Z is for Zebra print paper

30 Apr 2020
A to Z Challenge
Z is for Zebra print paper

Today's letter is Z. In my crafting stash at one time I had all kinds of animal printed papers.

I did a scrapbook album project for a friend several years ago. I scrapped over 2000 photos and she ended up with 18 scrapbook albums.

I was able to incorporate Zebra print paper on several of her photos.

Since that time, I have given away all of my animal-Zebra printed papers.

I've had a blast blogging this month in the A to Z Challenge. It was a pleasure reading everyone's comments that were left on my posts. I look forward to the next time we can blog together!

Z is for Zebra printed paper. 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

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W is for WASHI Tape

27 Apr 2020
A to Z Challenge
W is for Washi Tape

My WASHI collection

Today's letter in the A to Z Challenge is W. Staying with the crafting theme I chose for this challenge, w is easy for me. WASHI tape!!!! I had never even heard of washi tape until 3 years ago when my daughter bought me a few rolls from the Target dollar bins. oh my, I was in heaven and I needed to get more of these amazing rolls of tape! 

Washi tape is unlike scotch tape because once you place it on a project, it can easily be moved to another position. It is kind of like masking tape, tears easily and doesn't leave a residue behind. Washi tape is thin, durable, and made of natural fibers like hemp and bamboo.  I have found washi tape in just about any store in some way, form, or fashion. They can be in single strips, or in rolls like above. Washi tape can be narrow, wide, and in every color and theme, a person can think of. They ARE amazing and fun to use in crafting projects! What's even better is they are INEXPENSIVE!!! 

I've used washi tape on scrapbook layouts, on cards, on tags, in mixed media. I've even used washi tape in my glue books like this page. (I'm no Michael D'Angelo, so please don't laugh at my artwork!) LOL

I have two different strips of washi tape on this page. One at the to that says, "HELLO SUNSHINE" and one at the bottom that says, " LIVE - LOVE - LAUGH". 

A glue book page of mine

 I placed these strips on the page to show them. 

I enjoy having washi tape in my crafting supplies and I'm guilty, when I go into stores now - I look for unusual rolls of washi tape that I can add to my crafting supplies. 

Have fun crafting with washi!!!

W is for WASHI TAPE 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

H2hsc2020

#AtoZChallenge, #washitape, #papercrafting, #art, #gluebooks, #crafting, #inspiration, #creativity

V is for Vellum

25 Apr 2020
A to Z Challenge
V is for Vellum

Continuing with crafting as my theme, today's letter is V. When I craft, from time to time I use Vellum in my projects.

This particular product is a bit tricky when I want to adhere it to something. Normal adhesives will not secure it on the project. I use vellum as an overlay in many of my projects because of this very reason. Using vellum on a scrapbook layout takes a little bit of creativity to secure it in place. Sometimes I will use assorted brads to secure the corners of the vellum sheets to the paper and that works great! I have also sewed vellum into my layouts. The only downside of sewing - that may leave holes in the vellum and sewing may cause the vellum to rip or tear.

Many times, I have to get creative with the way I secure the vellum on the projects I'm creating. For instance, on the tag below, the area that says, "Music is the voice of the Soul" - that is a piece of vellum. I remember trying double-sided tape. That didn't work. I tried wet adhesive, that didn't work. In fact, I recall trying several different types of glue. I ended up taking a Q-Tip and dabbing some E6000 on the tip and sparingly placed the glue around the edges and down the center of the vellum piece. It worked well.

Music is the Voice of the Soul tag I made a few years back

There are several different types of vellum in my crafting supplies. I have 12 x 12 single sheets that have designs on them. I have sheets of vellum that are off white, white, and colored ones. Several years ago, I acquired several books of vellum through a haul I snagged on Facebook Marketplace a few years ago. They are 8 1/2 x 11 sheets and very beautiful.

I enjoy crafting with the vellum sheets as they bring another dimension to my crafting projects.

