Woodland Papercuts

Etsy How Tuesday valentine tutorial

2012-02-08T14:29:00.000+02:00

The sneak peek photo I posted last month? Was for this! Just in time for valentine, an Etsy how to tutorial on papercutting a special valentine card / keepsake, template included. How-Tuesday: Keepsake Papercut.

This tutorial was a challenge for me. First because it was the first time I've been asked to do one, and I was all over the place with what I could do. At the end I realized I needed to make it as simple and DIY-friendly as I can for readers. Then I had the challenge of taking pictures on a dark rainy week for this - which is why all the photos are filtered (aha, behind the scenes secret!)

I love getting mail, but I love getting things I can put to use even more - so this card can also be a pretty great photo frame to pin on your notice board or fridge. The illustration itself might look like a lot of work, but it's pretty simple as far as my papercuts go. I happened to look at a lot of art nouveau book illustrations that week so I was in a romantic stage of knights and ladies.

I hope you'll enjoy this tutorial and making a handmade card / present for your valentine, whatever awesome crafty idea you end up doing. Have a sweet valentine!

How-Tuesday: Keepsake Papercut

Artist: Lucrezia Bieler

2012-02-05T23:34:00.000+02:00

I just discovered Lucrezia Bieler's sublime work through Paper Forest. Her papercuts truly are works of art and an awesome showcase of imagination and technical knowledge that comes together to create pure magic. I aspire to be that good one day. I especially love how a detailed shape emerges in gestalt from the black void in the two pieces featured here.

Lucrezia prefers the scissors (teeny tiny scissors!) to the scalpel knife), and she fearlessly snips and twists and drapes her paper until all her cuts have been made and the image emerged. I'm awestruck. When I feel that catch in the back of my throat like I want to weep is when I know I'm done for. Hello new obsession, I'm going to fangirl all over you!

Links:
Lucrezia Bieler
Paper Forest | New papercutting exhibition opening in LA tonight!

Images: Evil Bunny Rabbits Are Tempting Me With Their Fluffy Fur | Polar Star | Lucrezia in progress

Paper Flowers

2012-02-04T01:07:00.000+02:00

If there's one paper craft that took over us romantics last year, it was handmade paper flowers. They popped up in fields all over the blogsphere, it was lovely. I personally didn't attempt to make any of these beautiful flowers, as I am much too lazy. I bought mine instead. But here are two tutorial links for you folks looking to give a valentine bouquet that will last. I know I'd love one.

Top photos | Giant Paper Flower by The House that Lars Built
Bottom photos | Crepe Paper Flowers Bouquet by Martha Stewart Weddings

Alexander McQueen Spring 2012

2012-02-01T23:12:00.001+02:00

Boy, I wish I could wear these masterpieces... The closest I ever came was fondling an Alexander McQueen jacket in 2004. Ooh, I still get all giddy just thinking about it! Doesn't your heart rate speed up when looking at these clothes (if they can be called mere clothes)? I don't get people who aren't affected by fashion.

Image taken from the Cool & Chic Style Fashion blog.

Sneak Peek

2012-01-31T16:33:00.000+02:00

...A little something I worked on over the weekend.

Brand Identity development

2012-01-29T18:51:00.000+02:00

Months ago I started thinking about the brand Woodland Papercuts. What its values are, its commodity, and of course its brand identity. The hamster wheel in my head really started spinning when I read this Branding article series by Three Fifteen Design. I have trouble with abstract notions, but Ravyn was so very clear about what branding is and what makes a brand excellent, she made it sound so simple.

After exchanging several emails in November I hired Three Fifteen Design to work on my brand identity. The process is winding down, and I hope to reveal the new logo soon (if you've seen some of my promo shots from late 2011 then you've seen its roots). I learned a lot in this process, mainly that I am incapable of relinquishing control. Has this ever happened to you? I knew I couldn't do it on my own, but as soon as I delegated the task to another, I had to pour more and more of myself into it. You see the inspiration board above? Ravyn sent me one based on all the information I shared, and I in turn sat down to make an inspiration board of my own for four hours, until it was just right. I scare myself some times. (She later edited it better into this inspiration board.) Ravyn is very patient with me, but I'm sure it's not easy having a client be so controlling. Sorry, Ravyn!

Below you'll find one of the logo sketch pages I sent to 315 along the way. Honestly, I get stuck on the little details and the thousand different ways I can shape them, that I forgot about what I want the brand to be, and I didn't even look at the inspiration board. But this is interesting, how did I come from the inspiration board, to these logos (round no. 4)? Can I even see a connection between them all?

I want to cover my eyes and just randomly pick one and be done with it. I wanted this to be easy, just draw one and be like 'Oh, that's it, no need to do more!' But my indecisiveness... That's why I'm so lucky to have Ravyn - when my energy wanes she sends me an email with a new round of logos and then I'm back in the fray!

Links:
My Branding Inspiration board on pinterest
Posts on 315 featuring Woodland Papercuts: A Lovely Gift | Design Board

Dream weddings...

2012-01-27T09:58:00.002+02:00

I have a confession. I was never much interested in weddings growing up. Sure, I looked through a brides magazine once or twice and considered what dress I'd wear from there, but I wasn't one of those girls with an organizer and a 5 year plan. I was very aware of the fact that my taste will change from 6 years old to 16 to 26, so I never bothered.

I wasn't even really interested in weddings when I started making invitations and ketubot. For all I knew, everything was horrible Judaica art and mass-produced flat print invites, all the dresses were garish corsets, the venues giant party halls and the music shrill eastern music. I know, what a horrible vision.

I think it was 6 months after I started designing papercut ketubot that I started browsing wedding blogs. I've become more and more romantic ever since, and put serious thought into how I'd like my wedding to be - with all the inspiring photos and ideas, how could I not?! I have opinions! About wedding colors, and dresses, and venues, and flowers! Say what?! I even teared up once or twice looking at pictures of happy couples and playing the most gorgeous wedding videos (who knew such hollywood magic was reachable!) that seem as if they were taken in a dream, with glittering light and starry-eyed lovers. Aww, I want that!

Last night, after spending an hour browsing through my favorite wedding blogs - the reigning queen of which now is Once Wed - I've come to terms with the fact that Yes, I've been bitten by the wedding bug. Never thought it'd happen to me.

The concept I'm a big fan of at the moment is a DIY backyard wedding. If that backyard borders on a wood or meadow. It's budget conscious, it's personal, and it's romantic. Love.

Look! The Party Tree!

Images | Emily & Paul's DIY countryside wedding

Antlers

2012-01-24T04:29:00.000+02:00

I saw this image last week on my blog reading list, and it was like a breath of fresh air. Oh, antlers, how I love thee! I think it was back in November that I promised to post more deer papercuts here. I still have half-fisinshed sketches and unpublished papercuts in my portfolio of deers and antlers, I just got side tracked with the holidays and now the wedding season. Time management is still not my strongest suite. It's one of my goals to make a massive papercut of antlers to put over my bed this year. This, instead of the embroidered headboard I was going to do but just never got around to (funny how that happens.) By massive I mean as big I can afford to, so probably no bigger than 1 meter wide. Still, compared to my other papercuts, it'll be gigantic. That empty wall is smirking at me.

Image | Besotted Brand blog.

Pic of the day

2012-01-17T21:26:00.000+02:00

I'm a visual person, and often find it simpler to see something than describe it, so I've been taking a lot of pictures for people asking about my Tree of Life ketubah. I realized lately that while my tiny camera is not all that great at capturing detail from a distance, its super-macro feature yields beautiful sharp photos. That, and I'm getting better at photo editing.

