Kathy Peterson, crafter, author, and co-host of the Lifetime television show, The Balancing Act, and Barb Dehn, a nurse practitioner and TV health consultant, have teamed up to create a website called Craft for Health. Kathy and Barb feature inspiring stories from those who have discovered that crafting can be a secret weapon in helping to improve one's health.
Kathy emailed me to ask if I would write an entry for the site. My first thought was 'Knock on wood, my health is quite good... what information can I possibly offer?' The more I considered it though, I realized that the art of making has always been a central part of my life and with good reason. I hope you'll click to read my post.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Vietnamese Quilling
A friend was surprised to come across this exquisite paper filigree piece in a craft supply shop in Jakarta, Indonesia. She didn't have a camera with her at the time, but luckily her cell phone pictures do a more than adequate job of conveying the beauty of the work.
She asked about the artist, but all that was known was that the husband of a friend of the store's owner had purchased the framed piece while traveling in Vietnam. 
Perhaps via the wonder of the internet, the artist, or someone with knowledge of the work, will come across these photos. If I hear anything, I'll be sure to let you know.
I especially admire how the quilling captures a sense of motion via the fine shaping of the coils that make up the loose, fluttering clothing. By the way, the paper width is only 1.5 mm!
She asked about the artist, but all that was known was that the husband of a friend of the store's owner had purchased the framed piece while traveling in Vietnam. 
Perhaps via the wonder of the internet, the artist, or someone with knowledge of the work, will come across these photos. If I hear anything, I'll be sure to let you know.
I especially admire how the quilling captures a sense of motion via the fine shaping of the coils that make up the loose, fluttering clothing. By the way, the paper width is only 1.5 mm!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Carol Windsor
My sister recently received a beautiful pair of earrings as a gift. When I learned they were made of paper and had been purchased online from Artful Home, you know me, off to investigate... 
Their maker is Carol Windsor, a jewelry artist from California. Crafting since childhood in her father's garage studio, Carol began creating jewelry while in high school and went on to study design and art history in college.
Originally metal, wood, and enamel were her chosen materials. The transition to paper evolved from her enjoyment of creating large tissue paper flowers for parties, as well as the change in life circumstances that occurred when her children grew and left home. Consequently Carol says she felt light, free, and more aware of the fleeting nature of life, and wanted to express those feelings through her art.
She developed a process of laminating sterling silver between layers of very thin paper. Carol forms a petal shape with sterling silver wire and makes thin interior wires that will show through the translucent paper, resembling veins in a leaf. She does this by coiling wire around steel mandrels, oxidizes the wire, and then cuts the coils into small segments. Next she lays the frame on a small square of paper and adds the tiny, curved wire segments. Another layer of paper goes on top; it's saturated with glue, and carefully picked up and hung to dry. 
Some petals have additional layers of paper for deeper color. When dry, the paper is trimmed close to the framework and sprayed with an acrylic fixative. Carol then shapes the petals and suspends them from silver "twigs" and earring posts, or fashions them into dramatic necklaces and brooches.
Carol's work has been exhibited in galleries across the U.S. and in Europe, at juried art fairs, and is featured in books and periodicals.
Their maker is Carol Windsor, a jewelry artist from California. Crafting since childhood in her father's garage studio, Carol began creating jewelry while in high school and went on to study design and art history in college.
Originally metal, wood, and enamel were her chosen materials. The transition to paper evolved from her enjoyment of creating large tissue paper flowers for parties, as well as the change in life circumstances that occurred when her children grew and left home. Consequently Carol says she felt light, free, and more aware of the fleeting nature of life, and wanted to express those feelings through her art.
She developed a process of laminating sterling silver between layers of very thin paper. Carol forms a petal shape with sterling silver wire and makes thin interior wires that will show through the translucent paper, resembling veins in a leaf. She does this by coiling wire around steel mandrels, oxidizes the wire, and then cuts the coils into small segments. Next she lays the frame on a small square of paper and adds the tiny, curved wire segments. Another layer of paper goes on top; it's saturated with glue, and carefully picked up and hung to dry. 
