Fabric Pouch with zipper and more

Hope everyone is having a good week.  It's been kinda wacky this week.  I have been hit with this weird allergy cold thing.  I think it's viral!  Just plain annoying really, but I am trying not to let it slow me down.  Looking forward to Easter weekend.

I have been wanting to make some fabric pouches to store my art supplies when I am out and about and traveling.  Sometimes I just want to do a little art journaling when I am sitting in the waiting room, waiting for Maisie, at a restaurant, or traveling with the family.  Sarah Whitmire has a great online workshop called Jet Set Journaling.  The workshop focuses on building the perfect travel kit.  I always pack way too much stuff when I travel, and sometimes less is more.  I have learned some great tips and really enjoyed it.  You can find out more about it at http://www.souljournaling.com/.   I found this great You Tube video on how to make a lined, zippered pouch.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EICadoBCC1s .  I am not much of a seamstress, but I am improving!  I love fabric!   Last month I went to a fellow crafter's "Destash Extravaganza" and got some amazing vintage fabrics, tablecloths, etc.

Here are a few of the pieces I picked up:

Crewel Embroidery Panel

This one is fun!  Have an idea for a heritage recipe journal with this one.

Love the colors in this one!

I really think this one is cool!

 I was so excited to use them, and decided to use a piece of bark cloth for one of the pouches.  I embellished it a bit, and viola! 

The black and white fabric was a remnant I found in the bin at Joann's.  It is so me. :)  I hope to make some more.  I had so much fun, and trying something new.

Happy Easter!  Michelle

Recent Placemat Journal Entries

Here are a few more placemat journal entries that I have done over the past month or so...I haven't had a lot of time, with the busyness of spring activities and the addition of yard work.  But, I manage to squeeze in a little time for journaling here and there.

Chalk Pastel Fun

My sister-in-law Jessica teaches preschoolers.  They recently did a chalk pastel art project.  She inspired me to dig mine out and play around.   I drew this picture Friday morning before work.  I love spring!

Craft Store Haul....

So I had a little fun shopping clearance at Michael's.  I got some pretty cool things.  Some for me, and some for my sister-in-law, Lydia, who lives in New Zealand.  I really love the vintage circus line they have at Michael's right now.  For a $1!  Yes!  $1!  I also picked up a few cute Mickey Mouse paint samples from Home Depot.  Just love those!  I have been wanting the typewriter stamp alphabet for a while.  It was on sale.  50% off.  I knew if I waited long enough it would be.  Loved the dried pressed flowers.  I think Lydia is going to love those.  At least, I hope she likes them.  The white flowers can have ink, chalk, etc. added to them.  Lydia is going to love those too!  It was a fun shopping day!  Might be a fun shopping night too, hmm, haven't decided yet. 

Also had fun shopping at Prairie Art Stamps.  I found some cool Graphic 45, October Afternoon, House of Three, and  7 Gypsies papers.  The pictures don't do them justice.  I am excited to do something with those.

Some of these are heading to New Zealand too.  Actually, I may need to go get some more.  They are just too cool.   I really love all the vintage circus stuff.  7 Gypsies had a line too.  I got this one, but may need to go get the others.  Hmm?   Thinking about some things I could do first!

Coolest Billboard Ever!

Red Gold Tomato Billboard



Closer View



This billboard is just a whole lot of creative AWESOMENESS!  It's right here in our town!  Hats off to the designer.  I don't think I have ever seen a three deminsional billboard with this much creativity, at least in Springfield.  We kept trying to figure out what they were making as we drove by.  We all had lots of guesses.  Honestly, I thought it was a billboard for Jeffrey Alan's.  I was wrong!  Tomatoes!  Who would have thought tomatoes?  It's been up now for a month or so.  It makes me smile everytime I see it.  *Happy Sigh!* I know I am amused with the simple things.  But, who can deny that this is some awesome creativity.  I want to eat Red Gold Tomatoes, so I guess it's done it's job!  LOL  Art is everywhere, and in everything.  You just have to take the time to stop long enough to look at it.  Love it!