Hello Friends!
I am very excited to share my second project in the
for Simon Says Stamp!! I am still pinching myself at this amazing opportunity!
The challenge for this week is 'Touchy Feely' and I took challenge quite literally and created a wonderfully soft to the touch Journal, using the Taylored Expressions Felt Bundle, Eileen Hull's Journal die along with Eileen's Stitchy Flowers and Leaf Thinlits dies.
I wish you could touch this, to see just how wonderful it feels! I have a few step out photos to show you how this came together.
The gorgeous Taylored Expressions Felt Bundle is made from wool and comes in several colours, I chose the red bundle which incorporates three different reds - each sheet is the perfect size to cover one set of Eileen Hull's Journal die cuts.
I adhered the felt to the die I used Dina Wakley Gel Medium, ensuring I spread the medium well around all of the edges and especially where the join is on the spine. I left it to dry flat overnight and then I simply poked through the spine holes with a pokey tool.
I took the darker shade of red and die cut six flowers (the largest one) and a stamen from Eileen's Stitchy Flowers and Leaf Thinlits die and also a plain cream ball that I had in my stash.
To create each petal I folded one flower in half, then folded one third over (as shown above) and then folded the last third under. As the felt is quite thick, I stitched each petal at the base to hold the shape.
To create each petal I folded one flower in half, then folded one third over (as shown above) and then folded the last third under. As the felt is quite thick, I stitched each petal at the base to hold the shape.
I cut one more flower for the base and used hot glue to glue each of the six petals to the base.
I hope you enjoyed seeing my touchy feely journals and that you feel inspired to join in the
'Touchy Feely' Challenge at
I stitched the stamen into the centre of the flower.
I added a felt ball which I top stitched with Tim Holtz Eclectic Elements black thread and created a french knot in the middle before stitching the ball to the flower.
To finish off I added a piece of lace from my stash, the closure is cut from the same shade of red as the flower. The closure was created using some red yarn and a felt ball from my stash. I also added some Tim Holtz Quote Chips.
I had so much fun creating my Journal that I just had to make another one!
The blanket stitch edging was created using the Tim Holtz thread and I wanted to see if I could use die cuts to decorate the front. I used a Tim Holtz Elastic Loop for the closure. The 'journal' lettering is made up from Tim Holtz Idea-ology Alpha Parts.
I put a piece of Stick-It onto a square of Taylored Expressions Black Felt and die cut using Tim Holtz Wildflowers #2 die. It was a bit fiddly removing the backing but once released I applied the flowers to my Journal. I love the black against the beautiful red!
I am not really into junk journals as such and I tend to keep the insides fairly plain as you can see above. I added three Kraft card covered signatures to each Journal.
Here's a final look at the journals side by side...
'Touchy Feely' Challenge at
There is always a fabulous prize of
I have listed below, the items I used, from Simon Says Stamp...
As always, thank you for stopping by, I look forward to seeing you again soon!
Hugs, Anne xx
Products from Simon Says Stamp:
WOW!! wat fabulous journals Anne! both of them are absolutely GORGEOUS!!! the felt is awesome and the stitching and details are all brilliant! :-) LOVE THEM :-)
ReplyDeleteluv
Lols x x x
Oh my goodness Anne! You are the felt queen of crafting! This pair of journals rocks my boat! I adore the simple inserts and mix of kraft. The felt flowers and Pom poms are the coolest things! Big wow on this post! Hugs,
ReplyDeleteAutumn
Stunning books Anne! Love them & congrats on the designer spotlight gig!! yay
ReplyDeleteAnne, I cannot find words to be worthy of these beautiful journals. They look so expensive along the fabulous creations you have made to give them such a lovely look. Well Done. Hugs Rita xxxx
ReplyDeleteThese are SO beautiful Anne! the red is wonderfully vibrant and I love how you made your big bloom (thanks for sharing how!) with that wonderful white center! The black stems really pop off the cover of your second journal - congrats on your guest DT - you are certainly up to this creative challenge! Julia xx
ReplyDeleteOh my! This is so beautiful set. I love them all. The deep red of the felt is amazing and so elegant. Great projects! Hugs, Macarena
ReplyDeleteOh Wow!! These covers are s.t.u.n.n.i.n.g!!!! Love seeing how you made that gorgeous big flower! Hugs, Chrisx
ReplyDeleteYou are the perfect saleswoman for the felt because now I must have some!! These are absolutely amazing, Anne!! I do want to reach out and touch them!! The flower is so stunning on the first one!! I love the wildflowers on the second!! Those pom poms are such perfect touches!! Love, love these, my sweet friend!! Stunning as always!! Congrats again on your guest DT spot!! They are so lucky to have you!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
A Mermaid's Crafts
Wow, Anne, these journals are amazing! I love the felt flower and beautiful cover designs on each. Absolutely gorgeous! Again, it's so fun to have you with us for the month on our challenge. Looking forward to more of your amazing talent.
