all things paper

Book Sculpture Valentines

2012-01-27T08:45:00.004-05:00

You might remember the captivating birds that book sculptor and photographer, Bronia Sawyer, created from cut and folded pages. They went on to a gallery in Beverly Hills after being noticed here - not too shabby! Her newest work is a Valentine-themed collection for the windows of Waterstones Booksellers in Solihull, England.

Bronia and I stay in touch across the ocean via Twitter (@BroniaSawyer). She's currently preparing pieces for a gallery in Belgium, the Heart Gallery in Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, and the Solihull Art Complex. There's also an upcoming exhibition in Leamington Spa, England with her brother who paints, and she's planning another stop motion film in the style of the short animation on her website. Busy gal!

And yes, Fab Friday is supposed to be just one photo that especially caught my eye during the week, but I simply couldn't decide... each is romantic and alluring.

All Things Paper Facebook links this past week included:

Siba Sihabi's latest work, Istanbul Twilight, is rolled felt instead of rolled wallpaper, but equally stunning.

You might recall the fab paper couture of Lia Griffith. Lia shared templates and instructions for making realistic paper roses.

These sparkly jewel cardboard rings look like fun and what a clever name, Tiphony, ha!

Lastly, the folks at the lovely paper goods shop and blog, Omiyage, kindly featured a roundup of my Valentine tutorials.

Enjoy the weekend!

Baby Shower Decorations

2012-01-25T09:20:00.008-05:00

I've been happily anticipating this post for quite a few months... ever since learning that a couple I know are expecting a baby girl on Valentine's Day. How perfect is that?! A shower for them and little Miss Emersyn-to-be, a.k.a. Emmy, was held recently, and of course I wanted to get involved with paper-y goodness when it came to the decorations. Here's a close up of one of the bunting letters to get things started...

Cecelia Louie, whose name might be familiar to you via her fab paper quilling, is also a die cut designer. I showed her a photo on Kiss and Punch of a bunting I liked... Cecelia ran with the idea, creating this beautiful garland. I'm so glad it will live on as decor in the baby's nursery too.

And ever since I first laid eyes on her adorable baby animal die cut favor boxes, I knew they would be perfect for the shower too. Bright and fruity had been selected as the color theme, so Cecelia rounded up cardstock shades in raspberry, lemon, and lime. Look how cute the boxes are all lined up, awaiting the guests. Animals on parade... just as sweet as the treats inside!

While we're talking babies and nurseries, Anais of Etsy shop Galerie Anais in France creates paper collages that feature all sorts of adorable and on-trend images such as birds, owls, and curly branched trees. She then turns the collages into paper or canvas prints. I had given a pair to the parents-to-be for Christmas that are already hanging in Emmy's room.

Here are a couple more party pics because we all like to peek at buffet tables, right? Guess how many {paper} diapers were in the centerpiece...

(The strawberry cupcakes were delicious.)

The answer is 73. Newborn-size diapers are so very tiny - I'd forgotten!

Paper Garments - Julie VonDerVellen

2012-01-23T09:30:00.002-05:00

Lest you think this site has suddenly turned into a fashion blog, let me assure you that everything you see here today is composed of paper... handmade paper fashioned into garment replicas by Julie VonDerVellen.

Julie created extraordinary collections titled Memoir Ensemble and Recollection-Tailored Narratives while in graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (MFA, 2010), adeptly weaving the storyline of each article of clothing into its very fabric.

She explains, Significant moments — personal stories and those of friends and families — are interwoven into handmade paper crafted from recycled cotton clothing.

I can recall exactly what I wore in each moment. My closet overflows with memories. Whether I remember the situation first, then visualize myself in the clothing I wore – or if I glance at the clothes, then place myself back into the situation – the garment tells the story.

The pieces are developed from journal entries, then designed with expressive typography and stitch patterns that reflect the tone of the story.

Julie has perceptively keyed in on something most of us can relate to. I know I have vivid "first" memories of certain articles of clothing... favorite suede shoes (oh how I wanted to keep them looking out-of-the-box new that first day of fourth grade), the first day on the job in a crisp nurse's uniform - anxious, but excited - and the sleek, black dress I borrowed from my sister the night I met my future husband.

Do you have a special clothing memory?

Visit Julie's website to see many more incredible garments and to read the intriguing narrative that accompanies each one.