Some petals have additional layers of paper for deeper color. When dry, the paper is trimmed close to the framework and sprayed with an acrylic fixative. Carol then shapes the petals and suspends them from silver "twigs" and earring posts, or fashions them into dramatic necklaces and brooches.
Carol's work has been exhibited in galleries across the U.S. and in Europe, at juried art fairs, and is featured in books and periodicals.
Monday, August 24, 2009
GotCraft.com Interview
I had the pleasure of being featured on GotCraft.com's blog recently. If you'd like to know a little more about what makes me tick when it comes to creating with paper, the interview is here.
Andrea and Rob of GotCraft are strong supporters of the handmade revolution in Vancouver, Canada. They work hard with the local community, and also with craft fair organizers in Portland, Seattle, and Los Angeles, to run a large, annual indie craft fair that offers a modern twist on the conventional vendor show.
They are also co-owners of lotus events, an event management and wedding coordination company in Vancouver. You know the saying... if you want a job done well, ask a busy person; in this case, two busy people!
Andrea and Rob of GotCraft are strong supporters of the handmade revolution in Vancouver, Canada. They work hard with the local community, and also with craft fair organizers in Portland, Seattle, and Los Angeles, to run a large, annual indie craft fair that offers a modern twist on the conventional vendor show.
They are also co-owners of lotus events, an event management and wedding coordination company in Vancouver. You know the saying... if you want a job done well, ask a busy person; in this case, two busy people!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Gold Pen Comparison
Sara McKenzie of CraftCritique.com has written a helpful review of three commonly used gold pens.
As a fan of adding a touch of metallic shine to many of my projects, I read this post eagerly and wasn't disappointed. There's lots of good information in the comments section too.
If you're too short on time to read the whole review, Krylon's 18 KT Gold pen came out on top.
As a fan of adding a touch of metallic shine to many of my projects, I read this post eagerly and wasn't disappointed. There's lots of good information in the comments section too.If you're too short on time to read the whole review, Krylon's 18 KT Gold pen came out on top.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Clare Wong Oi-Lan
Although Clare and I have never met in person, I feel like I know her through her warm and friendly posts at online quilling groups, and also via her clever paper filigree designs.
Care for sushi?!
Clare is a true testament to the fact that once one learns quilling basics, if she/he has artistic talent and dedication, it's possible to soon be producing creative designs. Typically seen quilled flowers and butterflies are pretty, but I'm especially attracted to the imagination, and often humor, in her rolled paper work.
She's become an avid promoter of paper filigree in Hong Kong. In addition to roles as wife, mother of teens, and office manager, Clare has made it her mission to teach frequently. She offers one or two evenings classes per week to groups at handcraft centers, clubs, senior centers, and her church. She also has a website, has exhibited her work, and demonstrated quilling on a local television program.
Rice and Tea
[Edited to add this explanation: Clare emailed to say that the Chinese characters are the Bible verse Ephesians 6:2 Honor thy father and mother. In old China, rice and tea were the basic foods served at meals.]
Since supplies weren't available for purchase in Clare's city when she began learning to quill, she cut paper strips by hand and rolled them with a handmade tool. Now she orders supplies from overseas to distribute at a reasonable cost, and also keeps the cost of classes as low as possible in order to attract new students.
Clare says she intends for paper filigree to be her lifelong hobby. There's no doubt her work is a breath of fresh air and an inspiration to others around the world.
Care for sushi?!
Clare is a true testament to the fact that once one learns quilling basics, if she/he has artistic talent and dedication, it's possible to soon be producing creative designs. Typically seen quilled flowers and butterflies are pretty, but I'm especially attracted to the imagination, and often humor, in her rolled paper work.
