Monday, January 26, 2009

Thank You Mr. Postman

There was a knock at the door today. I wasn't expecting any visitors so I didn't hasten my way to the door. When I finally got to the door the unexpected visitor had left the doorstep. I suddenly remembering ordering a package, but wasn't expecting it so soon so I opened the door a crack and I heard footsteps running my way. It was the Postman with a package for ME!!! YIPPEEE!!!

Do ya wanna see what was inside? Well, do ya?

~*~
It was this fabulous altered journal.
I saw it on this blog post at
The Tuscan Rose makes fabulous altered art.
I fell in love with THIS immediately!

Need you ask why?
Isn't that tatting lovely?
Yes, she cut up a doily,
but she did fabulous things with it!
Edited 1/27/09: This just in:
No lace was harmed in the
making of this journal!
Patty, the creator writes
in her comment below,
"...I should have put a disclaimer in that no lace was in any way harmed in the making this journal. The lace I used on the cover was a "rescued fragment" from a tattered beyond use doily. I find it's a great way to put such lovely tatting back into use."
Whew! Thank you Patty! :)
Double ((hugs)) to you!
***
Shall we take a peek inside the pages of
this wonderful altered journal?
I can only show you a very small sampling for the sake of time.
Here's a tag and a pocket page.

Here's another page with a photo and a label.
The photo is bound into the spine and like
a little page leaf all by itself.

I have no idea who this person is...
...but there she sits inside my journal pages like she belongs!
The NERVE!!! ;)
***
It's also filled with vintage images and ephemera!
Like this vintage rose
Isn't it lovely?
***
Here's what the first page looks like
when you open it up.
What shall I put in it, you ask?
***
Why, TATTING, of course!
See?
I'll start with a heart!
***
Here's another page.

A Closer look at another heart
from the same vintage workbasket design.
(Workbasket, August 1985)
I've only tatted it a few hundred jillion times, LOL!
Look at this bit of edging I never did anything with.
It's in Flora brand thread size 50.


What do you think?

I now have a place to put all my little bits,
motifs, "mistakes", and "doodles" of tatting.
I plan on using it for a keeper and after I get my old
bits that I can't bring myself to throw away, then I
will add more current pieces along with the date and thread info.
***
Wouldn't you like to keep a tatting journal, too?

It's a great way to record progress or make notes on
techniques or "tricks" you've learned along the way!
~*~
Thank you for letting me show you my new "toy"! If you are thinking of learning to tat or even if you have tatted for a while I'd like to suggest the thought of keeping a tatting journal. It doesn't have to be pretty or expensive, just a notebook will do! Well, I'll leave that thought and tell you I'm so glad you stopped by my blog today! Please come again and, oh, feel free to leave a comment if you feel so inclined! Comments are always welcomed on my blog and I cherish every ONE!
Don't forget to sign up for the tatting giveaway for One World~One Heart on the GIVEAWAY POST!!! You have until February 11, 2009 to comment on that post in order to be entered!
Thank you for stopping by,
TattingChic
:)

82 absolutely fabulous things were said:

Rose of Sharon said...

How fun! I love it! Lucky you! She did a great job.

:0) Sharon

Nima said...

wow...that is an interesting toy for a crafter. I just loved your idea of tatting journal. Thanks for sharing the idea

Valerie said...

that's a lovely journal to keep... interesting too. hey do show us the precious tatting that you keep along the way. now that's another inspiration! thanks for sharing, tattingchic.

Linda said...

Your journal is just beautiful...inside and out. I love that it's for all things tatting, perfect to keep track of all your creations and inspirations. I have little journals for my x-stitching and one for my quilts...hugs, Linda

LadyShuttleMaker aka MadMadPotter said...

Whoah! This is freak'n FABULOUS!

...at first I cringed a little at the cut up tatting but I soon got over it with how lovely the whole thing is!

Congrats!

Jona Panesa said...

I would really like to learn the art of tatting. I was browsing your page and I know i can combine it with my scrapbooking. it will really be a nice touch on my pages.