Quilled 2012

2012-01-20T08:50:00.002-05:00

You might remember a gracefully quilled alphabet that sailed around the internet not long ago. It was made by Sabeena Karnik of Mumbai, who recently posted this beauty on her Behance page. Sabeena, a graphic artist, illustrator, and calligrapher, does mighty fierce paper cuttings as well, so don't miss those.

Hey, it's still January... let the New Year celebrations continue!

All Things Paper Facebook links this past week included:

Pretty book page teacups
Beautiful collection of repurposed books
Gigantic flowers
The Crimson Poppy makes it to the Golden Globes and Oscars!
Gorgeous rolled paper textiles
Little paper cubes

Remember, the giveaway for three copies of the new book Quilled Birds, Bugs & Butterflies ends this Sunday, January 22.

Have a great weekend! I'm already looking forward to seeing you again on Monday.

Silk Ribbon Embroidery by bstudio

2012-01-18T08:15:00.003-05:00

Brenda Kee's silk ribbon embroidery stopped me in my tracks as I scouted around the interwebs while Christmas shopping. bstudio is the newest sponsor here on the blog, and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to introduce her elegant greeting cards, pillows, jewelry, sachets, and wedding items to you.

I love the way Brenda's shop is arranged by color. With Valentine's Day on the horizon, you'll easily find all sorts of pink and red lovelies to give as little gifts.

It's probably safe to say silk ribbon embroidery is something that appeals to those of us who love fine handwork, whether it's done with paper or fabric. I admire Brenda for modernizing the art with her stylish designs.... this French knot ombré brooch on dupioni silk, for example - wow!

Originally Brenda was a commercial interior designer in Toronto, Canada, but now she and her husband live in the countryside where she appreciates every moment of her artisan lifestyle, a joy that's reflected in the beauty of her nature-inspired creations.

My mind is already turning toward spring, summer, and the great outdoors... and warm thoughts intensified when I spotted bstudio's dear nest ring, birch tree pillow, and honeybee necklace!

Brenda is offering a coupon code exclusively for All Things Paper readers to use from January 18th until January 31st. The code is 'BEMINE10' for 10% off any bstudio order before shipping.

bstudio is also on Facebook.

A couple of other things:

If you clicked on the links in Monday's giveaway post to order Elizabeth Moad's new quilling book and found it out of stock, fear not! Retailers should be restocked very soon as Elizabeth emailed to say she has already delivered cartons of books to the wholesaler.

If you would like to learn more about SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and why it should be important to all of us and needs to be stopped, Copyblogger and Google explain it well.

Quilled Birds, Bugs & Butterflies - Book Giveaway

2012-01-16T09:15:00.007-05:00

***The giveaway has ended. Scroll down to see who won!***

I'm delighted to announce a brand new book from popular paper crafter and quilling book author, Elizabeth Moad.

Her latest self-published title, Quilled Birds, Bugs & Butterflies, is perfect for quilling newbies or those who appreciate having loads of cute and clever card making ideas at their fingertips. It features sixty card and tag designs, along with excellent instructions and practical tips.

The step-by-step photographs are delightfully clear and easy to follow, not to mention the inspiring projects are beautifully styled. Elizabeth offers sentiment suggestions too, so helpful if you find yourself hung up on just the right wording.

Quilled Birds, Bugs & Butterflies is available from the Book Depository (free shipping worldwide and they accept PayPal), Elizabeth's online shop via her website, and Amazon merchants.

She sent the book to me for review purposes and has offered to send an autographed copy to three people with a U.S., Canada, or UK mailing address. To enter, just leave a comment by Sunday, January 22. Winners will be selected by a random number generator and announced on this post and on the All Things Paper Facebook page. Good luck!

Edited to say: I understand from comments and Facebook messages that the book appears to be sold out. Rest assured it isn't! Retailers should be restocked very soon as Elizabeth emailed me to say she has already delivered cartons of books to the wholesaler.

Congratulations to the winners!

The names were selected by random.org and the winners have been notified. Elizabeth will personally be sending out the copies. Thanks to all who entered.

Lenoria: I would love to win this book! I tried quilling several years ago but gave up and have only started back within the past 6 months or so and am loving it. I would love to win this book, thanks for the opportunity.

Meg@MegaCrafty: Those cards are really cute! I'd love to win a copy thanks for the great giveaway :)

Cindy: Love the ladybugs and bumblebees! Looks like a great book!

