A handmade quote book

This week it is my sister's art show opening. I was supposed to be there in our hometown for this event, but unfortunately  I wasn't able to make it. So with my guilty feelings and the fact that I wanted to make it up and also reassure her that everything would turn out great, I decided to make her a little book.

For some reason (I don't know which), I was not going to show this little book here on the blog (so excuse the really poor quality of the pictures). Since I made this book for her, I have started making others, and found them quite addictive, that is why I decided to share them with you. 

All you need is love and well... paper, glue, and scissors, and a needle and thread to tie the whole thing together.  The quotes I found on Flow magazine, but you can just write them yourself.

For my sister's book I used mostly encouraging quotes, or ones that had to do with artists. And of course a picture of my kids (that was a no brainer).

 Just make it personal, and I'm sure the recipient will be as happy as you making it.

You can add as many pages as you like, mine are 2 pages folded, which makes 8 pages to decorate, which I found was the perfect amount. 

I hope you are inspired by this idea and decide to make some of your own.

The video from the top comes from my instagram, if you like to take a better look.

Have a great start of the week.

Giova

Handmade and small gifts for pen pals

"Spring is approaching," is my new mantra. I repeat this in my head all day long. In fact I've been thinking about it since the beginning of January which makes me a bit, how do I say this? Annoyed? I'm supposed to be in the present, the now, enjoying what I got right at this second and I'm dreaming of a beach, a hammock and lots of sun. Oh! I've just realized that it is summer what I'm dreaming about.

Anyway, here are some ideas to cheer someone up via snail mail. The most important thing is that it's flat! I haven't had the chance to complain here about the raise of postal prices (boy are they ridiculous!).  The fact that a simple package is starting at 9 euros makes me think twice before I send anything out.

So in January (I know...) I came up with some little boxes to send. This one is filled with airmail labels that I printed here. But some stores like this one, sell vintage ones.

You can also make little pouches to fill with your favorite seeds, carve a stamp, make a label and close with your favorite washi-tape. Spring is approaching, spring is approaching...

Send them in a small tin box. Don't forget to include the instructions for planting.

Why not carve a few tiny rubber stamps to fill a pill box? As you can see I was still in heart and Valentine's mode.

Send to friends, pen pals, any one really. Snail mail has the ability of cheering everyone up, and with this winter going on, wouldn't it be nice to open a package that has been sent with lots of love? I think it would!

The things you could fit in a small box are a lot. Just give it a try. Did I mention cheer someone up?

Happy monday. I hope it is a good one!
Giova

Ideas for Handmade Christmas Gifts

As the holidays are approaching, I'm slowly getting in the mood. I've been trying to come up with simple ideas for handmade gifts. I hope you feel inspired to make your own. They are all more or less flat, and don't weight much (this is something I always think about, since I send so many things abroad).

If you are lucky like me, with a mother in law who makes doilies without thinking or looking, then by all means put them to good use. Simply cut a piece of fabric and embroider a favorite word, then embellish as you wish. Mine will be hanging in my tree this year.

You can also send it attached to a card. This will be a card that your friends will treasure (well not the card, the doily of course).

If you have a bunch, then why not make a string of precious doilies, then I dare you to give it away. This one will be mine to keep. Sorry friends, these doilies were given to me.

One of these days I'm going to sew them to my linen tablecloth, and they will look even more lovely. In the mean time the garland will suffice.

These I sell at Etsy (just in case you don't have time to make your own). But if you do, you can make a little brooch for your friends or family (all you need are nice fabrics, a charm, thread and needle).

A heart is always welcome in this house. So I thought it a good idea to give them as gifts. It doesn't have to be all red and green to be "Christmasy." And as always with handmade gifts, is the love and dedication that counts.

You have probably seen another needle book here. I think it is such a useful thing that I went and made one for another friend. I've kept the identity of the future owner disclosed as I don't want to ruin the almost surprise.

If all else fails, then make a card. They don't take a lot of time or effort and it is still something you made, which is the whole point. You probably saw a version here, but this one is the "official" one.

OK so what are you waiting for?? Don't wait until the last minute to start working on your gifts.
Go and make things for the people you love, I'm pretty sure everyone will be more than happy.

Have a wonderful start of the week.
Giova