Cari Mateo

Yaka

Inspired by the handmade look of this shop banner by Japanese brand, Yaka. Also, liking their product presentation books created with that same hand -crafted feel.

Images: Courtesy of Yaka.

Peter Callesen

My niece recently introduced me to Danish artist, Peter Callesen, who created these incredible paper cuts.  Love this particular 2006 series, entitled, ‘Alive, but Dead”. Do check out his work when you have the chance.

Images: Courtesy of Peter Callesen.

Trudy Cook

This is a great way to recycle those postages stamps, swap cards and other ephemeras you’ve been collecting. These beautiful collages were created by Melbourne mixed media artist, Trudy Cook. Can certainly picture a couple of these hanging on my wall.

Images: Courtesy of Trudy Cook.

Artbox

Was in Asia for my spring break.  Found this great "kawaii" shop, Artbox, in Seoul and picked up some stationery items.  They have a few store locations outside of South Korea with one of them located in Irvine, Callifornia. 

Images:  Courtesy of Artbox.

J. Crew

Great idea for wall or hanging decor, pleated papers from J. Crew window display.             

PHOTO:  © Cari Mateo.  All rights reserved. 

Design File

Found these great airplane banners and table arrangement from Japanese blog, Design File.  Think I may try making them for my nephews.

Images:  Courtesy of Design File.

BG-Shop

Fun ways to mark children's party beverages.  

Images:  Courtesy of Love Party by BG-Shop, Japan.

Geografia

My eyes tend to gravitate toward things geographic and earthy. It’s perhaps why I love these great paper products and concepts from Japanese brand, Geografia. The product designs, graphics and packaging were created by Drill Design, Japan. Check out both sites when you get a chance.  They're terrific sources of inspiration.

Images: Courtesy of Geografia.

3 Card-s

Love the bold simplicity of these pop-up greeting cards from Japanese online shop, 3 Card-s. They’ve used a contrasting background color to make die cut stand out more. May just try to make these for myself.

Images: Courtesy of 3 Card-s

Lisa Nilsson

Intrigued by these amazing anatomical cross-sections created by Massachusetts-based artist, Lisa Nilsson. The technique she uses is called quilling or paper filigree where narrow strips of paper are rolled, shaped and glued together to create these intricate works of art. This is what she says of the process:

“I love how asymmetrical the body looks in cross section. We are so symmetrical on the outside and so asymmetrical on the inside and everything inside fits so perfectly. This is the connection I made to quilling.”

Images: Courtesy of Lisa Nilsson.