Nathalie Boutté - Collage

2012-01-13T09:00:00.005-05:00

Nathalie Boutté, a paper artist from Montreuil, France, cuts and gently layers paper strips with astonishing results. Her newest work is an emotional rendition of a beloved photograph of Nathalie's grandfather with her sister.

2011 Nathalie Boutté, Remember. Cut paper, 86 cm x 60 cm

Originally the piece was to be titled "The Little Music of the Memories" as the picture reminds her of Simon and Garfunkel song lyrics...

"Long ago it must be
I have a photograph
Preserve your memories
They're all that's left of you"

Bookends

Nathalie chose a music dictionary from which to extract the text, and the other is a very thick white paper she enjoys using. The piece appears dreamlike at a distance, but pixelated when seen close at hand.

It fascinates me that Natalie is able to convey likenesses, even age and small details - perhaps I spy eyeglasses and a mustache - with simple snips of paper. How many times must she step away to get a better view of her work?

Visit Nathalie's website and blog where you'll find collages composed of tissue paper, novel pages, and vibrantly inked tracing paper.

Facebook links this past week included:

A bookish video that's a joy to watch
Sephora holiday decorations: behind the scenes
Make a colorful polyhedra garland or a gerbera daisy ring
Smock Paper letterpress calendar giveaway (20 winners!)

Wishing you a lovely weekend.

PaperGraphic - Natasha Molotkova

2012-01-11T09:40:00.007-05:00

Because quilled lettering is such a frequent search term here at ATP, I'm pretty certain lots of you will enjoy seeing the perfectly executed designs of Natasha Molotkova.

While browsing Pinterest, my eyes were drawn to detailed paper typography ... Yulia Brodskaya's work, perhaps? No, it was an eye-catching piece created by Natasha.

Originally from the Siberian city of Novosibirsk, she was drawn to quilling after stumbling upon the art at university in England, (she's a recent graduate of a joint program of the University of Worcester and Worcester College of Technology) and remembers thinking how interesting it was.

I asked Natasha to tell us about herself and her interest in quilling.

"I studied fine arts in Russia and worked in the graphics department of a national newspaper. My degree program in England focused on fashion, textiles, and clothing construction, as well as a large element of general surface design. I was immediately taken by it (embroidery, felting, fabric printing, paper making, etc.) and especially surface design as applied to paper. I was curious if quilling could be combined with methods from traditional painting and drawing."

"I was inspired by the work of Yulia Brodskaya - isn't everybody? - and I practiced until I could produce work of a similar standard. I sketch the designs first, and then cut my own quilling strips and/or produce my own paper before applying these to the sketch. All of my quilling is done using a traditional approach."

Natasha has already put her education to use by forming her own company, PaperGraphic, which is based in Worcestershire. She provides original artwork, but is also adept at taking an existing concept - a company logo, for example - and using it to create a dimensional quilled or "PaperGraphic" display.

Quilled Ketubah

2012-01-09T09:30:00.005-05:00

This past fall I quilled a Jewish/interfaith marriage ketubah for a couple whose wedding took place in early December. The bride and I worked our way through the enjoyable steps of planning the design and selecting paper colors throughout the summer months.

The design was my interpretation of a monogram that Texas calligrapher Tara Jones created for the couple's wedding stationery. Tara lettered the warm white ketubah in a flowing, modern script.

The wedding color palette was smoke gray and pale blue, so I used two shades of gray quilling paper - actually silver and charcoal - along with blue-gray.

The 22" x 30" ketubah was signed at the wedding, and will be framed and placed on display in the couple's home to remind them daily of their vows and responsibilities to one another.

Best wishes to Amber and Jeff!

Wallpockets

2012-01-06T09:45:00.002-05:00

There's something about a new year that makes me want to organize and put away. You too? I'm thinking these cardboard-yet-classy Wallpockets would make straightening up even more satisfying.

While hiding away all sorts of small objects, the recycled cardboard pentagons double as modern art. Cleverly designed by Tim Karoleff for Ampersand.

Links I've posted on Facebook this past week included:

Round up of Anthropologie window and in-store displays
Yulia-quilled photoshoot (via Molly Smith)
Bergdorf Goodman holiday windows
Interesting way to add quilling to a fringed border

Remember, the giveaway for two packages of Box-Envelopes, perfect for mailing dimensional cards, ends this Sunday, January 8.

Enjoy the weekend!