Lace hearts said...

What an absolutely beautiful journal, and an ideal use for it, I'd say. Clever you. That is from one very talented crafter.

Needledreams said...

OMG! Why I don't have a postman like that here to bring me cool stuff? *sigh*

I have tried to make journals like that one but they don't look as pretty as that one! I would kill to have a lovely journal as that one. lol Enjoy it and fill it with tons of tatting and writings.

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

Such a lovely journal. I love the idea of keeping a journal for the things we make. And I love the heart and flowers you made. Your work is always so pretty. I always want to learn to tat when I see the lovely things you make...and I would, well, you know, except for that whole milk carton thing and all. :)

Kathi~Lavender, Lace and Thyme said...

That is totally amazing and beautiful! Thank you for sharing :) I'm going to visit to see what other nummy things she has. What a wonderful way to keep your tatting pretties.

Have a great Tuesday,
Kathi :)

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

Wonderful! I was given a journal for Christmas, and I'm just not one for writing down a lot of personal information... it might come back to haunt me! However, I might just follow your lead and use it for bits and pieces of my practice tatting. Thanks for sharing!

Kathleen Grace said...

What a beautiful journal! I love that she saved the bit of tatting to add to it. I have several pillow cases that I have trimmed the handmade tatting or lace off when they got too thin to use any more. Those bits of someones art are too precious to throw away. The journal is a perfect place for you to keep your little bits and bobs of art. I love your tatting!

Elyse said...

wow, that is beautiful. what a fun treat to receive and enjoy!

xo

Bella Sinclair said...

Hey, I'd like to have a postman who runs to deliver packages to me!

Whoa, this is a very cool journal. And I LOVE that you're filling it with bits of tatting. That edging looks like a flower crown, doesn't it? Absolutely lovely.

By the way, I have a few awards for you....

Mary Ellen said...

Perfect - a place to keep your samples, scraps and memories. What a treasure!

Unknown said...

oH I LOVE the journal!! Just beautiful!! I love all the little details!

Hugs,
Amy

Angela said...

Lovely, lovely journal. An ideal spot to keep all those lovely tatted pieces you can't stand to part with. I may have to do one for myself. AS for the picture of the gal on the porch you could always adopt her. She could become great aunt someone!! 8-))

I may have to go find some spiral bound books to make some journals for gifts.

Ais said...

I love your journal TattingChic... I am so ispired it taht I am really thinking of making one of my own... I am not sure when but I am sure going to make one. YOur posts are always so inspiring. Thank you for sharing all this with us TattingChic.

patty said...

I am so happy you love your new journal and that you are using it right away. A lace sample journal is perfect. What you have done so far is really neat. So I guess I should have put a disclaimer in that no lace was in any way harmed in the making this journal. The lace I used on the cover was a "rescued fragment" from a tattered beyond use doily. I find it's a great way to put such lovely tatting back into use.

Thimbleanna said...

Ooooh, she's a beauty TattingChic! What a fun idea -- that would work for all other kinds of crafts too!

Sharon D. said...

What a beautiful journal. And a great idea to keep a journal.

Kathy Raker said...

The journal is lovely, a wonderful way to include all your tatting creativity. Love the cover color too.

Unknown said...

Thanks, Sharon. She did do a great job, didn't she!?

Hi Nima. You are welcome and I hope you use the idea.

Thanks Val, I appreciate your sweet comment. It's an honor to offer inspiration.

Thanks Linda. It is the perfect little place for all those bits and pieces! That's cool that you have some journals, too!

Oh well, guess what, Lady Shuttle Maker, I just found out from Patty (who made the journal and her comment is down a few comments from yours) that she didn't cut it up. WHEW! LOL!

Perfect idea, Jonaks! Tatting works perfect with scrapping and cardmaking! I hope you do learn tatting!

Hi Lace Hearts, thank you. Isn't she clever. The journal even has old post cards from 1912/1913. It's fabulous!

