Paperclip International BV

As part of a work placement at Paperclip studios in Bath, I researched and designed a collection of cards inspired from folk art. My first task was to do produce a mood board to summarise my chosen theme.

 

Within my mood board I have chosen an earthy palette and selected inspirational artists/designers such as Robert Ryan, Alice Rose Lewis and Thaneeya McArdle. I love the illustrative styles that they have, and whimsical story scenes. My next task was to choose a card subject - christening? birthday? wedding? new home? My initial idea was to choose to design a christening card in the style of folk art. Below is my first drawing:

  

I scanned this image into Photoshop and Illustrator and manipulated the colours and textures. From this, I began to create other cards, this time for a birthday range. Below are some more drawings:

                                      

Here are two of my most successful cards. The colours have been adapted from my original palette to a more uplifting and exciting range. I felt the injection of pink against the green works well.

 

Christmas Cards!

As it's nearing to the festive season I couldn't resist but to get the glitter, sequins and sewing kit out to make these handcrafted cards!

Widbrook Grange Brasserie and the Bear Competition!

As part of a local competition, my work commissioned me to decorate a bear! Below is a photograph of the end product now displayed on the reception desk. I went for a French theme inspired by our new French Brasserie that opened in July. A photographer is going around to local businesses and the best decorated bears will appear on a tea towel ready for Christmas. So here's hoping the photographer likes mine...

I used acrylic paint on the bear, added additional embellishment of beads, knitted a beret and attached shallots around its neck for an authentic french look. Oh and also I couldn't resist adding a bit of comic value in the form of a moustache! 

 This summer as I mentioned before was the opening of the new French Brasserie at Widbrook Grange Hotel where I work. I had the fortunate opportunity to sit in on meetings and discussions about the opening of the new Brasserie and helped out with the design of the new restaurant. Below is a mood board looking at colour ways, competitive markets and theme that I initially created when it was originally going to be a Bistro. I then presented this at one of the meetings to the owners and management.

The new Brasseries has featured in a number of local magazines including 'A Local Life' as shown below.

Current Work...

Te Papa, Museum of New Zealand

   

On visit to Te Papa, Wellington, 'The Marae' exhibition really inspired me to continue with my cut outs on return home. The exhibition showcased contemporary Māori art and design. These beautiful sculptures made of metal and wood stood out for me the most as I could relate them to my laser and paper cut outs. I love the sense of layering and the shadows the 3D shapes create. 

Beer Mats!

 

I collected these beer mats above from Mac's Brewery in New Zealand as I really loved the designs. It reminded me of Rob Ryan's text. They have a paper cut out feel to them.

Below are photographs I took of the interior wall designs. They make a really interesting wall feature and the illustrations compliment the text very well. 

The Wonders of Golden Bay

 

Golden Bay was just what we hoped, an artists heaven! We visited workshops, studios, exhibitions and numerous art galleries and museums along our way up the coast. It was amazing! Our favourite studio that we came across was set in a beautiful garden where quirky displays of shells, cups, handcrafted signs, carved wooden totem poles and African masks could be found. 

I love the idea of this tree decorated in a range of coloured and patterned cups creeping up the trunk. Art in the garden creates a wonderfully interesting exterior space.