Screen Printing and Paper Cutting with Retro Flair

2012-01-04T09:15:00.006-05:00

While perusing the internet for Christmas gifts, I stumbled upon Etsy's Vitamini, which happens to be one of the most perfect plays on a word ever. You see, it's a shop filled with a cohesive array of hand screen printed paper and fabric products that all relate to the adorable Mini Cooper car. Because someone on my gift list is a proud Mini owner, I had a good feeling that whatever I chose would be akin to the Holy Grail. Score!

Vitamini's owner, Casey Starks of California, is a landscape architect with a passion for crafting and decorating in her spare time. She admits she's been enamored by Mini Coopers ever since she was a little girl and could stand up in her uncle's tiny car, pretending it was an apartment. When Casey purchased her own Mini, she was inspired to create screen printed designs that would appeal to other Mini Cooper owners.

If you're like me... rather hazy on how to actually do screen printing, Wikipedia offers lots of information. I asked Casey to tell us how she got started and what's involved.

"I grew up doing tons of arts and crafts and have always been interested in learning new techniques. My mom did some screen printing in college and when she described it to me, it seemed like it would be right up my crafting alley. In January, 2008 I bought a simple Speedball screen printing kit on ebay and just jumped in!"

"I had no idea what I was doing, but through a bit of trial and error, I quickly got the hang of it. Once I got started I wanted to print on everything in sight. I was hooked! The process that goes into preparing a screen, from stretching the fabric, to coating the screen and exposing the design, makes the finished print that much more special. Maybe because so many things can go wrong along the way! Sometimes things work out perfectly and other times they don't, but I enjoy the challenge."

Casey has another shop too... this one is vitaMODERN, where all of the hand screen printed items reflect her admiration for mid-century design. Think retro and Mad Men.

VitaMODERN is where I discovered Casey is also a talented paper cutter. This screen printed tea towel, for instance, features one of her original cuttings.

I spent an enjoyable portion of New Year's Day reading Casey's Vitamini Handmade blog all the way back to the beginning - it's not often I do something like that! Well worth the time, as I came across her excellent how-to on paper cutting for beginners. She's planning a similar one for screen printing.

Vitamini is also on Facebook and Twitter.

A giveaway for two packages of Box-Envelopes, perfect for mailing dimensional cards, is on 'til this Sunday, January 8. If you've been having difficulty leaving a comment, try using the Anonymous option and include your name and contact info within your comment.

Box-Envelopes Giveaway

2012-01-02T09:30:00.011-05:00

***The giveaway has ended. Scroll down to see who won!***

I can't think of a better start to the new year here at All Things Paper than a product that neatly solves a common card making dilemma... how to safely mail quilling and other dimensional elements. In the past, I've gone the time-consuming route of packaging cards between two pieces of cardboard in an unappealing, padded mailer. Linda Bran Kreig offers a much better solution... sturdy, cardboard Box-Envelopes that give a polished look with far less hassle.

Scored for quick assembly, they're the right size and depth to securely protect a standard 5.5 x 4.25 inch card. Box-Envelopes are available in two styles - with super-hold adhesive (8-pack/$10) or without adhesive (now available as a 10-pack/$8), for those who prefer to apply their own high tack, double-stick tape.

Linda sent me a package of each to try. I tested a Box-Envelope to the max by mailing this Christmas card and a small, standing mat board in the same package. The photo above shows what it looked like before adhering the tape... the box practically folded itself - so easy to do!

I'm happy to report the Box-Envelope and contents crossed the continent and arrived at my sister-in-law's house in Canada in perfect condition. Admittedly I added a single layer of bubble wrap over the matted berries, but I'm sure that step was just me being my overcautious self.

Linda sells other items at The Quilling Nest too, such as a set of rubber stamps designed specifically for quillers. They're a nice way to label cards and other projects.

She has offered to send one winner in the U.S., Canada, or the UK a package of each type of Box-Envelope. The giveaway will end on Sunday, January 8th. The winner will be selected at random, announced on this post and Facebook, and notified via email. Simply leave a comment to enter. If you've ever mailed a quilled card, Linda asks that you share your packaging experience.

For an extra chance to win, visit her My Quilling Nest blog and leave a comment there too, as she is offering the very same giveaway this week. Linda's post offers Box-Envelope tips and shows ways they can be decorated. Good luck!

Congratulations to Deborah! Her name was selected by random.org and she has been notified by email. Thanks so much to all who took the time to enter. There will be another giveaway coming up soon, so stay-tuned.

