All Things Paper: 20 Unique Projects from Leading Paper Crafters, Artists, and Designers by Ann Martin

DON'T stop the presses! I can hardly wait to see this book in person (in another 3 months).

It's still being printed so I can't show you anything more, but when you see my project I hope you think the wait is worth the mystery. I'm honored to join some very prestigious paper-ists,  amassed by the well accomplished, all-seeing Ann Martin of All Things Paper.

So I can't tell you what I made, but no one said I can't say what it isn't. It isn't anything I've shown here before. Like I said - a "mystery"! Bah! It's no fun when no one else is in on the punny humor. Please bear with me - I'm excited by this milestone, my 2nd publication piece.

The book is available for pre-order on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/All-Things-Paper-Projects-Designers/dp/080484366X

Year of the Snake Quilling - Print Items

When I first started my career in graphic design long ago, the culmination of my efforts was smelling the fresh ink off the presses, holding the sheet and imagining how it would be received. I know Feb 10th's Sing Tao and Ming Po newspapers are so "yesterday's newspapers", but it still gives me a feeling of accomplishment – not as a graphic designer this time, but as a quiller.

Here also are the "Lai See" or Red Lucky Envelopes that Home Depot gave out during their promotional event. I was incredibly lucky to have found a Customer Service Rep who not only gave up her own saved package but also hunted down other departments so I could have enough to give to my nieces and nephews this special year.

Year of the Snake Quilling

I'm a day early to wish you Happy Year of the Snake, but I couldn't wait any longer. Besides, the ad is out in today's Ming Pao and Sing Tao newspapers in Vancouver and Toronto.

This is my first commercial quilling project in my portfolio, and also my largest. The width of the snake is 7.5" wide, just fitting within my digital die cutter (Silhouette). The Chinese words and Home Depot logo were also cut on the die cutter.

I used regular quilling paper for the words because the spaces were so thin. I cut Canson Mi-Tientes paper for everything else because the extra thickness was needed to traverse a larger distance and hold its shape.

For those who are curious about the process, a Toronto ad agency presented the mock up on the left and the client approved, then I worked towards that direction.

I'll be grabbing a newspaper after breakfast this morning and seeing how it all looks. Happy Year of the Snake everyone!

*** UPDATE*** I'm sorry I got the date mixed up and the ad will be in tomorrow's paper.

Quilled Thank You Cards (8 of 8)

Yet another variation of the first card, just a different mix of colors and layout. Thanks to all who have been tracking this set of 8 cards.

The blank greeting card stock I'm using is Neenah Classic Linen Cover, Solar White, 80 lb. It's A6 size (4 5/8" x 6 1/4"). Can you believe I scored a box of 250 for just $5 from Spicers Cash & Carry? They were being discontinued, so of course I bought all 5 boxes for easy Christmas gifts. I love how the embossed rectangle subtly frames everything.

I'd like to thank my client, "C", who kept me in her back pocket for a whole year, waiting for this project to come along to contact me. It's been a dream come true! I am allowed to reveal it tomorrow, and if you live in Vancouver or Toronto, you'll can see it in the Ming Po or Sing Tao Chinese newspapers too.

Quilled Thank You Cards (7 of 8)

I was running out of left over bits, so this one was a bit of a struggle. Not my fave, but it still runs along the same vein as the rest.

It's an amazing time we live in when I can "show and tell" online and within seconds, my thoughts are read halfway around the world. Without the web and its crafting community, I wouldn't have had the exposure I've had. I'm thankful for the opportunities that have been handed to me on a silver platter.

Quilled Thank You Cards (6 of 8)

I never realized how fun it would be to do abstract quilling until I had to use up my leftover pieces. It's amazing to me how little can still say so much. Since these were made with thicker strips I didn't want to mix it up with my regular pile of quilling pieces in progress, which I keep in a fishing tackle box - just $6 at Canadian Tire and comes with re-positionable compartment walls.

My thanks this time goes out to all of you who comment on and follow this blog. Your positive words encourage me to work through my doubts and give me a pick-me-up. I appreciate your visits and the time you take to let me know your thoughts. Thank you all!

Quilled Thank You Cards (5 of 8)

Another variation of Card 1 and 3, but with a softer color palette and smaller scale of petals.

These quilling strips were cut on my Silhouette die cutter out of Canson Mi-Tientes. I chose this paper because the thicker qualities allowed me to carry the curves over a longer distance with more control. I find standard quilling paper to be rather thin, more suited to smaller designs. I learned cutting with/against the grain had an impact on the innermost coil, causing either buckling vs a smooth tight line. I suggest cutting one strip and testing it first before cutting the entire sheet.

A quick thank you to hubby for wrapping all the xmas gifts this year, leaving me free to focus on finishing my project on time. It's not his forté, but he took it on without hesitation.