#handmade Paper Pocket Diary

[canideadmeow]

bought a postcard, a cinnamoroll keychain, a handmade paper diary and an aot pocket watch keychain from the trip!!

(my sibling got a postcard as well and also the nobara figurine!!)

[mysticstarlightduck]

OC Bag Game!

Thanks for the tag, @kaylinalexanderbooks (here)!

Rules: Name five things your OC would have in a backpack or any bag at school.

I'll go with some of the cast from Supernova Initiative and Enchanted Illusions.

(Since my characters live in a either fantasy or sci-fi world and are not school-aged, Imma just go with the contents of their regular bags to make this easier)

(Supernova Initiative)

Jack Tithus

Mint bubblegum

Ammo and chargers for his guns

A miniature first aid pack/painkillers

A holo-picture of him and Cassie

Sweet and crunchy energy bars

A to-go bottle of chocolate milk

Cassie Tithus

Extra parts for her projects and robots

Scrunchies for her hair + hair dye packets

A pocket knife/box cutter

An old, skrunkly plushie

An extra tablet

Inflatable neck pillow

Aleks Keldora

The "face-changer" (his high tech mask that can turn him into anyone's lookalike)

Dozens of stolen IDs, documents and government papers

A handmade drawing of his mothers

Tiny explosives and big explosives

A bottle of nail polish

Vesper Foxx

Self-repair kit for her cyborg implants

A bunch of extra parts in case she needs to replace something

The bracelet her little sister gave her for her birthday

Knives. So many knives. And guns. Don't forget the guns, and poison gas grenades.

A list of the names of each member of the mercenary crew she is hunting down

Artemis Zreeth

Leather gloves and old goggles

Cheesy snacks

His father's old scarf

Star-dust cigarettes

Eyeliner

A foldable speeder bike that becomes a tiny disk when deactivated

Pax Stellaryn

Void Program study material

Crumpled notes, messy journals and glitter pens

His diary

A picture of his cat riding a floating skateboard (don't ask lol)

Sour candy, and lollipops

Ethean Mirannir

Extra uniform

Pilot gear and an emergency kit for his spaceship

A holo-picture of his whole family and him during his graduation day seven year ago

Neon markers and a drawing sketchbook

Fidget toy for anxiety relief

(Enchanted Illusions)

Augustus Grimmure

Bloodstained handkerchief

A small dagger

Necromancy tome of spells and his journal

Recipe for instant magical coffee

An engagement ring he has yet to give Harriet

A bag of cookies from his grandma

Harriet Sharppe

Dainty silk gloves

Extra painkillers in case her cousin forgets

Pocket knife

The latest book she is reading

Lip balm

Chocolate bar

Agatha Greenwoods

Her overflowing journal, containing clues of the case she's trying to solve

A crumpled but well loved picture of her father

Sleep medicine

Switchblade

An extra change of clothes

Cailean Telkerly

His late brother's broken pocketwatch

Worn out brass knuckles and a pocket pistol

Multiple kinds of currency, all stolen

A bottle of cologne

Crumpled candy papers

Falsified documents for any given occasion

Sam Delaways

Snacks and extra food

A dusty old jacket

Very little spare change/copper coins, on good days

A bunch of useless knickknacks he proudly collects

His brothers' plushies when they don't want to carry them

Evangeline Daemitya

Her drawing sketchbook and a travel case for her pens and pencils

A locket with a picture of her and her father

Her intricate coinpurse

An enchanted rapier that becomes a tiny ring when not being used

Poison bottles and a botany guide

Tagging: @kaylinalexanderbooks, @smol-feralgremlin, @oh-no-another-idea, @littleladymab, @little-peril-stories

@the-ellia-west, @winterandwords, @cowboybrunch, @eccaiia, @sarahlizziewrites

@leave-her-a-tome, @writernopal, @anyablackwood, @unstablewifiaccess, @forthesanityofstorytellers

@lassiesandiego, @thepeculiarbird, @clairelsonao3, @memento-morri-writes, @starlit-hopes-and-dreams and OPEN TAG

[indiagiftsonline]

Celebrate Bhai Dooj with These Thoughtful Gifts for Your Brother Under ₹500

Bhai Dooj, also known as Bhaiya Dooj, is a cherished Indian festival celebrating the special bond between brothers and sisters. Falling just after Diwali, this day is dedicated to showing love, appreciation, and care for one another. A significant part of the bhai dooj gift for a brother under 500 is the tradition of gifting. If you want to surprise your brother with a thoughtful present that doesn’t stretch your budget, here are some meaningful and budget-friendly gift ideas under ₹500 that will make him feel special.

1. Personalized Keychain

A personalized keychain with his name, initials, or a short message is a simple yet thoughtful gift. Keychains are useful and can also serve as a keepsake that reminds your brother of your love every time he sees it. You can find customizable keychains online for as low as ₹150 to ₹300.

2. Customized Mug

A coffee mug with a funny or heartwarming message like “World’s Best Brother” or “Brother for Life” is both functional and personal. This is a great way to start his mornings with a smile, knowing his sister cares for him. You can easily find these mugs online within ₹300 to ₹500.

3. Socks Combo Pack

A pack of quirky, comfortable socks is a gift that’s both practical and fun. You can pick a combo set with patterns or themes that match his personality — whether he likes superheroes, quirky designs, or classic patterns. A nice combo set usually costs around ₹250 to ₹400.

