Journaling #6: Personal Reflection

Using a journal for personal reflection is an opportunity to explore memories, formative experiences and day-to-day events. In this safe place, writing can help you to process and understand your thoughts and feelings. 

Journaling can help you to think about how you relate to your world and the people in it. Reflective journaling differs from other types of journaling because it is a metacognitive experience, i.e. you are thinking about your thinking. 

Personal reflection does not need to be a deep, psychological experience. It can be as simple as writing about what you think or feel about a memory or experience. 

Taking something positive from your reflections is a win. Learning something about yourself is a win. Gaining a better understanding is a win. Journaling for personal reflection: Win • Win • Win

• Cupola Corner sells a curated selection of handmade and handbound journals that would be perfect for a gratitude journal. 

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Paper Palooza: Watercolour Paper

Watercolour paper was traditionally made from cotton. Today, you can get watercolour paper made from cellulose (plant cells) or synthetic materials, like polypropylene.
 
Watercolour paper is heavier than regular papers.  It is made in four weights: 90 lb, 140 lb, 200 lb and 300 lb. The heavier the paper, the thicker it is. You choose the weight based on the amount of water that you will apply with your paint. The more water that you use, the heavier you will want your paper. 
 
Sizing is added to the paper fibres to make the watercolour paper stronger and to help it to keep its shape. The fibres are then beaten to help them interlock. Next, the pulp is pressed and then dried.
 
Pressing is usually done by a machine. A cold press means that the sheets of pulp are pressed between rollers that are covered with felt and it is done at a cold temperature. The felt gives the paper a texture. Hot press paper has been rolled between smooth heated rollers; hence, it has little or no texture.
 
For cardmaking techniques, 140 lb cold pressed watercolour paper is great, especially if you like that awesome texture. You can use a paper trimmer to cut it and it won’t get stuck in a decorative punch. It will also handle moderate amounts of water without buckling or stretching. If you need more time to play with the paint, use hot pressed watercolour paper. Either way, watercolour paper will create new and interesting possibilities for your cardmaking. Give it a try!

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Reference: https://jenniferbranch.com/PaintingWatercolor/Art-Supplies/Art-Paper-Basics.html

Early Literacy #3: Literacy Opens Doors

Literacy is more than just reading and writing. It’s the foundation upon which we learn and grow.

Building literacy skills in children is one of the most effective ways to ensure they can achieve their full potential in school and throughout life.

Literacy opens doors to understanding, empathy, critical thinking, and the capacity for lifelong learning. (Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation)

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project promotes early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading because #readingisFUNdamental. 

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project purchases books for young children. When you buy a product that generates funds for The Cupola Corner Literacy Project you are helping to promote early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading. 

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Journaling #5: Keeping a Gratitude Journal

 A gratitude journal is where you write down and possibly reflect upon the things for which you are grateful. It has sometimes been called “three good things”, but how many things that you write about and how often you write are completely up to you. 

I am currently reading Anne Voskamp’s “One Thousand Gifts.” Anne was challenged by a friend to write down one thousand gifts or blessings. Her list included things like the iridescence of bubbles. Everyday things for which to be grateful. 

The book is not a gratitude journal. It’s about her journey and what she learned by keeping a gratitude journal. There are lots of fascinating things on her list and I’m thinking that we’d all have lots of interesting things upon which to reflect if we considered the things for which we are grateful. Do you have a gratitude journal?

• Cupola Corner sells a curated selection of handmade and handbound journals that would be perfect for a gratitude journal. 

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Paper Palooza: Mulberry Paper

Mulberry paper is a type of handmade paper made from mulberry trees. I had never seen a mulberry tree until a couple of weeks ago. It was covered in small blue-y purple-ish berries that looked a lot like blackberries. You can eat mulberries and apparently you can use them in recipes just like any other berry. I’m thinking mulberry jam. Yum!

Mulberry paper is made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree. The long fibres of the paper mulberry make it ideal for paper making. The bark is boiled to soften it, soaked and then beaten to a pulp. The pulp is spread out onto screens and allowed to dry. Mulberry paper can also be machine made in a paper mill.

Mulberry paper was first made in China about 2000 years ago. It was the beginning of paper as we know it today. Up until this point, people wrote on hides, papyrus or clay tablets.

Almost all mulberry papers are made in the far east where the paper mulberry tree is native and grows abundantly. The paper mulberry tree does grow in North America and mulberry paper is made in Canada and the U.S. as an art or craft.

Sheets of mulberry paper have a deckled edge which can be used as is. You can cut mulberry paper with scissors or a paper trimmer. You can easily tear mulberry paper to get a lovely, feathered edge. If you wet the paper where you want it to tear, you can create lots of different shapes.

