Mew Paper Arts

How a house becomes a home.

2008-02-25T09:43:00.001-05:00

Sideboard
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

In the past 8 years I have moved seven times. Seven. I guess I was restless. I started with my first ever apartment in Bedford Hills NY with who would end up my fiancee` at the time. Then to White Plains, NY then to a house that we bought together after getting married. Sadly, divorce split us up and I moved again to a new apartment--a tiny studio back in Bedford. And then back to the house in Carmel while waiting to sell it. And then back to a third apartment in Bedford. And now...here. My home.

I didn't realize how unsettled I had become and how much of an emotional toll that kind of wandering took on me. With so much moving I didn't amass many possessions. I didn't like holding onto anything for too long because I knew what a strain it would be to pack it up.

But now I feel settled. And in my new home where I've lived for two years I have a few items that have travelled with me from the beginning. Like this little sideboard. My mom found it at a tag sale, much worse for the wear. She brought it home and she and my dad worked to refinish it, strip and polish the hardwear and give it a fresh coat of paint inside and out. I think it may have cost $10.

It is one of my favorite things.

2007-10-12T21:20:00.001-05:00

Jacked-up Shruti
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Remember Shruti? Well, I kind of miss him, so I immortalized him in felt! Or, I guess I should say I ATTEMPTED to immortalize him. I've never tried needlefelting, but there are so many beautiful examples of it on Etsy, like this, this or this. Woolpets sells ready made kits with everything you need to make your own little pet. I broke two needles making Shruti. I definitely need practice, but this is definitely a fun, meditative craft. I'll keep you posted on my progress

2007-10-09T21:24:00.001-05:00

Bruno--courtesy of Cicada Studio
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

A loyal customer indeed--what better promotion than this?

This is baby Bruno, the brand new, second son of my friend and fellow Etsian Michelle of CicadaStudio. Michelle is into the signs of the zodiac and since Bruno is a Leo, he needed this.

Look at those sweet, chunky arms! Don't you just want to squish him right up?

Thanks for making a cute baby to wear Mew goods, Michelle!

Shruti the tiny dinosaur

2007-09-16T15:39:00.001-05:00

Shruti the tiny dinosaur
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I found this guy while I was out walking...his shell was dry dry dry with a crusty layer of dirt. There was no water in sight. He was hardly any bigger than a quarter. I can't resist a tiny thing, so I picked the little feller up and carried him home...he tried to scramble a few times, but I promised him a strawberry if he behaved.

He's a baby snapping turtle--someday soon he'll be a giant meanie who might bite your foot off if he's hungry. I put him in a bucket with a touch of water and Dino and I drove him off to the wetlands preserve to give him a new home. I have no interest in keeping a turtle for a pet--especially one that will grow into a beastly dragon in a while!

Soon as we put him in the water he was getting along just "swimmingly". I named him Shruti--and I've been thinking about him all day. I hope I did the right thing.

You should have a holiday party...

2007-09-08T10:31:00.001-05:00

Holiday Party
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Ask Martha Stewart or Rachael Ray for some easy hors d'oevres recipes, hang a few paper pom poms from the ceiling, and have a few cocktails before the guests arrive to keep your stress level at a minimum.

Oh, and use these invitations. Please don't send an e-vite. I will do all the work for you--you just have to seal the envelopes. Can you handle that? Trust me, it's better for both of us this way.

; )

Home Improvements

2007-08-27T14:57:00.001-05:00

DSCN2232
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Yeah, so you know HGTV? They're full of crap. It's nearly impossible...no, it IS impossible to complete any home improvement projects in two days or less. This heft project took us three full working weekends.

The kitchen was a horrendous shade of pickled wood before this...like a nasty pinkish tone. So in phase 1 of renovations we've painted and "distressed" the cabinets to give them that sassy Shabby Chic look.

As we were taking the doors off initially I mentioned, in passing, that it might be insightful of us to mark which doors came from where. But Dino, in his omnipotent confidence found that extranneous. Welllll...such lack of planning led to approximately 394 attempts at rehanging the doors in the right place. I'm no contractor, but once in a while I get a good idea.

Well, the hard part is over and now we have cabinets that we're too nervous about ruining to actually use. The Fantastic bottle is getting a lot of use as i go about chasing finger prints on the doors!

I'll keep you posted as phases 2 (a granite countertop later this month) and 3 (a pressed tin backsplash) progress.

2007-08-09T21:12:00.001-05:00

Mew for Kittens
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Oh the Gocco! Oh, oh, oh the Gocco! What fun I had. Thanks to my dear friend Heatherjeany over at Etsy (who's having a kitten of her own soon!) I got the hang of this little device and had a lot of fun playing. I did waste three white onesies trying to get things just so. I really like the way the blue looks on the turquoise top. Have babies, and then make them wear these.

Fa-fa-fa-fuh-reeee!

2007-08-08T20:06:00.001-05:00

Freeeeee!
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

That's me singing and chanting the joy of the free-ness of this delightful find! They were throwing this sucker away at my office because they got some fancy schmancy new stuff. Well, I've been eyeing these in the Staples catalog--do you know how much they cost new? Well, neither do I exactly, but it's way more than FREE! Now, it's looking a bit pathetic at the moment with only three piles of paper in the slots, but I have a gigantic shipping due in tomorrow or Friday and I will organize the bejeevers out of it! Could you imagine the free-for-all if I could get my hands on one of those p-touch labeler gizmos?

