recycle | Julie Dawn Designs

April 28, 2018

Faux Leather Travelers Journal

A while ago, I received several smaller faux leather upholstery fabric samples. During one of my many trips to my local craft store, I came upon a small travelers journal they were selling for $10. It was made of really cheap plastic that mimicked leather and had two notebooks made from kraft paper and one folder also made from kraft paper. All of these were held inside by very thin, cheap elastic. I purchased it, took it home and made a much better version of it.

I really love the size. It’s more compact than the other travelers journals I make. I have this fabric in lots of other great colors, so I will definitely be making more just like it.

January 22, 2018April 27, 2018

Ripped & Stitched

I took an online workshop from Roben Marie called “Ripped and Stitched.” In it, we learned to make a journal from strips of fabric previously used for wiping off brushes and cleaning up paint.

The fabric created from this is quite beautiful.

handmade travelers journal — Travelers Journal made from painted fabric strips

I made a different type of journal than was taught in the workshop, but the technique is quite versatile, so you could make a variety of journal types with it.

The inside is full of handmade notebooks and a hand painted envelopes for stashing treasures.

I ended up liking this one so much that I made another one for myself!

September 10, 2017

I Am Not a Hoarder

There is a difference between being a hoarder and a collector.

collection of random beads — My Bead Collection

A collector is discriminate. The things that a collector finds and keeps have meaning and value to them. They have a distinct purpose and are seen as useful.

random tags and paper scraps — Random tags and paper scraps

To an artist, ordinary objects take on extraordinary meaning. Where some people see just trash, we see something that we can create something with.

various found objects — Various found objects

These items we collect are not just for us to hold on to. We give them new life by giving them new meaning and purpose. We turn them into works of art.

So, don’t call me a hoarder, because I am a collector.