4. Handmade Rakhi Bracelet

Though Raksha Bandhan is a separate festival, gifting a handmade Rakhi bracelet on Bhai Dooj can be a touching gesture, symbolizing the protective and affectionate bond between siblings. You can find handcrafted bracelets online or in local markets for under ₹500.

5. Pocket Diary or Notebook

If your brother enjoys writing or needs something to jot down his thoughts, a stylish pocket diary can be a great gift. Opt for a diary with a sleek design, or even one made with recycled paper if he’s eco-conscious. These diaries can be bought for ₹200 to ₹400.

6. Snacks and Treats Hamper

Who doesn’t love a delicious treat? Create a small hamper filled with your brother’s favorite snacks like chocolates, chips, and cookies. You can either buy pre-made hampers or put together your own, making sure to include all his favorites. You can easily create a snack hamper for under ₹500.

7. Phone Pop Socket or Holder

A stylish and handy pop socket for his phone can be a useful accessory, especially if your brother loves taking selfies or watching videos on his phone. There are plenty of cool designs available for under ₹300, making it an ideal budget-friendly gift.

8. Desk Organizer

Help your brother keep his workspace tidy with a compact desk organizer. It’s a thoughtful gift for someone who works or studies from home. These organizers come in various designs, and you can find simple but useful ones within ₹400 to ₹500.

9. Puzzle or Brain Teaser

If your brother enjoys solving puzzles or brain teasers, gifting him a Rubik’s cube or a fun puzzle set will not only entertain him but also help sharpen his mind. These puzzles are available for around ₹200 to ₹350.

10. Fragrance or Deodorant

A small bottle of fragrance or a refreshing deodorant can be a practical yet considerate gift. Many budget-friendly options in the market smell great without breaking the bank. Good quality deodorants or small perfumes are easily available under ₹500.

Conclusion

Celebrating Bhai Dooj Personalized Gifts doesn’t have to be about extravagant gifts; it’s about the thought and love you put into them. Each of the gift ideas listed above will allow you to express your appreciation for your brother while staying within your budget. No matter which gift you choose, it’s sure to strengthen the special bond you share and make your Bhai Dooj celebration more memorable.

[crazycatgirl420]

Handmade Gifts

I've been obsessed with OHSHC this month. I'm adding an Original character/Haninozuka Mitsukuni fic to my list because I want to.

As a child Anya considered herself disabled. Medically there was nothing wrong with her. But she knew something had to be wrong, because when she looked at people they glowed.

Everyone was so colorful, most had a dim shade while a few were dark or other pastel shades, there were even the rarer few with a bright blinding glow.

All her life she tried to find out what it was. She had so many brain scans and tests done. The doctors insisted she was faking it. Her parents were the only ones who believed her, claiming medical science just wasn't advanced enough to find her condition.

Anya had been on her own trying to explain what the colors ment. It hadn't been until she started middle school, when her great-grandmother passed away, that Anya got anywhere though.

She inherited Great-Grandmother's diary collection, several bins of yarn and crochet supplies, and dozens of pattern books.

What does crochet have to do with people glowing when she looks at them? Well, not much actually. Crochet was just the medium used by their ancestors to control their abilities.

Because this odd thing was some sort of inherited mystical ability. Only one child born every lifetime would manifest a form of the ability. Aura sight was what Anya's manifestation was called. She could see people's emotions as an aura around them. With control and focus she could learn to do any number of things with it.

First she needed to learn crochet.

-

Ouran was a good school. Anya sat in the back, her yarn trailing from her purse to the needles looping it into a little pink and white dress. Each thread coated in the soft pastel orange of optimism.

This doll sized dress was to be a gift for her classmate, Hani. It was carefully made to fit his plush bunny, and Anya had chosen optimism as the emotion for it since graduation was at the end of this year. University exams were going to be difficult and for all his smiles, she could see he was worried, anxious, stressed.

The shades of orange and green were a mess of bubbling energy that he didn't show on his face. Anya hoped her gift would help, even if only a little bit. Optimism was a warmer shade of orange than anxiety, so at the very least it would counter that enough to cancel it out.

Class dismissed for lunch. Anya glanced around the classroom and saw Hani and Mori rushing off with the first year Hitachiin twins, leaving their school bags behind.

It wasn't often Hani left his things in the classroom. Anya knelt on the floor and pulled out the bunny. Usa-chan was a cute little bunny, but had a big head. She held the dress she'd started to the plushie and frowned. There was no way to make the neck hole big enough for the head without it being too big for the body. It'd fall right off. But if she made it to be slipped on feet first it would be fine, Usa-chan's body was squishy enough that it'd work.

Anya pulled her pocket notebook out of her purse and tore out her first pattern. Measuring Usa-chan's body and arms, a quick sketch of her tail and what it was likely made of. She'd only just started her first attempt anyway. Her second idea would be much cuter.

-

Hani stood in the doorway, quietly watching as a classmate poked at Usa-chan. Hendan Anya was a good girl. Quiet, soft spoken. Always crocheting something. Scarves, hats, gloves, that her family wore with pride.

She didn't have many friends, but made her bracelets or accessories for their school bags when they were partnered in class.

What was she doing with Usa-chan?

