Envelopes Part 1

Front of envelope

This week will be dedicated to envelopes. I have been making handmade envelopes for quite awhile but I haven't really shared my latest version. Right now, I am experimenting with glassine paper and dried flowers. This is my first attempt and while I am happy with some aspects of it, other issues have me scratching my head.

The first question is "how much is too much"? As you can see, it is easy to go overboard with the flowers and leaves.

Back of envelope (open)

The second question is "How do you secure the envelope"? Normally, I would be but a piece of double stick tape across the back flap horizontally. The problem with doing this is how to open the envelope without tearing the envelope and without destroying the flowers.

Back flap (top)

The third question is "how much overlap do I allow for the flowers"? Should the entire flower show on the back side of the envelope? If so, then this limits how many and what type of flower is used. If part of the flower is covered, do you get the same effect? Is anyone else going to care about it as much as I do?

Back of envelope (closed)

The fourth question  is "how to I tell the recipient to open the envelope carefully" and finally, "how do I prevent flower dust, parts, and other detritus from getting glued to the card." As you can see, the envelope is made in layers. There is the glassine paper and it is strengthened by white card stock. The flowers are glued directly to the card stock. The card stock is then placed in the Xyron machine and glued to the glassine paper.

This was a mock up for a bridal announcement. Of course, the bride changed her mind after the presentation.

Paper Fridays--Butterflies, Fans and Cranes, Oh My. . .

More of my paper stash for you to love. Have a great weekend.

Paper Fridays--Rhonda Miller Marbled Paper

I am revisiting an old feature of previous years--Paper Fridays. Today, I am featuring more of the artistry of paper marbler extraordinaire--Rhonda Miller. I have gushed in previous posts about Rhonda's papers and I recently received another batch of her papers (in all fairness to Rhonda, I purchase all of the papers that are shown here. In other words, I am not on her payroll).

Truth be told, I have to prevent myself from visiting Rhonda's etsy store because I feel that I have to leave some paper for others to buy. I will be using Rhonda's papers this weekend for some journals that boxes that I will be listing on my etsy store. I am sorry to say but I have to release Rhonda's papers to the world and hope that others will enjoy it as much as I do.

Of the papers above, the orange and purple samples are my favorites. I hope that you enjoy them as much as I do.

Paper Fridays

Today's entry features hand marbled papers by an artist in Canada. Rhonda Miller provides some of the most beautiful papers using classic techniques and patterns. As you already know, I am something of a paper hoarder. I collect papers of all types. I also believe in supporting independent artists in their endeavor through etsy and other venues. Rhonda's store always has something wonderful to covet and the price is very affordable.

I only know Rhonda through our interaction on etsy and she is a personable and giving artist who is always willing to listen to your requests and suggestions. He has custom made some papers for me when I asked her to combine several color combinations for a project that was in progress. Not only did she meet my request but she did so at her own expense--even though I bought the papers she supplied.

I highly recommend her shop to you and hope that you have a chance to visit it often. You can also follow her excellent blog here.

Paper Fridays

Here is another of my Indian papers which features another color that I do not use much in my palette--mustard yellow (more of an ochre yellow in reality). The pattern is a large scale paisley-like pattern in navy blue. There is a definite retro feel to the entire pattern. The paper also comes in a lime green with navy blue pattern as well.

This paper is very thick, curls, and stretches in both directions.

Paper Fridays

Olive is a color that I don't particular use in any of my color palettes. While the scan on my computer shows it a little hotter (more lime-ish) than it really is, this paper is a thick paper from India that uses the colors olive, white and gold. The beauty of this paper is the fact that it does truly shimmer with the gold highlights. The downside of this paper (as with many of the Indian papers that I have) is that it curls like crazy. More importantly, it stretches in both directions. Primarily, I now us it for for paper covers for soft-covered pamphlet books.

Final Holiday Cutout card

This is a card that I am working on for Christmas 2010. As I have said before, I am not a big fan of square cards but this one works for me. I am still trying to work out the final dimensions of the branches in the top left corner. I will put it away so that I can work on other things and come back to it with fresher eyes.

So, that is all that I have for holiday cutouts. I will be sharing Valentine's cutouts soon.

Tommorrow, I hope to return to Paper Fridays.

Paper Fridays--Easter Egg Papers

These are some of the papers that I will be using to decorate eggs for the Russell Romano First Annual Egg Decorating Contest. For information on entering the contest, please read my next blog.

Paper Fridays--Metallics Drawer

Some more paper from my stash.

Paper Fridays--Book Project

These are samples of papers that I am using in a current project. I will show you the project next week when I finish it.

Paper Fridays--Christmas Sale

I just love an after holiday sale. I was walking through my some of my favorite stores just wasting time on an extended lunch break when I decided to go to Kate's Paperie on 57th street in Manhattan (between 6th and 7th Avenue). I shop at Kate's often--actually so often, they know my name ala Norm in Cheers--so it was no surprise that they rolled their eyes knowing that I was going to make someone work hard in the paper or card/envelope section of the store.

As I was walking the paper aisle, I noticed that one of the A-frames has a discount sign on it. All of the papers were Christmas related and this was almost Valentine's Day. Most of the paper was wrapping paper which is usually too thin for my purposes but then they had this Cavalini- type paper that was perfect for a future project. Originally $4.50 per sheet, it was now on sale for $1.00. I never have this kind of luck. Normally it happens to people like Shu-Ju who are much more bargain savvy or lucky than I am.

So, needless to say, I bought out their stock. I already know what type of project that I will be working on. Maybe I will go trolling for sales after Valentine's Day.

One view of the Christmas paper.

Another view.

Even another view.

Paper Fridays--Red Drawer

Paper Fridays has returned for the New Year.

Paper Fridays--Printed Drawer

Paper Fridays--Blue Drawer

Cherry Blossums


Popular Children's Day Paper


Another Popular Children's Day Paper


Popular Kimono Design Based Paper

My most often used Blue Paper design.

This is one of my favorites.

Paper Fridays--Animal Prints

Ostrich


Cheetah


Giraffe

Zebra

Snakeskin

All fakes, of course!

Paper Friday--Reds

More of my paper adventures in Japan. This week was dedicated to the Red Drawer. Next week, animal prints.

Paper Fridays

The following papers were purchased during my last trip to Japan. Enjoy.