Gratitude

 28 November 2024

“Two Hands Paperie One Pound Scrap Bag $28.99 (Currently Sold Out): This is the mother of all scrap bags! We call it "one pound", but most are well over that in weight. We put these together in our studio, and have a lot of fun doing it. You never know what you might find- paper of course (lokta, unryu, mango, banana, printed papers from Rossi and Cavallini, Japanese and Indian recycled are some you might find), envelopes, cards, photographs, slides, magnets, buttons, bags, ribbon, book cloth, and on and on. Anything is possible. Please note- each scrap bag is very unique and may not contain the item or styles pictured! But don't worry; you won't be disappointed with any of them!” (From their website)

I purchased one of these a year or two ago. It seemed like a spurge at the time, considering the quantity of various papers already in my collection. But I needed a treat, and paper is my dessert of choice! When it arrived, I sorted through it, probably several times, and was impressed with the quality and variety included in the package. A few items (a broken watch and half a metal latch) I added to my dollhouse miniatures components stash. All the papery bits went back in the bag and disappeared into a pile on my overflowing “work” desk in the basement. (If I ever get it cleared again, some work might actually get accomplished down there!) 

I recently had TWO WHOLE DAYS ALL TO MYSELF. I decided I would take them and use them FOR myself. I felt like I was in an artistic slump and thought just maybe that goodie bag of paper was just the kick in the pants I needed to spark creativity and restart regular creation. I challenged myself to use the entire package to make as many collages as I could artfully assemble in those two days. Our large dining table was completely covered as I arranged and rearranged the contents of the scrap bag into what became a total of 16 collages, 10 assembled on Saturday, six completed on Sunday, as well as some additions made to Saturday’s art. In spare moments the following few days, I used up the remaining scraps to create some ATCs: first a set of nine, then two pairs and two quartets. For the first time in a long time, I scanned and titled all my work. For the first time in a year and a half, I am documenting my work on my Piccadilly Post blog. I added very few supplies to the original contents of the purchased scrap bag, mainly various adhesives, recycled cardboard salvaged from the office for substrates, and the Registered Mail labels that I decided would tie the entire collage collection together, a “theme” if you will. (I also broke out my Christmas DVD collection to enjoy in my alone time!)

A dear friend recently gifted me a pound of assorted book pages. This may be my next challenge to myself, to keep moving forward, to keep creating, even if I don’t have two whole days to myself. Two whole hours to myself might keep me happily making paper messes, hopefully with results worth sharing! Thank you to all my generous mail art friends who continue to support my paper addiction and inspire me with their amazing creations delivered directly to my postbox. Expect an original collage and an ATC or two soon! It occurred to me while crafting this letter I may be a born-and-raised collage creator. I am the grandchild of a newspaper pressman and seamstress raised during the Depression, and the child of a photographer and cross-stitch crafter. My mom always gave us kids a paper lunch bag when we went on walks, for carrying our found treasures, some of which were later added to art projects at home. Sometimes it is difficult to be thankful for given family, but time and perspective can add to our appreciation and gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving!