The Creative Process

I thought I could take a minute to explain my process. Over the last month or so, I’ve had several people ask me if I use die cuts or precut scrap-booking pieces to make the cut paper cards. The answer is no. Never, ever. Stop telling that nasty little lie.

Ideas for my cards come to me randomly. I find that showering and running are really conducive to creative thought, and many of these cards have been thought up on the Bally’s treadmill. Otherwise, actual events unleash a bit of inspiration. For example, the “Make A Wish” card was designed specifically for my brother’s 25th birthday. Its so much easier to have solid ideas when there is a subject in mind.

Each design is completely original. The drawings are done by hand, because my kind of “design” doesn’t involve the assistance of computer programs…and lets be honest, I don’t know how to use said programs. I cut each individual piece by hand. I use a really old pair of silver scissors from a sewing kit (no, they’re not even meant for paper.) I’ve used these scissors my whole life and I’m yet to find a replacement. When the pieces are cut out, I use a dainty little brush to paint on some fancy glue and actually build the image. I set the cards out to dry for a bit…and voila!

Some of my cards are screen-printed by hand. Anything that is not cut paper (hand drawings, text) has been done by my favorite toy, the RISO Print Gocco. The Gocco was invented in Japan in 1977, intended for color screen-printing in the home. It uses a system of flashbulbs, carbon images and silk screens to create multiple copies of a colored image. Its an amazing contraption, but it is at risk of being discontinued due to failing popularity in Japan. The units are sometimes hard to get and the supplies aren’t much better. I love my Gocco and I’ll use it until there is not a screen left in the land.

Thats kind of how this PaperMichelle thing works, at least on the production end. Its a constructive little project that makes me quite happy. I’ll keep on doing it until I start to get angry about cutting out raccoons and cupcakes. Is that possible? I certainly hope not.