Ketubot sale

2012-01-15T13:56:00.000+02:00

My collaborators Urban Collective are having an off-season sale on all ketubot that will end January 31st. I do encourage all couples who considered purchasing one of my handmade papercut heirloom ketubot to head on over there in time. Or just to browse the pretty....:)

Sneak Peek into 2012

2012-01-02T00:36:00.000+02:00

Happy New Year everyone! It's January 2nd now, how was the first day of 2012? I slept through mine. And then I saw a movie. But I think I've earned this down-day, and I'll be working hard on a new venture. Those of you who follow on the Woodland Papercuts facebook page have already seen these, but for the rest - here's a sneak peak of some laser-cutting tests I've made. More on that soon!

Cheers & Wishes for 2012!

2011-12-30T12:15:00.000+02:00

Greetings to all! Turns out I will have one more post in 2011.

A few days before Christmas I sent clients and friends this beautiful card to thank them for their support in 2011 and wish them well for the holidays and in 2012!
A few days ago (or was it yesterday? Seems earlier than that) I posted this lovely card on facebook (see? I can work the social network), wishing my friends a great New Year's Eve celebration and a peaceful 2012!

Now I'm sharing those wishes with you. Let's cheer for 2012!
All the best,
Naomi.

Cards:
Thank you from Woodland Papercuts
Cheers to the New Year!

*These cards are available on Paperless Post, a truly revolutionary interactive service. The online world just got a whole lot prettier.

2011-12-22T17:39:00.000+02:00

I am immensely tired right now, but still when I think about 2011 I can feel my heartbeat speed up with excitement and deep gratitude. It's been a great year. Made an optimistic out of me! Well, sort of. Still a week before it passes, but looking at how the past two months flew by (the last six weeks felt like barely two for you too, or was it just me?) I'm worried I won't have time to update here before 2012 arrives. I feel like I can sleep for a week.

Thanks to you all, who have supported and encouraged me this year as I took my baby steps with my studio. I hope to have it grow in 2012, and see you all there with me.

Happy holidays!

Image: Longing | Anna Aden

Featured! on Oprah.com

2011-12-20T23:17:00.000+02:00

My 3 layers 2012 papercut calendar is featured on Oprah.com by Assistant Editor Stephanie Palumbo. She very kindly approached me about featuring one of my calendars last Saturday. I'm so glad it worked out! My calendar is among 5 really cool options to "make your day... all 365 of them".

Available for sale in my Woodland Papercuts etsy shop.

Weeping Willow papercut ketubah

2011-12-11T20:13:00.000+02:00

Check out this gorgeous classic wedding of Beth & Carl, who purchased a Weeping Willow papercut ketubah from my Autumn/Winter collection sold by Urban Collective (who now have a beautiful site!).

Breathtaking photography by Evan Laettner

2011-12-06T19:40:00.001+02:00

Source: sanoiiandsix.com via Naomi on Pinterest

I never liked growing my hair long. But I also don't like going to a hairdresser. Haven't found one I trust yet. As a result, my hair grows long until I cut in about once or twice a year. In the past few months I've been contemplating cutting it back to a chin-length bob, but now I want it to be long enough so I can put it up in an up-do like the one drawn above by Emma Leonard (isn't it fabulous?!).

But first, I have to buy some hairbands or something. I broke down a few months ago and bought a hair brush (I haven't owned one for years!) but I still tie my hair off using office rubber bands. Ouch.

Deer Heads

2011-11-30T02:12:00.000+02:00

Source: Unknown

Round villa makeover wishlist, part 1

2011-11-29T10:13:00.001+02:00

My parents own a round villa that they rent out for vacationers and families. If I could makeover that house... First of all, I would paint it white, inside and out. I'd repave the pool area and refurnish the house. The place is a really big open plan space, and as a rental party house I think the best way to go is keep it minimalist. You put in little, but every piece has to be strong. And you definitely need a lot of seating.

As far as the living room space goes, there's a lot to consider. Great lighting that can also double as wall art (1, 2), lots of interactive seating, a rug to help define the different areas, maybe a narrow bar along one wall for some storage and work, and a dinning set if you want to get it out of the big kitchen. Yeah, a complete social space. A few years ago I saw a round rug online that I fell in love with and a great grand circle sofa in a shop that I thought would look great in the house, real statement pieces. I have no idea where I saw that sofa and how to find it again, but I did manage to find the rug online, after spotting it in a picture on Emmas blog. The picture rekindled my passion for it and one quick search later, I found it's called the Gumball rug and is handmade in different sizes by YUMMI (bigcartle | etsy).

Source: emmas.blogg.se via Naomi on Pinterest

I'd pepper the space with these great soft pebbles for seating, and buy 2 sets of these loungers for outdoor seating in the pool area:

Just my two cents thrown in.

ModCloth finds

2011-11-27T04:02:00.000+02:00

I've recently joined the ModCloth community. They're not any cheaper than chain stores here, but they do offer a slightly different stock than I can find in most shops here. I am definitely in love with a lot of the dresses on there.

After a lot of consideration, my first Modcloth purchase was this party dress, which came a week later. US sizes run larger than they do here, so I had to get it altered by a seamstress. But now it fits like a dream, and I got to wear it to my friend's engagement party! SO PRETTY, honestly. (I also made this present for a friend and decorated it with kraft paper & these ribbon and twine.) I wore the dress with metallic silver shoes and opaque black tights for a perfect party outfit.

Dot Necessarily dress | Gal Stern black tights | Lee Cooper metallic sport shoes

Other ModCloth picks:

Style Secrets coat | Easy Doe-s It dress | Gold Leaf Dessert dress | A Gallop of Style romper

Featured! on Wedding Invite Love

2011-11-24T18:48:00.000+02:00

Woodland Papercuts has been a listed vendor on the Wedding Invite Love directory since March, and I've witnessed the site grow into a great source for brides. Its founder Tracey is really passionate about her work and you can see her devotion and care in the great steps she's taken to make it the best experience for brides and vendors. Over the last few months she launched the WeddingInviteLove lookbook and a sister site for wedding planners called Wedding Planner Love.

I'm terribly late with this announcement, but Tracey made Woodland Papercuts this week's featured vendor on WeddingInviteLove! Thank you, Tracy!

Emmadime Knitted

2011-11-24T18:31:00.000+02:00

Love this promo shot for the brand Emmadime Knitted. I found the shop through Emma's personal blog. She's also a super talented graphic designer!

Furniture post-it

2011-11-24T17:01:00.000+02:00

Source: re-nest.com via Naomi on Pinterest

I really, really love those sofas / love seats / what's-them-do-you-call-it that look like a comfy couch from Wonderland - just this side of 'hey, that's awesome & weird' on the proportion scale playing out.

I'm just putting it out there, in case I forget later. Which I probably will. When I grow up and buy furniture (the mattress and baseboard from last year don't count!) remind me of this when I start looking for a sofa for the living room.

... Is it weird that I'm 26 and I never bought furniture?

Look what came in the mail today!

2011-11-20T23:58:00.000+02:00

Today was filled with doctor appointments and errands. But also a nice surprise! The custom calligraphy name stamp from Besotted Brand that I won in a giveaway arrived! And wrapped so prettily too - I love getting surprise presents in the mail!

Link:
Besotted Brand shop

In the Studio: Poppies

2011-11-17T22:44:00.001+02:00

A sketch of many poppy flowers from my computer. Have you liked Woodland Papercuts on facebook yet? I post in progress and studio shots there, as well as sale codes and news.

