The Perfect Guest Book for Any Occasion

Guest books can be used for any occasion. Whether it's for a wedding, retirement party, summer house guests, or more, guest books make wonderful keepsakes!

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Lines are more formal, while blank pages can be more expressive. Get a few guests you know well to begin the entries. That way, they can set the tone for the entire book. If the first person puts an address and name down, it's likely the next person will do the same. However, if the first person writes a heartfelt note or draws a picture, that will lead the guests following to feel as though they can do the same!
 

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Make sure to provide a variety of writing tools, a pot of colored pencils, or a few pens for your guests to choose from, so they can add some personality and creativity to your treasured keepsake. 

Another snapshot interview with a favorite local artist, Kaori from Sleepless Kao!

Kaori, where did the name Sleepless Kao come from?

It's because I don't sleep much and I really like to make art late at night when most people have gone to bed; and my nickname is Kao. Don't worry though, I catch up on my sleep in the mornings!

What gives you inspiration for your drawings?

Usually, there will be a sudden warm feeling that begins in my body, near my heart. Things will pop up, and if I have pens and paper close by, I will start to doodle. Often I will see a beautiful pattern and color composition in nature, and that will be the inspiration. Old songs from my past with nice associations can also be inspiration, like Crowded House's "Don't Dream It's Over," because that is from my generation.

When did you start creating artwork, and how has it evolved over time?

I started drawing at 3 years old - pen and paper first. Jumping ahead to arts school, I moved toward the computer and drawing things realistically in the various foundation classes. After graduating however, I took what I learned from the life drawing and theory classes, and brought that back into a traditional kawaii Japanese style which I love.

How do you make the prints, like the ones we sell at Paper-Ya?

I make my prints two different ways - one is silkscreen, and the other is digitally by using design programs like Illustrator and Photoshop on my Mac computer.

What's one piece of advice for those wanting to start creating and selling their own artwork?

I think it is good to be aware of whom you are creating for. It is quite rare to meet someone who is doing exactly what they want and making a living with their art. Usually, there are external demands from a client or influences from the general public at large. For example, when I am asked to create some promotional material, like a poster or a logo, I think of myself as a designer for hire and will happily receive artistic direction. If the client does not like a drawing, it does not affect my ego, and there is no conflict. However, when I am preparing for a solo or group show, I present artwork that is solely from my point of view. I think the sooner an artist can come to terms with how much they are willing to please people, the better. Making sure that I make time for my own personal projects really replenishes the well, so when I am required to manifest someone else's vision, I have the capacity to let go of my artistic preferences. 

Thanks so much to Kaori for these wonderful answers. Paper-Ya loves carrying the Sleepless Kao prints in our store! 

Our new handmade Indian papers await you!

These new and very cool Indian handmade papers hang on the racks at the store waiting for your ideas. Gorgeous metallics in bronzes and golds printed on thick natural fibers. Click thru the slide show and enjoy the colors and the quirky and sophisticated designs.

Think of using as wall paper for a zap of style on one wall in an entrance or hall way! Get bold and have some fun.

Paper-Ya loves local handmade items. This is our snapshot interview with one of our very own, Emi at Noei Designs!

Emi, where did your brand name, Noei, come from, and what does it mean?
Noei comes from using a letter from each of my family's given name. I can't see them often because they live in Japan, but my heart stays with them.
How long have you been creating these pouches/pocket mirrors/wristlets etc.?
5 years.

Where did the idea come from?
I learned to use a sewing machine as a part of my school curriculum in Japan. My first project, a drawstring pouch wasn't successful, but it made me want to try harder. Since then, I have explored sewing on my own. I have never received any professional training. 
How do you choose your fabrics and designs?
All my items are designed by me. I usually start sketching, then try the pattern many times until I am completely satisfied. I visit lots of fabric stores to see new designs, colors and textures.

Do you have any advice for someone wanting to start their own line of handmade items?
I am still new with what I am doing and am learning every day. I can't give you much advice yet, but all I can say is that if you have something you're passionate about, start planning now. Life is shorter than you think. Just enjoy what you like.

Emi has been a Paper-Ya team member for nearly 6 years, and we're lucky to offer most of her wonderful products!

Scottish style Mura sealing wax comes in knock out gorgeous colours.

Each stick has a wick and measures approximately 100mm and will generally give 6-8 impressions. And, oh the colors, nummy or what!

We can also help you with the seal. Letters or images or combine them!

Check out our fun to watch video and get sealing!

Mankind has had a long time fascination with our feathered friend, the bird.

Bird songs, bird nests, bird symbolism, bird art, bird watching. For most city dwellers it will be the bird that instantly connects us to nature. They are smart, beautiful and usually graceful. Except for the pigeon, sorry, but the pigeon is just not thought of as graceful.

Birds are one of the most diverse species in the world, and are symbols of hope as poets as Emily Dickinson expresses in this excerpt from her poem:
"Hope" is the thing of feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops - at all.

....and for you early birds, some suggestions for Mothers Day, which is not far off...

There are many approaches to making a beautiful wedding invitation.

One could say that the famous quote attributed to Einstein is worth a mention here.
"Everything should be made as Simple as Possible, but not simpler."

We offer a complimentary consultation. To help you answer important questions and get a good sense of the "feel" of the invitation you want to create begin the process by filling out our Wedding Consultation Form. Fax or email it back to us and make your appointment. It is as simple as that!