Foxglove Accessories

Artist/photographer Betsy Siber makes stylish jewelry in her Chicago studio.Colombia, Denmark and Germany postage stamp bracelet

She encases cancelled postage stamps in silver and protects them with drops of beautiful, shiny resin.The colorful bracelets, rings, necklaces, cuff links, and earrings are eye-catching conversation starters.

Vintage stamps in shades of red from around the world make up this pair of earrings. Betsy laminates the stamps onto sturdy cardstock and cuts out each teardrop shape. Japanese postage stamp cufflinks

Swiss postage stamp ring

You may have seen her work in Garth Johnson's book, 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse, and Jenn Mason's Altered Paper Jewelry.Visit Betsy's website, Foxglove Accessories.

Just a reminder... today is the last day of the Fashion Origami book/kit GIVEAWAY by Klutz. Leave a comment here to enter. I'll announce the winners tomorrow!

Quilled Easter Eggs

Several years ago when I discovered quilling, I also became interested in rubber stamping. A friend recommended a Stampin' Up! demonstrator in my area who I credit with introducing me to all sorts of stamps, ink, and techniques. I'm no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I definitely enjoy a good play session.About that same time, I attended a class taught by Kay Shockley at the annual May meeting of the North American Quilling Guild. Kay designs rubber stamps that can be used as companions to quilling. The basket is one of her stamps... she showed the class how to stamp an image and heat emboss it with clear powder for a nice shine.The quilled eggs are tight coils shaped into... well, egg shapes, what else? ha! Not exact ovals, they're pointed a tiny bit at one end. To make an egg, roll a basic tight coil and give it a domed top by pressing something like the ball of an embossing tool, or even your fingertip, against one side. Pinch it into shape and apply a coating of glue to the underside. Refer to this post for pictures of shaping a domed tight coil. You'll find directions to make the greenery - wheatears - in the same post.

Lastly, cut standard 1/8 inch strips of quilling paper in half, secure at one end of the handle, and wrap in criss-cross fashion. Tie a bow and curl the ends with your quilling tool.

Don't forget to enter the book/kit giveaway! It ends Wednesday night.

Klutz: Fashion Origami

Not long ago I was lamenting my lack of origami skills... diagram challenged, oh yes. But knock me over with a feather... yesterday I made a shirt, purse, and pleated skirt, all on the very first try! I can do origami as long as there are numbered steps and helpful tips to go along with all those little arrows. Recently I received an email from the Klutz company. You may recognize the name, as their book-kits for kids are sold all over the world, including Twirled Paper, which I've mentioned before. Fashion Origami, by Eva Steele-Saccio, is a brand new title. I was offered the opportunity to look it over and review it if I wished. Not only that, but three lucky readers anywhere in the world will receive a copy too, courtesy of Klutz! More about the giveaway in a moment...

Of course the book is geared to girls mucho younger than myself, but no matter, I had a great time choosing what to make, as well as the-hardest-part-but-in-a-good-way... selecting which brightly colored papers to use. The kit comes with lots of high quality supplies - sequins in pretty colors, hot pink and black ribbons, glue, and a terrific assortment of double-sided paper in two sizes. The featured fashion style is called harajuku, a Japanese term that basically provides teens with a license to mix and match all those patterns, stripes, and plaids Mom used to tell you not to wear together.The book is filled with examples of clever ways to use the sequins and ribbons. Much thought went into the generous quantity of patterned papers... there are even squares of alligator, houndstooth, and leopard spots, all perfect for handbags and shoes. And speaking of shoes... here's a quick video that shows the folds that go into a pair of foxy high heels.
If you'd like to try your hand at making a coat, click here for PDF instructions and a sheet of patterned paper to print out.My only quibble is that the book is suggested for ages 8 and up. I'm positive an eight year old would love playing with the supplies, but following ten to twenty steps might prove to be an exercise in frustration - working alongside someone older would be the way to go. It's probably most appropriate for ages 10-13 (not to mention card makers and scrapbookers of all ages!)Now.... about that giveaway! Leave a comment on this post by the end of Wednesday, March 31st. Gain extra entries by mentioning the giveaway via Twitter, Facebook, and/or your blog. Good luck!

The Spaces in Between

Kristin Kemper of The Spaces in Between makes original necklace pendants by combining dozens of layers of acid-free colored paper. She sands and seals the layers, forming perfectly smooth, solid shapes. They're lightweight, but durable. And pretty!I love this apple, especially the way the bright shades of red resemble wood rings. And the little brass filigree leaf charm adds the perfect touch.
Flashback to the '60s with these mod squares!
A sweet vintage bow completes an elegant heart.

Originally from Missouri, Kristin is currently an animation student in New York City, after working as a Disney World cast member for a few years. Something tells me she just might return to Disney after graduation, judging by her drawing talent. Kristin's linework drawings are available in her other Etsy shop, Kecky. This print is called The Spaces in Between, named after a song of the same title by Ben Christophers. It's one of Kristin's favorite songs and is the name she chose for her jewelry shop.

