Prepping my next daily journal and catching up.

Choosing and starting in my next daily journal.
Lineco Book Tape on Amazon*: amzn.to/3kGoPQb
My Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/s...
My Instagram: / melanietexasfreckles
My old blog: www.texasfreckl...

[@maryhoover6288]

Thanks for taking the time to share your projects. Watching your videos are a stress-relieving activity for me. Thanks! Hope your husband is feeling better. Stay safe!

[@deserthorses5]

I'm 68 and I was a teacher for 30 years (retired 4 years ago). I had pneumonia 4x during my teaching career (YES!!!) and every year of my final few years, I got bronchitis. I often have a "bad" day where I'm just overly exhausted or I get a sore throat. I take Emergen-C (the fizzy stuff), take a couple of naps, and the next day I'm back to normal (whatever THAT is!)...Hubby is the same way. We occasionally do get sore throats. We had SOMETHING last December and we were both coughing until our sides hurt, but it wasn't pneumonia. It was an upper respiratory thing and we had it for about a month. So, I'm extremely cautious when I go out, which is only about once a week. I do go out into my front and back gardens for about an hour each morning to get my Vitamin D, but I also have to be careful because I'm a melanoma survivor.

[@JennKerrPhotography]

Back in the old days when we used to go places...made me laugh out loud! It does feel like a long time ago when life was "normal." Hope your Hubby is feeling better. We've just started saying, "2020, am I right?" every time some new strange thing happens, which is usually at least once a day. Thanks for brightening our world with your videos and beautiful works of art! 💗

[@samanthavanlaar8615]

Your videos are so calming 💜 I'm glad you're back posting regularly! Hopefully your husband feels better soon xx

[@patriciagechei8145]

Thank you for showing us how to redo a signature!

[@jtravisintampabay]

Love how colorful your journals are! Thanks for sharing!

[@bangbangkisskiss007]

Glad it was negative. Continued prayers for you and your husband. 🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻

[@bramblecreekmarket2522]

Oh my goodness I have missed you girl! So glad you all are feeling well now! Prayers it stays that way!!! You made me wanna bind a hole new journal (as usual) 😍 I catch the idea bug🐛 when I watch your videos!

[@claudiacooper1934]

First of all I love your work, just finished watching your What I've been up yo video and your collage papers made my mouth open in awe. And I just wanted t comment on your conversations about your "Covid" experiences and say that I think the reason everything feels so bizarre to yu is that it truy IS bizarre. AS judge Judy says "If it doesn't make sense it's a lie" WE musy think critically about what we are being told. Meanwhile make lots of art!

[@clc3897]

This whole entire year, I’ve had days when I felt like I was getting a sore throat or a cold, or you know the typical symptoms you get when you’re about to get sick. Here’s what I do. I take two Tylenol Flu and Cold, and some vitamin C and by the next day I am back to normal. Stress can aggravate the lymph nodes and if you have allergies, you’re on your way to getting all the symptoms of a cold. Yes, this whole year needs a redo button, I wish we can go back to January 1st and redo the whole year. Spend some time out in the sun to get the vitamin D, and you’re all gonna be fine. Boost your immune system, and take in fresh air. Hugs and much love 💕 BTW, all my students are prepping compositions books for their art journals during this distance learning. And I am soon to become a youtuber as well. I realized that I am terrible at talking to nobody when I do my tutorials. I definitely need an audience when I am talking, otherwise none of my personality comes through.

[@MelanieSullivan]

I can't wait to see you on KZbin! Keep me posted! It was very awkward for me at first, but it's getting easier to talk to an audience that's not there. The hardest part for me is to keep talking so I don't end up with long silent pauses where everyone wonders if the audio went out. I also find myself talking aloud about my process when I'm alone and not recording. I must look crazy.

[@clc3897]

Melanie Sullivan I remember your first videos, and I can assure you, yours are light years better from the first one I posted. When I made the video I didn’t even think about it. I literally turned on the camera and began the tutorial. I told the kids that it’s a tutorial and an unintended comedy all in one. My biggest fans and the ones who’ve encouraged me all along have been my students, but I don’t think they realize it is them that makes me shine all the time. I am thinking that for my next one I am gonna have one of my former students keep me company via Zoom while I am making my video. That way I can talk to her, and if she feels like something isn’t coming through she can ask for clarification. But first, I gotta get the internet people to come upgrade my internet. They were supposed to come today, but they didn’t show up. The seven and a half minute video I posted on KZbin took me three hours to upload. Yeah, that’s how crappy my internet is. LOL

[@ajsinspiredlife665]

Wow... loved your video... first time viewer! Came from Elizabeth’s channel at never hopeless ... sorry about the scare with your husband . Love your pages ! 💥new subscriber

[@jenniferedwards6238]

My hubby and I both had COVID. I had chills and no fever at first. The fever and other symptoms came later.

[@aleksandra.s.89]

Really like how you work in your journals! Thanks for sharing. 💕 Hope your husband is feeling better.

[@MonicaGarciadivinelight]

Wow, so stressful with the possible COVID! Wishing you all health and wellness! Thanks for showing how you added pages to the signature!