When she left through the second door, eyes on her notebook and a bright smile on her face, Hani entered. She'd left a torn piece of paper on the ground near his bag.

It was labeled ‘Usa-chan Dress 1’. A cute dress was sketched in pink and white color pencil, frilly with flowers and hearts and a pair of matching booties.

Hani carefully folded the note and tucked it away into his wallet. Anya-chan just got a lot cuter.

[pahicraft]

Title:- Hand Block Print Cotton Fabric Cover Diary, With Bamboo Stick Journal, Travel Handmade Notebook Size- 8x6 Inch

These journal Handmade notebook can be considered as tiny notebook as the size of the note book dairy is ideal and looks elegant taken anywhere. The notebook diary contains smooth pages for writing notes, which makes it easy to carry anywhere journal book for writing those random thoughts and stuff. This executive writing notebook journal can be your favorite writing pads as they provide very fine quality Pages. And gives the best writing experience. The notes diary cab be used as executive diary 2021, pocket notebook small size, business diary, meeting diary, professional notebook portfolio, school stationery items. Wide usage: Ideal for a diary, travel journal, poetry work, creativ e writing, making sketches and drawings, Work records, study notes, mood diary, scrapbooks business diary, meeting diary, professional Handmade notebook portfolio, school stationery items and so on.

Size: 8x6 (Inches) Weight:- 325 Gram. Page: 96 Pages Both Side

Material: Soft & Supple Black cotton Fabric cover and bamboo stick. Paper Used: SAVE TREES with us - we use eco friendly recycled cotton paper (recycled 100% cotton rag)

[terbearcollectibles]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Blue faux wood grain PU leather notebook journal.

[veuniq123]

Buy Shoes for Men, Women & Kids online in Gurgaon, India

Veuniq provides the greatest eco-friendly and handcrafted ethnic shoes for both men and women, including Royal Design pure leather Mojari, Comfortable Trendy open mojari, Casual handmade shoes, pure Lether Men's Mojari, and Rajasthani Mojari. Handmade chappals are available for purchase. Handmade mojari at the best costs are available online.

[happyscrappymail]

Such a cool & simple way to create a small junk journal!

[sharavintage]

Mini Journal or Pocket Notebook - Small Red Leather Journal  w/ Handmade Deckled Edge Paper

Mini Journal or Pocket Notebook  Small Travelers Notebook Leather Journal with Handmade Deckle Edge Paper inside.

Visit: https://etsy.me/3NKg1r2

The Size of this Gorgeous Red Leather Bound Small Size Diary is 2 by 3 inches.

This Pocket size Notebook contains 180 Unlined Pages of Handmade Deckle Edge paper. 

This Small Leather Journal can be a Beautiful Gift for yourself and your Loved ones.

As the Size is Pocket Size, it can easily come in your shirt or your jeans Pocket that makes it very Travel Friendly.

𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿: Travelers, Artists, Business Meetings, Poetry Work, Food Planner, Leather Sketchbook, Graduation Gift for Granddaughter/Grandson, Travel Gifts for Him/ Her , 3rd anniversary Leather Gifts for Him.

[brun-the-disir]

Dark academia students x Countries aesthetic (pt.2)

Bulgaria: History major, really methodical when it comes to researching, but also hopelessly romantic, candle lights and white roses, dry flowers as bookmarks, has read the same book multiple times but still cries over the same scenes, untamed hair and golden framed glasses, would whisper you their knowledge when visiting a tourist destination, leathery backpack and a polaroid camera, doesn’t really get along with their family, screams in the forest to get over the frustration, айляк

Australia: Studies marine biology and entomology for fun, is loud and cheeky but a soothing presence, natural leader, excels at water sports, has a white pet snake named Banjo, sea breeze at night, prefers greenhouses to libraries, often find themselves studying on a bench,  keep a leather diary with handmade drawings, nights on the beach discussing problems with their friends, has a dark past they keep hidden, long walkes on the Melbourne Bridge, listens to the sound of the sea inside shells, respect for the land, believes in Dreamtime

Russia: Pearls and gold, feels entitled to do anything, probably own a jewerly box or a carillon, judges their friends because they can’t take alcohol, can only study with classical music on the background, deafening silence of fresh snow, always annoyed by the popular and loud student,  find themselves softly humming The Nutcracker whilst dancing softly in a dark room, “keep your enemies closer”, hidden pocket full of Alenka chocolate bites, not sure their group of friends is as loyal as they say they are

Poland: Smell of freshly cut grass and pastries, tiny golden christian cross hidden under the blouse, spends summers by the flowery countryside, dreamy smile, loves preparing Pierogi in the morning, will draw you when you are asleep, has a huge thing for stained glass windows and light reflection, lost in their own world, will hold your hands on a date to the Salt Mines, soft freckles that come out in the sun, keen to traditions,  satchel full of drawings but often forget their papers, sips creamy coffe on the way to class

 (Pt. 3 coming soon with new countries, if you have any request text me or write a comment!) (pt1)

[journalingsouls]

Handmade Autumn Journal 18.85 USD

https://www.ebay.com/itm/294480671740?hash=item44906a73fc:g:AHUAAOSwdathcIki

Handmade Autumn Journal Gratitude Junk Writing Diary Notebook OOAK 7x5 in. #1205

Junk Journal with an Autumn Theme.

SIZE: 7 tall x 5 wide inches

COVER: Beautiful patterned paper with a layer of cardstock reinforcement.