2007-08-08T10:49:00.001-05:00

Sun Salutation
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I was twiddling away at my desk with a very specific idea in my head to design something with a fluffy dandelion. It was all figured out, and then that concept was pushed out of my tightly packed brain to make room for this one! I definitely can't keep too much information in there at a time. So instead of a soft, organic dandelion I ended up with these sharp, modern circles that have this weird undulating effect when you look at them--and that's withOUT mind-altering substances. They're a delcious orange color with a soft grey printed on shimmering silver paper. Buy them here. Do it.

Mew is spreading...

2007-08-07T13:24:00.001-05:00

Pile
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Be careful or you'll catch it! This hefty pile of goodies went out early Monday morning for shipping--some to Texas, some to North Carolina and even some to Australia! Every little sale I make via Etsy is such a treat! I love spreading the love! Won't you join me? Tell your friends, tell your sister, tell your boyfriend's sister. If you have time, you can even tell your boyfriend's sister's sister.

2007-08-01T17:48:00.000-05:00

Dudes, the WTF Department has been busy!

Well I totally intended the "Updates from the WTF Department" to be a weekly thing, at most. But on my trip to Trader Joe's at lunch today I encountered so much weirdness that it really couldn't wait.

Trader Joe's, if you don't know, is a kind of small, alterna-market. They have an artist who paints their signs and windows. Well, did I ever learn something about that artist today! LOOK at this picture of little Susie Q. and her mom on the mountaintop! Is it just me or does that knee look dangerously like a giant boner??? Yeah, I thought so. I pointed out my photo to the clerk and he said the artist "sneaks" in naughty images when she can get away with it! They actually had to REMOVE the one with the giant baguette poking northward out of a busy shopper's crotch!!! I got such a huge kick out of this that I felt I needed to share it with you all.

Oh, but it didn't end there. While mindlessly browsing the fruit and giving the white nectarines a squeeze I encountered THIS sassy fella! Oh, that's right, he's a fella, not a lady! Though I bet you chicks wish you had a set of gams like this guy! Yeah. Those are platform peep-toe wedge heels he's sporting.

Ummmm....WTF???

Look What's New at Mew!

2007-07-31T17:34:00.001-05:00

Heels
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Whoa. I kind of forgot that it would be a good idea to keep designing new things. I got stuck on custom orders and went back to yoga and got very distracted! But I'm back, and I made something new for you! I'm pretty sure you all might need a set of these darling notecards with your name on them--or your friend's name. Or if you're feeling good, your boss's name. I'm just sayin'--get a set. The cuteness is unbearable!

A brief message from the "WTF? department"

2007-07-29T18:34:00.001-05:00

Wait...whaaa?
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

In case you're ever in any kind of trouble with your pickles--be it the jar, the juice, the contents, worry not...because now you can get "real help in real time" at pickles.com

Just remember to have the package when calling.

Ummm, are you kidding me?

2007-07-18T20:33:00.000-05:00

A Sneak Peek, just for you, loyal readers!

I was almost tempted to say "loyal reader" and address this to my mom, but thanks to M. Lee's daily blog role call I've gotten many more readers. So thanks for that, Mariss!

I'm busy in the studio developing a new Mew holiday line...every day a new idea kind of squirts out. Unfortunately, most of the time, the squirting comes out in the midst of an important work meeting when I can't get the illos down on paper. I sneak off whenever I can and jot my ideas down--I hope if I'm out one day no one has to go through my notes at my cubicle!
Enjoy the preview...more is coming. These are not posted in my Etsy shop just yet. In fact, I'm going to ask you all to give me your feedback--when will you begin thinking about holiday shopping? And sending holiday cards? And don't give me that "Oh, I'm lucky if I can get the gifts wrapped, let alone the cards sent" bit...I'm onto you! That's why I started early--so there will be NO excuse not to touch base with your aunt's third cousin's veterinarian's twin mother's brother in law this Holiday Season!

I'm pretending I'm right here...

2007-07-18T09:51:00.001-05:00

Cape Cod
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Instead of in a 5x8 foot cell covered in fabric that could undoubtedly be reused as ace bandages. No, it's not REAL jail, but it's my cubicle at work--close enough. It's grey, gloomy, rainy and humid. Harumph.

This photo was taken last year in early September on Nauset Light Beach on Cape Cod. The kids and families had all gone back to school and the beach was deserted. Stormy weather had just blown through and made the waves aggressive and picturesque. It was a playground for the seals!

Perhaps we'll return this year...

2007-07-16T21:27:00.001-05:00

Gocco
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I'm pretty sure I just joined a cult!

I bought a Gocco. What got into me? I can't read Japanese for one so how the HECK am I gonna know how to use it??? Heatherjeeeeeeany...hellllp meh!

Well, truthfully, everyone in the world of Etsy keeps singing the praises of this jaunty little device so I wanted to give it a shot myself. I have every intention of using it to print some of my favorite Mew characters on fabric. I'm not so sure that I'll ever be using it efficiently enough to do my stationery with it.

