upcycled book binding

So, I really enjoy going through the racks of vintage records at the thrift stores and estate sales to find cool old covers. I especially love children's record covers. I don't even own a record player anymore, but I just love the images. I thought it would be a great way to recycle/upcycle these covers if I I turned them into art journals.

So, here are the results...

Walt Disney's Songs for Bedtime!

Of course the best part about coptic binding is that the pages lie flat while you work!


And, here's another cool book made from the Carnival of the Animals record...

They will be for sale in my etsy shop!

Mountain Bike Monday - The Magic Carpet Ride

Here it is...

Dynamo's been waiting patiently for our newest addition to the family; the Niner M.C.R. (hence the title of the post, Magic Carpet Ride). I just love the names these companies give for their frames! His name is "Kermit" and it's quite fitting don't you think? The frames have been on backorder for a while, but his finally arrived and Carytown Bikes built it up and had it ready to go on Friday so we could have our Saturday ride.

I know what you're thinking...another bike? Do we really need another bike? Well, as I explained to my co-worker, "Each bike has a purpose." She said to me, "You're really a saleswoman aren't you?" I just laughed!

This bike is special because he will be Dynamo's partner for the 100 mile Cohutta Bike Race at the end of April in Tennessee. He really loved his Single Speed S.I.R. 9 (by the way... S.I.R. stands for "Steel Is Real.")so much that he wanted to get a geared bike with the same geometry for the big race. So, our plan was to sell his Independent Fabrication 26 inch and my Salsa 26 inch and get a geared bike for both of us to be able to ride. The M.C.R. is the geared version of that bike. We ride our SS bikes for the most part now, but there are times when gears are a must. And...this upcoming race is a must for gears.

Dynamo went out for a ride on Kermit Saturday. I met him with Spot towards the end of his long ride for a quick 9 mile spin at the park. I was so excited to try out my new wheel sets! Yes, of course Dynamo couldn't get a new bike without me getting something too! So, Spot got some new shoes!

I wanted to lighten Spot up a little and since we've been having some trouble with the rear hub, it seemed like a good time to make a switch. So, I got some Stan's Crest rims with Stan's 3.30 hubs tubeless. This took off about 2 pounds or so of weight.

The wheels did spin a lot better, but the entire ride was a little hectic because we had to constantly adjust the tug nuts and realign the back wheel. This is another issue that we're in the process of remedying, but I won't go into detail here.

The ride was good. Spot rolled well once he got rolling. Dynamo was pleased with Kermit. I even got to try him out for about 2 miles of fireroad. I know he will be a nice addition to the family! Too bad they don't make a pink SS. We really need a "Miss Piggy."

One the way from the trails we saw this in the middle of the fireroad...

I'm not sure what it was, but I thought it was so sweet! A heart for my Dynamo and I on the weekend before our big 4 year wedding anniversary!

Hope your weekend was a good one.

did I mention that...

...Dynamo and I attended the John Mellencamp concert in Richmond last Thursday night? What a fantastic show! Lots of new music with a new twist. It definitely wasn't traditional Mellencamp. I really was looking forward to hearing the "old stuff," which he did play, but not necessarily in the "old way." We had a great time and enjoyed our date! Here's a photo we took of ourselves with the camera phone. It was pretty dark, but it works!

Richmond's Landmark Theatre is a gem. It's architecture is breathtaking. Here is a photo of the ceiling!

I believe that they are planning to renovate the building. I sure hope they don't change lots of the character of the place!

John Mellencamp told some stories throughout the concert, which was 2 hours long. Many of his song lyrics come from his experiences. One story that particularly caught my attention was about his Grandma. She told him that "Life is short. Even in the longest days." Well, if you know his music, then you know this line. It makes a lot of sense don't you think?

If you do get the chance to see his concert...go for it. He's getting old for sure, his voice more raspy, but his music is still good.

book binding 101

I decided to teach myself to make my own journals using old board games and children's books. This technique of binding is called coptic binding.

It was a little challenging, but I'm really getting it down. The spine consists of what looks like braids...

The best part is that when you open up journals bound using this method, they lay completely flat. They are perfect for art journaling. There's nothing worse than trying to get the pages to lay down so you can work, but with this type you don't have to worry about it.

Here are a couple more I did recently...

The first is from an old card game. The second was made using a Christmas Golden book.

You may find these in my ETSY shop soon!! Happy Tuesday!



Mountain Bike Monday - Another 30ish

Yesterday, Dynamo, MBM, and I went out for a spin at Pocohontas State Park. We started early since we knew that we wanted to get in about 30 miles. We ended up registering 29.7(something) miles by the time we got back to the car.

It was a beautiful day for riding. There were tons of people at the Park. There were walkers, bikers, hikers, runners. It was so nice to see the "fair weather" people out using the Park.

We ventured into more unchartered territory again this week. We encountered a dam...

The water from the lake/pond/whatever was nearly dried up. This was on the other side of the park on the Bright Hope Trail. There was no easy way across. The only possibility was where the dam had broken, so we jumped across. There was a way to ride through the creek down a ways, but it was kinda deep and since it was early on in the ride we didn't want to get our feet wet!

The first 15 miles seemed to fly by, but the remaining (almost) 15 was somewhat slower. We had some more technical difficulties with Spot. He's in the doghouse right now! We're trying to figure out the next course of action to repair his issue.

It's fun to check out different sections of the Park. It's nice to have time to look around and see what's there. I feel much more comfortable now that I know more about the Park, and it's various ins and outs! We still make wrong turns, trust me!

It was a glorious day to be together and with our friend, MBM. Hopefully you enjoyed your beautiful Sunday!

The Birdie Sling

The last part of Lindsey's gift was a beach bag/tote bag. She told me that she loves bags and colors, so I wanted to make her something to maybe take with her on her honeymoon or tote stuff around town!

I used Amy Butler's Birdie Sling pattern. Another fabulous pattern by Amy Butler, let me tell you!!! This is the second time I've used this pattern and it was easier than the first time. It certainly wasn't hard to begin with because her patterns are so user friendly, but the more you make something, the better you get at it.

Of course it had to be different on each side. Everything I make is two-sided in case you haven't noticed! Maybe this could be my signature :)

It turned out fabulous! The colors were bright and spring-like. The bag is the perfect size. I know she will enjoy using it!

I try very hard to think about the person and their personality when I make something. Every card, bag, purse, etc. that I make is special to me. Just like the person I make it for. 

If you're looking for a great pattern, this is it! All of Amy's patterns are great! 

Something borrowed, Something blue...

On my wedding day, my cousin, Lindsey Marie, gave me the above vintage handkerchief that was her Granny's, and said that it could be "my borrowed" or "my blue," whatever I needed. I carried that hanky with me down the aisle the day I said my vows to my Dynamo. I did cry that day...a lot!! But, they were happy tears!

My mom's friend bought a get well card with a hanky in it...showed it to us...said "Rachel, you can make that"...and I thought I could too...So, I thought hard about it and came up with the above design for Lindsey's card. I wanted to incorporate shells because Lindsey is a beachy girl. The shell was one of many we found on one of our trips to Florida to see Dynamo's parents. It was the perfect addition.

The shell band slides off of the card and it opens to reveal this rhyme:

"Something borrowed, Something blue, Either way it's up to you! Love, Rachel Marie"

This was probably one of my best card creations. It was so special. You see, Lindsey and I are both only children, so we have a common thread. I have always looked up to my big cousin. I'm so happy to see that she's found her "Prince Charming." He will be a wonderful husband to her and a great addition to our family.