Here is another post that I did up ahead before going out of town—
While I am in Florida for my Great Aunt Caroline's funeral, I'll be driving up to Jacksonville to see my sweet and silly brother-in-law, Randy. He is having a birthday party, and I have to tell you, his parties are the BEST. Always great food, great company and soooo entertaining. Randy and his husband, Kevin know how to entertain better than anyone I've ever met!
Randy and Kevin have a delightful backyard, spiffed and spruced up and planted and planned down to each and every inch of it. A large segment is devoted to butterflies, so these guys don't use any pesticides at all.
I thought I'd make up a little garden journal/ art book for Randy as a gift. Using a simple notebook on sale at Michael's for 50 cents as a base, I added vintage papers, some cute images I got in the En Le Jardin swap, and a few hand drawn details.
Oh, and envelopes! I love to add envelopes to journals, they are so handy for tucking away notes, receipts, etc.
And I use vintage envelopes when I can. I buy so many old greeting cards, and some come with envelopes that are just perfect for this.
This list of important holiday dates is from a Hallmark book published in 1949, so might not be quite accurate… Still, interesting. And Randy is a guy who never misses an occasion to send a card, so it seemed appropriate.Although if he uses this guide, he might be sending cards on the wrong dates.
I also used these antique French cards with his initials. Although, I wonder why I bought French cards, when all they show are single letters? Its not like it is a French word. No one will ever know that they are French, huh?
And of course, a butterfly for the butterfly garden. I also drew some here and there in the book.
Now, I am off to pack for my trip. I found a solution for keeping track of all the pages I printed for various hotels and addresses and other info, I made myself a folder to hold them all. I usually have pages scattered around in my purse and am always digging through trying to find the info I need.
This folder is two sided card stock, folded into pockets, and then sewed. I stitched on some heavy duty, old velour ribbon to keep the edges from getting bent up, and glued another soft ribbon on to use as a tie.
It only took a few minutes to make and the stitching is horrid, but it really will be useful. I printed all my Travelocity, rental car, and other confirmations, then highlighted the addresses. Then folded them up, and wrote at the top of each, what day it was for and what place! I've really impressed myself, I've always had a hard time finding what I need on trips. Hopefully, this will solve that problem!!
you are a genius! using the spare envelopes from old cards is great, so many lose their sticky-ness…and that travel journal by days is brilliant.
Ooohhh! I’m sure that your brother is going to love the journal…it’s great! And how fun to have a butterfly garden…it makes me happy when we get one butterfly, I can just imagine a whole gardenful…like a little land of enchantment!
I love the idea of the garden journal. It’s so much nicer than keeping the info on the computer. The envelopes are perfect for storing the garden tags that come with the plants.
~elaine~
I so love your journals. I’m currently doing my craft room move and redo so I’m hoping to make room so I can do a few other things. I really like your style and want to adopt some of it into my work.
Blessings,
Christine
Your travel folder looks great. When you get home will you give instructions? Sounds like such a useful thing!
I love the journal for your BiL, so nice with all the personalizations! Keep enjoying your trip. ~Marilee
I love this little journal. You always do such a nice job. I’m sorry you’re here in Florida for a funeral, but it’s nice that you are having some fun time also. Hope the rest of your trip goes well!
Somehow I missed the news about your great aunt. I know she meant a lot to you and will be dearly missed. May God bless you as you spend time with loved ones at her funeral.
Wow Randy is so lucky. That is one fabulous journal
Alison
Love the garden journal….thanks for all the great pictures..so perfect on so many levels!….
You always seem to make the most perfect gifts Karla. I love the journal.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Love your garden journal. Your brother in law sounds like they have a ball. Have fun!!
what a great journal…Randy will love it…have lots of fun on your trip to Jacksonville Karla…and a safe trip back home to Kansas:)
I love the idea of the garden journal.
Adorable!!!
Hugs
Love your garden journal!
the journal is lovely.
Don’t you love a good party? This book is the greatest! If he didn’t love it, he’s definitely got a problem! But I bet he did!