molly irwin

Questions :: Answered

It's New Year's Eve and we're having a great family trip, hanging out together, playing in the snow, playing Wii, and readying for some fun with friends for dinner and cocktails tonight. 

As I go into 2008, I'm feeling hopeful and optimistic about moving closer to my goals.  There's kind of a spike going on in my motivation right now, that comes from the doing, the making, and I'm looking forward to getting back home to keep it going.

Having this blog has been a source of inspiration, motivation and a good creative outlet for me and I really appreciate the sharing that happens here.  For every kind remark and question I am thankful.   So, as far as questions ... yes, questions are welcome.  But, please know, I'm just somebody, like you, who learns as I go, through trial and error and experimentation.  I had a few questions about the mini-books I made as Christmas gifts, and since a few people showed interest, I'll address those answers here, rather than with individual emails. 

With regard to:

photo enlargements

For the 3 recent little books, yes, I did print my own photo enlargements using a matte photo paper, standard 8.5 x 11 size and then cut to size.  The matte stands up to fingerprints, doesn't have that high-shine and, a bonus ... it's less expensive than premium.  I prefer it.  I have an HP 7700 printer - it's okay, but my older Canon (don't have the #'s right now) printer does even better pics.  At other times, I order photo enlargements, from scrapbookpictures.com, but these were quick turnaround projects.

canvas sheets

I tried to find a link on the Office Depot site to no avail.  The same item/different brand is here.  But these sheets are readily-available off the shelf in the paper section at my local office supply chain. I love using these to add texture and interest.  I really like the specialty canvas words and phrases you can purchase, but I'm picky about what they say and the fonts (and, I'm cheap).  With these sheets I can design whatever I want and spread that cost out over many, many projects.  I use InDesign to design these elements and then just cut them to size. 

adhesives

I used 3M super 77 multipurpose spray adhesive, with newspaper spread all over the floor area of my kitchen.  It holds the paper strongly to the chipboard and the photos really well to the cardstock.  It doesn't dry too fast, so my items are temporarily repositionable (you can peel it back to better align things.)  The drawbacks are obvious, it's tacky (i washed my hands throughout the assembly) and messy around the workspace. 

Recently I saw an episode of Martha Stewart that featured a positionable mounting adhesive, by 3M that comes in rolls, evidently holds strong, but without the aerosol mess.   It's expensive, but I'm pretty sure I could use it all the time.  I want to give that a try.  Would love to hear about alternatives that are used for photo, chipboard, paper, etc.  Have never used a Xyron machine and that might be a good next step for me.  Any suggestions out there? 

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Here's hoping that your evening is and your new year begins brightly, happily and warmly.  Cheers!

off into 2008

Our holiday season began on the 23rd with an amazing, spontaneous dinner at the very festive Old Ebbitt Grill, the next day with cookie baking, and a trip to watch the ice skaters on Christmas eve day.

Gifting was just right this year, we worried at first that there was too little to fill those big expectations (we had scaled back) but we did get the main "what I want" items, and the kids played happily all day, barely wanting to go for a Christmas Day bike ride, but finally were convinced.  It's been wonderful, happy and small and just us.

Now, we're off to see the families with our celebration continuing on into new year.  Cannot wait to see them all.  And, as for me, I'm pretty excited about a whole bunch of new adventures in 2008.  You? 

Happy New Year!  Be well.

handmade for Christmas :: part III

Here is the third and final little Christmas gift book; this one for my eight-year-old daughter. I started this in the fall and was glad for the motivation of a Christmas deadline to move it to completion.

Helen's favorite color is yellow, so if the cover doesn't relate to the inside, no matter ... it's what she likes.  I did repeat black accents, ribbon and polka dots throughout to tie it together.

This is the final season for baseball at RFK stadium.  Next year The Nationals move to their new venue -- so (although we were there to see the Indians) this ticket (above) is a real keepsake.  I lined the back with polka dots to jot some more notes. 

Whew!  That's the last.

One of the things I inadvertently discovered while doing these two books simultaneously is apparently there are times when I photograph more of one girl, while at other times I focused on the other.  While the books have a couple of shared images, for the most part each has its unique photo set -- and the girls were together most of the summer.

It is not easy for me, I realized, to closely observe all three of the kids in the same experience.  Not surprising, since I tend to get pretty focused on one thing at a time.  I think I just get a stronger sense of one of the kids on a particular day and they become the centerpiece at the time.  That isn't a conscious decision, but in retrospect I see that's the way I operate.

I did the same type of canvas words in this project.  A couple of enlargements here:

Also, a close-up of one of my favorite bits, this letterpress card from Green Chair Press, used to frame this cute photo, taken by her 6 year old sister.

By pushing to complete these books in a short time frame the learning curve was condensed and it's hard to enumerate all of the practical, mechanical lessons I gleaned ... but there are many.  I'm so glad I took this on, even in this busy season. 