One Signature, bound with bookbinding waxed thread

Papers used include: 60 full pages (front and back) including: Tea/Coffee dyed paper, Old Music,  Designer, and other various papers.

CLOSURE: Metal Eyelets in Front and Back Cover. Ribbon included for an easy closure but it is not attached to the journal so it can easily be removed or swapped out.

Lots of pockets, tucks and flip outs filled with unique ephemera handmade and printed cards, tags, little goodies. If you’re someone who loves to write and likes a little bit of the junk journal aspect, my journals are for you.

[lycorogue]

Perfect Doesn’t Need to be Perfect: Chapter 2

I miss these early chapters. They were easy. They were small. They were still relatively light-hearted. Then chapter 5 happened and I’ve completely lost this project down an angsty rabbit hole. 0.o I’ll try to get that sorted out in the next couple of days.

In the meantime, enjoy one of the short, fluffy chapters.

**Contains Spoilers for Taurus Pixie’s story Twelve Days of Chatmas**

Summary: Chat Noir has run into a long streak of poor luck, all in an attempt to give Ladybug the perfect Christmas gift. Little does he know, his first try was already perfect in Ladybug’s eyes. Now it’s her turn to try to navigate around Chat Noir’s failed attempts in her own pursuit to find something equally fantastic for him. **A Switched-POV Unofficial Companion Story to Twelve Days of Chatmas by @thetauruspixie​**

Rating: General Audience

Chapter Word Count: 1733

Story Total Word Count: 37,973

Status: chapter 2 of 12; complete

**For reals, if you haven’t read Twelve Days of Chatmas yet, read that first so my story doesn’t spoil anything for you. It’s cool. This story will still be here when you get back. ;) **

See below for chapter 2, or find this story over on AO3, on FFN, or on DA. 

CHAPTER 2:

The little pear tree sculpture was worse off than Marinette gave it credit, but it wasn't completely irreparable. She had taken stock of the damage the night before, and made a point of picking up the necessary supplies after school. Now it was time to get to work.

Too much of the foam base was chipped away when the card stock truck was ripped out of it, so she started off with replacing that. Then she carefully bent the trunk back so it was flat. The bad bend left a scarring crease in the base of the trunk, bit it actually looked good. Most trees had some sort of scarring in their bark. Using tracing paper to make a pattern, Marinette cut out two slightly smaller versions of Chat Noir's trunk from more card stock. Doubling up her own tree trunks, she glued them to the back of Chat Noir's to reinforce it. Finally, she made it 3D by adding a support branch of roots off the back. Resting the tree on her desk, it stood perfectly straight on it's own; no foam required.

Confident it was now sturdy enough for the weight of the filled in branches, Marinette got to work on fixing everything else. Using a decorative hole punch, she created a small confetti pile of green almond-shaped leaves out of construction paper. She then laid them out on parchment paper, and sprayed them down with adhesive before taking a deep breath.

“He's lucky I like him.” Through gritted teeth she started shaking the green glitter onto the sticky green leaves. She kept it as close to the project as she could, and she tried to stop once the leaves were properly coated without having too much excess. With any luck, she'd only find glitter for the next week or so.

As the leaves dried she got to work on reinforcing the partridge so its chubby little head wouldn't bend forward from the weight of the wooden beak and note.

The note. Forgetting what she was doing, Marinette gently pushed the clothespin open and released the torn note from the bird's grip. Folded over, the little note was barely larger than a postage stamp. Carefully opening it, Marinette was greeted by tiny but elegant writing; far fancier than she imagined Chat Noir's handwriting to be.

“Wishing the most amazing girl in the world the greatest of Christmases,” Marinette read the note aloud to Tikki. It was signed with a little heart drawn with red ink, and a paw print colored in with green ink. Giggling a little to herself, Marinette tore off two small strips of tape and patched up the tear running through the center of the message. She then tore off one more piece of tape. Flipping through to the next blank page of her diary, she taped the note to the bottom corner. A smile stretched across her face as she rested her palm against Chat Noir's tiny Christmas card.

After taking a beat, she closed up her diary and locked it away in its box. Rolling her shoulders, Marinette got back to work on firming up the partridge and touching up the coloring Chat Noir had done on the bird.

She let all the components dry while she had dinner, but instantly went back to work once she was done. First up was carefully gluing the leaves into place. Her new ones weren't nearly as drenched in glitter, and the shade of glitter was slightly lighter, but the two-toned leaves added a nice dimension to the piece.

She took a homework break while the leaves dried completely, then it was back to work to add on the pears and – she couldn't believe she followed through with it – the heart decorations. She managed to tuck the corners of the pears and hearts between some of the leaves to add more depth to the tree and make the fruit and ornaments look like they were actually nestled inside the tree branches.

As she waited for the tree to dry one last time so she could add the bird back onto its perch, Marinette started up a list; instantly and a bit frustratingly crossing off each item the moment she wrote it down.

She needed to come up with the perfect gift for Chat Noir. He seemed so hurt about his present, and he had put so much pressure on himself to get her the perfect thing that she couldn't fall short in doing the same. He was more precious to her than he realized, and this was her chance to make sure he knew that. She was stumped on what to do though.