But a gal's gotta have an adventure in her life time so what the hey, right?

Seriously. I HAVE to go back to Yoga.

2007-07-05T14:21:00.001-05:00

Yoga Studio
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

As usual, I overslept for work today, but in the early morning I had kind of fomulated my outfit for the day in my head. so I could just leap out of bed into my clothes and out the door basically. Yeah, well...it didn't go so well this morning.

I tried on three--that's right, I said three--different pairs of pants this morning before settling on this raggedy pair from years ago. Those other three that fit me so beautifully earlier this year gave me a camel toe SO BAD I swore could have picked things UP with it!

Sorry if that was too much information. But do you kind of know where I'm coming from? Trying to grow Mew Paper Arts took me out of the yoga studio...and now i have to just stop making excuses and get my butt back in gear.

2007-07-04T14:48:00.000-05:00

I never leave a market empty-handed...

Well, this past weekend's open market in Providence was lean on sales, but certainly not on excitement! Five minutes into my set up, I was smashed on the head by the display from the booth behind me! Yowser. Poor Marie from Galvinized Headwear felt horrible...we milked her sympathy all day, even though the worst of it was just a goose egg! She sent me home with one of her original handmade headbands to cover it! I made some other fun trades along the way too. I got this funky bottle of "Roasted Ghosts" and those darling mermaid tags from Darlene of Ursula and Olive in exchange for a pack of Sassy Girl Notecards. And from Melissa of Hobo Camp Crafts (a die hard Harry Potter freak) I got the world's cutest felt scrap birdie pin. She took a pack of book notecards because she said they reminded her of her beloved Hogwart's! Believe it or not, even a stationery designer herself sometimes picks up a card...and I scooped up these two from Pish Posh Design. The luscious scent of black vanilla soap from My Urban Kitchen fills my linen closet.

But best of all...this sweet little bunny necklace. The girls of Mooka & Looka were right beside me and brand new to the market and to selling at all. I saw the bunny first thing and wanted it for myself--Dino's nickname for me is Bunny...how fitting! But by mid day it was gone--sold to someone with a deeper wallet than me. Boo. Later that night when I got into bed and pulled back the covers, there was a tiny kraft paper box with a familiar stamp on it...and inside was the bunny!

What a guy, What a guy!

2007-06-29T20:02:00.001-05:00

Wanderlust
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Very soon you'll be able to find some of the Mew Paper Arts collection here at The Wanderlust Boutique. Wanderlust is the brainchild of two fun and funky sisters who were bitten by the travel bug. Meg and Meilani run Wanderlust out of sunny San Diego, Califor-nye-ay. Besides my stationery, you can find delicious jewelry, home accents, bath and body products and more unique goodies from all around the world.

2007-06-26T14:47:00.001-05:00

Come one, Come all!
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I'll be back at the Providence Open Market this coming Saturday, June 30th. If you're in the area, stop on by--you won't be disappointed by all the delicious handmade goodness at every booth!

2007-06-26T09:45:00.001-05:00

Ornametal Jewelry
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

You ready for this fun coincidence? Somewhere in the etsy forums yesterday I noticed a seller from Danbury, CT--that's where I live too, sillies! So I dropped Ms. Ornametal Jewelry a line and casually mentioned where I lived...turns out she lives in the NEXT BUILDING OVER to me! We are neighbors! Aaaand, they have craft nights at the local pub--which I think is riotously funny, but I can't wait to join! You need to see the rest of Lauren's gorgeously organic handmade adornments right here.

2007-06-25T18:49:00.000-05:00

A Peek into my sketchbook...

Well, if you know me, than you know how my studio normally looks--paper scraps strewn hither and thither, unopened mail in stacks, and hordes of envelopes atop scores of paper. It's not necessarily a mess...to me anyway!

My sketchbook is similar. In fact, it's not even a book. It probably was once, like back in college when it needed to be handed in and graded. Now it's leafs of paper torn from my tracing tablet, or the back of an old mortgage statement. I keep the "book" which is actually a folder full of these brain farts on paper, in a little porta-filer-job type thing. And for your viewing pleasure I'm sharing a few snippets with you.

This is how it generally starts...an idea in pencil on paper, then refined in pencil with tracing paper, then refined a second or third time usually! If it's a lucky drawing it ends up in color pencil on tracing paper and as a notecard that I wish
for you to someday send!

2007-06-20T19:53:00.001-05:00

Holiday Card
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

When do stores start going Christmas Crazy, October? I feel like when the Easter Bunny is on his way out he's high-fiving Santa on his way in! Well in the spirit of jamming the holiday cheer down your throat, here's a sneak peek of something you can expect to see in the Mew Paper Arts collection this fall!

The Passing of Time

2007-06-20T11:14:00.001-05:00

Birthday Boy
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

One year ago I stood by while this little boy, this brand new human, took his first breath. Such a fragile spirit he was once! In one year he's gained pounds, sprouted hair, cut teeth...he's a different person! It's seeing life change right before you eyes that makes the passing of time a reality.