She's become an avid promoter of paper filigree in Hong Kong. In addition to roles as wife, mother of teens, and office manager, Clare has made it her mission to teach frequently. She offers one or two evenings classes per week to groups at handcraft centers, clubs, senior centers, and her church. She also has a website, has exhibited her work, and demonstrated quilling on a local television program.Rice and Tea
[Edited to add this explanation: Clare emailed to say that the Chinese characters are the Bible verse Ephesians 6:2 Honor thy father and mother. In old China, rice and tea were the basic foods served at meals.]
Since supplies weren't available for purchase in Clare's city when she began learning to quill, she cut paper strips by hand and rolled them with a handmade tool. Now she orders supplies from overseas to distribute at a reasonable cost, and also keeps the cost of classes as low as possible in order to attract new students.
Clare says she intends for paper filigree to be her lifelong hobby. There's no doubt her work is a breath of fresh air and an inspiration to others around the world.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Daryl Ashton, Paper Sculpture Artist
Daryl Ashton works primarily in realistic paper sculpture. Trained in Philadelphia art schools, she's attracted to paper sculpting because of the manner in which the play of shadows and light bring depth to her compositions.
Her fastidious attention to detail stems from the illustrative pen and ink drawings she does for scientific journals and medical texts.
There's no doubt the New Jersey coastal island location of her residence influences her fascinating work.
Sea Creatures is the title of this large piece.
Daryl begins by doing sketches and often develops a prototype before the final construction.
Feeding Time 
Daryl enjoys bringing attention to the unique qualities of paper that allow it to be formed in unnatural ways to denote realism, such as the structure of the robin's nest.
To ensure long term integrity of her work, she uses acid free paper, archival quality adhesive, and frames each piece under conservation glass. 
3D Geometric is a free standing design made of sixteen 20-sided polygons. The shapes cast shadows, giving the white-on-white sculpture shades of gray as well.
Daryl also creates in full color; you can see more examples on her website.
Photo credit: Rich Quindry
Her fastidious attention to detail stems from the illustrative pen and ink drawings she does for scientific journals and medical texts.
There's no doubt the New Jersey coastal island location of her residence influences her fascinating work.Sea Creatures is the title of this large piece.
Daryl begins by doing sketches and often develops a prototype before the final construction.
Feeding Time 
Daryl enjoys bringing attention to the unique qualities of paper that allow it to be formed in unnatural ways to denote realism, such as the structure of the robin's nest.
To ensure long term integrity of her work, she uses acid free paper, archival quality adhesive, and frames each piece under conservation glass. 
3D Geometric is a free standing design made of sixteen 20-sided polygons. The shapes cast shadows, giving the white-on-white sculpture shades of gray as well.
Daryl also creates in full color; you can see more examples on her website.Photo credit: Rich Quindry
Monday, August 17, 2009
Headliner Dress
Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood, of Craftsanity podcasts and blog fame, modeled this newspaper dress recently at the Recycled Runway event hosted by the Urban Institute of Contemporary Arts in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Her fashion statement is literally 'made of stories' as she created it from old issues of The Grand Rapids Press newspaper.
Jennifer cut a muslin circle skirt and sewed it to the lower half of a recycled T-shirt. Next she tackled the time-consuming task of sewing multitudes of newsprint strips to the muslin and added a stiff petticoat from a thrift store bridesmaid dress for fullness.
Perhaps the bodice and waistline flower trim looks familiar?! Diane Gilleland's new book, Kanzashi in Bloom, provided Jennifer with inspiration to adorn her dress with flowers made of paper rather than typical fabric. I'd been thinking of trying my hand at paper kanzashi, but Jennifer beat me to it - well done!
If you'd like to see more runway designs, as well as behind the scenes interviews with emerging fashion designers who strutted their recycled garments that evening, watch the video here.
And finally, my favorite Jennifer quote:
"The future of print media is uncertain, but I know this for sure: Making a dress out of the Internet just wouldn't be the same."
Oh wait... I lie... one more nifty thing today...