Oh, bummer about the postman. I guess I didn't realize how fortunate I am to live where I do. A tatting journal doesn't have to be all gussied up, but maybe if you want one you could just cover a notebook w/ scrapbook paper (come on, I'm sure you've got a stash of pretty paper somewhere, Wally!) and stick a tatted motif or two on the front and Voila! Tatting journal!

Hi Stitchy McFloss. Yes, the "Milk Carton" thing does sounds like a rather uncomfortable predicament. Well, you'll be in my prayers, nonetheless.

Hi Kathi! Enjoy your visit over there. Let me know if you "walk away" with anything! LOL!

Oh, that is so cool that you got a journal for Christmas, Diane! If you do use it for tatting bits/motifs and stuff I hope that you share it with us on your blog!

Hi Kathleen Grace, thanks for visiting. That is very resourceful of you to save the bits of crocheted lace from the worn linens. Good for you.

Thank you, Elyse.

LOL, Bella Sinclair! You always make me laugh! Okay, I will run over and check out the goodies. Thanks for thinking of me!

Thank you, Mary Ellen. You're right it is the perfect place for them!

Thanks, Amy! Isn't it lovely. Glad you came to visit.

Hi Angie. Thanks for the humorous comment! Adopt an Aunt! What a concept, LOL! Well, that would be great if you did start a tatting journal for yourself!

Thank you, Sweet Ais! That would be AWESOME if you started a tatted journal! I hope you do!

Patty, thanks for visiting! I'm glad you like what I've done with your "Baby"! Whew, what a relief! I'm glad you rescued the tattered tatting! I'll be sure and edit the post to reflect that "No lace was harmed in the making of this journal"! LOL!

Oh, absolutely, Thimbleanna! A journal is a great thing to use for ANY craft. The lady who makes them, has one she uses for her gardening photos. You could use it for any hobby or passion, really!

Hi, Sharon D, thank you! Glad you came to visit!

Thank you, Kathy! I have many little bits to get started in it and I'm sure it will be filled up in no time!

Lori said...

what a beautiful journal...your little tatting bits look wonderful against the papers she used...brilliant idea!!!

Kate Tracton said...

Wowowow! What FAB place to store your bits and pieces. And notes to Self...

You are a lucky duck.

It's nice when laces and such can be rescued from their decaying parts.

Enjoy!

Kate (shibori girl)

Tatfully Yours said...

What a wonderful book to have and put those little pieces of tatting in that we do and can not find a home for right away. Good for you.
Kelly

Carla said...

HOLY SMOKES! That journal is exquisite, and adding your masterpieces will only make it more so! You deserve each other!!

Barb said...

Hi Miss Tattingchic,

Absolutely fabulous! What a treasure and I love what you added to it.

hugs,
Barb

Tatskool said...

Wow! the whole concept of that journal full of bits and piece is simply wonderful. With all the bits and pieces of tatting in it too it's something that you will never tire of peeping into...well i wouldn't anyway.

Lovely, lovely idea, it takes scrapbooking to a new level.

If ever I get time I have to scrapbook about my grandson...it's taking the first step that is the hardest.

Bonnie said...

Oh TattingChic you are so clever, I can't begin to express to you what a great idea I think this is!

Megan Chamberlain said...

You have started a marvellous idea, Since I started learning to tat I have lots of pieces started and then stopped due to a mistake but I haven't been able to throw them away because I did manage to do a bit of nice stuff so now I get to keep the memory and watch as my work (hopefully) improves. I love the look of your journal, the cover is beautiful.

Unknown said...

Thank you, Lori. Glad you like the idea.

Hi Kate, it nice that the old lace was rescued and turned into a beautiful part of something quite functional.

Hi Kelly, thank you! Glad you stopped by.

Thank you, Carla. Welcome to my blog.

Thanks, Ms. Barb! I hope to add a lot more!

Hi Tatskool. Enjoy scrapping about your cute grandson when you get around to it. It's really easy to stick the tatting in the journal. The hard part is already done! Now I just put the tatting on adhesive "sticky dots" and stick it on! Easy PEASY!