2007-06-11T17:08:00.001-05:00

Becca Lights
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

When was the last time you received something awesome in the mail? Well, I guess if you're an Etsy shopper that happens pretty regularly...if you're not, then get on the stick, you're missing out! I came home to FOUR packages today...

One had paper supplies which I needed to get jobs done.
Another had my sassy little Luau earrings from Gemmafactrix. Yet another had the most special thing I've ever bought on Etsy--the Seahorse pendant I told you about. It was packaged so beautifully and it's so dainty and perfect.

Buuuutttt...the most enticing one of all...my scented candles from Becca Lights. Baked Bread...no, I'm not kidding. You light that sucker up and you are IN a bakery at 5 in the morning. It is so delicious I can't convey it in words. You will have to go order one for yourself and experience the magic. This is my new go-to place for candles from now on!

This is how I know I'm alive

2007-06-11T11:25:00.001-05:00

Alive
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I breathe the sea. I stand on the earth and let the waves prove to me that it's moving. I eat the sunshine. I feel like I can see all the way inside of this little planet I live on. When I stand in front of the massive ocean I know how tiny I am, but my presence is the truest. I live for these times...when the rest is left behind even for just a few days, when the morning sun wakes me up, and time isn't counted.

2007-06-06T08:45:00.001-05:00

Seahorse
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I couldn't resist...doesn't it remind you of a deliciously frosted ginger snap? Good enough to eat. This cool necklace was featured on the front page of Etsy this morning in a treasury list full of creamy colored goodness. I bought the seahorse from DreamsandJewelry--check out the shop for one of your very own!

2007-06-03T18:32:00.000-05:00

The Chappaqua Strawberry Festival...yeah. It sucked a big, sweaty pair of gorilla balls.

And that's all I have to say about that.

I didn't hit the target

2007-06-01T10:34:00.001-05:00

Cosmos
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

with these custom designed invitations, but I'm happy with the result none the less. My buyer is looking for more of a peony theme. No problem. I can do that. But in the meantime, I've come up with another design to add to my portfolio and maybe to my shop a little later. Maybe they'll make pretty blank notecards. I love it when a mistake turns into a success!

2007-05-31T20:34:00.001-05:00

So I shared with you where I work. And I work where I live. Here are a few peeks into the rest of my home. My studio space is one of 2 bedrooms on the third floor of my condo. I've lived here for about a year and a half, and Dino joined me this past November. Our bedroom is my favorite place to be I think. My therapist said I needed to stop "retreating to a cave-like atmosphere". I think my therapist should scratch my a$$. It is a bit cave like, but it's safe, and cool and quiet. My dad helped me paint it and he dubbed it "battleship green". Not a fan. By the way, don't be fooled into thinking it's ever looked like this again--most of the time you can't even tell that wicker chair exists!

Same goes for the living room--mail, shoes, laundry piles...not always, but when I'm busy with orders the housework surely gets neglected. Most of these pics were taken when I had just moved in, so things are a bit sparse. Since then, I've acquired the coolest coffee table that was $30 from Home Goods. My dad chopped the legs down for me, polished it up and it's good as new!

The kitchen is cozy--which is an alternate way of saying small. But for me I guess it's plenty. I loathe my standard contractor grade tile and can't wait to replace it someday. Also wouldn't mind refinishing my borderline-heinous pickled cabinetry. For now it's totally livable. Our first big project will someday be dark wood flooring in the living room. My dining room is actually my favorite room, decor wise, but I have no pictures of it at the moment.

Mostly that's it...I mean there's more to it than those rooms, but none worth showing in the state it's all in.

Enough about me. Isn't there a CSI marathon on?

Work area

2007-05-30T11:53:00.001-05:00

Work area
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I always am curious about where artists do their work. I thought it fair to reveal my studio space to you. I live in a three story town house with two bedrooms. My second bedroom is tremendous with plenty of room for a bed off to the side and all of my necessary equipment. Now, I may have pulled the wool over your eyes with this photo but the truth is, it's usually a PIT. I mean, mega mess. Typically you'll find 3-5 empty cups, mugs and wineglasses on any or all of the flat surfaces. If you can walk without stepping on a stray shoe, a box full of packing peanuts or a heap of paper scraps than you are more agile than I. The TV is there for Thursday nights only--Grey's Anatomy. Other than that it's rarely on. In fact, I often don't even bother with the stereo. I'll admit that I prefer things to be organized in there...but getting it and keeping it so is my greatest challenge.

2007-05-26T16:51:00.000-05:00

The glory of Humble Glory

If you're an Etsy regular, then you know Ben. You've probably already bought something from him. If you haven't, then you should. If you smell bad, then you deeeefinitely should. I finally made my very first purchase and just the other day the package of goodness arrived...a sampling of several different fragrances that Ben mixes up himself. Yeah--he's a perfumer. Bet you don't know anyone who makes their own perfume. I asked him a few questions to get the idea of how he does what he does and thought I'd share with you all, my teeming throng of loyal readers!

