{ 40 Day Markmaking Challenge : Part One }

Back in May, I become enthralled with Helen Terry’s blog post about her experiment with the 40 Day Mark-making Challenge. She made her own handmade book with loads of different types of paper with the commitment of making marks for 40 consecutive days.

I loved the concept and decided to embark on my own 40 Day Mark-making challenge. I enjoyed it so much that working in one book a day was not enough. In this week’s blog post, I will share various pages from my own handmade book. Papers include vellum, found/salvaged, handmade, watercolor, drawing, Kraft papers and more!

I used watercolors, India inks, spray inks and of course, my beloved cola pens. There were many failures…the challenge of so many different papers consumed me. Below are the experiments that I found acceptable.

Be warned…taking on the 40 Day Mark-making Challenge is addictive!

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{ Travel Journal : China } // Beijing & Shenyang

Prior to traveling, I try to prep pages for my journals. I had a different approach this year due to my obsession with cola pens. Using spray inks (LOVE the intensity and vibrancy of the colors), found fodder (and there is plenty of interesting things to find in China), India ink and gel pens, I was able to capture my trip to the Middle Kingdom in a whole new way.

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As I reflect back on such a mind-bending, life-changing trip, I am infinitely grateful that I am someone that loves to journal, both visually and with the written word. I simply love living a documented life!

{ Flower Fold Mini Bookmaking Workshop } : Tuesday, August 28 //

On Tuesday, August 28th, I will be teaching TWO Flower Fold Mini Bookmaking Workshop at the Blacksburg Library in Blacksburg, VA. The first workshop will be held from 4:30-5:30pm and I will immediately follow up with another one from 5:45-6:45pm. The first workshop is FULL but there is space still available in the second one. Interested in learning how to make this super cute, super simple mini book? Registration link is below. Come craft with me!

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How cute are these little guys? All materials are included in this workshop and additional kits are available after the workshop is complete. Click here to register!

{ STEAM Camp: China } : Summer 2018 // Beijing

I had the amazing opportunity to travel to China to provide STEAM programming for children ages 7-10 years. I had been planning this camp for over 6 months and I was thrilled to implement this curriculum with wonderful children that needed the opportunity to PLAY.

This is where we would go to buy supplies for camp. There was no easy or convenient way to obtain supplies (like there is in America with stores such as Wal-Mart or Michael's). We would travel to a large place that was similar to an American flea ma…

This is where we would go to buy supplies for camp. There was no easy or convenient way to obtain supplies (like there is in America with stores such as Wal-Mart or Michael's). We would travel to a large place that was similar to an American flea market and hop for the best with our long list of much needed supplies.

Due to the amount of people (which leads to commuting nightmares, air pollution, and financial costs), bikes are a regular source of travel for most people in Beijing. I was amazed by the amount of commuter bikes that seemed to line the streets.

Due to the amount of people (which leads to commuting nightmares, air pollution, and financial costs), bikes are a regular source of travel for most people in Beijing. I was amazed by the amount of commuter bikes that seemed to line the streets.

Check out this farmer's market! These markets were easily five times the size of anything I have experienced in the States. They are open daily and the produce is DELICIOUS.

Check out this farmer's market! These markets were easily five times the size of anything I have experienced in the States. They are open daily and the produce is DELICIOUS.

I love the markets in China. I have never had the shopping experiences that I had while in Beijing. Every shopping trip was an adventure!

I love the markets in China. I have never had the shopping experiences that I had while in Beijing. Every shopping trip was an adventure!

The STEAM Camp was held in the Bird Cage. It may look familiar because it is an iconic landmark from when Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympics. This cultural center was GORGEOUS. I was positively honored to teach here.

The STEAM Camp was held in the Bird Cage. It may look familiar because it is an iconic landmark from when Beijing hosted the 2008 Olympics. This cultural center was GORGEOUS. I was positively honored to teach here.

Here is a picture of a few of the children that captured my heart. We had SO MUCH fun! The children of China are exactly like the children I work with daily in the States. Excited, energetic and curious about EVERYTHING.

Here is a picture of a few of the children that captured my heart. We had SO MUCH fun! The children of China are exactly like the children I work with daily in the States. Excited, energetic and curious about EVERYTHING.

Despite the language barrier, bonding with these children was a breeze. Am I going back? You better believe it. What an honor to work with these smart, talented and adorable Little Ones!