one was the easiest, as it was just one signature with a really simple stitch. 
stuff 121  But with only one signature, I can’t add too much paper to it.  That will bother me.

The larger one was more work…
stuff 083There are four signatures that needed to be measured and punched.
 stuff 085Then sewn together with linen thread stuff 086 The signatures were smothered with bookbinding glue and clamped to set the binding before the bookboards were wrapped in masa paper that I had watercolored and bounded with gaffer’s tape.  Other than a few crooked folds, I really like how it turned out AND it has my favorite paper inside it.  The next one will be better.stuff 119I like the way they both turned out, but I will most likely use the larger one to start 2012.

I also played with some collage this past weekend, just for fun.
stuff 113 stuff 117 
2011 had its shares of ups and downs, but now that it’s just about over, I wonder how it got by me so quickly.  However, looking forward to seeing what 2012 has in store.

17 comments:

  1. I know what you mean. This year seems like it FLEW! Whew : )

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  2. First of all: GREAT MUSIC!

    Secondly, I love those handbound books. You rock.

    Your calendar came out great as well.

    Thanks for stopping by the blog and commenting. I love visitors.

    Annemarie

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  3. Can't wait to get one of those crafty cards! Mine is the kind you hate...but there is something extra cute on it this year!!!

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  4. Your cards are beautiful...and the tree....getting mine tomorrow :)

    Once again another month passes and your journal looks great....and yes, where did this year go?
    Happy Sunday!

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  5. @annemarie-thanks! The books were fun to make.

    @jlo-I can't wait for the surprise! You know I love me some cute!

    @marey-the tree is up early this year, but I had time last night to do it. Xmas is still a month away, and I'll probably get sick of the decoration clutter in a week or two.
    Please let me know if you need anymore cards for your big fundraiser. I'm happy to do some again.

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  6. Yeah it flew. thank god.

    Just remember to stick the end sheets to the boards and not like I did to the spine.

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  7. @Vince - Ha, it's funny you should say that as I was most surprised to find that as part of the directions. I would have thought the opposite as well.

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  8. The books are beautiful. you are very artistic and talented.

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  9. wow, beautiful cards ! Et I love the collage journal, so creative !!

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  10. Your calendar page for November looks fab - love the colours and the circles. Thanks for joining the challenge and well done for keeping up all year! What an achievement! Didn't we do well? Maybe next year?! I'm very interested in the bookbinding ... it is something I would love to do! Kate x

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  11. Is JLo sending out family photograph cards with "Merry Christmas" pre-printed on it again?? LOL

    Your christmas cards looks fantastic. I wish I had your made card making skills.

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  12. Notice how each year Christmas seems to arrive faster and leave just as quickly?

    Hey, I thought I put a lot into my Christmas cards. I'm impressed!

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  13. great calendar. I also loved looking around at all your work, just amazing!

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