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Hand Bound Journals with Flower Belly Band

Hand Bound Journals with Flower Belly Band
Hey folks, whatabout ye all?  I hear parts of England and Wales are getting some beautiful sunshine.  Any chance of you shoving some of it my Northern Ireland way then???  I swear it has rained constantly over my wee bit of Northern Ireland since June!!  Nimbus came in this morning looking 2 stone lighter and like a drowned rat!!  Now my cat is a long haired fuzz ball and isn't afraid of water or the rain really as it doesn't get in contact with her actual skin because she's so furry and her coat is extremely thick.......but this morning....Well, our poor wee baby was soaked through and her fur was drenched......BUT....the daft cow was sitting IN THE RAIN!!!!  She has a wee house that she can go in to when its pouring but oh no.....Nimbus wants to sit in the rain!  Lol.  Daft cat.  Then she came in and proceeded to try and dry herself off on Scrubby's leg!  He had to actually towel dry her she was so soaking.....she was dripping on the floor and that would never do, heehee.  

This is what she is meant to look like....isn't she pweetie!  I love her to bits but she is a bloomin' handful!  She's just turned 3 and I swear she is going through her terrible teenage years, lol, the little madam!

Here is my beautiful little brat, heehee.  She actually doesn't look quite as furry here but this was her last summer when there was actual sun in Northern Ireland for a week or 2 and she cast tonnes of her coat.  She didn't cast half as much this year......do you think she knew the weather was going to be rubbish this year?  OMG.....my cat is a weather guru!!!!

Anyway enough of me waffling about my fur-baby.  I did show these briefly on my giveaway video.  These are the books I made for the giveaway, so Karen and Brenda should be getting these in the post very soon.  I hand bound them myself of course.......all my books are hand made/bound by me unless I say otherwise.  Heyyyyy.....Even I'm allowed a lazy day once in a while, heehee.  So just know that if you see a journal, notebook, altered or decorated book etc on my blog, its going to be made completely from scratch by my fair wee mitts unless I am having a lazy day and just alter a bought book.  But I'll fess up and tell you if its a bought book....I promise, teehee. And for those who are new to my blog.....if you wanna know how to make your own handmade journals, check out my tutorial section on the right.  It should be under Bookbinding Tutorials,  Being able to make a book is certainly something I am very proud of and just love to create something that hopefully, will be treasure for years to come.

Anywhoodles, I wanted to make them completely functional and useable so I didn't want to over-embellish the front so, they could be written in comfortably.  I needed to create something that could be removed from the book.  So, in these creations, I was able to combine my passion for bookmaking with my obsession with flower making......I was in crafty heaven with these two, lol.
I made these beautiful flowers using lace.  You all know me and my obsessive flower making so these journals had to include one of my flowers.  I added some of my stickpins, with marabou feathers and some wee pearly bling sprays that I was kindly given as a freebie from Discount Crafts.  Link no longer in service
As you can see the flower can be removed from the book so you can write in it easily.  Then you can see the hand bound book is free from "fussy stuff" and can be written in easily without any obstructions on the front cover.
I made an elasticated belly band and glued the flower onto a square of felt.  I then sewed another piece of felt around the belly band and on to the flowers felt.  I dyed the elastic belly band with Vintage Rose Tattered Angels Glimmer Spray.  Belly bands are a great idea for books, because if you are like me I stick bits of paper, photos, wee notes etc in my journals so they end up bulging with bits of paper etc., falling out of it!  So with the belly band, it keeps everything in and keeps your journal closed.
This is the 2nd book and the flower is similar to the above using 2 layered cream lace I bought from DiscountCrafts1 on Zibbet.  
I love this beautiful flower centre.  I bought a massive bag of old vintage jewellery and this was an old brooch.  Well I had to use it on this flower, it was perfect.
Oh Im now obsessed with seam binding.  I bought some recently and its gorgeous.  Thats what I used here as the flower tails along with laces and some wee pearl strings.


The journals are all hand sewn and bound by me and I inked the page edges with Vintage Photo to give them that vintagy feel.  I hope Karen and Brenda enjoy using them.  I loved creating them.

Thats it from me for today folks.  I hope you are all fine and dandy and "keepin 'er handy" as we say around my part of the woods, lol.

Toodles Noodles.....Loops xx

If you want, you can buy me a coffee which helps me maintain this blog so I can make bigger and better content, simply click the link below.  No pressure at all, its just if you want to.  Cheers big ears!
https://ko-fi.com/craftyloops

Comments

  1. I don't know which to run off with first - your flowers, your cat or your book! I've tried to make a lace flower before but made a hash of it going to have another go now after seeing your stunning creations! I'd send you sunshine only we're a wee bit short of it down here too. The kids are like your cat, it's raining so much they've decided to just go stand in it! Ger x.

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  2. Hello Lee,

    I would have hoped the sunshine had reached you by now, dare I say we have had it for a few days now and boy was it welcome.