[@messymissycreates1183]

Hi Melanie! So happy to see a video from you today! I’m sorry it’s been so stressful. I do understand. I had to be tested in July. One of my main symptoms was a sore throat. It was more of a just to rule it out thing tho and I was negative. But my daughter did get it! She lives in another state and wow I felt so helpless not being able to help her and she doesn’t have any family around her. As a mom that was awful not to be able to help her. All I could do is have stuff shipped to her because she couldn’t go out and get food or anything. And now, yesterday my husband comes home and tells me that his office coworker tested positive. So I’m not sure what this means for us yet. I have a pretty wonky immune system so....idk but I came to the place where I just have to have faith. And now I’m becoming more afraid of the isolation and this new normal that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight. 😕 BUT ANYWAY I’ve seen you and one other person use these composition books. I haven’t found one from Vietnam yet. I’ve started in one that is the way it came. Like I’ve seen you prep yours in another video. I want to like it mainly to write or draw in but maybe it lays weird. Just not what it appears to be like when I see you use yours. Idk And I tried taking one apart and adding a thicker spine, maybe for journaling/glue book. Just doesn’t feel right either.lol I haven’t gotten the signatures seen in yet so maybe I’ll keep at it. I think maybe I just don’t know what I want exactly. Or too many options? But I do have one of those golden book encyclopedias and I love the feel of it in my hand. I haven’t done anything with it yet until I know I can find more. Anyway I know I’m babbling. But I watch videos of how ppl journal and I think I’ve finally figured out how I want to journal, I just can’t seem to put it in to play. I like the idea of the creative daily journal. A mix between glue book and written journaling? Im so bad about fluttering from one thing to another tho. And can’t make up my mind. Oh BUT I did make an art journal earlier this year using that canvas you use for the soft spines that can be painted! I keep meaning to tell you that! I thought that was the best idea EVER! You are so creative! Take care and try not to worry too much. It lowers your immune system. (idk if that’s really true or not but it sounded wise 😉)

[@trudyatkins1837]

I hope your hubby is feeling better! Could you please give us suggestions on how to decorate the reverse side of scrapbook paper--the stark white blank pages of a journal for those of us who don't actually do any writing in it. Even your doodles are gorgeous! You are the sunshine in my day!

[@MelanieSullivan]

I usually print something on it or paint it. I'll try to remember to give some ideas in a future video!

[@vickimaddox6028]

So glad your husband didn't have COVID-19. Mine did, back in March. Fortunately, he had a mild case and recovered. FWIW he never had a fever. I have not been tested because at that time, there weren't sufficient tests to use if a patient did not have symptoms. I have never had any symptoms. In my head, I think I am asymptomatic.

[@Jenny-W1910]

Oh Melanie, that had to be so stressful! Maybe it was more of an allergy/sinus thing. Infections typically come with a fever, but who knows with Rona :-/ I hope hubby gets to feeling good as new and you both stay healthy. I love your journals and your style, you take whimsical to a whole new level!! thanks for sharing, I am always inspired :-)

[@mindmatters9515]

Oooohh! Lots of embellishments!!! New subbie-Love your style lady! lol

[@LSI.]

I really really admire your color choices. Do you have favorite brands of paint and specific colors? The ephemeras you like are also bold and vibrant. I tend to go with any color and see if I could work it. So my journals don't have any cohesiveness.

[@carolynboykin-fyelifeinreview]

Melamine, that flower you said your printer messed up when it printed, I was screaming at the computer telling you to put it on the front of the pink journal. I think it would be beautiful on there. Love seeing videos from you.

[@MelanieSullivan]

Good idea, Carolyn!

[@stephanieadkinsharris162]

Melanie, Did you use acrylic paint on the pink book previously titled “Oil Painting for Beginners”?

[@katsmith8263]

WAITING FOR YOUR NEW VIDEO!!!

[@diamond2687]

Love your composition book journals ‼Obsessed 💜 Just wondering if you had a video on your volume 14 journal? I Love the cover. Did you buy the paper on the cover with the flowers or draw them?

[@MelanieSullivan]

Thank you! That fabulous floral on the cover of Vol. 14 is a scan of a the fabric from a handmade, floor length dress from the 1960s that I have in my vintage clothing collection. It actually has a train off the back waist that slightly drags the floor when you walk. I call it my Endora dress because it reminds me of something Endora from Bewitched would wear. The colors are absolutely fantastic and are just as bright on the dress as in that printout.

[@diamond2687]

@@MelanieSullivan Just Beautiful. That was such a great Idea. I bet the dress is beautiful 🌸🌺💜 I have a few colorful pieces of vintage clothing aswell, but those are just Beautiful colors on your dress, I could just imagine how beautiful that dress is. Such an inspiration, I have not made my first composition journal as of yet, I ordered transparency film from Amazon but I won't be able to use for this project, it was kinda milky looking not clear. So just ordered the exact same one you used & I should be receiving it on Monday/Tomorrow 💜 I'm so excited can't wait.....I can just watch your videos repeatedly 😄🥰 My husband probably already knows your name and your voice. Thank you sooooo much for all the inspiration, your work is beautiful. I'm sorry to hear about your father in law. I hope you and your family stay safe and healthy, Blessings your way✝️💜

[@triciagosney6684]

Could you possibly do a book binding video?