Mulberry paper comes in lots of different colours and designs. Some of it is so pretty that you could frame it! You buy mulberry paper in sheets, but you can also buy flowers that have been made from mulberry paper. These little gems are a great for cardmaking.

You can stamp on mulberry paper. You can use if for printmaking. It can be used for decoupage and origami. Calligraphy looks amazing on mulberry paper. Need a unique gift-wrapping paper? Mulberry paper might just be what you are looking for. You can even use mulberry paper in your Sizzix or Cuttlebug embossing folders.

Mulberry paper is as beautiful as it is versatile. If you’ve never used mulberry paper, it’s time for an experience that will leave you wanting more. Mulberry paper is a little bit of luxury that leaves a lasting impression. 

The Rock (Newfoundland) #3: Puffins, Whales & Cod

There's a really good reason that Newfoundland is known as "The Rock." That's not to say that there aren't any trees. There are lots of trees, mostly evergreens, and most with the tops bent over from being constantly pounded by prevailing winds.

This summer we made our third trip to Newfoundland. If you've never been, it's definitely worth considering. It's a huge island and there are lots of really unique areas to explore. Bonus: /Newfunlanders/ really do welcome all those who Come From Away. 

Our latest trip to The Rock was to the Bonavista Peninsula and the North Central Region. Our goal was to see puffins, whales and to visit Fogo, Twillingate & Moreton's Harbour (i.e.: "all around the circle").

We flew into St. John's, rented a car and drove for ten days up and around the east coast of Newfoundland. We explored lots of little towns, saw both puffins & whales and sang "I'se the B'y" as we pulled into Fogo, Twillingate & Moreton's Harbour. 

Trinity was a lovely side trip off the main road up the Bonavista Peninsula. It is home to Aunt Sarah's Chocolates, lots of hiking trails, a cooperage, a blacksmith shop and lots of other unique places to explore. We didn't do any hiking, but we did buy some Wild Strawberry Chocolates. They were amazing!

Further up the peninsula, Elliston is known for it's root cellars and for the puffin viewing site. You won't get any closer to viewing puffins from land in North America. It is definitely worth the ten minute walk out to the site. We were fortunate enough to see a couple of "poser puffins" who landed close enough for us to get some great photos and enjoy an up-close puffin encounter. 

We spent two days in Bonavista which allowed us to explore some of the historical and natural sites in the area. We visited the Cape Bonavista lighthouse a couple of times and got a chance to watch the puffins swooping around the little island just off shore from the lighthouse. We also had lunch twice at The Little Dairy King on the way up the Cape Shore Road to the lighthouse. Definitely worth a stop!

Fogo Island is accessible by ferry from Farewell. You can't reserve the ferry so you just have to line up and hope that you are early enough. Coming back the line up was so long that most of the cars did not get on. We were one of the lucky (& early) ones. 

Fogo is pretty barren. It's not surprising that it is considered one of the four corners of the earth. Some areas have trees, but mostly there are lots of rocks. We explored some artist shops and checked out (not checked into) the Fogo Island Inn. We saw some whales spouting just off shore from the The SaltFire Gallery on the north shore and had a lovely stay at our "Escape By The Sea" accommodations in Seldom on the south shore.

On the road again, we stopped at the Beothuk Interpretation Centre in Boyd's Cove. It is located near a Beothuk archaeological site and pays tribute to this now extinct First Nations group. There are trails to the site and to the Spirit Garden. The Spirit Garden was a wonderful experience, very peaceful and magical. (See my video below.)

Twillingate via Moreton's Harbour was our next stop. Twillingate is the largest town on the Twillingate Islands. Exploring the town was fun, but we most enjoyed visiting the Long Point Lighthouse. In fact, we went there twice. During our second visit we saw several whales and an iceberg off the coast. It was definitely a highlight of our visit to the Twillingate area. 

We squeezed in a stop at Gander enroute and had the opportunity to see the "Come From Away" musical. It was wonderful and we got a mini lesson in how to speak "Newfunlander". Apparently, if you "adds" an "s" to all your verbs, you are on your way to speaking fluent "Newfunlander". That does not, however, take into account all of the unique sayings that you might hear during your visit.

We had part of a day to hit some of the highlights in St. John's, including Quidi Vidi, Signal Hill, Jellybean Row and then dinner at The Salt House.

The weather during our visit to Newfoundland was great. It was warmer than the locals were used to, but surprisingly the humidity was not an issue the way it can be around the Great Lakes in the summertime.

