Kelly Lynn Jones is an artist and curator living in Oakland. She received her MFA in May 2010 from the California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Her blog, Little Paper Planes, was launched in 2004. After graduating from art school, she wanted to create an online platform where she and her friends could sell the pieces they were making to help support their individual art careers. Little Paper Planes assists artists in their careers through prints, publishing, curatorial and licensing projects. LPP ‘s intentions are to facilitate dialogues and awareness around contemporary art between both the artists and public alike. The mission is to provide the connections, engagement and momentum of collecting art ephemera in all areas.
Making forts was part of my daily life when I was child. My brother Bryan and I would go into the garage every day and work on our other home. Here, we were in charge. All of our secrets were stashed deep within the nooks and crevices we created. My parents had a three-car garage, though not a single car ever lived there. Instead the garage was home to old tables, chairs, blankets, pillows, clothes, fabric, photos, lamps and other discarded materials of our past. There were no doubts, no questions — just dreams. We stitched clothes together and stuffed them with quilting and added a pumpkin mask to make a body. I would sit in the corner, writing on old greeting cards all the possible ways to discover the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Past the sewing machine there was a bridge of chairs I hid under. There was a sense of safety in this private world where I was untouchable. We would put our ears to the base of my mom’s shell collection, hoping the shells would whisper something to us, but instead we just heard the low murmur of the dryer, reminding us we were still in the garage.
I think we should always live in a state of imagination. Here are the updated versions of my childhood forts.
Nesting and Collecting
Before you can day-dream about all the possibilities in life, you need to set up your fort! Find items that inspire you and tell a little story about how you view the world.
[1. Fine art photography of Lake Michigan from alicia bock photography; 2. Teepee tent from moozlehome; 3. Scrap and found art mobile from enhabiten; 4. Vintage Bambi book from Scout vs. Scout; 5. Home Sweet Home recycled book pages banner from saratops; 6. Bits of summer photo from Miles of Light; 7. Antique machinist's chest from Daily Memorandum; 8. Silver moon clock from CyberMoon; 9. Vintage ship print from hindsvik; 10. Origami lampshade from Studio Snowpuppe; 11. Vintage globe chalkboard from Hunt and Found; 12. Drawer pullers from Pigeon Toe Ceramics; 13. Vintage French folding camping chair from Chic Frangine]
1. This photograph by Alicia Bock shows how vast the ocean is.
2. Instant teepee with a beautiful silkscreen print.
3. Creating mobiles of found objects was fun then and is still fun! This makes a lovely decoration.
4. Books like Bambi still warm my heart.
5. Everyone needs a banner saying “Home Sweet Home,” right?
6. This print captures the essence of being a kid, collecting bits ‘n’ pieces of our surroundings and turning the vernacular into treasure.
7. In our garage we repurposed old furniture to use as a place to draw on. This antique machinist’s chest reminds me of that.
8. Love this moon clock. For me, the moon encapsulates the idea of the unreal — even though I can see it, I can’t touch it.
9. This vintage ship print reminds me of a painting my grandma made that I found in the garage.
10. These origami lamps are so creative and bizarre in the best kind of way.
11. Why have a real globe when you create your own world?
12. Perfect little objects to spruce up any drawer.
13. This vintage camping chair is perfect for when you need to have an instant seat. Look at that amazing orange!
Make Believe/Believing in Making
When you’re inside your private oasis of imagination, it’s crucial to have a supply of tools to keep the creative juices flowing.
[1. 1960s German craft book from Sandshoe Vintage; 2. Vintage "Where the Wild Things Are" book from Moonkitten's Timeline; 3. Wooden triangles geometric puzzle from Timber Green Woods; 4. Toy arrow display 5. Little collection of objects from johnny vintage; 6. Vintage kaleidoscope from ethanollie; 7. Mini spirit bear figurine from Royal Mint; 8. Vintage brass and glass display case from ethanollie; 9. 1970s Smith Carona typewriter from Lovintagefinds; 10. Wood pencil holder from Less & More; 11. Vintage Polaroid camera from Tom Laurus]
1. This photo visually describes my childhood perfectly.
2. Where the Wild Things Are — where dreams happen.
3. Games are for everyone and any age.
4. I’m in love with these arrows just as objects.
5. This collection of random objects and animals would be perfect in a shadow box.
6. It’s always important to see things differently.
7. This little painted bear is sweet and so well crafted.
8. Collecting rocks was a huge part of my childhood. This case is perfect to showcase them in.
9. Use this 1970s Smith Corona Galaxy typewriter to write your stories down on paper.
10. Everyone always needs pens and pencils.
11. This Polaroid camera is great to capture instant moments.
Properly Suited for the Adventure
To be properly dressed for your self-made hideaway, I think it’s key to be comfortable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be fashionable.
[1. Live photo from tamgutlitch; 2. Hand-printed leggings in black and white from thief & bandit; 3. Vintage wool and leather backpack from Santoki Vintage; 4. Bracelet made of cotton thread and leather from orange is the sun; 5. Starburst lacehole sweater from Micaela Greg; 6. '70s blanket poncho from StrayCatBooth; 7. The kaleidoscope locket from Verabel + Fox; 8. Papier mache cat mask from Jevgeniamasks; 9. Extra long mittens from Evelda's Neverland; 1o. Mimic dot silk tee from byrachelrose; 11. Hand knitted women's socks from RGideas; 12. Cashmere coat from FM908; 13. Extra-chunky cowl from goodnightdayknits]
1. This photograph by Tamara Lichtenstein illustrates a carefreeness that I try to find in my daily life.
2. I love the graphic yet painterly print on these leggings.
3. This backpack is perfect for toting around art supplies, extra layers of clothing and a camera. Also, the Southwestern pattern is pretty much amazing.
4. These are like the updated versions of those jelly bracelets I once wore.
5. This sweater is the kind of thing you can lie around in all day but also wear out with some heeled ankle boots. As an artist, I need versatility.
6. This poncho will definitely keep anyone cozy.
7. Lockets hold secret moments.
8. Cat mask! Do I need to say more?
9. These mittens are perfect and functional for the cold winter months.
10. Painting and fashion? Yes please!
11. It’s pretty important to have thick cozy socks on when inside your fort.
12. I’m loving this wool cape. It’s like a grownup version of the capes I made when I was young.
13. This is the kind of scarf you can hide your face in and transport to another world.
Cozy ‘n’ Comfy
I grew up with both my grandma and my mom making blankets and quilts. I would often use these to create the coziness inside my hideaways. This collection of seven pieces highlights my current interest in patterns and colors.
[1. Fog print from fieldguided; 2. Vintage Moroccan rug from French By Design; 3. Vintage Navajo rug from Cellar 1237; 4. Handmade Pendleton wool pillow cover from littlebyrdvintage; 5. Sukan handwoven Turkish kilam pillow case from sukan; 6. Vintage quilts; 7. Turkish kilam pillowcase from sukan; 8. Primary colors Afghan from VintageQuiltsandCout]
1. This photograph by Fieldguided makes me want to have a ton of blankets wrapped around me while sitting on a boat watching the fog drift by.
2. This vintage Moroccan rug is beautiful.
3. This vintage Navajo rug is beautiful.
4. How can you not love Pendleton, especially these patched together Pendleton pillow covers?
5. I love neutral prints like this pillow cover by Sukan.
6. I have a weak spot for vintage quilts like this one.
7. Another Sukan pillow cover.
8. This Afghan is almost identical to one I had as a child.
89 comments
Sign in to add your ownSweetandDandyVintage says:
I love this! I grew up in the middle of nowhere Texas, and I'll never forget all the childhood adventures I created. Digging for artifacts, making tents in the living room, skipping rocks in the lake. Thanks, Kelly, for the trip down memory lane! XO
1 year ago
StyleGraphicDesign says:
memories! love this idea:)
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
I always wonder what the curator was thinking when choosing their items.. great post!
1 year ago
gabrielefelt says:
I want that camera :/
1 year ago
TripleGemini says:
Lovely!
1 year ago
SchneiderGallery says:
haha I've read "Reimagining Our Childhood FARTS" at second look have noticed the right title :) very pretty article and picks
1 year ago
Mclovebuddy says:
awesome. i first came upon "little paper planes" in 2005. it was great then and has matured nicely.
1 year ago
Minxshop says:
pretty!
1 year ago
OKIFOLKI says:
When I was about 8 years old I once complained about being bored and my uncle told me 'People with imaginations are never bored.' I've remembered those words every day since and continue to treasure and nurture my imagination. The imagination is key to happiness in my opinion. :) Brilliant post! Thank you!
1 year ago
MootiDesigns says:
Great post. And as Okifolki says above, I was told the same, a little different. "Boredome is a state of mind". I never forgot it.
1 year ago
Rustika says:
Wonderful! I love making treasuries, and I always try to squeeze something that speaks to me. Etsy is full of little, wonderful treasures that make my day brighter!
1 year ago
PaisleyPeaFabrics says:
Love.
