The Thought Vox

With Christmas just around the corner this is a great time to figure out who’s on your NICE list and what sort of gift you want for each of them.

The majority of people live life on a budget and want the most bang for their buck. The stores are full of big-ticket items, which tend to lose their luster after a few days. A great alternative to flashy consumerism is personal & affordable.

If you want gifts for all occasions, created with individuals in mind, Kathleen Tennant has solutions. She is a unique artist who creates one of a kind, affordable books. Custom pieces incorporating company logos, people’s names, kids, pets, etc. are also available.
If you have an event coming up and want to bring a memorable gift, look no further than: Paper Crafts By Kathleen.

And now, a little more about the woman behind the art:

Growing up, were you always making unique pieces of art, or is this something started doing recently?
HA HA Never! I was a competitive gymnast growing up and that pretty much consumed my time. I never really liked art in school, likely because I couldn’t draw to save my life… other than craft style flowers and hearts as doodles on the sides of my pages. I must have always had it in me though because whenever I’d go to craft fairs I’d always look at stuff like cards or painted furniture and think…I’m not buying that, I could easily make it. So, I must have known deep down I wanted to and could.

Why did you choose paper as your primary medium?
I’ve always loved paper; stationary stores are my favorite. I even love the smell of them. Different pens and paper have always been my weakness. I like the textures and styles. I can see things beyond just a sheet of paper if it’s the right paper. I am picky about the weight of paper I use; it has to feel just right.

Over the past year Paper Crafts By Kathleen has become very busy. Did you expect the reception you’ve gotten?
No, not at all. This past year has been truly amazing. The opportunities that have come my way, the connections and friends I have made have been overwhelming. I feel so lucky. I always thought it was an enjoyable hobby. It’s my thing. The very first cover I made was for my best friend Leah and a book she was writing. I have yet to give it to her. She actually may never get it as I look at it now and think it’s not that great and I could do it so much better now.

What types of books do you make and how do they range in price?
I make journals for simply writing in as well as travel journals, running journals and food journals. I also make memory books, address books, guest books, sketchbooks, and notepads and right now I’m working on a custom recipe book cover for someone. My books range in price from $15 up to $35 depending on the size and contents of the book.

What inspires these one of a kind creations?
I love that my books are one of a kind. My brain has a hard time duplicating any creation I have made. My inspiration comes from a few things. Running is one, as I find when I’m running through the trails my mind clears and I think of key words and/or ideas seem to flow easily. I also find inspiration simply by looking at different types of paper. I have to see a design or I won’t buy the paper. It is sometimes the image on the paper or simply the feel of the paper. Often I look at a certain types of paper and see a picture or an idea with it and other times I see the the ability to tear it up and create a puzzle type image on the covers. I am a very quiet paper shopper as I’m usually in a scrapbook type store trying to fly under the radar of being an assumed scrap booker, because I’ve never scrap booked a day in my life and have no clue what they are talking about when they ask me questions about why I’m holding certain paper.

No book is ever made without music playing in the background ~ it is essential to the creative process. Nothing too heavy I mostly listen to Jann Arden, Emm Gryner, Sarah McLachlan, Chris Pureka or that type of sound. I can listen to the same CD over and over and over without it becoming tiresome. It just gets me in the zone.

Aside from keeping your Etsy shop stocked, you are a fulltime wife and mother of two active kids. How do you find a balance between life and art?

I have a very supportive family. My husband and kids are extremely encouraging and really my biggest fans. This has all come to life at the perfect time. I believe all things happen for a reason and this is my time to be doing this. My youngest started Grade 1 in September so I have both kids in school and can dedicate my days to doing art ~ really, how lucky am I? I worked in a law office for 10 years prior to having kids so I developed really good time management skills and work when the kids are occupied and quiet and around their schedules. I have a hard time not finishing something I’ve started so I generally work in spurts to finish something even if it means I’m up late. My husband works long hours so it gives me something to do when he’s not around too.

For those wanting custom Christmas/birthday/shower gifts for loved ones, how soon should they get their orders in?

If books are wanted for Christmas, with allowance for delivery I suggest orders no later than December 8th. Gifts such as birthday, weddings, shower, baby it always depends on where the customers are located. I try to ship everything out in a time efficient manner but also don’t want anyone to get ripped on the shipping charges so allow a couple weeks at least unless willing to pay the extra for shipping.

Where do you see Paper Crafts By Kathleen in the future?

I am aiming to have my books in a few of the local gift shops. I have been approached by a local shop wanting to carry them so I will be in further discussions with them soon but would love to see them in gift type shops with really cool other creative things. I enjoy making my books and really enjoy that people have responded so positively.

More Information On Kathleen:

Visit Kathleen’s Etsy Shop

Official Paper Crafts By Kathleen Site

Kathleen’s BLOG

Follow Kathleen On Twitter

Join Her On Facebook