I first became intrigued with paper art in 2012 at a local art show here in Richmond, VA. I was there as a vendor with my other art love—pressed flower designs—and a fellow vendor was offering one-of-a-kind holiday gift tags. They were beautiful and I remember being simply fascinated. I could not believe they were made simply using scrap paper, punches, and a few embellishments. I also appreciated the fact that she was recycling, reusing, and re-purposing scrap materials into unique paper art.
Not long after this show, a dear friend of mine sent me a handmade card. She made it by covering a plain card with beautiful decorative paper. I absolutely loved it. The rest is history. My friend and I got together and had several “paper crafting” sessions, I became completely addicted, and it has grown from there. Years later I still love playing with paper!
I continually educate myself by watching online tutorials, reading lots of books and magazines, searching Pinterest for ideas, learning from friends, questioning experts, taking classes, attending expos and seminars, and most importantly, learning thru hands-on experience.
Growing up, my mom always enjoyed crafts and participated in local art and craft shows. I am so glad I inherited her “crafty” genes and I too enjoy participating in local shows and events. In recent years, my customers began asking me if they could purchase my work online. That made me think about starting an online Etsy Shop. Thanks to the encouragement and advice of a dear friend and fellow Etsy Shop owner (PaperMessages1), I realized there would be no better time than this year (due to Covid-19) to work on inventory and set up my own Etsy Shop. With the unwavering support of my husband, who by the way takes all the pictures for my listings, I am happy to say this dream - Uncommon Cuts – became a reality for us in September 2020!
My hope is that every one of you finds an artistic outlet that you love, as I have, to stimulate your creative juices!