Made in Lowell

I've mentioned before how much I enjoy the tweets of artisans I follow on Twitter. Liz Smith of Made in Lowell, (Massachusetts) is one such person... her friendly words and avatar smile quickly won me over. At the risk of straying from my usual paper-path today, I'd like to show you the beautiful things Liz makes. Hopefully, like me, you're interested in lots of creative pursuits and will enjoy seeing her ideas. And hang on, I promise there's a paper connection!Liz will be a guest on Martha Stewart's television show this coming Wednesday, demonstrating how to make one of her gorgeous polymer clay egg designs. A segment video will most likely appear on Martha's site later in the week for those of you outside the U.S. who are unable to see the show. But if you're curious about polymer clay and want to learn more right now, visit Liz's blog where you'll find a slide show in the sidebar. She has also posted helpful information on topics like photographing your work and craft show tips. Not only does Liz have a knack for turning plain clay into kaleidoscope patterns... I'm smitten by her hand-felted wool beauties too. You may have noticed that felt is really popular in the craft world, but I've never seen anything quite as special as the objects Liz creates. To get such a smooth, even result when hand felting must take a great deal of practice - the perfection Liz achieves is incredible. These pincushion cupcakes truly take the cake - mmm, devil's food!I gave my sister one of Liz's clever nest pins for Christmas.
And now to the paper connection. Like daughter, like mother... Liz's mom, Marilyn Smith Rosenfeld, is a fine artist. Originally trained in oil painting, she turned to illustration and watercolors some years back. Liz prints her mother's images on heavy, textured stock, and cuts and assembles each card. They're available in the Made in Lowell shop too. The subject matter and pretty colors bring on warm season yearnings.Watch for Marilyn's cards as part of the set decor when her daughter debuts on Martha's show this Wednesday. Break a leg, Liz!

And something else to anticipate... later in the week I'll be reviewing a new paper-themed book, complete with a pretty fabulous giveaway.

Edited to add: A video of Liz's fab segment can be seen here and she blogged about the experience too.

Romantic Paper Necklaces

While wandering around Etsy, I came across two pretty necklaces, perfect for spring. They're not at all the same, but each has a soft, vintage-y look that's so very current. Lovely, textured paper flowers from the scrapbook section of a craft store transform a plain brass necklace. They're glued onto the circular links and the piece is finished with a gold-plated chain and toggle clasp. Two sisters from Ohio make the mostly one-of-a-kind jewelry items that are available in their CMandMJewelry shop.
I've been seeing a few intriguing mentions of paper string recently, and was happy to spot a beautiful example in River Aurora's shop. Jordana creates unique wearable art in Savannah, Georgia. This hand crocheted lace necklace is a treasure.

Super Simple Rick Rack Card

Woot! It's actually beginning to look like spring here in Delaware. The last of the snow piles have melted and little creatures are starting to stir. I haven't seen any caterpillars yet, but it won't be long. Meanwhile, how about a pretend one? Cardstock, felt-tip markers, hole punch, printer, and a few inches of rick rick (super popular in the crafting world right now).... that's it!

If you like things a little fancier, here's a variation with quilled flower buds and some greenery. I needed a note card, so left off the text bubble and wrote my message on both the front and inside.Standard width 1/8 inch paper strips were used for all of the quilling. The grassy bits are called wheatears and are a snap to make:
Step 1: First off, pretend the paper in the next several pictures is green, ha. Make a small loop at one end of strip. Glue end.Step 2: Encircle the first loop with another loop that's a little larger than the first. There's no need to glue the end - just hold the column of loops at the bottom.Step 3: Continue making as many loops as desired, each a bit taller than the previous one. Glue end and trim excess paper when the column is as tall as you like.Step 4: Run the strip of loops between your thumb and index finger. This gives a defined point to each tip. Curve the column gently as shown - one end in each direction - or just bend in one direction. Mix and match for a natural grassy look.

The orange and yellow flower buds are quilled tight coils. For variety, I made them in two sizes - 7 inch and 10 inch strips - in two shades of orange.Step 1: Roll paper on tool and glue torn end without allowing the coil to relax. The feathered edge of a torn end blends in best.Step 2: Slide coil off tool and give it a rounded shape by pressing against one side of the coil with the ball of a glass head pin or embossing tool.Step 3: Pinch this domed tight coil to make an oval and apply a little glue inside it to preserve the curve.

To make flower stems, glue two quilling strips together or use cardstock, which is a heavier weight paper. It will need to be sturdy enough to stand on edge when glued in place. Run the stem between your thumb and index finger curving it gently.

The caterpillar's antennae is a black V scroll. Fold a 1 1/4 inch strip of black quilling paper in half and roll each end outward.

To glue the quilling on the card, put a small dab of glue on a plastic lid or acrylic sheet and spread it out. Hold the quilling with tweezers and dip its underside in the glue puddle. Place directly on card, taking care to not wiggle the piece around as this can leave a snail trail of glue. But in this case, the trail might not be out of place considering there's already a caterpillar on the scene. A little quilled snail would fit in just fine!

