Etsy Shop for MyDearest

Gift Tags with handmade paper Tree (set of 4)

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 19:13:12 -0500

$2.00
This is a set of 4 (four) gift tags. Each tag is a 2 ¾” square of red cardstock decorated with a simple little tree. The trees are cut from my pale green handmade paper. The backs are blank for whatever message you need to send along with your gifts. The plain white strings are included and are extra long, just in case.

I'm offering free shipping within the U.S. (and discounted international shipping) on all holiday items. Keep in mind that I am shipping first class via USPS from the East Coast, so plan accordingly if you want it by Dec.24. (Sorry, International and Canadian customers, but your deadline for holiday delivery has passed. You will still get the discounted shipping, though.)

Green Dish of Handmade paper with Copper Accents

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 09:53:06 -0500

$8.00
When making my handmade paper, the end of each batch of pulp produces sheets I prefer not to use in my journals. Instead, I take the still wet sheets and make shapes. Usually the sheets are formed around other forms, such as old spice jars, candle holders, or other random containers. Once formed, they are set out to air dry. Most are sealed, inside and out, with a hard coat, water-based sealant. This makes them water RESISTANT, but not water-PROOF. They are for indoor, decorative use only. Sealed bowls can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Each is hand decorated with paint, other paper, or decorative elements.
Please read the description below for the specifics of this listing.

This dish is fit for royalty. It’s made with my light green paper pulp. The smooth inside is the result of using my old metal canister for film development (you remember, when photos were processed with chemicals). The top rim is pretty level all the way around and the bottom is very flat. I added little bits of extra pulp around the outside and painted them with a metallic copper acrylic paint to give the appearance of jewels. I think it’s a simple beauty made luxurious with the addition of these ‘jewels’.

Approximate dimensions:
3 5/8" across
2 1/8" deep

All bowls are tucked into a kraft colored box with some tissue, before being packaged to ship.

Small Blue handmade paper dish with Marble feet

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 18:13:04 -0500

$5.00
When making my handmade paper, the end of each batch of pulp produces sheets I prefer not to use in my journals. Instead, I take the still wet sheets and make shapes. Usually the sheets are formed around other forms, such as old spice jars, candle holders, or other random containers. Once formed, they are set out to air dry. Most are sealed, inside and out, with a hard coat, water-based sealant. This makes them water RESISTANT, but not water-PROOF. They are for indoor, decorative use only. Sealed bowls can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Each is hand decorated with paint, other paper, or decorative elements.
Please read the description below for the specifics of this listing.

This shallow dish made of handmade paper is sealed, inside and out to hold up to your spare change. Or paper clips. Or jewelry. Or...well, almost any small items, really. Blue marble ‘feet’ add a little something extra to this plain blue dish.
Approximate dimensions:
2.75” x 4” x 1”
All bowls are tucked into a kraft colored box with some tissue, before being packaged to ship.

Square handmade blue paper dish with Sailboat

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:50:49 -0500

$6.00
When making my handmade paper, the end of each batch of pulp produces sheets I prefer not to use in my journals. Instead, I take the still wet sheets and make shapes. Usually the sheets are formed around other forms, such as old spice jars, candle holders, or other random containers. Once formed, they are set out to air dry. Most are sealed, inside and out, with a hard coat, water-based sealant. This makes them water RESISTANT, but not water-PROOF. They are for indoor, decorative use only. Sealed bowls can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Each is hand decorated with paint, other paper, or decorative elements.
Please read the description below for the specifics of this listing.

Using my blue paper pulp, I folded a sheet around a square jar. The folded sides offer an interesting touch, I think.
I added a little sailboat to the front using cut outs of scraps of my other handmade papers. A water-based, acid-free adhesive was used to attach the boat.
What an adorable addition to a little boy’s room! It’s a perfect size for diaper pins or other small items.

Approximate dimensions:
3”x3” square // 2.75” high (to the tip of the sailboat)

All bowls are tucked into a kraft colored box with some tissue, before being packaged to ship.

Handmade paper journal in Pastel

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:28:23 -0500

$9.00
All of my handmade journals feature my own handmade paper. Most are entirely of handmade paper, both the pages and covers. Some are handmade paper covers with plain paper. All pages are bound by hand, using various methods.
All of my handmade paper is completely recycled: office papers from work, junk mail, whatever scraps I can get my hands on. Colors vary greatly and each batch of paper is unique. I use old tissue papers for color and sometimes other organic materials (grass clippings herbs) are added for fun effects. Most papers are pH balanced to make them acid-free…safe for whatever treasures you fill your journals with. Unless noted in the description, none of my paper is sized, so avoid using markers or other writing utensils that tend to ‘bleed’ on paper.
Please read description below for specifics of the listing.

Four sheets of my handmade papers, in pretty pastels, are folded and hand-stitched to make this precious journal. Green, pink, and purple pages are complimented by a cover in another shade of pink. I added a green organza ribbon to tie it all shut. It’s bound by a simple hand-stitched binding using a light grey-green embroidery floss. The ribbon is sewn on using one of my machine’s decorative stitches.

6 pages (12 front and back)
Approximate measurements:
Height=6.25"
Width=4.5”
Thickness=.25"

Small Snowflake journal of handmade paper

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:12:24 -0500

$7.00
All of my handmade journals feature my own handmade paper. Most are entirely of handmade paper, both the pages and covers. Some are handmade paper covers with plain paper. All pages are bound by hand, using various methods.
All of my handmade paper is completely recycled: office papers from work, junk mail, whatever scraps I can get my hands on. Colors vary greatly and each batch of paper is unique. I use old tissue papers for color and sometimes other organic materials (grass clippings herbs) are added for fun effects. Most papers are pH balanced to make them acid-free…safe for whatever treasures you fill your journals with. Unless noted in the description, none of my paper is sized, so avoid using markers or other writing utensils that tend to ‘bleed’ on paper.
Please read description below for specifics of the listing.

While making my batch of grey-white paper, I used an old woodblock stamp to emboss a snowflake pattern in the wet paper. I liked it so much, I used it for the covers of this precious little jem. The inside pages are from a batch of my pink paper and are Coptic bound and then machine sewn to the front and back covers using pink thread.
Approximate measurements:
Height=4.5"
Width=3"
Thickness=.25"

Bowl of Handmade paper with Button accents

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:37:12 -0500

$8.00
'Simple and whimsical' best describes this piece of functional art. Use it for spare change or paper clips. A conversation piece for your desk, it’s molded out of paper pulp composed completely of recycled paper. It’s been sealed with a couple coats of water-based sealant, inside and out. I’ve added a few buttons in shades of blue and brown to compliment the plain grey-white color of the pulp. (The glue is also a water-based product. No toxins in my creations!)

Approximate dimensions:
Using wet pulp allows me to shape the rim as I choose. This one’s a little wobbly, so the height varies a bit around the bowl and it's not a perfect circle around the rim. It's roughly 2.5" Deep and 4.25" Across.

It’s very lightweight, but the sealant makes it fairly sturdy. It can be wiped clean using a DAMP cloth, but please remember…it is made of paper. Not to be used for food. Not dishwasher safe.

All bowls are tucked into a kraft colored box with some tissue, before being packaged to ship.

Handmade paper journal/notebook with stitched cover

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:46:44 -0500

$9.00
All of my handmade journals feature my own handmade paper. Most are entirely of handmade paper, both the pages and covers. Some are handmade paper covers with plain paper. All pages are bound by hand, using various methods.

All of my handmade paper is completely recycled: office papers from work, junk mail, whatever scraps I can get my hands on. Colors vary greatly and each batch of paper is unique. I use old tissue papers for color and sometimes other organic materials (grass clippings herbs) are added for fun effects. Most papers are pH balanced to make them acid-free…safe for whatever treasures you fill your journals with. Unless noted in the description, none of my paper is sized, so avoid using markers or other writing utensils that tend to ‘bleed’ on paper.
Please read description below for specifics of the listing.

Here’s a nice multi-colored journal of handmade paper. My plain soft grey paper is used for the cover, which is decorated with a simple design using my favorite stitch setting on my sewing machine. The inside pages are of my dark pink-red colored paper. After binding the pages with a simple stab binding of periwinkle embroidery floss, I used a water-based adhesive to attached the last page to the back cover. I then added some stitching down the edge for a little extra decorative effect and adhesion. I think this combination makes a visually interesting book. It’s perfect for a little travel journal or sketchbook.
Height=6"
Width=4.5"
Thickness=less than .25"
5 pages plus back cover page

Handmade paper ornament with hand-sewn snowflake design

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:17:05 -0500

$9.00
Collecting ornaments can become addictive. Despite the possibility of being labeled ‘an enabler’, I’m offering some pretty cute ornaments for the holidays.

My handmade paper is formed around a mold (a half coconut shell, to be exact), and set to dry. Once dry, it is transformed from a little paper cup to a whimsical piece of art.

These pretty ‘snowflakes’ would look adorable on any tree. Using a fun ‘fuzzy’ yarn, I just kept sewing until I got the desired effect. These have not been sealed against the elements. Indoor use only.
This listing is for one ornament. Please specify your desired color combination in the ‘message to seller’ box; or, just be surprised.
Pink with white
White with blue
White with white

I'm offering free shipping within the U.S. (and discounted international shipping) on all holiday items. Keep in mind that I am shipping first class via USPS from the East Coast, so plan accordingly if you want it by Dec.24. (Sorry, International and Canadian customers, but your deadline for holiday delivery has passed. You will still get the discounted shipping, though.)

All ornaments are wrapped in tissue and tucked into a kraft colored box before being boxed up for shipment.

Handmade paper Holiday ornament with origami penguin

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:03:53 -0500

$9.00
Collecting ornaments can become addictive. Despite the possibility of being labeled ‘an enabler’, I’m offering some pretty cute ornaments for the holidays.

My handmade paper is formed around a mold (a half coconut shell, to be exact), and set to dry. Once dry, it is transformed from a little paper cup to a whimsical piece of art.

This blue paper made me think of an igloo. So, I made a little origami penguin to live inside. A pretty blue ribbon is attached with a metal brad, and the outside is sealed with a hard coat water-based sealant. (The inside is left ‘naked’ so you can feel the beauty of the handmade paper.) Indoor use only.
The penguin ornament is available with a sparkly glitter inside OR pretty blue snowflakes of textured adhesive cardstock. This listing is for one ornament. Please specify ‘glitter’ or ‘snowflakes’ in the ‘message to seller’ box, unless you’d rather be surprised.

Also check out my listing for the snowflake ornament.

I'm offering free shipping within the U.S. (and discounted international shipping) on all holiday items. Keep in mind that I am shipping first class via USPS from the East Coast, so plan accordingly if you want it by Dec.24. (Sorry, International and Canadian customers, but your deadline for holiday delivery has passed. You will still get the discounted shipping, though.)

All ornaments come wrapped in tissue and tucked into a kraft colored box before being packed up for shipment.

Small Circles Journal

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 18:52:50 -0500

$7.00
This little cutie has all kinds of fun elements. The cover is made of my favorite batch of paper thus far. It has bits of my own cut grass and is just so natural and beautiful. The front is made more interesting with the addition of three circles that I’ve sewn together using a cool stitch setting on my sewing machine.
There are 8 pages that have been Coptic stitched together, then hand-stitched to the cover’s spine.
The dark pink pages are of my own handmade paper.

Height=4.75"
Width=3.5"
Thickness=about .25"
(Due to the unique nature of handmade paper, all dimensions are approximate.)

Any questions, please convo me!
And remember, I'm offering free shipping to U.S. and Canada; and, discounted International shipping!!

Pink Plaid Pocket Journal

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:46:46 -0500

$9.00
A ‘take anywhere’ type journal/sketchbook that you can keep your pen and/or pencil in!
This understated little number features a cute little pink plaid pocket sewn onto the handmade paper cover. While the inside pages are of 24 pound, 100% recycled ‘Blue Graphite‘ printer paper, the outside cover is made of a heavy weight handmade paper. The inside pages are Coptic stitched and then glued onto the cover (front and back).
Simple, yet stylish.

(Due to the nature of handmade, dimensions are approximate)
Height=5.75”
Width=4.25"
Thickness=.25" at binding
30 pages (60 front and back)

(Please note: this listing is for the journal only. Pens not included.)

Balloon Fish card with origami

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:05:48 -0400

$3.00
They're fish; they're balloons; they're Balloon Fish!
This ivory colored, side-fold card is adorned with 6 fun origami fish. Their balloon strings are of periwinkly embroidery floss to compliment the fun color combo of fish (2 light blue, 1 yellow, 1 lavender, 1 deep purple, and 1 magenta...since computer screens all tend to have their own idea of how things look!)
This is such a fun card, it could certainly be framed. It measures 4x5 inches (4.25x5.5 in envelope), and is blank inside for your personal message.

Origami Fish Tree Cards set of two

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:31:37 -0400

$5.00
These are great ‘any occasion’ cards. Starting with ivory colored, top-fold cards, a pretty background of tan parchment makes a nice border affect. The ‘tree’ is made up of three small origami fish in kelly green, a different design for each. The base of the tree is a piece of textured adhesive cardstock. Each fish is affixed just enough to keep it attached but also maintain the fun of a 3-D card.
These cards are so much fun to make…the process of folding the tiny origami papers is just the start! I certainly hope you enjoy these little beauties as much as I do!

Dimensions are: 5 inches by 5.5 inches
This is a set of TWO cards, each with a matching Ivory colored envelope.
Shipped USPS in a polypropylene sleeve and a sturdy mailer.

I'm considering this as a 'holiday item' since I think it would make an adorable Holiday card. My Free/Discount Shipping applies to this item through the holidays.

Mini Handmade Journal or Notebook with Girl

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:47:13 -0400

$6.00
Here's a sweet little journal/notebook.
Its pages are of handmade paper, hand-sewn together. The front cover is a darling little girl of cut paper.

Making paper is my therapy, and it is my hope that the organic elements of it's construction, or filling its blank pages, will have the same effect on you.

This book is roughly 3 inches wide by 4.5 inches tall with 14 pages plus front and back cover.
It makes a great little gift or addition to a gift.

handmade paper mini book

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:47:13 -0400

$5.00
This is a unique mini journal/notebook of handmade papers. Its color is hard to pinpoint but it could be described as a red-purple. There are about 13 smooth pages for writing, plus a front and back cover of a slightly more rough texture. There is some detail of basil leaves on the cover, made by pressing some of my own organic purple basil into the wet paper pulp.
It is bound using a complimentary slate blue embroidery floss, and its dimensions are about 3inches by 3 inches.
I love making these little books and I hope the finished product can bring someone as much joy.

Square 'Bowl' of Handmade Paper

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:58:55 -0400

$6.00
Using paper that I have made, I hand-cut two separate flower shapes. Then, using the same batch of paper pulp, I made a bowl using a square form. After all components have dried, they are 'painted' with a sealant to form a water-resistant hard coat on all surfaces. With a complimentary light blue brad, the pretty pink flowers are attached to the 'bowl' resulting in a perfectly imperfect container for your little bits of whatnot.
It IS made of paper, so it's not as sturdy as say a ceramic bowl, but it is treated with several coats of hard coat and able to hold change, paper clips, markers, or other such desk necessities.

Approximate measurements:
3'' square
2'' deep
flower= approx. 2-2.5''across

This is really a pretty piece of functional art!

All bowls are tucked into a plain kraft box with some tissue, before being packaged to ship.

Round Flower Bowl of Handmade Paper

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 06:49:17 -0400

$6.00
Using paper that I have made, I hand-cut two separate flower shapes. Then, using the same batch of paper pulp, I made a bowl using a round form. After all components have dried, they are 'painted' with a sealant to form a water-resistant hard coat on all surfaces. With a complimentary light blue brad, the pretty pink flowers are attached to the 'bowl' resulting in a perfectly imperfect container for your little bits of whatnot.
It IS made of paper, so it's not as sturdy as say a ceramic bowl, but it is treated with several coats of hard coat and able to hold change, paper clips, markers, or other such desk necessities.

Approximate measurements:
3.5'' across
2'' deep
flower= approx. 2.75-3''across

This is really a pretty piece of functional art!
It is only water-RESISTANT, so you may wipe it clean with a damp cloth but do not submerge in water or use any chemicals to clean.

All bowls are tucked into a plain kraft box with some tissue, before being packaged to ship.

handmade mini book with organic shape

Sun, 04 Oct 2009 14:35:55 -0400

$5.00
Is it a tree branch? Or a bit of coral? Well, i know that my inspiration was a tiny bit of seaweed from our beautiful Cape Cod beach, but it can be whatever you see it to be.
This mini journal/notebook is made up of handmade paper containing bits of herbs from my organic garden this past summer. There are about 13 pages on which to write down your treasured quotes, poetry, or a sweet 'love note' to that someone special. It's just 3 inches by 3 inches (approx.).
The front cover is hand-stitched using a lovely brown embroidery floss, and is bound using a complimentary blue.

Decorative Bowl of Handmade Paper

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 08:53:09 -0400

$10.00
This lovely piece of functional art is made entirely of recycled material. For this particular batch of pulp I used old scraps of paper, some junk mail, and also included some cotton from vitamin bottles. It has a faint green hue with some specks of brown and the whole thing just screams 'I love nature!'

It is formed by hand so it has it's own unique feel. The inside has been sealed with a non-toxic hard coat. This makes the inside water-resistant and easily wiped clean with a damp cloth. I have, however, left the outside untreated. This allows everyone the opportunity to see and feel how wonderful handmade paper is. It also makes it a little less protected from the elements so it should not be displayed near any open windows or flames, and care should be taken when cleaning the inside.

It is light-weight, but believe me, that hard inner shell makes it durable enough to hold keys, change, small tools, or whatever (small) things you need to drop at the door.

Specifics: It's about 6'' across the open top, and roughly 2.5'' at it's deepest point.

I really love this bowl and I hope you feel the same.
(Deck of cards and tools are for size & durabilty reference only; not included.)

This bowl, being a bit bigger than my other bowls, will be snuggled in some tissue in a white gift box before being packaged for shipping.

Greeting card of handmade paper with cute little birdie

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:22:56 -0400

$3.00
This adorable card is made of my own handmade paper. It's a pretty shade of blue with a sweet little bird design. The bird is cut out of tissue paper and added to the wet paper so that when it dries it becomes part of the handmade paper! The inside of the card is blank with the addition of a smoother paper (in a natural tone) to make writing a little easier. The rest of the card CAN be written on, but ballpoint pen is suggested, as other inks may 'bleed' a little.
This card also comes with a light beige handmade envelope. Since the envelope is also handmade, there is no adhesive for sealing, so a small blue and lavender gigham 'sticker' is included.
The card measures roughly 4.25 x 5.75 inches; and, the envelope measures about 4.5 x 6.25
Making paper is so much fun in itself, but this card is a lovely way to put that paper to good use!

(This paper was made using an additive to neutralize the pulp and make it 'acid-free'.)