V is for VELLUM. 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

H2hsc2020

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Vintage Ephemera

Day 5, 2020

Ultimate Blog Challenge

VINTAGE EPHEMERA

In March 2020, I decided to participate in the Ultimate Blog Challenge.  This was going to be my second time participating since becoming or trying to become a blogger. Being new to the blogging worlds since January, I thought this would give me the opportunity of honing my writing skills, share my passions, and meet other bloggers. 

Since becoming a blogger, (honestly - something I've done for a long time, just didn't realize I was doing it -LOL) I have met some wonderful people and have read many wonderful posts. Many of those come from the UBC group. Each one is written with their own, unique writing styles and stories. I have enjoyed the ones I have read for the most part. I have also started following many bloggers and individuals as a result of the Ultimate Blog Challenge group. Thank you!!! 

Often, I wonder how many people stop and take the time to read the posts of others or mine? Do they follow other bloggers? What is it about the bloggers that catch people's eyes? Is it their writing styles, their content, maybe it's because there is a connection to something that has been written that resonates within the other party? I wonder if our writings are being criticized in their heads or if they criticize anything and everything in general? I also wonder if my friends and family on social media even follow me or read my blogs. I know - - I know...guess that's the self-doubt talking to me right now. Although none of that matters, it does weigh in at times. I remember when I was younger if I was told I wouldn't or couldn't achieve something (trust me, those words came from my own family)- I'd set out to prove them AND everyone else wrong. It was my drive to become who I am today.  I'm thankful I don't have that same mindset today!!! 

Moving on now. Not sure why I got on that rant - but none the less, I enjoy working towards becoming the blogger I'm meant to be. With that said, I'll share my thoughts for Day 5. 

As many of you know, I chose Genealogy as my theme for the UBC April Challenge because I love genealogy in any way, shape or form. It's one of my favorite pastimes. 

Before the challenge started, I penned a few thoughts in my binder, so I'd have an idea what I wanted to write about each day regarding genealogy. (That is unless the daily prompts that are sent out by Paul can play into my theme choice like the Book Review the other day). Perfect example! 

Sticking with the theme, I'm going to write about Vintage Ephemera. I use ephemera nearly every time I craft or work on specific projects. (Another one of my favorite pastimes). It's interesting to me that Vintage ephemera is all over genealogy, too. From the old postcards to the letters of our ancestors. More than likely, you have ephemera tucked away in a box at the top of the closet or even in an old trunk out in the garage. 

postcard my dad sent his mom, 1960

What're ephemera, do you know?

EPHEMERA - something I have a great deal of in my crafting room. In my stuff, one might find a tag from this and tags from that, might see a random plane ticket from my daughter's travels. There may be a few movie theatre ticket stubs, or you could find many postcards that have been collected over the years. There may even be old postage stamps, envelopes, and a few library cards in my stash too. If you were to open that drawer of mine, you will see business cards that I've collected over the years. Old letters and greeting cards could be used as ephemera. In that box on the other side of the room, are color-coordinated paint chip cards that I've picked up as well. In the filing cabinet, one would see playbills of musicals, as well as different receipts for many different purchases, too.  I also vintage books where the pages could also be considered ephemera. Have you figured out what ephemera is yet? 

DEFINITION: 

Ephemera - items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity 

Where can one find Ephemera? Browsing the local thrift stores, second-hand shops, libraries, and flea markets and maybe even garage sales would be a great place to start. Look through Encyclopedias, Newspapers, Old Books, and old maps for images.  

There are many things in genealogy that could be considered ephemera. Things like old letters, envelopes, stamps, and even a postcard or two. There may even be old school records in there or other artifacts from school days from yesterday.

These 2 photos below are from an Orchestra program I was in during the 4th grade. That was in 1970-1971 (I think). LOL, these are considered ephemera pieces. 

I have things that have been inherited that I can't seem to bring myself to use in my vintage crafting although that was the purpose of it being given to me. Eventually, I'll use these things in Vintage Journals of my grandparents and great grandparents. 

