Tag: paper

Photo shoots

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

In the day job that I had for the last seven years, I often styled people, food and product for photo shoots. However, I rarely put that kind of effort into my own photos—until now. I’ve started the massive task of reshooting all my merchandise with two goals in mind: First, higher quality images, truer color and consistency across my etsy shop. The second is to convey style—to further appeal to the type of personality who might want to purchase the piece.

Here are a few of my favorites—can’t wait to hear what you think!

Oh, and of course, if you’re interested in any cards, or just want to see how they look in the shop, find them here!

Paperfection

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 3 Comments

Sisters Tamara and Elzeline are Europe-based paper artists bringing the Japanese art of origami into the 21st century. In addition to their folded paper sculptures, paperfection dabbles in hand-bound books and notebooks, cards and more!


Tell us about your work—why do you create what you do?
For me and my sister, crafting was always our favorite pastime. Every few years we would try something new. Mosaic, drawing, knitting, filting… We tried a lot of different things but now we specialize in paper creations. When I was eighteen, I started the study Japanse Language and Culture. Since then, I’ve been fascinated by the art of origami. For my sister, her love for paper and letter design started during her study of Graphic Design.

How did you learn your craft?
During my study, I spent a year in Japan. There I learned how to make modular origami creations from my Japanese friends and from origami books.

How has your work evolved?
I started with very simple origami techniques. In de last few years, I tried more difficult techniques. The Internet has been my guide: there are so many examples and tutorials available on the net.

What is your greatest challenge?
I’m not as commercial as I would like to be. My challenge is to reach more people with my work. I’m now starting a new webshop for Dutch customers.

What inspires you?
I love themes and colors. I’m inspired by different cultures, different seasons and the beautiful work I see here on Etsy. When I go out shopping, I always come back with some materials which inspire me. Usually, I just start somewhere and the ideas come as I continue working.

Tell us about your etsy business.
My sister discovered Etsy when she was browsing the web. We started in 2008. Beginner mistakes: at that time, our shop was not full enough and even now we find it difficult to keep the shop full. For now, Etsy is a hobby next to our jobs. In the future, we would love to create more and work less.

Where can readers find your work?
We have a blog: paperfectionsartandcraft.blogspot.com/ and we are starting our webshop in the Netherlands at /www.paperfection.nl

What advice do you have for new etsians?
Try to be as commercial as you can. Use Google Ads, make flyers and business cards. Be active on the forum, join groups and make friends.

Oh, what, you don’t come here for the bacon?

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

[see previous post if this title doesn’t make any sense to you!]

Sorry loyal readers, I’ve been a little bit all over the place lately. Bacon, houseplants… I don’t know what this blog is coming to anymore.

This weekend marked the first in quite a while (and the last for an equally long while) in which I didn’t have to devote any time to that job that pays my bills. I spent two days doing nothing but letterpress, and let me tell you, I am not in printing shape anymore. No, it’s not that strenuous, I am just that out of shape.

Anyway, that means loads of new work coming soon, and in the mean time, another way to bring a little letterpress into your life:

Super fun paper circles! For the last year or so, I’ve been holding on to all my scraps and test papers and pieces that didn’t turn out quite right. So they’re not perfect, but there’s still something really beautiful about the intersecting designs…too beautiful to end up in the trash can. Perfect for scrapbookers, card makers, artists or even just to use as confetti on your next party table, these little discs add whimsy to any project.

Yulia Brodskaya

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ Leave a comment

While traditionally called “quilling” and referred to by Yulia Brodskaya herself as “papergraphic illustration,” I can think of only one word for her work: Amazing. Painstakingly created from tiny colorful strips of paper, the pieces are so fluid they seem to have grown organically onto the page.

The Russian born, UK-based artist cites her work as the combination of her favorite things: typography, paper, and highly detailed hand-made craft objects. Her work has appeared in publications and ad campaigns around the world, check out more here.

Fireworks wedding invitations

~ Bess Paper Goods & Gifts ~ 4 Comments

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I just finished up these gorgeous invitations for a couple who are renewing their vows on July 3rd. While they wanted to aknowledge the proximity of the holiday, they didn’t want their invitations to be kitchy or overly patriotic. I came up with a design that was abstract yet recognizable while being fun, modern and elegant. Printed with a deep impression and silver ink on a rich red textured paper, they are absolutely stunning!

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