Helen Hiebert's Blog, page 18
April 30, 2022
Fusuma, Bojagi, Oh My!
The Sunday Paper #411
May 1, 2022
Happy May Day! I have a busy month ahead, how about you? My sister and niece are coming for a visit next week; the following week, I will be an artist-in-residence at Anythink Wright Farms in Denver constructing a new installation called Step Into the Light; and then I have a group of high schoolers coming to the studio to learn about papermaking and bookmaking. And there will be few celebrations too, including Mother’s Day and another trip around the sun for me.
These are some lantern designs I’m working on for a component of my upcoming installation. Can you envision how they fold up? I’ll unveil them soon.
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Check out this amazing origami by Goran Konjevod. Each piece was folded from a sheet of paper infused with encaustic paint (so unique). Click through and then click on each image to see them in detail via a slide show.
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Memphis artist, Dr. Brenda Caldwell has a unique method for spreading hope. She creates 3-dimensional canvas sculpture art using paper towels.
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An inventor at 3M has come up with an alternative to bubble wrap. Check out Cushion Lock, which is made from paper.
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I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft, fall into that category. I’d love to feature your one-sheet wonders!
I’m creating a series of informational videos about the book. This Bojagi Curtain, designed by Steph Rue, is a twist on the traditional Korean form of patchwork. This video is one of a growing series of videos featuring the projects in the book.
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Paper Tidbits:Have you listened to my interview with Cathryn Miller of Byopia Press on Paper Talk?Celebrate this fall with an adventure in the fabrication and artistic use of paper in the fabulous Italian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio, Umbria. At this retreat, we will explore the potential of paper as a basic material and a medium for creative pursuits. Four internationally-known instructors, Helen Hiebert (owner of Helen Hiebert Studio), Amanda Degener (co-founder of Cave Paper), Carol Barton (paper engineer and owner of Popular Kinetics Press), and Denise Carbone (University of the Arts, Philadelphia) will lead workshops in various aspects of the paper arts. We’ll take two day-long field trips to Fabriano and Florence too.
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Out of the Studio:When I was at the Codex Book Fair earlier this month, I had the chance to go to Magnolia Editions one evening, a print/paper and weaving facility that has been around for 40-ish years and is run by Don Farnsworth. The papermaking studio is well-equipped – check out the moulds and deckles (I’m not sure if this is storage or display, but I like how it looks). Don showed us his Black Lives Matter watermark, and told us about Evolon, which he uses for couching watermarks (if you’ve made watermarks, you know how tricky it can be to get them to release onto a substrate).
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support! Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
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SHARE THIS blog post with your paper-loving friends!
I occasionally have affiliate links in my blog posts – links to products in which I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!
The post Fusuma, Bojagi, Oh My! appeared first on Helen Hiebert Studio.
April 23, 2022
Plantable Paper
The Sunday Paper #410
April 24, 2022
I’m delighted to have Cathryn Miller of Byopia Press on Paper Talk. Cathryn has had an interest in making things out of paper since early childhood, and still believes that anything —except, perhaps, internal combustion engines— can be made out of paper. Through Byopia Press, she has published limited editions of conventional books and produced multiple artist’s books, altered books, and paper toys. Cathryn writes the Byopia Press weekly blog, where she offers frequent DIY projects for readers as well as sharing her own works in progress. Enjoy our conversation!
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Leigh Suggs, Massey Klein Gallery, Restless Fountain, 2021 Handcut, acrylic on Yupo 20 x 26 x 1 inch detail
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This is interesting: scientists have developed a “paper” made from sunflower pollen that can be ‘unprinted’ and reused. I have soooo many questions: 1. Are they stealing the pollen from insects? 2. Is this practical/sustainable since washing the paper requires water (and time)? This reminds me of invisible writing – did you do that as a kid? I have vague memories of special pens and maybe lemon juice…?
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Check out these unique works on paper, now on view in Melbourne. Jogi art, an energetic drawing style using black ink on white paper, is a family style, practiced and handed down for three generations of the Jogi family.
