Artistic Handmade Boxes and Books by Debra Glanz
I don't know about you, but handmade boxes and books fascinate me. I'm pretty sure it's because they so neatly combine variety with orderliness... think about it, the number of shapes and paper options with which to work is staggering, yet the end result is a tidy, useful object. Add arty to that description and you have the very special boxes and books made by Debra Glanz of The Paper Assembly.
The moment I was introduced to the Portland, Oregon artist's work, I wanted to learn more about it, but first I couldn't help but click around her Etsy shop to choose images to share here. (I do love window shopping!) The Paper Assembly on Etsy features her studio work along with paper sheets and kits.
What I find so interesting about Debra's books and boxes is not only her attention to detail (those perfectly folded corners!) but that the decorative papers she uses are so diverse. While many are imported from far away lands, others are Debra's own designs.
Debra says in her Etsy About description (well worth a read) that she was drawn to paper even as a child. That love was rekindled years later via a bookbinding class and ever since, her paper collection has grown exponentially.
I asked how she chooses papers when making a book or box.
Choosing papers is generally not a problem for me as I have thousands of sheets collected from all over the world for the last 25 or so years. If the old saying is true - "whoever dies with the most paper (or fabric or yarn...) wins" - I think I'm a lock.'
I was curious about her favorite part of the box making/book making process...
Favorite part, hmmmmmm. I like almost every part of the process with the exception of cutting book board. I LOVE cutting paper and my paper cutters are probably my favorite tools. Probably my greatest satisfaction comes from making books, but I learned a long time ago that while a lot of people don't want to or won't write in a blank book everyone can find a use for a lovely little box.
You might recall a recent post about paper crafting kits... if only I'd known then to include Debra's origami bowl and box kits... I love to make little boxes to hold quilled jewelry gifts. She also shares several paper craft tutorials on her website.
Debra's Etsy shop is The Paper Assembly and she is on Instagram.
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| A square jewelry or ring box featuring papers from Hungary and Italy |
The moment I was introduced to the Portland, Oregon artist's work, I wanted to learn more about it, but first I couldn't help but click around her Etsy shop to choose images to share here. (I do love window shopping!) The Paper Assembly on Etsy features her studio work along with paper sheets and kits.
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| Handsome, concertina-style blank books covered with black on black botanical papers |
What I find so interesting about Debra's books and boxes is not only her attention to detail (those perfectly folded corners!) but that the decorative papers she uses are so diverse. While many are imported from far away lands, others are Debra's own designs.
A Bobble Box featuring papers from Germany, India, and the U.S.
Debra says in her Etsy About description (well worth a read) that she was drawn to paper even as a child. That love was rekindled years later via a bookbinding class and ever since, her paper collection has grown exponentially.
I asked how she chooses papers when making a book or box.
Choosing papers is generally not a problem for me as I have thousands of sheets collected from all over the world for the last 25 or so years. If the old saying is true - "whoever dies with the most paper (or fabric or yarn...) wins" - I think I'm a lock.'
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| A set of three notebook/jotters featuring drawings by Edward Gorey |
I was curious about her favorite part of the box making/book making process...
Favorite part, hmmmmmm. I like almost every part of the process with the exception of cutting book board. I LOVE cutting paper and my paper cutters are probably my favorite tools. Probably my greatest satisfaction comes from making books, but I learned a long time ago that while a lot of people don't want to or won't write in a blank book everyone can find a use for a lovely little box.
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| A tiny sunflower-inspired box for jewelry, coins, or keys |
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| A house-shaped box - perfect as a housewarming gift |
You might recall a recent post about paper crafting kits... if only I'd known then to include Debra's origami bowl and box kits... I love to make little boxes to hold quilled jewelry gifts. She also shares several paper craft tutorials on her website.
Debra's Etsy shop is The Paper Assembly and she is on Instagram.
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These are so clean and simple and elegant and beautiful - thanks so much for the post. I've shared it on Facebook - hope many others come to see the little treasures!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tristan, I appreciate you and I'm glad you enjoyed seeing Debra's work.
DeleteThanks so much Ann. I'm honored and a little amused to see so many of my divergent paths in one place......short attention span? As soon as I pry myself out of the studio I'll post to G+, FB, Twitter etc. Love your vision and your style.
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! Looking forward to your future creations.
DeleteAnd I should have said thanks so much for the compliment!
Deleteso beautiful and so much work! it´s nice to see that there are still people who enjoy working with paper :)
ReplyDeleteI love the sunflower box and the house shaped box - thanks so much for sharing these. Any chance Debra would ever do a tutorial on either (or both) of these? I would love to have a go at making one. Thanks, Margie
ReplyDeleteSuch lovely work. I especially like the boxes.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend, Ann.
Wonderful to see another paper person making interesting objects.
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful pieces of art Debra has created! I just don't want to stop looking at them.
ReplyDeleteHer boxes look so special. Love all the bright and beautiful paper she has used.
ReplyDeleteWhat great papers and kits. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThose are some very pretty boxes and I love the toppers.
ReplyDeleteGail
these are amazing......I want to learn this so please help me out
ReplyDeleteHi Anon, if you mean you want to learn box making, there's an excellent step-by-step tutorial in my book, All Things Paper: 20 Unique Projects from Leading Paper Crafters, Artists, and Designers.
Deleteanother question....!! is your book available in pakistan?? and how many tutorials are in your book!! (amber shakil)
DeleteThere are 20 projects in the All Things Paper book. It is available to any bookseller that chooses to stock it. If you can't find it locally, try The Book Depository in England which offers free shipping to many countries.
Deletethank you....!! :)
Deletethank you ann martin!!
ReplyDelete