Congratulations to krosenthal212, the giveaway winner! November has been quite the month around here! Each Wednesday a new giveaway has launched and today is no exception. Sarah Yakawonis of Etsy shop Yakawonis Quilling , whose unique paper art you might recall from past features, contacted me about offering two printed posters to a winner anywhere in the world.    She combines graphic design skill with the timeless art of quilling, resulting in an appealing effect. Pop culture - movies, music, tv shows - all are fair game. Quotes, monograms, and fine art are in the mix too.   You'll even find tree ornaments and print-on-demand pillows, iPhone cases, and Samsung Galaxy cases that feature Sarah's art. She has developed a photographic method that captures the dimensionality of on-edge paper quilling and mentions that people have touched her posters and prints to see if they are truly flat! Sarah's quilled anatomical illustrations have received a great ...

This is Part 3 of a three part quilled jewelry series. Each pattern is designed for the person who is brand new to the craft. The first two designs can be found here and here . All are for personal use only. If you like to give handmade presents, here's an idea... make stylish drop earrings from gilded-edge quilling paper. Your girlfriends will be thrilled at how lightweight and comfortable they are to wear, not to mention surprisingly durable; they'll even survive New Year's Eve and beyond! Quilling isn't nearly as complicated as you might think... after a bit of practice it becomes very relaxing to do, just like knitting or crocheting. Another nice thing is that the supply list is short - you probably have most everything on hand with the added bonus that a basic quilling tool and paper strips are inexpensive. Gold-edged strips, even though they look rich and oh-so-shiny are just $5.00/package; many pairs of earrings can be made from one purchase. Si...

I'm always amazed by those who can pick up a craft knife and create gorgeous paper cuttings right off the bat. Jen Fry is one such talented person. Probably to no one's surprise, innate drawing ability is key and she is fortunate to have it in abundance. I spotted Jen's lively nature-inspired designs that feature hares, squirrels, foxes, and deer via Facebook. If you follow My Paper Cut Heart , prepare to be amused because her messages often go something like this: *zooms in* screeeecccch (that's the brakes!) fabric badges!!!! neeeeooowwwww........(zooms back off). Pictures to follow xxx  Ha! No wonder Jen has grown a large following in a short time. With a knack for endearing herself and her critters via clever postings, she successfully markets original paper cuttings, prints, cards, and gift items without a traditional website. As for custom designs, Jen is already booked through next summer, but get this... she was a newbie to paper cutting just a ye...

Ooh, I have something very neat to show you today... whimsical three dimensional cards from Jason Lynch of Smidge Co [site no longer available]. That's the name he's given his brand new world of curious creatures, and frankly, I can't imagine anyone not smiling when they receive one of these delights in the mail. Jason, a graphic designer and art director at Hyperakt in Brooklyn, designed his own laser cut wedding invitation and save the date earlier this year which led to the development of Smidge Co. He's currently designing cards for more occasions, but at the moment birthday designs are heralding the line. Each colorful card comes with a page that tells the character's story, and also a special mailer and adhesive-backed address label. The personality of the cards is so much fun, not to mention all pop open very easily - no assembly is required. My nephews will soon be turning 7 and 10 and I know they'll love to receive them! Jas...

This is part two of a three part jewelry series on learning to quill. Last week's tutorial showed how to make a crimped flower locket ... a super-simple design, good for those who are brand new to paper rolling. The same can be said about today's ring coil flower... it can be made in under an hour and the end result is nice enough to give as a gift. This pendant isn't as feminine as the first considering the gray and black color scheme and tartan ribbon. It's a little larger too - 1.25 inches in diameter. Supplies:  Quilling paper - gray, black (1/8 inch standard width strips) or cut your own light to medium weight paper using a craft knife, metal-edged ruler, and cutting mat Quilling tool - slotted tool or needle tool or substitute a stiff wire or even a muffin tester Glue - I like Scotch Clear Glue for quilling and Crafter's Pick: The Ultimate or Aleene's Tacky Glue to adhere quilling to a slick surface Scissors Ruler Tweezers Paper ...

Art Made from Books: Altered, Sculpted, Carved, Transformed is a weighty, paper-covered hardback with more than two hundred beautiful photographs that depict the work of nearly thirty altered book artists around the world, primarily in the U.S. and UK.  Cara Barer cover image, Explorer , 2011 Admittedly, I spend more time than the average bear scouting the internet for the newest paper-themed content to share here. Thus, quite a few of the images and names were as familiar as old friends, but then again, many were new to me. There is much to see between the stitched covers. Guy Laramée   The Web , 2012 Yes, stitched... a unique feature is the book's exposed spine. If I were to spy this title on a coffee table, the binding alone would make me curious enough to thumb through the pages. Mike Stilkey Reminiscent , 2010 The tactile stitching can serve as a reminder that all books were originally crafted by hand, as well as a nod to the strength of...

Congrats to the winners -  Sara Leighton, dragonswing, and Celeste! Another giveaway today... that must mean the holidays will soon be here! Sarah Schultz of The Sweet Unfolding on Etsy offers a colorful array of monogrammed initial and name note cards that would please any recipient on your gift list. Her designs are fresh and modern... polka dots, chevron zigzags, and poppies are just a few of the popular motifs. There's even a very handsome pinstriped card. Her shop also features individual cards, giclée art prints, and holiday cards. Just look at the lovely hammered paper Sarah uses for these watercolor poppy note cards. Whenever I receive a note in the mail, I find that a card printed with a name or monogram makes that little moment of the sweet unfolding even more special.   5% of all profits from The Sweet Unfolding are contributed to Kiva.org, an organization that makes micro-loans to business owners in developing countries. Sarah h...