Corbae Creative

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10790717729631969682011-09-08T13:32:36.290-07:00Corbae CreativeCurrent projects, thoughts, and ideas on handmade art, design, and craft - especially those of the paper and recycled/eco-friendly variety. Occasionally a geek-link to something I find really cool.Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.comBlogger401100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-32534779123831101112010-02-16T14:14:00.000-08:002010-02-16T14:27:48.752-08:00Yet more time away

Once again, my world has gone crazy. I'm attempting to get as much done as possible over the next couple of weeks in preparation for Jr. to arrive, leaving me little time to post. So, I'm signing off for a couple of weeks, returning in early March for a couple of more weeks (hopefully) before Jr. makes an appearance.Thank you everyone for checking in so often. For your blogging enjoyment while

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-45951353831124199052010-02-04T09:35:00.000-08:002010-02-04T09:41:04.911-08:00I Heart Handmade show just in time for Valentine's Day

If you're going to be anywhere near Bellevue, Washington this Saturday, stop in and check out the I Heart Handmade gift show. There will be some great artisans and crafters there selling their wares just in time for Valentine's Day.

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-84098193156802840312010-01-28T15:56:00.000-08:002010-01-28T16:10:26.592-08:00Boxes 'n' things

As noted in my last post, here are some images of some items I took over to Black Door Studio last week: Coral entanglement keepsake box (6” w x 6” l x 2.875” t) Copper red floral keepsake box (5" w x 8" l x 3" t) Gold and green floral keepsake box (4" w x 5" l x 3" t) Flower dragonfly keepsake box (5.75" w x 5.75" l x 2" t) Cherry blossoms blank card and matching custom envelopeI've stopped

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-15548958610100063622010-01-16T19:09:00.000-08:002010-01-16T19:17:10.785-08:00Find Corbae at Black Door Studio

For those of you local to the Seattle/Everett area, I'm excited to announce that you can now find some of my boxes and cards at Black Door Studio in Everett! If you haven't checked out their retail store and studio space, it's well worth it!Black Door Studio237 Elm StreetEverett, WAFacebook pageWeb siteI'll post some of the new items I've made for the store in the next couple of days.And if

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-57644888286699085192009-12-30T09:35:00.000-08:002009-12-30T10:02:57.098-08:00New year - what's the word?

A friend of mine started a tradition a few years ago that I've completely co-opted. Instead of coming up with a list of new year's resolutions pick one word that will help define the experiences you want for the year. I love this idea as opposed to a list of resolutions I probably won't keep. A single word to push me to focus on what I think is important for the year.I don't remember every word

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-56245435990294191022009-12-24T11:23:00.000-08:002009-12-24T11:46:28.293-08:00Happy Christmas to all

After some serious scrambling, I managed to get my holiday cards out in the mail on the 23rd of December. At this point, I think they might be New Years cards.This was my first attempt at using my die cut machine (KNK Groove-e) I purchased way back in late June. It definitely takes some trial and error to get the hang of it. But, luckily, the software is compatible with Illustrator, so so far I’

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-66387787759684921732009-12-06T10:38:00.000-08:002009-12-06T10:56:35.573-08:00Custom boxes as gifts

I love making custom boxes for gifts. The packaging becomes part of the gift itself. I've had people tell me that they display their boxes long after the gift itself is gone. They use the box for regifts (which is my favorite use for them), with the boxes often reappearing year after year within a family. Not only can I customize the size of the box to fit the contents, but I can customize the

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-54780735679751497822009-12-03T11:50:00.000-08:002009-12-03T12:01:41.251-08:00Viney sketch

I've been enjoying drawing some more abstract patterns lately. When I draw, I'm very slow and get frustrated quickly. But, for some reason, I don't get irritated when working on something more abstract like the above, even if it takes as long or longer than sketching a realistic scene. To draw the vine pattern above, I freehand sketched the pattern, then scanned it in and redrew over it in Illy,

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-11050805929818654562009-11-25T08:07:00.001-08:002009-11-25T08:18:51.861-08:00Tone on tone patterns

Woven window christmas card - red. Available in my Etsy store. One of my favorite techniques is to create a subtle pattern using weaving as a source for the pattern. By using the same paper, but weaving it together, I can create a textural effect without overwhelming a simple design with something busy. One of these days, I'll take some weaving classes to expand my pattern repertoire.