‘Inspired by the idea of women celebrating.’ Sangita Jogi’s Women Partying (2020), ink on paper, NGV. Photograph: © Sangita Jogi, courtesy of Minhazz Majumdar
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I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft, fall into that category. I’d love to feature your one-sheet wonders!
Andrew Dewar is a Canadian, who has been living in Japan since the late 1980s. He lives just down the road from Mino, Japan, which is one of the big centers of wash paper making. He is a professor of library science and the principal of a private kindergarten affiliated with the university, a post which gives him lots of chances to try out paper craft ideas on small kids. He specializes in paper airplanes (origami planes and paper gliders), and also makes kinetic models and science toys from paper. Many of these have been published in books and kits, both in Japanese and English.
Look at these adorable dinosaur ramp walkers, all made from one sheet each. A couple of them, along with other paper toys, can be found in this kit. They have hinged hind legs, and will walk down a shallow slope. So fun!
Ramp Walker Dinosaurs (Tyrannosaurus (2009), Stegosaurus (2009), Triceratops (2014), Brontosaurus (2014)) designed by Andrew Dewar. They are made from ink-jet printed bagasse card stock (about 157 gsm) with a toothpick axle. Each is about palm-sized. Photo by Andrew Dewar
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I loved The Time Traveler’s Wife, by Audrey Niffenegger. The heroine is a papermaker! The book has been made into a TV series that I’m looking forward to watching.
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Paper Tidbits:Celebrate Earth Day and every day by making Plantable Paper, aka Seed Paper. Check out Arnold Grummer’s tutorial (you can also find this project in The Art of Papercraft).Celebrate this fall with an adventure in the fabrication and artistic use of paper in the fabulous Italian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio, Umbria. At this retreat, we will explore the potential of paper as a basic material and a medium for creative pursuits. Four internationally-known instructors, Helen Hiebert (owner of Helen Hiebert Studio), Amanda Degener (co-founder of Cave Paper), Carol Barton (paper engineer and owner of Popular Kinetics Press), and Denise Carbone (University of the Arts, Philadelphia) will lead workshops in various aspects of the paper arts. We’ll take two day-long field trips to Fabriano and Florence too.
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In the Studio:This photo isn’t terribly interesting, but what it will become is! I’m getting ready to build a giant paper lantern at Anythink Wright Farms, a library in Denver. I’m thankful that my studio is in the old school house in Red Cliff, because it has a gym with this giant space for me to roll out this Japanese paper and cut it into sections. I cut six 8-foot lengths from the 4-foot wide roll and folded each into 3 sections (here you see a partially folded section). Next, I’ll be cutting those sections into elongated segments (called gores). I’m busy getting what I can done in the studio, and I’ll be building the lantern at the library in mid-May. Stay tuned!
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support! Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
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SHARE THIS blog post with your paper-loving friends!
I occasionally have affiliate links in my blog posts – links to products in which I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!
The post Plantable Paper appeared first on Helen Hiebert Studio.
April 16, 2022
A Kraft Tex Wrist Cuff
The Sunday Paper #409
April 17, 2022
I had a wonderful time at the Codex Book Fair. Thanks to all of you who stopped by my table and said hello. The event is truly magical and overwhelming. I hardly had a chance to step away from my booth to look at the amazing work, catch up with friends, or take photos. My goal was to sell a few artist’s books and to get more copies of The Art of Papercraft out into the world – mission accomplished :).
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© Nicholas Lafleur, 35cm x 35cm, medium weight Ogami paper
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If you’re in San Diego, the Mingei International Museum looks like a fun place to visit. Check out these wonderful paper bag hats by moses. The exhibition FOLD, TWIST, TIE explores the process behind the making of his hats, pairing them with recently restored photos of his creations, often worn by enthusiastic participants.
Paper bag hats by moses
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Check out this amazing work by Liz Solfield, who combines origami with stitching. Click through to see her origami and crochet rendered in porcelain too. Her transformation and melding of materials is inspirational.
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I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft, fall into that category. I’d love to feature your one-sheet wonders!
I’m creating a series of informational videos about the book. This Wrist Cuff features kraft text, a really unique paper, and is one of a growing series of videos featuring the projects in the book.
