Designamour » Paper Art

Paper Illusions

Melanie — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 01:32:36 +0000

When I first saw the cover of this book while browsing in a store with my friends last winter, I literally snatched it to my breast and hugged it like a long lost love.

I didn’t even need to open it to know that contained amazing treasures…..

….when I did open it (after rushing to corner of the store lest anyone try to wrest it from my hands) my heart beat faster as I gasped at each turn of the page.

Isabelle de Borchgrave has a magical workshop/studio in Brussels, Belgium “where humble art materials are transformed into shimmering visions of beautiful clothing and luxurious living”.

Her inspiration for these exquisite costumes, all made from paper, comes from the legendary Fortuny silks of Venice to the courts of the Medici in Florence.

First shown in France in 1998 in a traveling exhibit, “Papiers a la Mode”, achingly beautiful photography here by Rene Stoeltie makes these intricate art pieces even more magical.

Beyond the stenciled patterns (which are AMAZING!) the level of detail in the design of the fashions down to the smallest button, brooch, and bit of lace is breathtaking.

It was incredible difficult for me to choose these photographs to share as I REALLY want you to see them all!

Inspired by: Elsa Mora

Melanie — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:09:49 +0000

I’ve just spent many magical minutes traveling through the amazing art, mind and world of Elsa Mora.

“Elsita” is a Cuban-born artist, mother, and “hollywood wife” who is amazingly talented in a seemingly endless array of mediums. She has multiple blogs on her general art and her intricate papercutting projects, as well as a store. Just a few delightful things by Elsita….

Papercutting….

…jewelry…

…blossom buddies…

…doll houses…

…beautiful dresses…

….artwork….

…and illustrations. Absolutely NOT to be missed is her blog on personal style, which she seems to have in spades, as well as a generous heart and a nurturing spirit.

Pure Experimentation: Stencilry

Melanie — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 00:51:31 +0000

I’m so excited! After 25 years, I’m going to take my second-ever stencil class. This looks to be TOO much fun and way “outside the box” for me. The class is online (so you can take it with me) and is taught by Mary Ann Moss of Dispatch from LA. The class is definitely geared more to working on paper and creating journal pages and other small “works of art”, but I’m excited to translate some of the ideas to wall finishes. I can imagine introducing glazes, texture and gilding along with the spray paint and layering techniques. I’m also thinking of hosting some of my own classes this way in the future. It makes a LOT of sense (cents)! These photos are some cool student works from Mary Ann’s last class.

You can find more details and enroll here. The “work at your own pace” class runs from June 26-July 17. There’s also an inspiring Flickr group here. “See” you in class!

Paper Art: Book Autopsies

Melanie — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:09:13 +0000

My son recently sent me a link to the work of artist, Brian Dettmer. He takes a scalpel to old books to reveal their inner meaning and calls them “Book Autopsies”. Seriously! How do people think if this amazing stuff? I think these are so intriguing. Click through here to see even more.