Belle Papier

Where on earth have I been? Don't answer - that's a rhetorical question. I've been under a rock. A new movement's afoot and I've been blissfully unaware of it. Paper - it's paper. Now I know scrap booking has become hot because I always have to move those magazines aside to get to the beading and fiber magazines at the bookstore. But what I seem to have missed out on until very recently is the move towards paper as an art form in and of itself. Yes, I know about Cloth, Paper, Scissors, but believe it or not I never even opened a copy until a couple of months ago.

Yes, you can accuse me of being a fiber snob, because that's what I was. Paper - who me? I'm into fiber! So anyway, strolling around the web one day, I stumbled upon the blog of a very talented paper artist (don't ask me who she is because I lost her blog URL in the great computer crash of last week). I was absolutely amazed as only someone who had very recently sniffed at the idea of "paper as art" can be. And I was smitten. A bit more strolling took me to a new Yahoo list called Belle Papier.

I asked to join knowing full well that I didn't know the first thing about paper as art, much less the multitude of techniques used in the art. And that should be your first clue. There were techniques to glean here that I'd never come across anywhere else. And the women were REALLY nice. And they didn't mind that I hadn't a clue. And there was even a 'zine! Belle Papier

Now for those of you who, like me, have been living under a rock, a 'zine is an independent publication that can go places that magazines can NEVER go. Lynne, the publisher of Belle Papier magazine asked me to contribute a project for the fall issue and I readily agreed. "But", I said to myself. "I should see this 'zine first so I know what I'm expected to do". I ordered a copy and HOLEY MOLEY. I'VE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT! First of all, It's CHOCK FULL OF COOL STUFF! Threads, and stickers and stamps and tin charms and beads and printed bits and projects and poems and artwork. And best of all - it's all lovingly made by Lynne's talented hands.

So I had to share this, because I'm just amazed by it - it's gorgeous. I can't wait to check out other 'zines. It's a movement I'm telling you - and I absolutely hate feeling left out.

If you want more info about Zines: http://www.zinebook.com

Comments

[Debby]

Just subscribed to Cloth,Paper, Scissors and I love it. Now there are stamps and paper and things I just have to have. Guess I will clear a space amongst the yarn and have fun.

[Kelly]

Hi! I just found your blog. *I LOVE* your copyright notice. It is so very much refreshing in this day and age-thank you for posting something like that at a time when I think people have gone copyright bonkers!
I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father.
Have you, by chance, seen a film by Frederic Back called
"The Man Who Planted Trees"? It might help in some small way...it's one of my favorites.
I plan on bookmarking your site.
Thanks again for sharing.
kelly

[am-tm]

A good old memory rushed into my mind...I love!
I think I should cherishe anything to make like
a this art...!

[Lalheg]

Green, green, green with envy and pink with pride for you