I ate a lot of cod during our visit to Newfoundland. Cod is intrinsically tied to the history and economy of Newfoundland. From the early days, through the moratorium and today, cod is a part of the island's essence. 

After three visits to Newfoundland, there are still places for us to explore in this beautiful province. I'm not sure when the next trip will be, but I'm guessing that there will indeed be another visit to The Rock in my future. 

The Newfoundland & Labrador tourism website is a great place to start planning your visit to The Rock. You can request a map and a guidebook through the website and they will mail it to you. So "Get On The Go" and start planning your visit to The Rock. ...and "Enjoy the Journey!"

    

  

The Spirit Garden

•Beothuk Interpretation Centre•

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Early Literacy #2: Preventing Problems & Promoting Health

 

Exposing babies (& young children) to books and reading increases vocabulary and makes it easier for them to learn to read later on. Just as important, sharing books provides babies and children with warm and nurturing interactions with trusted adults. 

Early exposure to language—whether through books, words, or songs—can help prevent problems and promote health. (Canadian Paediatric Society) 

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project promotes early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading because #readingisFUNdamental. 

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project purchases books for young children. When you buy a product that generates funds for The Cupola Corner Literacy Project you are helping to promote early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading. 

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Grapevines & Grapes!

Had to do some pruning in my "vineyard". Things were getting a bit out of control. I used the trimmings to make this grapevine wreath. Not sure how long it will take for it to dry out, but I'm looking forward to using it to create a dried flower wreath.

When we first moved to the Niagara Peninsula, I thought that growing grapes in my backyard would be a fun thing to do. Turns out that we are living on a clay bed, but with the addition of some nice loamy soil, things were looking good. Two years ago I was finally able to put in some gardens and my mini vineyard was born.

I wasn't expecting grapes until next summer. Surprise! I have a few clusters of Himrod grapes. They are a green table grape. The last time that I grew grapes, the birds got most of them. This time, I'm going to fight for some of them, too.

It's looking like I will be doing some more pruning in the near future. The vines are really growing quickly. I am looking forward to making more wreaths while I'm waiting for the grapes to ripen.

Journaling #4: Let the Fun Begin!

Journaling can be fun! There are lots of health benefits to journaling, both for physical and mental health. Put all that aside for a moment and realize that you might just enjoy journaling because it can be fun. Write what you want, when you want and about what you want. Express yourself. 

Maybe you’re a Dog Mom. Write about your pup. Maybe you like really good puns. Record them in a journal. Maybe you like trying different kinds of coffee. Start a Coffee Journal. It’s all good and I’m guessing that it will be good for you, too. Happy journaling! 

• Cupola Corner sells a curated selection of handmade and handbound journals.

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Paper Palooza: Paper Weight

Ever wonder what cardstock weights mean? Paper weight doesn’t refer to the individual sheets of cut paper or even the package of paper. Paper weight is determined by how much a ream of uncut paper weighs. A ream is 500 sheets of paper, and it is weighed before being cut down to smaller sizes. A ream of 17” x 22” paper would usually be cut down to 8.5” x 11” sheets. 

Higher weights are thicker sheets of paper or cardstock. I can put 65 lb and 80 lb cardstock through my inkjet printer, which is very handy. If you are looking for a good weight for mats for your cards, go with 60/65 lb. I like to use 80 lb for the perfect card base. It will easily handle glue and embellishments, plus your finished card will stand up for display. It’s also easy to score and fold 80 lb cardstock.

My absolute favourite cardstock is Neenah Classic Crest 80 lb Coverstock (Smooth Finish; Solar White). I started using it after a search for the perfect cardstock for colouring with my Copic markers. I soon discovered that it was also the perfect card base. It comes in 8.5” x 11” size. This easily cuts in half to make two 4.25” x 5.5” cards, which will fit into an A2 envelope. Neenah is definitely worth considering as you make your way through the world of paper weights. 

•Paper Palooza is a series of posts for those who Rest•Relax•Restore by playing with paper. Whether you are into cardmaking, scrapbooking, origami or creating your own handmade journals, Paper Palooza is for you. It's the journey.

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Early Literacy #1: It's Never Too Early

 

Early literacy is important and it's never too early. Did you know that newborns come into the world ready to process language? 

In the first 3 years of a baby’s life, they become more aware of the language we use. Each time we read, talk, and sing with them, we help build their understanding of language. 

Reading aloud helps infants and toddlers learn how text works and helps to increase their language and literacy skills as they grow. 

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project promotes early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading because #readingisFUNdamental. 

The Cupola Corner Literacy Project purchases books for young children. When you buy a product that generates funds for The Cupola Corner Literacy Project you are helping to promote early literacy and helping young children learn to love reading. 

