Not fabric, but still fibre

Yesterday, I finally photographed a little book I finshed a while ago. 

From the outside, I suppose it just looks like any old book.  I used a coptic binding  (or here)(with beads!) and recycled the cardstock from my paper and cardboard collection (otherwise known as my recycling baskets)

However, it's the inside that I really like (Beyond the fact that it sits so flat when open!)
It is made from bill envelopes, the kind with the cellophane window.  I got this idea from Laura Kemshall in a design matters episode (It costs money to subscribe, but is certainly worth it)
My book is actually a little different to Laura's, but if you know me, you know I can never follow instructions without altering them.  Same with rules - lol.

I cut my envelopes so that each one opens at the top and the window is a vertical strip in the front of each pocket.  I wanted the pockets to be secure and only open at the top.  I glued the spine part (what was originally the open top of each envelope) into a pair of paper slips or tip-ins which were then bound (I got this method  from the new Cloth Paper Scissors Pages magazine.  This is so full of great stuff!

Finally, I couldn't finish without showing my wonky beading on the spine.  I do like making books like this - they are soo cute!

Leafy fabric book - progress

As you  know if you have been checking in, I am working on a little fabric book based on a leaf theme  (which is my current work theme).
As it has been a while, I thought I would give you an update on where the pages are at.

I have shown this one before, it just needs a little adjustment.

This one is basically finished, now, except, I think I may go over the word "fern"  in a contrasting colour.

This one is a bit further along.  I have defined the blue tree with some free motion, and now I think I see some yellow grassor bushes under it.  I also found these fish bone leaf danglies which I will embellish with some blue and gold thread.

My wrapped leaves have found a new backing, which suits them better, but I am still dithering over my next steps here.

So, instead of dithering, I just went on to some new pages until the muse strikes.  This one was inspired by the circle, which I have blanket stitched on.  The sequins are a bit lost, although I think their shape and arrangement are good.  I did try stitching on them with green (top left), but it just wasn't enough contrast.  I think I will paint them with pale green gesso. Although I do like the pearly sheen, it doesn't work here.

This page uses some pressed fern leaves my mother gave me.  I liked the three sizes.  They are glued beneath a piece of tulle, which is attached with gold brads.  I will be stitching the leaves down and trimming the tulle with wave blade scissors or pinking shears.

This is a very simple page with lovely fabric and a little gold embellishment.

This one uses a bit of nylon lace curtain in a whorl.

This last one uses some little leaf charms I found with fabric shadows.  Not sure where this one will go.

So there is a peek at where I am at, but of course, if you know me, a peek is not much help, because it is just the tip of the iceberg, since I am into anything and everything vaguely to do with fibres and textiles.  My hubby says he has no idea what I am upto from one minute to the next, but he is exactly the same with his craft.  Two peas in a pod.