Hello Everyone! A hearty welcome to all new readers and welcome back to the old faces. It has been quite a busy winter holiday for me. We traveled to a new country. I made a few books for journaling, and I also got some art supplies for my birthday. On the note of journaling, I have a little tutorial to share with you today.
Rooftops in Prague in the afternoon sun
During the month of December, we made plans to visit the Czech Republic (Czechia). After much anticipation, the day finally came in March. We were there for a week visiting Prague and a few other small towns. We were on our feet a lot, getting lost in the little streets and alleys, looking at old architecture and visiting coffee shops. It was truly amazing. I will share a lot more about our travel in a future post.
I needed a notepad for my Japanese studies. I gathered up a stack of scrap paper, a piece of chip board and a roll of washi tape, and spent a leisurely evening making this notepad. It was a fun and easy thing to make, so I thought I’d share the how-to with you.
Supplies – paper, a thin chip board (e.g., cereal box), washi tape or masking tape, binder clips, scissors, glue, and a brush for the glue. A paper trimmer would be good, but not required.
Using scissors or a paper trimmer, cut all the paper to a size that you like. Cut the chipboard to the same size as the paper. Pro tip – I recommend adding an extra 1/8″ to the longer side.
Take the stack of trimmed paper and the chip board, line them up and bang the edges of the stack on a table surface a few times until you have smooth edges all around. Put binder clips on each side to hold the stack together. Pro tip – I use a couple of scrap papers between the clip and the pad, so the clips do not dent or mar the paper.
Using the brush, apply glue along the smooth shorter edge. I like to run my finger over the edge to smooth out the glue after applying. Pro tip – Do not put too much glue all together, it will seep into the pad. Apply at least 2-3 thin layers with adequate drying time in between.
Make sure everything is completely dry before you take the clips off.
Cut your washi tape to the same size as the width of your pad. Start by pasting it on the glued side of your pad as straight as you can. I usually apply the tape on the front side first, then wrap it over the glued edge and paste it on the back over the chipboard. Try to pull it taught over the glued edge as best as you can. Use your fingers to smooth it all out. That’s it! If you used a plain tape, you can draw something on it, or use rubber stamps to decorate it.
BTW, I personalised the black pen with a band of red washi tape around the cap. I thought it added a fun touch to the plain black pen.
I love William Morris designs. I used a wide WM washi tape for this pad, and a plain washi for the little one. I also stamped on a few shima enaga birds with a few branches.
Please excuse the orange sticky in the photos. I used it to mark my study notes, and forgot to remove it before taking the photo.
I made at least four books during the holidays with different purposes in mind. This one is an art study book I made for practice. Warming up here with a little forest cat as the very first drawing in it.
The other books are going to be used for notes and travel journals. I will save that for another day with notes on how I work on my travel journals.
My husband always gets me a few art supplies for my birthday. This year, I got a collection of Copic markers in warm earth tones that he picked out for my paintings. Although they would have been great for a landscape painting, I wanted to draw something more special with them. I also tried out a few new techniques with the markers.
I always draw the Girl and Her Cat outdoors, and I wondered what their room might look like. It seems they live in a stone cottage, and their room is full of findings from their little adventures outside. I really want to explore a bit more into this scene and add a few more things that I know they have tucked away in that room.
Lastly, a small shop update – Light Journals (formerly known as Everyday Journals) are back in the shop, and my hardcover books are now made with much thicker paper. All hand-stitched and handmade by me and are suitable for drawing and writing.
This winter holiday was filled with experimenting and playing which I love the most. I look forward to sharing more photos, books and art chats including Outside the Lines (posts on art supplies) in the coming days.
Until next time,
-Soma
I am linking up with the linky parties on my Links page. Please pay a visit to some of them. Hosts of linky parties – please grab a photo of you choice for your party. Thank you for hosting!
44 thoughts on “Little Stories – Winter Playtime”
Jayne @ Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs April 26, 2026 at 10:05
What a lovely read! My brother-in-law lives in Prague. I hope you had a fab time on your visit there.
