Paper Stores, Part 3 - Impress

In case part one and part two didn't make you jealous enough, Jacob and I visited a third paper store in the University Village during that fun expedition! Unlike Papyrus and Paper Source, this shop is not a giant chain. There are just three stores - all within the Greater Seattle Area. You probably know by now how much I love small businesses, so that made this one that much cooler. =) The store's name is Impress, and their specialty is rubber stamps, but they did carry all sorts of pretty paper and other craft items.

Super cute store fronts are always a big bonus for me. I love their faux giant stamp display! And just in case you didn't know they were a stamp store before...

But they do have paper! Pretty ones too.

I am also a bit of a sucker for glitter. I've found that Stickles glitter glue comes in handy for paper journaling and paper crafts. Plus, look at all of the pretty colors!

Also a little obsessed with washi tape. Who isn't these days?

One more peek at the stamp wall and a cute scalloped table display. So many cool stamps! Oh, and those are pretty chevron and other patterned wax paper bags below the stamps.

How adorable is Impress? Also, I didn't forget my promise to show you guys what I got from the three paper stores. I had a shocking amount of self control when it came to these purchases! But part of it could be because I was really excited about what I got Susie for our exchange - I'll wait until she gets her package before I post what I got for her here on the blog. Don't want to spoil the surprise!

I picked up a pretty 6x6" scrapbook paper back and a roll of hot air balloon paper from Paper Source. Then some super cute paper carnival ticket cutouts and a baby blue Stickles glitter glue from Impress. Nothing from Papaya this time around. Can't wait to use these! I've been really obsessed with hot air balloons lately... so many possibilities! =)

What's your favorite paper store?!

It's Paper Dear Review: September 2012

You may recall that a few months ago, I tried out NatureBox (reviewed June and August), my very first subscription box. I mentioned that I had a hard time finding a box that suited me. As much as I loved the concept of NatureBox and a few amazing snacks they featured, I ended up canceling it. For me, it wasn't worth the price. I think the concept of the subscription box is a lot of fun, so I was pretty disappointed that it didn't work out.

Jenny to the rescue! She posted about It's Paper Dear, a cute little paper store run by super-sweet Zie. One of the items Zie sells in her shop are paper goods subscription boxes. Score!! Exactly my type of box. I signed up for the three-month subscription, and my first box arrived yesterday!

My Review - September 2012 It's Paper Dear Box
Check out these goodies in all of their glory! The background for the pictures is actually the pretty tissue paper that everything in the box was wrapped in. The yellow polka-dotted bag is hiding more inside. There were tons of cute things in the box, so I grouped them into general categories and took detailed shots so you can really see everything I got.

Sticky Notes & Pen & To-Do List
The little kraft folder holding a mini-pen and colorful sticky notes was super cute. I actually have a lot of sticky notes in various colors already, so this wasn't the most exciting thing in the box for me. But it definitely gets points for cuteness and I'll add it to my collection or give it to a friend. I adore the mini patterned sticky notes (white with orange & blue). Even though I do have tons of post-its, I really like collecting unique/patterned ones. The pen is pretty standard but the mint green color is just gorgeous! Plus the shop's name is so cute that the branding actually makes me like the pen more. Love the design of the To-Do List printout, although it might be one of those things that's so cute I don't want to use it! At least not for every day stuff... but maybe for a "life to-do list" type art/scrapbook project. Possibilities!!

Pretty Papers & Cutouts
I am a total sucker for pretty papers. Of any kind, really. I probably wouldn't choose these designs for myself at the store, but that's kinda what I love about a subscription box. Honestly, when it comes to paper patterns, I will find a use for everything - and sometimes interesting papers are what inspire my cards or art journaling pieces. So in summary, I like it! Also love cute cutouts - they are double-sided, making them more versatile. I'm not really sure what to do with the S, so I guess I'll have to be creative on that one.