Reference: RaisingReaders.org

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Rose Petal Shower Tea

 

As much as I enjoy sitting in a hot tub under the stars, I'm really more of a shower person. 

I love the idea of soaking in a tub with lovely scented rose petals. I thought that maybe I could come up with a similar experience for the shower.

Tub teas are a blend of ingredients that soften and scent the water in which you bathe. The shower tea that I have created will give you a fragrant, uplifting experience with all of the skin benefits of rose petals.

Rose petals are widely used in skincare products. They help to soothe and nourish the skin. A rose petal shower can easily become part of your self care routine. 

The ingredients used in the Rose Petal Shower Tea are safe for your skin. If you have any concerns, try scrubbing just one area first and wait to see if you have any adverse reactions.

•Rose petal shower bags have just three ingredients: 6 parts dried rose petals, 1 part colloidal oatmeal and 1 part grated bar soap (unscented) 

•Mix the dried rose petals and colloidal oatmeal. You can store this part in a glass jar. Keep the grated bar soap in a separate container.

•Fill your soap saver bag with a heaping 1/3 cup (or 7 tablespoons) of the dry shower tea mixture. Add 1 tablespoon of grated bar soap to the bag. 

•In the shower, rub the soap bag between your palms to mix and activate the contents. You are now ready to enjoy an invigorating aromatherapy experience. Add more water to the soap bag, as needed.

After you have showered, empty the bag, rinse it out and then hang to dry. You can reuse your bag, but your shower tea is for one time use only. 

If you don't grow your own roses, you can purchase dried rose petals. For my Rose Petal Shower Tea I used packets of unscented Aveeno oatmeal. One packet is about 1/3 cup which you will mix with approximately 2 cups of dried rose petals. I use a castile bar soap for my Rose Petal Shower Tea and it works quite nicely.

There are lots of different types of soap saver bags. The sisal variety will give you a refreshing exfoliating shower experience. Depending on how much you want to spend, you can get soap saver bags that can be laundered.

Rose Petal Shower Tea is a wonderful treat for the senses and it makes a great handmade gift. Enjoy your rose petal shower!

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Journaling #3: Managing Blood Pressure

 

So, don’t ditch your blood pressure medication, but did you know that studies have shown that journaling can help to lower your blood pressure. You don’t even have to do it every day to see the effects. Plus, you don’t need an app or an online tool. All you need is a pencil or pen and a piece of paper. 

If you are interested in journaling to help reduce your blood pressure, do some research or consult a therapist for suggestions.

• Cupola Corner sells a curated selection of handmade and handbound journals.

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Midsummer Month: A Celebration of June

 

I have decided that June is my favourite month of the year.

What's not to love?

June is part spring and part summer. The days are long and warm. The nights are mostly cool and comfortable. No need for a furnace or an air conditioner.

Midsummer takes place in June. It is celebrated around the world and has been for thousands of years. Traditionally, it falls on or near the summer solstice. 

Bonfires are a common way to celebrate Midsummer. Everything from running naked through the streets to throwing wreaths of flowers into rivers, lakes and streams are part of the festivities worldwide.

In Canada, National Indigenous People's Day is celebrated at Midsummer. June 21st has been designated as a day to recognize and celebrate the culture and heritage of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis people.

I've never celebrated Midsummer, but now that June is my favourite month I'm thinking that I should celebrate this special time of the year.

My celebration would definitely involve strawberries and rhubarb...sounds like pie will be on the menu. Can't do a bonfire in my backyard, but a floral candle ring wreath would give a nod to two traditional Midsummer traditions. I could round out my celebration with some indigenous music. It sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate my most wonderful time of the year!

June is drawing to a close. I'd better get busy!

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Journaling #2: Cognitive Function

Research involving brain scans has shown that journaling can improve cognitive function. Cognitive function encompasses a number of complex tasks, including learning, thinking, reasoning, memory, problem solving, decision making and attention. That’s a lot of brain work! 

Other research also indicates that writing in a journal can even improve these skills in seniors. So, it turns out that you can teach an old dog new tricks. Journaling is like a workout for your gray matter and just like in sports, the more you practise, the stronger you will get. So, grab a pen and start writing! 

• Cupola Corner sells a curated selection of handmade and handbound journals.

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Simply the rose...

 It's June and that means things are really starting to happen in the garden, especially with the roses.

I've got a lovely collection of climbing roses growing on trellises and the rosebuds are prolific. The first bloom has already appeared and I'm guessing there will be hundreds again this year.

The roses from my garden are used in my Lavender & Rose Potpourri and my Rose Petal Eye Pillows. Such a lovely way to Relax, Refresh & Restore.

