Christmas in July Workshop

There was a great turnout of 28 members for Beth McIlraith's ornament-making workshop this past weekend. Participants made book oriented circle ornaments as well as little star books that can be tied and hung as an ornament. 

These little ornaments and books were not made using typical Christmas icons. The pictures and text came from the text blocks that Beth does not use when making her Second Chance journals. 

(https://www.etsy.com/shop/SecondChanceJournals?ref=hdr_shop_menu).  S

The ornament structures are made from unused papers from her journals. Both of the structures are small enough to collapse and enclose with cards. She also brought pages from books by Beatrix Potter, and other books such as Winnie the Pooh, that were destined for recycling.

Thank you to Beth for her creative workshop and Dolores for providing the photographs.

Beth setting up her supplies and ornament examples

Beth demonstrating the star book

Pat C., Lynne G., and Leila S. work on their circle ornaments

Circles ready to assemble

Completed circle ornaments

Assembling the star book pieces

A finished star book

CHRISTMAS IN JULY with Beth McIlraith

 Christmas in July...a chance to make some fun ornaments using recycled books. 

When: Saturday, July 11 at 12 noon
Where: Eureka Methodist Church
RSVP: Yes, by July 8

We'll make two structures. The first, a series of circles with a cord and beads, was designed by Beth.











The second structure is a modified "star book" copied (with her permission) from Bobbie Hayes' Christmas card exchange item last year. This small book or card can be tied open into a star ornament.

Beth will provide all of the illustrations, cardstock, beads, ribbon and cord. Everything will be cut to size and ready to use. We'll have lots of time to explore variations on the structures. Since the process is pretty simple, our goal will be to have several well-made ornaments to take home. There will also be extra sets to take home and put together later...which means we will have plenty to keep AND give away!

Tools to Bring:

• Bone folder (Teflon ones are great if you have one)
• Cutting mat
• Small ruler
• Scissors (small)
• Waste paper to glue on (old catalog, magazine, etc.)
• Pencil and pens
• OPTIONAL: Metallic pens, colored pencils

Materials Provided:

• Cardstock & illustrations (cut to size) including extras to take home
• Glue sticks
• Double stick tape
• Beads, cord, and ribbon
• Printed instructions

Materials Fee: $3.00

By the way--Beth is down-sizing in preparation for a move. As a result, we will have access to both free and sale items from her stash.

RSVP by July 8 to Beth. Her contact information can be found in the newsletter.