There are things that I would do differently, for example, I cannot wait to try a new adhesive.  But the main thing now is this: on Christmas morning the kids loved them; really got right into them -- each and every one.

materials list:

• patterned paper - cover: American Crafts, polka dots: American Crafts, Scenic Route, circles: Scenic Route, lined: 7 Gypsies, letterpress card: Green Chair Press
• 6x6 chipboard book: 7 gypsies
• ribbon: wrights
• chipboard cover element: Bazzill luggage tag
• charm & jump rings: 7 gypsies
• transparency film: office depot
• word circles: punched from canvas sheets, Office Depot
• eyelets: can't quite remember :)
• fonts: Georgia & Avenir
• ephemera

handmade for Christmas :: part II

Merry Christmas Eve!

Boy, I really got these gifts finished up just in time. This one: for my little Joan; favorites from the summer before she turned six.

This book, measuring about 6x9, was made using a standard-sized clip board (purchased at the $1 store), cut in half and drilled for binder rings.  Here's the raw form before cutting, (if you don't have access to all the cool power tools a box knife with multiple cuts would likely work)

and the finished book:

 

 

The canvas circles and "made by" label were printed on inkjet canvas clothes, from Office Depot and punched or cut to size.   I fashioned the fabric covered brads using a summer top my daughter has outgrown stretched over unfinished buttons.

 

The button/brads are pretty, but very lumpy and next time I'll reserve those for a cover embellishment rather than inside a book.  They may have to be replaced eventually. 

I have to say I love this metal clip exposed, revealing it's utilitarian nature.  The possibilities for a clipboard book are endless:  in reverse, with the clip on the front cover, or orient the book horizontally (as a flip book) and use as a calendar, or as a travel journal the clip could temporarily contain bits of receipts, business cards and other ephemera you want to include in your journal.  Not only is it versatile, but it's significantly less expensive than standard unfinished books from major scrapbook suppliers.  I'll be playing with this concept for a while. 

materials:

• clipboard: $1 store
• patterned paper: florals: My Mind's Eye, circles: Scenic Route, craft card stock: Bazzill
• ribbon: Target
• chipboard rectangle: Maya Road
• '5' charm: Papier Valise
• craft twine: Ikea
• paint: Making memories, espresso
• binder rings: Office Depot
• White card stock: Bazzill basics
• corner rounder: EK success
• Buttons alphabet stamps: Alphabet Pixie
• canvas cloths: office depot
• uncovered buttons:  Maxant (size 20)

Handmade for Christmas :: Part III, coming up next!

handmade for Christmas :: part 1

"Something you want, something you need, something handmade, and something to read."

A light bulb came on when I read that approach (thank you Kirsten) and adopting that strategy has really simplified gifting for me this year.  I've had ideas about organizing our summer pictures for some time, so with the goal of making handmade gifts it was time to get those projects done.

For my little guy: a board book just the right size for two year-old hands. 

This is not my original concept ... it's Ali's.  Her famous "today you" phrase is so versatile; great for any day, but so just-right for a birthday focused project.  In February I had the pleasure of holding one of Ali's tiny board books in my hands, and as I did, I literally held back a lump in my throat.  At the time, I knew nothing of her life with her son, but I could feel the love in the words and images from that wee book.  In that moment I knew that I wanted to make one ... so, it's about time.

I'll make these again and again for Marty.  They are so touchable and fairly durable.  There's just something about the tactile sensation of manipulating the chipboard; kind of addicting.  This one features some highlights of his special birthday surprises.

I think he's really going to love this. 

materials list:

• mini board book - 2 for $1 at dollar store
• polka dot paper: American Crafts (the goods)
• Matte finish photo paper
• gaffer tape: 7 gypsies
• fonts: 1942 report & dear Joe

Handmade for Christmas - Parts II and III ... coming really soon.

saturday crafting

Today I didn't get out of my jammies until 5pm, when we decided to go to Chevy's for Mexican food - and I didn't think people would really appreciate my jammies the same way I do, so I was forced to change.

One down and 2 to go on my little holiday gift books.  So much fun to make and hold these little finished books in the hand.  Also made these ornaments with the kids.  So easy and fun and now we have 12 pretty gingerbread boy-shaped ornaments (strung with red ric rac) contributing a lovely cinnamon scent to our pine.  The kids keep going over to the tree for a strong sniff.

We intended to settle in for a holiday movie tonight but found The Notebook instead and couldn't turn away.

More making on the horizon tomorrow.  Pictures when I can, of course.   

Holidays :: plan B

A tree full of colorful lights like I had as a child ... hand made softies (a bear for Joan, a soft car like this for Marty) and a lovely little keepsake book documenting our story this month.   Ahhhh ... that was the plan in November.

Well, things rarely go as planned and the holidays are no exception.  You've got to roll with it; find alternatives.  What's the plan 'B'?

Yesterday I replaced colored lights with strands of white.  I just couldn't get passed that pink hue to get motivated to deck the tree.  We lost quite a few needles in the process, but it was well worth it to have the pretty red and white glow of glass, pine cones, butterflies and candy canes.  The girls and I are making some gingerbread ornaments this weekend to finish it all off.

