Paper crafting...random designing.

A simple pleasure of mine is cutting paper, sometimes with a pattern and other times with no pattern. I could do this kind of thing all day and enjoy every minute! There is a small bit of hand painting in the leaf design on the second bag. The options of what can be done are endless!
The train was made for a baby shower at my church. First it is drawn on a piece of paper then transferred to a large piece of cardboard that came from an IKEA package. (It is the nicest cardboard for crafts because it is very lightweight and easy to cut). I covered the shapes with Elmer's glue, mixed with a little water, and tissue paper. This gives a good surface to paint on and seals the edges. I used tempera paint, which goes on quickly, and dries easily. After the paint dried, each piece was sprayed with a clear finish, backing added, and small tag board tag added so it would stand. The stars on the wheels are cut out from a piece of scrapbook paper.

When good friends gather.....

As the temperature rose in the Willamette Valley this last weekend, the Oregon Coast cooled down and provided an escape. The weather at the beach was inverted and the coastline became fogged in. It was so fogged in at times that we felt like we were walking through something unearthly. There were children playing on the beach, in spite of the fog, and people built fires to warm themselves. Everyone knew what the valley held, and appreciated the coolness.

We (seven friends from church) busied ourselves at making altered books to use as journals. There was a scurry of cutting and gluing, until each person had their own idea of what their journal should look like. The books didn't quite get finished, but can be easily finished at home.
One of the ladies brought hand quilting and this is the result of her time. It will be made into a mug rug. It was interesting to watch as she pieced and sewed!
Food was fast and plenty!! These pizzas were delicious and served us as one dinner meal. When seven good friends gather, there is an air of celebration and fun!! We have gathered together for years by taking a few days away from the busyness of home, with the gift of time, to value the friendship we share.
Now...back to home and getting some things done around the garden!