Thank you so much, Bonnie! I hope you start a tatting journal, too! That would be cool. Glad you came to visit.

Yes, Megan Chamberlain, keeping your tatting bits and watching the techniques improve is definately one very important function of a tatting journal! Thanks for visiting.

Gina said...

What a lovely journal! I've been wondering what "altered journals" looked like inside. Thanks for the peek!

Draffin Bears said...

Hi TattingChic,

What a lovely day you are having with a visit from the Postman!

I love your journal and what a talented Lady, that made it.
Also the beautiful tatted lovelies you are going to put there ~ just
gorgeous. I love the heart one that you are starting off with.
I hope that you get a lot of enjoyment in filling up your journal.

Hugs
Carolyn

Deepa said...

34 absolutely fantastic things have been said here until now...let me add the 35th... :)
great idea of the journal.. and lucky you :))
Thanks for visiting my blog...

laura_rose said...

I was advised to keep a tatting journal by my first teacher, but yours is great! I love it! ...would love a copy of your heart pattern too....I made Abby's heart for all my friends for Christmas.

Linda said...

Oh wow what a beautiful altered journal, and what a great idea puting your tatting bits and doodles in.
Cheers Linda

Susanne said...

Lovely journal, I think it was a bargain. And you will make a good use of it for your tatting. Just lovely.

a pink-bee said...

Oh my GOSH ! That is SOOOOO nice ~ I love all the layering on the cover ~ I have to to make a journal ~ soon !
Have a happy day :)
crystal

Unknown said...

Hi Gina, I seriously wish it was practical to show you each page! There are so many fabulous things in it. A few post cards from the turn of the (last) century with the postmarks and original writing on them. So sweet!

Hi Carolyn, so glad you stopped by. Your comment is so sweet. Yes, Patty makes some absolutely beautiful journals!

Hello, Deepa, welcome to my tatting blog! Glad you like the journal and yes, I am very fortunate to have been able to acquire it.

Welcome Laura Rose! I'm glad you found me. I hopped over to your blog and found beautiful lace! Thanks for visiting.

Thank you, Linda. Glad you like it. It's always nice to have you pop in.

Hi Susanne, it's so good to have you come by for a minute. Thanks for the sweet comment.

Hi Crystal, thanks for the comment. I hope you show us your journal when the time comes that you make it!

Unknown said...

Hi Gina, I seriously wish it was practical to show you each page! There are so many fabulous things in it. A few post cards from the turn of the (last) century with the postmarks and original writing on them. So sweet!

Hi Carolyn, so glad you stopped by. Your comment is so sweet. Yes, Patty makes some absolutely beautiful journals!

Hello, Deepa, welcome to my tatting blog! Glad you like the journal and yes, I am very fortunate to have been able to acquire it.

Welcome Laura Rose! I'm glad you found me. I hopped over to your blog and found beautiful lace! Thanks for visiting.

Thank you, Linda. Glad you like it. It's always nice to have you pop in.

Hi Susanne, it's so good to have you come by for a minute. Thanks for the sweet comment.

Hi Crystal, thanks for the comment. I hope you show us your journal when the time comes that you make it!

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Tatting Chic, I absolutely love your tatting jounal. Tatting and roses how could anything be more perfect together??? VBG All you gorgeous bits and pieces of tatting will look beautiful inside its pages. Hugs Judy

JulenaJo said...

Beautiful book and a great way to use it!

Kathy Raker said...

My email keeps bouncing back.

Rebecca Ramsey said...

You lucky girl! It's gorgeous! I love all the rescued bits and pieces she worked in!

Unknown said...

Is this not the perfect journal for you...it's gorgeous. How did you ever found an altered journal with lace? It's beautiful and so perfectly created for you.
Karen

Tattycat said...

The journal is wonderful. I know you are going to have lots of fun with it. A tatting journal is a splendid idea!

Jessica Rodarte said...

*gasp* *look away* *gasp again* I LOVE it. *a little more gasping* it's beautiful. WOW!!
I thought of you when I came upon this blog post: http://suzanneduda.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/01/tat-rat.html?cid=146531292#comments

*still gasping*

Unknown said...

