We are always inspired when customers share projects with us because it shows us exactly how we are inspiring people to Do Something Creative Every Day. Plus, isn’t it safe to say a heartwarming story or a beautiful photo is sometimes all you need to get through the busy day?!

When it comes to beautiful photos our eye was immediately drawn to the interesting paper cuts of Lekker Haas. When Diane V., PS Fan and the mind behind Lekker Hass, shared her Brooklyn Map on the Paper Source Facebook Page, we were moved by the way she used our color palette to depict the different neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

Perhaps some of you caught these paper cuts at Henri Bendels’ Fashion Night Out?

But, if you’re like us, and missed Fashion Night Out (though followed nearly every article), then you might enjoy an up-close look at her work.

Brooklyn Map

I used seven colors of cardstock – Fuchsia, Pool, Khaki, Sunshine, Gravel, Peacock, and Chocolate – and each neighborhood is illustrated with paper cut to a pattern found in Brooklyn. For example, that big piece of Pool on the righthand side (East New York) is cut in the pattern of the cables of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Manhattan Map

The map of Manhattan is made mostly with paper from the shimmer line, with some Peacock, Cement, and Soft White as well.

After seeing the detail of these paper cuts, we knew exactly why Diane V. said she stopped at Paper Source and the grocery store before hunkering down for Hurricane Irene – It was the perfect time to focus on a new project! And we sure do look forward to seeing more!

–Diane V., Brooklyn PS customer
PS color: fuchsia
Latest fave: PVA Glue & Methyl Cellulose

Photography courtesy of Amber Marlowe Blatt and heybrooklyn.com

Following yesterday’s Midsummer’s Eve Affair we spent a few minutes with Handmade Weddings coauthor Shana Faust, and let readers ask the artist about her creative process, to find out how this busy stylist is able to Do Something Creative Every Day.

Question from Nicki: What is your favorite thing about styling?

A: I love using objects and their placement to create arresting images that tell a story and evoke a feeling.

Question from Nicki B: What spurs your creative blocks and how do you get out of them?

A: I definitely can get stuck sometimes. Usually at the beginning of a project, when I am searching for the genesis of a concept, a blank canvas with infinite possibilities can be daunting. But once I’ve got an initial idea things tend to flow from there.

I’m lucky to live in New York City because it is such an inspiring place. If I’m ever in need of a spark I usually head outside for a walk (and coffee!) and a trip to one of my favorite stores. Kinokuniya Bookstore, NY Art Central, Pearl River and Economy Candy are some of my favorite haunts.
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Drawing inspiration from paper artists like Helen Musselwhite, we have created a workshop that focuses on the wonderful art of paper cutting.

Join us for:

Artful Paper Inspired Cards Workshop
Saturday, May 28, 2011
11:00 am – 12:30 pm (local time)
Click to register!

Cull inspiration from master technicians and create colorful 3D cards using simplified paper arts techniques like cutting, stamping and layering. You’re sure to leave with something wonderful.

Can’t attend? Read our recent artist inspiration feature and tell us about the artist who inspires your craft or enhances your technique.

In my world, a rainy Saturday = project time (and probably a good classic movie). While looking for a little inspiration on a gray day, I stumbled across the work of paper artist, Helen Musselwhite.

I never grow tired of looking at paper cutting, with all of its lovely, lacy intricacies and layers. After admiring it, I usually think to myself, “that must have taken FOREVVVER.” But, this time, with the rain dripping outside and an apartment overflowing with paper, I decided to give myself a challenge: create a similar effect using simpler techniques. Read the rest of this entry »