1. Tell me briefly about your perfumerie--what sparked your interest in scents etc?

It started when I wanted to give my girlfriend at the time perfume as a Chrismas present. The kind I liked (Éclat d'Arpège by Lanvin) was too expensive for me, so I was searching google to find something similar, and I found that you could buy the individual fragrance notes and blend them yourself. Perfect! I can give her perfume, something I made, and save money! Well, it didn’t end up being as easy as I imagined, but eventually I had made an entire fragranced bath and body set consisting of perfume, body spray, deodorant, shower gel, and shampoo and conditioner.

Now I use only natural ingredients (organic sources) in blending my fragrances. This is for several reasons. First, I majored in botany in college, and I simply love plants and flowers. It gives me the opportunity to work with materials that actually come from plants and nature instead of some chemical factory in New Jersey. These natural essential oils cost about ten times as much as the synthetic fragrance oils, but the final product has more depth, quality, and is something I can be proud of. I am now even experimenting with distilling my own plant extracts, which will let me be much more involved in the process of creating my fragrances.

2. How did you learn the techniques that you use?
I have done a lot of reading and research. But there is no one out there that tells you how to make the “perfect” fragrance. So mostly it is lots of trial and error (emphasis on error). Perfumery is all about experimentation in my experience. Its about finding what works together. Often it is things that you wouldn’t expect that end up smelling good together. At least 90% of my time perfuming is spent just experimenting.

4. Some of us don't know that you're a seminary student--can you describe your experience in your college and what drew you towards Armenian (help me with the right word here) scripture? Studies?

Basically I have no Idea what I am in doing in life. So I just continue going to school until I figure something out. In college, I was a Natural Science major because I find science interesting. I took mostly biology classes, and some geology, astronomy, and physics. Since I did not know what I was doing when I graduated, decided to go to seminary to learn more about my Church and its theology, history, music, and language. I am Armenian Orthodox, one of the ancient Christian churches that has existed from the very beginning of the apostles (Rom. Catholic, Greek Orthodox, etc.). I went to seminary at the time mostly because I had nothing better to do. Two years into the program, and I still have no idea what I will do with my life. I could possibly become a priest, social worker, or hospital chaplain (among other things) with this degree, but I am not sure yet. I love caring for, nurturing, and serving. I just need to decide if I want to do this for plants or people or both. Priest or gardener… tough choice.

6. Describe an ideal one-week holiday?

Going somewhere where there is no people with a friend or two, and doing absolutely nothing. Just walking until we are absolutely lost in the middle of nowhere, and then trying to find a way out. Just fill a bag full of supplies (water, food, tools) and just start walking into the woods/desert/jungle/tundra/mountains.

7. When you're not busy maintaining your etsy shop what else might we find you doing?
Studying. Its become my life, at least from September through May. In the summer I work in landscape design, go fishing, ride my motorcycles, play baseball, watch baseball… breathe baseball.
10.What's the mostful useful tool or material that you use to make your products?

The most useful tool for any perfumer is of course the chainsaw. We use this to… nah just kidding. Seriously, if I didn’t have a nose, I wouldn’t be able to get very far in perfumery. So my most important tool is my nose.

9. Tell me about some of your favorite etsy purchases?
I have gotten some really great stuff from etsy! For one of my classmates, I custom ordered a night-lite made of fused glass with an Armenian cross imprinted in it. Of course the “Humble Glory notecards” which you made for another classmate of mine are in my top 3 faves. But my all-time favorite etsy purchase is my “nice rack” t-shirt from the boys over at mixedspecies. It is a lovely chocolate brown shirt with an elk/deer thing with 4 back legs and way to many antlers. Now that’s just too silly.

2007-05-26T16:09:00.000-05:00

www.wickedlychic.com

So this was pretty cool...a gal who writes a column for Wickedly Chic (which is a super cool indie shopping guide that you definitely need to check out) contacted me to let me know she was featuring my Free Bird notecards in a blurb about graduation gifts. Check out the article here. If I were cooler, I could somehow show the page right here on the blog, but what do I know? Aaaand, if you're in the market for a unique and fun, personalized gift for a grad in your life you can't go wrong with handmade stationery!

2007-05-22T10:35:00.000-05:00

A little chat with Jaime Zollars...

Remember a while back I posted about that gorgeous treasury I was featured in? That's how I discovered Jaime Zollars--an illustrator with a knack for whimsy. I fell so madly in love with her Underwater Circus print (if you know me, you're aware of my lust for mermaids) and we ended up doing a trade for it! Now it is mine, mine, mine. It's yet to be framed, but I already have a place to hang it. Via e-mail, Jaime and I exchanged some info and experiences with selling, wholesaling and art in general. I'll share some fun tidbits with you now!

What's your workspace like? Right now my workspace is part of the living room. I've got lots of shelves and piles of things, a big desk, drawers and cabinets and a few prints of art I admire hanging about. My computer desk has a door with tons of post-its on it. (My way of trying to keep organized) but the sheer number of post-its sort of defeats the purpose. MY ideal space would be separate from where I live and would have lots more art hanging around!

Describe an ideal one-week holiday? Right now, I'd have to say something new, but something tropical to enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation by the water. I'd love to see Kauai, Costa Rica, or somewhere on the coast of South America. A longer trip would be more adventurous, like a trip to India or somewhere far away, but there's only so much you can do in a week.