Scarves, hats, mittens, shirts, vests, necklaces, earrings, pins; everything Marinette came up with wouldn't work. She was a fashion designer; her default gift for everyone was a piece of clothing or an accessory. None of it was a good idea. Her silly kitty would most likely be too excited about her gifting him something to remember to not wear it as a civilian. Then she could possibly run into him, and see him wearing the gift she made for Chat Noir, and then she'd know his identity, and-

She shook her head to try to get out of the spiral. Even if he was disciplined enough to not wear anything she gifted him while in his civilian form, it wasn't like he could really wear any of it while powered up either. Which meant, either he had to wear it alone in his house and nowhere else, or he'd never use it. That wouldn't work at all.

Blanket? Marinette tapped on the word, circling it a couple of times. That could be the best option for her. People rarely take blankets out of their rooms anyway, so he could use it without her seeing. Plus, it was always comforting to just curl up under a warm and semi-heavy blanket during chilly winter nights. Was it special enough for him, though? Would she have time to make him one? What design should she use for the blanket? Something not too obvious, in case he wanted to use the blanket in communal rooms in his home.

Looking out her window, Marinette knew she needed inspiration. It was time to go to her well.

“Tikki, spots on!”

Less than ten minutes later, Ladybug landed atop an apartment building just four blocks away from the Eiffel Tower. It wasn't the Trocadéro, but unfortunately the park was swarming with tourists this time of year, and she just needed some time to sit and think. It wasn't the same view that usually amazed her no matter how often she saw it, but the Seine still sparkled under the lights of Paris to her left, and the Eiffel Tower still spired before her on the other side of the river.

The sun was sinking below the horizon past the Eiffel Tower, and it cast a purple and deep magenta glow within the overcast sky. Curling up into a ball, Ladybug sat on the roof with her knees pressed against her chest and her chin resting between them. The lights running up the Eiffel Tower turned on in the twilight, and the whole of Paris joined suit. The yellows, blues, oranges, and Christmas reds and greens created a sea of lights below her. It was calming, welcoming, and inspiring.

Warmed by how serene her city looked, Ladybug uncurled. Dangling her legs over the ledge of the roof, she leaned back and admired the Eiffel Tower as it sliced through the cotton candy clouds.

The clouds are kind of blanketing the sky. Could I make something that looks like Paris on a winter's night for Chat Noir? She hummed softly as she pondered how she'd be able to execute something like that. She really fell into the zone as she meditated to the arrhythmic clicking of her swinging feet gently tapping against the side of the building. She could do a gradient fabric, and a quilted stitch so there were pockets of fill to mimic clouds. She could even purposefully avoid a symmetric square quilted look, instead pocketing the fill within a quilt of cloud shapes.

A duet of cooing pulled her attention from her designing. The flapping of wings grew louder, and two pigeons flew straight for her. She flinched and leaned slightly out of the way as they buzzed past her, close enough for her to notice their orange turtle-shell patterned wings and brown-gray bodies. Whatever they were, they weren't regular pigeons. A moment later, she registered that both birds had something gripped within their toes. One was carrying a trio of red roses. Its partner had a handmade card wrinkling slightly in its grip.

Homing pigeons? That didn't quite feel right to Ladybug either, but the duo seemed to be on a mission, so she mentally wished them save travels and hoped they found who they were looking for.

It seemed weird though. Even with Mr. Ramier in Paris, Ladybug didn't recall ever seeing anyone use homing pigeons before. She scanned the rooftops, trying to see who might have released the birds.

Nothing. There was no one on the rooftops nearby. No one on balconies. At first Ladybug was just curious as to who is using the skilled but archaic method of communication, especially with regards to sending what looked like a very romantic Christmas gift. However, after spying not a single soul in the area, it became an intriguing mystery she was itching to uncover.

She wandered her rooftop to try to get a better view, but there were still no clues anywhere. It was like the birds simply appeared. After a couple minutes, Ladybug decided that was a good enough explanation for her. They appeared from nowhere, and vanished to the horizon. They were an enigmatic package carrying a sweet gift for someone. A beautiful mystery of life not meant to be solved.

With a satisfied shrug, Ladybug headed back home, her head filled with fantasies of Adrien sending the pair of birds to her, and the card being a love letter. She giggled at the elation she'd feel if that were true, as well as the insanity of such a thing happening.

Imagine, Adrien Agreste sending Marinette Dupain-Cheng a pair of birds holding a Christmas gift and a declaration of love. A girl could dream.

Thank you for reading. Read Next Chapter

Read from the beginning: Chapter 1

Please let me know if you want me to add you to the tag list.

@discoveringmiraculouswriters

[thefreeway4]

My handmade campaign journal!

Made from raw leather, cut, stained and stitched by myself.

Neat features include:

-Chrome tan pocket for pencils and pens etc.

-Ringbound so it can be shuffled around or reused for future campaigns.

-Calendar in the back for keeping track of travel time or downtime as well as any major events.

-Smells real nice

Page layout is: session summary page, lined page for further notes and a sort of diary, squared paper for any maps, and a mix media paper for sketching!

I wish I had made this earlier in the campaign, it's been super useful so far and is starting to fill up pretty quickly!

[nomanwalksalone]

DESIGN DIARY: BANG TRAN

No Man Walks Alone is thrilled to announce a collaboration between Tony Shirtmakers and graphic designer Bang Tran. We asked both Tony and Bang to talk about the process of creating the shirt, which will be live on our website this Friday, June 14. This is Bang’s design diary; come back on Friday to read Tony’s side.

When Kyle and I first started talking about doing a collaboration shirt with Tony Shirtmakers, I knew we had to do something with the Camp Collar Pocket Shirt—it’s simply the perfect hot weather style.

My process for designing graphics and illustrations begins with thinking about the “feeling” I want to evoke with my visuals. The spirit of the Aloha shirt lives in hot summer sunsets, balmy and breezy beaches surrounded by lush, verdant palms and greenery.  I wanted a botanical design, to offer the Aloha spirit something of its natural habitat.

I was also thinking of Tony’s process of creating the shirts. Tony’s shirts are cut and sewn by hand. Prints are screen printed by hand. This makes for a very labor intensive garment. How can I bring that handmade feeling to my design?

I decided to do my own work by hand rather than digitally as I often do in my other design projects. In the past, I had worked briefly for in herbarium preserving plants through pressing, and I thought  prints of real pressed plants would be the ideal medium to infuse the shirt with the Aloha spirit.

Flowers are a little too delicate to use in this way, and I wanted to avoid cliched florals anyway. Ultimately, I decided on a theme of “ancient plants,” plants that have been around for longer than humans have: ferns, magnolias, and ginkgos. With that in mind, I ended up hiking around two state parks to collect specimens for the design.

Christmas Ferns and Lady Ferns from the harvesting trip

After harvesting the plants I needed, I used a sponge to cover the leaves with india ink and pressed them on cardstock. I did multiple inkings of all the specimens, to have the right size, edge clarity, and different ink saturations to bring forward different details in the leaves. I ended up with over fifteen sheets of paper filled with different ink prints.

The print used for the final design is in the top right

From there, we put together a few different digital mock-ups of what the shirt might look like; Tony eventually used a print of a Netted Chain Fern.

Current families and species of ferns appeared around 145 million years ago, well into the age of dinosaurs. The netted chain fern is a species common in the eastern states, named for the vein patterning that makes it look like netting. They grow in moist, boggy soils, which made for a messy time when collecting them. It’s an especially beautiful fern because it’s pinnatifid, meaning its pinna (the individual “blades” on the stalk) aren’t completely separated from the leaf stalk, which you don’t see quite as often as other leaf patterns in ferns.

If you’ve made it this far, I hope  you’ve learned something about both ferns and shirts. When you’re wearing it on that balmy, breezy beach and someone compliments your shirt, you can say, “thanks, the print is of a netted chain fern. It’s pinnatifid!”

I’d like to think that summer style icon Dr. John Hammond would appreciate appreciate your knowledge of ancient flora.

[alittletournesol]

Sing Your Soul {JongKey} part 1/?

Sing Your Soul

Foreword: please consider this story as a multi-shot more than a chaptered story. Each part will be short and there must be around five parts. Enjoy.

Part one

The subway was packed with men and women in suits, which didn’t look strange considering it was the evening peak time. Kibum had been lucky enough to get in at one of the first stations and find a free seat, but even though he was used to is, the feeling of being uncomfortably surrounded was almost physically painful. More stations brought more people, forcing him to take as little space as possible by holding his briefcase on his lap.

Almost all his life rested in this briefcase, and every time he found himself stuck between some person and the train’s window, he wondered what he would do if he ever was to lose it or having it stolen. For sure he had made copies of everything on his computer, at his office, but he was the kind of man that has a thing for material things. Although he owned quite a few devices at the leading edge of technology, he remained fond of his journals and other paper diaries.

Being one of the most popular event planners in the capital was all about organisation, and the young man never fully trusted his phone or computer with such important matters. A basic journal, quality felt pens and his favourite pastel highlighters, that was all he needed to do his job to perfection. Moreover, it often impressed clients when they personally came to his office, his neat desk always shamelessly showing his handmade planners. After all, if it could help giving him some more advertising…

A woman’s voice drew him out of his thoughts about this upcoming business party he had been taken on, and he looked up to notice it was actually coming from the loudspeaker and not a real person. He sighed when he heard the worst words ever after a long working day, imitated by absolutely everyone if it wasn’t for the few people adding some cursing words. A technical disruption had occurred, forcing the train to interrupt its usual ride and its passengers to get off. 

Checking the wagon’s screen, he felt even more annoyed since he realised he was stuck at Sindang, so seventeen stations away from his stop. He could give up on a potential walk home, this would take way too long… but he had a real map in his head, and he knew he could take another line at this station to reach his best friend’s bar. Perhaps he would find one of their common friends there who would accept to give him a ride home. Things weren’t going too bad in the end !

As he went with the flow and made his way out of the train, he struggled to weave in and out, most people not as quick-witted as him when it came to find another itinerary. With a few nudges and stumbles, he managed to escape the crows and sighed with relief when he had a moment of peace on the escalator. 

“Gosh, I hate people.” He mumbled as he dusted his expensive jacket, hissing when he found an ugly fold on his arm. “Bovines in suits.”

When he reached the ground floor, he held his briefcase against his chest to make sure he wouldn’t drop it in his haste, and looked for the stairs leading to the line he had to take. In no time and thanks to the few signs, he found himself on the right platform and the display announcing the next train in three minutes. It was his first time taking this line and he was surprised not to see a lot of people around him. After all, at such an hour in the early evening, every platform should be crowded. His quiet question found an answer when he eventually show a bit more of interest to his surroundings : he finally heard. 