    I always said the good weather would save itself for the Olympics, all it has to do now is hang around for about three weeks.

    I'm so looking forward to Olympics, apart from my fanatical interest in football (especially Liverpool of course), I will idle the day away watching just about any sport.

    If you need convincing, I sat glued all weekend to see Bradders win the Tour de France, or that exciting what. You see I really am a saddo at times.

    Two of our boys are involved in the Olympics, the eldest visit Chief Superintendent has been closely involved in the talks procession right into the actual games themselves. Then another of the boys volunteered as a helper, added interview they saw he had been the UK tae kwon do champion when it was at uni and offered the opportunity to be an escort to the teams. So another happy camper.

    Now what did I come here for, ah yes, because you put a new post up and I can see poor nimbus, self totally drenched, but isn't she adorable.

    And of course I meant to be looking at your gorgeous flower embellishment, totally divine,

    Okay, that's another chapter in the book finished, did tell you this speech recognition system plays right into my hands and let me talk for England.

    If I get the chance or push the sunshine your way. Have a good day.

    B X

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  3. oh wow..wow..wow!!! your lace flower is sooo pretty..my god..i fall in love with your flowers every time i see them...such a treat to my eyes:)...i did try my hands on some lace flowers in my recent mini...no where close to what you make... you are a genius...

    jaya
    mycraftworld23.blogspot.in

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  4. Gorgeous love the flower the design and colours are beautiful. Raining here in Morecambe too. Caroline xxx

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  5. Aww that Kitty is adorable! And the flower is stunning sweetie such a pretty creation hugs Rebekah xx

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  6. Well done this looks simply gorgeous and you could use it to decorate anything - lovely. xxx

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  7. These are just gorgeous. So love the flowers that you make.
    mags
    x

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  8. wow! This is so pretty, I really love the design and your cat is just adorable!!

    Hugs Sue

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  9. one of them is going to be mine!!! Both are gorgeous Lee! Your cat is uber cute and beautiful - lovely colour! They do the most daft things at times though! I've never thought of making a band to keep those bits and pieces in one book - so i've learnt a new trick from you again Karen x

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  10. This is beautiful Lee! Love the gorgeous flower and how you've made it removable! Very clever idea!
    Love your fur baby! She is adorable and a beautiful colour. Sorry to tell you we have that big yellow thing in the sky again today! Hope it comes your way soon x
    Wendy x

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  11. And if this isn't going to make writing and/or reading so much more fun I don't know what does! Truly gorgeous, you've certainly combined some of the finest ribbons and embellies here Lee! Hugs, Ira
    irascreacorner.blogspot.com

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  12. Stunning creations and great pic of your puddy. We've got pants weather here in Inverness too! xx

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  13. hi Lee, oh fabulous yellow stuff and that sea that sits in the sky too, had to bare the legs today and wear a dress - gosh what is the weather coming too, not that I am complaining at all

    love your feathers with your lace flower and such a pretty centre piece too stunning as always hun
    hugs Kate xx

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  14. Hi Lee, wow what a stunning creation - as they all are, your lace flower is breathtaking, as are the blingy things :) Love it! Hugs, Teresa x

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  15. Absolutely GORGEOUS Lee, I do love your flowers, stunning as always.
    Wendy xx

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  16. Absolutely stunning!!! GORGEOUS colors and embellishments--so fabulous! :)

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  17. Oh how fabulous.I love both of your gorgeous creations.
    Hugs Sue x

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  18. Hi Lee, sorry to hear you have not got this lovely weather yet it will be making its way up your way soon, I am in the south west and its gorgeous weather got to make the most of it, Beautiful hand made book love the lace flower and love how you made it to be removable , Fabulous...

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  19. Your kitty is so adorable, Lee!! She looks too sweet to be a brat :) And wow, your journals are amazing and gorgeous!! The flower belly bands are stunning!! The recipients will LOVE them :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  20. A stunning make Lee, love the beautiful flower. Aww! your cat is so gorgeous.

    Donna x

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  21. These are so beautiful! The girls are so lucky to each receive one. Your cat looks so sweet! Hope your weather improves soon.

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  22. Hello again Lee,

    You see what I mean, proves my point exactly. I spent so long yattering yesterday I totally forgot to say thank you for sharing your 'Crafty Passion' with us at Stampalot challenge this month.

    I heard this little rumour that the sun showed his face in Northern Ireland yesterday afternoon, so hope it stays with you.

    B X

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  23. Hi Lee

    OOoh stunning creations (no surprise there then...) LOVE the fluffiness!! And your little cat too.... gorgeous!

    Hugs
    Christine x

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  24. Your work is so beautiful lee....I did try your book technique, but think I need to practice a little more...but hey ho!!...it all makes for more crafty fun...have a super day.

    hugs
    Elly P
    x x

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  25. hi...Fabulous and stunning creation... love the flower... pretty cool and arresting nature...love it...:)

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  26. Hi, Lee... It's perfect... I've loved it. Congrats!!

