Write On!

I pride myself on being an excellent pen-pal; not only do I write back in a timely fashion (usually), but I always try to send tarjetas bonitas y únicas.  I love writing and receiving letters!  And lucky for me, my grandparents aren´t the only ones who still appreciate snail mail.  I´ve been making my own cards for years—it´s just more fun than buying them (though I do enjoy that as well!)—and I´ve finally gotten it together to have made some and not used them immediately myself.  My fourth addiction is paper stores (for numbers 1-3 read my El árbol de la vida post)!  Adoro all kinds of paper, especially those with gorgeous designs, and always collage them into my card-making. 

While Spain is not exactly paper goods heaven, I am trying to do my part with these Charles Rennie Mackintosh-inspired cards.  The turquoise cards are decorated on both sides with the iconic Mackintosh roses from the Arts and Crafts Movement, and come with matching brown envelopes.  I have also incorporated hand-drawn motifs in silver permanent marker.  Cards and envelopes come as a set of five and will make the recipient of your letters even more delighted to check the buzón! 

Available for sale on my Etsy page. 

Each card is unique in design

One of the set of five cards

Close up

My favorite envelope

El árbol de la vida

Although I maintain that felt can be worn year-round, I wanted to expand my sewing into something a little more appropriate for the hot weather—so I started embroidering on light cotton fabrics!  But what to do with said designs?

A few year summers ago, I decided to decorate my plain brown cardboard Moleskine® notebook (I may have a minor addiction to notebooks… and to decorating practically everything I own) with a pink and green paisley fabric.  It was a hit, so I decided to combine my two loves again.

A bright orange Tree of Life is sewn onto a floral brown fabric.  This limited edition fabric comes from the Victoria and Albert museum (London) gift shop (another addiction of mine: museum gift shops).  They had a beautiful exhibit of quilts going back to the 19^th century and I was delighted that they were selling textiles inspired by the show!

The fabric is sewn directly onto the cardboard notebook.  I love Moleskine® notebooks for their sturdiness, light-weight and pocket folder.  The notebook used here is 13 x 21 cm and unlined (for both writing and drawing of course).  I am also currently working with initials embroidered and sewn onto the pocket size notebooks… so check back soon for fotos!

Available for purchase through my Etsy page.

Front view

Close up.  You can see the fabric is sewn right onto the notebook cover!

Closer up... this was a particularly labor intensive project

Back cover