Oh So Beautiful Paper

It’s been such a pleasure to blog here for the last five days.  A huge thanks to Nole for letting me take over her blog this last week. I hope it’s been a fun and relaxing break for her.  I thought I would leave you with much as I began, with a few more pairings inspired by some of my favourite items from the Oh So Beautiful Paper archives.  Have a great weekend!

1. Oilcloth fabric by Cath Kidston
2. Invitations by Mitchell & Dent, originally blogged here

1. Chevron pillow by Madeline Weinrib
2. Calling cards by Sweetbeaker, originally blogged here

1. Coral decoupage by John Derian
2. Invitations by Zenadia Design, originally blogged here

1. Butterfly cushion by Bev Hisey
2. Escort cards by Wren Handmade, originally blogged here

1. Tabletop linens by DwellStudio
2. Note cards by Satsuma Press, originally blogged here

1. Aurora fabric from Rapture & Wright
2. Wedding invitations by Postal Press, originally blogged here

“More Paper-inspired Pairings” is a guest post by Jane Flanagan of Ill Seen, Ill Said.

I’ve noticed lots of stitched paper around lately, from beautiful embroidered patterns and calligraphy, to more tongue-in-cheek renditions of typographic fonts.  I love the combined texture of paper and thread.  Here are some of my favourites:

1. From pi’lo
2. From Stitchographie
3. From Painted Fish Studio
4. From aQuick Study

1. From Curious Doodles
2. From aQuick Study
3. From Crooked Sister
4. From Stitched Cards

“Stitched” is a guest post  by Jane Flanagan of Ill Seen, Ill Said.

For me, the love of paper reaches its pinnacle in book form.  While I easily surrendered buying newsprint in favour of consuming the days news online, I will be the last hold-out clinging to the printed book.  To me there is no greater pleasure than losing oneself in a book and that pleasure is as sensory as it is cerebral; turning the pages, cracking the spine, hugging the book as I carry it on the subway or to the coffee shop… And when I visit a friend’s home, it’s the bookshelf I always make a beeline for, hoping to find something surprising or revealing.  It’s no wonder, then, that I love these artworks that depict book collections.

Cookbooks, 2009, acrylic & oil on masonite, 14 x 18 inches by Holly Farrell

Les rencontres #2 2009 Sérigraphie / Serigraph by Paul Beliveau

Ideal Bookshelf 16, JMM (11×14 print) by Jane Mount

Spineless I, oil on linen, 2010 & Spineless II, oil on linen, 2010 by Victoria Reichelt

“Books in Art” is a guest post by Jane Flanagan of Ill Seen, Ill Said.

Handwriting holds a special kind of allure.  It would be a tough call to decide between using a beautiful font or handwritten calligraphy.  I think I would opt for the latter more times than not.  Nole has certainly featured the very most beautiful calligraphy on paper on this blog.  But, the warmth of the handwritten word is often taken beyond paper too.

I’ve long loved this rug from architect and designer, Joaquim Ruiz Millet who is also a writer, filmmaker and gallery director.  His Manuscrit Rug (2003) is an expression of all of his passions, and features a romantic poem that he wrote in his native Catalan.

Manuscrit Rug from Design Within Reach

There are many more examples of handwriting being transferred to household objects, jewelry and even clothing. Here are a few of my favourites:

1. Human Heart Decoupage by John Derian
2. Jeanine Payer, Edmond necklace from Moondance Jewelry
3. Black Script Large Fabric Thumbtacks by Fabricfarrago
4. Flourish Folio Cushion from Natural History
5. Mr. Darcy Proposal Dish Towel by Brookish
6. Postcup(TM) by Bailey Doesn’t Bark

“Handwritten” is a guest post by Jane Flanagan of Ill Seen, Ill Said.