The paper creative

illustration, paper goods, nature walks & inspirational finds 

[thepapercreative]

Starlings in flight

There is a place; it’s beyond everything you know, bigger than your dreams can imagine. The sky is vast stretching further than your tired eyes can see; above your head marsh-mellow clouds bump gently into one another. The dewy grass is fresh beneath your bare-feet and the scent of new life gushes up with every tiny movement you make.

You stand in the stillness breathing in the cool crisp air; it stings your lungs gently as you breath deeper and deeper. The silence is broken softly by the action of starlings engaging in enigmatic displays of murmuration. They float effortlessly through the sky tumbling with a freedom that until now you have only dreamt of.

[thepapercreative]

Today's review is "operation alphabet" this full colour book is a treat for the eyes with a great attention to detail. I adore the fluidity of the artwork created with a variety of crayon watercolour and ink. The detail in each face captures a lifelike expression all through the simplicity of a brushstroke. This tale of Charlie Foxtrot is a romp through the troublesome learning of the a-z making this top secret adventure a must for any young ones.

[thepapercreative]

This award winning illustrated book "Little Mouses Big book of fears" is a visual masterpiece. Emily combines passionate mark making with various media to create this scrapbook style narrative focusing on our fears. The little mouse guides us through his fears with lift up flaps and fold out segments a real engaging activity for your readers. The story allows us to all accept our fears and see how they can differ from one individual to the next. This stimulating creation would make a wonderful gift for any little ones struggling with very real fears- spiders the dark etc. Im sure this wont be the last time I review Emily Gravett as her illustrative style is renowned in childrens literature.

[thepapercreative]

Mr Brown Goes Wild tells the tale of a tiger bored with his life and desperately searching for something new. The artwork provided by the author Peter Brown carefully expands as the story progresses. The harsh coldness at the start is represented by a textured grey pallet before progressing into a colourful vibrant ending. The illustrations are created using raw materials such as ink gouache and pencil before being digitally coloured a technique that works wonders for this children's book. This thoughtful story combined with tactile illustration is bound to be a hit with children... young and old!

[thepapercreative]

Making a 'Point'

This hand crafted book themed around ‘POINT’ focused on boiling point, which of course got me thinking about a cup of tea! Empty teabags form the basis for the pages of the book with delicate illustrations representing individuals tea habits of friends and family.

The cover is formed from my favourite teacup, after it smashed, I collected together all the fragments and formed a mosaic of broken china. The mosaic was then photographed before being transferred onto fabric. Coloured ribbon and fabrics enhance the characteristics of peoples tea habits, such as a delicate vintage ribbon to represent Grandma. Beads demonstrate the levels of sugar individuals have in their perfect cuppa.

[thepapercreative]

Book Manipulation

I love paper, all weights, styles old and new. Whilst studying for my degree I was given the chance to get to grips with a book binding module, I learnt a few techniques and also discovered my inner fine artist. I love the fragile elements you have to contend with whilst making paper creations and think this drives me to become more daring with each new project.

This old copy of Jane eyre had missing pages and was very un-loved, I re crafted it into something pretty. The plastic library cover helps it too keep a formal book structure.