Now I've Done It.

Okay, so this is where I get all sheepish.

:: draws circles in the sand with shoe ::

For a while now, I've been exploring the world of cut paper. I've been inspired in so many ways and by so many incredible artists. Jen Stark, Nikki McClure, Wilhelm Staehle, Kara Walker , Brian Dettmer and even Hans Christian Andersen, whom I did not know until very recently was an amazing paper craftsman. (Thank you Highlights Magazine for bringing it to my attention :-)

So with shakey fingers and a hopeful heart, I began my paper cutting journey.

Late at night, when my men go to sleep, I bring out the sketches I've done throughout the day, at the park, over breakfast, at the post office, and see if my X-acto can't bring them to life.

As it turns out, for better or for worse, I really very much enjoy both the cutting and the dreaming about the lives and stories of the characters that emerge from the knife.

To my great honor many of you have said that you've enjoyed my cuttings as well.

Imagine how surprised I was when few of you even emailed and asked if I would be willing to sell my work!

I cannot tell you how touching and sweet a feeling that is.

I really love the idea that my little internal stories and paper cuts will find their way into the homes of the friends that I've come to know and love here in the land of Blog.

So, there it is.

I've opened up a shop on Etsy. The folks who were instrumental in its beginnings, had a sneak preview and have already bought me out, but there is more to come.

I will be stocking the shop with original cuttings, a limited number of prints of those same cuttings, as well as some prints and postcards of my photos. As of now, the big update will occur on Sunday night. As it gets closer, I will try to nail down the time a little better.

A sincere and humble thanks to all of you who have been so encouraging. For once in my life, I don't even know what to say.

Comments

[Sarah Jackson]

Hooray for you Stefani! I can't wait to hang a Blue Yonder original on my wall.

[Cheryl]

I have to say Stefani, I've been completely captivated by your cutouts since the moment you began posting them. Good luck in your Etsy endeavors. I look forward to taking a peek.

[emily]

yay! you. look forward to seeing the shop on sunday!

[Alicia A.]

I'll be there!

[Loribird]

Hooray! I just found you last weekend, and I'm already smitten with the cutouts. Keep up the good work - no need to be bashful!

[Loribird]

Hooray! I just found you last weekend, and I'm already smitten with the cutouts. Keep up the good work - no need to be bashful!

[melissa]

congratulations! your work is beautiful - i'm looking forward to the shop updates to come.

[cloth.paper.string]

yay for you, stefani! can't wait to visit your shop. happy cutting.

[grace]

i second everyone else. I've thought these were great since the beginning too and I can't wait to get my own.

[Lori]

yay! :^) congratulations on the shop, and keep making your beautiful art.

"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. " - Anais Nin

[kelly]

Congrats! This is very exciting! -kb

[Kris]

((Stefani))
Brilliant!
~Kris

[millie]

Congratulations on your etsy shop! You go, girl.

[Diane]

Hurray! I'm so glad you're taking the Etsy plunge! I LOVE the one at the top of this post!!

[Tracy]

Oh Stefani, congratulations. And good luck!

[Jessica Hood]

this is wonderful stef! let me know when you have some items listed & i'll feature you on funky finds!

[beki]

How wonderful Stefani! Congratulations!!

[mountain mama]

Yay, Stefani!!! I bet it feels good knowing you sold some already!! I will be keeping an eye on your shop for something that just knocks me off my feet! (As if they don't already!)

[Jade]

You go girl!!! I'm so proud... sniff... sniff...

[stephanie]

They are beautiful. I especially love the one with the tree & bird. Congratulations. :)

[inka]

these are so amazing stefani!!
keep on working with them. :)

[Heather]

They are beautiful, and I'm glad you opend up a shop. It's sort of funny, today on my blog I announced my shop opening too. Our shops share birthdays :) good luck, and happy cutting.

[erin]

oh this is so good to hear! go stefani go!

[lina]

Fantastic news Stefani. Your paper cuts and photos are so creative and fun - wishing you lots of luck and sales at Etsy!

[Sarah]

I'm very excited for you! I know what you mean about the exacto knife, there's something surprising and calming about it. You have to be quiet and pay attention to the smooth movements of the knife, and you can't wait to see what it looks like in the end.