Notecards & Tag & Postcard
Never hurts to have more pretty notecards! I love the striped mini-notecard. Gotta love anything with that many colors! It's the perfect gift tag size, but I'll probably be selfish instead and use it for an art journal spread. The papaya pink tag is pretty, but I was more excited about the chevron wax paper bag it came in! The paws print postcard (from one of the September It's Paper Dear sponsors) is not exactly my thing (although I really like some of the other postcards in her shop), but I can always send it to a friend I think would like it more.

Stickers
Apparently I never grew up, because I LOVE stickers! The sheet of label-like stickers will be perfect for all sorts of things. So pretty! I am a huge fan of stickers with some depth, so the pretty patterned "n" (which could also be a "u") will get used somehow. The kraft sticker has a cute silhouette but wasn't anything special. Bird? Very pretty! But my favorite is that bear... it's hard to beat red + black + predator for me!

Embellishments & Business Cards
The fun minty green lace doily gets points for being my current favorite color! Loving the gold sequins and the detailed think pink plastic heart. Flower button was cute too. And the pretty, delicate ribbons will definitely get some use - I love those colors! Yeah, yeah, I know... business cards aren't "supposed" to be part of the gift. But they totally are for me... I collect them. The cards were from this month's featured vendors, who contributed items to the box. The Little Pink Studio contributed the pretty ribbons, while Nature's My Friend contributed the postcard and bear sticker.

Pricing / Options

One month - $20 + $6.20 US shipping

Three months - $54 + $18.60 US shipping total ($2 savings per box)

Zie makes a set number of boxes each month. You purchase ahead of time for the following month (or three months). If you're interested, just be sure to purchase a listing early as it could run out. She also ships internationally - if your country isn't listed, you can contact her. Box ships the second week of each month.

You should always check the It's Paper Dear shop for most updated pricing & info. Zie also posts updates on her blog.

Overall

I am very happy with my September box! Unfortunately, the sticky note booklet was probably what you'd consider one of the larger items for the month (I think it counted as this month's journal?), and as I mentioned, I have a lot of those. Not the box's fault, I just have too many. I appreciated that everything was packaged very nicely, and I'll certainly re-use the wax paper bags. Overall presentation was great, with a consistent color scheme while still providing a wide variety of products. I was very happy with the sheer number of products included, and liked or loved almost everything in the box. Based on the number of products and careful selection, I think the pricing is reasonable.

Bottom Line

I would definitely recommend this box. Looking forward to the October box and to using everything in I got this month! I'm hoping for a washi tape next month! =D

Paper Stores, Part 2 - Paper Source

Last week, I posted part one of my epic paper store outing at the University Village with Jacob! Paper Source was the second of the three stores and it was definitely my favorite. Found lots of goodies for my exchange with Susie here and I really wish I could post a picture of all the cuteness, but I want it to be a surprise for her! I took pics though so once she gets her package I'll share it here!

Absolutely love the saying on the wall. Due to the placement of the lighting, I couldn't get a better picture... but really. Do Something Creative Every Day? That should be my life motto.

Things I love: pretty paper! These might actually have been intended as wrapping paper... I'm not entirely sure. But I do know that as much as I love really pretty wrapping paper, I never use it for the intended purpose. It's just too pretty!

The store was filled with uber cute things! Owl mugs, journals, printed file folders, calendars, notepads... pretty much any paper good your heart could desire and then some.

Things I need (and yes I'm already thinking about it in September): a pretty 2013 planner. I'd get the Papaya owl one below if it was less pricey. Well, I am still contemplating getting it...

For anyone who hasn't been to a Paper Source, they really encourage creativity. In addition to having all the necessary supplies, their employees often do paper projects like cardmaking. You can see their beautiful results all around the store. What a great idea - gives the employees a chance to exercise their creativity and gives customers ideas on how they can use the supplies at the store! Love it. They even hold some craft classes in the store.

Ready to head to the nearest Paper Source yet? Heh. I did also treat myself to a few pretty items from the store... you'll see that in the paper store finale, part three!

P.S. If you don't have a Paper Source near you, they do have an online shop!