1 year ago
theroyal says:
RAD!!! :)
1 year ago
driftforever says:
great!
1 year ago
vicro says:
Cool!
1 year ago
metalicious says:
Gorgeous outlook and collections!
1 year ago
SylviaSan says:
wow! sometimes movies strike you as a 'this is your life'... ok that is rare for some of us but i must say.... 'this is my life' ... brings to mind forts built by me ...over the drainage ditch with a piece of plywood that cracked....climbing up the muddy ravines that were left when the old sewage plant was 'reclaimed'... one of the rare fond memories of my dad, as he built a play fort with pressboard and lots of paint thank you!
1 year ago
Littlepaperplane says:
This was so much fun to do!
1 year ago
KatiesBeadsOfHope says:
This is my favorite post!! I remember building forts in the woods with my older brother..there really was such a sense of safety and escape. I miss those old days...Thanks for posting (:
1 year ago
HeavenlyKidz says:
Forts had so much variety when we were kidz..a mansion of grass cuttings on mowing day, a tree fort with no extra boards except ones we saw in our minds. One year we had an actual Davy Crockett tent that took us everywhere! Imagination never quits..getting old doesn't happen in one's imagination..love your wings, Kelly..we can fly on them, too..
1 year ago
Nikifashion says:
Great collection!
1 year ago
Parachute425 says:
Thanks for the memories and the eye candy. Always something new.
1 year ago
silversamba says:
thanks for great post!
1 year ago
RetroRevivalBoutique says:
I think the "Make Believe" collection is my fave, but "Cozy 'n' Comfy" is a close second! :)
1 year ago
thoughtfullyadorned says:
Forts....oh what great memories. I remember a lot of forts that my sibling ,friends and I created...but the greatest one was the one under the neighbor's pine tree. I think it was a pine tree-like a christmas tree-and it had a great under part that created a little fort for us kids to pretend and dream.
1 year ago
bedouin says:
great post ~ beautiful items
1 year ago
YourlittleCupcake says:
I love everything about this!
1 year ago
NicoAndMooMoo says:
FUN FUN FUN! I love the idea and the vast selection! I want to make my own list now! ;)
1 year ago
gretchenmist says:
love it!
1 year ago
RivalryTime says:
So neat.
1 year ago
Slowshirts says:
Beautiful collections here Kelly! Nice work.
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Awesome post!
1 year ago
elleestpetite says:
This brings back memories. And some of the items remind me of some of my favorite things.
1 year ago
sammithesheepishlion says:
Wonderful picks full of nostalgia! I remember when I was little, I'd build pillow forts, using an old couch with removable cushions, all my bead pillows and blankets to drape over and hold everything together. So much fun! Ooh hehe and cardboard boxes from refrigerators and other large appliances =)
1 year ago
sammithesheepishlion says:
Lol bed pillows, not bead pillows ;)
1 year ago
FullCircleRetro says:
So neat..!
1 year ago
pinksnakejewelry says:
Terrific Article!!!! Brought pack memories of my forts too!! Mine always had some books and Barbies!! Great collection of Creations!!
1 year ago
briannalamar says:
nice! i used to love making forts!
1 year ago
AlisaDesign says:
Loove it!!!
1 year ago
RossLab says:
Great picks and interview.
1 year ago
CestSuperbeLabels says:
I have loved reading your story. Imagination really is the best . :) Thank you!
1 year ago
mikiheather says:
Being a bit of a bohemian, Your article has to be one of my favorites yet!
1 year ago
homedecorlab says:
Wonderfully done.:) Love a banner saying “Home Sweet Home"!!!
1 year ago
lulisplanet says:
I love the Pencil Holder to put all my pencils.
1 year ago
thecityfolklore says:
Wonderful post, Kelly. It's so cool to get to know how people came to love something. You should thank your parents for that garage space. It was quite a privilege!
1 year ago
TheHickoryTree says:
Oh my goodness, do I remember the fort building years. I grew up in a large family in the country and my siblings and I fine tuned the art of fort building because on a hot summer night, sitting in your fort with an ice cold popsicle was the only way to go. We had underground forts, above ground forts, tree top forts as well as hill side forts. We'd even bring the dog with us. A lot of fun was had in our forts. Fort building shows the beginning of a creative mind at work. Great post!
1 year ago
ovgilliesdesigns says:
Wonderful article. Imagination & creativity always find outlets & it's great to have different ways for them to do so, whether through physical things or virtual. Making up collections on Etsy is great fun & there are so many wonderful items to choose from!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
Sweet picks, I love some of the tribal style going on here - I always used to build pillow forts!