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Ann Martin from the All Things Paper blog did this wonderful roundup of 12 Ways to Support Ukranian Paper Artists.
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Paper Tidbits:I’ve had a cancellation, and there’s one spot available at the Red Cliff Paper Retreat, August 22 – 26 in my Colorado studio.Come work with me, Carol Barton, Denise Carbone and Amanda Degener at a paper retreat at ICA Arts in Umbria, Italy in September.———————————————————————————————–––––––
Out of the Studio:Inspiration at my feet! This tile was in the lobby of the Bancroft Hotel in Berkeley, where I stayed this past week. Since my initials are HH, this really caught my eye. I just might have to try making a watermark featuring this pattern…
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support! Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
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SHARE THIS blog post with your paper-loving friends!
I occasionally have affiliate links in my blog posts – links to products in which I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!
The post A Kraft Tex Wrist Cuff appeared first on Helen Hiebert Studio.
April 9, 2022
Codex Begins!
April 10, 2022
I’m in Richmond, California for the Codex Book Fair, which opens at 12:30pm today. I can’t wait to see many old friends and colleagues, and I look forward to making new ones. Here are the books I’ll have at Table #15. You can click on each one to read more, or better yet, come see them in person)! I will also have autographed copies of The Art of Papercraft.
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I’m not exactly sure why, but when I see diagrams like this, I get excited. Maybe it is because I wanted to be an architect, and it reminds me of architectural renderings. Click through to see the book that architect Yusuke Oono created from these drawings using CAD and a laser cutter.
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Most of us have seen and heard of folding 1000 paper cranes to make a dream come true. Check out these miniature paper cranes by Naoki Onogawa that adorn the branches of bonsai trees.
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I love this description of the exhibition – The Politics of Paper – which was recently on view at Emami Art, Kolkata, in India. Brittle, durable. Flimsy, sturdy. We take these paradoxical qualities of paper for granted but since its invention in China in 105 AD by Ts’ai Lun, an official at the imperial court, paper has been used by artists, thinkers, writers, scientists and craftsmen as the medium for their creations, which, thus enshrined, have survived the wear and tear of centuries, largely unscathed.
MITHU SEN’s Unwing – mixed media on kozo paper and light box | Photo Credit: Emami Art
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I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft, fall into that category. I’d love to feature your one-sheet wonders!
Here’s the Floral Lantern project from The Art of Papercraft. One of my Paper Year members, Claudia Waruch, created the project with some gorgeous eco printed paper. This project involves turning a sheet of paper into this uniquely shaped lantern or vase by connecting a square, four triangles, and a few tabs. Then you can add a twist to those geometric shapes by curling the papery ends. Just pull the paper along the edge of a pair of scissors—like with a ribbon—and watch curlicues form. This project was inspired by a tea bag pouch. I’m always looking at packaging and other printed materials for inspiration — it is a great way to come up with new designs.
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Check out this unique foldable cup! It isn’t paper, but it utilizes origami folds.
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Paper Tidbits:Have you had a chance to listen to my interview with Molly Grosse from Rock Paper on Paper Talk?Come work with me, Carol Barton, Denise Carbone and Amanda Degener. at a paper retreat at ICA Arts in Umbria, Italy in September.———————————————————————————————–––––––
In the Studio:I open registration for my Paper Year membership program quarterly, and today, April 10th is the last day to join us this time around. Members enjoy the following each and every month:
Project instructions designed to spark ideas that keep you creating for the rest of the month;The chance to explore creative paper techniques, including origami, pop-ups, paper weaving, book arts, paper cutting and more;Participation in a growing community of paper lovers online, where we learn and share in a warm, encouraging, supportive, creative community.Find out more and register here.
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Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support!If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
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SHARE THIS blog post with your paper-loving friends!
I occasionally have affiliate links in my blog posts – links to products in which I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!
The post Codex Begins! appeared first on Helen Hiebert Studio.
