Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Paper sources (no pun intended) to check out!

I received an email today from a fellow illustrator, Melissa Lind (www.melissalind.com), who asked me about where I get my paper. Being a cut paper illustrator I have traveled far and wide to find the best selection. I wanted to post about this because finding great paper shops can be really difficult depending on where you live. Before I moved to Ohio last year I lived in Boston, where I had access to lots of paper shops (some of which are listed below). But when I moved to Ohio I found that what I had in Boston was hard to find. I no longer lived within walking distance of Paper Source (probably one of my favorite stores of all time), nor was I a T ride away from Rugg Road Paper Company. Life was tragic. But then I realized that because I had obsessively been shopping in these shops for almost two years, I could easily go online and buy all the supplies I needed. Now, I want to mention that I was very opposed to this idea. I DON'T SHOP ONLINE. I am a tangible experience kind of gal. Especially with paper, I need to see it and touch it before I buy. However, until Paper Source decides to open a location in Ohio, I will be a digital shopper. And ultimately, my online shopping still allows me to support my ex-local shops, seeing as I know their inventory so well :)

So here are some of my favorite paper shops that I hope those of you out there who love paper as much as I do will support:

www.paper-source.com - They sell paper from all over the world along with lots of other amazing items. They also have multiple locations all over the country.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/mikis-paper-berkeley - Miki's Paper - Berkeley, CA - the most beautiful Japanese paper selection you will ever see in the states.

http://www.ruggroadpaper.com/ - one of my favorite paper stores in Boston, MA. They also sell handmade papers from all over the world.

http://www.thepapermermaid.com/ - I don't think this place sells online, but if you are ever in Rockport, MA you should pop in. Very cute!

http://www.katespaperie.com/ - New York City - paper mecca (as I like to call it), this is place where my paper fetish started. They have some of the most beautiful papers I have ever seen.

http://www.onpaper.com/index.php - Columbus, Ohio - great paper and a stunning shop. The first time I went in this shop I just wanted to live there (okay that sounded a little weirder than I intended it to...but you get the idea). It is very beautiful inside.

If any one has any other great paper shop suggestions, I am always looking for a new shop to visit!!

Smithsonian recommends A Garden for Pig!

The Smithsonian recently published a gift guide including great books about food for kids and listed A Garden for Pig as one of them! Check it out:

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Turkey Day!!

Because it is Thanksgiving tomorrow (my absolute most favorite holiday) and I won't have time to post a Thursday Sketch, what with all the eating I will be doing (elastic pants here I come!), I wanted to make a point to list what I am thankful for this year...

My family, who although I don't get to see very often because I am the black sheep who lives in Ohio, I love dearly.

The new friends I have made here in Ohio, especially one fabulous writer who has been such a great friend to me.

My Frank, who talked me into moving to Ohio, a year ago today, and I couldn't be happier with the decision I made to come here.

Frank's family, who has made moving here and not knowing a soul (other than Frank, of course) so comfortable and easy. They have been so wonderful to me and for that I am truly grateful.

My fabulous agent, Mary Kole, and all of the amazing doors she has opened for me this year, including a new book deal with Penguin and the wonderful Nancy Conescu.

And of course Blue, Egg, Pig, and Pelly, who have all been a huge part of my life this past year. I get to wake up and be creative every day and that is something I wouldn't trade for anything.

Happy Turkey Day!









Thursday, November 18, 2010

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Original Illustrations For Sale on Etsy

If you are interested in some of my original pieces, I have just posted six original illustrations on my Etsy site. These pieces were all developed using words from Illustration Friday, and created using cut paper, pencil, paint, fabric, and other various mixed media. I hope you enjoy them!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Thursday, November 4, 2010