ideas in reality

So it's been a while but I've been busy planning and going on a holiday to Cairns. I had a great time. Now that I'm back I'm finally getting to blogging about the things I've made lately. The first one is my inspiration board which now hangs above my work desk. Obviously I'm yet to fill it with more inspirational stuff but the idea is to have these things in front of me when working to keep the creative juices flowing.
This was one of those late night ideas that kept me awake. I found this gorgeous fabric in the discount pile. Bargain! The fabric covers some foam board so it's quite light weight. I did the dotted part in two sections so the ribbons wouldn't end up with too much sag. I also put the ribbons on odd angles for interest.
I secured the two foam boards together with glue and by sewing buttons in the corners for extra strength. I think it looks great and I'm quite pleased with the outcome.

I also finished my first journal. Not as nicely as I would have liked but it's a first so practice is required. I made this from scratch--sewing the paper signatures together, glueing the spine, making the cover from cardboard and fabric... This one I gave a leather strap which wraps around the wooden toggle to secure it shut.

My favourite part of this journal is the coffee stained and ripped edges of the pages. Gives it an interesting flavour. I've been sketching up a heap more ideas too and I've even had a request from a friend. I'll have to get into more making. Exciting!