How is your reading challenge going?

Hello to you fellow readers!

 Here we are approaching the onset of winter. I am ok with winter as long as I have enough clothes to keep warm.  I love snow if it snows like it means it and not spit snow. I hate nothing more than snow that just messes up things and then leaves and you get nothing out of it (snowcream, snowman, or photos). 

Winter is the perfect weather to just grab a book, curl up in your favorite chair with your favorite cat, and spend the day in another world.  

 

I only did one reading challenge this year and it was the one I created.   I am not sure exactly why because usually I have three or four going at once.  Covid has changed so much this year and I guess this is just another thing that I let slip by during the quarantine, healthy at home, and all the jazz.  

My reading goal was 100 books read and as of today, December 21, 2020, I have read 124, so there is one goal complete!!! In the next week, I will compile my reading stats and share those with you, but for today you get my complete reading challenge.

Have you made new reading habits or completed a challenge in 2020?  Share here or on my Facebook page, Read with Michelle in 2020.   

 

 

Michelle's Musings Library

Every book reader longs to have a space they can sit with a book, or six and just relax.  I have always longed for a room where I could create this environment for reading, writing, organizing or simply logging my books read.  When we first talked about moving, we didn't think I would even have room for the books I had because we were leaving behind 3 floor to ceiling bookcases that I had custom built in the living room.  We also were thinking we would find a much smaller home.  Well, that was not meant to be.  We not only got a larger home, but I was able to purchase a few book cases.  I still didn't have the floor to ceiling cases I used to have, but I am really trying to only get books I will read again, are autographed or have a special meaning for me.  That is much easier to achieve these days since I am primarily a digital reader, but sometimes you just need a book in your hands!!!!

I still have a couple of things I would like to add to this room, like either a large chair for reading, a true reading bench window seat or a chaise lounge. I am not sure which it will be until I find what I want. I do look at the FB marketplace every day so expect to see some changes when I find that dream piece of furniture. In the meantime, here are the way things stand on July 22, 2020.

DIY modeling paste

I love to buy art supplies, but I also like to save money on some supplies in order to spend more money on things I love, like stamps!!!  I started making my own modeling paste about 12 years ago, and while the recipe has changed a bit, the homemade modeling paste thing is still working out just great for me.  I keep it in a marshmallow creme glass jar and it will stay good for a long time. I have tinted the paste with paints and I have thickened and thinned it as needed.  Here is not only my recipe but also some samples.  This stuff dries hard and looks a little gritty.  It takes paints or sprays well too!  

I use a 1/8 measuring cup because it is what I have in my craft stash.  I have tried variations so I will list those in the ingredients too.

2 of the 1/8th cups full of school glue (can also use clear glue which is normally what I use)

3 of the 1/8th cups of white paint (I usually use Apple Barrel because it is cheap)

6 of the 1/8th cups of baking soda (I buy this in bulk at Sam's and use if for cleaning, cooking and crafting)

I wrote the recipe a bit odd in case you want to use a different type of cup, you would still use the 2/3/6 measuring of whatever type of cup you use.  I don't remember where I first learned this breakdown, but it has served me well for a long time.  

 Prior to this one, I used this recipe that I did a write-up on years ago, check it out because it worked fabulously too. 

There are literally tons of modeling paste recipes on the internet, don't be afraid to try one and give some dimension to your art journal, cards or cards.  

Art Journal Prompts

Hello friends!

How many of you have an art journal?  I guess I have always done an art journal because I have always kept a sketch pad of random artwork, I just didn't realize it was called an ART JOURNAL.  I use it to keep artwork that goes with feelings, sometimes that is a rush drawing or quick sketch because I am just needing a creative outlet and sometimes it is a long process because I need a stress reliever.  

Last year I wanted to do an art journal that was more like a memoir, I am not going to show you too much of it, because I want my kids to be the first to read it (you know afterward).  The inspiration for this memoir book were two books called The War Bride's Scrapbook by Caroline Preston and Century Girl: 100 years in the life of Doris Eaton Travis by Lauren Redniss.  To say I love these books would be a gross understatement.  The illustrations are incredible and Lauren's book is EXACTLY what I have always dreamed of a book looking like, and how I make my scrapbooks.  Century Girl is non-fiction and  features a lot of photos from Doris's life and wraps them around illustrations. War Brides is a fiction book and features ephemera and lots of colorful artwork.  Both book are completely worth a gander (also check out all of Caroline's books).

My first illustrated book is my life from "birthish" to present day. 