April 2, 2022
A Paper Kimono
April 3, 2022
I open registration for my Paper Year membership program quarterly, and now through April 10th is one of those times. Perhaps you’d like to join us? Members enjoy the following each and every month:
Project instructions designed to spark ideas that keep you creating for the rest of the month;The chance to explore creative paper techniques, including origami, pop-ups, paper weaving, book arts, paper cutting and more;Participation in a growing community of paper lovers online, where we learn and share in a warm, encouraging, supportive, creative community.Find out more and register here.
I hosted a Zoom workshop last Thursday, where I talked about highlights from The Paper Year and taught a Pop-Up Landscape Card workshop. You can watch the replay and make your own Pop-Up Landscape here.
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I adore these peeled corrugated illustrations by Javier Pérez.
As seen on Colossal, March 24, 2022
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The 15th Focus on Book Arts conference takes place at Pacific University July 15-19 in Forest Grove, Oregon and offers five full days of workshops that appeal to beginning as well as advanced book artists. Registration for the conference will begin on Monday, April 4th at 8:00am. The week is filled with exciting workshops with both new and returning favorite instructors, and evening activities to keep you busy. Many of the events and activities will be created around the theme “Momentum”. As we gather momentum, we can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Let’s get our hands and minds moving at FOBA 2022. In accordance with Pacific University policy and to help keep our community safe, all conference attendees must present proof of vaccination in order to attend FOBA this year.
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I had the pleasure of speaking with Molly Grosse, co-founder of Rock Paper Store and an artist who works in a variety of mediums. Prior to founding Rock Paper Store, she worked as a wedding photographer, and her initial explorations with the paper were wedding products, like party favor boxes, invitations or waterproof flowers. Now we’ll be talking about what Rock Paper is, but once Molly dove into the process of making this paper from rocks (which her mother invented), she began exploring the best way to mix colors and create interesting combinations. She had an aha moment when she realized that the unique colors would make her product an ideal art paper, and she’s been focusing on selling sheets of rock paper ever since. Molly learns something new everyday from the wonderful community she has built on social media, and she is always impressed with the beautiful and creative ways that artists are using Rock Paper. Enjoy our conversation!
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I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft, fall into that category. I’d love to feature your one-sheet wonders!
Julie McLaughlin has been pushing the boundaries between paper and textiles for over 25 years. She currently is using the kimono silhouette as a matrix for both sculptural and wearable art. Her work is shown both nationally and internationally and resides in numerous private and public collections. She resides in Coralville, IA USA. This freestanding kimono sculpture is made from one 16″ x 20″ sheet of high shrinkage abaca/flax paper with unbeaten flax fiber inclusions. The sheet was made in a deckle box where black pigmented fiber was added to the natural fiber during the formation process. The wet paper was then manipulated into the kimono shape and allowed to air dry, taking on a new shape.
© 2016 Julie McLaughlin, 8 x 4 x 3 inches, photo by the artist
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I adore Studio Carta in the Boston area and loved discovering a recent paper they carry: Heirloom Wrapping Paper by Katie Leamon. Take a peek!
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Paper Tidbits:Many thanks to those of you who supported my fundraiser for the Ukraine. I’m sending $1,125 to the Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights.I’ll be exhibiting at the Codex Book Fair in Richmond, CA from April 10-13. Come see me at Table #15.Come work with me, Carol Barton, Denise Carbone and Amanda Degener. at a paper retreat at ICA Arts in Umbria, Italy in September.———————————————————————————————–––––––
In the Studio:I’m creating a series of informational videos about the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft. Check out the first one, and subscribe to my YouTube channel if you’d like to see future videos. This Tiny House, designed by guest artist Debra Glanz featuring her unique papers, is one of 40 projects in the book.
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Featured this week in my Studio shop:The Art of Papercraft, The Paper Year, Tangential & Prism: artist’s books that will be on display at the Codex Book Fair, April 10-13.
If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support!
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SHARE THIS blog post with your paper-loving friends!
I occasionally have affiliate links in my blog posts – links to products in which I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!
The post A Paper Kimono appeared first on Helen Hiebert Studio.
March 26, 2022
Bojagi!
March 27, 2022
I’m hosting a free Zoom workshop this coming Thursday, March 31st. We’ll be making a Pop-Up Landscape Card. Click here to see what we’ll be making, find a supply list, and register for the workshop. The event will be recorded, but you must sign up to receive the recording.