Last summer I introduced limited edition Rose Petal Hand Dyed Silk Scarves to my shop. Talk about luxury! Hand dyeing with rose petals is a multi step process from garden to scarf. It takes 36 roses and several days to create a single scarf and every scarf is unique. 

My original watercolour rose print bookmarks are also created using the roses from my garden. These beautiful bookmarks were created using a printmaking technique that involves hand printing different parts of a real rose. These bookmarks support The Cupola Corner Literacy Project, helping young children learn to love reading.

All of these lovely rose inspired creations allow you to enjoy the beauty of the rose year round. Now that's something to celebrate!

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Journaling #1: Managing Anxiety

Studies have shown that writing in a journal has lots of benefits for our mental health. Writing about thoughts and feelings can be a useful tool for managing anxiety. Getting your worries onto paper can help to break the worry cycle by giving you the opportunity to examine your concerns for what they really are. If you are interested in journaling to help reduce anxiety, do some research or consult a therapist for suggestions.

 
*This is the first in a series of posts about the benefits of journaling. These posts first appeared in Cupola Corner's social media. You can use the search box to find other posts about journaling or you can click on the Journaling link in the side bar under Labels/Categories. Cupola Corner sells a curated selection of handmade and handbound journals that are perfect for recording your thoughts, reflections and goals. These journals would also work well as themed journals, such as, vacation, gardening, poetry, quotes, pets, favourite coffees or teas, books that you have read or as a gratitude journal. You could also use them for list making, for reminder notes, as a passowrd keeper or as a sketchbook. 

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How to Air Dry Roses

There are lots of different opinions about the best way to dry roses. I prefer air drying. There are several different ways to air dry. I think what it really comes down to is what you are planning to do with the roses once they are dried.

If you are creating something that needs whole roses, like a wreath, you will want to dry your roses hanging upside down from a line. This will ensure that the blossoms don’t dry drooped over.

Your drying line should be somewhere that doesn’t have a lot of humidity. It should be out of the sunlight to prevent fading, preferably someplace dark. There should be some air circulation. I dry my whole roses in the basement. I have lines strung between the rafters and there is a dehumidifier down there to help with the humidity.

Pick roses that are almost, but not quite fully open. Your roses should be dry. Mid-morning is usually a good time for picking. Cut the stems about 6” or 7” long. Strip the leaves if you wish. Use an elastic to join two stems at the ends and then hang the pair over a line.

Your roses should be dry in about two to three weeks.

Many rose projects just require rose petals. Choose dry, just opened blossoms. Again, mid-morning is a good time for harvesting. Cut a rose from the bush with a pair of pruners. Hold the base of the flower or the stem right up next to the flower and gently twist off the petals. Spread the petals out on a piece of paper or a drying screen. Try to keep the petals from touching each other. Leave them to dry in a dark room with low humidity and good air circulation. Rose petals will air dry in a few days to a week.

I used to use an old window screen to dry rose petals in my basement. I propped up the corners of the screen with cans to ensure circulation. Several years ago, I switched to air drying rose petals with a food dehydrator (Salton) and I’ve never looked back. Rose petals in a dehydrator will dry within a day. Perfect when you have a lot to dry and not a lot of room for laying the petals out. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the individual petals touching each other. Just fill the trays and let the dehydrator do its work.

I also use my dehydrator to preserve rosebuds. I use rosebuds to add some texture and visual interest to my potpourri. I pick rosebuds that are showing colour but have not yet opened. They take a bit longer than petals to dry but will still dry within a day in the dehydrator.

My favourite colour of rose is pink; however, I don’t have pink rose bushes in my potpourri garden. Over the years I have found that red roses dry truest to colour. Pink or white roses often dry with brownish edges, which just doesn’t have the visual appeal of a nicely dried red rose.

Store your dried roses, rose petals and rosebuds in airtight containers in a cool, dark place with low humidity. Whole flowers can be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper if you wish. I generally don’t store whole flowers for long. I either display them in a vase or use them for a project.

I keep rose petals and rosebuds in clean, dry glass jars that have a rubber seal. I put a pickling salt sachet in with the rosebuds. Rose petals keep for a very long time. Depending on the conditions in your home, dried rose petals can last up to four years!

Drying roses is a great way to preserve the beautiful blossoms that grow in your garden. Dried roses on stems are lovely in a vase and look great all winter. Your dried roses, rose petals and rosebuds can be used in a wide range of projects, including potpourri, eye pillows, wreaths, clay face masks, bath salts and rose water. Air drying roses is a simple, cost-effective way to enjoy your rose garden all year long. Give it a try!

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