Quilled Joy

2011-12-30T09:30:00.005-05:00

There are few things in life more perfect than the quilling of the often imitated, but never duplicated Yulia Brodskaya.

Today I share her colorful scrolls, lovely letters, and one of my most favorite words as a way of wishing each and every one of you much joy throughout the new year. Here's to all things wonderful in 2012!

Facebook Finds this past week included:

Amazing quilled snowflake cake
I printed out a flock of these winter birds to make gift tags and they were beautiful! They'd be gorgeous as a garland too.
100 year old sweet letter found in a chimney

See you next year!

Quilled Japanese Temple Tree

2011-12-28T09:40:00.002-05:00

Recently I heard from Motoko Nakatani, who you might remember is a Japanese member of the North American Quilling Guild and supplier of my favorite quilling tool. She asked if I would like to see pictures of the work of her friend, Hitomi Shouko, who often quills supernatural creatures called yokai. People believe yokai generally exist as monsters... clearly not your typical quilling subject matter, but intriguing nonetheless. You can see images of Hitomi's yokai at her website.

But Hiomi's project that Maggie especially wanted to introduce me to is the one you see pictured here... it's an impressive quilled tribute to the Shiwafuruinari Temple tree. Located in Iwate, Japan, the temple's sacred tree, called a goshinboku, was destroyed by a typhoon a very long time ago.

Later, the mummified remains of a white fox were found inside the broken tree. A legend evolved that those who desire a long life should look for the hair of the white fox around the tree.

On March 11 of this year, you'll remember that a devastating earthquake and tsunami struck northeastern Japan. Hitomi was there at the time studying this temple. Fortunately she survived and was able to return to Tokyo. Hitomi says many mysterious places are located in the mountains, rivers, and coastal areas of this part of Japan that was so badly damaged. Progress is being made in reconstructing the area, and she hopes a peaceful way of life will someday be restored.

More Sephora Holiday Decorations

2011-12-26T08:10:00.014-05:00

A follow-up on the beautiful paper decorations that are in abundance at Sephora stores this festive season... Sue Custer was out shopping again, (just teasing you, Sue :)) this time at JCPenney where she came across a Sephora shop within the store. Lo and behold, a big, round poster with a quilled design of lovely lettering and greenery was on display. We're wondering if the quilling was first done by hand or is it completely digital?

Sue also snapped a photo of some dramatic paper sculptures high on a shelf. I was curious if Hannah Sitzer created these decorations, so emailed her to ask. She replied that she and her team made all of the handmade paper flowers inside Sephora stores this season, but no, not these.

Now.... not for a moment do I think this will compete with Sephora's amazing display, but while watching Love Actually a few nights ago (an annual tradition at my house) I had the idea to show you our crab ornament. What's a Christmas crab you ask? Well, if you've seen the movie, you know there was more than one lobster present at the birth of Christ. Thus it stands to reason a crab was there as well.

Here he is, with claws re-glued after barely surviving this year's great Tree Topple. I'm not positive what the fellow is made of, but I'm fairly certain that under the coating of red lacquer there's some sort of fibrous paper, and marvel that he was crafted by hand. Chesapeake Bay crabs are a popular summer feast here in Delaware and we think of them fondly all year long... and that's the real reason for owning a Christmas crab.

One last shot of holiday decorations for today. Licia Politis sent me this photo that her daughter snapped in a Sydney shop - huge ornaments that hit all the trendy notes in this season of making.... black/red/white, sheet music, and buttons... quite eye-catching!

Quilled Wreath

2011-12-23T09:15:00.001-05:00

December is flying! It's hard to believe it's already time to wish those of you who celebrate, a very merry Christmas. I hope all of your last minute preparations will fall magically into place.

This beauty was created by Beth Reece of Virginia who has only been quilling since last spring. Proof that as long as one has an eye for design and the desire to work small and with care, it's possible to do great things with strips of paper.

Facebook Finds this past week included:

A kraft paper wall-tree
Classy paper bunting kit
Stunning origami crane tree
Make a chevron paper bow
Smitten by this crumpled flower card
Festive wrapping paper to print

I'll be back next week with new things to share, but for now I'd like to wish each and every one of you a very special weekend ahead!

Wrapping Paper Fashions

2011-12-21T08:11:00.006-05:00

Recently via Twitter I was introduced to Vivid Wrap Ltd., located in Bath, England. The company's decorative papers are gorgeous, and yes, printed in such bright and beautiful colors, the name is an apt description.