ReplyDeleteCathie ♥
these are gorgeous Anne-and my favorite color too:)
ReplyDeleteBoth journals are gorgeous! The black flowers on the red is really stunning and I love your big flower on the other one. Elaine xx
ReplyDeleteThe red is so striking Anne especially combined with those silhouette blooms and your stunning flower. Gorgeous. Tracy x
ReplyDeleteWell you just couldn't get any more brilliantly touchy feely than these Anne ! Absolutly superb craftwomanship ! They both are totally GORGEOUS!! Love all the impeccable stitching and clean design. I've said it before but you, together with the red/black combo, are a match made in heaven. Mega WOW from me. Warmest hugs to you, Nicola x
ReplyDeleteYour journals are gorgeous! I just wonder, how durable the taylored expressions felt is. My journals have to go through a lot when I'm carrying them with me. So far I went well with faux leather ones, that I also made myself.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Huge congrats on this so well deserved DT spot with SSS!!! Your work is awesome and deserves this type of attention.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Samra
Paper Talk with Samra
A gorgeous and elegant journals. The red is so bright and smart!
ReplyDeleteoh Anne - both of your journals are bright and beautiful - I especially love the first one - but both are gorgeous! Having seen one in the flesh at Coventry I think they are both going to be very special pieces of art! Clever lady! Hugs rachel x
ReplyDeleteAnne, red is definitely your color :-) These Journals are just stunning and expertly crafted- just beautiful! Every little touch is perfect and you make them look so RICH!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous journals, Anne! I *love* the felt flowers and your step by step is perfect!
ReplyDelete*mwah*
Steph
Simon Says Stamp!
so fabulous and so inspiring Anne xx I love the colours and the black powers really pop against the red...stunning and what a marvellous post for SSS huge hugs Annie x
ReplyDeleteWow, Anne! I couldn't wait to get over here to see what you made for this week's spotlight at SSS, and I am not disappointed! These journals are FABULOUS! STUNNING! AMAZING! I could go on...but I'd rather take another look! Hard to choose a favorite, because I looove that blossom and I love the bold black against the red background. Just perfectly done, Anne! Bravo!SSS knows a great thing when they see it! Sending hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! These touchy freely journals are awesome and so striking in the glorious red felt! I love them both, the gorgeous flower with the lace is beautiful and those black wild flowers against the black look soooo cool! Hugs! xxxxxxxx
ReplyDeleteWow Anne, these two are absolutely amazing in their red livery. The gorgeous red flower and gorgeous lace complement each other beautifully and the bold black silhouettes of the wildflowers is stunning. Love them both ❤️ xxx
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't happen often Anne - words fail me! That poppy (oh, that poppy!) those covers, the closures, the die cuts, the felt balls... you have gone above and beyond with these perfect journals. I am in absolute awe and admiration, oh, and totally in love! xx
ReplyDeletethey are so beautiful Anne...love the contrasts you created with the red felt and woohoo isn't it wonderful that Sizzix Thinlits cut this felt so beautifully...another amazing kicked the ball right out of the park project...can't wait for next week...hugs kath xxx
ReplyDeleteWell Anne...I'm drooling over this journal die for months...and you gave me another reason for this!!! Absolutely gorgeous! Hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteYou are just one of the most talented crafters I know on the web :)
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, that red felt is stunning especially with the black die cuts too. They are both gorgeous. Teacher gives you A+ for the stitch work Lol! Happy crafty week, Angela xXx
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic journal!!! I am in love!!!
ReplyDeleteStunning journals Anne.
ReplyDeleteToni xx
These are so brilliant, Anne - the felt adds a whole other dimension to the professionalism of the finish. I love the drama of the wildflower silhouettes, and the Word Chips work so well too. Only just catching up with your Simon spotlight news - many congratulations!
ReplyDeleteAlison x
These are gorgeous, Anne!! Love the deep rich red you used for these, and you've done each one so beautifully. The black stitching is striking as is the lace, and love the fun balls you added. I want to touch them :) hugs, Maura
ReplyDeleteThese journals are fabulous Anne and I love the richness that the red gives to each of the covers, it looks amazing with the embellishments you've created and especially that flower, which is wonderful! Gorgeous work, as always... Hugs xx
ReplyDeleteThese are fantastic Anne! I LOVE the red felt covers. What a wonderful idea! And that felt flower is absolutely stunning!
ReplyDeleteBoth journals are awesome, Anne. Love the beautiful flowers and the gorgeous red felt covers. Brilliant design! :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Who creates not just one, but TWO amazing journals?? Love how you combined that energetic red with the rustic nature elements. It's pretty much genius!
ReplyDeleteLOVE your journal, it's fantstic! Your idea to use felt for the cover is incredible! Fab project thanks for sharing with us! barbara
ReplyDeleteNot one but two fabulous touchy feely journals - thanks for the 'spoil' Anne . They are both gorgeous and just love the drama of the striking combination of red and black together. Your ideas for the journal die covers is endless - with everyone a winner .
ReplyDeletehugs x
Not only are these little books wonderful but they are beautiful too! Love them Anne!!
ReplyDeleteSandy xx
These are just gorgeous Anne! I love the red and black and white palette, so vibrant and eye catching. The felt is such an amazing textile, and I love that you even die cut shapes with it! The flower on the first journal is so amazing, love how you did the centre with the wrapped string ball! So very creative and beautiful pieces! hugs :)
ReplyDeleteI seem to be using the word beautiful a lot but it's well deserved, Black and red is such a winning combination and I'm enjoying seeing your journals in felt...that flower is wonderful. I've had a quick skip through recent pots and love the stampotique fun and quirky journal too.....great also to see the seahorse again...I 'm always reminded of you and I see them. fabulous work Anne, I am such a bad blog visitor, constantly playing catch up. Thoroughly enjoyed my brief visit, thanks for all the inspiration Anne. Ruth xxx
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