Sample Envelopes

I was looking at envelopes for my greeting cards and I ordered some samples from Crystal Clear Bags Canada. They have a line called Brown Bag Envelopes that are in these gorgeous rich colours including Mushroom Brown, Eggplant Purple, Blueberry, Pepper Grey, Cranberry Red and Olive Green. I want to try and match my greeting cards to these colours. I ordered the samples that are in size 5 1/4" x 7 1/4" which I think may be a little too large for my 3 3/4" x 5 3/4" cards. I am going to need to make the cards larger or order the smaller envelopes at 4 3/8" x 5 3/4".

Deep, rich coloured envelopes

A little too large for my current card size

Botanical Paperworks

A couple of weekends ago, I visited Grassroots on the Danforth in Toronto and found this card by Botanical Paperworks. I really loved the bright colours and matching envelope. All the cards by Botanical Paperworks are created with seed paper, hence their tag line "seed paper that grows." I was thinking of marking my greeting card line with seed paper, but Botanical Paperworks is definitely the professional in that area. 

I also like the in-store packaging, just the simple plastic sleeve with a sticker that calls out additional information and a sticker on the back with the price and bar code. The majority of cards have the price printed directly on the back of the card. I find this odd as you never leave the price tag on a gift to someone, so why do you leave it on the card?

Store packaging

Card with matching envelope

Back of card with planting instrutions

Close-up of seed texture paper

Accidentally Beautiful

Earlier, I was experimenting with food colouring in paper making and was disappointed with the results as it faded too much when dried. Therefore, I used up the rest of the food coloured paper pulp on a double heart shape. Not only did it keep some of the red tint, but the colour collected around the edges to make it darker. I really like the effect. I might have to try this again to see if I get the same result.

Double heart shape

Tinted edges on double heart

Trail and Error

 Here are some examples of greeting cards that I have been working on. These are more for experimental purposes to see what works and what doesn't. There are a variety of different materials and techniques as described in the captions. There are two things I have to work on to perfect the card designs. First is getting a smooth finish on the back surface for people to sign their name and second is having the cards dry flat so the edges are not curled up. Time for some more experimenting, I do believe.

Pink heart complete with coloured paper, red heart with
tissue paper placed on top of wet paper.

Card made from newspaper instead of recycled paper.
Text is done through stamps and ink pad, letterpress
would be better.

Heart create without filling the heart mold with paper.

Texture on the back of the cards left from the screen.
Need to find a way to leave a smooth finish.

Hugs and Kisses - two coloured papers

Hugs and Kisses - trial with food colouring. As shown, the
pigment disappears from the paper when finally dried.
Made with less paper pulp than the others and rolled
with a rolling pin to create a smoother finish.

Beautiful Lace Paper

Handmade Paper Sheet

As I was busying browsing world wide web, and I came across Kate's Paperie. She has a section under "Ideas & Inspiration" entitled "The Tear Sheet" where she speaks about various artists and designers. However, on this tear sheet, she spoke about a new line of papers, the Masa Collection, that her store is carrying. 

The collection is handmade in the Philippines by Japanese papermakers and I love what they are created from. Each sheet is a combination of raw materials including mulberry, pineapple, banana fibers and other agricultural waste. I wonder how they came up with that combination. I would love to try this in my studio and see if I can come up with a similar result. I think that I will stick with paper, and not food waste, for now.

Handmade Paper Sheet - Heavy Geo White

Handmade Paper Sheet - Open Circle White

Handmade Paper Sheet - Weave Grid Off White

a love affair with paper

A couple of weekends ago, I finally had time to indulge in something I have always wanted to try - paper making. I know, I am such an exciting individual. So I watched a couple of online videos about the process and set out to try it for myself. 

The start up costs are pretty inexpensive. I went to the dollar store and picked up some felt, a picture frame to use for the frame and found an old window screen in my closet that doesn't actually fit any of the windows in my apartment. I also sacrificed my blender that I only use for smoothies. However, now that it is full of paper, I am really craving a smoothie...

It got off to a rocky start, with some horrible handmade screens and a mess of mushed up paper and water all over the kitchen. After a couple of trail and errors, I eventually got the hang of it. Currently, I have been experimenting with some different techniques and doing some online research. I have found that I actually really enjoy it, as crazy as that sounds. So stay tuned for some adventures in paper making.