It was a voice, masculine but pleasantly crystalline, resounding against the tiled walls of the station. Kibum turned his head towards the source of this strangely appealing sound, and found a dozen of persons, men and women, adults and teenagers, almost pressed against each other in a corner of the platform. They were all offering him his back, but there was no doubt the melodic voice came from something they were hiding from his sight.

Two minutes.

His curiosity ended up winning over his boredom, and he elbowed his way through the few people already approaching the rails, expecting to enter their wagon first. The more steps he made, the clearer the voice grew, and the young man made out the familiar sound of an acoustic guitar’s strings being grazed. The melody was setting an utterly cozy and warm atmosphere that contrasted so much with the dull and autumnal cold in the station. It was like a fireplace had been placed in that corner, the flames’ warmth being lit by the stranger’s tone.

One minute.

Kibum was a rather tall man, however he struggled to find his place in the already standing audience, as small as it was. When he eventually stood between an umpteenth man in suit and a teen whose clothes smelled of cannabis, his breath was taken away. Not because of the smoker’s unpleasant fragrance, but thanks to the face he could finally put the voice to.

He was there, sitting on a foldable stool with his legs crossed to hold the guitar, his grey jeans ripped at the knees and large boots reminding of soldiers’. His fingers brushing the strings were shining with a few rings, all silver except for a thin, black one that matches the all black hoodie the young man was wearing. Indeed, young he was, and even his hood couldn’t hide it. His platinum blonde bangs were covering his forehead but Kibum could see his features, sharp but so well drawn, as if sculpted in marble. High cheekbones, straight jawline, fleshy lips…

Ding ding ding.

The event planner’s observation was interrupted by the loud sound alarming the upcoming closing of the wagons’ doors. Kibum got startled and noticed he was the only one still looking at the subway singer. He didn't know what kind of adrenaline made him shove his hand in his jacket’s pocket to pull a bill from there and throwing it in the guitar’s case on the floor, before he jumped in the wagon right before its doors closed on his leg. His heart missed a beat when he looked through the pane and found the blonde man looking at him with a soft, grateful smile on his lips.

Before he could even return it, the train was gone, and the stranger’s smile with it.

When he pushed the bar’s door, Kibum was welcome by the smell of leather and alcohol, sweetened by cologne’s fragrance. It was still a bit too early for the place to be crowded but a few regular customers were already sitting here and there, sharing a beer with friends or drinking more refined drinks on their own. It was a quite comfortable space, not a common pub where one’s only objective was to get drunk and fights occurred often. No, the Blue Night wasn’t this kind of business.

The brick-built walls were enlighten with dark but soft shades of blue and purple by the few spotlights hanging here and there, enough to not plunge the large room in the dark. The only brighter sources of light came from neons : one horizontally hung above the counter and some lighting the considerable wall shelf, made of glass and showing an impressive exhibition of many and varied bottles of alcohol. 

The furnitures had been chosen to match the lighting, biggest pieces black but stools, chairs and seats verging on a midnight blue. But the thing that was making this bar special was the raised stage at the end of the room, hidden behind a thick curtain that night : performances only happened on Wednesdays nights. However, some jazzy music could be heard from the speakers, accentuating the wish of a comfortable, welcoming space.

Kibum smiled, his shoulders relaxing a bit as he walked to the counter and sat on one of the high stools with his briefcase on his lap. His best friend was busy serving a couple at a table, he had noticed when entering, so he waited by taking his phone and checking his few notifications on social medias. As he scrolled the news feed on his favourite application, he fell on a video showing a little girl joining a group of street dancers and having fun, encouraged by the young men clapping their hands. 

This made him thing that perhaps the stranger of Sindang station had been filmed as well ? Without wasting a second more, the young man typed the station’s name in the location’s research and started scrolling. He felt a bit like a creepy stalked but he couldn’t deny he had been… hypnotised, both by the sound of the blonde’s voice and the smile the latter had offered him. Never had he witnessed a smile like his.

“What can I get you, pretty boy ?”

As if he was caught red-handed, Kibum hurriedly put his phone screen against the counter, looking up to meet his best friend’s eyes, one eyebrow cocked.

“And that was definitely weird.” The tall man commented, his hands busy drying a glass with a  dish towel. “What were you doing, watching porn in my bar ?”

“If I was to watch porn in your bar, Minho, I would bring a flat screen and hang it so everyone can enjoy the show.” The customer retorted, making the other laugh. “I’m completely serious, don’t try me.”

“I know that, I just imagined the thing happening and well… totally you. So, wanna drink anything ?”

“Depends. Is it on the house ?”

“I have a business to run here, so not a chance.”

“Come on, I’m your best friend.”

“More reasons to make you pay twice the price.”

“You really are an asshole.”

“Learned from the best. So, what about a good old mojito with extra mint ?”

“Make it as virgin as me, handsome.”

“Double dose then.”

Kibum winked at his best friend and watched him prepare his drink, glancing at his phone and putting it back in his pocket. Once he had his glass in front of him, he caught it and stirred it a bit before taking a long, well-deserved mouthful. The mint immediately refreshed him to the core and rhum shook his body from inside : that bastard really had extra dosed it. Minho looked at him drink and laughed before he threw the towel on his shoulder, standing opposite his friend while doing a bit of the dishes for the time he wasn’t needed.

