Stacks and Gifts

Seth Apter's latest collaboration on The Altered Page, is the admission of our proclivity to stack. Hop on over to his blog to check out the myriad ways creativity can be piled! I immediately thought of the paper I use to protect the drawing table. Once a project is done I add the paper to the pile accumulating on a side shelf and tear off a new piece.



Yes, it's brown kraft paper, but, the sheets are also a journal in a sense. I can leaf through them and see what I was working on, sketches and doodles, stamped images, holes sliced out, lists, color experiments and a host of other information - phone numbers, names, dates - because having two teenagers necessitates the answering of the phone while working in the studio.



It also serves as alternative, readily-available gift wrap - what's better than recycling?! After I finished the box (below) I wrapped it with the paper I'd used and tied it with recycled sari ribbon. It may look a bit odd, but people who know me expect something a bit out of the ordinary. And, usually spotted with paint.



I gave this box to friends who had a baby several weeks ago. The one I'd made before was a deep earthy color and my daughter, though she loved it, pointed out that it didn't exactly look very 'baby gifty.' I agreed and made another that complemented the color scheme they used in the nursery.



I love lace and bits of trim and the myriad ways they can be layered to create subtle depth. And, fibers have to come into play somewhere, so, though you can't see them without enlarging the photo, there are charms tied and dangling at the back of the box.

I hope you are having a meaningful week with enough bursts of joy to fuel your creative process!

Comments

Seth said…
Stacks come in all forms and using your paper that covers your drawing table is such a cool idea. Those pieces of paper tell the tale of all your artwork!
Lynn Cohen said…
Love that purple box!!!! Happy stacking!
Fantastic...
Love your stack of brown paper wrap :]
YUMMY!!
Kelly Snelling said…
i think brown craft paper is perfectly addicting! and i love how you use it in so many ways from phone numbers to gift wrap. super cool!
H.D. Campbell said…
I have a thing for brown paper too and im happy its just not me!
Carolyn Dube said…
You're so right that the paper that protects the table is a treasure!
Dianne said…
yes, I admit it, I wrap with brown paper and spattered/painted paper too! love your stack and the gorgeous gift too.
Martha Marshall said…
Oh I absolutely love brown kraft paper! There's some of that in my stack too. Your gift wrap is divine, and the baby box is beautiful.
donna joy said…
Great idea to use that paper that protects the table! It's not "planned" and sometimes that is the coolest!
Caterina Giglio said…
oh your brown paper stacks are just yummy!! xx
Pattie Wall said…
So glad I checked in with your stack post - I love the idea of the baby box, been trying to think of a special gift for a friend's new grandbaby, and you have helped me! Wow! What a cool idea! Keep on stackin and sharin!
audrey said…
What a wonderful idea. Your use of the Kraft paper on your worktable is brilliant and then to have all that color, doodles and info to look at later. I think using it for gift wrap is a good idea and very artsy!!! Love the box you made.
♥ audrey
fairyrocks said…
Love your stack a doodles!!!
I too will save the doodles to do another day. Keep smiling and creating
Anonymous said…
Hi Patti! Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm sorry I've been so delinquent at yours. I'll do better, I promise.
I've seen this link to Seth's project on several blogs. I have to say I don't really stack. I shove all my stuff randomly into those drawers of plastic storage cabinets. I like how neat and orderly you keep your stuff and I LOVE that box. Very nifty idea!
katiejane
Jill Zaheer said…
Patti- just love your stack- and your paper idea is simply the best!! I love that you use your paper for wrappings and all sorts of things. Just wonderful!
Hi Patti! Thanks so much for visiting my blog and for your lovely comment! And you're welcome! And glad I came back to see your beautiful web page again!
Anonymous said…
Wonderful stacks! Very cool indeed!!
~*~Patty S said…
delicious brown paper stack Patti!
those drip sheets are some of my favorite papers...unfortunately my work surface can only hold an 8.5x11 sheet of paper ;)

I am drooling over your perfect gift wrap along with that lovely gift!
oxo
Anonymous said…
i love your stacks! and what a fab idea -- i have similar stacks all over and just can't toss mine into the recycle bin. i shall use mine as wrapping paper too, you genius lady!

and love your new box! your boxes are such lovely gifts.
I thought I had been here already, especially when I saw your post come up on my sidebar. Unfortunately, I somehow missed seeing your stack of drop cloth pages. I think these would also make great journal pages in addition to wrapping paper. Sorry I'm late arriving here, but I'm determined to see all the stacks by the end of today.
Anonymous said…
Yummy to have a stack like that to play with in other projects. xox Corrine
Andria said…
Clever stack to include in the collaboration. I love the idea of these papers representing a journal of your art...so true!
SueM said…
Love your stacks Patti
Anonymous said…
oh my gosh...love the used paper stack!

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