I love the little peek into the girl and her cat’s room. Your artwork always makes me smile. xx
Amy Johnson April 18, 2026 at 04:21
Oh Prague looks so beautiful! Lucky you. I love the illustration of the girl and cat too!
steph@crazylittlelovebirds April 15, 2026 at 19:22
Soma, receiving new art supplies for your birthday sounds wonderful! I hope you had a lovely birthday. I love visiting coffee shops! I’m excited to hear about your travel adventures soon. Thank you for sharing this post with us; I will be featuring it this Friday. We really enjoyed it!
Maria April 14, 2026 at 04:58
oh how lovely! I love rooftops and Prague looks so lovely! Your artwork is beautiful!
Lisa | Handmade in Israel April 13, 2026 at 01:27
Prague is on the list of places I would love to visit. I look forward to reading you post about it. Thank you for showing us how you make your notepads. It looks so good!
CosyWithCoffee April 11, 2026 at 14:52
Gosh I wish had your skill set. I have recently just got an Ipad so I’m hoping to give art a bit more of a go… Thanks for sharing and for linking up with #WeeklyWonders
Sarah MumofThree World April 10, 2026 at 22:34
How exciting to travel to Prague! There is a half marathon there, which I’m hoping to do in the next couple of years.
It was very interesting to see how you make your notebooks and I love your picture of the Girl and the Cat at home.
Christine April 10, 2026 at 06:13
Lovely art!
Gillena Cox April 10, 2026 at 01:50
Your art is lovely. Bravo to your husband giving you art materials for your birthday
Happy you linked to AFFF
MUCH LOVE
Michelle April 9, 2026 at 15:42
I love the girl with her cat. Very sweet :) I also like the note pad. Thank you for linking up and I hope to see you back again.
Linda April 9, 2026 at 11:49
Thanks for the tutorial, I do make books. I’ve visited Prague so I know you will have enjoyed it.
Linda April 9, 2026 at 11:44
Wonderful tour and beautiful art, Soma.
Veronica Lee April 8, 2026 at 18:04
The rooftops look enchanting!
The girl and her cat scene is delightful, and the notepad is adorable.
Great to see you back, Soma.
Comedy Plus April 8, 2026 at 07:51
Your artwork is beautiful and the city rooftops are beautiful too. A place I would love to explore.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday and rest of the week. ♥
Alan Bates April 8, 2026 at 06:26
I love your photo of the sky and the rooftops. The sky is so dramatic and the city is beautiful.
You are quite the artists and craftperson. You are quite prolific.
Dixie April 7, 2026 at 07:20
Prague looks like a treat for the eyes. Looking forward to your post about your trip.
Beautiful artwork, Soma. I love the girl and her cat painting.
Michele April 6, 2026 at 03:06
Thanks for sharing your post with Funtastic Friday.
Lydia C. Lee April 6, 2026 at 01:07
I was sure I already commented on this. How odd. Anyway, Prague looks fabulous. Your pic esp. And lovely drawing. The shapes make it look simple but I suspect not for me! #Skywatch
Lydia C. Lee April 5, 2026 at 15:33
WHat beautiful art work!
Susan April 4, 2026 at 16:45
It’s nice to see you back in my inbox. Love the little girl and her cat drawing. Thanks for the pad making tutorial.
Connie Griffin April 4, 2026 at 08:23
Your notebook is nice, I haven’t tried making those yet, I have just done journals.
So neat to see the inside of the girl and cats house, how fun to see them in a different setting.
Eileen April 4, 2026 at 01:56
Hello Soma,
Your trip to Prague sounds wonderful! I always enjoy your art, the notepad with the bird decorations. The Girl with her cat in the cottage is cute. Happy Belated Birthday, the art supplies is a great gift for you. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy Easter weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Janine @ Rainbow Hare April 4, 2026 at 01:55
Happy Spring, Soma! It’s lovely to see you back :)
Photo Cache April 3, 2026 at 12:57
I am in awe of talented people who can draw, paint, sketch, etc. The rooftop shot is gorgeous.
