A Pleasant Surprise

Last week I picked up this year's Christmas Ideas by Better Homes and Gardens only to notice that the stylist has used the glitter chipboard snowflakes I had designed for K&Company's Christmas Cheer ~ what a compliment!

Even better, as I paged through the magazine, I got to the "Vintage Glow" article featuring Debbie Dusenberry's Curious Sofa and noticed that the paper book ornaments I have been making were pictured along with all of the lovely vignettes from the shop.

If you get a chance, pick up a copy of the issue for yourself ~ there are lots of great ideas and inspiration in many different styles.

Brown Paper Packages

Here's another item I bought the weekend of the antique show ~ vintage craft envelopes! I got these in an antique shop in Greenwood, Missouri ~ a tiny town with several shops ~ I always stop on the way home from Antiques on the Common. I love the graphics on the box and the great size (4.5" x 6.5") and color of the envelopes. My brother is shaking his head again!

BH&G Christmas Ideas

Better Homes & Gardens Christmas Ideas is now on newstands everywhere ~ this year, it was exciting for me to have some of my work included! Debbie Dusenberry's (Stylist & Owner of Curious Sofa) beautifully decorated home is featured in a lovely multi page spread ~ her unique style and impeccable taste is evident in every image. Debbie borrowed some of my book sculptures and paper ornaments for the photo shoot ~ I am flattered that she chose to use my work and I love seeing how beautiful it looks in the vignettes she styled! Even though only one of the images shown below made it for the final cut, I thought the other photos are worthy of sharing too.

There are lots of great ideas in this issue, so go pick up a copy ~ visit Curious Sofa Diaries to see more of Debbie's home.

{book sculptures ~ image from magazine spread}

{Paper ornament ~ see more here}

{more book sculptures}

Corrugate Cardboard Artist ~ Mark Langan

After finding the office made of cardboard at Nothing, I did a little searching and found the work below ~ also made of cardboard. Mark Langan is an artist who creates work from corrugate ~ aside from his gallery pieces below, he also creates corporate logos ~ check them out here. I love the beautiful textures and color combinations ~ very inspirational!

{all images from here}

Something from Nothing

Came across an article here about an ad agency in Amsterdam called Nothing. They describe what they do as "commerical creativity". The whole idea behind the name of their agency is that "Nothing is the point from which all ideas begin." To further reiterate the concept, Joost van Bleiswijk designed their entire office of cardboard ~ the most nothing-building material available. People are encouraged to leave their mark as the walls and surfaces serve as a blank canvas just waiting for fresh ideas.

I've just always loved the simplicity and textures of cardboard, so it is interesting to see it used in this fashion ~ I just wonder how long it will last?!

{all images via nothing}

Fresh Twist on a Vintage Craft

I've always been intrigued with these crocheted card boxes, but rarely find any I just have to have. Those shown below I found on Flickr since I don't have any of my own.

{image on L ~ image on R}

Look at this amazing crochet card dress! What a great twist on a sometimes scary craft! I found this over at whipup several days ago - if you are unfamiliar with that site, make sure to visit. Robyne from Australia made this lifesize dress out of vintage baby cards - check out her site to see what else she is up to.

{image from here}

Holiday Ornament Swap ~ Paper Ornaments

Awhile back I mentioned that I had decided to participate in a the Third Annual Holiday Ornament Swap ~ ornaments were to be mailed no later than December 10th ~ which is when I sent mine out! Below are a few photos of my ornaments in progress and several finished ornaments. I decided to make the ornaments out of recycled old paperbacks, glittered stars, and some medallions I designed for K&Co. I added a wire hanger and a small "r" logo as my signature. I enjoyed making these ~ even if I did work way into the wee hours of the night!

{a selection of supplies I used ~ cut strips of paperback books unfolded and folded, glitter stars}

{silver, turquoise & gold version}

{red, green & bronze version}

{front & back view}

{My packaging solution ~ chinet plates! These needed to be mailed and I wanted to keep the price as low as possible so I am hoping that the chinet plates and the padded envelope did the job and the ornaments all arrived safely ~ so far, no complaints ~ I'm keeping my fingers crossed!}

Miss Frenchie's ~ Part 4

A week later and I am finally finishing the posts on Miss Frenchie's Holiday Market! Below are a few photos of my booth at the show ~ I made crocheted and knitted scarves, crocheted & felted brooches, wool wrapped bracelets and paper ornaments made from recycled paperbacks. I have been experimenting with folding books and used some of my pieces as displays for my brooches ~ my aim was to incorporate some lighter neutral colors and to add some interest.

{photo courtesy Debbie Dusenberry}

{photo courtesy Carol Spinski}

If you missed the show or are interested in a scarf. brooch or bracelet ~ visit my online store here. I'm also participating in the Poppytalk Handmade Market ~ the new market begins tomorrow (Monday) ~ if you haven't visited there, check it out as well!

Ferry Staverman ~ Paper Artist

Wow ~ aren't these works beautiful?! Dutch artist Ferry Staverman's work has been popping up on many different blogs ~ I can't remember where I saw it first. I love the combination of symmetry, use of color, and simple materials. The resulting object is so elegant ~ whether alone or in a group. Reminds me a little of some of Karl Blossfeld's work.

{all images via ferry staverman}

Calorie~free Cardboard Cakes & a Veggie

I love these delectable no calorie desserts from artonthemenu on Etsy. The simplicity of the materials used and the sophisticated finished piece of art is just beautiful ~ and great for weight loss! Of course, if you just aren't into sweets you can sample the organic celery.

Found these tasty treats via Haute*Nature ~ a blog I look forward to returning to and spending some time looking through the archives. All images via artonthemenu.

{mmmm ~ coconut!}

{chocolate decadence without the guilt!}

{organic celery}

Lyndie Dourthe ~ paper artist

Lyndie Dourthe is a French paper artist whose work I first saw in an issue of Marie Claire Idees ~ a French craft magazine ~ one of my favorites. Lyndie's work is inspired by nature and Victorian era 'cabinets of curiosities'. Her paper flowers are delicately colored, crafted by hand and dipped in wax for a look that is reminiscent of old wedding crowns. She also utilizes glass domes or handmade paper boxes and identifying labels or tags in much of her work giving it the look of a museum or specimen collection. Her brooches utilize old engravings transferred onto fabric and then sewn, stuffed, and further embellished with beads ~ presented in a handmade paper box along with a tag or label. Simply gorgeous!

{varieties of paper flowers}

{radish under glass}

{Boites a tresors ~ Anatomie}

{Boites a tresors ~ Elepoica}