Since I have gone about as far as I can go right now, I have started a second illustrated book.  This one has the theme of Michelle's Musings (that may be the title).  The "brand" is all about being random,  FBSP (fly by the seat of pants) and completely off the wall, this book will be full of that type of stuff. I have started with a "Strange Alphabet".  I call it that because each letter is an odd topic and not your typical "A stands for Apple" kind of book.  Sometimes the topic makes sense and other times you may think I am a lunatic (wait, you may already think that of me). I am more willing to share this one with the world in it's entirety where I am keeping the other one for my kids.  

If you art journal I would so love to see some of your work.  Remember there is no right way so if you don't journal, why don't you?  This is a non-judging, don't show anyone unless you want area where you can be free, creative and honest. If you are struggling with an issue, draw or paint it!  If you are excited about that promotion, draw it.  If you love that song and want to create about it, do it!!! You can use as little or a much supplies as you want.  You really only need to start with a pencil and a piece of paper...let your imagination take you from there. 

 

A book journal and other musings

Good Morning from Kentucky!

We are working hard on staying healthy at home but with all the cheesecake and cookie-baking, along with all the pots of macaroni and cheese, we are running out of butter.  It is not a desperate situation yet, but we are getting close.  What is getting to a desperate level is the lack of cleaning wipes.  I don't use them to clean the house, but I do use them to clean my Cricut mats, have you ever tried that?  They are great for cleaning off little bits of paper and reviving the stickiness of the mat.  If you have a better method, I am all ears because I cannot buy these wipes anywhere.

I wanted to talk to you today about reading not so much about cleaning wipes.  I have been keeping a reading journal since 1996.  This was necessary for me because I read so many books I could not remember what each book was about, not even to mention the title or author's name.  At first, I just recorded the name of the book and the author's name along with the dates read.  I started adding a smiley face if I enjoyed the read and did not record any abandoned books.  This was the source of my recordings for about 15 years.  As a matter of fact, most of it was recorded in a single journal book that I started in 1996.  I have done a post with it before, but it is worth a revisit, here is that very first reading journal. (My handwriting is atrocious)

Once I got an e-reader my reading doubled from what it had been and I needed a better system. I started a graph for my book part and an excel spreadsheet too.

The spreadsheet calculates how many books I have read for that year, how many of all time, how many of that year were paper, ebook or audio, and how many of all time were paper, ebook, and audio.  I love the stats part.  This system does not give me a clue as to what the book was about, it is purely for that stats thing I love.


My paper journal evolved around that time as well, I started keeping more details and looking online for a good system.  I discovered Modern Mrs. Darcy's blog.  She had a free journal that she gave you, I took it and redid it for the things that I wished to retain.  I made this one in pages and printed it on cardstock, then bound it in a book that I wished to retain forever.  I used it for a few years but decided I really wanted to have it in a journal type book with a leather cover. I took apart a leather bound book amd inserted my own pages, but it still wasn't what I wanted.

 I looked into having a moleskin book printed with my journal blocks, but that was too expensive.  I mentioned it to my friend Amy that I needed a system and she said: "make a stamp".  PERFECT!! That is just what I did. I got the stamp on Amazon for $15....worth every dime.  Here is what that looks like, both the stamp and how it looks stamped on my page.

I am currently using a leather-bound owl book with deckle pages and it is working out great for me.

If only I could stamp straight.   Nope, I shall always do things a little off kilter.

Podcasts during your healthy at home time

I love to listen to podcasts at work.  Especially if the office is quiet and you just like some background noise.  If you have tried them you know there are tons of different topics that you can choose from.  If you have not, you really should try.  There are some devoted to tv shows, like The Office or Dateline (I love both the Dateline and Date with Dateline ones), movies, human interests, and my favorite, books!!!

Today I was going to tell you some of my favorite podcasts in hopes to inspire you to give them a go.


1.  The first two on my list are by the same person.... "What should I read next? or "One Great Book" both by Anne Bogel.  Anyone that knows my reading loves knows that I absolutely adore Anne.  She is a fellow Kentuckian that writes books, does podcast, wears cool clothing and has the best laugh, EVER!  I discovered her online with her blog Modern Mrs. Darcy (also worthy of your time) and then discovered the podcasts.

2. Dateline and A Date with Dateline-Dateline is just the episodes in podcast form.  It is perfect for me to listen to at work because I have seen the shows so if the phone rings I don't fall behind.  A Date with Dateline is by Kimberly and Katie.  Two super fans that pretty much run a commentary about each episode.

3. Hamilcast-This was actually my very first podcast ever.  There are tons of interviews with teachers  and they talk about history, but also cast members from all the different casts, conversations about the book and interviews with LMM.  My favorite episodes so far are the Alex Lacamore shows.  He played clips, unedited items and played live.  I loved those episodes!  Behind those are the Lintober episodes.  In these Lin is very candid about everything but very open about how and why he created this masterpiece.  He also drops an unrealeased song!!