When you're not busy maintaining your etsy shop what else might we find you doing? Checking a bunch of design blogs, reading business magazines, or writing about paper art and toys on my blog, paperforest.com

Tell me about some of your favorite etsy purchases: I love the little pouch with kangaroos I just got from Camp Apparel, the lovely black t-shirt with a graphic white design I got from Harrilu, my Lusterbunny pendant, and my APAK coaster set from Mirrorgirl. There are more, of course, but those are coming to mind.

What's the mostful useful tool or material that you use to make your products? When I'm designing my screenprints, I rely on my Micron 005 tiny black pen. I love those things.

If someone from history or current events (alive or dead) wanted to buy your entire shop out who would you want that to be? The 16th century artist Bosch, since I'm a big fan, or someone like Edward Gorey with bizarre taste and and eye for art. That would make me feel pretty accomplished. I think just having your art bought by someone you respect is the best thing that can happen.

2007-05-14T09:56:00.001-05:00

I wish that there was "Auntie Day"

I wish there was an "Auntie Day"
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

There's mother's day, father's day, administrative professional's day...but no Auntie Day. I would make every day Auntie Day. This handsome little fella is my nephew Mikey D. Yesterday we celebrated his mommy's first mother's day, my mommy's 34th, and his daddy's birthday. Mikey loves company--he's a real show-off. He apparently also loves green bean casserole with fried onions on the top.

Opening Day at Providence Open Market!

2007-05-13T11:20:00.001-05:00

DSCN1244
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Yaaaay. I did it--my first craft show was a lot of fun and a big success! It turned out to be a beautiful day. There was one point during the 2 1/2 hour ride that I woke up from a nap to find gray clouds looming above--not happy. But by the time we arrived (Dino and I) it was clear and beautiful again...little chilly but not bad. Best of all--I got to meet Heatherjeany and her husband Tom in person! Also, Hobocampcrafts and and her husband 247Magnum and PreciousPups, UrsulaandOlive--all from Etsy. I'll be at Providence again on June 30th. But for all of my local friends, stop by and see me at the Chappaqua Strawberry Festival on June 2nd!

2007-05-10T13:55:00.001-05:00

Oh so handsome
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

This is Cooper. Oh, how I love the cat. I could admire him and his little movements (or lack thereof!) morning noon and night. Sometimes I find myself waking in the middle of the night to go down to the foot of the bed to snuggle him. Other times I find myself waking in the middle of the night to him biting my eyelashes and begging for food. Darryl has actually admitted that he gets jealous towards the cat at times! I can't help it though--he just doesn't have the fuzzy white belly, and soft velveteen pink nose that Coop has. Pretty much everything the cat does is cute and gets an approving "Awwwww" from me...for example, when he lays on his back and shows the belly and curls the feet. That's cute. It's also cute when he lays on his tummy and side. Cute when he tries to drink out of my waterglass, cute when he sneaks into the bathroom to hang out with me.

Not cute when he swallows a forbidden piece of ribbon which then comes out in his shit and gets dragged like a little shit pendulum up and down the stairs.

Well...nobody's perfect.

2007-05-10T13:17:00.001-05:00

These would make a lovely gift for yo' momma this mother's day. You can buy them from my etsy shop. This is one of earlier images. I drew this little gal using colored pencils. I used to live in this cool apartment in someone's house and the family that lived there had two little girls. They were so curious and inventive and were always bringing me little gifts that they made. This image was inspired by their generosity and innocence.

2007-05-08T09:36:00.000-05:00

My new favorite thing on Etsy. For serious. This delicious fabric garland was made by Susan Havens-Morris. The artist herself claims that these are "the prettiest things you have ever seen" and she is right on! Each of the these beauties is hand painted and dyed, and of course strung up by hand. Perfect to go across a mantle, a window or to adorn a chandelier. I'm pretty sure we all need one of these. Check them out in Middleburg's etsy shop!

2007-05-07T20:38:00.001-05:00

Aquamarine and Snow Quartz Earrings
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

These have barely left my ears from purchasing them on Etsy from Kate Szabone. I had ordered them a while back and stupid me had the wrong shipping address. So sure enough, they were lost in the mail. But Kate sent me another pair! She's so good. I needed to share the icy goodness with you.

2007-05-06T19:12:00.000-05:00

Practice for Providence Open Market!

Mom came over to help again, arms laden with loot from
her tag-sale raid with Peggy this weekend. Yesterday, Dino and I scored big time with the most adorable paper lanters from Home Goods. He devised a no-fail way to hang them from the inside of the tent and they are absolutely darling. Mom saved Dad from having to construct a shelf himself by picking up the one shown at the tag sale--$5 bought us the shelf and five sturdy wooden boxes. We painted them the Mew color scheme and they are perfect for display. I was a little concerned for a while that condo police would come over and scold me for doing unautho
rized business on common property...so far, no scathing letters in the box. (Have you ever known a condo board member that didn't give a shit? Yeah, didn't think so.) My neighbors, Lisa and Joe and their little tykes Mattie and Daniel came over to get in on the fun--Mattie's a great helper. He's also great at jumping in puddles and riding his big wheel with 20" rims.

So, thanks to my mom and to Dino for their limitless ideas and resourcefulness. Everybody got along pretty well!

