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This & That | August 20

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saskatoons and raspberries in buckets

Hello Dear Readers. What have you been up to during these late, end of summer days? Lately I have been…

Eating:

produce gathered fresh from the garden

All the produce that is fresh from my mom’s garden… carrots, zucchini, beans, peas, kale… so many delicious foods. And then we went berry picking and got saskatoons, nanking cherries, chokecherries and raspberries. We froze the saskatoons and raspberries to eat later as pies or other desserts, and then juiced the nanking and chokecherries to make syrup. Yum!

pressing flowers from the garden under books

Loving:

Everything is in bloom and I have been saving and pressing a bunch of flowers and leaves for use later in crafts. I’ve gathered pansies, violas, potentilla and hydrangeas so far. I used to have a flower press, but got rid of it, so I have been doing it the way I used to as a kid: blooms between tissues layered between pieces of boxboard with books stacked on top. I used to press them between the pages of the books, but I didn’t want the “juices” to ruin the pages.

Watching:

I have been very much enjoying Jane of Snapdragon Life’s recent video series on abandoned projects, such as this one about what half done projects are telling you, and this one about why we abandon projects and what to do about it. I always feel rather inspired to go and craft after I watch her videos.

handstitching beaded fabric onto a zip pouch

Making:

So in that vein, I have been working on a couple of zippered pouches which I have also been running into many problems with, but they are finally done.

The first one is this beaded one, above. I saved the beaded fabric off of a pouch, which had been made in the cheapest satin and was completely snagged and ruined. I had previously made a new pouch for it, but didn’t end up liking the fabric I had chosen for the back, so I had the grand idea to take it apart and remake it into a new one. It took forever, and I ended up having to do some creative stitching and beading to fill in some gaps, but I am satisfied with how it turned out.

embroidered and beaded zippered pouches

The second one is this embroidered bicycle, which I have been working on since last year. I started the embroidery in January of 2024, and pulled it out every time I had a ladies “crafternoon”. I finished it last August, set it aside and have finally sewed the pouch now. I had actually made an embroidered bicycle several years ago, but the dye from one of the orange embroidery threads bled and stained the canvas! So, this project was also a remake.  The embroidery on this one turned out a bit better, though, so it was worth the hassle in the end.

binder of sewing patterns in envelopes

Finding:

Speaking of sewing, I have found a clever way to store patterns; in a binder! I am beginning to think that all of my storage solutions will end up being just binders. Files, embellishments, patterns…what else?

binder of patterns in page protectors

I saw this idea in one of Frieda Lepold’s videos and it is such a good one for pdf printed patterns, self drafted patterns and oversized Vogue patterns. Some I put into envelopes, some into page protectors, and some I just punched the pages and filed them. It’s neat and tidy, as well as easy to store and find the patterns.

bookshelf with patterns in a binder

Reading:

The Chronicles of Narnia again since it’s been years since I read them. I have been interspersing with other books so I don’t get tired of them. Reading them as an adult, it’s much easier to pick out the analogies and themes such as temptation, obedience, the sovereignty of God etc. which is quite enjoyable.

I’ve also been reading some Mary Higgins Clark novels (I’ve Got You Under My Skin) as well as some Elisabeth Elliot (The Path of Loneliness and Let Me Be a Woman) to round it out.

On that note I recently created a Goodreads account! I figured since I write reviews for my favourite books here, I might as well share them there, as well as maybe finding some other good recommendations.

Listening to:

I haven’t been listening to anything at the moment, but I am still planning to listen to an audiobook for my reading challenge this year. I haven’t settled on which one, but am thinking of a Charles Dickens story. Do you have a favourite you’d recommend?

vintage book with mould on the pages

Working on…

One additional project: rescuing this mouldy book, or at least trying to. I was reading this vintage copy of Heidi a while ago, and turned the page only to discover that it was mouldy! Very mouldy! I thought that the mould looked dead, since it was powdery, but of course I stopped reading it right away and got a different copy to read. I remembered hearing something about rescuing mouldy books before, so I decided to try it.