4.  The Office Ladies is fantastic if you love The Office.  Don't listen if you don't love the show.  Jenna and Angela take you through each episode starting at show #1 and so far they have not skipped one episode of the show.

5.  My last favorite one (but not the end of my list) is called He read, she read.  It is a married couple that love to read and I think they are adorable.  I have just started this so I am not very far along, but I think if you love books you should check this out. 

I would love to hear from you if you have some favorites.

Homemade stamp cleaner

I did not make up this recipe, but I have been using it for years and love it.  I wish I could credit the person that gave me the recipe. I met her at a CKC convention and I did not get her name :(   We were taking a class together and she shared it with me during the class.

I can tell you that I have tried it with Stazon inks, pigment inks, dye inks and I have had success with each one. I have not noticed anything amiss with my stamps either.

I make the recipe and pour some in a misting bottle to use during each stamp session.  I make up enough to also fill a glass Voss water bottle.  That way I never run out during a creative session.


2 Tablespoons of liquid glycerin (I found this in the cake aisle at Michael's)

1 Tablespoon of baby shampoo (I use a cheap version...this time I have a 2 in 1 shampoo)

8 oz Distilled water


If you have ever used a homemade cleaner I would LOVE to hear your results.

Update 2020:

I am still using this exclusively to clean my stamps.  I have never had any issues and still love the way it performs.  I have not bought stamp cleaner once since I met the lady at the CKC convention in 2011.  

Homemade modeling paste

One of my favorite YouTube channels is Luvlee scrappin.  She has all kinds of homemade tricks and many tutorials on art items.  I like so many of her tutorials I can't even pick my favorite.

I did stumble across this one some time ago.  This one teaches you how to make your own modeling paste.  I put it in my favorites on YouTube because at the time I had modeling paste.  Yesterday I ran out and decided it was time to try Leeanne's recipes and make up a couple of batches.

You really should watch Luvleescrappin's tutorial.  It is detailed and she is entertaining.  Here is the link.......here.


Now that you have watched Leeanne do her magic, I will tell you that I followed her small batch recipes.  I made one with baby powder and one with baking soda.




I encourage you to make some and see which you like better.  So far I like the baking soda one the best, but I am going to keep trying them both until I am out of what I made up.  From there I intend to only make the favorite one.

Thanks Luvleescrappin! 

Homemade anti static bag

I have wanted an anti-static bag for quite some time.  They are not that expensive, but I still hate to spend that money on something that I think I can make myself.

Today I have made three bags in an effort to see which formula would work best.  The formulas I tried were simple: baby powder, baby powder, and cornstarch and corn starch.

The bags were also very simple to produce. I took a jewelry polishing cloth and cut out three rectangles of fabric. I did not measure, but I would say that the rectangle was 2x5.  I stitched up the sides. I wanted to make sure they were secure so I used a row of straight stitching and then a zig-zag stitch.

I then labeled the top of the bags with a C (cornstarch), CB (corn starch/baby powder) and a B (baby powder).  I then filled the bags.  I used the same ratio for the mixed bag, 2 t of each.  The other bags, I did not measure.

Once the bags were filled, I closed the top of the bags using a row of straight stitches followed by the zig-zag stitch.

Had I been making the bags for "looks" I would have been more careful with my stitching and the overall look, but since this is just an experiment functionality was my only goal.  :)

I plan on using them each for a while and seeing which one I like best.  Have you ever tried any of these techniques?  I would be interested to see what works for you. 

Spray Inks on a budget---I shall call them Champion Sprays

I have to have some spray inks, but I just had a new air conditioner installed so I have NO extra money.  I googled and googled and watched youtube videos to see how to make them.  I found some good ones, but I am changing it a bit to suit MY style.

First I went to Wal-Mart and bought those mini squirt bottles in the travel section.  I bought different colored ones because I indeed to make the glimmer inside match the bottle color.

I filled each bottle 2/3 of the way full with regular lukewarm water H2O.  I then took this paint by Folk Art (Metallic Pearl White).  I squirted a bit in the bottle and it covered the bottom.

Then I took a different acrylic color and squirted it in the bottle. (Yellow got Canary Yellow by Apple Barrel---Red got Folk Art Naphthol Crimson----Blue was pool blue by Folk Art---Green used Hunter Green by Apple Barrel and Purple consisted of plain purple by craft smart).  I squirted some of this on top of the metallic pearl, closed up the bottle and shook it up.

Then I read online that someone added ModPodge to theirs for the archival quality. I did not see how that could hurt even using the things that I used so I added a bit to each bottle and shook it once again.

Time for the test!!!!!!