While perusing Twitter this morning I came across a link to Filth Wizardry, a delightful blog filled with cute project ideas for children.
Lo and behold, the latest post is about making paper towel and baby wipe kanzashi - pretty!
Her fashion statement is literally 'made of stories' as she created it from old issues of The Grand Rapids Press newspaper.
Jennifer cut a muslin circle skirt and sewed it to the lower half of a recycled T-shirt. Next she tackled the time-consuming task of sewing multitudes of newsprint strips to the muslin and added a stiff petticoat from a thrift store bridesmaid dress for fullness.
Perhaps the bodice and waistline flower trim looks familiar?! Diane Gilleland's new book, Kanzashi in Bloom, provided Jennifer with inspiration to adorn her dress with flowers made of paper rather than typical fabric. I'd been thinking of trying my hand at paper kanzashi, but Jennifer beat me to it - well done!
If you'd like to see more runway designs, as well as behind the scenes interviews with emerging fashion designers who strutted their recycled garments that evening, watch the video here.And finally, my favorite Jennifer quote:
"The future of print media is uncertain, but I know this for sure: Making a dress out of the Internet just wouldn't be the same."
Oh wait... I lie... one more nifty thing today...
While perusing Twitter this morning I came across a link to Filth Wizardry, a delightful blog filled with cute project ideas for children.
Lo and behold, the latest post is about making paper towel and baby wipe kanzashi - pretty!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Susan Haywood
Susan is a talented writer and artisan I met several years ago via a Yahoo paper filigree group, and later in person at the annual convention of the North American Quilling Guild. I was enamoured of the three dimensional quilled figures she displayed because they were so full of life, unusually detailed, and larger than typical 3D paper miniatures.
I asked Susan to tell us how she came to design these paper ladies and also how creativity has helped her to regain health after a very serious illness. These are her words...
I asked Susan to tell us how she came to design these paper ladies and also how creativity has helped her to regain health after a very serious illness. These are her words...I focused on 3D quilling because I always tended to express my artistic side by modeling or sculpting. Even while learning about quilling, I was spending a significant amount of time creating pieces with polymer clay and paper mache.
Most of the quilled dimensional pieces I saw were very simple, almost cartoonish. I wanted to create something elegant, and also wanted to convey movement. I don't put faces on the dolls, because it's nearly impossible to sculpt a properly shaped head, which means that drawing facial features would again look like a caricature. Instead, I try to convey emotion with posture and small props.
Because of illness and some mild eye damage, writing has recently been the best way for me to creatively express myself. The nice thing about writing is, even when at my sickest, I could think about the stories and work out scenes, and when I felt better I could type them out. My doctors appreciated that writing was helping me cope with illness.
Each of my dolls has a personality and a history, so even they are telling stories. I believe that I developed many unusual techniques while designing them, and one day would love to combine my love for writing and quilling and share those ideas in a book.
Most of the quilled dimensional pieces I saw were very simple, almost cartoonish. I wanted to create something elegant, and also wanted to convey movement. I don't put faces on the dolls, because it's nearly impossible to sculpt a properly shaped head, which means that drawing facial features would again look like a caricature. Instead, I try to convey emotion with posture and small props.
Because of illness and some mild eye damage, writing has recently been the best way for me to creatively express myself. The nice thing about writing is, even when at my sickest, I could think about the stories and work out scenes, and when I felt better I could type them out. My doctors appreciated that writing was helping me cope with illness.
Each of my dolls has a personality and a history, so even they are telling stories. I believe that I developed many unusual techniques while designing them, and one day would love to combine my love for writing and quilling and share those ideas in a book.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Q and A Day
Today I'm answering a few questions from my very nice commenters, as well as sharing a response to a question that I had asked.
First up... people want to know:
Don't your hands cramp when you quill?!
