The Craft Begins

I’ve always been a bit of a packrat and I have a special fondness for anything paper-related.  A few years ago I was fortunate enough to happen into a collection of postcards (mostly written on and actually sent through the mail) from the early part of the 20th century.  I scanned them all (my scanner and I spend a lot of time together) and I’ve put them all in a flickr set to share with everyone.  Please feel free to use them for whatever you’d like – digital collages, printing out and sending to people, anything!  You can find the whole set here.  I’d love to see something you make with them if you feel like sharing.

Since I wasn’t able to do it on Friday, I figured, why not start out the week with some lovely fresh new finds?

1.  I can’t believe that I just now found Tiny Bazaar.  She has these beautiful prints in a really great color palette that are just full of fun and whimsy.  She has some great prints and photographs in addition to some really creative jewelry. Apparently everyone else in the design world has taken notice, as she’s been featured in some great design blogs, but I thought I’d share in case anyone else was as out of the loop as me.

2.  I’ve just discovered 5 Dollar French Market and I’m delighted to report that everything is actually just $5!  They have all sorts of chic finds, like beautiful seam binding and vintage laces, all packaged really nicely.  Would be a beautiful way to wrap a present or embellish an art project you’ve been working on.  And you won’t break the bank!

3.  If what you’re looking for is fun and funky paper goods, then Earmark is the place.  This shop is chock-a-bock full of beautiful graphics and tongue in cheek humor.  I love their colors and the variety of fun things that you can find.  My favorite is their dinner party kits. What a great idea for a hostess gift!

4.  Photo Bird has long been one of my favorite photographers on Etsy.  I bought a set of her breakfast series cards a while back and have yet to actually send them to anyone, I love them so much.  Her photography is always slightly shy and disarming – lovely little quiet moments in our everyday lives.

Thanks to this week’s favorites for all the beautiful work that they do!

Today I have discovered the holy grail of Paper Crafters: Paper Source. It may be old news to some, but not to me! I find their collections of handmade papers simply inspiring, and their craft kits and other assorted items (envelopes, colored labels, etc.) simply useful! They have amazing letterpress stationary, paper in a wide range of prints, sizes and colors, and some other amazing things. One of my favorites is the envelope templates – so that you can make or line your own! Seeing this many amazing products makes me wish that I could open up a store like this of my own! Since I can’t, I’ll have to content myself with the website that you can find here. They are worth checking out, because you can get good prices on buying things in small amounts. And sometimes that’s all you need! I know that I don’t have too many good paper shops nearby, and sometimes it’s just nice to have something shipped straight to your door.