kporiginals's Profile

Bio

I was introduced to arts and crafts at an early age. My parents have encouraged me to think independently, act responsibly and do everything with quality in mind. Some would say I have a tendency to hoard things but I think of it as amassing a variety of artistic materials that are rescued from the garbage heap. I believe in reducing, recycling and reusing whenever possible.

I want people to share and enjoy the things I make; but most of all, I'm honored to know that they are used by others to communicate and touch people during times of joy, sorrow, celebration and reconciliation. Knowing that I'm a part of bringing people together reaffirms that I'm making a difference in the world.

I enjoy sewing totes and purses, usually reversible so they're two in one. I have general patterns but no two are exactly alike in size, fabric combinations or embellishments. I love to customize these for people so let me know if you'd like something done just for you. I'm always filling my stash with beautiful fabrics. I promise I won't make another one exactly like yours.

In early 2007 I published "Spring" the first in a series of five artist's books based on the seasons. "Winter" was published in November 2007. "Autumn", "Spring: the Music" and "Summer" are coming at later dates. They are in the design stages each utilizing different binding techniques.

In 2006 two pieces (book and photo) of my work were selected for the traveling exhibit of "Key Ingredients: America by Food" at the Scott County Historical Society. This juried exhibit was part of the Museum on Main Street, a collaboration between The Smithsonian Institute and the Minnesota Humanities Commission.

In 2005 samples of my handmade papers and two handmade journals were part of exhibits at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts.

MORE ABOUT PAPER:
KPOriginals creates limited edition, handmade papers in small batches using traditional methods. Often times the paper recipes cannot be duplicated from one batch to the next because the ingredients are limited to raw materials reclaimed from the waste system. These papers are produced using business marketing materials, wrapping paper, junk mail, cancelled checks, and whatever bits and scraps are available. Infusions of fabric scraps, glitter, ribbon and string are sometimes included.

They have been treated so they are pH neutral and safe for archival use. Because most of the source papers are commercially milled, they have already been “sized” so most inks will not bleed. (See sample photo) They can be written on directly with pencil, pen and even most markers. They also accept most pigment and dye-based inks and are suitable as stamping and writing surfaces. Some have been ironed smooth for a nice writing surface while others will have a textured surface from a natural drying and embossing process. Use them for stationery, accents to your greeting cards or scrapbooking pages. Have fun and experiment with these environmentally-sound papers!

Due to the handmade nature of this process, thickness will vary between individual sheets. Dimensions are approximate with naturally deckled edges.

How big is a batch? Usually 100 sheets that measure 4 ½” x 6 ½” each.

What is a paper recipe? The source materials collected and prepared as new paper pulp.

What constitutes “limited edition” status? When the source material is used up, I can’t reproduce that recipe because it’s based on preprinted papers that have lost their “shelf life” and I have no control of the quantity I receive. Sometimes there are variations from batch to batch depending on the pulping and inclusion ratios. I have tried to estimate the number of sheets in a recipe but the range can be from 100 to 1000.

Custom requests and wholesale inquiries welcome.

For the past couple of years I have taken part in juried art festivals and have exhibited my photography at the Marshall (MN) Area Fine Arts Center. I also create an exclusive line of notecards for an art gallery and boutique shop in Stockholm, Wisconsin. I have done several one-of-a-kind commissioned books as well.

All my work is done in a smoke-free, pet-free environment.

Contact me at kporiginals [!at] hotmail.com

Female

Favorite Materials

recycledmaterials, handmadepapers, photos, paints, inks, fabric, allkindsofembellishments