I've Been Away

Be sure and visit Gina at The Shabby Chic Cottage to see "buckets" of transformations.

Transformation Thursday and a thank you...

Our household suffered another shock two weeks ago when our older doggie, Sophie died.  She was preceded in death just six weeks earlier by her best friend Elle - our other little doggie.  We placed Elle's ashes in Sophie's little casket and they were buried together in our herb garden.   Sophie was my husband's special little girl and, since he lost his son the day after Thanksgiving, it has been very hard on him. With just the two kitties in the house it is very quiet. 

Please know that even though I wasn't posting, all of your wonderful blogs were still on my reading list every day and managed to bring some sunshine and fun into my life during this difficult time and I thank you.

Read Sophie's story

During this time I decided it was time to do some major work on my daily schedule starting with getting back to doing my morning pages and prayer time first thing in the morning.  My morning pages journal is just an ordinary spiral notebook although the cover is made of nice vinyl.  Was it pretty?  Ummmm, not so much.

A few months ago I found my wallpaper sample books in the back of my hubby's office closet.  Oh boy - talk about beautiful paper!  I wouldn't put 90% on my walls (lots of shiny metallic), but it's perfect for journal covers. So a few weeks ago I started on transforming my journal.

The front was done with solid paper first, then the corners,  the flowers (cut from a piece of wallpaper), and finally the trim was added.  I used a brush to apply Mod Podge.  (I love Mod Podge)

 Next I did the back the same way.

The last step was to cover the inside of the front and back covers and add the paper over the spine.  A pretty silk ribbon became a page marker.

Isn't that much prettier??  I don't hide it my basket anymore, but instead keep it handy on the buffet in the dining room where I do my morning pages and my prayers.

Some other journals to inspire:

Kelly Kilmer - Artist and Instructor

Teesha's Circus Journal in Pictures - too cool!

Daisy Yellow has mega info on art and journaling