Summer Stationery Haul

There are few things in life I hoard. I prefer minimal and organized living spaces. But, when it comes to books and stationery, I admit I am weak.

I do try to limit these items and keep them confined to my library and office. If they start to spill over into the rest of the house (nightstands, dining tables, living room), I take it as a sign to purge. But, so far, I have remained fairly disciplined. 

This summer I stocked up on some of my favorite stationery supplies. I allowed myself to fill a small box kept in my office. Once it was filled, I put a halt on purchases (at least until Fall). Here's a look at the items I picked up this summer. Links for all items listed below. 

Classiky Rubber Stamp 
J. Herbin Emerald of Chivor Ink
P.W. Ackerman Ink - Purchased at Miami Pen Show
Twsby Fountain Pen 
Tim Hotlz Tissue Paper 
Moleskine Notebook 
Glassine Envelopes 
Cello Envelopes 
Vintage Postage Stamps (From Letter Writers Alliance Member Shop) 
Life Paper 
Classiky Paper 
Pen to Paper Book 
 

Magazine Journaling

Hello September. I'm a few days late kicking off the month, but we just had hurricane Hermine blow through Florida. Now that it's gone, I can officially get back to blogging and making a mess in my craft room. 

Magazine journaling is my current focus. The idea comes from a video I saw on Dede Willingham's YouTube channel. Basically, you take any magazine you have (preferably one with thick paper stock) and paint over the pages with acrylic paints. You can paint over everything on the page or leave select images.  Once you are done with the first layer of paint, you can add more layers of paint, texture, collage, or handwriting. Now you have journal. Brilliant!

This is a fantastic way to use up all those Stampington & Company magazines I have stacked in my creative space. You know the ones: Where Women Create; Willow And Sage; Somerset Studio; etc. They have some of the most beautiful images and I just can't throw them away. If anything, this project gives me a good excuse to hoard my favorite magazines.

The prepping of the pages does take time. I am no where near finished, but slopping paint down haphazardly gives me great joy. Plus, it costs me nothing to make since I already have all the materials. I'll work on it on and off this year and, if all goes well, I'll have a fun journal to use in 2017.  

New Fall Class: The Art Of Letter Writing

Starting in September, I will be teaching a new class at the Polk Museum of Art in Lakeland, Florida. This class will meet once a week for six weeks and cover the following topics:

• Class One: Introductions, History and Review of Tools
• Class Two: Letter Writing Basics and Stationery
• Class Three: Fountain Pens 101
• Class Four: Envelope Addressing – Centering & Handwriting Tips
• Class Five: Envelope Embellishing - Wax Seals and Postage Art
• Class Six: Thinking Outside the Envelope – Adventures in Mail Art

Tool kits will be included in the cost of the class. Here's a breakdown of the tools we will be using:

• Fine Japanese Writing Papers
• Pens (includes fountain pen with cartridge and converter)
• Envelopes
• Wax Seal Kit
• Postage
• Mail Art Materials
• Decorative Storage Box

If you are interested in this class, please sign up here.