Paper Peony as Cake Topper

This paper peony is one in a series I made for a fellow Etsy artist. She will use these to decorate a baby shower "cake" constructed from baby clothes.

I love the idea of baby shower decorations made from baby-friendly materials. A while back, we sent a baby bunch bouquet to my sister-in-law in Graz the day she had her daughter. The flowers were made from baby clothes, with small buds here and there made from wood - for keepsake.

I can't wait to see what Jennifer will create with my paper flowers. Not to reveal too much, but I've seen some of her work, and it is quite lovely.

Stay tuned, updates will follow...

Making Paper Decorations and Paper Flowers Bouquets

Ever since I started creating paper pieces for my wedding, constructing individual flowers and butterflies that would one day become a part of something greater (like a paper flowers bouquet) has brought me many many hours of happiness.

I find it also brings me peace.

My wedding day came and went in a daze, but the joy of making something with my hands has stayed with me. Lately, I've been creating new and even more beautiful paper flowers for other weddings and baby showers.

Coming up with new shapes of flowers, new patterns, new petal forms has become more than a way to spend an afternoon at my home studio. I now know that those delicate wall flowers I've been making will go to very special people (Belinda and her daughter Lizzie), or that the paper flowers pomander that I created new peonies for will be enjoyed by Laura. Victoria will carry the paper flowers bouquet I made from designer paper (see below), while Lisa will hang my paper rose sphere somewhere in her home.

My paper decorations are not just things I do to relieve stress any more - they have lives of their own. And the people I'm making them for are not just people that shop through Etsy. They now have names and stories, and I'm so lucky to become a part of their big day, in a however small way.

Highlights from My Trip To Vienna

Vienna is magical this time of year. The Christkindlmarkt (Christmas Market) at Rathauspark is in full swing, and the snow that started falling last Saturday night turned our Austrian stay all the more delightful.

Graz was pretty awesome, too. Growing up in a small town and cobblestone streets in Macedonia, it was a great joy to visit Graz's pretty city squares designed just for pedestrians.

The cobblestones, which were repaved in my home town, are still at large in Austria.
What could be more charming? As you walk, each step has it's own melodic sound, especially if you walk on those high heels, terribly inadequate for long promenades :)

We found some great shops featuring handmade decoration pieces from independent artists, as well as always-stylish home accessories from Alessi (which are so hard to come by in the States). 

I just love the hanging branches and presents in this window display :)


Another thing I'll remember Austria by: Maroni - the roasted chestnuts sold at every street corner.

I could never resist chestnuts in any form, but these delicious treats, though a bit expensive (10 chestnuts for 2.5 EUR), were absolutely perfect - every time.

In the end, Austria was all about re-connecting, eating (Sachertorte, maroni, fabulous breads, and lots of meat) and drinking (spiced wine, and lots of alcoholic coffees like "faiton" with a shot of rum or "corretto" - espresso with a shot of grappa).

Birds Continued...

I've recently blogged about some beautiful bird creations by Etsy artists. Since then, I've come across more note-worthy pieces, which I've now decided to share with you.

Check them out:
- Birdie Gift Tags by Skinnylaminx
- Cut Out and Eep Card by Skinnylaminx
- New To This World by Freya Art

One Real Antler, One Imagined

This whimsical drawing was created by Marc Johns, and along with other amazing pieces full of heart and humor can be seen in his Etsy shop.

Check out his world-controlling-rabbit, the Thunder/Lightning stealing duo, his HAPPY drawings and more...