Stories Of Summer : The Elements of Summer MiniBook By Molly Irwin
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THE ELEMENTS OF SUMMER
BY MOLLY IRWIN
When it comes to summer I don’t want to spend time indoors on the computer, or make detailed layouts. My goal is to pay homage to the season in a meaningful way with less screen; more sun.
Part journal, part sketchbook, part photo essay, this 4”x 6” ring book came together quickly and effortlessly; possibly one of the most optimistic projects I’ve crafted in some time. It isn’t intended to be a comprehensive story, but an emotive, sensory piece designed to incorporate current interests and influences. All in good fun.
I was going for a certain texture and matt finish for the materials. There’s a simple, but not entirely inexpensive, bunch of supplies:
A pack or two of Strathmore Blank Watercolor Postcards
Photos are printed on Canson Infinity Arches Aquarelle Rag, 240 lb.
Solid cardstock (I’ve chosen analogous colors that feel like summer to me)
White Pen-Touch
pens (or similar) to sketch doodles over the colorsWatercolor paints. I used liquid tubes, by Speedball
White cardstock to print journaling cards
Two, 4x6 chipboard covers (to which you adhere paper)
A couple of binder rings (office supply store)
My content is structured viewing summer primarily through three elements: sun, water and plants, with an introduction section for each. I’ll insert favorite photos and notes behind each section however they feel right to me. It won’t be chronological.
If you’d like to print the simple journaling cards, here is a link to a PDF file :
Download MollyIrwin_SummerSensesCards. You can print 3 cards per 8.5” x 11”sheet and cut them apart.
Tucked in my bag, with a sharpie and a set of watercolors, I can make notes and sketches along the way wherever this summer finds me.
I hope summer leads you somewhere exceptional, even if your own backyard.
If you’re interested, there’s a companion piece on my blog today on specific inspirations and how they influenced this project.
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46 comments
As always, Molly provides such wonderful and thoughtful inspiration. I am looking forward to incorporating some of these creative ideas in my album this summer! Thanks to you both :)
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So beautiful, so Molly! I just love the colour combinations on the cover of the album, which are then repeated individually for each of the section dividers. I'm reaching for those watercolours now… :)
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You knocked it out of the park, Molly. I first found your work through browsing Ali's December Daily Flickr page and visit your blog often for your thought-provoking posts and amazing projects. I love that you combine your talent for art with the graphics of the computer kind. Whatever you do is always amazing!
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i love this!!! simply beautiful.
but i'm curious about the font - is it avenir?
thank you, ali and molly!!!
=^ . ^=
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Thank you, Ale. The font is Avenir.
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I'm so happy to see this wonderful little book featured here Molly- it's beautiful. I love how you keep it simple but at the same time fresh and interesting. Love it!!
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This is truly wonderful. I visit your blog often too when I found you during Ali's recent week in the life project. I love your blog and you are talented and have great ideas. Thanks for sharing with us.
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I love this! I have never used watercolors before and I just might have to try....
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This is absolutely gorgeous! I wonder if I could use my chalks and a watercolor pen/brush to create the same thing.......
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Molly-this is a beautiful project-thanks so much for sharing it!
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Molly, this is gorgeous!
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printing these out and doing this now!
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This is a really cool idea! I love to paint, so this would be a good excuse to break out my old supplies. :)
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A quick tip: I've done a couple of 4x6 mini albums like this - I purchased a 2 hole punch from Office Depot to make the holes. It punches right through the thickest of papers + photos and all your punches will stay in register because of the pull out alignment bar. $9.99 totally worth it. Note: your hole punches would be closer together than how she did it (with I'm guessing a hand punch).
http://www.officedepot.com/a/products/825307/Office-Depot-2-Hole-Paper-Punch/
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This is just beautiful. Love the new take on a scrapbook. And the thought that goes into it.
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I just LOOOOOVE it! What an inspiration, and I have everything on hand already. Thank you Molly. Thank you Ali!
<3
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I love this project! Fantastic job!
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This is the best mini-album I've ever seen. I am so into paint these days...and I am sooo inspired! Thank you.
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So Inspiring Molly! (as always!) I need to break out my watercolors for my summer journal. Working on watercolor paper is always so lovely. Thanks for sharing.
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What a great little book! I'm wanting to make a blank watercolor sketch book from papers I already have - think this might be what I try. I like the idea of having the papers together, but loose enough they can be folded back on themselves & the book can be opened all the way. Thank you for your clear & lovely design!
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