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
good idea! I actually used a heavy-duty 3-hole punch that went through the chipboard cover. This only reached/needed 2-holes.
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yes, i too found molly's blog thru the ali's inspired daily december album. i love, love, love the summer watercolor album. you are really too creative molly :)
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Gorgeous, thoughtful project, Molly. Such a big fan of the artful way you tell your stories.
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What a beautiful book you've created. Love your watercolour drawings and words. :-)
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you are just amazing, molly.
what a wonderful tribute to summer in your beautiful, graphic style.
thanks for the inspiration!
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you are just amazing, molly.
what a wonderful tribute to summer in your beautiful, graphic style.
thanks for the inspiration!
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you are just amazing, molly.
what a wonderful tribute to summer in your beautiful, graphic style.
thanks for the inspiration!
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you are just amazing, molly.
what a wonderful tribute to summer in your beautiful, graphic style.
thanks for the inspiration!
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This is beautiful! I love it!
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As always, Molly, you inspire. Thanks for sharing.
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Molly I think you've outdone yourself yet again. I love the simplicity of it all and less screen more sun as sometimes we get caught up trying to document life we end up away from life at the computer screen. I love the book and your inspiration. Thanks for sharing. Australia
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Love the use of watercolors!
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Molly....what a great idea and love the "don't blame yourself" and enjoy summer! We all need to be reminded. Thank you
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I love the idea of making a mini album with watercolors, it screams summer!
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This is amazing! Thanks for sharing it.
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This is so very inspiring! I love the simplicity and the concept. We'll hopefully I can also do something like this for our summer here though I'm still wondering what I can do with memory keeping as I only have weekends with our twins... :-/
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Sorry for the follow-up but forgot to ask: Do you have a page a week or a page per event?
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Love this! So doable.
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Love, love, love, love this book! Thank you for sharing it. I'm doing my own this weekend!
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Such a great project! I wish I had the artistic ability to use watercolor. My 3 year old does it better than me, hey there's an idea, have him do it...
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