2011-11-16T18:08:00.001+02:00

I'm so glad grand fantasies are coming back to the big screen! And as is always the case, two competing studios are spinning the same story. Which one do you prefer?

Mirror Mirror looks like a funny children's movie with costumes to die for that we'll most certainly see interpreted in street fashions (have you seen that cape? And the Queen's wedding gown?)

Snow White & the Huntsman looks like a visually arresting film that will give me delightfully fantastic nightmares (Charlize, I adore you!)

Wild Thing jewelry

2011-11-16T05:00:00.002+02:00

A few weeks ago I went to the seasonal accessories market to look at shoes and jewelry. Surprisingly I didn't buy anything but my friend bought a bag and a pair of red high heels, so it evened out:)

One of my favorites was there, Karen Asaf & the Wild Thing studio. I've written about them before (actually, exactly one year ago - to the day!), and they don't disappoint. The brand was recently revamped with a new logo and packaging, and stylized product photos to match the rebranding of this awesome jewelry studio. My favorite in the booth was the toy bear necklace (which is also the new logo). Keren was giving out a beautiful mini-catalog with photos so pretty I want to frame them. Shot and stylized by the duo Michael Topyol & Noa Nozik (which a quick search showed are frequent collaborators) the catalog exudes an edgy, young image of a strong woman with a playful taste in jewelry. I love it!

Wild Thing is currently throwing a giveaway on their facebook page. Post a picture of your Wild Thing jewelry (be as creative as possible) for a chance to win a crane necklace! (What a lucky way to end the year, isn't it? It'll also make a beautiful present for the holidays). Here's my own entry. I think there's a great atmosphere in this picture, one from my birthday photoshoot three months back (also to the day!):

Links:

Wild Thing official site

Wild Thing shop

Wild Thing facebook page

Out in the field

2011-11-15T15:09:00.000+02:00

The flowers are changing across blogdom. Out with peonies, in with poppies. I've been working very speriodically on a new poppies papercut design since October, which I finally finished earlier this month. Poppy flowers used to grow all over my backyard growing up, and I always found them striking with deep red petals and a velvety black center... Winter has moved the color wheel from pastels to vibrant colors, and the flowers match. What's your favorite flower?

Images by narelle.

Liebling shoes

2011-11-14T13:14:00.000+02:00

I love quality handmade shoes made locally. Right near my flat there's a slew of Israeli designer boutiques, and one of them is the flag shop for Liebling shoes.
With the winter coming in strong, I'm on the look out for elegant winter shoes and boots. Liebling has a very romantic, feminine style with art nouveau lines that I absolutely love. My wallet already feels lighter.

This is how you take product shots

2011-11-14T12:58:00.000+02:00

I really love this in the studio shot from Moodley. So this is how it's done, and this is the end result!

Images: Moodley Brand Identity

Working, working

2011-11-13T12:44:00.000+02:00

I had to leave the studio for a few days to take care of my mom who fell ill. I've been working non-stop since. I took work with me but hardly got anything done and I haven't gone to bed since coming back yesterday. Manual labor has been harsh on my glitter nails, by the way. Everything feels like it's going in warp speed since Friday, but I love the pressure. I can't fall asleep until tonight anyways or I'll never see sunlight again! I'll be craning my eyelids open until then.

Image source | Leslie David for Ornette

2012 poster calendar

2011-11-07T05:58:00.001+02:00

This calendar is pretty nifty. I originally wanted to make a decorative papercut frame for pictures, and then I thought - No, this will be perfect for a calendar!' So a calendar it is. This one is more whimsical than its brother, with a songbird perched on top of the 12 months calendar amidst berries and folk leaves. There's even room for notes at the bottom!

2012 Papercut Calendars are available for sale on the Woodland Papercuts etsy shop.

Sparkle & Confetti

2011-11-06T17:37:00.000+02:00

Images' source, from left to right: Pinterest | Marie Hochaus

2012 calendar

2011-11-04T08:18:00.000+02:00

I realized I'd never posted more shots of my handmade calendars for 2012! How usual of me. So I'm rectifying the situation: The pictures above are all of my bird calendar - 3 layers of hand-cut papercuts. Each page has 4 months. At the end of the year you can remove the top half of the pages and frame your original papercut illustration! I love this one because it tells a story as the months go by, the branches and the bird revealed and moved back again, as you leaf through it.

2012 Papercut Calendars available for sale on the Woodland Papercuts etsy shop

2011-11-03T10:35:00.002+02:00

I slept through Tuesday. Literally. Clearly I've been exhausted.

Last night I went out. Reconnecting with old friends, eating good food, it was a great night. I feel rejuvenated & ready to work again!

Image from: Thuss + Farrell | Found on Simplesong

From this to that

2011-11-02T16:49:00.000+02:00

The picture above makes me want to buy books. It's been so long since I've read any! For the last year all my reading had been done online - from blogs to magazines to fiction. I miss books! I went into a bookstore today, and browsed the shelves for new releases. Books are so expensive these days! Sadly I didn't buy any, but now my books wish list is a bit longer.

Image source: Banquet Workshop

Letterpress Series: In the studio with Ephemera Press

2011-10-31T15:45:00.000+02:00

Images source: Ephemera Press.com

Chairs

2011-10-30T14:41:00.000+02:00

As a renter, I always get stuck with someone else's reject furniture. I haven't considered doing anything about them before, and I'm sure if you have you wouldn't know how to go about it. The problem is that even if the furniture is crap, they're still the owners', and they don't want you to do anything to them.

Below are 3 DIY solutions for renters that I've found online. Really simple, fun ideas (the best kind of renter's DIY). No sewing needed! And really, there's only so much you can do with a cover or cushion... Easily removed when the lease is up. You might even be tempted to take the chairs with you when you leave...

Images' sources: wire chairs needlepoint | color block wrap | vinyl stickers cutouts
Pinned on my Apartment Design board.

2011-10-29T21:48:00.001+02:00

The weather has finally become cold enough that I added a heavy blanket to my bed and put thick home socks on my feet. I woke up at 3am this morning, and I spent the sunny hours of mid-morning cuddled in bed, reading a stack of magazines I've found while tidying up. I need to take my autumn/winter wardrobe out of storage!

2011-10-29T08:58:00.001+02:00

My friend Tali painted a portrait of mine from the photoshoot we did back in September. Isn't it lovely?

Link:
Naomi | $130 | Tush Tush etsy shop

Woodland Papercuts facebook page launched!

2011-10-29T08:57:00.001+02:00

Earlier today I opened a facebook page!

The page has been linked to my etsy & storenvy shop fronts. Add the page to your contacts for studio shots, sneak peeks and deals!

Though I have a personal facebook account since the site first launched, I've never used it much so there will be a learning curve for me as I get comfortable using facebook to its maximum social networking potential. I'm excited to meet new friends and get to know you all!

New ketubot for international clients

2011-10-25T01:30:00.000+02:00

I've been happily selling my heirloom papercut ketubot to clients in the US & Canada through the Urban Collective on etsy. However, I thought it won't go a miss to offer clients from Europe, the Middle-East, Asia and Australia the option to purchase a handmade papercut ketubah as well.

There are three available designs at the moment: The Birds (a popular design available for US clients through UC), the Tree of Life and the Forest designs (exclusive to the Woodland Papercuts shop).