Hi Judy, thanks for stopping by! Thanks for "letting" me share the journal with you!

Thank you, Julena Jo! I'm excited to use it up.

Kathy, I think we finally connected. I got them. Don't know what the problem was. I'll write back later when I'm not at work (I'm on a lunch break right now).

Hi, Becky! Thanks for stopping by. Didn't she do a great job. Yes, I consider myself very fortunate to have something like this.

Thank you, Karen. I found it through my google alerts for "tatted lace". The blog post link to the designer's blog ended up in my mail box and I ran right over to her etsy shop as soon as I saw it was for sale! EEEeeek! I'm so glad I got there before anyone else did!

Hi, Tattycat! Thank you! I am so excited about it! I know have a place that is aesthetically pleasing to put the pretty little tatting bits in. Hee hee! :)

OMGosh! Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping! You are such a crack up, girly!!! LOL! I ran over to that blog link and invited her over to come join the giveaway. See, now, look at you...I am so impressed! Now you know what tatting looks like enough to spot it when you see it! That is FABULOUS, DAHling! :)

The Victorian Parlor said...

The journal is gorgeous!!! I am still laughing about the 'no lace was injured...' statement! Thanks so much for sharing-it's always so exciting when the postman brings a treasure instead of a bill:)

Thanks so much for the comments on my blog:)

Victoria - Florence and Mary said...

What a wonderful journal!

Victoria x

One Shabby Old House said...

Oh my goodness. I never knew what tatting was. Now I do and it is amazing. I think this would be a wonderful art to learn. These would look wonderful in my Shabby old house.
Your tatting journal was just wonderful.
Becky

Vintage Rose Collection said...

I would be happy to see the postman too, this is gorgeous!!!
Thank you for the sweet comment today!
Jo-Anne

Reen said...

Helo TattingChic. what a beautiful journal. i think i'll do 1 for myself too. at least my daughters can show to their children, their grandma's passion.

ancolie said...

Hi TattingChic ! Your journal is so beautiful ! thank you for sharing this fabulous treasure with us.
A tatting journal is a very good idea : it could be a challenge for every tatter?!
Have a nice day
ancolie from france

robin dudley-howes said...

How Pretty!! I love the cover and the tatted heart! BTW...I was given a vintage tatting tool..I'll have to post it so you can tell me about it.
Robin

Unknown said...

Hello to the Victorian Parlor, thanks for visiting! Glad you get my sense of humor! It is nice to get a fun package!

Thank you, Victoria. Glad you stopped by.

Hi Becky! Welcome to my blog. That would be totally cool for you to learn tatting. I hope you do, someday!

Hi Jo-Anne, thanks to you for visiting. It was a nice visit from the postman, for sure!

Reen, that is a beautiful idea to have a tatting journal for posterity. You never know, you may inspire future tatters!!!

Hello, dear Ancolie from France! I always feel flattered when I have visitors from France. Is that silly, no? That could be a tatting challenge to start a tatting journal.

Hi Robin! Thanks for stopping by to visit. I would LOVE to see your vintage tatting "tool". I wonder if you mean "shuttle". I guess I'll find out when you post a picture of it! Cool! :)

Babsarella said...

Oh yes, I saw this amazing journal on Etsy and loved it. I think you have found the most perfect use for this journal. Hope you will share more pages as you add your tatting to them.

Anonymous said...

That is a beautiful journal! Just wanted to say Thank you for stopping in at Babasfarmlife and commenting on the Stone Houses post. I am so glad you enjoyed your visit. I love your blog!

Jessica Rodarte said...

I had to come back for a second look.

Unknown said...

Hi Babsarella, doesn't she have the most lovely journals there on Etsy? Oh, DROOL!

Hi Baba, thanks for visiting again. Glad you stopped by and like the journal.

Hi girlyfriend, Kids Napping? I'm Scrapping! You can come back and look anytime!