I'll give you an example of a few things I have received - several years ago, I received a large box from a cousin. The contents of this box blew me away...there were Time Magazines from the late 1930s. There were Sunday School lesson books from the 1940s and in these books were handwritten notes that my Aunt had written. There were old pattern packages. There were also a few handwritten letters from my aunt to her mother, my grandmother. I picked up another Time magazine and under it was an envelope filled with old postage stamps that had been cut off envelopes. The postmarks on some of these dated back to the early 1900s. There were even some old photographs (I have no idea who is in them, but I'm sure they are family since the box came from a cousin). All these things are considered ephemera pieces. I often wonder if anything is of value -some of the things are damaged, but still usable. I preserve them as much as I can by placing them in archival sleeves or sheet protectors until I'm ready to use them in my vintage journals. 

Now that I've described what ephemera looks like, how many of you have any of these things lying around in a box tucked away in an attic or the top of the closet, in a trunk out in the garage or storage shed? What about those tags from clothes, or movie ticket stubs?

I remember a while back; I had visited a little shop not far from where I live, I walked down an aisle and a young man was sitting on the floor with vintage photos scattered all about. My heart jumped with joy for several different reasons. One as a paper crafter and the other the family genealogist. I so wanted to snatch those photos up and say - - NO, please don't destroy them (coming from the genealogist side of me) while on the other hand, the paper crafter was saying, 'oh to use those on tags, or in other crafting projects would be amazing).  So, you see, I am constantly having this mental battle where some items are concerned when it comes to ephemera. 

These vintage photos I have could be considered ephemera pieces. 

random family photo

my dad, sister and another man working on the car

an unidentified family member from my dad's side

where my dad's Navy Ship traveled

Cards can be used as ephemera. How many of you have some of these lying around or tucked away in a drawer or box? 

a few cards I've received

Ephemera comes in all forms and fashion. Like this quote for instance. 

In closing, I'll leave a few photos of ephemera pieces I have that one day will find their way into vintage journals or even possibly a scrapbook album. 

Old City Directories and phone books are great sources for vintage ephemera. 

I feel like I'm on a treasure hunt when I'm searching for ephemera items that can be used in my vintage journals or scrapbook layouts. 

Have a GREAT day! 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

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Creativity and Crafting

As far back as I can remember, I have loved crafting. It began as a young child. I'd grab a newspaper or a magazine and begin cutting away at the pages. Sometimes, I'd even tear them. 

I'd look for different words or phrases that I could use. Those bold titles, advertisements, photos, etc. I began watching how colors were displayed together and I locked the look into my memory. 

Through the years, I took I up scrapbooking. I recall my granddad loved taking black and white photos. At one time, I had a very large portfolio of his with nothing but amazing photographs in it. I don't know what happened to that. I have looked high and low for it. I'm sure it was misplaced many years ago during one of my life escapes. It makes my heart sad...especially today, with my appreciation of genealogy and family history preservation. What those stories would tell of his life. I miss granddad! 

My Grandparents and I - (2 yrs old)

When I was a teenager, scrapbooking was mainly what I did. I'd take school pictures or a few family photos and create images on construction paper, using some of those 'cut' out words, or letters and even other photos such as a butterfly, or a smiley face to enhance the look of my pages. I had no idea what an embellishment was back then, and I didn't have access to stickers. (which I can't stand!!)

Sometimes, I'd just draw a page full of flowers. I'm the artistic one in the family when it comes to drawing - but sometimes, I do amaze myself with something like these. (If you opened the page it would like this.

+

this was the opposite page of May in the Bullet Journal

front page from a Bullet Journal I made

Several years now, I've participated in several Facebook crafting, swapping groups. We craft, we swap, we have challenges, etc. I've learned many different tips and techniques that I had no idea these things even existed. Like fussy cutting or how to use oxide inks. Even using a sewing machine on a scrapbook layout. Wait - what? sewing on paper??? wow - when I first heard of that, I thought my granny would roll over in her grave if she knew I used a needle on paper. My granny was an amazing seamstress. She is pictured above. She made beautiful clothes, draperies, blankets, and many more items. She loved anything to do with textiles. At one time, she even crafted me a dress out of a parachute!!! I lived with Granny and Granddad until their deaths. I miss them a great deal. When I'm crafting at times, I wish I had had the opportunity of hearing granny talk about how she became a crafter in her own sense. I'd love hearing her stories and showing her things that I make. I think she would be pleased. 