Happily the answer is no. It can happen I suppose, if one holds the quilling tool too tightly and/or works for a very long period of time without pause. Let's face it, any type of repetitive motion can lead to injury. Remember to keep a relaxed hold on the tool and stretch your hands and fingers occasionally. You might want to tape padding around the tool handle for added comfort. It's a puzzle to me why all companies that produce tools don't routinely make them with ergonomically correct handles.
I can't buy gilded-edge papers in my country... where can I get them?
Those of us in the U.S. are lucky because most of our online suppliers carry gold and silver-gilded papers. There are two types: Touch of Gold and Touch of Silver have a subtle, metallic sheen along one edge and are produced by Lake City Craft Co. of Missouri. Gilded strips with lots of shine are imported from England's Jane Jenkins Quilling Design. Both companies ship internationally.
In lieu of ordering, it's possible to add your own gilding by using a Krylon leafing pen or even a metallic gel pen. You might also try pressing a silver, gold, or copper ink pad against rolled coils for a gilded effect.
What glue do you prefer?
My favorite at the moment is Elmer's Clear School Glue; it comes in a similar bottle to traditional white Elmer's. What I like about it is that it doesn't quickly develop a 'skin' compared to the white variety. My preferred method of handling glue is to put a dab on a plastic lid... then I dip from the dab - hee - with the tip of a paper piercing tool or T-pin.
To glue coils and scrolls to a slick surface, such as glossy cardstock or the shiny, hard finish of jewelry, I use Crafter's Pick - The Ultimate.
Now then, about that question I asked...
I had posted a shadowbox pin that contained a picture of my grandmother as a young woman and mentioned I was curious about the style of wearing a picture of oneself.
Blaize in California replied that photo brooches became popular during the Victorian era soon after the advent of photography. She linked to the Morning Glory Jewelry site that offers great information about Victorian jewelry. Really, it's well worth the click... there are fascinating pictures of photo brooch pendants.
The 'more is better' philosophy of Victorian times resulted in women of royalty and aristocracy wearing multiple pieces of ornate jewelry. Since having one's photograph taken was not nearly as routine as it is now, a picture was considered quite precious. Worn as brooches, cufflinks, fobs and pendants, faces were mounted in non-precious metals under crystal or celluloid covers.
By the turn of the 20th century, photography shops were becoming quite common in towns across the country. In addition to placing pictures in tiny shadowbox frames, a popular trend was to transfer images to buttons that were worn as pins.
Thanks Blaize, and all of you for your questions!
First up... people want to know:
Don't your hands cramp when you quill?!
Happily the answer is no. It can happen I suppose, if one holds the quilling tool too tightly and/or works for a very long period of time without pause. Let's face it, any type of repetitive motion can lead to injury. Remember to keep a relaxed hold on the tool and stretch your hands and fingers occasionally. You might want to tape padding around the tool handle for added comfort. It's a puzzle to me why all companies that produce tools don't routinely make them with ergonomically correct handles.
I can't buy gilded-edge papers in my country... where can I get them?
Those of us in the U.S. are lucky because most of our online suppliers carry gold and silver-gilded papers. There are two types: Touch of Gold and Touch of Silver have a subtle, metallic sheen along one edge and are produced by Lake City Craft Co. of Missouri. Gilded strips with lots of shine are imported from England's Jane Jenkins Quilling Design. Both companies ship internationally.
In lieu of ordering, it's possible to add your own gilding by using a Krylon leafing pen or even a metallic gel pen. You might also try pressing a silver, gold, or copper ink pad against rolled coils for a gilded effect.
What glue do you prefer?
My favorite at the moment is Elmer's Clear School Glue; it comes in a similar bottle to traditional white Elmer's. What I like about it is that it doesn't quickly develop a 'skin' compared to the white variety. My preferred method of handling glue is to put a dab on a plastic lid... then I dip from the dab - hee - with the tip of a paper piercing tool or T-pin.To glue coils and scrolls to a slick surface, such as glossy cardstock or the shiny, hard finish of jewelry, I use Crafter's Pick - The Ultimate.
Now then, about that question I asked...