Now, tell the truth--would you stop into this booth? Got any ideas for improvement? Post 'em here.

2007-05-04T09:47:00.000-05:00

Even my dad is the crafty type!

Look at what he made for me! All I did was give him a brief description and a sketch and do you see what he came up with? This is for use as a display in my craft booth--but after seeing how beautiful it is I think it will also work in between shows as a bulletin board in my studio. The easel and the frame are two separate pieces--the frame can sit horizontal or vertical. The frame has a darling pink/brown spotted fabric backing and the front is covered with chicken wire so I can pin cards on with clothespins! And then my mom made me the cutest little apron out of coordinating fabric to keep my loot in! I guess the craftiness is in our blood. Dino and I are going to have a "dress rehearsal" in the driveway this weekend and I promise to post more pics then!

2007-05-03T15:20:00.000-05:00

So, these are new...

I had been surfing the pages of a Carribbean Vacation magazine the day I designed these...daydreaming of course. I just kept imagining clusters of giant, cool green leaves, and the vibrant colors of island clothes. My interpretation came out as these notecards when I put it to paper. My original, digital illustration is printed on this cool new paper I got called Paper Bag--it kind of resembles, well, a paper...bag. Each set of 6 notecards measures 3 1/2 x 5 folded and comes with a matching paper bag colored envelope! They would work great as thank-you notes for a tropical themed wedding. I'll be posting them on Etsy soon, promise!

2007-05-03T08:52:00.001-05:00

Chocolate Mountain
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

No, no. Don't adjust your computer screen. You're not hallucinating. That is an ACTUAL mound of authentic Cadbury chocolate bars. It came to us from our friend Jaynie (of Jaynie's of London fame) straight from the UK. There is one called "Bubble"--and when you bite into it it's basically chocolate foam. Oh, the goodness. Thanks Jaynie.

Oh, and if you're ever in need of rockstar style lingerie goodies (as I know many of you faithful readers may be--not you mom!) check out Jaynie on Myspace here. She does all kinds of funky costume design for some celebs across the pond. She's even made a few naughties for me!

Tiny Things

2007-04-30T21:35:00.001-05:00

Tiny Things
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I love things tiny. Did you know that about me? I had a shadowbox when I was a kid where I had all sorts of tiny things like dollhouse food. These are tiny lampwork hedgehogs which were bought at a darling little shop in Hudson NY. When I was young my best friend was from Germany where hedgehogs are like squirrels here. We had matching hedgehog puppets named Oskar and Eela.

A useless tidbit for the vault...I love things tiny.

2007-04-30T17:27:00.001-05:00

Ack--too busy for blogging!

Too Busy to Blog
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Here I go, making a big hulabaloo about my new blog, and then I went and neglected it all weekend. I had irate phone calls from adoring fans for two days straight! Yaaa...sure I did.

Well, anyway, I've reappeared, basically feeling like I look in that picture! Super swamped, a little overwhelmed, mildly frantic and charged with excitement! Claire jumped in with me yesterday--and I'll tell ya, she's a fast one! She can fold paper and glitter cards lickety-fast--like 20 (her) to 10 (me)!

The studio is beginning to look a bit like a warehouse--with packs of notecards, and supplies all about. I just made the looming tower for effect--doesn't it look daunting! Then of course it collapsed--I hope that's not an omen of what's in store for Mew Paper Arts!

Believe it or not, I removed myself from the studio for 1/2 a day yesterday and cleaned the house--laundry, bathroom, vacuum, the whole bit. Aaaand--(hold your applause please) I even cooked! I figured Dino deserved a hot meal for all the help he gives me!

Back to work with me!

2007-04-27T16:11:00.000-05:00

Treasury Screenshot
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Isn't this a beauty? For those of you unfamiliar with Etsy Treasuries it's a collection of items that a member selects to showcase. Typically they focus on a theme and this one was entitled Red Bird Blue and curated by Second Sister. The color combination is striking the items grouped together make a beautiful impact. I just was so glad to have my Wild Garden notecards featured amongst these yummy items!

2007-04-26T19:07:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Long ago and far away I made a dear friend named Claire Widman. We were classmates in highschool studio art (where our teacher made both of us cry at least once senior year!), took a few classes together in college and then drifted apart. Trusty old myspace brought us together again and the timing couldn't have been better! Claire and Andrea of Awildabeast fame (oh, you'll swoon for Andrea's darling "scuff" sets) have collaborated to create Moonshot Studio--an illustration studio to rival the big boys. Check out their website for yourself and help spread the word!

2007-04-26T15:26:00.001-05:00

Trunkt
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I just became a member of the fabulous Trunkt Design Lookbook. What a cool site. It's a virtual tradeshow for retail buyers to go and scout out new merch for their stores and clients. The work showcased here is top-notch--you will no doubt find some very neat stuff for yourself or for gift giving. Check out my Lookbook here!