Learning so many different techniques, I quickly moved from Scrapbooking into making tags, Loaded Envelopes, 9-pocket Pocket Letters, Artist Trading Cards (ATC), Junk Journal pages, different types of embellishments (altered paperclips, layered things, altered clothespins, etc.) and the list goes on and on. I learned mixed media and altered art. My world opened too many more things on my artistic side of my brain. After all, why wouldn't it? I was an accomplished violinist back in the day and the talent was there. Why would art be any different? 

an Altered bag I created

Now notice in my last paragraph I did not mention cards. Cards ARE my nemesis. I'm not sure why, but I can't stand making cards. Even after perusing Pinterest, YouTube, seeing other's creations - I abhor making handmade cards with a passion. I know, it's silly - - but! I can't explain my thinking on this one. I can set down wanting to make a handcrafted card for someone and I hit a brick wall. I can't get to the paper what my brain thinks. Cards and I just don't get along. Don't get me wrong, I have made cards in the past, but they are not my forte'. I'll pass on them most days. 

A Thanksgiving Day card I made a few years back

I prefer creating anything BUT cards, so I'll craft everything else! Scrapbooking was and will always be my first love. I can set for hours on end losing all sense of time when I'm crafting. Scrapbooking is no different. I don't particularly care for digital scrapbooking. I'm more of a hands-on type of person. I love feeling the different textures in my hands, looking or creating that specific embellishment, making different types of tuck spots or pockets on the page and creating something that others will enjoy while looking at their photograph.

I'm all about the details! I build my layouts from the picture itself. I've made many scrapbooks for family members and others. In fact, a few years ago I had a young lady ask me how much I'd charge her to make scrapbooks from a few of her photographs. I quoted her a price and she dropped off the pictures. When all was said and done, I had scrapped over 2000 photographs and she ended up with 18 beautiful scrapbook albums that she and her family would enjoy for generations to come.  

A couple of years ago, I was introduced to Junk Journals (JJ). Oh my, oh my...what can I say - I fell in love with them. I follow several Facebook groups on JJ's. Talk about intimidation!  It took me a while before I posted any of my things on those sites. I would set and watch YouTube videos for hours on end trying to figure out what all the hype was about. I quickly figured it out. I scrapbook and do all these other types of crafts - how difficult could a junk journal be? Oh, trust me, it was QUITE difficult! I didn't have the first clue how to make a hidden spine or incorporate a pull-out pocket or a flip-up page. So, I educated myself in Junk Journaling 101! I watched more and more videos. I still watch videos to this day.

According to the internet, the definition of a  Junk Journal is a handmade book made up of recycled items such as papers from magazines, brochures, patterned paper, music sheets, envelopes, packaging, brown paper bags, maps, greeting cards, postcards, doilies, to name a few. The book covers can be made from cereal boxes, old book covers or any hard cardboards. 

A Junk Journal can be anything and everything!! You don't need anything fancy. Just random 

STUFF! We all have stuff, right? I can pull out any drawer in my crafting room and find stuff. 

Whether it's something my son has kept from his younger days or something, my husband

has found during his day at work. From time to time, he will walk in the door and say, 

"I found you something today you might be able to use in your crafting projects"!

 I love it when he brings little trinkets home that I can incorporate into my crafting. 

I made a few months back. I've posted the actual junk journal and a few pages from it. 

A Junk Journal I made recently

another view

the signatures

the back

Crafting, my favorite past time as far back as I can remember.  

I'm off to continue working on my current junk journal, "My Asthmatic Body". It's coming along nicely. I'm in the process of making the ephemera for it from different things I've collected and printed off with regard to Environmental Asthma, quality air control, food, and drinks that help boost an asthmatics immune system, Facts/Myths, and what my specific journey has been learning to live with Environmental Asthma. 

I wonder if my grandparents were still living today if they would enjoy making junk journals? 

Got junk, try making your own Junk Journal! 

Have a GREAT day!

Heart to Heart Soul Creations
H2hsc2020

#crafting, #scrapbooking, #memories, #gluebooks, #junkjournals, #art, #mixedmedia, #homeschoolart, #homeschoolactivities, #inspiration