Paper Stores, Part 1 - Papyrus

A little while back, Susie posted about a Dutch paper goods shop that she had ordered a few cute things from. I lamented that there were so many pretty things but I couldn't read anything on the site... so Susie suggested an exchange. She would order the items I liked for me, and in return, I would send her a surprise package of paper goods from here. Best idea ever!! Despite being so busy it isn't even funny, I told Jacob nearly every day that I wanted to go to the paper stores in the University Village. After weeks of wearing him down, we finally went! Haha. Spontaneously made a date of it, going to one of our favorite restaurants there and of course visiting my favorite cupcake shop.

The University Village now boasts not just one, or two... but three paper goods stores. Win! We visited all three, of course. First stop: Papyrus.

Now, I've definitely seen Papyrus all over the United States (and looking at their website, in Canada as well), so it's no small mom and pop store. My favorite part of Papyrus is usually the gift wrap section. Look at that immaculate display!

However, Papyrus is really more of a card store than anything else. Greeting cards galore!

Found this adorable card and just had to take a picture. How cute is this?

In the end, I didn't get anything from Papyrus, but it's always a fun place to look around!

Do you like going to paper stores? I'll admit that I also bought a few presents for myself... The fun thing about paper stores is that you can usually get a few little things without breaking the bank. Stay tuned - I'll post about the other two paper stores soon!

Art Journaling: Steampunk Marie

It's been so much fun following along with Jenny & Aaron's art journaling classes! After last week's super girly page spread, I thought I'd go with something a little different this time! Ever since coming across the Steampunk craze a few years ago, I have to say I've been fascinated by the design side of it. It doesn't really fit my usual style, but it has definitely been in the back of my mind.

A little while ago, I came across some cute Steampunk bird scrapbook stickers on sale. Then a book of Steampunk scrapbook papers, also on sale. I gradually started my collection, but I haven't made anything in the theme yet. Until now!

Per Jenny & Aaron's very good advice, I secured the binding with washi tape (no masking tape to be found). Selected a piece of scrapbook paper from the book mentioned above. Brown with a lightly printed grid and very cool textured cogs all over. Cut it to size and secured it to my Moleskine pages with Mod Podge.

Next, I mixed up some paint. As much as I love my pastels, it was a refreshing change going for dark colors this time. Mixed up black, green, and shimmery metallics. Starting in the lower left of the spread, I dabbed it on with my paint brush, trying to enhance rather than cover up the textured cogs.

Stamped a partial movie ticket border in black on the bottom right side. Mixed up a dark gold-ish paint and stamped up the left page with a hot air balloon stamp. Stamped white & grey clocks. Painted a bit of light grey-blue in the lower left corner. Added a dark Marie Antoinette ephemera image I bought from an etsy shop a while back. Added decorative dark blue-green washi tape. Stuck on another random scrap image on the bottom left. Painted over it some with watered-down paint. Added my Steampunk bird sticker.

Added a tag I bought from another etsy shop plus some cappucino baker's twine. I didn't have any gold washi tape, so I painted over a strip of gridded white & blue washi tape. You can't really see the grid lines, but I used a watered-down gold paint mix to leave them visible. Stuck that at the top.

The tag felt too blank and incomplete, so I drew up a quick beaker + my signature skull design on a white index card (most of the drawings I use for my art are on white index cards - they're cheap and sturdy!). Outlined in pen, then painted over it with my dark green paint mix.

I cut out my beaker from the index card. Took advantage of the dotted texturing on the tag and used the white-metallic paint mix to make it look cloudy. stuck on the beaker. More random paint spots to highlight the cog texture.

It still felt too plain, so I cut out elements from a few more pages in the Steampunk scrapbook paper book. Wasn't feeling particularly creative, so I chose "m" and "A" for Marie Antoinette. Added some handwritten text to the ticket. And yeah, again I couldn't think of anything profound... so "industry" it was! Covered everything in a layer of Mod Podge.