Debbie April 3, 2026 at 12:44
so nice to see you today, i have missed your creative influence in my life. the notepad, with the instruction, are really great. the pro-tips make so much sense but i am not sure i would have thought of them with reading them here!! your trip sounds like it was so fun…traveling out of the country, or anywhere in general, scares me!! have a really nice easter weekend!!
Debbie April 9, 2026 at 19:43
i enjoyed this a second time. thank you for the kind comment today!!!
Nicole/DVArtist April 3, 2026 at 11:51
Ohhhh Soma. This is a wonderful post. How exciting to visit Czechia. Your art is fabulous. Thank you for the tutorial and all the great tips. Happy belated birthday and very sweet of your husband getting new art supplies. That’s the best. Thank you for joining FFO and have a very nice weekend.
Christine April 3, 2026 at 07:58
Lovely art and welcome to spring!
an artist reflects April 3, 2026 at 07:47
Trip to Prague sounds wonderful ~ look forward to photos ~ ^_^
Lovely tutorial ~ thanks ~ wonderful art creation ~ Hugs ^_^
an artist reflects
Kim Carberry April 3, 2026 at 06:44
How lovely to read from you again. It sounds like you have been busy with wonderful things! That notepad is beautiful!
tomthebackroadstraveller April 3, 2026 at 05:36
…thanks for taking me along to Prague, it was nice to tag along with you! Peace.
Erika N April 3, 2026 at 05:08
You had a wonderful winter from my perspective. Traveling to Prague (that is on my wish list still) and making books, what else could be better. I love your girl with cat and books too. I like the perspective of looking in on them through the window. It’s a great vantage point and make it’s a little more unique. I hope you have as wonderful a spring as your winter sounds, and I look forward to more info your trip to Prague. hugs-Erika
Gina from The Cannary Family April 3, 2026 at 05:06
Prague does indeed look amazing. So pretty! I need to carve out some creative/art time today. – very therapeutic!
Jim, Sydney, Australia April 2, 2026 at 22:57
Good shots.
Linda April 2, 2026 at 18:23
Beautiful work I appreciate your artistic talent. ❤️
jeanie April 2, 2026 at 15:51
Your pad and books are wonderful and thanks for such good and well-illustrated instructions! Prague sounds beautiful and I’ve heard wonderful things about it. I can’t wait to hear about your experience!
Pat April 2, 2026 at 15:17
Happy belated birthday! Your journal pages and artwork are wonderful. I love cats and loved your sketch. Your photo of Prague is beautiful as it shows the interesting architecture and red roofs of the city so well. Our son visited once and said it was among his favorite places that he has ever visted.
kwarkito April 2, 2026 at 12:59
Les dessins sont vraiment très beaux et cette vue de Prague sous les nuages bien paisible
Bill April 2, 2026 at 10:09
So nice to see your back again, I have never been to Prague, nearest I got was Germany or Poland. So you like William Morris you need to visit his manor in Kelmscott in Oxfordshire
Karen Goad April 2, 2026 at 09:01
That would be so nice to visit other countries. Prague is so historic and so many places to see. Some year back my sisters step daughter was living in Poland as that is where her husband was from and they decided to live there for awhile – my sister went to visit and they took a train to various countries and saw a lot she was pleased with seeing so much. I would love to do that but my husband doesn’t like the thought of getting on a plane.
Debra She Who Seeks April 2, 2026 at 06:42
Charming as always!
Joanne April 2, 2026 at 06:32
I am so glad to hear you had a wonderful trip! Your notebook is lovely as is your new drawing. Those markers are wonderful aren’t they? I have a few Copic in various color schemes that I enjoy using.
Linda at Texas Quilt Gal April 2, 2026 at 05:02
Visiting Prague sounds so adventurous! Glad you had such an adventure. I love the girl and her cat – lifts my heart to see them in their room. I love that forest cat! Wishing you a belated happy birthday Soma. :)
Cat April 2, 2026 at 02:23
Good to see you back!
I love the look at the room of the girl and the cat. It looks cozy.