Created by Professor Marjorie Lee Woo

While checking out Vivid's Facebook page, I was delighted to come across photos of paper fashions created by professors and students from the LIM College of Fashion and Visual Merchandising in New York.

Created by Alexis & Lisa Michaelides

They used Vivid Wrap to create couture apparel for the first Paper Runway competition sponsored by Kate's Paperie at the National Stationery Show this past May.

Vivid's papers are handmade in India from recycled cotton that is screen printed, also by hand, with water-based inks.

Created by Edin Guiron

After many years of working for Hallmark, Steve Williams launched Vivid Wrap in 2007. Gift wrap, bags, and boxes are stocked in fine British stores and museum shops, and the company is expanding to outlets in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Created by Gina Mercatili

In the video you'll see Vivid papers being created... it's a fascinating process to watch, and as an avid piano jazz fan, I have to say I sat back and enjoyed the music too. A nice little break at this busy time of year.

photo credit: Steve Williams

Lauren Fensterstock - Black Mirrors

2011-12-19T08:55:00.002-05:00

Way back in my very first month of blogging, I featured Maine resident, Lauren Fensterstock, whose intricate and dark quilling installation, Parterre, composed of black paper, charcoal dust, and Plexiglas, was on display at Bowdoin College in Maine.

Recently Lauren's Black Mirrors, which also features black paper and charcoal, was part of a dual artist exhibit titled A Third Nature, this time at Aucocisco Galleries in Portland, Maine.

Black Mirrors was inspired by Lauren's fascination with the framing tool called Claude Glass, a black convex mirror used by sketching artists in England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries to reflect picturesque landscapes. The mirror was popular because it reduced and defined an image of nature in such a way that it would appear perfect.

Lauren explains her materials... "Charcoal is known for its ability to absorb and purify the air around it. In 'A Third Nature' the charcoal appears to obscure and destroy an image of ornamentation [paper quilling], while acting as a grounded and healing physical presence."

Currently her work is on display in Texas through February 19 at the Austin Museum of Art in a site-specific installation entitled Two Takes on One Space. There she's used cut and curled black paper to create monochromatic landscapes... "two dramatic room-sized floor pieces that appear to contain the wildness of nature, one a tranquil reflecting pond, and another a teeming mass of vegetation." I would love to see this, as I would all of Lauren's work, and appreciate that she is elevating quilling within the art world.

See many more images of Lauren's work at her website.
All images of Black Mirrors via Aucocisco Galleries.

Bookshelf Christmas Tree

2011-12-16T09:25:00.005-05:00

I realize this photo has been circulating the internet for ages, but even if it's new to just a few of you, it's worth it because...

...what paper crafter among us doesn't have a ton-o-stuff piled on shelves?! I'm thinking it would be a hoot to take a few minutes this weekend to arrange my overloaded bookcase to look like a Christmas tree... someone hold me to that, please!

Photo credit: Apparently the tree was first featured on hoi pippo with credit given to ijm.nl for the concept, but a search proved fruitless... whoever came up with the idea gets my vote for tongue-in-cheek holiday decor.

Facebook Finds from this past week:

Snowy desk inspired by Andy Singleton's icy paper winter wonderland
Colorful Christmas cracker gift boxes
Pretty origami star
Gorgeous gift wrap printables
Little folded tree earrings
Brilliant idea to help children quill - twist ties!
Rolled paper monogram
Hang onto those cardboard tubes - snowflake ornaments

I hope you'll have a great weekend and thanks so very much for taking the time to visit here, especially at such a hectic time of year.

Stylized Christmas Tree Card

2011-12-14T09:30:00.009-05:00

If you like to make cards that tend toward minimalism, and/or need a design that goes together pretty quickly, this one's for you...

Pardon the grainy photos - my camera rebels like crazy against metallics.

A rubber stamp inspired the stylized silver tree to which loose coil ornaments, and punched snowflakes and stars were added randomly. A paper cutter made short work of slicing metallic strips to form the tree. Because the large S scroll needs to stand firmly on edge, two strips were glued together for extra strength.

A gratuitous shot of my dining room table... am quite pleased with myself for decorating way earlier than usual as I'm typically the last minute kid - even if the holly leaves are already starting to curl and our tree (the trimmed tree, I mean, not this glass one) has fallen over twice - ack!