I placed the book in a sealed bag in the freezer for 1 week, and when I took it out discovered that the mould perhaps hadn’t been all dead, because it had been slightly teal coloured before and was grey when I took it out. (It wasn’t damp at all though.) Then, outside and wearing a respirator (!!!), I brushed each page with a toothbrush to remove the powdery mould. The mould was only on a tiny section of the book- about 20 pages or so. Then, I spritzed each page with rubbing alcohol to saturate it and let it dry in the sun. The alcohol kills the mould.

fixing the mouldy book with alcohol and sunlight

You can see that the alcohol curled the pages a bit, but it doesn’t look too bad. I will wait and see in a few weeks what the inside of the book looks like, to determine whether it worked, or whether this book is still destined for the bin. There is a lot of controversy on whether you should do this. This method is used by archivists, so I feel OK with it, but each person can decide for themselves whether it’s worth it or not. At the end of the day, it’s just paper, but if I can save it, it’s worth a try as I do like vintage books.

I restyled my book/ display shelves too, mainly with my vintage books, teapots and pitchers. I put some of my big fashion books on the dresser underneath.

wall display shelf with teapots, vintage books and pitchers

Well, what have you been up to lately? How is it already nearing the end of August? Where did the summer go? I suppose it’s time to buckle down and really get through all of those “summer projects” I had on my list! 

tiny bouquets of flowers from the garden

How to Find (And Make) Nice, Affordable Stationery

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stationery supplies including handmade cards and letter writing paper and stamps

I have a weakness for beautiful stationery. Walking into the “paper” section of a shop is always a treat, but it can be expensive and with the cost of postage increasing all the time, what’s a pen pal to do? Well, lately I have been curbing my desire to buy all the pretty cards I see, instead channeling that creativity into making some stationery of my own. Here are some easy ways to source nice but affordable stationery, to add details and touches to elevate your existing stationery, and to make custom stationery that people will love to receive in the mail!

By the way, in case you ever have a problem getting your “stationary” and “stationery” mixed up, it is easy to remember when you think “e stands for envelopes”.

letter paper with butterflies on it by Peter Pauper Press

So, first decide whether you want cards or letter writing paper. In this post from a few years ago, I cover how to get started with letter writing. Notecards are a nice way to start because they have a limit to how much space you write in, which is a bit easier than letter writing paper, which can go on forever. Nice letter paper is by far the most difficult to find. This is the beautiful paper I have, above, received as a Christmas gift years ago, and it is by Peter Pauper Press. I save this for extra special occasions. I sometimes use one sheet as a pretty “cover” page, and then use plain paper behind it for the rest of the note, but mostly I just save it for things like special thank-you notes.

using letter writing paper out of notebooks

So, now for the more affordable paper for regular letters! I buy journals with nice smooth lined or unlined paper and cut it out of the journal. This is very affordable- these journals cost $1.75 each for 136 pages. All I have to do is cut off the margin and they are the right size to fit in a small envelope. I always get ruled pages because I have a hard time keeping my lines straight. I also choose paper with a smooth finish that isn’t too thin, because I always write messily on rough paper and ink bleeds through thin paper.

Now, if you do want to use note cards, the possibilities are endless! Box sets of cards are easy to find in stores, often for a great price/ piece. However, while I do buy the occasional boxed set, I like to find even more affordable options by looking for cards and paper in thrift shops.

vintage and thrifted sets of stationery and cards

Over the years I have found great deals on both vintage unused and modern sets of cards; usually there are only a couple of cards missing from the boxes, and the price/ piece is excellent. One year I even found a box set of 12 Christmas cards and matching envelopes by Indigo for $0.50, but because Christmas items were on sale for 1/2 price, I got the cards for only $0.25 (which worked out to less than $0.02 each!)

Thrift stores are also a great place to find envelopes of all sizes, and once you’ve got envelopes, it’s very easy to DIY your own cards. With some cardstock or pre-folded card blanks and some creativity, it’s so easy to make your own, and who doesn’t love receiving a handmade card?

using stickers to make simple cards and seal envelopes

If you want to DIY, but aren’t sure quite how to start, stickers are an easy and cute option. For this falltime card, I used some thank-you cards I got at the thrift store and simply covered up the text on the front. These stickers are a printable from the artist Abigail Halpin, and I stamped the letters. Stickers are also a fun way to seal your envelopes. As much as I love wax seals they aren’t always practical, and stickers add a nice touch, without being dimensional.