At the free Zoom, I’ll also be talking about my Paper Year online membership program, which opens for registration April 1 – 10th. We are a community of paper lovers that explores a different technique each month. Above you see a variety of slice form constructions – the technique we explored in February – by Inisya Dhatt, Terry Englehart and Jane Vossler. Watch the video that shows every member’s slice form rendition.
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Fung + Bedford combine architectural experiences with origami folding techniques to create bespoke Tyvek paper installations for inspiring spaces. Wowza!
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Check out these beautiful paper landscapes by Terry Lacy. His exhibition, titled “Of Sky, Earth and Water” will be displayed at the Kavanagh Gallery in St. Charles, IL from April 1 to May 7 (closed for Easter on April 15-16).
“August Breeze” by Terry Lacy is just one of the pieces that will be on display in the Kavanagh Gallery as part of the “Of Sky, Earth and Water” exhibition. Courtesy of Terry Lacy
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Patrick Alberto Vraja has a way with paper! If you look closely at his owl sculptures, they contain many refined features, like talons, individual feathers, beaks, and eyes. He folds large sheets of tissue paper, which can be up to 5 feet in length and width.
As seen on My Modern Met
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I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft, fall into that category. I’d love to feature your one-sheet wonders!
Steph Rue designed this gorgeous Bojagi Curtain for my new book by cutting and reconfiguring a 24″ x 36″ sheet of Korean hanji. Bojagi is a traditional Korean stitched textile. Artists have their ways of bending tradition, though, and Steph Rue’s use of small pieces of paper relies on the same principle as traditional bojagi. The instructions in The Art of Papercraft show you how to make a bojagi curtain, which looks so beautiful when hung in a window.
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I just discovered the work of Jodi Levine, whose new e-book is Toilet Tube Treasury. You should see the crafts she features – my favorite is Tube Town! Toilet Tube Treasury is a 62-page crafty ebook with 24 crafts with 19 pages of free printable templates for kids and adults alike.
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Paper Tidbits:Come work with me, Carol Barton, Denise Carbone and Amanda Degener. at a paper retreat at ICA Arts in Umbria, Italy in September.The Paper Year opens for registration April 1-10. Click here to read more and hold your spot.I’ll be exhibiting at the Codex Book Fair in Richmond, CA from April 10-13. Come see me at Table #15.———————————————————————————————–––––––
In the Studio:Hooray! I reached my March fundraising goal of $1,000 for the Ukraine! Thank you so much to those of you who purchased paper weavings and donated to my blog! There is one final week in March, so I have added a few more paper weavings to my website. All profit from the sale of these weavings, along with contributions to the blog in March (you can find a link for that at the bottom of this post) will be donated to Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights.
I love that I get to make art, you get to own art, and together we can help our brothers and sisters by raising some money together. Click here to purchase a weaving.
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I will have the following items at Table 15 at the Codex Book Fair,April 10-13:
The Art of Papercraft, Intensio, Tangential and Prism
If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support!
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SHARE THIS blog post with your paper-loving friends!
I occasionally have affiliate links in my blog posts – links to products in which I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!
The post Bojagi! appeared first on Helen Hiebert Studio.
March 18, 2022
Make a Pop-Up Landscape
March 20, 2022
I’m hosting a free Zoom workshop on March 31st. We’ll be making a Pop-Up Landscape, and I’ll be sharing information about my Paper Year online membership program, which opens for registration April 1st. Click here to find out more and register for the event.
The event will be recorded, but you must sign up to receive the recording.
If you live near me, you can sign up to make this card with me in person and purchase a copy of my new book, The Art of Papercraft, at my local bookstore, The Bookworm!
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Ilze’s paper company
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Weave Through Winter review
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I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft, fall into that category. I’d love to feature your one-sheet wonders!
Alice Armstrong
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I was a guest on the Left Brain Artist Podcast this week. Have a listen!