“So, how’s work going ?” He asked, his eyes going from the sink to the other man. “Summer is over so it should be a bit lighter.”

“Fall is the season of business meetings, you know what it means.” Kibum replied, running a hand through his brown hair. “The need to impress the other part by planning them in luxury places and all.”

“Sounds like you were hired on one ?”

“Yeah, the guy wants it big. Forty of them, a whole weekend in Jeju. I have to book a hotel and by that, I mean the whole hotel, with a privatised beach and open bar at night.”

“If you hate these so much, I don’t get why you don’t specialise your company. You’re more into festive events, big parties at night clubs or classy receptions… so why bothering yourself with business men and their rich kinks, or even weddings and the whole mess it implies ? It’s not like you need to make your name bigger in the field, you’re quite popular already.”

“Sure I am, but if I specialise now, there will be slack periods and I can’t stand that. More covered areas means more customers, so more demands and waiting, and that’s how I keep improving my company’s renown.”

“Don’t overwork yourself, Bum, not again. I don’t want to have to put you out of your anxiety once more, you managed to heal your addiction to work so please, be careful.”

“I won’t dive back into it, I’m just saying that specialising now would make me lose way too many customers. I will, but later.”

The bartender nodded but his eyes remained worried until he hid it behind a welcoming smile when a group of young adults entered the place. He excused himself to his friend and walked away with his notepad and pen in hand, welcoming the new customers and taking their drinks’ order. For the short time he stayed on his own, Kibum drank more of his mojito and took his phone again, resuming his previous activity. He didn’t have to search for long, a first video showed up and it was clear enough to show the subway singer, sitting on his stool and singing with his guitar.

The brunette didn’t put the sound on for now, but saved the video so he could go back to it later, when he would be at his place. After a few more scrolling, he had saved eight videos and a satisfied smiled was drawn on his lips as he closed the app and checked his agenda. He was starting later than usual the day after, he would have plenty of time to watch everything in his living room. 

“Customers are showing up.” Minho suddenly appeared behind the counter, working fast on the drinks he had to make. “I won’t be able to chat a lot, it’s Friday so… you know.”

“Yeah, rush hour is coming.” His best friend nodded, emptying his glass. “Just pour me a second one once you’re done and I’ll hit the road anyway. I was hoping Jinki would be there because I needed a ride home.”

“No train ?”

“Got stuck at Sindang, had to take the 6 to reach here. I’m not that far from home but I don’t know if my line works again now.”

“It only needs a text from me to make Jinki come, you know ? He won’t mind, he appreciates you enough to make a two-ways trip.”

“Sometimes I’m glad you have your boyfriend wrapped around your finger. You two can be grossly cute but well, I must admit you’re useful.”

“Remember. Best friends, additional fees. Think again.”

“I would be honoured to have your deliciously kind beloved one giving me a ride home, Ming.”

With a laughter, the taller man left his friend to serve his customers and welcome more, before he brought him his second class. Between two orders, he took his phone and placed it between his ear and shoulder, calling his boyfriend while washing glasses. As expected, Jinki didn’t even try to understand and told him he would be there shortly. Kibum thanked his friend by adding a tip to his bill, even though Minho hated when he did that. That’s when he realised about the missing money in his pocket.

He had given a bill worth of fifty thousands of wons* to the subway singer.

Soon enough, the bartender’s boyfriend was here and he chatted a bit with both of them before leading the event planner to his car. Two mojitos weren’t enough to make him lose it, however Kibum had perhaps drunk them a bit too fast, considering the dizziness he felt when he stood up. The car ride took a good twenty minutes, entertained by Jinki listening to his friend’s rambling about the business event in Jeju, and himself talking about his recent days spent at the recording studio.

But at the slightest mention of his job in the musical industry, though still not as high as he would, the brown haired man lost himself in his thoughts. His mind got carried away to the subway station where he had witnessed the most beautiful show ever — but he wouldn’t tell Jinki yet. How came this stranger hadn’t been noticed by some company with a voice like his ? Kibum hadn’t been able to hear much, but he had heard enough to be sure this young man had a real gem in his throat. 

Singing in the subway could be entertaining, but at the end of a day, had the man earned enough to live ? Where did he live, by the way ? Was he a homeless person ? Didn’t he have any family to help him if so ?

So many questions assaulted the event planner’s mind, but one thing was sure : he would wait the next morning to be a bit sober, to study these videos. Only then, he would see if he would get off at Sindang station again, this time purposely.

part two

[shopsyplannet]

Craft Play Handicraft Leather Handmade Paper Handcrafted Regular Diary/Personal Organiser/Notebook/Journal||125 GSM (200 Unruled Pages_18cm x 13cm x 2cm)

Craft Play Handicraft Leather Handmade Paper Handcrafted Regular Diary/Personal Organiser/Notebook/Journal||125 GSM (200 Unruled Pages_18cm x 13cm x 2cm)

Price: (as of – Details) These journal notebook can be considered as tiny notebook as the size of the note book dairy is ideal and looks elegant taken anywhere.The notebook diary contains smooth pages for writing notes, which makes it easy to carry anywhere journal book for writing those random thoughts and stuff.The notes diary cab be used as executive diary 2022, pocket notebook small size,…