You can also use card blanks, or simply fold your own cardstock to make cards. Make sure to make the card about 1/4″ smaller than the envelope.

pink and green papercrafted cards

Here are your classic papercrafted cards, using rubber stamps and scrapbook supplies. These types of cards are a little more time consuming, and you do have to have a stash of supplies on hand, but the sky is the limit. When an occasion comes up, you can make a card perfectly suited to it, rather than needing a birthday card, but finding that you only have thank-you cards on hand… and have you seen the price of cards at the store lately?! I made a few papercrafted cards last week with decorative papers, and then made another, below, in a more collage style.

collage style greeting card

Another type of card I have been making are photo cards. I have a lot of printed photographs of flowers and nature scenes, but don’t really have anything to do with them, aside from sticking them in an album. I have been trimming them to size, stamping sentiments on them and sometimes drawing or sewing a border around the edge. If you decide to try this, you MUST let the ink dry for several hours, or overnight once you’ve stamped it onto the photo! Do not touch the card after you have stamped it, or the ink will smudge. This is the voice of experience… but once the ink is dry the cards look very nice.

photos stamped with greetings on cards

Another nice touch to customize boughten stationery, or handmade cards is an envelope liner, which not only elevates the experience, but also makes a cheaper see-through envelope opaque.

making an envelope liner

To make one, you simply cut your paper to the width of the envelope. This paper was from a 6×6 paper pack from the dollar store. Slide it into the envelope, leaving about 1/2″ at the bottom to account for the glued edge (along the red line). Trace the flap (along the dashed red line), then cut it out and slide into place. Fold the flap, open it back up and then secure the top edge with glue or double sided tape. And there you have a beautifully custom envelope to match your cards.

green leaf and floral envelope liner

And as a final touch if you’ve made the card; sign the back! I used to simply write “Made with Love by Nicole” on the back of all my cards, but I have this cute stamp now, so I usually just use it.

stamped handcrafted label on the back of the card

And if you decide that you do want to splurge on some gorgeous stationery one day, then here are a few of my favourites.

  • Peter Pauper Press, for both letter paper and cards
  • Rifle Paper Co. for both letter/ note papers and cards
  • Carol Wilson For Arts Sake (the embossed bouquet card below)
  • Jenni Haikonen (the “Hello From the Prairies” card below)
  • Oh Jess Marie from Redbubble (the “Garden Teapots” card below) The print quality from Redbubble is really great for greeting cards.

Hopefully this has inspired you to go forth, create and write!

beautiful artist stationery to splurge on

Finding and Styling Thrifted Treasures | #2

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an array of vintage items sitting out ready to be put away

It is a truth universally acknowledged that if you enter a thrift store, you will find something you need. You didn’t know that you needed it until you saw it, but once you’ve seen it, there is no way you can leave without it. At least that is the way for me!

I’ve always loved treasure hunting in thrift stores, but in the past few years I have gotten a bit more intentional about what I purchase and having a plan for the items before I bring them home. I stick to pieces that I know will go with the collections I already have, or pieces that I can readily put to use. I try to leave items that I don’t immediately know what to do with. While I love to decorate and change things around, I hate to buy things that will just go into a closet rather than out on display.

Here are some fun vintage thrift finds from the past while and how I have styled them and put them to use.

jenni haikonen artist botanical painting in a wooden frame with a green velvet ribbon on a white wall

First up, I’ve shared this lovely watercolour print by Jenni Haikonen before, but last time it was in a white frame. After a while, I decided that I wanted a wooden frame. I should have taken a “before” picture of the frame, because the colour was a bit dull and it had a small line of silver paint on the inside bevel, as 1980’s frames often did. I sanded the silver paint off and put a coat of Howard’s Restore-A-Finish over the top and it looks so much richer! It suits the botanical perfectly.

wooden oval picture frame with a bird painting in it

Next in picture frames is this oval one. Again, I didn’t take a “before” photo! Even after 9 years, I’ve not quite got the hang of this “blogger” thing- oops. I should start taking pictures as soon as I get a new item, because I always forget to take one later! Anyway, it was natural, unstained wood, so I stained it with a blend of Provincial and Early American stains. I originally was hoping to put my botanical in this frame, but it didn’t fit, so I instead put a painting of a bird my sister had in a calendar. (I looked it up and it’s a Eurasian hoopoe). I hung this one in the bathroom above the light switch.

oval brass vanity mirror

Also new in the bathroom, is this oval brass vanity mirror, which matches nicely with the oval curves of the frame. It’s solid cast on the base and the previous owner had put tape over the feet to stop it from scratching the surface it sits on. The tape had left quite a crusty residue behind, so I cleaned and polished that, and instead of trying to put feet on the bottom again, I used a line of hot glue to make a non-scratch coating. It works really well and you can’t see it at all.

brass metal tubs for holding vanity and makeup supplies

I also got two of these little brass tubs, which the previous owner had used for potpourri- I know this because they were scented! If you didn’t think that metal could hold scent: it can. I washed them a couple of times and had to put them in a bag with baking soda for a while deodorize them, but it was worth it because I use them to hold my hair and shower products and keep everything tidy.