There are 3 text options available: Orthodox, Secular, and Custom (or as I like to call it, Bring Your Own). The text is printed onto the same eggshell paper the papercut is made from using a high-end inkjet printer and assembled by me. They're a bit different than the ones sold through UC since there's no big color underlayer. Rather the personalized text layer is adhered to the papercut in its proper location and the illustration is free-standing. The pure white color of the resulting ketubah is beautiful and soft. Other than that, the ketubahs retain the highest attention to detail and personal handmade touch that couples who bought our papercut ketubahs will attest to.

Custom orders are welcome!

Links:
Shop on Storenvy
Shop on Etsy

WOODLAND PAPERCUTS Etsy shop

2011-10-25T00:12:00.000+02:00

I'd love to open with 'I can't believe that...' but given that I know myself and this has proven to be a pattern of mine, I'll open with 'So once again...'

... I forgot to dedicate the proper space here to announce the launch of the brand new WOODLAND PAPERCUTS etsy shop!

The link has been added to the sidebar, which reminds me I need arrange proper shop buttons. Nevertheless, the shop opened to little fanfare earlier this month, and you can now find there my papercut illustrations, as well as a small taste from my Wedding shop (for those less inclined to step outside of etsy).

Edyta Photography's website

2011-10-21T21:47:00.000+02:00

I'm one of those people who click on link after link, get lose in the pretty, and have no idea how I got where I got to and how did the time past so fast?! I'm clicking through the 30+ tabs I have open now when I come across this most entertaining, gorgeous website! SO cute!

I've been thinking a lot about branding lately, how Branding is the experience your clients have with you and your product. (Go read Three Fifteen's great posts on the subject.) And I've been looking at a lot of Brand Identity eye candy besides.

This website for Edyta Photography is a wonderful example of successful branding I think. It surprised me (it's definitely different than all the other photographers' websites I've seen). It sets her apart from her competition, it gave me an insight into the brand (fun, young, personal, endearing, ...) and is very entertaining besides:) What a beautiful website!

Words to live & work by

2011-10-20T04:30:00.000+02:00

Ira Glass on Storytelling from David Shiyang Liu on Vimeo.

October is when universities begin their school year here in Israel. In honor of the drones of students starting this month, see this amazing, amazing motivational clip: pretty with a strong message. Remember that, beginners all. I wish someone told me this when I first started school. And when I graduated. And earlier this year, and... Well, it still does me good to hear them now. Words to create by & to keep on learning.

Source: David Liu clip to a voice recording of Ira Glass | Found on Pikaland.

Letterpress studios

2011-10-17T09:06:00.000+02:00

Beautiful shots from letterpress studios Something's Hiding In Here and Bespoke Press.

mellow, mellow

2011-10-15T18:30:00.000+02:00

Pictures I'm looking at while doing fashion illustrations.
Sparkly gold & black with a pink tint, what a romantic palette.

Images: behind-the-scenes at Saloni's London Fashion Week presentation of her Autumn/Winter 2011 collection.

Shine & Sparkle

2011-10-14T02:07:00.000+02:00

Metallic gold and silver are again my favorite accent colors. I had to stop myself from gilding everything and my gold spray paint has already run out! I've been satisfying my gold shine & sparkle obsession with my nail polishes, inspired by all the beautiful photos and tutorials floating around.

Image source, left to right: Lush Bella on flickr | The Alternative Wife

Woodland Creatures poster papercut

2011-10-13T16:25:00.000+02:00

My Stag & Fox poster papercut is now available for ordering in the shop.

Appreciation

2011-10-12T13:22:00.001+02:00

In continuation of the whole 'being appreciated' theme from my last post (because it's nice to take the time to make note of these things) Mr Yen, who's a wonderful papercutting artist & illustrator (I'm sure you've heard of him), featured my work on the excellent Paper Runway blog. I'm a BIG fan of the magazine where passion meets paper, so this is a huge honor for me!

Also above is a beautiful photo that a client sent in of her Peonies Frame papercut ketubah, from my collaboration with the Urban Collective. The ketubah was for a very stylish couple Richard & Desiree, who's wedding was featured on The Wedding Yentas site! (Photography by Heidi Ryder)

What making art is all about

2011-10-11T14:15:00.000+02:00

What I love about selling handmade is the knowledge that my work is appreciated. I'm very shy, so finding etsy really gave me the opportunity to do what I still dare not do in my offline life - put up my work for consideration and ask people 'do you like it?'

A few days ago Alison bought this Kissin Bears canvas papercut from my crafts shop. She shared her reason why on her blog The Knotty Bride, and I am really moved by it. It seems silly, but I didn't think my work really meant something for people, could make an impact. I'm glad to realize it does.

2011-10-10T12:58:00.001+02:00

Yesterday I went on a mission. I wanted to buy that color-block Zara t-shirt for 140ILS. Ended up buying this midnight-blue Mango t-shirt for 100ILS. I also might have, sorta, kinda bought a belt I didn't plan on but needed. You'll see. I still have my eye on that Zara t-shirt, though. It's cruel of them to keep it on the website but not in the shop. This month might be another hard one for my bank account...

The Besotted Brand is launching!

2011-10-10T12:55:00.000+02:00

Last Friday I opened my magazine rack (what I call my blogs reading list) to the headline NOAMI SHIEK IS A WINNER! Could that day have started any better?:) Miss B. over at the Besotted Brand Blog had chosen to gift me with my very own Name Calligraphy Stamp!

I am so surprised & happy I won! I always wanted a calligraphy stamp, but if I buy a stamp it's always for my shop, never something I would also use in personal correspondence. I almost asked for the name to be Woodland Papercuts but held myself back. Want a Name Calligraphy Stamp for yourself? The Besotted Brand shop opens on October 11 (that's tomorrow!) I'll have to rein myself in and set an amount limit for shopping there. Oh, this is going to be so hard!

Notebooks

2011-10-06T17:17:00.000+02:00

I'm a prolific note taker and list maker. Can't stop jotting thoughts and to do lists and projects and deadlines... From elementary school to university I used to write everything on my hand, it's amazing I didn't damage it with all that ink. Once I replaced my skin for a sketchbook there was no going back. Today, I make my own notebooks and jotters, like the hot pink number above.

There is still a set of two notebooks and a single left in the shop, snatch them up here.

Oh Deer

2011-10-06T11:38:00.000+02:00

Even though I consider deer to be my signature animal, my papercuts have featured primarily birds and flowers as of late. Not that there's anything wrong with birds and flowers, but it makes me sad, I miss my fawns and stags. I've decided to make a concentrated effort to feature my favorite animal and its antlers in my next illustrations. Keep a weather eye out in the shop for dear oh deer!

Credit:
Anna Inghardt | Oh Deer part 2

OSBP Designer Rolodex!

2011-10-04T22:24:00.000+02:00

The reason I had a products photoshoot a few weeks ago was because a month or so before I was invited by Nole of the divine Oh So Beautiful Paper to join her Designer Rolodex when it launched. The OSBP Designer Rolodex is a unique curated directory of wedding invitation designers featuring Nole's favorites, the creme de la creme, as you say.

I was beyond thrilled to be asked, of course! I had listed my old photographs there but felt the beautiful layout - and surrounded by such wonderful work of great studios - I could and should do better to convey that special illusive quality of my work. You can see the new photographs on my rolodex page. Sweet!

Woodland Papercuts has now been featured by and listed in Invitation Crush's book, Wedding Invite Love's directory, and Oh So Beautiful Paper's designer rolodex! I'm so honored to be included in the company of such brilliant creative people and to be noticed at all by these three ladies with a very discriminating eye. My thanks! I hope with your blessings Woodland Papercuts will only continue to grow & succeed. Cheers!

