As Paper Source expands in Chicagoland I thought my weekend adventure to a destination near two of our newest suburban stores might interest artists and crafters who seek local inspiration.

A good friend told The Mister and I about Cantigny Park in Wheaton, IL. History buffs and journalism folk might know this as the estate of the late Colonel Robert R. McCormick, famed editor and publisher of the Chicago Tribune. Our friend simply described the gardens, the historical home and the tanks, which line the grounds outside the First Division Museum, as a must-see for any Chicagoan. Truth be told, we’re transplants – Hoosiers through and through – but highly invested in living like local anywhere we go, so we strayed from our usual West Town Sunday happenings and headed West… further West.

It was definitely worth the 40 minute drive and $5 per car admission (so cheap!). Obviously, the botanicals provide inspiration with the fabulous colors and wonderful variety spread throughout the estate, but you might be surprised to find the industrial works round out the experience and inspiration nicely.

As a lover of antiques and textiles, I really enjoyed the home tour (Photos were not allowed, but you can take a virtual tour online.) From to the Art Deco theater on the lower level to the wooden spindles lining the first and second floor walkways, the home had little treats for every kind of designer. Industrial artists would enjoy the mission style woodwork and unique lighting featured in Freedom Hall. Fine artists would appreciate the hand-painted works and collections of Amy Adams McCormick. And paper artists, like most of us, would spend hours studying the 70-foot-long hand-painted mural that lined the formal dining room. Painted on rice paper and hung with linen, this Chinese treasure inspired me to write this blog.

It’s refreshing to be reminded of our roots – the color, the pattern and the tradition of fine paper – and take away a piece of local history. But, even if you prefer the clank of metal or the sound of songbirds, a day trip to Cantigny Park will leave you with plenty of color, sound, and relaxation to get those creative juices flowing.

– Liz
PS colors: peacock & fig
Latest fave: Cavallini Wrapping Paper

A great back to school craft to get your tweens and teens organized or spruce up your own desk (adults can celebrate back to school, too!).

–Annie
PS colors: peacock & paper bag
Latest fave: Spritzer Rubber Stamp Cleaner and Rubber Stamp Cleaning Pad

Materials needed:
How to PDF
8 1/2″ x 11″ Chipboard
Decorative Paper
Xacto & Cutting Mat or Guillotine Trimmer
Ruler
Double Stick Tape & Regular Tape
Scissors

Instructions:
Use the instructions below as a guide to customize cubbies to whatever height & width you prefer to suit your own organizational needs!

Diagram A
This cubby measures 11” wide x 3” deep x 3” tall.
Cut chipboard for 1 cubby base.
Cut chipboard for 4 cubby walls.
Tape pieces, as shown, with space in between. (Tip: use the edge of a piece of chipboard as a spacer)

Diagram B
Cover cubby with decorative paper (decorative side down) by placing connected pieces on top of decorative paper (tape side down). Decorative paper should measure approximately 1” – 2” beyond chipboard pieces. Cut along diagonal lines.

Diagram C
Fold & double stick tape short straight sides (1).
Cut off the small exposed triangles from these folds (2).
Fold & double stick tape corners (3).
Fold & double stick tape long straight sides (4).
Cut off the small exposed triangles from these folds (5).
Fold corners to get crease & unfold (6).

Diagram D
Form cubby shape by lifting walls in place.
Fold & double stick corners (6) from long side on to OUTSIDE of cubby to hold shape together.

The weight of our catalog pages lends itself to easy cutting and shaping to form the petals of the brooch. First, Stacey selects the pages she wants to use, and then begins cutting them into rounded shapes. She scrunches the shapes side by side in a circular floral formation and uses a needle and thread to attach them to one another. She embellishes the middle section with a splash of glitter. Finally, a pin is attached to the back of the brooch for fastening onto clothing, bags, hair bands, gifts—you name it!

Whenever I wear one of these brooches to work, customers and fellow employees stop in their tracks to take a closer look and inspect Stacey’s handiwork. When I tell them the brooch was made from one of our catalogs, they are simply amazed. Who knew the pages of a catalog could be transformed into wearable art? Only at Paper Source!

–Pam, Paper Source Carlsbad Store
PS colors: fuchsia & chocolate
Latest fave: Mum Outline Flower Large Rubber Stamp

Most people put their recipes inside file folders, but these wonderful mini tabbed folders are actually great for printing on the outside. I printed my recipe for love on each (2 cups sweetness, 1 spoon of romance), then embellished them with Valentine rubber stamps and decorative hole punches. Tuck your Valentine greetings inside these folders for a private way to deliver your message.

