This is the first post by this month’s Special Guest Blogger Julie Gibbons. She’s going to be sharing 4 of her fave creative materials, and why she loves them!

Today’s favourite medium is paper. Sure you can write, paint, and print on it (yes, linocut is another favourite!) but you can also cut, fold and sculpt with it – cast paper pulp has amazing possibilities.

{kokokoshop – bunnie brooch}

Papier maché is not just for kids. Layered up and shaped in the layering, it results in a very sturdy yet lightweight form.

I love this cute little bunnie brooch! It gets bonus points for its slightly distressed paint finish, and the idea that there’s a psychotic monster inside, just waiting to bare its teeth (oh wait – is that just me?)

{papercardmaking – kirigami fisherman}

I love a good pop-up. Did you ever have pop-up books as kids? I had a few, but sadly remember them being loved into oblivion. Well now you can make your own!

This company supplies the patterns for you to cut and assemble yourself. Apparently you can also alter the designs to suit yourself, so you can get really really REALLY complex….oh my!

{peggithaspieces – here’s my heart}

How could I not include this little friend? He’s kind of shy, but impish too – he needs a mantelpiece to sit on so he can watch everything and plan out his next trick. He’s gorgeously lumpy and full of character.

I do love texture, and papier maché is never perfectly smooth; it has lumps and bumps and textures, just like real people.

{sharingsnips – bluegill}

There are some totally technically amazing papercut artists on Etsy – papercutsbyjoe is one that springs to mind. But what I particularly love about this little fish is the beautifully textured watery greens on the surface of the paper, which complement the cut – check the fins and scales. The photo with shadow is ace too.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my picks. So next time you search the web for paper, expand your search terms a little and get ready to be amazed with what turns up!

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Julie Gibbons is tractorgirl, a maker of homewares and accessories, and a lover of colour, texture and pattern. She completed her PhD Fine Arts in 2001, majoring in Silversmithing, and now she blogs about contemporary craft, surface design, food and books at tractorgirl.com.au.

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