Badges with links are in the sidebar. I've also updated the sidebar links and the About page.

The Besotted Brand

2011-10-04T09:05:00.003+02:00

It's not often that I see something on a blog and immediately repost it, but this deserves my enthusiasm. I'll be obsessing over The Besotted Brand until they launch for sure!

Helmed by Miss Tristan B., this polished stationery goods brand aims straight to the heart strings and is going to skyrocket to the stars from day one, I'm sure. Head on over to the Besotted blog for your chance to win the sneak peek giveaway! (Ends Friday, Oct. 7)

{found via Creature Comforts}

Scissors collection

2011-10-03T11:57:00.000+02:00

New in the shop

Tali Y.

2011-10-03T02:33:00.000+02:00

Yulia. By Tali Y.

I'm going to another happy photo shoot with Tali today. We're planning on location sets - first time I'll ever do one in Tel-Aviv. Tali already scouted locations. I still don't know what I'll wear, but I know I'll treat myself to iced coffee after:)

Tali Y.'s portraiture shop.

2012 calendars & new shop!

2011-10-01T09:38:00.000+03:00

I'm so excited! The 2012 papercut wall calendars are here in 2 versions: 3 layers papercut calendar & poster papercut calendar! They're now available for sale in my new etsy shop Woodland Papercuts!

I'm still slowly transferring the papercuts from my old etsy shop The Time Is Now (which will now carry my paper goods, embroidery patterns, canvas papercuts, and prints) and working on listing new ones. I've been meaning to make the change for a long time so I'm very happy it's finally here. I feel unprepared, but that's probably because I accidentally pressed the 'publish' button at 5am.

Wish me good luck!

Shana Tova!

2011-09-28T04:25:00.000+03:00

Shana Tova to us all!
Let the year Taf-Shin-Ayin-Bet (2011-2012) be a good, fruitful year!

Coming soon...

2011-09-23T12:54:00.000+03:00

Yesterday I finally had a products photo shoot set up.
A Canon EOS-D camera, Photoshop CS3, and 4 hours later, I have 710 pictures to choose from. We clearly weren't stingy. Or good editors.

The sad thing is, not all of my papercuts were photographed. I still have no idea how I'll be able to recreate these results in my own studio. Especially now that winter has rolled in (first rain just this morning!). I'm thinking of buying a giant canvas, taping my papercuts to it and taking the whole thing to the street for quick pictures and bystanders gawking when the time comes. And possibly exchanging my Olympus point-and-shoot camera with the Sony DSC camera I used to have but is now somewhere in the Far East on a trip with my twin. I like my Olympus, but it can really only take good pictures in fantastic lighting, which I don't have. I thought I did, but big windows and overhead lighting are apparently not it. Hot damn.

2012 Papercut Calendars

2011-09-22T15:04:00.000+03:00

2010 papercut calendar coming soon. Available in 2 versions: poster and 3-layers.

2011-09-21T15:24:00.001+03:00

Time management is still not my strongest suit. I thought I managed my time yesterday well... until I looked up at the clock and it was 20:00 and I was only half done. What happened?! I feel like I'm wading through this milky fog of time perception; am I moving slower than everyone around me? Papercutting is hypnotic work, but I never noticed until I started setting daily deadlines.

Still, I'm being productive and having fun doing it. And looking at the picture above, it's what I feel like: dreaming & playing. Hooray for creativity!

Image credit:
Rus Anson | via Domesticetch

2011-09-20T19:46:00.002+03:00

Twin Fawns | Peregrine Hoing

I've been watching the first season of Bravo's Work of Art series, where they bring a group of young artists to compete for a solo exhibition and a cash prize. Like Project Runway, but with art!

I watched the whole season from start to finish and I found it really entertaining. I did not agree with the judges on occasion, which is always interesting. I certainly did not agree with their opinions in the episode in which the contestants had to illustrated a book cover. First because they didn't include Jaime Lynn's cover for Dracula in the top 3 (though yeah, the typography needed a lot more work). Second because they then went and picked Mark's Dracula cover as an exceptional cover design, which I found just insulting to illustrators everywhere. It was not a good illustration, it was what artists think commercial illustration is. According to them, a big yawn. To answer that I'd like to point them in the direction of Sam Weber, John Howe, Vania, Fumi Nakamura, James Jean... the list goes on. So suck it, judges! They did end up selecting the best piece there as the winner, which was a no-brainer when you saw it (the critique portion of that episode felt redundant, even). It was John Parot's cover for The Time Machine.

My favorite artwork during the competition was Abdi Farah's grand self-portrait inspired by nature. But I really thought Peregrine Honig should have won the finale. Her carnival exhibition was fun and exciting and I wanted to buy the wax sculptures! My absolute favorite is the photograph above entitled Twin Fawns. If it didn't cost an arm and a leg I would buy it. I completely understand her attraction and emotional reaction to these sweet, slightly disturbing and highly fascinating taxidermy sculptures. Apparently it took her 2 years to acquire the fawns from a curiosity shop in her town - I'd be loath to part with these beauties myself if I had them. I wonder who was the artist who originally made them...

Looking to move to Israel?

2011-09-19T23:29:00.001+03:00

Today I was called to Caesarea to photograph my parents' villa. They've been renting it out to families and special events for a few years now, but they're looking to sell so now they're also putting it on the market. So hey, if you're looking to rent (or buy) a fully furnished vacation home of unique architectural design (the house is round!), with a big garden and swimming pool, indoor-outdoor living area, sun-bathing balcony, party kitchen, five bedrooms and five bathrooms, private parking and ocean view (the beach is actually in walking distance), in a quiet, upscale neighborhood in a gated community - drop me a line and I'll get you in touch with them! The house is available to rent for as little as 2 days, up to a year or more. We're flexible like that.

My studio: August

2011-09-19T21:46:00.002+03:00

I know I'm (nearly) a month late in saying it, but I'm really pleased with how August went. Not just because my birthday is in August - and I finally bought myself that cardboard deer head I've wanted for ages - but because of the work I did on the new ketubot designs. I sketched about 20 and finalized around 16 designs, 12 of them I cut, 10 made out to the shop. Ah, the process of creating! There were so many I had to tape them to my walls in the end. And that's when I realized I don't have a lot of wall space...

Credit:
Photo was taken August 15
Cardboard deer head | Crembo.co.il

Miss Silhouette

2011-09-18T13:40:00.002+03:00

New papercuts to be available for purchase soon.

I am still struggling with taking product photos. Me and cameras do not get along. I've become adapt and manipulating photos in Photoshop, but there's a limit to what can be done. You don't want to know how dark, blurry, tinted and grainy the photo above was before I tinkered with it. And I took it during the day, too! Sometimes I think my computer is doing something to the photos during transfer to make them turn out this way (they look better - bright and in focus - on the camera, I swear!) but I haven't caught what it is yet. I've tried taking pictures at different times of the day, in different places, against different backdrops and nothing seems to work. I even reset the camera to its factory settings, thinking it'll clean up its act. Nothing.

I'll keep on trying, though. What do you think of the white on white look?