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Paper Tidbits:The Paper Year opens for registration April 1-10. Click here to read more and hold your spot.I’ll be exhibiting at the Codex Book Fair in Richmond, CA from April 10-13. Come see me at Table #15.———————————————————————————————–––––––
In the Studio:My fundraiser for the Ukraine as brought in $625 to date. I’m am grateful to those who have purchased paper weavings and contributed to my blog. I hope to bring this amount up to $1,000 by the end of March. I’ve added a few more weavings to my website. All profit from the sale of these weavings, along with donations to the blog in March (you can find a link for that at the bottom of this post) will be donated to Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights. I love that I get to make art, you get to own art, and together we can help our brothers and sisters by raising some money together. Click here to purchase a weaving.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support!
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SHARE THIS blog post with your paper-loving friends!
I occasionally have affiliate links in my blog posts – links to products in which I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!
The post Make a Pop-Up Landscape appeared first on Helen Hiebert Studio.
March 12, 2022
Woven Sunflower for Ukraine
March 13, 2022
This week, Angela Sprunger from Ohio University was in the studio for a private lesson. She wanted to see my studio and equipment in operation and explore watermarking and pigmenting. She also ended up doing some pulp stenciling experiments. The learning from these sessions is mutual – I always get a lot out of them myself!
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I had a lovely conversation on Paper Talk with the publisher/author and illustrator of Read Island, a children’s book featuring cut-paper illustrations. Nicole Magistro and Alice Feagan live and work right here in the Vail Valley of Colorado.
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Better late than never! Jo Stealey’s exhibit “EXTRA/ORDINARY” just closed at the Windgate Art & Design Gallery on the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith campus.) The show featured over 30 objects including pedestal- and wall-sculptures, intricately designed three-dimensional art books, and a large-scale installation titled “The Forest” that simultaneously transforms the gallery into a dense woodland, a riverbed with monumental reeds and rocks, and an otherworldly landscape.
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This isn’t about paper, but you know I love a good community project, and wow is this one powerful: weaving camouflage nets for Ukrainian troops. Weaver Olena Shevtsova sells handmade Slavic and Ukrainian patterned belts, sashes, scarves and even guitar straps online to support her family, but since Russian forces moved into her country, she’s used her skills to help make camouflage webbing to protect Ukrainian troops. This article talks about how people are making purchases on Etsy (you can too) to support makers like Shevtsova in the Ukraine.
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I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft, fall into that category. I’d love to feature your one-sheet wonders!
Robert Lang contributed this origami parrot project. Watch one square sheet of paper transform and end up perched on a finger. Lang has been folding origami for more than 50 years and, with more than 800 original designs, he is recognized as one of the world’s leading masters of the art. He uses mathematics to advance origami techniques for applications in technology, including folding a giant telescope into a compact form so that it can travel to space. The Art of Papercraft includes instructions for how to make this clever parrot as well as 39 other unique and versatile paper projects.
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I was a guest on the Left Brain Artist Podcast this week. Have a listen!
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Paper Tidbits:If you’re near Edwards, join me for a fun Art of Papercraft event on March 29th.The Paper Year opens for registration April 1-10. Click here to read more and hold your spot.I’ll be exhibiting at the Codex Book Fair in Richmond, CA from April 10-13. Come see me at Table #15.———————————————————————————————–––––––
In the Studio:Special thanks to those of you who bid on my first weaving for Ukraine. I’ve decided to post a few more weavings on my website rather than holding more auctions. All profit from the sale of these weavings, along with donations to the blog in March (you can find a link for that at the bottom of this post) will be donated to Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights. Let’s help our brothers and sisters by raising some money together. Click here to purchase a weaving.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support!
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SHARE THIS blog post with your paper-loving friends!
I occasionally have affiliate links in my blog posts – links to products in which I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!
The post Woven Sunflower for Ukraine appeared first on Helen Hiebert Studio.
