Yesterday I rediscovered my love of handmade paper; of a craft I enjoyed so many years ago.
I was rummaging around in the basement, looking for Christmas wrapping, when I wandered over to a container of “stuff” that was destined for a second hand shop, or a school, or something of the sort. Peering inside, I pulled out stickers, scrapbook paper, old envelopes, and ribbons … all those things that no longer hold my interest. My days of scrapbooking with glue and scissors have long been over.
Just as I was about to close the lid on that can of worms, I caught sight of something that stopped me in my tracks. I held my breath for a moment. Look at that … look at that paper … as I gently pulled it out, I was struck by the nubby textures and the soft colours. I was struck by how each sheet fit so well against the next, and I was struck by the beauty of it.
Memories flooded back … hours and hours of bliss spent creating these one-of-a-kind treasures … ten years ago …
I would soak magazines, newsprint, and light cardboard. I would save the wrapping that grocery stores used to protect flowers after they were purchased … you know — the pretty coloured triangles that were taped shut at the top to keep the frost out. Dried flowers, and leaves, and even seeds, would be thrown into the thick sludgy mix in the kitchen sink. Then came the straining and pressing of each individual sheet against the screens, until it was the perfect thickness and size. After a day or two spent drying on towels they were carefully stacked and tucked away until I needed some for a card or layout I was making.
I used to liken the process to making cookies. It was very similar really – measuring ingredients, mixing, forming, baking …
I didn’t get many presents wrapped that afternoon. I knew I needed a “be still” moment. I needed to stop and honour these creations that came from my heart.
It made me a bit melancholy … it was a lifetime ago that I did all this, and it seems like I have so many different “lifetimes” and all passing so quickly … just gone … and you can’t hold on to them no matter what you do … but it was a blessing simply to recall that time, to hold a tangible piece of it in my hands, and then to preserve it in a photograph.
I’m sharing this today at Friday Finds at Kim Klassen dot com
OH what a treasure, these papers are so beautiful and really perfect for still life pics !
Happy holidays,
Patricia
*Gasp* What a find! This may become a new project! Your photos capture the timeless look of the paper! Wow. Hugs. Sarah
Love this story….
and the papers…. Amazing…. I’ve always loved handmade paper….. You’ve made me want to try making some of my own…
maybe some day? : )
such beautiful photos…
…. happy holidays dear friend… xo, Kim
What a wonderful treasure you’ve found in this box Barb!! how could you have forgotten such a gorgeous work of art? I’m amazed by all your talents, past and present, these thick and textured papers are unvaluable! I’m sure you’ll find soon an opportunity to make the best of them… and today your pictures are so beautiful, all of them, they must be observed slowly with attention to every detail… you’ve set them so artistically with all sort of vegetal props, everything is perfect, the light, the soft neutral colors, the different manners you arranges your sheets of papers, I love them so much!
As I’ve always been a paper lover too, I dreamed to make my own paper some years ago… but never did… seeing the wonderful sheets of paper, all different, you’ve crafted (with love, I’m sure!) makes my dream comes back again…
Oh Barb, these photos are simply superb, but the whole story about finding the papers and supplies, how you patiently made the paper, and waited for the drying, but the finished pieces – I want to touch and hold and …. oh my…make some too! This is just beautiful!! I adore the soft ragged edge of the papers stacked so beautifully! Love this so much!!
oh how pretty. You have inspired me to try making some paper when the weather settles in and it’s difficult to be out of doors for very long.
Really love that first shot so much Barb, I use to do this also or I should say I tried it. Never got the beautiful results you have here. So glad you found the time to have a quiet time to do this so you could show the world. Happy Holidays.
What beautiful paper and what beautiful photos you created with it! So glad you found these treasures again
The paper is absolutely gorgeous and so are the photographs. How lovely to find a part of your past that you can treasure. I remember going through different craft stages and trying to see what would stick. I’m sure these papers will find new life as you discover new ways to incorporate them into your current life.
Oh, no wonder you were stopped in your tracks. How beautiful!
Such a lovely story, Barb !
So nice you had a wonderful time creating … those papers are gorgeous !
And so beautifully captured !
Enjoy the weekend,
Sylvia
Barb, these images are so beautiful! I used to make paper too. such a fun process, but like you, it’s been years. Thanks for the memories. Merry Christmas!
loved this peek into who you once were. :)
What a wonderful surprise!!! It looks gorgeous in the photos. I can only imagine how beautiful it is in real life…. Lucky, lucky you.
that paper is gorgeous! I do hope you are going to use it ow and not donate it! I used to be an avid scrapper too – I still love it – really, I just have not time as my kids grow!
Isn’t it fun to find forgotten treasures? Though I have to admit, I’m not sure I ever heard of making paper or wanting to. But they look lovely. And good for you, taking that time to ‘just breathe’. Merry Christmas, my friend!
Love the series of photos. You’ve made me want to go dig in the basement for my papers.
Wonderfull!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love this idea!
How lovely to have a trip down memory lane, and how wonderful your photos are ! The compositions and tones are simply perfect !
Such lovely images. The papers are lovely, and they seem to have captured a moment in time. It’s funny how opening the lid of a box can take us back so effectively to a time that has past, and to another part of our lives that feels as though it were lived by someone else. I suppose it’s testament to how we all evolve and change. All the best, Bonny
A wonderful story and delightful images, it touched my heart!
Your images brought me down the memory lane – I made paper also, for 16 years ago! How wonderful to see the stencils – it was a great and messy project (I did it with school kids first, then also at home and together with my mom … precious memories).
I share your feeling of melancholy … You contain so many gifts and creativity is finding forms to express itself … I am smitten by your work – weather in the garden, by your photography or your talents in the kitchen!
Enjoy the weekend, Barb!
Nina xx
Love these photos Barb! I made paper at one point and this reminds me of that time! It is a wonderful art form itself and these pictures give me the itch to dive back in. :0). So many things and so little time!
I loved reading the story of finding your treasure of long ago handmade paper. Your images capture beautifully the details of your story. I too used to make paper and enjoyed turning the pages into journals. Just looking at your stacks of paper reminded me of the pleasure of writing in and gifting those journals…Thanks for the memories….Merry Christmas….
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas, and a bright and beautiful New Year, Barb.
What a treasure to find! These photos have me thinking I just might have to give paper making a try one day:)
Oh!!! This post has been so much fun to browse through!!!! I love your images!!!
I love the paper! I’ve never tried that- and your results are fantastic!You always inspire me! Have a wonderful holiday, Barb!
Barb, I’m just catching up now on a backlog of blog reading and I’m loving your posts. The paper is simply stunning! I’m inspired to try some of my own now. Also loving your new series at KimKlassen where you share some tips and tricks. Thanks so much. Hope you are enjoying a wonderful Christmas holiday.
Thank you so much, Kelly!
Barb, this felt eerily familiar. I made paper too, long ago. And did scrapbooking. And quilting. And. And…
Your still life photos are a beautiful tribute to your long ago passion.
xoxo
Utterly stunning. What a find. I want to try so many new things this year.