My birthday photoshoot

2011-09-16T22:38:00.001+03:00

Yesterday my friend Tali, who's a professional photographer and artist invited me for cake. One thing led to another, we had my birthday photoshoot which we've been postponing since the date. So yeah, this is how I look aged 26 years. Wow, did not think I'd make it out of my awkward childhood intact. I'm still kind of gangly, skinny with a less-than-perfect posture, but that's what I have Tali's photographs for. Look what a difference a year makes! This is a portrait of a different Naomi from 25 years old me. For one thing, I've already started ticking off goals I've set myself. At last, the birthday photoshoot is now officially a tradition!

Looking at the photos, they came out a bit bridal, though it certainly wasn't on our minds taking the picture. Tali really liked the play of white on white, said it reminded her of my papercuts. We did a series in color in different outfits, and a series in black and white in just this ensemble. It was fun! We attempted to use props, like a marching drum, but I kept cracking up so it was a no-go. Too bad. Next photoshoot I want to use a giant red balloon. And wear shoes. We'll see.

In the picture:
Crinoline | Swank Underpinning
Necklace | Wild Thing
Deer Terrarium Ring | Woodland Belle
Tops | private collection

On my desk

2011-09-14T13:30:00.001+03:00

Paper flowers from Caramelos
Vase from Golf&Co.
Antlers necklace from Wild Thing

New Autumn collection!

2011-09-11T14:17:00.001+03:00

The Autumn collection of my papercut ketubot line is now available to purchase in the Urban Collective shop!
Comprised of 10 new designs featuring pomegranates, birds and flowers, this collection celebrates nature's more demure side.

Traditionally, ketubahs are used in the Jewish faith as a marriage contract between the bride and groom. The highly stylized and ornamental posters are traditionally gilded and adorned with highly detailed papercut imagery, and couples frame and hang them in their homes. These days, the ketubah is used in secular society to display the newlyweds’ wedding vows or love poems, and they are also commissioned for anniversaries and other special occasions.

The papercut ketubot are a collaboration between Naomi Shiek of Woodland Papercuts and Jennifer Raichman of the Urban Collective. The papercuts are designed and hand-cut by myself, Naomi Shiek, using the best artist tools and paper. They are a separate layer placed over Jennifer's big colorful prints. Jennifer offers a range of texts that will work for many different backgrounds, including: secular, reform, conservative, orthodox, interfaith, anniversary, vow renewals and more. You can provide your own text and she can translate it into Hebrew for a small fee as well. The ketubahs can be printed in any color you'd like to match your wedding colors. Handmade with the finest materials to last forever, these ketubahs are true heirlooms.

The papercut ketubot are sold by the Urban Collective in the US & Canada. For international orders contact me or Wendy who's in charge of orders at the Urban Collective.

You can see more of the 2011 Summer and Autumn collections on my blog here.

Urban Collective shop

Woodland Papercuts shop

Headboard art

2011-09-10T00:09:00.000+03:00

Is this Blood illustration by Sam Weber too frightening to put up as a giant poster (think 2 meters wide) over the bed? Hmmm...

Gift packaging

2011-09-09T07:29:00.000+03:00

Happy Day!

2011-08-29T09:43:00.000+03:00

Glitter cupcakes | Joielala

Today is my birthday! It's also my sister's birthday (one of the perks of being a twin) and my father's birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US!

Everyone decided to postpone our birthday meet this year, so I planned a fun photoshoot date with my friend Tali like last year, but my father called me up yesterday and asked me to come spend our birthday together up North. He's even offered to chauffeur me all the way back! I'm looking forward to sparklers and lazing about.

Working on...

2011-08-28T14:34:00.000+03:00

... New ketubot designs. I'm surrounded by autumn flowers, birds and beautiful trees, it's heaven. After the first collection I now know to take into consideration the complexity of the designs, seeing as how I'd have to cut them repeatedly. Lesson, learned!

sketches of autumn collection, work in progress

Eating out

2011-08-26T14:48:00.000+03:00

Source: 4.bp.blogspot.com via Ivette on Pinterest

This week was Gourmet Week in Israel, and lots of restaurants around the country participated in a special campaign offering a full meal for low prices. Several of those restaurants are in Tel Aviv, and in walking distance from my apartment. I figured this was an opportunity for me to try out food I've never tasted before. So I picked the one closest to my home (just around the corner, in fact) and went to eat a three course meal.

Now only a few days before my 26th birthday I figured it was time I tried fish. I tried salmon for the first time in my life, and sweet potato chips, and espresso ice cream. They tasted good. I don't think I'll ever order salmon over chicken, but I now know I can eat it. I ate calf meat and potato puree and it was all good. The hamburger was so big I took it home. I was pleasantly surprised, now I have one more place I can eat at.

Just bought

2011-08-24T12:36:00.000+03:00

Just bought this stunning 24"x36" big poster by Sam Weber. He painted The Fisherman's Wife for The Society of Illustrators who needed promotional material for their 53rd annual exhibit.

Letterpress video

2011-08-24T12:12:00.000+03:00

Have you seen this clip called Let's Press by Strawberry Malitia and Graphic Fury? Love the music, too.

Let's Press from Strawberry Militia on Vimeo.

After 2 months...

2011-08-23T19:48:00.000+03:00

Work and birthdays and plain laziness have kept me from this space for so long. My apologies. I'm sick today (should have known last night when I felt that telling tickle in my throat) so I'm stealing a few minutes between bouts of misery to post a quick update. So few minutes in fact that I don't have any pictorial evidence to share with you about all I've done since I last posted here. Or, well, here are 2 sketches of new papercut ketubot that will be available soon.

My mother's birthday, which was 2 months ago to the day and the last time I posted, was low-key and great. She loved the tinsel and sparklers:) I've since went to the Bezalel Graduate Exhibition and was hugely impressed, finished custom orders, filled out ketubot orders, and celebrated birthdays of friends and my little brother. Later this month, mine, my twin and our father's birthdays!

Yesterday I bought Rifle Paper Co.'s 2012 Botanical Calendar, the only shortcoming of which is that the month's lettering cuts into the illustration on each page so cutting the illustrations out and framing them at the end of the year is not a foregone conclusion. On their jobs page they have an opening for part time to full time Assembly Specialist. I know with my graphic design degree it's not the job position I should be looking at but PACKAGING and CRAFTY PROJECTS - those are magic words to me. Make me wish I lived there so I could apply.

Oh well, back to my own drawing board...

I Love Mom

2011-06-23T10:59:00.000+03:00

Source: twigandthistle.com via Naomi on Pinterest

I'm leaving for a few days to celebrate my mom's birthday. Tinsel streamers, paper flowers and paper cake included!

Two New Flower Papercuts

2011-06-21T21:40:00.000+03:00

In continuation of my last post, above is the mock-up of the two new flower designs from my Papercut Ketubot line. These two round up the list of new designs added to the collection. They are the Orchid and the Hydrangeas.

New papercut ketubahs

2011-06-20T13:49:00.000+03:00

Mirrored Flowers papercut ketubah | Corner Peony papercut ketubah

I am such a flake sometimes. I completely forgot to post about the new additions to the Papercut Ketubot collection I collaborate on with Jennifer! For several months now I've been collaborating with wedding stationery designer Jennifer Raichman on a special line of hand-cut papercut marriage licenses (called 'ketubot'). They are poster-sized and very beautiful in person. Imagine one of these with your marriage vows or poem printed on there, propped up at the entrance to your wedding reception. Or as a guestbook poster you can frame and hang proudly as a wedding momento. The ketubot are made from 2 paper layers: I cut each one by hand (the top layer), and Jennifer prints out the custom text layer for the clients. We launched just before the wedding season and I'm happy to say it's going well. We started out with 8 designs, that clients could match with Jennifer's stationery or my own Woodland Papercuts invitations (I've written about possible combinations here), and I've now added FIVE new designs, and we're planning on at least 3 more in two months' time. There are now 14 designs in the ketubot collection.

