Friday's Fabulous Finds - paper crafts

detail shot of "butterflies"

In my recent browsing on Etsy, I've come across several artists that create uncommonly beautiful items out of a very common material: paper. I love the seemingly endless creativity on Etsy, and this week's artists are no exception. They've taken paper and used it for more than just correspondence or grocery lists; it's no longer just for book pages or bank statements. Paper has always been a medium on which to place art, like watercolor or ink, but this week it has, itself, been elevated to Art (with a capital "A"). I love it. I've chosen just five to highlight here this week. Definitely browse their shops, as some fantastic things await you!

"butterflies"

"white daffodils"

Aren't these framed cut-paper works just stunning? Artist Molly Jey creates fabulous three-dimensional works of art. They're close to the top of my price range for art...but they're just so gorgeous I can excuse it...just this once. :-)

dogwood garland

standing poppy

I fell in love with this dogwood garland immediately. The flowers are paper mache! In fact, so is the standing poppy. I can picture this garland above my daughter's bed...or strung in front of my fireplace mantel to celebrate spring...or at a wedding shower...or...or...I could go on and on. By Middleburg Folk Art Studio. (They offer many different flower garlands as well...roses...poppies...you name it.)

large latte bag

What a fun bag! Celebrate your favorite coffee shop in a funky way - or give as a gift to a coffee-loving friend. A few years back I was at a garage sale and the gal was selling bags like this. Now, I see that this Etsy seller, Sweet Purses, is from my own town. I bet I met her back then! Small world!

Sakura cut paper lamp

peacock feather cut paper notecard

This lamp caught my eye several weeks ago and I was just waiting for the right time to post about it. Artist Intertwingle has several different designs of this beautiful cut-paper lamp. I included their peacock feather card too because it's just yummy.

3 Flowers collage box

Fabulous Fonts - wood tray

Bohemian star

"Fabulous Fonts - coasters"

My husband calls me a "font geek" because I get ridiculously excited about cool fonts. Put them on decorative objects for the home...and you can imagine how I can cause a scene in my excitement. :-) I love this font and coaster set covered in "fabulous fonts"...I also love the box and Bohemian star decoupaged with decorative papers. Fun decor! By Carolina Cottage.

a little holiday weekend reading...

Read here if you'd like to catch up on past Fabulous Finds. If you'd like to catch up on some of my before-and-after pics of room redesigns, read here.

a few fun blogs...

hooked on houses - witty real estate junkie Julia is really entertaining with lots of eye candy in the form of house tours and decorating chatter

shore chic - Laura recently purchased a home by the Jersey shore...they're renovating and decorating it little by little

please sir...Diana has a great eye for edgy design and funky vintage finds

watch the wind blow by - follow military wife and mom Marie as she conquers thrift stores, furniture makeovers, decorating, and "window mistreatments"