I'm not totally sure what I think of this week's page spread. I am pretty happy with it overall, it's just very different from the kinds of things I usually make. Plus, it's just very brown for me... But that's the point of art journaling, right? To try different things - different themes, styles, whatever. No rules! I'm determined to experiment more with Steampunk-themed spreads in the future. But maybe I'll wait until I pick up some more Steampunk elements as I felt very limited in making this spread. Then again, that's what drove me to add things like the brown tag and the Marie picture, and to draw the beaker. Creativity is born out of necessity, right? Right. I'm going with that.

********************************
Art Journaling is a weekly feature where I share a page spread from my art journal. The idea began with Jenny & Aaron's classes, which they share weekly on Everyday is a Holiday. You can see all of my art journaling posts here.

Art Journaling: Sweet Couture

For this week's art journaling spread, I began with a picture from a magazine. Recently, I began tearing out pages and articles I like from magazines before recycling them. I looked through my pile of torn-out pages and came across a beautiful pink and gold perfume ad. Absolutely loved the color scheme; an idea began to form. I cut out the image and found a beautiful scrapbook page with golden text and overlays of light pink and blue leaves.

Pastel pink and blue is one of my favorite color combinations and it seemed to go nicely with gold. Used Mod Podge to secure my scrapbook paper. Pulled out some pink washi tapes to add. Cut out some fancy glittery shapes from more scrapbook paper. Cut an uneven scallop mini-border.

I had a lot of fun mixing a shimmery blush rose gold paint... and finally, a chance to use my beautiful damask stamp! Stamped up the pages. Secured most of the elements on the page.

Added some paint blotting and shimmer to the pages, along with the key cutout.

More paint. Stamped blue paint. A crackled crown cutout. Shimmery pink paper.

Super girly and sweet, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out! Can't wait for more of Jenny & Aaron's art classes! Even if you don't plan on art journaling yourself (although I hope you do), check out their pages - I promise you will be amazed. =)

********************************
Art Journaling is a weekly feature where I share a page spread from my art journal. The idea began with Jenny & Aaron's classes, which they share weekly on Everyday is a Holiday. Previous art journal pages:
  - Everything We Can Imagine is Real
  - Carousel Dreams
  - Every Day is Cookie Day

Art Journaling: Every Day is Cookie Day

This week's art journaling was very much inspired by the spread in Jenny & Aaron's second class. I did my own sweet take, but borrowed several elements. You'll see!

I tried out kraft paper this time, as they've mentioned in their classes. Used Mod Podge to secure it. Unfortunately, I don't think I waited long enough for it to dry... oops! Beginner mistake that they even mention. Heh, well now I'll know to wait longer next time! I ended up with little air pockets. So what did I do? Well I actually didn't notice until after I had painted most of it (my own mixes of pastel purples, watered down white, and lightened gold). So I cut the air pockets with an exacto knife, crammed some Mod Podge in the cracks to flatten out the painting, and then painted over it again. Definitely not idea, but I figured I would cover most of it up later with additional elements. Plus, it's an art journal. If there's every a place to make a mistake, it's here, right?

The idea for this theme began to form when I (as usual) browsed through my scrapbook paper packs. I bought this awesome "sweets" pack a while back, which is full of desserts and glitter. I knew I wanted a purple theme. I wanted to use that purple striped paper in last week's journaling but it didn't work out, so I thought I'd start out with that this time. For some reason I felt it went really nicely with a sheet of chocolate chipped cookie paper, so I cut two out and put those together. The "Every Day is Cookie Day" idea came about when I was trying to pick a washi tape and decided on one that lists the days of the week. What better way to tie in the theme?

I wish every day really was cookie day! Drew out some text with black pen and colored it in partially with purple gel pen. Added a little green kraft heart sticker.

I was a bit stumped about what to do with the left side of the page. So I looked to Jenny & Aaron's page for inspiration, and seeing as I love the archway element, I thought I would borrow it. Just needed something to go inside. Well, what could be better than a cookie recipe book? (Except milk, which was Jacob's idea... a good one too). So I cut out some tiny piece of paper, bound them using cappucino baker's twine, and stuck my little book in the archway.

And here it is! I am pretty happy with how this page turned out.