I had posted a shadowbox pin that contained a picture of my grandmother as a young woman and mentioned I was curious about the style of wearing a picture of oneself.
Blaize in California replied that photo brooches became popular during the Victorian era soon after the advent of photography. She linked to the Morning Glory Jewelry site that offers great information about Victorian jewelry. Really, it's well worth the click... there are fascinating pictures of photo brooch pendants.The 'more is better' philosophy of Victorian times resulted in women of royalty and aristocracy wearing multiple pieces of ornate jewelry. Since having one's photograph taken was not nearly as routine as it is now, a picture was considered quite precious. Worn as brooches, cufflinks, fobs and pendants, faces were mounted in non-precious metals under crystal or celluloid covers.
By the turn of the 20th century, photography shops were becoming quite common in towns across the country. In addition to placing pictures in tiny shadowbox frames, a popular trend was to transfer images to buttons that were worn as pins.
Thanks Blaize, and all of you for your questions!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Cardboard Safari
of paper and things is a lovely blog that, as you can imagine, features ideas that are right up my alley. Friday's paper fix caught my eye... a cardboard astro rocket made by Chris Jessee's and Luis Rodrigalvarez's little company in Charlottesville, Virginia. Cardboard Safari sells laser cut figures via Etsy and a long list of shops around the world. 
Wall art and free standing animal or holiday designs (Halloween skulls, anyone?) are composed of recycled, non-toxic Georgia-Pacific cardboard that's cut by American-made lasers. 
Deer, bison, moose, and rhinos ride the trophy head design wave with tongues-in-cheek...
Shipped flat, the slot-construction creations will keep the family occupied for a bit on Christmas morning. 
Once assembled, get your crafty on by adding camo paint, flocking, or glitter... just. go. wild.
Wall art and free standing animal or holiday designs (Halloween skulls, anyone?) are composed of recycled, non-toxic Georgia-Pacific cardboard that's cut by American-made lasers. 
Deer, bison, moose, and rhinos ride the trophy head design wave with tongues-in-cheek...
Shipped flat, the slot-construction creations will keep the family occupied for a bit on Christmas morning. 
Once assembled, get your crafty on by adding camo paint, flocking, or glitter... just. go. wild.
Friday, August 7, 2009
Black and Silver
I've just started another marriage certificate and have been thinking a lot about the design the past few days. The couple requested the quilling be done in black as the text is hand calligraphed in black ink on white paper. I suggested adding a few silver gilded filigree elements to compliment the dramatic look of all black and they liked the idea, especially after I emailed pictures of previous work I'd done in black and silver. I think it helps to have a reference point, especially where color is concerned.
This was one of the pieces I made for last summer's exhibit, inspired by Indian fabric. The quilling is mounted on paper that has tiny bits of mica incorporated in it, which makes for a really pretty background.
I also sent along this picture of a black script letter, embellished with silver leaves. I'd made it to dress up a special gift box after seeing an entire alphabet of leafy letters.
I really like how something simple like a single letter can go such a long way in personalizing a present. Now that I think about it, it would be a neat project to make quilled letters on a much larger scale to frame as wall art... and doing a three letter monogram would be really beautiful... hmmm, the wheels are turning... it's always good when that happens!
This was one of the pieces I made for last summer's exhibit, inspired by Indian fabric. The quilling is mounted on paper that has tiny bits of mica incorporated in it, which makes for a really pretty background.
I also sent along this picture of a black script letter, embellished with silver leaves. I'd made it to dress up a special gift box after seeing an entire alphabet of leafy letters.
I really like how something simple like a single letter can go such a long way in personalizing a present. Now that I think about it, it would be a neat project to make quilled letters on a much larger scale to frame as wall art... and doing a three letter monogram would be really beautiful... hmmm, the wheels are turning... it's always good when that happens!
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Anthropologie's windows
I'm not too much of a shopper, but a born browser... oh yes.