1 year ago
peshka says:
Lovely!
1 year ago
RedorGrayArt says:
a WONDERFUL collection!
1 year ago
starburn says:
I've been thinking that I need a grownup fort like this http://www.flickr.com/photos/somethingshidinginhere/4302559442/sizes/l/in/faves-marshmallow1234/
1 year ago
Iammie says:
Great collection!
1 year ago
sewmoe says:
love the layout and the imagery! inspired to go to work now...thanks! <3
1 year ago
JewelMeShop says:
I love collecting rocks of different shape and color. This vintage display case is perfect for them!
1 year ago
RedFernVintage says:
Love the idea of remaining our childhood forts! We always used our couch cushions.
1 year ago
FranceGallery says:
Some really interesting items here!
1 year ago
volkerwandering says:
LOVE IT!
1 year ago
TastefulThings says:
a very inspiring post! Thanks for bringing my childhood sweet memories back.
1 year ago
TheSpeckledKat says:
Love this, thanks so much!
1 year ago
BizzieLizzie says:
Oh, forts! What awesome memories I have of forts. We were surrounded by woods and lots of trees and we could spend HOURS lost in our surroundings! Lovely, lovely article! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
cartelle says:
So drooling over that vintage wool and leather backpack right now.
1 year ago
klinker says:
love it. thanks so much!
1 year ago
WhisperingOak says:
The idea of making a place of your own is wonderful. As child your imagination runs wild and your dream house can be a cave, a tree house, or a make believe palace.
1 year ago
GhostandLamb says:
Thanks for sharing this, Kelly! When I was also a kid, I loved making forts with my brother and friends. I don't think there's ever a time when we should stop making them! <3 Lauren
1 year ago
trianglevintage says:
so many great things <3
1 year ago
ArtWhimsCrochet says:
Love this article! So creative!
1 year ago
Littlepaperplane says:
Aw so glad you all like the post!! Yay for imagination!! (I still like to make forts)
1 year ago
ctroy11 says:
Making forts with cousins and friends was one of my favorite things to do when I was little. They are a breeding ground for imagination!
1 year ago
TreehouseIllustrator says:
My fort was a Treehouse...hence the name. Always use your imagination! :)
1 year ago
LiseVintageLighting says:
Oh my..! This takes me back to fond, fond memories of forts of all varieties, limited only by the seasons, the weather, access to trees or merely access to a sturdy clothes line or table and blankets. Oh, and endless hours of geographically-ignorant-bliss spent "digging to China..." Thanks for the memories!
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
This reminds me of a quote by Anais Nin - There are many ways to be free. One of them is to transcend reality by imagination
1 year ago
feltstories says:
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 year ago
eozbrownie says:
Kelly- you have fantastic taste! (I found myself coveting those hand-printed black and white leggings, the beautiful locket, swooning over the rugs you picked out, and also thinking my, what a gorgeous orange color! on that fold-up-able stool). Also, great concept of suggesting that we think of our favorite childhood dream/creativity havens for inspiration today. (I too spent much of my time in forts, teaching myself how to sew, reading books, and making things out of strawberry baskets). Thanks for the post!
1 year ago
selflesh says:
:)
1 year ago
HuntandFound says:
What a wonderful read!! Childhood fort making was such an amazing part of growing up. : )
1 year ago
paperoliv says:
Very lovely.
1 year ago
brandeye says:
This brings back great memories of fort making. My Dad is a plubmer so when he would install a water heater my sister and I would get the box to play with and it was the best.
1 year ago
StrayCatBooth says:
xxxxxoooo
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
I loved everything!
1 year ago
Deluxxedoggiecollars says:
:)
1 year ago
lilworkerb says:
Oh yay! This is wonderful!
1 year ago
Alaroycreature says:
wow i really love the style of all the images :)
1 year ago
JennasRedRhino says:
I can haz fort?
1 year ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
I love the old trunk! My brother and I used to build these huge elaborate forts that started in the hallway and ended in our rooms. It was so much fun!
1 year ago
TheEnchantedSlipper says:
I agree with Okifoli-the Imagination is my key to happiness. Nothing is more thrilling than a new idea that I allow myself to explore and visualize. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
1 year ago
ecochic says:
loved this! thank you...
1 year ago
sukan says:
Very nice! Thanks
1 year ago
wanderthisway says:
love this! so inspiring, thanks for sharing :)
1 year ago
TheVintageVagrant from TheVintageVagrant says:
Great eclectic finds!
1 year ago