A Shared Journal
Connection , Winter 2012
Rhythm of the Home5 Comments
I see a young lady emerging before my very eyes. Somehow after that tenth birthday arrives, everything begins to shift. Each of her siblings before her have handled this change in their own way, and I expect her to do just the same. I watch her become her very own self. Like sweetpeas in early summer that seem to stretch and grow before your very eyes, this girl of mine is growing up.
In this moment she is still content to be at the side of her mama, but I know. I know the push and pull of teenage years are just around the corner. I know much of it will be exciting and new and adventurous. I know some of it will be hard.
In hopes to plant seeds of communication, I stitched up this simple journal for her. It’s a place where she can write anything her heart wonders about. Whether it’s big, or little, or just plain funny. A place with no little brothers or older siblings peeking in. A little something just for her and I, left under each other’s pillow to discover.
I hope this simple journal helps you hold your daughter (or son) close as they learn to fly, and that it reminds them they can always ask their mama anything.
A Shared Journal
Materials
1 paper journal (we like Moleskine unlined)
Fabric scraps
Applique iron-on paper
Directions
Cut a piece of fabric for the cover. It should be at least a 1/2 inch smaller in both width and length than the cover of the journal.
Iron the applique paper to the wrong side of the fabric. I often do this over a scrap of material to avoid getting sticky bits on my ironing board.
Use a ruler and rotary cutter to square up the piece, if necessary.
Cut a small heart and iron on the applique paper to the back of it as well. I especially like the look of a leather or wool heart to accompany a cotton background.
Iron the rectangle onto the cover, then using a long stitch (mine was set at 3) topstitch around the edge of the fabric about 1/4 inch from the edge.
Next place your heart where you want it, press with the iron to adhere it, and topstitch it as well.
You’re all finished!
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Stephinie Miner turned 30 and found her writer voice, who was happy to be let out. She moves across the country every couple of years following her sweet man. Together they’re raising four kids and dreaming of retiring young. She’s currently wondering where the time went and how she is now a mama to two teenagers. She shares creative bits, healthy food, family life and more on her blog.
Rhythm of the Home is an online magazine for families that focuses on creating with children, nature explorations, seasonal celebrations, conscious parenting, and mindfulness in all that we do.
