Folksy Five: Journalling

I was given a wonderful book by my friend Hannah for Christmas. The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to be the Artist You Truly Are has got me over my fear of drawing. I bought a lovely little Moleskine journal - Moleskine Pocket Sketch-book and just got going. I'm loving the time I spend absorbed in it totally, something which I don't think I've experienced since childhood.

In honour of that, this week's Folksy Five is journals and related bits I currently love:



1. Handpainted Moleskine Cahier Journal by Illusio Creative - The cover art on this journal is so beautiful, a book that would just have to contain lots of lovely things.

2. Matryoshka Jute Bag by Beaky - You'd need something to go on adventures with, carrying your journal, pencils, and probably a packed lunch and a camera too! This little Matryoshka bag would be perfect for day exploring.

3. Mini Oz Inspired Sketchbook by KatysShop - This little A6 sketchbook would be perfect for popping in a pocket for drawing anywhere, and it has a Wizard of Oz cover, lovely.

4. Pencil Roll Up - Dragonflies and Retro Print - by RowSewCreative is beautiful, and would hold a set of pencils prefect for any picture opportunity.

5. Concertina book by Lapwing Printworks - a beautiful book that would be lovely recording thoughts and mementoes from a special holiday.

An honourable mention has to go to "& with these pencils", also by Lapwing Printworks, a fantastic little shop selling cards, prints and other paper goods printed in Norfolk. I was going to feature it in my Folksy Five, but I decided it was so gorgeous, I had to buy it:

Isn't it wonderful!

Happy New Year

I've had a bit of a break from blogging, and have been spending lots of time with friends and family, celebrating Christmas, going to the Panto, seeing in the New Year in lovely (albeit poorly) company, and so far 2009 is going well.

I want to spend more of this year creating things, and journalling, both with photos, and getting over my fear of drawing and doing some real journalling.

I took lots of photos today, I think this is my favourite:



Happy New Year, I hope your 2009 is filled with many brilliant things.

Folksy Five: Comfort

This week's Folksy Five is late because I was off work ill, so I have picked 5 items that would have been lovely and comforting when I was poorly:



I spent a lot of the past couple of days curled up on the sofa, so this London Underground Cushion by Mrs Gibson would be perfect to rest a weary head on.

I love this Under the Rainbow quilt by Knitz and Bitz - more happy childhood memories, and such a great use of fabric.

While alone in the house, some company would have been nice, and I think Vincent by Lilylola would fit the bill perfectly, and I think with his secret 'Heat' reading tendencies, he'd like all the Shameless I watched!

When you've had a cold it's important to wrap up warm when you venture back into the real world, and this Green chunky Ribbed scarf from urbanknit would be perfect for snuggling into when I first stepped outside this morning.

To go with the scarf, these fingerless gloves by Blackberry Crafts would be perfect for warming chilly hands when de-icing the car this morning.

What things are providing comfort and coziness for you at the moment?

Mini Festive Giveaway

Have you made any cards using the Wide Eyed Wonderfuls Stitched Holiday Cards instructions? If so, drop your pictures into the Wide Eyed Wonderfuls Flickr Pool between now and next Thursday, the 18th, to be in with a chance of winning an 8 x 6 print of this gorgeous image:

Everyone putting one or more pictures of a card using or inspired by the tute will get an entry into the draw, which will be made next Friday.

There's still time to make a card or two if you've been trying to find the time to, as they are very quick, and beautifully effective.

Shop Update

Just a flying post to say that the shop has had a quick update, with 4 more prints added today: