For years I created my papercuts for clients and didn't know how to name my style. It wasn't traditionally Jewish, or Chinese, or Polish, or graphic, nor strictly Minimalist or loosely Victorian. That is, until I had a client in 2014 who wanted all Jewish elements - with a spin! We're talking peace doves, and Jerusalem, and Sabbath Candles, and the Kiddish Cup, etc... (SEE NOUVEAU JUDAICA). It came out so well in fact it became one of my favorite designs, a point of pride for me to define what JUDAICA NOUVEAU means to me (and if you're wondering about the word-wsitchoroo, I don't know French well enough so I'm just winging it.) And this design is loved not only by me - but by other couples getting married who fell in love with the imagery and the style and kindly asked me to create new versions for them!

I realize I hadn't updated the blog for months, so I went through my unedited photos folder and found so many designs I forgot to post! This is one of them, and I can't for the life of me remember why I shelved the photos - Guys, it has the TARDIS!

Elizabeth & Leah reached out to me more than 2 years ago to create a ketubah that will reflect them in all their elegant, playful, fannish glory. When they pitched the idea, the first element they mentioned was that the Tardis had to be hidden in the design somewhere. They also wanted a take on the Twin Trees design with Dogwood tree and Norwegian Pine tree on either side to symbolize them, to join over the text in an arch with a selection of their wedding flowers at their roots - oh and their pets! They sent thorough reference photos and I started drawing!

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While the SHOP SALE is still going strong, I wanted to introduce you to Asya & Cathy. They first contacted me last year to create their custom heirloom ketubah. They shared their personal history and love story with me so I may capture it all in the details of the design. Right from the start their warm and gentle spirits poured out of the letters. Asya was one of the most pleasant people I have ever had the pleasure to correspond with!
Chicago plays a major role in their personal lives. It's where Asya grew up and where the two met. It's where they both matured into adults, where they both now live and flourish, and where they will marry. Their wedding venue was at Lincoln Park Zoo under the nature boardwalk pavilion, a favorite date spot of theirs. It's a pretty sweet love story that Asya wanted to honor, especially as Cathy isn't Jewish but appreciates how important that cultural piece of Asya's identity is to her. I hope the ketubah honored it all!

From their first date tulips to the orchid room in the Lincoln Park conservatory, we decided on a design enveloping their wedding vows that will feature all the flowers important to them, some hidden references (can you spot the Chai and the DePaul university emblem?), and their wedding venue. We all became a little bit smitten with the magnificent end result!

A bespoke design I did for a wonderful couple who got married earlier this month. It has hidden birds, squirrels and best of all deers in there amongst the trees and foliage of the Wisconsin Forest.
LOVE.