March 5, 2022
Make Art Not War
March 6, 2022
Friends, I can’t stop thinking about Ukraine, so I decided to research the papermaking history there. I’ve just begun, and there is surely more going on with paper in the country, but here are two interesting places I discovered: Radomysl Castle (just West of Kyiv) has the only restored medieval papermill (built in 1612) that uses ancient technology (i.e. making paper by hand);
Re-Leaf Paper is the brainchild of a student in Ukraine, who garnered attention and awards and ended up turning his idea into a company. Re-Leaf mixes fallen leaves that are collected in public spaces with biological fillers to create tree-free paper on a commercial scale. Here is the latest instagram post from the company:
Dear fans of our company and technology! My name is Valentyn Frechka, I am the schoolboy from Ukraine who invented a way to turn fallen leaves into paper, as the media dubbed me. Today my partner and I are addressing you on a completely non-childish occasion. 
In the country where I was born, raised and made my invention, there is a brutal full-scale war with Russia
. Peaceful cities in Ukraine were subjected to insidious rocket attacks and shelling, and hundreds of Ukrainians were killed, including civilians. 
We are a Ukrainian startup, our technology was born in the Ukrainian forest and was implemented in Ukrainian enterprises, and we cannot stay away from this situation and are not apolitical… Read the full post here.
I wrote about my worlds colliding in my blog post last week (as in serendipity, not war!) and just yesterday, I chose an organization to support (I found out about them in this post, from the Obama Foundation: How You Can Help the People of Ukraine). Read more about what I’m doing In the Studio section below.
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I was saddened to read of the passing of Arizona State University professor emeritus Gene Valentine, whose interests in language and art led him to letterpress printing and papermaking.
Gene Valentine (left) with Daniel Mayer and a Vandercook press. Credit: ASU
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I am honored to know several of the artists in the exhibition Reimagined: The Artist’s Book, in Carlsbad, CA through May 14th. What happens when the worlds of art and books intersect? The resulting spectrum ranges from innovative designed books to unique and beautifully sculpted artist books.
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I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my book fall into that category. I’d love to feature your one-sheet wonders!
This re-usable pillow box is inspired by Japanese furoshiki – a container that can be used a number of times. During lockdown Susan Niner Janes was busy papercrafting – and although she is a blogger, she found herself blogging only rarely. Susan has generously shared a recent design with us. Click here to download the template and instructions.
© Susan Niner Janes, Printable Pillow Box with Handle, p rinted on A4 photocopier card, 160 gsm and cut out with a Silhouette Cameo 4
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Check out the amazing paper creations of Asya Kozina.
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Paper Tidbits:Anyone out there need a free C&P Printing Press (located in Philadelphia)?Purchase a copy of my new book, The Art of Papercraft.I had a fun conversation with an old friend from NYC, Mitch Teplitsky, who works at Morgenstern’s, Indiana’s largest independent bookstore. Listen here.———————————————————————————————–––––––
In the Studio:As I mentioned here on the blog last week, I am thinking about the Ukrainian people, as I know many of you are, too. I have a son and a husband who are of fighting age, and I cannot fathom having to break up our family in order to fight for our country. I want to help, and I’ve decided to auction off a few of my recent paper weavings.
Here’s the first one (upper left image below) along with a few more that will be auctioned off in the weeks to come. This week’s piece is called Five x Four. It is an unframed, hand-cut paper weaving made from 90% cotton/10% abaca artist-made paper and measures 9” x 9”.
I am committing to doing four weekly auctions in March and will be donating the profits to Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights. Visit my instagram to read more and bid on the piece. The auction ends on Friday, March 11th at 9pm MST.
Let’s help our brothers and sisters by raising some money together.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support!
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The post Make Art Not War appeared first on Helen Hiebert Studio.
February 26, 2022
Endangered Species Pop-Up Book
February 27, 2022
I hope you don’t mind me sharing a bit more news about The Art of Papercraft as it makes its way out into the world. I heard from a gal in Australia who received her copy and has already made half a dozen models! I’ll be speaking with an old friend from NYC, Mitch Teplitsky, who works at Morgenstern’s, Indiana’s largest independent bookstore, this coming Tuesday, March 1st! The event is virtual and you are welcome to join us at 6pm EST. Here’s the link where you can sign up for this free event. The other photo was sent to me by our daughter Lucah, who noticed my book in the shop window at Oblation Papers & Press in Portland.