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful journal...I love that tatting! I left a comment on your OWOH and today have joined the caravan myself. So if you feel like dropping by to enter my giveaway for OWOH, you'd be very welcome!

Free Art Printables said...

That is so cool! It's lovely!

Pat Winter Gatherings said...

Hi!!! You won the blue coat girl pin!!!
Stop by my blog!!
Smiles,Pat

yoon see said...

Beautiful! Just too beautiful!
I am wordless....
Great ideas and inpirations!

Unknown said...

Hi Cat, thanks for stopping by and inviting me. The embroidered heart pin that you are giving away is so sweet! I love it.

Thanks, Jen!

Oh my GOSH! I am so excited!!! I won the blue coat girl YIPPEEEEEEE!!! Email has been sent!

Thank you for visiting, Yoon See! Glad you like the tatting journal!

Tracy said...

Simply stunning...that has to be the most beautiful journal I've ever seen! And just the thing for a tatter's keepsake book. :o) Happy Weekend, my friend ((HUGS))

Sarah MomE25 said...

What a great Idea. I have so many small bits of tatting just laying in a box. I might just have to still this idea.

dilaw said...

Thanks TattingChic for sharing your journal. It is a fabulous idea! I will just have to think on it and decide if I want to make one. Mine certainly won't be as beautiful and fancy as your's. I love Vintage Victorian - style things. I love your journal. Thanks for the idea!

Guzzisue said...

beautiful journal, now it makes mr want to fing my tatting shuttle, I'm sure I've got one somewhere and its more portable than my lace pillow :-)

Lois said...

You have such pretty pieces.
What a lovely idea in keeping them in a journal. Much easier to browse through than a box of bits and pieces.

Mona said...

I can feel another addiction coming up ...i love the idea ..i will adopt this new addition to my family of crafts ...xxx Mona

Pretty Things said...

OOOOOOK, hand that over now and no one gets hurt! ;-)

Umintsuru said...

It is jusy beautiful. What a great idea. It will be a journal full of pretty tatting, nonetheless.
Wendy

Unknown said...

Thank you, Tracy! ((Hugs)) back to you! I always enjoy your visits.

Hi Sarah! Thank you! You are more than welcome to use the idea! It's not really "mine" I don't think any tatter could claim it as "their" idea because art journals of ALL kinds of crafts have been around for decades, if not longer!

Hi Di L! Thank you for visiting and welcome to my blog! I hope you do start a tatting journal. When you do I hope you share it; let me know! I'd love to see it via your blog!

LOL, Guzzisue, yes, there is something to be said about the portability of a tatting shuttle comapred to a bobbin lace pillow! I hope you do find your shuttle and start tatting! You go girl!

Thank you, Sweet Something by Lois! You are right, it IS much easier to look at than going through a box/tin/or baggies full of tatting bits. It's much easier on the eyes, too! LOL!

Hi Mona! I'm so glad you stopped by! I'd love to see your tatting journal "addiction" when it gets going! You make so many lovely things! I'm sure your journal would be a beauty!

LOL, Lori Anderson Designs! Look, just BACK OFF lady! LOL!!!! ;)

Thank you Wendy, that is nice of you to say my tatting is pretty.

Grizzly Mountain Arts said...

What a wonderful journal and your beautiful tatting is the perfect companion for it!

Unknown said...

WOW!!!!
That is just a fabulous journal! I love the vintage goodies as well as that fabric. You have great taste! And of course that tatting is 2Die4!!

Hugs..Lorena

Unknown said...

Thank you, Grizzly Mountain Arts! Your comment is sweet.

Awww...thanks, Lorena! Patty did a fabulous job picking out fabric for the cover and spine, didn't she? You're a sweetie.

Susan Elliott said...

OK, I just bought one too. I told her you sent me...

Unknown said...

LOL! That is too cute! I'll be watching for it on your blog! Aren't they the coolest journals???

Unknown said...

I have also made some tatting journals. They are fun to make and allow lots of creativity. This one is very nice.

Unknown said...

Hi Linda, I would love to see your journals. Maybe I will hop over to your blog and see them if you have posted them.