Birdy notebook

This beautiful notebook I found on hensteethart blog inspired me to try one of my own.

I didn't use fabric for the inside cover, which was a mistake because the paper is a bit to soft and floppy. I love the idea of using random textures for the pages and I added in recycled envelopes, lace and handmade paper.

The paper was made by a friend of mine and I am going to give it back to her in the form of a notebook. I know she will appreciate it! I also used some paper from an old atlas in the cover.

Mine is not half as nice, but thanks Viv for the inspiration!

Leaf printing

My second attempt at printing, this time using leaves. The effects are fantastic but it is rather a messy process. The most difficult thing is getting the ink on the stem and leaving enough space to hold it when you place it on the fabric.

I don't have a very big garden so I've started looking for leaves where ever I go . This leaf is some type of lemon scented herb that I found in a friends' garden. It worked well but unfortunately I don't have more leaves to practise with. I 've planted a slip which is growing well but will be a while before I can pick the leaves.

This is a geranium leaf which also worked quite well. Apparently the softer and more furry the leaf the better. If it's shiny and smooth the dye doesn't penetrate well and you don't get such nice detail.