Let me know what your ingredients are for love – I just might try mixing it up! Here’s hoping you have a sweetie to share a recipe of love with this February 14th!

p.s. If you’re looking more inspiration on valentine crafts, check out our new Valentine workshops in January and early February.

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: 2010 Paper Source Letterpress Calendar

At this month’s Wedding Favor Workshop we’ll share ideas and decorating techniques to get you headed in the right direction. By the end of the class you’ll have the know-how and completed samples to make creative decisions for your own wedding celebration! Our workshops are also a great way to spend quality time with your mother, future mother-in-law and bridesmaids. A real treat for all of you!

WHAT: Wedding Favors Workshop
WHERE: All Paper Source stores
WHEN: Saturday, January 16 from 11am-1pm.
HOW: Visit our workshop page to find your store & purchase your $35 ticket. (Save 10% when you sign up with a friend!)

–Linda
PS colors: chartreuse & pool
Latest fave: 2010 Paper Source Letterpress Calendar

My solution was to hang paper holiday decorations around the first 3 feet of the tree. I used our Paper Chain Garland Kit and Paper Doves Kit – both festive and safe for kids and pets. I can rest easy now knowing that I won’t come home to broken glass and the fear of what the dog could have eaten!

Wouldn’t you know, Noquet has shown NO interest in our Christmas tree this year. Lucky for us, the paper garland and paper doves will prevent any Christmas tree disasters and look absolutely lovely!

Happy Christmas!

– Cindy
PS colors: pool & red
Latest fave: Dutch Woodcut Floral Wrapping Paper

I’ve used just a few things to make my festive, dimensional characters. I started with our die-cut snowman (or snow lady) shapes, then cut hats and scarves out of card stock. Our leaf hole punch and red adhesive crystals make a perfect sprig of holly.

A tiny mustache rub-on transfer was just the thing for Mr. Frosty… and a string of adhesive pearls for the misses.

Just sign your name or add a greeting to each and use as keepsake holiday cards (they fit into an A7 envelope). They would also make wonderful holiday gift tags, place cards or even menu cards!

Happy Holidays!

–Dustin, Paper Source Lincoln Park Store
PS colors: gravel, chartreuse, moss, pool & grape
Latest fave: Kraft Boxes & Satin Ribbon

This extra special touch is sure to stir up smiles, joy and happy hearts this Thanksgiving!

–Annie
PS colors: gravel & beet
Latest fave: Owl Placecard Kit

It works! I experimented with various rubber stamps using the Bistro Markers as ink. Turns out it’s an easy way to add fun images to the chalkboard – no artistic ability required! I found that the best rubber stamps to use are those with intricate designs – they are so impressive against the black backdrop!

A few quick steps: Draw directly onto a rubber stamp using a Bistro Marker – covering the entire surface. Press your stamp firmly onto the chalkboard. Lift the rubber stamp carefully so you don’t create any smudges. The image should dry in seconds!

p.s. Bistro Markers wipe off a chalkboard surface with the help of glass cleaner sprayed onto a paper towel!

–Catherine, Paper Source Alexandria Store
PS colors: gravel & curry
Latest fave: 2010 Cavallini Easel Calendar – Italia

I rubber stamped and embossed the front of a postcard, and addressed each one.

To the back of the postcard I attached a 2 1/4″ x 3 1/2″ glassine envelope and added the message, “I’ve moved! Write me at my new address…”. I inserted a business card with my new address and sealed with a circle label. Such a fun and unexpected presentation!

Sending postcards lets you save some money on postage as they only require postcard postage stamps, and your friends will be more than thrilled to receive something fun in the mail! If you’re worried about the glassine envelope staying attached in the mail, you can always slip your finished piece into an envelope for protection (though all of my postcards made it safely to their destinations!).

–Catherine, Paper Source Alexandria Store
PS colors: gravel & curry
Latest fave: 2010 Cavallini Easel Calendar – Italia

Materials Needed:
Postcards
Colonial Rubber Stamp
Stamp Pad
Embossing Powder
Embossing Heat Tool
Glassine Envelopes
Business Cards
1 1/4″ Circle Labels
Double-Sided Tape

Instructions:
1. On the front of the postcard rubber stamp your image, sprinkle with embossing powder, and use the Embossing Heat Tool to emboss the stamped image.
2. On the back of the postcard attach a glassine envelope with double-sided tape (be mindful which side you tape – you need the envelope flap to open once attached to the postcard).
3. Write your new address onto a business card and slide into the glassine envelope.
4. Seal with a 1 1/4″ circle label. You can embellish the label with rubber stamps as well.
5. Write the recipient’s mailing address on the front of the postcard, add a postcard postage stamp, and send off to anyone you hope to keep in touch with!