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  27. I want that CAT!!! scrummy! Love the band it absolutely Stunning. Guess who is going to michaels today!
    Hugs Jean xx

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  28. I want that CAT!!! scrummy! Love the band it absolutely Stunning. Guess who is going to michaels today!
    Hugs Jean xx

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  29. Lee love your puddy tat so cute. Your flower is gorgeous love what you have done to the folder/book. Alison xxxx

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  30. Your cat sounds like my dog Lee who also stands out in the rain thinking I will feel sorry for him (which I do lol), proceeds into the house, blowing his nose at me in disgust and getting wet every where! Madness! Hope you got some nice weather, we did up round the Craigavon area today:) I love your gorgeous bookmark, so fluffy and pretty. Thanks for joining us at Stampalot with your crafty passion.
    Pinky

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  31. Very Beautiful , thanks for joining us at Sir Stampalot this month and good luck!

    Hugs
    Francesca

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  32. Two beats..the cat and the book!
    Kerry x

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  33. Oh my gosh Lee, this has arrived and it is AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, TERRIFIC, OUTSTANDING, AWESOME, BREATHTAKING and so many more adjectives I could think of and I just LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it and everything else that came in my package. I feel so lucky to have been a winner in your blog candy and you have been so generous.
    Thank you so much for all the bits and for wrapping and making the parcel so special as well.
    Lots of hugs from me to you.
    {brenda} xox

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  34. Hi lee have you ever thought of hosting a tag swap or any kinda swap you have so much good energy you would make a great hostess hugs Joanx

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  35. Gorgeous, Gorgeous, Gorgeous... Wee furr ball.. wet or dry... I know sometimes my cat sits in the rain the wee twit!!!! Well your books are fab love the flower I am rubbish at making something so delicate as that.. These would be great gifts for friends...note to self.. must learn how to make a delicate flower!! Have a great Sunday... Hugs May x x x

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  36. Wow i make some really beautyfull things! The pic of the adorable car reminds me so much of our old cat Bertram!

    If u like feel free to have a look at my international giveaway

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  37. Absolutely gorgeous flower Lee!!
    Thank you for joining us at Papertake Weekly :)

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  38. Gorgeous creation, I love it. thanks for joining Sir Stampalot’s challenge, good luck.
    Happy crafting
    Tracy x

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  39. Hi Lee, Your creations are wonderful! I love the feathers. How do you keep them from Nimbus? She is so adorable. Just the prettiest fur baby. She is just as pretty as my Lucy. LOL

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  40. Absolutely stunning as always Lee, (I still have the bits to have a go at book binding on my desk lol, I will get there eventually). We only really had about 2 days of sun here since then it's been thunderstorms. gorgeous piccies of Nimbus too, my rabbit loves sitting out in the rain lol my cat wouldn't even consider it though lol
    Lindsay xx

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  41. Wow, gorgeous flower and fantastic books, I'm sure they will be much appreciated Lee! Poor nimbus. Lucky was just the same this morning. They must just be so desperate to be outside they put up with the rain. We seem to have gone straight from spring to autumn and missed the sunshine. Oh wait, there was a couple of minutes last month... Or was it the month before :-) maddy xxx

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  42. wow this is so gorgeous and i love your cat so sweet and fluffy x

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  43. Fabulous book and flower, well done :) Viv xx

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  44. Absolutely gorgeous Lee love everything about them....Awwww your fur baby is adorable....
    Mandy x

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  45. Hi Nimbus! Oops! I mean Lee,
    Love your post with all the lovely items, your furbee, the book, the gorgeous flower creation.
    I've got you in for two entries for the candy and thanks for entering in the fun.
    BTW... the sun is shining and it's HOT here in Liverpool!
    Lv JoZarty x

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  46. Hi hun, wow gorgeous, love all the detail, it must take ages but well worth it,

    you should be getting nice weather soon hopefully, we've had loads of rain too totally fed up with it actually, it's going to be a long winter!!!!!!!!!, hugs Liz xx

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  47. Oh dear we have sun too Lee, it was gorgeously hot yesterday and looks like being the same today, believe me we need it I'm looking persil white here!
    Your journals look fantastic, such a beautifully made flower and your cat is adorable.
    Hope your weather picks up for you. hugs Teresa xx

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  48. Hi Lee. I sure do miss you, and wish I knew what was keeping you away. I'm truly sorry for whatever it is that's kept you away for so long, but please know I'm thinking of you often and wishing you the very best.

    Karen

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  49. Hi Lee, just thought I would leave you a quick comment to say I have been stopping by looking for new posts. I hope that you are well, do you have piccies from your cousins bday and was she pleased?
    Lindsay xx

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  50. These are beautiful Lee, I'm sure they were well,chuffed to receive them! Love that big fluffy flower. Maddy x

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  51. These are just lovely! The lace really works so well in the flower effect.

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Helloooooo! Anybody out there??!! Hey....there you are! Thanks for leaving a comment and stopping by my Blog. Lee x