Before Christmas, I was looking for just the right project to make for a very special friend of mine who has been instrumental in helping get Sara Jane's Studio off the ground. I first contemplated a "Gratitude" journal, but couldn't find anything that really spoke to me. Instead I came across the following (authored by Mary Anne Radmacher) in a book of quotations:
LIVE with intention.
Walk to the EDGE.
LISTEN hard.
Practice WELLNESS.
PLAY with abandon.
LAUGH.
CHOOSE with no regret.
Continue to LEARN.
APPRECIATE your friends.
Do what you LOVE.
LOVE as if this is all there is.
This struck me as the perfect starting place for a journal on "Resolutions", so appropriate for the end of the year and the beginning of a new one. And I started my project, which was a book made from 4" square chipboard coasters. On each page is one of the "Resolutions" from above, with an added quotation that enhanced the thought.
I used the Basic Grey "Blush" collection of coordinated papers to cover the coasters, as well as to make a an accordion-pleat binding for the book. I printed all of the quotations on Very Vanilla cardstock (Stampin' Up!) in a brown and rosy-red that matched the papers. I trimmed the quotes down to fit, and inked all of the edges with Chocolate Chip ink, allowing for some intentional smudging. I also inked the edges of the coasters with the brown ink. From Strano Design, I purchased some 3/8" grosgrain ribbon (on sale!!) and used that for the closure. For the finishing touches, I added Prima flowers on the cover, with iridescent green seed beads in a little pile to create the flower center- I cemented those in place with Crystal Effects. A bronze-colored skeleton leaf added the right amount of red-ish color to balance the design. The cover and one of my favorite spreads is shown below.
Like it?!?
If you would like to buy a kit, you can click here to learn more. I can't promise the exact same papers, but they will be comparable and will all coordinate with one another. If you have favorite colors you would like to work with, just let me know.
If you would like to buy a finished "Resolutions Coaster Book" you can click here.
Wishing you all the best for a Happy and Healthy New Year!
