On Tips and Tea on Tuesdays, I will cover a topic and hopefully provide you with some tips that will be helpful! And just as an afterthought, tea may occasionally be a cup of Joe!
Tea today is Chamomile, just sippin’ and enjoying the quiet morning. In the last few days we have seen clear autumn days and crisp clear nights with a myriad of stars on display. This is certainly the time of year that I find myself sitting on the couch with a good book, and a warm snugly blanket.
Speaking of books, if you are like me, you probably have a few titles stacked up, next to your favorite chair or by the couch. I usually use a different book mark, for each of my favorite authors.
For my Tony Hillerman novels, I use an old postcard with a picture of Canyon de Chelly. For Mary Stewart’s series on Merlin, well of course it would be a picture of Stonehenge.
For this book by Laurie R. King, I am using a packaging label (black “Link Soul” label below). The cardboard is sturdy, and it has a nice tie, that drapes out of the pages.
Tip: Re-purpose Packaging Labels
My tip today, would be to recycle and re-purpose cardboard and paper that we might not have thought useful. I have all manner of packaging labels saved up in my workroom, waiting for the day that I can find a way to re-purpose them.
Medium weight cardboard pieces can be used for patterns, such as yo-yo templates, or embroidery designs. If one side is blank, then you can write down the description of the pattern. You can even use labels that are already the shape that you need, such as this round Valdani thread label.
Medium weight cardboard is sturdy enough to punch holes into the edge. You can do this to create a thread saver, to attach and organize loose strands of floss. If the packaging is relatively free of text, then list the brand name, and color number of the threads.
If you are lucky enough to find a particularly unique label like this one, you could use it to create a travel sewing kit.
- Remove the black thread at the top, and replace it with a length of rattail cording. Before putting a tie at the top, attach your travel sewing scissors.
- Cut out two pieces of felt for your needles, and glue theses to the inside front and back of the book.
- Punch holes into the two inside pages, for loose strands of floss.
Happy tea drinking and stitching to you! ~Christen
PS: If you have any questions or thoughts, just leave a comment! See Tips, Tricks, the Basics, for more helpful ideas.
Christen's Creations 