Now on to look for cookies! Just kidding... if there were any in the house they'd all be gone by now. =)

Art Journaling: Carousel Dreams

I was completely floored by the positive, encouraging responses to last week's mixed media collage & art journaling post. Everyone - thank you so much! I truly appreciate it. I'm starting to realize (again) the value of art for enjoyment (as opposed to only making art for a business-related purpose). I've vowed to myself that no matter how busy I get, I will always make an effort to make time for art.

As soon as Jenny posted her and Aaron's first art journaling class, you can be sure I devoured it all. It may have been close to midnight (in Seattle) and I had to wake up early for work the next day, but I couldn't help it. Watched the video, read every word, and thought about what I wanted to do with my journal. Decided on a theme: dreams. And a color scheme: pastel.

After work on Thursday, I immediately started drawing a carousel. I wanted it to feel fun and hazy, like a sweet midsummer dream. I started drawing in pencil from the top. Added detail, then some of my favorite animals - some fantastical, others real. I realize now that for proportion's sake, I should have started with the animals, because as it turns out, I had a hard time drawing them smaller. Ah well, dreams don't have to be proportional, right? =)

Several hours and a black pen later, the basic outline of my carousel was ready. Of course, it was really late by then... so I waited until another day to start piecing it together, but I was excited to have finished the first part. I called Jacob over, and a slightly depressing conversation ensued.

Me: "Can you tell what the animals they are?"
Jacob: "Yes, I see a dragon, a horse? Wait, it has a horn, so it's a unicorn... a flamingo, a shark... and either a sheep or a pig."
Me: "..... a SHEEP or PIG?"
Jacob: "Yeah, I don't know! What is it supposed to be?"
Me: "Try a cat? Panther, to be specific."
Jacob: "That was my next guess."

Yeah, sure. Either I need to brush up on how to draw a wild cat, or Jacob needs some animal flash cards. Possibly both. To be fair, my panther didn't have whiskers yet. Initially, I had intentionally left them off, seeing as it was a dream panther and it didn't feel right for some reason. But you bet I added the whiskers in after that conversation.

Cut my design out with an X-Acto knife to prep it for my page.

We spent most of the weekend packing for our move (instead of visiting family and friends in Portland as we had originally planned, sadly). In the evenings, while Jacob played video games, I retreated to my creative space to continue working on my journal. I colored in my carousel with a set of gorgeous colored pencils Jacob's mom gave me. I mixed up my pastel paint colors, lightening some further with white paint and adding a tingle of shimmery silver or gold paint to others. Following Jenny and Aaron's tips, I also watered the paints down a bit, which really helped the colors flow and gave it a dreamy feel. Then for the fun part. Loose "stripes" of paint in various colors, some of it overlapping and blending, with strokes of shimmery metallics lightly brushed over parts of the surface.

 I let that dry and then used Mod Podge to attach and seal my carousel. Painted on two fluffy clouds.

A few days went by while I took care of more business preparation and moving-related tasks. Finally, tonight, I had another chance to sit down and finish my piece. Added dream/thought bubbles made out of glittery white-ish scrapbook paper. I had also thought up a quote earlier in the week, while contemplating carousels (yes, I really just said that), so I included it in my spread. Per Jenny and Aaron's class suggestion, I added a decorative faux stitching border to the bubbles.

Made one of those adorable mini banners that I seem to see everywhere these days (no complaint from me!), using buttercream baker's twine from The Twinery and little triangles of patterned paper.

Lastly, two mini hearts. Finally a reason to use my tiny heart-shaped hole punch from the $1 bin at Michaels!

Have you done any art journaling lately? I would love to see it! I have been having so much fun checking out the blogs that are linking up to the art journaling classes. I love how Jenny and Aaron are starting this little blog movement, encouraging art journaling and providing guidance. I love seeing people participate, overcoming any fears they might have about their own art abilities or about posting them for the world to see. This kind of art is truly for the artist, which is possibly why it speaks so strongly to me. It is just so genuine. If you are on the fence about wanting to start your own art journal, I really hope you check out their classes and just go for it. And leave me a link here if you do! After all, what's the worst that could happen?

=)