My old sewing machine just isn't ready for use.  Frankly, I have to admit ... it scares me a little. It's been a while.  I think it may be time for a new machine, which I want now more than ever.  (Dear Santa)  So, my handmade gifts this year are small memory books for each child, highlights from our summer customized for each girl and a mini board book for M. I've been working on them anyway and now I'll just wrap them for under the tree.  I must say I'm really happy with how unique each one is turning out; how personally fit for each of my children.  I'll share them with you here, soon.

As for the "December daily" notion (I thought I would play along with Ali) but with my camera woes, (now my backup digital is going awry, too) I've decided to shoot film and start "documenting" next Wednesday with the kids Christmas pageant, journaling right on through our New Year's eve celebration with family.  That will cover our annual road trip and will be a really good reflection of OUR typical holiday experience.

Today I begin holiday baking!  We have sun streaming in the kitchen window for the first time all week.  The soft light + the sounds of this should make for a most enjoyable time making mini pecan tarts.

It's mixer time! Let's see if that works.

Happy weekend!

tradition: getting the tree

Annual holiday tradition: picking out our tree at the CYO lot.

December 2006:  just toddling around in soft-soled shoes.  falling down a lot.  picking up sticks.  always smiling.  Last year Helen and I went to a mother daughter cookie exchange instead of getting the tree.

December 2007:  more sure on the feet.  running faster. still falling down, but not so much.  still with the sticks and the smiles.  We opted out of the cookie exchange this year; we won't be missing our family tree selection again.

snow and kid stuff

A light dusting of snow came down over the city today ... all day and into the evening.  Slowly the season is taking hold on me as I'm setting out familiar decorative touches: a large wooden santa with his suede backpack and chickadee walking stick, an angel cloaked in red with her apple-seed-patterned skirt, an earthenware bowl overflowing with cinnamon scented pine cones, and of course our new Advent tree.

The snow was calling to us and we played outside after dinner until Marty's cheeks and hands were too cold and we found him by the side door trying the handle.

I am so happy that Paul works from home this year.  With a flexible schedule he's been able to pick the kids up from school or be here when they come home.  This means working into the night sometimes, but that suits us well, as I find things of my own that call for my attention in the evenings. I always feel that he's better off somehow; safer in this arrangement, close within the fold of our family.  Earlier tonight I was thinking that without him I might have been like the spinster version of Mary in It's a wonderful Life (minus George Bailey), never settling on that right person [as in] "... she's just closing up the library!" 

Christmas shopping is not even started.  Strangely, however, I'm not stressed out about it at all.  I just haven't figured out the right thing to do for the kids this year.  But I have found these fun things online while scanning around:

If I were a 4" bendy peg person I would want to live here. Or if I were a 3' tall person I would want to play here.  It's by a company called Momoll, that makes these very cool flat pak flexible playthings. 

The orange panels remind me of the prefab Loblolly house that I visited last summer.   It too had warm orange Plexiglas panels, though I'm not sure that was evident from my photos.  Kids get all the good stuff.   Even their clothes are cuter than ours.  Except for maybe these lovely grown-up mary janes.

If I had someplace to go for the Christmas holiday besides a northbound interstate drive with a destination requiring rugged boots, these would make my feet (and the rest of me) quite comfortably happy.

Also, I've landed on Julia Rothman's latest project, called book by it's cover, showcasing some really cool, unique books, particularly the variety of children's books that she covers.  Good stuff.  You should also check out her animated promotional piece for Etsy.

Today there is a camera en-route to me from New Jersey.  Not the one that broke on Thanksgiving, but another earlier repair coming back.   We're just rotating them back and forth, it seems.  I'll be so glad to have it back in hand, especially for our picking out the Christmas tree this coming weekend.

I've decided to start a special album to document the growth of our new family business and I designed a pocket page last night in which to keep some things.  Not sure I love it, but I was going for a clean, brochure looking piece and in that sense it works.

I'm hopeful for a school closing tomorrow and need to go check the news now.  Maybe I am just a big kid.

make way for Christmas

   

Deadline met.

I'm somewhat reluctantly posting this image (taken with my phone) but I wanted to share the finished advent tag/tree project and what with my digital camera on holiday and all, this is the only instant method I could come up with.

How do the tags become an Advent calendar, you ask?

Each evening we'll take down a tag and replace it with a red glass ornament.  Then we read a bible passage that for tells the Nativity story.  Today: Micah 5:2-5a, which ends with "... He himself will be peace."  There will probably be a chocolate kiss, a peppermint, or hot chocolate some evenings with our little before-bed routine, too.

The tags are made with bits and pieces of things: a torn envelope from the mail that had a cute reindeer stamp, a couple of circles punched out of a starbucks cup, a Christmas tree cut by hand, a few fuzzy words, ribbon, some ric rac, a few chipboard shapes ... a real hodge podge.  They are thin wood, cut from scrap that we had around, but chipboard would work even better. Tipping the edges in red paint gave it a nice crisp outline.

edited to add yet another poorly scanned close-up:

Red circle number tags by Every Jot and Tittle.

We took a walk to the park today and collected the dry branches from the ground.  Add a little duct tape and some rocks and there you have it ... a potted tree. 

And so it begins.  While we still have Indian corn on the front door, the holidays are shifting inside the house today and I'm excited to document this month with my trusty older (but not old) Nikon N65.