Brand New Coptic Stitch Journal with Hand Made Paper

My hardbound journal has hand made paper covering the front and back covers for an elegant recycled feel.

The vintage chocolate button and soft tan color of handmade paper make this journal a gift for the new year.

A vintage stamp is hand stamped asymmetrically on the left.

Mottled taupe hand made paper covers each signature and and there is a slight difference between signatures combining for a pattern.

My friend, Erin Keane, at Artistry Studio, has helped me learn the coptic stitch and here is the result of that learning!

Check out my store for more journals by clicking this link.

What inspires Me?

My husband and I went on a trip with a couple of very dear friends to the Great Smoky Mountains this weekend. We went hiking for three days when it dawned on me that maybe my readers would be interested in what inspires me. So I will show you a couple of pictures which I took and then show you one of my newest cards.

I love to look at the mountains and the different layers for a vista or wide view. Then when we are walking in the woods and I see the ferns, leaves, flowers, etc close-up, I want to combine all into one small card front. I may put in a color for a sun or a moon-(Gee, that's a good idea), blue for the hint of sky and then a plant close-up for perspective.

I really am creating a quality card that my customers will be proud to send. It's important when, if you are like me, a person only sends a card occassionally to a very good friend or relative.

What are your thoughts on who you would send a very special card?

Super Featured Artist Sunday!!

Today you are in for a Super Featured Artist Sunday with one of my newest followers of my etsy shop---love4rocks. My email caught her off guard and Nicole, the owner of love4rocks, was speechless!!

When she regained her voice, she told an interesting story. I am Nicole and I am originally from a tiny village in the Swiss Alps. Today I call the Pacific Northwest my home. I live with my hubby in a charming little apartment in Portland, OR. I do spend most of the year on the road, due to my work, but when I am home I call a corner in our office my artisan jewelry workshop.

1. When did you get started in your craft?

I have been crafting forever. I studied architecture, so I was involved with Art for a long time. I spent years with watercolor painting, went to scrap-booking, and found a couple of years ago my newest destiny – jewelry making.

My passion for jewelry comes from my fascination with gemstones, rocks and raw minerals. I try to let each stone tell me a story and then I try to showcase its simplicity and unique beauty. The inspiration and passion for my jewelry comes from my travels, from different cultures, from nature, from colors, and from the stone itself.

2. What is your favorite part of your chosen craft?

Often I find my inspiration in nature as I travel by foot, by air, or on the water. I always have a little notebook with me to write down any idea or inspiration that comes to me.

3. In five years, what would you like to be doing?

In a few years from now, I hope my shop has expanded and I am still as creative as I am now. I hope my unique style will develop and evolve with me. My dream is to do more metalsmithing art, as well as more wire wrapped pendants and rings. I will have a larger space :)

4. Is there anything else you would like to share?

I have just celebrated my 1 year anniversary on etsy. I have loved my time here and I am still overwhelmed with joy if one of my creations finds a new owner. I just created a special coupon code for this blog, please feel free to use BLOG10 and get 10% off. A simple way to get to my shop www.etsy.com/shop/love4rocks. or click on any picture!

Thank You, Nicole for sharing your story with us. Now it's our turn to share and show Nicole and love4rocks some love. Find your favorite items in her story, come back and share here. Since it is Super Bowl Sunday, some lucky post will win a pack of fern stationery from my store like this:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51604010/exclusive-seeds-and-fern-handmade-paper

Thanks again, Nicole!

Featured Artist Sunday

Welcome to Featured Artist Sunday--and today's winner is Lucy Ingels !!! Round of Applause!!!

Lucy tells me that she have been crafting forever it seems and her style has evolved over the years.

"My favorite part of creating is the brainstorming process that precedes every piece I do. So much thought goes into each piece because I create the art around a saying or proverb that has inspired me."

Words are so important to me because they truly have the power to give hope.

I also love bringing together all of the various elements I use.

There are so many beautiful materials available, both new and vintage, and it gives me great pleasure to figure out how to make them work cohesively.

I work on canvas paper and watercolor paper in a variety of mediums that include acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, watercolor pencil, ink and anything else that intrigues me.

Whimsical embellishments and doo-dads are added to make each one of a kind piece.

In five years, I hope to be a published author/illustrator who continues to live a creative life! And Lucy, you are off to a great start with your fabulous artwork!

Let's give Lucy's shop some love! Post your favorite here and/or choose a saying that has inspired you and tell me about it!