2007-04-25T20:49:00.000-05:00

Meddling with Medlin

You recognize that face don't you? That's Brooke Medlin aka Gemmafactrix around Etsy, Mintd, Flickr and elsewhere on the web. Some of Brooke's artful pieces are highlighted below, but you can see much more here
Brooke has this to say about her art:
"Beginning with the various shapes of pasta on yarn collection that most jewelry artists cut their teeth on (thank you, mom, for wearing every ugly necklace I ever made) and developing into a love for all things metal, my jewelry now falls somewhere in between, displaying my childlike love of color and a fascination with texture and form. "

2007-04-25T19:30:00.000-05:00

The Holy Trinity

Without hurting the feelings of any of my other studio tools, I felt it necessary to give massive credit to my trusty favorites--the Holy Trinity. That's a double sided tape applicator, a mini paper scorer and a corner chomper. I'm not kidding--that sucker CHOMPS corners. Like a 1/2" at a time. What I think is more amazing than the way these tools work, is that I haven't lost or broken any of them yet! *knocks on wood*

Mother's day at Etsy Greetings

2007-04-25T09:15:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Check it out, check it out! Michelle from CicadaStudio.etsy.com made this awesome graphic for the Etsy Greetings street team. Promise me that you won't set foot in a Hallmark store this mother's day--go to the Etsy Greetings blog for links to tons of brilliant stationery designers and their fabulous work. You will not be disappointed. Support indie design, support etsy, support your mama with a handmade card!

If I was better at blogging I might be able to make that picture link right to the site, but alas I'm kind of droog. So click below to enter a wonderland of stationery goodness!

www.etsygreetings.blogspot.com

Score, fold, cut, repeat, score, fold, cut, repeat

2007-04-24T22:24:00.001-05:00

The mudder
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Here's my mom. For the first time in life I get to be the boss! Heh heh--my plaaan is working! Well, so I thought. Even at my own house, she still likes to be in charge. But I can't complain--after all she's working sweat-shop style for free! She basically did all the glitter application and we unanimously decided that glitter may be an extranneous touch--perhaps the next batch of Mew Paper Arts will have less of a sparkle. Ah well, you probably wouldn't notice if I hadn't told you.

By the way, is anyone reading this BESIDES you Mom?

$1 goodness

2007-04-22T21:50:00.001-05:00

$1 goodness
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

I'll admit my guilty pleasure--McDonald's hot fudge sundae with peanuts. $1??? You can't beat that with a stick. And look how liberally the fudge was applied on this one? Bought at the Carmel drive-thru. Sometimes they only fudge it on the top so by the time you get to the middle you're sorely disappointed. Not this time, no sir. Chocolate from top to bottom.

Oh yes.

I'm pretty sure this is against labor laws

2007-04-22T21:47:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

We're talking massive production. Churning work out trying to get my act together to appear opening weekend at Providence Open Market! I have recruited both of my folks, Darryl and pretty much everyone else I know to help me in my mission. Printing, scoring, cutting, folding, glittering...now accepting applications. No experience required.

Z-z-z-zen

2007-04-21T21:52:00.001-05:00

Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

Whew! This one is sure tiring me out--though I'm very pleased with the end result. My wonderful client from Etsy is getting married on Kauai later this summer and chose this handmade invitation to send to her guests. Each piece of champagne card stock is cut and rounded by hand. The chocolate sleeves are scored and wrapped by hand, and then chiyogami paper is the finishing touch. There's something very pleasing and meditative about this process-oriented work. Everything is predictable, similar and steady. Haste makes waste when working with your hands. Though I use helpful tools to streamline the work, there is no replacement for the dexterity of your own fingers to achieve a finished piece of paper art.

Thank goodness for an extra pair of hands

2007-04-19T08:45:00.001-05:00

Thank goodness for an extra pair of hands
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

This is Darryl--my roommate and my sweetie. Before my recent purchase of a Lassco desktop corner cutter (my second favorite tool in my studio!) I was rounding paper corners ONE AT A TIME with that stupid little blue craft store clipper shown on the table. My skin was getting raw with blisters so I needed to enlist help. Darryl jumps right in--whenever I ask. I am so lucky. And the best part of it is, he's excited to do it--very supportive. Last night I came home and he walked me upstairs with my eyes closed to surprise me in my studio with a new (well, new to me anyway) desk chair and a super rad (and a bit rickety) stand for my mammoth printer!

What a guy, What a guy!

Here I be

2007-04-18T13:02:00.001-05:00

Aliss
Originally uploaded by mewpaperarts.

So this is me. The author of this blog. I don't know much about blogging. But I keep reading about how important it is for business promotion etc. I like the idea of having a place to share fun information that you may like to read on!

My name is Alissa. I live in a house with a man and a cat. I love my "craft" of designing fun and fanciful stationery products. I daydream of the day I can leave my full time job and pursue this little operation...I am also working very hard to get to see that day.

Providence Open Market

2007-04-18T12:49:00.000-05:00

I'll be making my debut on the craft show circuit this year at the Providence Open Market. I am so excited to be a part of what looks to be a really good time! Opening weekend is May 12th and I do not feel ready, but with the help of my trusty volunteers I intend to churn out some major work in time. Be sure to check out the event if you're in the area--every Saturday from 11 am-6 pm. I'll be there:

May 12th
June 30th
July 28th
August 18th
Sept 15th

www.providenceopenmarket.com

Flickr

2007-04-05T17:31:00.001-05:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.