A Paper Kimono

A Paper Kimono

Julie McLaughlin 2016 Freestanding kimono sculpture made from one 16" x 20" sheet of overbeaten abaca/flax paper with unbeaten flax fiber inclusions. Made in a deckle box where black pigmented fiber was added to the natural fiber during formation process. The wet paper was then manipulated into the kimono shape and allowed to air dry, taking on new life. 8 x 4 x 3 inches photo by the artist

The Sunday Paper #407

April 3, 2022

I open registration for my Paper Year membership program quarterly, and now through April 10th is one of those times. Perhaps you’d like to join us? Members enjoy the following each and every month:

  • Project instructions designed to spark ideas that keep you creating for the rest of the month;
  • The chance to explore creative paper techniques, including origami, pop-ups, paper weaving, book arts, paper cutting and more;
  • Participation in a growing community of paper lovers online, where we learn and share in a warm, encouraging, supportive, creative community.

Find out more and register here.

I hosted a Zoom workshop last Thursday, where I talked about highlights from The Paper Year and taught a Pop-Up Landscape Card workshop. You can watch the replay and make your own Pop-Up Landscape here.

———————————————————————————————–––––––

I adore these peeled corrugated illustrations by Javier Pérez.

As seen on Colossal, March 24, 2022

–——————————————————————————————–––––––

The 15th Focus on Book Arts conference takes place at Pacific University July 15-19 in Forest Grove, Oregon and offers five full days of workshops that appeal to beginning as well as advanced book artists. Registration for the conference will begin on Monday, April 4th at 8:00am. The week is filled with exciting workshops with both new and returning favorite instructors, and evening activities to keep you busy. Many of the events and activities will be created around the theme “Momentum”. As we gather momentum, we can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. Let’s get our hands and minds moving at FOBA 2022. In accordance with Pacific University policy and to help keep our community safe, all conference attendees must present proof of vaccination in order to attend FOBA this year.

———————————————————————————————–––––––.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Molly Grosse, co-founder of Rock Paper Store and an artist who works in a variety of mediums. Prior to founding Rock Paper Store, she worked as a wedding photographer, and her initial explorations with the paper were wedding products, like party favor boxes, invitations or waterproof flowers. Now we’ll be talking about what Rock Paper is, but once Molly dove into the process of making this paper from rocks (which her mother invented), she began exploring the best way to mix colors and create interesting combinations. She had an aha moment when she realized that the unique colors would make her product an ideal art paper, and she’s been focusing on selling sheets of rock paper ever since. Molly learns something new everyday from the wonderful community she has built on social media, and she is always impressed with the beautiful and creative ways that artists are using Rock Paper. Enjoy our conversation!

———————————————————————————————–––––––

I’m featuring one-sheet wonders here on the blog, since the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft, fall into that category. I’d love to feature your one-sheet wonders!

Julie McLaughlin has been pushing the boundaries between paper and textiles for over 25 years. She currently is using the kimono silhouette as a matrix for both sculptural and wearable art. Her work is shown both nationally and internationally and resides in numerous private and public collections. She resides in Coralville, IA USA. This freestanding kimono sculpture is made from one 16″ x 20″ sheet of high shrinkage abaca/flax paper with unbeaten flax fiber inclusions. The sheet was made in a deckle box where black pigmented fiber was added to the natural fiber during the formation process. The wet paper was then manipulated into the kimono shape and allowed to air dry, taking on a new shape.

© 2016 Julie McLaughlin, 8 x 4 x 3 inches, photo by the artist

———————————————————————————————–––––––

I adore Studio Carta in the Boston area and loved discovering a recent paper they carry: Heirloom Wrapping Paper by Katie Leamon. Take a peek!

———————————————————————————————–––––––

Paper Tidbits:

———————————————————————————————–––––––

In the Studio:

I’m creating a series of informational videos about the projects in my new book, The Art of Papercraft. Check out the first one, and subscribe to my YouTube channel if you’d like to see future videos. This Tiny House, designed by guest artist Debra Glanz featuring her unique papers, is one of 40 projects in the book.

———————————————————————————————––––––

Featured this week in my Studio shop:

The Art of Papercraft, The Paper Year, Tangential & Prism: artist’s books that will be on display at the Codex Book Fair, April 10-13. 
The Art of Papercraft

If you read this blog regularly, would you consider making a donation to support the research, writing, design and delivery of The Sunday Paper? Or, perhaps you’re interested in promoting your business in The Sunday Paper.

Thanks to everyone who has already pledged your support!

———————————————————————————————––––––

SHARE THIS blog post with your paper-loving friends!

I occasionally have affiliate links in my blog posts – links to products in which I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Comments are closed.