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-77105571474679886342009-11-23T07:39:00.000-08:002009-11-23T08:23:37.263-08:00Holiday show fun

Booties from Joy Bilee. Etsy shop: www.joybilee.etsy.com Admid a very busy weekend, the hubby and I stopped into the 2009 Etsy Rain Holiday show. It was quite probably the perfect size for an arts/crafts fair. It was big enough for some good meandering, but small enough that I didn’t start glazing over halfway through the exibits. We found some great treasures for holiday gifts and I met a few

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-30395409916215541852009-11-12T07:33:00.001-08:002009-11-12T07:52:18.618-08:00But, it's not even Thanksgiving

I know, I know, it's not even Thanksgiving, but I've begun to post some holiday cards and items in my Etsy store.I think my favorite word used around this time of year is "Joy". Go ahead, say the word out loud. You can't help but smile a bit. It's a word that hasn't lost its meaning as a polite phrase like "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays". We can say "Merry Christmas" and not really

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-56415394730773839512009-11-06T07:32:00.000-08:002009-11-06T07:52:45.264-08:00I'm back

After a series of adventures in the land o' pregnancy – nausea, dehydration, hospital stays – that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy, I'm back! I'm so lucky to have the husband, family, and friends that I do. They've been exceedingly supportive and understanding.Junior's doing well. He's on track to be born in mid-March. And all the tests say he's healthy. Yay!So, expect posts from me in the

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-24533431469916473252009-08-05T07:47:00.000-07:002009-08-05T07:52:48.848-07:00Neglect

O' blog, how I have neglected you. The good news - I'm neglecting you because I'm pregnant. The bad news - I'm neglecting you because of all the first trimester nastiness sapping all energy and will beyond what's absolutely necessary. Everyone promises it'll get better. With that faint hope in mind, expect a lag until after Labor Day. Then, hopefully I'll pick back up with some semblance of

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-78207087212236931352009-07-20T14:34:00.000-07:002009-07-20T15:03:33.143-07:00Design isn't just for advertising

Image: Winning design by Kyle Thompson over at the Dollar ReDe$ign Project.As a graphic designer by day, I truly appreciated this opinion article by Allison Arieff over on the NY Times web site. Imagine easy-to-follow, well-designed forms; clear and precise info boxes for your mortgage; signage designed for easy reading (see an older article from the NY Times for examples of this). The article is

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-31223638376526249652009-07-14T16:41:00.001-07:002009-07-14T16:50:03.491-07:00The winter queen would like white ferns

I've posted a new set of cards over in my Etsy shop. I really enjoyed creating this illustration of a fern frond. The fern image comes from a fern in my backyard and I love the detailed edges combined with the flat off-white color.And, as I've said before in this blog, I do think packaging is an important part of the whole. In keeping with the light, neutral tones of these cards, I wanted to

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-10504897719851330952009-07-07T16:43:00.000-07:002009-07-07T16:44:55.329-07:00Sail away, sail away, sail away

I will be taking a few days away from the blogosphere. Expect new posts mid next week.

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-9183883797240599652009-07-02T09:12:00.000-07:002009-07-02T09:29:08.719-07:00Ode to the handwritten note

The NY Times has a great article on how stationary and handwritten notes are not dead. It's wonderful to hear the love in the voices of those who are quoted.I do find it a little sad that it focuses only on high end stationary, which, for print and paper-philes like me is lovely to send, receive, touch, feel, drool over at De Medici Ming (store in Seattle), etc. But, I do wish the article made

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-12729631344016269282009-06-30T17:16:00.000-07:002009-06-30T17:24:22.282-07:00Where's that 40' x 40' studio I requested?

I recently purchased a die cutting machine. It's going to be great and save a lot of time once it's set up. Unfortunately, it's a bit larger than I'd expected, so I've been spending the last few days purging my office/studio of the piles that have built up since the last purge in 2007. It's amazing what accumulates if you don't keep an eye on things.On a positive note - aside from the new die

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-17028902542607828982009-06-23T19:12:00.000-07:002009-06-24T06:46:22.500-07:00It's amazing what color and a perspective shift can do

I posted a new set of cards over in my Etsy shop. Called “Wave hello”, I think it's amazing what putting a very similar cut pattern on a different color and lying it horizontal instead of vertical does to the image. Suddenly what looked like a creature from the deep now looks like the deep (water that is).

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-8615558379897240912009-06-23T15:21:00.000-07:002009-06-23T15:28:37.188-07:00Dare not speak its name

More fun with security envelope patterns. I just posted this new card over in my Etsy store. Done freehand, using an exacto knife, the pattern came out very cthulu-esque. Does a message written in a cthulu greeting card need to make sense?

