If We Were Having Tea

 

I haven't done one of these since last year. Maybe I need to start writing these posts once a month. 

I will tell you this year has been similar to last year. We just got back from a trip to Acadia. Summer reading is almost here. I'm nervous and excited about all the programs and all the people. It is the best of time and the hardest of times. It's going to be harder this year because of budget issues and being down a full time person. I would ask, what adventures do you have planned for this summer?

Because of some health reasons, I'm watching certain things I eat and I hate it. I don't bake as much and it's really hard. I miss baking. If you were baking something fun this week, what would it be?

I'm starting to post more bookish posts on instagram. If you're on there - maybe give me a follow? I'm trying to build up my profile. I would ask what types of posts you like to see bookish photos, pictures of my life, or bookish creations with canva? Do you like to take pictures too?

After the article last year in SLJ, I created a YA Romance Book Trope database. You can read more about it here. You can view it here. It's a work in progress, but I hope it's helpful for librarians for displays and whatnot. I would ask, do you like tropes in romance? What's your favorite one?

My blog has gotten many more hits this last year. I'm grateful for you all reading it. I'd ask, what brings you here? Have you read any books I talk about? What book would recommend to me?

I haven't been good at different crafts lately. I was hoping to get back into paper quilling this year, but honestly, I've spent the majority of my crafting time painting. Here are a few paintings:

I would ask, what have you crafted lately?

I would ask, what's new with you. What do you want to share?

* This idea was taken many years ago from Jamie over at The Perpetual Page Turner

Christmas Crafting

 

It is time to start ALL the crafting.

I have several ideas on what to make this year. 

I can't share them here in case of spoilers. 

But are do you make crafts for the holidays? Do you like getting handmade gifts?

What do you make? Or what do you like to receive as gift?

Christmas in July: Christmas Cards

It's time for the crafting to start...

I have a lot of cards to make, so I need to start early.

Paintings

 So far this year, I've been enjoying painting with watercolors (mostly) but sometimes acrylic. I've been using pins from Pinterest for ideas and for a little something different.

This is a card - it's supposed to be a path through lavender. Does it come through?

I had a lot of left over brown one day. This is a dock and water. I might paint some flip-flops on the dock.

This is the first new one. I've always wanted to paint mountains. But I didn't read the directions all the way through first and therefore it's not perfect. But it looks pretty good. 

This was something wildly different for me. 

Extra paint from the previous painting turned into this Valentine.

Starry Night with trees. I loved how the stars came out.

Combo mountain and stars painting. 

Last weekend's painting from a photo of a place in New Hampshire we traveled to last year. 

This one was updated with grass on the hill, the tree, and the swing. Looking at it now, the tree looks a little lonely. 

This one was for a paint night workshop for the library.  It was a fun night. 

And that's what I've been working on while the world is still on fire. Each piece from start to finish takes about an hour. Drying happens during that time. The paper pieces are 7 by 5 inches. I took a few classes in high school and college, but I've never really worked much with watercolors. I thought I didn't like them. And then I learned a little patience goes a long way! 

Our Library's New Program

 Last year, we did a year of Book Bingo.

This year, we're challenging our readers all year long. But it's not a reading challenge.

Check out the video here.

January's Challenge is all about crafts.

First, I want to update my knitting skills

I can make scarves and blankets, but I like to create something a *little* harder.

Second, I've seen some awesome looking resin jewelry and other items

Like these bookmarks I found on Esty:

Aren't they amazing?

I think it would be fun to try. I know working with Resin is a challenge, but I did purchase a few molds.

You're more than welcome to join us! It doesn't matter where you live in the world.

In My Shop

I have lots of items in my shop this time of year - some book inspired and some not.

Getting Ready for Christmas:

Gift Tags:

Cards:

Tree Ornaments:

Gift Ideas:

Snowglobe Necklace:

Harry Potter House Scarf:

Book Locket:

Teacup Earrings:

Typewriter Pendant:

Fun Chunky Soap

Mermaid Charm Bracelet

In My Shop

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, I have some new Valentine Cards and jewelry for your sweetheart or your Galentine. 

Here's just a small sample:

Typewriter Card:

Pizza Card:

Textured Jewelry:

Roses

I just added some Valentines and Galentines to the shop.

Take a look!

Blogging Goals 2018

I make a lot of resolutions - hopes and dreams and goals for the new year.

They don't always work out, but I do try.

This year, I've been thinking about my blog. It's turning 10 this year and I can't imagine I've been blogging for that long. At the same time, I can't remember a time not blogging. 

I want to branch out a tiny bit more - still doing similar things but maybe more of those posts. 

Of course still book review - I'm a librarian after all

But I do want to talk more about my work in the library world

I want to talk more about my writing

And finally I want to talk more about crafting and highlight some crafts in my Etsy store.

I hope you continue this journey with me and thanks for reading my blog, it really does mean a lot to me!!

12 Gifts of Christmas: Day 12

For the 12 gifts of Christmas, my true love gave to me:

12 Gift Tags:

11 Gingerbread Soaps (I wish you could smell them)

10 Holiday Cards!

one snow covered tree, one snow covered cabin, one Santa suit, one snowy dash, one fun red with Santa, one Gingerbread House, one mug of hot chocolate, one silver snowflake, one reindeer, and one Christmas tree

9 Charm Bracelets:

One Harry Potter inspired, One Beauty bracelet, one with mermaids, one for abeach lover, one traveling the world, one for believers of fairy tales, one forJane Austen fans, one secret garden, and one for someone getting married(perfect for a proposal)

8 Flavors of Bath Salts (these are my favorites)

Chocolate

Cupcake

Coconut

Lemonade Raspberry

Blueberry

Lavender with Vanilla

Apple Pie

Gingerbread

7 Christmas Ornaments:

One Harry Potter ornament, One cold bear, One  reminder to believe, onesparkly tree, one graceful bird, and One red sled for pulling presents, and onereindeer to fly the sled,

6 fun necklaces:

One adventure locket, A shoe lover's necklace, A spoon necklace, 

One owl hooting, Beaded jar, and a Time Changing Necklace, 

5 Feminist Earrings to smash the patriarchy!

 

You're a hero, Fly with your own wings, Follow your own arrow, You bloom no matter where you are, Because you are the sun,

4 Potter House Scarves: one for each of the houses.

Ravenclaw is mine!

Three statement necklaces, perfect to wear to a party

Turquoise, pretty pinks, and bold blue and grey

 

Two jewelry boxes, one purple and gold and one because I love pink.

 and 

One snowglobe necklace perfect for your winter loving person

* Now through the end of the year use coupon code BOOKNERD17 for a 10% discount. 

** I hope you enjoyed these posts. I thought they were fun. Thanks for looking at my store.