Special thanks to Cathryn Miller of Byopia Press, who is also a contributor in the book, for her overview of the book launch at the end of this blog post. I’m sharing because there is more content there, and I think you might be interested in following Cathryn’s blog.
I’d love to see your creations or book sightings – if you’re on Instagram, tag me #helenhiebert, #theartofpapercraft. You can also post your renditions of the projects in my free facebook group, The Paper Studio.
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At the launch event, I asked everyone to type “why I love paper” into the chat. The responses started pouring in and I could only take a look after the event was over. Here are most of the responses – we made a group poem!
Paper: How do I love thee? Let me count the ways… You are strongYou are suppleYou are flatYou are flexibleYou hold my thoughtsYou are colorfulYou hold my foldsI can buy youI can make you!You kept me sane during the last two yearsYou are funYou are forgivingYou are beautifulYou are forgivingYou help me rememberYou are natural, a piece of natureYou help me rememberYou are versatileYou are magicalYou are resilientYou are usefulYou are sturdy and flexible at the same timeYou are softYou are irresistibleYou are tactileYou are everywhereYou are recyclableYou are addictiveYou hold my heartYou’ve captured my walletYou can become almost anythingYou inspire meI can’t live without youYou are everything
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Wowza! James Nolan Gandy created this hand-built drawing machine that makes fascinating mechanical drawings (on paper).
© James Nolan Gandy, As seen on My Modern Met.
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Two great women artists collide: Louise Bourgeois is seen through the eyes of Jenny Holzer in a show curated by Holzer at Kunstmuseum Basel (if you’re in Basel, there’s a great paper museum to see there too). I love this quote by Holzer: ‘I was invited to her (Bourgeois’) house, and I had the luxury of spending an extended period of time with her, where I could look at, for example, a red wax ear of what appeared to be a demon sitting on the table beside us, and to have [an] extended, unselfconscious, absolutely sincere conversation about how to make the colour blue work.’
I too, visited Louise Bourgeois’ home in the mid 1990’s, when I was sent there to pick up some work for a project we were doing at Dieu Donné. I met her!! but I was ‘just a courier’ so I didn’t stay and chat.
As seen in Wallpaper: Louise Bourgeois, Nature Study, 1984. Photography: Kunstmuseum Basel, Jonas Hänggi
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I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my book fall into that category. Please fill out this form if you have a one-sheet wonder to share!
Here’s The Sheet’s A Stage – a project designed by Paula Beardell Krieg that is featured in The Art of Papercraft. She wrote about the project on her blog Playful Bookbinding and Paper Works this week. Here’s what Paula loves about this stage: “It can be large or small, it can be made out of a wide variety of materials, the side supports are also pockets which can hold puppets or scripts, it can fold up flat to be put away for another day and it is almost ridiculously easy to make. Extra bonus: there are oh so many to decorate the structures: drawings, stickers, collage, bling.” Thank you for contributing this amazing project to my book, Paula!
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Check out this adorable pop-up book about endangered species by Keerthana Ramesh.
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Paper Tidbits:Have you listened to my interview with Kelli Anderson on Paper Talk?I’ll be exhibiting at the Codex Book Fair in Richmond, CA April 10-13 (booth #15). I hope to see some of you there!———————————————————————————————–––––––
In the Studio:I am thinking about the Ukrainian people, as I know many of you are, too. I want to help, but get overwhelmed when I start to think about how I, one person, can make the biggest difference.
When I’m thinking about two things, sometimes my worlds collide. As I pondered the situation in Ukraine, I created a weaving in my Weave Through Winter online class on Friday. It’s a white on white piece that uses a style that I developed long ago but am suddenly seeing in a new way. Next, I explored a variation of the technique, cutting a dove into my weaving instead of a grid.
I’d love to donate these pieces to help the Ukrainian people in some way. Does anyone reading this have a connection to a charity or ideas about other ways my art could benefit Ukraine? Thank you and I’m wishing for peace for all of us.
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If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.
Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support!
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SHARE THIS blog post with your paper-loving friends!
I occasionally have affiliate links in my blog posts – links to products in which I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!
The post Endangered Species Pop-Up Book appeared first on Helen Hiebert Studio.
