Stories Of Summer : The Elements of Summer MiniBook By Molly Irwin
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 colors - Watercolor 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.
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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I just don't seem to have that level of crafty DNA in me. But, you really inspired me, and now I want to add this to my list of things I want to make. Indeed, it is a piece of art in itself!
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This is a great mini album! I especially love how easy and fast it is to do! I have tons of pictures of summer that all seem to blend together in larger albums. This would be a fabulous idea to keep the events seperate and special!
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Oh I love this. My youngest son has to make a Scrapbook about his summer and the journal pages would be perfect for him to fill out (he's going into 2nd) LOVE IT can't wait to get started :)
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Brenda, you would love it with his art work. My 4YO son does them regularly and I'm collecting quite the volume. Totally fun.
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nothing structured whatsoever. If I like a photo it goes in. This is really a place to collect my favorite photos, with no set quota or time frame to meet.
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