An Anthropologie store is one of those places where it's possible to lose all sense of time and still not see everything that's been artfully arranged by an ingenious visual design team. Known for fantastical window and interior displays, I bet you won't be surprised to learn paper is often the medium of choice.
Beverly Hills, California Summer 09
Reclaimed materials are frequently incorporated and work of local artists is sometimes featured.
The theme for this autumn is the beauty of movement; cardboard, lumber, and fallen branches are utilized en masse to contrast with a store’s architecture.
Marlton, New Jersey Fall 2009
If you aren't familiar with Anthropologie, they sell an enticing mix of women's fashion, home decor, decorative antiques, and found objects within a setting that feels like a collection of independent boutiques.
I'm lucky because there are several locations within easy driving distance from my home, including the incredible flagship store in Philadelphia...
it's a beautiful, old mansion on Rittenhouse Square.
But this doesn't keep me from being curious about stores in other cities across the country (and soon in London), as I think it's safe to say no two are exactly the same. Anthropologie's Facebook page is where I found the above photos - it's a great place to check out the latest.
On the other hand, I came across the following pictures via Papermode. Camille Asseraf, the site's owner, had snapped window displays at the Princeton, New Jersey Anthropologie store for her blog because she was so intrigued by these rolled book sculptures that resemble flowers.
I kept reading and quickly realized I was already familiar with Papermode's jewelry creations and even follow her on Twitter - small world! She sells these eye-catching earrings and necklaces in her Etsy shop. I love her fresh, modern take on an old quilling technique.
The barrel beads are made from recycled paper - such a pretty choice of colors - and the hoops and chain are sterling silver.
I think what's especially fascinating about Camille's designs is that they accentuate the delicate nature of paper, as well as its strength.
Updated to add...
Perhaps you remember my recent post about Jason Thompson of Rag and Bone Bindery. The beautiful renovation of the company's old mill building as his family's second floor living space has been featured on Apartment Therapy. Be on the lookout for his paper magic displayed throughout the home.
An Anthropologie store is one of those places where it's possible to lose all sense of time and still not see everything that's been artfully arranged by an ingenious visual design team. Known for fantastical window and interior displays, I bet you won't be surprised to learn paper is often the medium of choice.
Beverly Hills, California Summer 09Reclaimed materials are frequently incorporated and work of local artists is sometimes featured.
The theme for this autumn is the beauty of movement; cardboard, lumber, and fallen branches are utilized en masse to contrast with a store’s architecture.
Marlton, New Jersey Fall 2009If you aren't familiar with Anthropologie, they sell an enticing mix of women's fashion, home decor, decorative antiques, and found objects within a setting that feels like a collection of independent boutiques.
I'm lucky because there are several locations within easy driving distance from my home, including the incredible flagship store in Philadelphia...
it's a beautiful, old mansion on Rittenhouse Square.
But this doesn't keep me from being curious about stores in other cities across the country (and soon in London), as I think it's safe to say no two are exactly the same. Anthropologie's Facebook page is where I found the above photos - it's a great place to check out the latest.
On the other hand, I came across the following pictures via Papermode. Camille Asseraf, the site's owner, had snapped window displays at the Princeton, New Jersey Anthropologie store for her blog because she was so intrigued by these rolled book sculptures that resemble flowers.
I kept reading and quickly realized I was already familiar with Papermode's jewelry creations and even follow her on Twitter - small world! She sells these eye-catching earrings and necklaces in her Etsy shop. I love her fresh, modern take on an old quilling technique.
The barrel beads are made from recycled paper - such a pretty choice of colors - and the hoops and chain are sterling silver.
I think what's especially fascinating about Camille's designs is that they accentuate the delicate nature of paper, as well as its strength.Updated to add...
Perhaps you remember my recent post about Jason Thompson of Rag and Bone Bindery. The beautiful renovation of the company's old mill building as his family's second floor living space has been featured on Apartment Therapy. Be on the lookout for his paper magic displayed throughout the home.
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