Highly Doubt They Will Peek

Hello all,
I promised to post a view of the 2 paper cuttings I got for my Mom and a brother.  I know on occasion both have looked at this blog, but it is so rare, that I doubt they will see them before they unwrap their gifts this weekend.  (We are having an early holiday since a few of the family are in the medical profession).



12 days of Christmas

 Paper cutting goes back to the ancient Chinese days.  The Pennsylvania Dutch still give paper cuttings as a traditional gift for several events (births and marriages).  Look at the details!  It is wicked tiny!  And done by razor blade.  I would not want the sneezes while carving these out.

Hope this finds you all merry and bright!
-b

Dang, I Forgot my Camera!

Do you ever have those moments when you wish you had remembered to bring your camera?  Well today was one of those days for me. I had planned on going to the public library and then seeing if I could find the Artsquest center at the Bethlehem Steel Stacks.  I had no issues finding either, but I was surprised at the sprawl of the Steel Stacks complex and my huge desire to take photos of the structure!  The rustic brick and industrial steel towers of the iron works building were really interesting. 

Another reason why I headed to the Artquest center this weekend was it was the first weekend of Christkindalmarkt - A German style artisan market.  Bethlehem was named Christmas City USA in the 1940's and has hosted this market for many years. 
While there I saw several goodies!  But I only walked away with some small German papercutting ornaments.  I have discussed it before on this site, but have yet to attempt it myself.  I cannot even image trying something as intricate as they are!  I will resist posting the pictures for now in case my family peeks as I plan to give these as gifts.  (Who am I kidding, they have no interest in my mail hobby - sigh!) 
I know it has nothing to do with mail, but I love all types of papercraft!

On Sunday, I also trekked over to the newly renovated and re-opened Allentown Art Museum.  I am not a huge fan of the Renaissance but I do hope to go back there as they rotate exhibits for more contemporary artist.
I found some great mail related postcards and made a piece of stationery in the kids craft section.

I refuse to grow up! 

I hope this finds you all doing well and finding happiness,
-b

Some Inspiration

Hello all-

Recently I feel like I want to grow and do more making of my own stationery.  So I trekked down to the library to scout out the paper crafts section.  I also looked around at a few bookstores and here are some of my recent inspirations.

First book was found at the Moravian Bookstore and its on the old art of papercutting.  Apparently both the Germans and Japanese have a long history in this art form.  Who knew?!?

Next was an accidental stumble!  Mr. Matisse in his old age and poor health turned to paper art! Hmmm- not a terribly hard thing to mimic and very beautiful fluid imagery!

Here's my attempt- a postcard to my lovely Chantel!

Then I found these lovely books at the local discount chain and they make me smile.

The collage book looked crappy and cheap at first glance.  I was looking at it last weekend wondering why did I buy this- then I looked inside and was very very happy to find a plethora of ideas!  The book gives both the history on the artist and demonstrates how to create a work inspired from their art work.  I found Mr. Matisse here again!

The second book is a sassy card making book.  These cards aren't your traditional but very fun.  I'm not sure how many of their designs that I will recreate, but it's interesting!

So next time you find yourself short of motivation- remember that you don't have to spend a lot or go very far, just look around for a good book!

Any other points of inspiration out there!?!

-b