Utterly Engaged Quilled Wedding Cake

How cheerful is this cake with its pretty paper filigree topper and extraordinary fondant flowers?!It was created as a tablescape centerpiece for The Dream is in the Details, an article that can be found in the latest issue of Utterly Engaged, a beautiful wedding e-zine.
Nancy Park of So Happi Together, an event design and coordination company in California, quilled the lovely topper and ribbon band embellishment. She credits her cousin-in-law, who Nancy visited while in Korea seven years ago, with introducing her to paper filigree. Nancy says that quilling satisfies her love of paper, crafts, and beautiful things in general. She stocked up on books and supplies in Seoul and returned home, ready to use her new-found interest for scrapbooking, cards, and small gifts. Nancy has tried both a slotted tool and needle tool, but prefers to roll coils with just her fingers. Kayla Lee, of Kayla's Kakes in Fullerton, California, made the layer cake and embellished it with perfectly quilled fondant flowers. A rolling pin and X-Acto knife were her main tools, along with a flower cutter (for gumpaste use) to create a few of the flowers. The majority however, Kayla rolled by hand. Something tells me she would be a natural at paper quilling. Look - there's even a tiny fringed flower in the mix!Kayla said that after considering ideas for the cake in her head for a week or so, it took just a couple of hours to do the actual construction. True to form, the most time consuming part of a project like this is creating an eye-catching design. Be sure to visit the gallery on Kayla's website - she makes a wide variety of incredible desserts.And don't miss the beautiful ball of white paper flowers that's pictured above the dessert table. It was made by Jane Jeon of Olive Hue Paper Goods. Jane is also responsible for the elegant stationery designs that are featured in the article.
I'd like to add a special thank you to Connie of connie M chung photography.

It's exciting we're on the cusp of wedding season once again! I look forward to featuring more paper ideas in the coming months that can be included in wedding decor.

Beringer Wine Commercial

Ooh, here's a lovely Napa Valley winery ad that features paper grapevines - it's nearly as awesome as the vineyard itself. My family and I had the opportunity to visit Beringer a couple of summers ago - a bit of heaven on earth, I must say.


If you're like me and wondered "How did they do that?!", you might enjoy watching the behind the scenes video. I was happy to learn that one of my favorite book artists, U.K.'s Su Blackwell, was responsible for the paper creations. This was her first foray into three dimensional work and what a success. 130 paper vines, 9000 paper leaves, 4000 feet of paper... I can only imagine the hours that went into the project.

And now a couple of updates on previous posts:

I've received some very nice comments and emails from folks who ordered the quilling slotted tool from Motoko. Consensus is they love it, but some were surprised at its size. The tool measures 3 1/8 inches in length. By the way, it comes with a cap that protects the tip when not in use.

I also had an email from a quiller who wondered how I would go about tweaking the top of the owl's head. I was referring to the feathery tufts we often see pictured on owls... those things that look like ears, or little horns perhaps, but apparently are just feathers. Google "owl clip art" to find examples. Here's a picture that shows one neat idea... two shaped marquises could be placed above the owl's eyes.

Quilled Owl Card

Something fun today... just wanted to show you a birthday card I made for one of my nephews last week. Who-o-o would believe it, but owls are hot again after their claim to fame in the '70s. I'm not sure why I'm surprised, considering '80s shoulder pads and '90s neon brights are making a comeback this spring. Perhaps it's survival of the fittest and survival of the flashiest?!

For some crazy reason, I waited until the last minute and only had a short while spend on the card. Ordinarily I don't enjoy quilling with a time constraint, but this Twirled Paper owl was pretty darn cute, not to mention I couldn't imagine young Jake being a tough critic. I decided to give the brown and black fellow a smaller crown and bigger beak. Wish I'd tweaked the crown so it stuck up in feathery tufts, but other than that, I loved Jacqueline Lee's design just as it was - she is so clever. Her book has often been a huge help to me when it comes to making cards for kids.

I used bits and pieces from my craft stash... the chartreuse cardstock (chartreuse? that doesn't sound quite right... peridot perhaps) started life as a folder that came in the mail. What wasn't neat was that the cardstock had a very slippery surface. The nifty glitter gel pen I had planned to use for the lettering smeared right off, so I wound up using an ordinary black ballpoint after a black marker rubbed off also.

And my favorite Elmer's Clear Glue didn't do its usual good sticking job. Crafter's Pick - The Ultimate saved the day.

And creasing the cardstock caused the color to crack along the fold, leaving a ragged white edge... what else could go wrong?! Luckily some leftover ribbon from another project covered that little disaster.

Whew.... not perfect, but that's okay. I had a good time and was able to deliver the card to Jake's mailbox in time for it to be a surprise when he arrived home from school.

By the way, the message reads:

Who-o-o is 6?
YOU are - that's who!
Happy Birthday!