I’ve also got a few things this year for free from people in my church who were downsizing. We have a “swap” group as well as an “Open Cupboard” event in our church where people can pass on items they no longer need to others for free. It’s nice to have whether you’re looking for items or for an easy way to pass on things you’ve decluttered.

blue transferware saucers with a blue willow pattern

These little blue transferware plates coordinate perfectly with my other blue and white transferware dishes. One of the saucers was chipped, but it made a great plant saucer for my Hoya in this coordinating blue and white plant pot.

white quilt at the foot of the bed

I’ve also been looking for a throw blanket for the foot of my bed for a while now, and I got this twin sized quilt. It’s a bit cooler of a shade of white than my quilt is, but it still works nicely, and keeps my feet warm.

vintage metal toolbox

Another thing I got for free, is a toolbox from my dad. I’ve been wanting a vintage, battered metal toolbox for a while, so I was happy when he passed this one on to me. The bottom was a bit rusty from years of rattling around in garages, so I lightly sanded it and sprayed it with an acrylic sealer. That seems to have worked. It tucks under my desk to keep my tools within easy reach.

fixing up the vintage wooden crates

Also in my craft room, these wooden fruit crates are perfect for storage. They came with canning jars in them, so my mom and I split them- she took the jars and I took the crates! They needed a little bit of fixing up, so I used some thin strips of wood stained with a light wood stain to reinforce the broken pieces and now they look as good as new…or old that is? They fit underneath my sofa to hold secret things…like extra craft supplies.

vintage wooden fruit crates used for storage under the sofa

A few last little things, a tiny basket to hold treasures on my dresser (or maybe one day as a tiny laundry hamper for a dollhouse?) Old books in pretty colours, which are even better when they contain stories you enjoy.

antique books and a tiny woven basket

Vintage stationery cards where you can “choose-a-note” and paste different sentiments on. 

vintage stationery cards

Wooden candle holders for the candles I try to remember to use for that hygge feeling in the winter season and, finally, a beautiful peach, yellow and brown floral teacup.

autumnal teacup with a candle in a wooden candlestick

My mom used to have a teacup with this same floral design on it (the cup was a slightly different shape) and it cracked during a move. I had a plant in the cup for a while, and used the saucer for a soap dish, but they both broke even more, so I had to part ways with them eventually. Then my sister found this one in a thrift store, so I had to get it. It’s the one thing that doesn’t go with any of my collections, in terms of colour and pattern that is, but I love it! It’s got a pretty “autumnal” feel to it, don’t you think?

So, those are the home decor things I’ve found lately and how I have put them to use.

What sorts of things do you keep your eye out for at the thrift shops? What is your best thrifted find ever? Do you have good thrift shops where you live?

wooden candlestick with a lit beeswax candle in it beside a vintage teacup with a floral pattern on it

Shades of Pink Peonies

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four varieties of pink peonies in a white vase

I’ve been spending most of my time taking care of my mom’s garden over the past few weeks, (as she’s on holiday) and we are now entering into a heat wave, so I have not been spending much time on projects of a creative nature, or on outfit posts to share here.

However, I have been getting up early to go out and appreciate the flowerbeds before it heats up for the day, and today I gathered a bouquet of several varieties of peonies. It’s too hot to enjoy them outside, so it was time to bring the beauty inside. We have five varieties of peonies and they are planted in various locations with different conditions, so they all bloom at slightly different times, which is nice since it extends the season. In this bouquet I have what I believe is a white and dark pink centre Festiva Maxima, a medium pink variety of which I do not know the name, a Raspberry Sundae which is yellow fading to pink, and finally a Sarah Bernhardt pale pink variety.

Which is your favourite?

closeup of sarah bernhardt pale pink peony

raspberry sundae peony, sarah bernhardt peony and festiva maxima peony

rasberry sundae, festiva maxima and sarah bernhardt peonies in a white vase

 

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