And more about Sephora holiday windows...

In the Sunday New York Times, Bill Cunningham's On the Street weekly photo essay offers a particular clothing category that's caught his eye on the city's streets. This past Sunday it was black coats and guess what?... he contrasted them with the all-white laser cut paper decorations that resemble lace curtains in the windows of the grand Sephora store on Fifth Avenue.

According to Bill, they are the most elegant holiday windows in the city this year and they really do look lovely in the picture. (Of course it doesn't hurt that the building itself is pretty spectacular!) No paper flowers in sight though, so this store received a different treatment than the Sephora displays featured here on Monday. In Bill's On the Street video, he talks about the windows. You can catch a glimpse of them at about the two minute mark.

Paper Flowers at Sephora

2011-12-12T08:25:00.008-05:00

I love it when readers let me know me about paper delights they've come across in their travels, whether online or in real life. Sue Custer of the Custom Quilling design team recently sent photos she phone-snapped at the Sephora store in Missouri's Chesterfield Mall. The flowers are gorgeous and look, there's even quilled lettering!

Curious about who created the display, I put Google to the test... up popped a link to a fabulously detailed article written by the flower designer herself, Hannah Sitzer. She's the owner of Antlre Creative, a concept, design, development, and manufacturing agency that produces retail environments.

I know you'll enjoy reading it, but first I can't resist sharing a few of her pictures, taken while team members were installing about a million flowers - well, actually 5000 - in Manhattan Sephora stores late at night. I'm sure it was a ton of work along with fun...

as long as you're okay with heights and shaky scaffolding - not for the faint of heart!

Huge, golden gardenias were made to decorate windows. Each is about two to three feet in diameter. Gorgeous!

First three photographs: Sue Custer
Last three photographs: Antlre Inc.

Dragonfly Wing Necklace

2011-12-09T10:55:00.003-05:00

If pressed, I'd have to say I love necklaces most of all in the great lineup of jewelry possibilities. Rings and bracelets can sometimes get in the wearer's way, but a necklace... well, it can be put on and forgotten until a compliment is received.

I feel sure this lovely one would draw intrigued looks and questions. Perhaps it's a map or a bit of starched lace?

No, actually it's a gossamer dragonfly wing created by Amelia Cunard of VectorCloud. Usually she works with birch wood, but instead used a special water and tear resistant paper to create this intricate pendant.

Curious about laser cutting, I asked Amelia how she happened to learn the art.

I started my Etsy endeavor almost two years ago when I was pregnant with my son Noah. I had been working with a non-profit organization in the south Bronx, training teenagers to design projects using CAD programs. There I was exposed to a variety of machines, including a laser cutter. The experience opened up a new perspective of what I could do to combine my architecture/furniture design education with the desire to work independently from home.

Because of my background, I work with wood most often, but I've designed paper pop-up cards in the past and am currently exploring more ideas for paper.

I'm looking forward to Amelia's future creations. By the way, VectorCloud is also on Facebook.

Have a lovely weekend, everyone... and speaking of Facebook, here are this week's Finds:

Holiday Pyramid Scheme (triangle gift boxes)
Cute paper owl to cut, fold, and glue
Pretty quilled wreath with novel holly leaves
Seven epic paper art projects
Steampunk quilling

Christmas Ornament Round Up

2011-12-07T08:20:00.011-05:00

Karren Doll Tolliver, who previously shared photos of Munich store windows that had been decorated with huge quilled trees, sent along another nifty find. This time it's large and lovely quilled snowflakes she spotted at a Christmas market in Bamberg, outside a little shop called Mohren Haus.

Karren tells me they were made in two sizes - seven and ten inches in diameter - and appeared to be rolled and glittered poster board.

Here's a pretty folded star tutorial from the Norwegian blog, Home by linn. The step-by-step pictures are excellent, plus there's a translate button at the top of the page. I want to make some!

So far this holiday season I've tried these ball ornaments using origami paper I had on hand... they are quite easy to make, light as a feather, and definitely livened up our gray skies while I snapped the picture.

A tutorial for the top and bottom baubles can be found here
and the middle one, here. Both are from the site, Homemade Gifts Made Easy.

This honeycomb ornament by Becca Feeken is similar to the middle one above, but it's made with a Cricut. I'm thinking it wouldn't be impossible to do by hand though, once a template is drawn and cut out. Lovely shape.

