Hello

Last week I shared a wee booklet featuring the recently released Lynne's Wildflowers. Another week, another booklet, this time featuring Wildflowers Set 2 and to take it a step further, a simple pouch made from teabag paper.

Teabag paper is one of the inclusions in the new Journal Kit. If you are new to this paper, it will fill you with excitement and if you are not new to it, you continue to make new discoveries with it.

Supplies

That's Crafty! Surfaces A5 Journal Kit (watercolour paper, calico, rice paper, teabag paper)
That's Crafty! Clear Stamp Set Lynne's Wildflowers Set 2
That's Crafty! Flat Matte Sprays Basil, 
That's Crafty! Flat Matte Sprays Bluebell,
That's Crafty! Flat Matte Sprays Rose
Memento Ink Tuxedo Black
Brush: for watercolours (That's Crafty! stock a variety of brushes HERE)
Mister/Spray Bottle (spray bottles HERE)
Walnut Ink Crystals
Bone Folder
Sewing Machine
Black Thread
Old Book Pages
Eco dyed re-cycled silk sari ribbon
Plastic Tubs/Containers (Small)

Instructions

Prepare Watercolour Paper

Prepare walnut ink crystals, dissolving in hot water, allowing to cool (I store in glass jar with screw top lid). Into two separate plastic pots, pour some of the Basil and then some Bluebell into second pot. To each, add the dissolved walnut ink. Mix. Depending on strength of colour, decide if to add more of the walnut ink.

Video shows how I prepared the watercolor paper. I don't wait for first side to dry, I commence in staining the rear, allowing to dry propped up.




There are no hard and fast rules. The beauty of this style, working with what you have to hand.
I simply made a booklet by creating two folds in the watercolour paper, working with the paper landscape.

For the inside of the front, a scrappy booklet was made from eco dyed teabag paper (teabag paper is in the Journal Kit). Machine stitched to the front of this booklet, a Wildflower stamped onto eco dyed rice paper (rice paper is in the Journal Kit), with words also from the Wildflowers set. This booklet was then machine stitched into the watercolour booklet.

In the video, you will see, tucked behind the teabag paper booklet, another booklet, formed from eco dyed rice paper.
To either side of this booklet, Wildflowers stamped onto other pieces of eco dyed Rice Paper, with a scrap of corrugated cardboard (also from the Journal Kit). More stamped Wildflowers words and a scrap of stained calico (also from the Journal Kit) are other additions to this side of the booklet.
Flip the watercolour paper over.  In the middle panel, create another booklet, this time with the eco dyed papers machine stitched along the upper edge. The stamped word "calming", stamped onto scrap of more eco dyed rice paper.

Making such a booklet is very laid back, dipping into your supply of papers, stamping onto scrappy pieces. Eco dying the rice paper, in particular, can create lovely texture as it dries, perfect for stamping nature themed stamps, it enhances the organic feel.

To create a binding, machine stitch the end of a piece of eco dyed re-cycled silk sari ribbon, beneath the stamped panel on the front fold of the booklet, ensuring the length is long enough to wrap, bind the booklet.

Mixing Basil, Bluebell sprays together creates another beautiful colour.



Why make a pouch? There's really no need but I like working with teabag paper and it's just nice to sometimes go one step further when working on a project.

To stain the teabag paper I used Flat Matte Sprays: Basil and Rose with walnut ink crystals. You will see that I decant some of the sprays into plastic tubs, this allows me to add the walnut ink and it allows the sprays to go further. If I wanted a sprayed effect, obviously I would simply spray directly onto the teabag paper.  It's all about choices.


Once the paper has been stained and thoroughly dry, tear a piece which will be large enough to form a pouch. Fold from bottom edge, machine stitching up the left and right sides. Fold over top flap and to this, machine stitch scraps of eco dyed Rice Paper, stamping the Wildflowers sentiment onto another piece of rice paper, again machine stitching.

Pop the booklet into the pouch. A pencil, charcoal stick or pen can also be tucked inside, ready to take with you out in the garden or on a walk. Fill the booklet with nature sketches or your thoughts.

There are 7 colours of  Flat Matte Sprays, use them as sprays, on their own or mix them, combine with walnut ink crystals - have fun with those sprays. Sadly, they were much overlooked during their launch on the HOCHANDA shows, it is time for the sprays to have their moment!

Wishes
Lynne