Guest Picks: Make an Impact With Paper
This ideabook offers ways you can bring more paper charm into your life, from exquisite art to ingenious products that make daily tasks more inspired and fun. Long live paper! — Denise from The Swelle Life
An innovative redesign of something bland and familiar is so exciting when it's made fun and looks fantastic. What you're seeing is a document folder that has been opened up to reveal a pleated, fan-like arrangement of pockets that keeps your important papers safe and organized. It's a brilliant way to make something as boring as filing an absolute treat.
A 3-D alternative to the print, this pop-up tree poster is eye-catching and lively with its fluttery texture and bold graphics. I think it would look best framed and hung on the wall without glass so that the leaves can tempt you to touch them.
I love my Wedgwood Jasperware and am utterly delighted that someone has rendered a set of cups in the heirloom style and color — and in paper! Each cup is constructed with cast sheets of handmade paper that have that irresistible tactile texture. I would display them amongst my real Jasperware for textural contrast, and to see who notices the difference.
I love the delicate look of paper roses, and the fact that they don't have to be replaced in a week. This bouquet is of the literary persuasion and made from old, broken romance novels. If I had a music room with some beat-up vintage instrument cases, that's where this sweetly tragic bouquet would go.
Everyone should have one great piece of paper sculpture in their space. It's guaranteed to capture the attention of anyone who sees it, and it's just so beautiful and cool. This delicately detailed work can sit on a pendant chain, a floor lamp stand or a table lamp base.
The mobile tends to be one of those forgotten things from childhood, which is a shame because they're a simple way to add a bit of magic and movement to a space. I love the pale peachy blush tones and the way the ivory highlights the die-cut paper shapes. In a sun-filled room, it could look quite ethereal.
A small front entrance can really benefit from a sculptural ceiling lamp, as I've seen in my own house. Made from folded paper, this design will add instant modern style whether the light is turned on or not. Plus, it's great for creating impact in a space that has limited opportunity to make an impression.
I love the surprise you get when something proves to be more than what you expected. This glossy lamp is textured in lacquered paper over a wood and cardboard structure, giving it a unique, tangible quality. Unless you usually feel the need to stroke a floor lamp, I think it's pretty extraordinary.
The pop-up book still holds the same fascination for adults as it does for kids. It makes a great coffee table book that doubles as a piece of interactive art. I love David A. Carter's adventurous take on the classic, as his intricate and colorful structures are neat to look at and figure out. Plus, when each page opens, it makes its own unique sound, adding to the sensory experience.
I like making meal times special with thoughtfully chosen tableware, and these pop-up placements would be the perfect finishing touch for dinner parties, birthdays or just a nice surprise for my family. You can write your guests' names on the pop-up, and if they don't slop on it, you may be able to save it for next time.
I am so enamored with these brilliant paper Paste Ups. Their trompe l'oeil effect fills empty areas without taking up any floor space, and the wonky Scandinavian/retro design of the cupboards instantly stylizes your kitchen. I'd put a real shelf or wall cabinet filled with dishes and cups above this to give it some life.
As lovely as cake stands can be, there is only so much space in the kitchen to display them. This pretty paper version can be packed flat, stored in a drawer and brought out only when needed, and it travels effortlessly. The reversible tier offers a choice of two looks and also a bit of insurance should you stain one side with buttercream.
I try to avoid serving on disposable tableware with the exception of children's parties, but I would have no qualms about using these innovative, conversation-piece paper plates. They have a modern, elegantly organic design that features an indent for your thumb while you hold your food. They also come with slotted cutlery so that you can attach your fork and knife to the plate and avoid awkward noshing while trying to be social.
Sometimes a space needs a little something extra. I like these little 3-D design circles for a pop of color and texture that you can arrange on the wall to suit your space. The best part is that there's no commitment — just be sure to affix them with something that won't take your paint with it when they're removed. They can also be used to decorate gifts or hung as ornaments.
I love a practical item that adds to your decor when it's not being used. This two-tone notebook is slickly stylish with its gold foiled block finish. It would be the perfect desktop accompaniment in a designer's home or office.
Most people like to provide "the good stuff" in the bathroom for guests, and you can take the gesture even further with these rolls that are pretty enough to make one feel a bit guilty about using them. Match or contrast your decor without worry, as they're made without chemical whitening treatment, and the designs are produced using only colorfast vegetable oil–based ink.
This paper clock opens up all kinds of creative possibilities. You assemble the clock yourself by attaching the hands and timekeeping mechanism to the dial, which means you can design your own dials and have a rotation of different faces to suit your current mood or style preference. As it is, there's an undeniable charm in its crudeness. The creases of the unfolded paper and the idea of pinning it to the wall conjures up memories of school crafts and handmade Mother's Day presents.
I'd never seen a food tent before now, and it has me imagining how happy I would be to arrive at a dinner party and see these pastel, illustrated contraptions at each setting. I love the gentle Japanese aesthetic and would hope to find some beautiful sushi beneath. It's a wonderful starter, for both the food and the conversation.
Most people don't get to claim bragging rights over the gorgeous little things in their homes, but with some patience and skill you can become a paper sculptor thanks to this kit for music lovers. A precise reproduction of the real thing, this paper harp cuts an elegant silhouette and would make a playful accompaniment for a white bookshelf filled with music and art books.Next: Get Your Craft Paper Under Control
One of my favorite paper artists creates exquisite scenes from the pages of story books. The second best thing to owning one of her original book sculptures is to have a print of a favorite work. Because it's a high-contrast, 3-D piece, it has a bit of a trompe l'oeil effect that adds to its fairytale charm. It would make a lovely narrative piece for a child's room, or it could set a magical tone in the entrance of your home.
Q