The peony designs prove to be the most popular, so I've added more variations of the flowers to the collection, something a bit more streamlined than the ornate Peonies Frame and Peonies Border designs. I also realized I never shared a clean picture of the Corner Peony design here. The pictures are mock-ups of the new peony designs, so you can see how my hand-cut papercuts look against a white or a color background. As always, you're welcome to click the images to see them on a larger scale.

Small Peonies Frame papercut ketubah

Single Peony Frame papercut ketubah

Links:
Naomi Shiek & Jennifer Raichman's papercut ketubot
Woodland Papercuts - handmade invitations

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

2011-06-19T08:03:00.000+03:00

I first became aware of Alexander McQueen's work when I was a fashion design student in 2000 or 2001, I think. It was about the same time I first saw John Galliano's work, I remember. There was some news coverage about their dramatic runway shows and of course I was captivated. A few years later I actually touched one of the clothes he designed, a tailored jacket from his 2004 winter collection if I'm remembering the timeline right. For a teenage nobody who never even saw a designer's boutique before, this was HUGE. It's still huge for me. I remember the sales staff looking at me like I contaminated the clothes or something. Man, I always dreamed of owning one of his clothes one day. It's when I see videos and photos of exhibitions like this one here that I wish I was a globe trotting fashionista, I would really have loved to see them in person.

DIY letterpress printing... sorta

2011-06-18T00:41:00.000+03:00

From MIKA78's blog, here's a testimony that if you try hard enough, are creative enough, nothing is out of reach. Even cool packaging - with a debossed logo in gold ink. Ingenious, really.

{I WANT} bedding

2011-06-16T18:01:00.000+03:00

I did this post in February, when LOVE was in the air, gushing about the most romantic bed set I've ever seen. It was the Rivulets duvet cover seen below, which is sold by Anthropologie exclusively online. *sigh* Be still my heart.

Anthropologie Rivulets | $328

I thought this was the fluffiest, dreamiest duvet cover I've ever seen until I saw this one - Georgina, also sold by Anthropologie. I hear soft piano ballads playing when I look at it. Zoom in on those gorgeous Dahlia flowers, how do they do that?! So pretty. I think the pillows are gorgeous, a must have accent to the set, but I don't see them on the site (maybe they sold out?).

Anthropologie Georgina | $368

Last night I also found this bold graphic duvet by Oh Mabel (via Creature Comforts), which is a really great versatile piece. Also, a nice change from the romantic Anthropologie sets. It is lovingly called Ziggy Zaggy Quilted Doona. And now I have another blanket on my Wish List. This is getting ridiculous. And none of them are cheap, alas. I really do need a duvet now, I just retired my torn and stained one I've had for at least the last 10 years.

Oh Mabel | $339

Man, if I could justify that big a purchase to myself - I would buy them. Or just one. As it is, I saw that the pretty diamond pleated sheet set on Anthropologie is on sale and I bought it! Which I'm excusing since I needed to take the plung anyways, and hopefully at the end it won't cost more than the average set sold here in stores. This is my first time purchasing from Anthropologie so I hope it gets here alright and in good order. I'm using a special courier service to get it to Israel, which I've also never done before. With the duty fees and everything I think (I hope) it will come to about $120 (400 ILS). The set got a really bad quality review and I guess that's partly why it's on sale - but I hope I'll have a better experience than the reviewer. I took my chance, anyways. Time to see if Anthropologie is all hype or not.

{Etsy recs} Karoline Schnoor

2011-06-15T13:50:00.000+03:00

Last Christmas I saw Karoline Schnoor's beautiful and whimsy cards in her etsy shop, and immediately bookmarked her. Last week I finally got around to buying some after seeing her letterpress cards (printed by Bison Bindery). I bought make a wolf and fox cards, too! They're so awesome. They arrived in a matter of days, too, which is always a thrill for me, being used to snail-paced international mail.

Links:
Karoline Schnoor's official site
Etsy shop

The quest continues...

2011-06-14T23:43:00.001+03:00

...The quest for presents that is. It's hard coming up with things my friends and family will like, especially when looking at blogs like Dandee's (to whom incredibly awesome gift ideas seem to come so effortlessly *sigh*)

My mom wants a giant wall map for her birthday (yes, I've been forced to ask everyone for a list of things they want. I'm a big supporter of gift registry). This isn't what she had in mind, but how cool is this gold foil scratch off-map? They even managed to squeeze a tiny version of Israel into it.

Sold by Urban Outfitters for $34

Found on oh hello friend blog who happened to have a map-themed post today and I thought 'Whoa! This is cosmic!'

Custom ketubah

2011-06-12T18:15:00.000+03:00

A day late, but here's a glimpse at what I was working on last week.

A friend from university called me 2-3 months ago to tell me she's getting married. I showed the card I sent them then here. She asked me to make a papercut ketubah for her. I was very flattered she even entertained the notion to let me do this, and jumped at the chance to give such an awesome wedding present.

She gave me the text, and wanted something A3 size. Her brief said deer, trees, and woodland creatures. Since I needed to send her a draft I opted to draw it directly on my iMac. I wanted something that'll match the card I sent them (pictured above). She was very receptive to what I came up with. After a few quick changes, the final result was this:

Ayelet & Kobi are getting married this Tuesday in Jerusalem. Congratulations you guys!

Letterpress video

2011-06-10T13:26:00.001+03:00

I woke up a week ago with a frozen neck and a pinched nerve that affected me down to the right arm. It feels like each day I get more range and mobility back to my arm, and each morning I wake up in pain again. Could it be my bed?

It made everyday chores and working hard but I've been careful not to make it worse. Thank goodness I'm left handed or I wouldn't be able to cut at all (or type). I'll show you tomorrow what I've been working on this week. I'm hoping that like with the pinched nerve and mild infection I had in my lower back earlier this year, this too will pass with time. Hopefully this time quicker than 2 months.

In the meantime, I have letterpress on the mind again in the wake of the National Stationery Show. Waiting for new stationery previewed there to be released... Have you seen this video by Naomie Ross?

Letterpress from Naomie Ross on Vimeo.

Wedding Invite Love giveaway

2011-06-08T23:52:00.001+03:00

Tracy from Wedding Invite Love - the curated wedding stationery gallery - is having a super duper giveaway with superb letterpress goods from a select few vendors on her site. And, as a Wedding Invite Love vendor myself, I donated two exclusive papercuts worth over $50 to the pot!

So go over to the giveaway post to find out how you can win them and the other pretty stationery now.

{Image taken by Tracy for the Wedding Type Blog}

{Letterpress Series} The Hungry Workshop

2011-06-08T18:37:00.000+03:00

Check out these AMAZING notebooks by The Hungry Workshop, who were commissioned to design something the attendees of the Mohawk Show could take with them from the event.

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. 'Damn, I want to go there!'

The Hungry Workshop also posted an amazing video showing the process of designing and printing these. Very pretty. They make amazing things, that studio. Really fresh and inspiring.

Aim True { Letterpress with The Hungry Workshop } from Simon Hipgrave on Vimeo.