[@MelanieSullivan]

Is there a specific binding you're interested in, Tricia?

[@suzanneproulx8768]

I need some good Netflix recommendations!!! I have watched The Ottomans Lieutenant, Sapphires, Suffragettes, The Peanut Butter Falcon, Mary Shelley, Radioactive, all excellent. Some on Hulu. I also left a message for you on Etsy! Show us more stitching please. And working with beads I having needle and thread issues when adding beads to my work. Tips would be appreciated!

[@tfntexas]

Thanks for posting your Netflix favorites... I liked Rectify, Ozark and White Lines. I definitely need more suggestions...I watch when I’m slow stitching and occasionally fussy cutting.

[@donnaseeton3568]

Hope hubby is feeling better. I seem to have fallen into your rabbit hole, slow stitching. I’ve watched the soft journal covers several times. Doing little pieces I can hold in my hand may be the answer for me. Still doing my plain old journals too. Do you have a video of sewing cover to fabric, after you’ve punched holes with cinch? Sorry for the ramble....take care.❤️

[@MelanieSullivan]

Yes! See if this video helps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bn2Zf3yEmstgbq8

[@BexfromTexas]

1 question please, did you hand sew each signature in that journal rather than sewing machine? I heard or read something about taking zinc, which we do already, & to drink liquid often because if virus is in your throat, it washes it to your stomach & it dies there because stomach acid kills it. I'm sorry yall had to go thru all that. I live in Tx also, in Parker county, very rural here. We're on 19 acres. Going to town for groceries is an ordeal now, especially when they close all but one entrance. But I digress...... Thank you for your videos. I hope I win your journal you're giving away. Your work is lovely.

[@MelanieSullivan]

Hi Bex, all of these books were bound with hand stitching. I don't think I've used my machine to attach signatures to a spine before, but if it fits under your machine, it might work!

[@nathaliet.3985]

So Fun and yummy!!! 🤩😍🤗 Your videos are always such a treat. Quick question: what did you use to make the clear pocket holding some ephemera at the end of the video? I know I have seen them multiple times on videos before, and I might even have watched you make some (???) but I just can't remember if it's vellum, or if it's some kind of plastic... Anyway, I just Loooooooooove them! Thanks so much for sharing and for always being an inspiration. Sorry about the stressful week and the Covid scare! Glad your hubby's test came back negative. Take good care of yourself. x.o ♡♡♡

[@MelanieSullivan]

They are a heavy vellum ('Clear Translucent Sheets' is what the package says, but there's no weight listed) and I made them using this tutorial from Roben-Marie Smith. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jpacooOrr6ainpI I'd love to find some of that heavier vellum in larger sizes to make some larger pockets.

[@nathaliet.3985]

@@MelanieSullivan Thanks Melanie! I don't enjoy working with vellum because I find it to "delicate." It marks/creases way too easily for my hurried fingers LoL! I have some big size, heavy duty, plastic zippered bags, that I'm gonna cut open and use instead of vellum sheets. Because..... why not? 😄 Looking forward to your next video!

[@updatedjustnow271]

Try composition books that are made in Vietnam. They have better quality paper.🌺

[@MelanieSullivan]

Yes, that's what I use and the glitter cover book was made in Vietnam, but the paper wasn't as slick as what I usually buy. I haven't been going out shopping much, so my stash of good comp books is depleted. I probably need to make a Target run and stock up! Thanks for watching!

[@updatedjustnow271]

Melanie Sullivan I’m watching the video again. I missed that you mentioned the Vietnam ones. 🤪

[@marilyn.healey]

@@MelanieSullivan I was intrigued by your mention of the paper in comp books made in Vietnam. I went to target this morning and their selection was really sparse (I don’t usually shop at target so I don’t know how it usually is...). What brand do you buy? I’m a new subby! So happy to have found your channel!!!🥰🥰🥰

[@Ginaisarty]

Does his throat still hurt? I can’t imagine he had the Rona but you didn’t get it and he got rid of it by the test time and didn’t have antibodies. That makes no sense to me 🤷‍♀️ who knows. I’m glad he and you are okay. You must have been exhausted from the stress. I missed your videos. I did a video on my channel and said a little shout out to you in my gluebook video. It’s mostly a video of my comp book and the gluebooktag.

[@MelanieSullivan]

His sore throat is improving and he hasn't had chills in a couple of days. The test he had only tests for the presence of the virus; he'd have to have a separate test to see if he has the antibodies from having and recovering from the virus. I'm off to watch your videos! :-)

[@Ginaisarty]

Melanie Sullivan oh that’s good. I hope he’s 100% soon. I didn’t realize it was a separate test for antibodies.

[@janettewhite8389]

So glad your husband hasn't had more serious problems with his illness. I have never seen such an unusual illness. I guess you will never know if it was or wasn't.