Lastly, I had some fun making this pine cone mobile/ornament. Come on, humor me.... it looks a little bit like a pine cone, doesn't it? Maybe? :) The full tutorial is on Canadian Living's website, but I first heard about it from Anne Gracie.

If you've posted a paper ornament on your blog, or have seen a good one in your travels, feel free to leave the link in the comment section for the rest of us to enjoy.

And don't forget - the Origami 101 Book Giveaway is on until Saturday the 10th. Two winners!

Welcome New Sponsors!

2011-12-06T10:15:00.012-05:00

Goodness, the months certainly fly by. Here it is already time to introduce the new shops whose ads will be displayed throughout December on the site's sidebar

Melissa Bilyeu might be a familiar name to you, as last month her letterpress shop, Paper Ink Press, was featured here. Because she didn't already have enough to keep her busy with that shop and a baby - hah! - Melissa opened Paper and Present.

She's rounded up a lovely collection of supplies that will bring a stylish, rustic look to your gift wrapping... kraft paper, baker's twine, tiny wooden clothespins, and letterpress tags, just to name a few... all those little pretties we see on popular design sites are conveniently gathered in one place. Melissa is offering a 25% discount with code Paper 25 all month long.

If you aren't familiar with the tinyprints company, they have a wide selection of personalized greeting and photo cards, and offer very speedy shipping... in fact, there's still time to choose your Christmas cards and holiday cards.

Looking for self-inking stamps that feature your return address or a way to easily add a monogram to cards and invitations? Tinyprints has a wonderful variety of customizable stamps, as well as all sorts of embossers, party favors, and photo books.

Last by not least, Sena Spearman's shop, Paper Me Jewels, has returned with handmade ornaments and jewelry. She makes this unique paper pine cone in a variety of elegant styles and colors.

There are also attractive necklaces, bracelets, and earrings to choose from, all created with paper that Sena paints by hand using rich colors.

Happy shopping!

Origami 101 Review and Giveaway

2011-12-05T10:00:00.008-05:00

***The giveaway has ended. Scroll down to see who won!***

Some time ago I was contacted by Creative Publishing International about their desire to produce an Origami 101 book. I immediately knew who to recommend for the task, as I've admired Ben Coleman's work ever since featuring his incredible origami bonsai. Lo and behold, later on I learned that Ben had indeed been asked to author the book. Thanks to having been sent a review copy that I've had the chance to examine, I must say he doesn't disappoint!

Any origami anxiety you might be harboring will disappear as you fold your way through all forty seven figures, including a roosting robin, tyrannosaurus rex, flying dragon, swans, star, and tree ornament. Come to think of it, there's time to make an entire Christmas tree full of colorful figures. It would be a great family project, as origami is suitable for school age children as well as adults.

Ben developed a unique "glow-fold" feature for the book that takes the confusion out of typical origami diagrams. The glow-fold shows exactly what surface is going to move during a fold and where it went after it was folded... brilliant! His illustrations also clearly show which edges are open and which are folds, something that has frustrated me in the past as I tried to orient the figure to match up with diagrams.

In addition to the book's clear instructions, a DVD is included that shows Ben's hands folding each figure as he talks us through the steps. It's extremely helpful to be able to pause the disc or back up if you need to see a fold repeated.

Like the little penguin? I do! He's probably the easiest figure in the book. Then I skipped ahead to the crocus and one of the swans and successfully did them too. I'm positive if I put my mind to it, I'd be able to do every one of Ben's creations - his directions are that precise.

The book comes with a dozen squares of glow-fold paper, and the DVD contains files you can use to print out as many squares as you like. Ben recommends not using the color shaded paper until a model has been mastered with practice paper, and mentions that he ordinarily uses lighter weight paper than the type provided with the book - regular computer paper is fine.

Can you believe it? Another giveaway!

The publisher has offered to send a copy of Origami 101 to two winners in the U.S., Canada, or the U.K. (I'm very sorry, folks elsewhere.) Leave a comment to enter. Winners will be randomly selected on Saturday evening, December 10, notified via email, and announced on this post and the All Things Paper Facebook page. Good luck!

Ben is offering a 25% off coupon code for the purchase of Origami 101, available in his Etsy shop, Benagami. Use code ORIGAMI101 at checkout.

Congratulations to Elyse and LDH! Their numbers were selected by random.org and they've been notified by email. Thanks so much to all who took the time to enter.