{Seen on Lovely Stationery}

{Letterpress Series} Paper Tiger Press

2011-06-08T02:41:00.000+03:00

Paper Tiger Press are a high quality letterpress studio operating out of Singapore. Their work is crisp, detail oriented and very fine. They specialize in classic and elaborate designs for fine stationery. You get a sense of their luxurious design style looking at their site. I love how streamlined everything is, and how they stylize their products. You really get a sense of the handmade in their work. It's clear that they love bespoke orders (custom orders), and making something unique and artistic for their clients. I love that they even make custom stationery sets for clients (for example this) and their edge painting is very vibrant and spot on. They don't shy away from challenges, either, and coming up with high-quality results (for example, these blind impression cards).

Even better, Paper Tiger Press understands the plight of brides on a budget. They have a special sale on four gorgeous designs that you can customize (my favorite is the art deco Empire) - up to 70% off listed price, and free personalized thank you cards. That's unheard of!

Links:
Paper Tiger official website
Paper Tiger special wedding stationery sale
Paper Tiger blog

Accessories Market

2011-06-06T01:46:00.001+03:00

I went to the Accessories Market, a 3 day fair in Tel-Aviv that ended yesterday. I had 500 ILS in my pocket, but I ended up spending close to 1800 ILS (damn those credit card machines)! After a year of following my favorite jewelry designers and never buying, I caved and bought everything! Well, more than 2 necklaces, which was what I had originally planned to buy. I even bought earrings - and my ears aren't pierced!

I do feel good about my purchases, though, I finally indulged myself with pretty jewelry, and supported Israeli designers and the handmade community to boot. Not bad of me:)

I bought necklaces and a bracelet from two favorites I've been ogling for a year - Michal Ben Ami (who was featured on Design Break) and Keren Asaf (who I wrote about before, and she has an etsy shop too). I also bought a necklace and a pair of earrings from Shlomit Ofir (who also has an etsy shop) and my surprise find was this beautiful spine-like necklace by Ravit Mahalal (also featured on Design Break. She used to have an etsy shop, tell her to reopen it!).

My biggest purchase was a pair of sexy leather shoes by designer Michal Miller. I'm already planning on buying 2 more sandals to complement my summer wardrobe, so they were more than I would ever pay for a pair in a shop - more than I ever did! They are pretty, though. I wore them home.

The only thing I held back from buying were these gorgeous bags from two separate brands. They were way more than I could afford after investing, not spending! (as my mom would say) so much on jewelry. But they were gorgeous leather bags: Kika by Keren, and Feinschmecker by Yael Finkelstein.

This was my first Accessories Market and I really enjoyed the atmosphere. There was music, food, and great finds. I doubt I'll spend so much again, but lets call that my little weekend indiscretion, shall we:)

Paper Cutting Book

2011-06-03T05:16:00.000+03:00

I first learned of a new book featuring the art of papercutting on Elsa Mora's blog where she gave a sneak peek of the book cover. My jaw dropped. A while later I saw the book, now titled Paper Cutting, on the Chronicle Books Publishing site, scheduled for release in April. Elsa also released some preview shots of the book. I pre-ordered it on Amazon and last week I got it. I know most of the artists included in the book, but I'm happy to find some names that were new to me. For instance, Mia Pearlman, whom I especially loved. I liked the little texts about each featured artist, and the introduction by Natalie Avella was well-written. I really liked the book format, the quality and size of the pictures, and the layout overall. The only downside is that a lot if not all of the pictures are available online (in fact I have most of them on my computer), so I'm disappointed there weren't any new works featured.

Links:
Elsa Mora's All About Papercutting blog
Sneak Peek of the book cover in progress
Preview of the book

Pre-order on Amazon.co.uk
Pre-order on Amazon.com
Pre-order on Chronicle Books

{Letterpress Series} Snap + Tumble

2011-06-03T01:08:00.000+03:00

I LOVE Tanya of Snap + Tumble goodness. Why? Not only because of her wonderful work, but for her personality and generosity. I read her blog, I fell in love.

Snap + Tumble is a small design and letterpress studio located in Toronto, Canada. The brand is known for these awesome pop-up shops on Big Cartel filled with limited letterpress goodies that sell out instantly. Tanya designs and prints custom work for any need in small and big numbers. She's also sharing her knowledge and spreading the letterpress love with beginner workshops.

On the right side bar on the Snap + Tumble blog there's a list of popular posts which share with the reader Tanya's printing tips and her personal story of how she got started. That's probably my favorite feature on the blog.

Links: Website | Blog

get well soon dear

2011-06-02T00:25:00.001+03:00

My twin sister was hospitalized last week, which put my whole family in a spin. She went into surgery and she's now recovering at home. Some docs and nurses need to work on their bedside manners and apparently I look nothing like my twin. I also caught the flu and my whole work schedule went down the drain. It's been a hard 2 weeks.

I work better under time pressure, anyways...

This morning I finally finished sketching a long-overdue ketubah for a friend's wedding. I treated myself to a chat with a friend on the beach. Tomorrow I'm going to gorge myself on Dutch treats at my local Dutch food boutique and visit some galleries. Hooray!

{Image from Paper Lovely}

Nadinoo

2011-05-23T18:34:00.000+03:00

I first spotted Nadinoo on etsy a year ago. They quickly became blog darlings with their sweet dresses and retro tops. You know how there are clothing lines for little girls that are copies of the women's collection? Mommy-daughter get up? Nadinoo's collection feels to me like a woman dressing up in those little girl's clothes I wish I had growing up. A romantic throwback to childhood. This is a Peter Pan world, my friends!

Official website
Online Boutique
Blog
Etsy shop

The perfect soundtrack to the Nadinoo shopping experience:

Wrapping Paper

2011-05-20T16:59:00.001+03:00

These coming months are rife with birthdays. It looks like all my friends, not to mention all my family, were born in the summer. On one side, this makes Summer all the better, gives it a really celebratory party feel! On the other, I have no idea what to give my loved ones and I'm really regretting that people have stopped making birthday lists ahead of time. Man, the cards are hard enough! It's the first time in my life that I have money to spend on my loved ones, and I'm sort of struggling.

Anyways, good grief, if all my problems were like that:) I'm a perfectionist, and obsessing over the minute details. Like the gift wrapping, for example. This beautiful nautical paper for example IS PERFECT for my dad's present, who's a retired Navy Captain and has a PhD in naval strategy. I just don't know what I'll be wrapping!

Link: MINImega
{Found via Paper Crave}

{I WANT} Paper flowers

2011-05-14T17:36:00.000+03:00

12 paper Cottage Roses | $60 (not incl. sh&h)

Woodland romantic paper roses bouquet | $125 (not incl. sh&h)

Blogger was down for a few days, and I went into style withdrawal. My reading list is full of paper & design blogs based in blogspot. Scary thought to lose them. But I filled up my time with online shopping instead. All family birthdays are coming up this summer.

What do you think about these gorgeous flowers from origami shops My Bohemian Summer and Bragging Bags? They look to die for. The shops also take custom orders for any occasion. I definitely want.

Another coat I want!

2011-05-11T01:21:00.000+03:00

Even though summer is already here (and maybe because) I'm still looking at coats. This one marries my love of bows with my favorite silhouette. Double-breasted is the best look for me, I know, and the bows make a lovely impression of it.

Lolita Petal Coat by Ihyeasy | $245 (not incl. sh & h)

Happy Independence Day!

2011-05-10T02:56:00.000+03:00

Source: sn115w.snt115.mail.live.com via Whitney on Pinterest

Happy Independence Day to Israel! Our country is 63 years old today!
This is the day when everywhere from cars to balconies is covered with flags, everyone are dressed in white and blue, people are having barbecues and pool parties! Hooray!