By Sarah Willcocks
Writer’s block. Sometimes we wordsmiths stare at a blank page, and the words downright refuse to spring forth. How will I ever create something from just this bare piece of paper as a canvas? These days that “paper” is likely to be of the digital kind, rather than the borne from trees type. So putting actual pen to paper, once a mundane task, has become something of a luxury. I think I’d pass out if I received a precious hand-written letter in a loving scrawl – the only thing my postbox seems good (or rather not good) for is bills, bills, bills.
Yet there are still a whole host of people creating beautiful things from a bare piece of paper, whether it is luxurious personalised stationery or actual works of art. While we are celebrating the simplest of blank canvases, can we please bring back origami folding, paper-plane construction and colouring books for grown-ups?
1. Able and Game have created an entire world of quirky characters to inhabit greeting cards that help you express how you really feel about someone. Is there a better way to tell a potential lover that you dig them, than by sending them a message stating that you would perform heroic feats; like “giving up your superfast internet” for them or that you would “go to Zone two” for them? Or simply let a lovely person in you life know that you think they are “better than cupcakes”.
2. Illustrata believes that using their stationery should be a beautiful experience. Creator Jo Lane, who is a trained botanical artist, prints her own and others existing artworks on quality paper. This sketchy nest print is neither too feminine nor masculine so is suited to anyone who still takes the time to write a note. Illustrata also works with Ability Works, which supports people with disabilities in the workplace, when it comes to packaging their little everyday works of art.
3. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to this paper butterfly piece by artist Catherine Swan. While they may look like innocently colourful insects sitting in a row, each butterfly is lovingly hand cut from vintage American Playboy and Esquire magazines. Now your mum won’t mind if she springs you with Playboy lying around the house, in fact she probably won’t even notice.
4. I’ve already admitted my apparent shock should I ever receive a handwritten letter in the mail again. If I was to find a handmade card in there who knows what would happen to my crazy little mind? Cristina Re is the pinnacle of paper in Australia. She makes designer papers you can get crafty with. This elegant peacock print is from her new Artist’s Garden collection. The lady has also just opened her first flagship boutique on Oxford Street in Collingwood.
5. Lark stocks lots of goodies for babies, kids and adults who have a crafty aesthetic. There are badges and books and things to make plus a whole section on paper goods. Here you’ll find the ‘I Like’ range of postcards and greeting cards. Each is printed with a nostalgic, slightly faded photograph of things like the funfair, milkshakes or a diner that will conjure up past memories that you may have never actually experienced in the first place.
Image Credit: 2. Image courtesy Illustrata