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-19065498008169269842009-06-19T07:35:00.000-07:002009-06-19T07:54:25.511-07:00Dragonfly fire challenge

I've been working feverishly on a couple of projects this last week and have not had time to post anything. But, happily, today after a few minor projects get done I'll be able to dig out my office and find out what color my desktop counter is.Although I can't go into details as the project isn't done yet, a recent challenge presented itself - combine "fire" and "dragonfly" in interesting ways.

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-58936302445824220822009-06-10T18:47:00.000-07:002009-06-10T18:56:42.028-07:00Black and red all over - small boxes

I've just posted a third in my series of small boxes over in my Etsy store. This one was a lot of fun because I took a craft that to me feels very earthy and of the pioneer spirit - weaving and made a pretty gothic-feeling box. Again, it comes back to that idea of combining elements in unexpected ways.I do love going back and forth between the darker, gothic, snarky side of my personality and

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-22294286159417103262009-06-09T13:11:00.001-07:002009-06-09T13:13:54.363-07:00Yart Sale at Corbae

June 10th - 14thAll purchases made in Corbae’s Etsy store from June 10th through the 14th will receive free U.S. shipping.And be sure to check out sales Etsy-wide. Many shops will be participating in the annual Yart Sale with specials and discounts.

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-55436031326204585362009-06-08T12:50:00.000-07:002009-06-08T12:57:37.803-07:00Leaf - tree - vine - small boxes

I've just posted the second in a series of small boxes I've been working on over in my Etsy store. As June is taking hold around here, and all the trees are finally in full leaf, I'm more and more inspired by trees and green of late. This box reflects that inspiration, with natural colors and textures and an impression of a vine.I love summer in the Pacific Northwest!

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-70444135278979916682009-06-06T11:43:00.000-07:002009-06-06T11:51:09.109-07:00Repeating patterns - small boxes

I've posted a new, small keepsake box over in my Etsy store.I've been having a lot of fun creating smaller boxes, and using up the piles of my small pieces of matboard. The smaller boxes definitely take more concentration to get the smaller corners and bits to fit together correctly. But when they're done, I love coming up with lists of items that would fit in them.This particular box uses a

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-77107472116486879442009-06-04T09:11:00.000-07:002009-06-04T09:23:51.566-07:00Political papercraft

Over on BoingBoing, Cory Doctorow (brilliant author - highly recommend his books) has posted an excellent use of papercraft in politics by the Chicago Tribune. I'm having one of those, "I wish I'd thought of that" moments.From BoingBoing, "...the Chicago Tribune has created this Sen. Roland Burris (D-IL) 'Pinocchio' pdf with real Nose Grows with Lies action!"Original post is here.

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-84982861158028339552009-06-03T07:56:00.000-07:002009-06-03T08:11:11.802-07:00One of us

I've never been much of a joiner, but late last week I joined an Etsy team - EtsyRAIN. EtsyRAIN members are joined by location, not by product. Located in the Puget Sound area / greater Seattle area, there are well over 600 members - all selling on Etsy and all in the Seattle area. Wow!If you're in the Seattle area and want to buy local, add "team etsyrain" to your search criteria when puttering

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-11605672993167095622009-06-02T08:34:00.000-07:002009-06-02T08:44:40.533-07:00Plait present pockets

Who doesn't love alliteration? I've posted a new product over in my Etsy store just in time for all that grad and dad gift-giving. Upcycled and recyclable, these completely unique envelopes are perfect for small gifts. I'm thinking of posting instructions for them. Of course, I need to write the instructions first. If you're interested in instructions, email me at info [at]

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-67047781126008287312009-05-29T07:27:00.000-07:002009-05-29T08:14:22.379-07:00Packaging as part of the whole

I've been really enjoying Jackie Hernandez' posts on handmade and creative packaging over at Crafting a Green World. I'm definitely a strong believer in packaging and think it can make or break a product, and the items she's posted are absolutely beautiful. They have my head spinning with new ideas.I am surprised at something she said though. In her post on Thursday, she said, "You do not need

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-51883357910188686182009-05-28T20:12:00.000-07:002009-05-28T20:22:02.919-07:00Envelope from envelopes

As noted in earlier posts (here and here), I've been having a lot of fun coming up with ways to reuse security envelopes and their exceedingly cool patterns. My newest attempt resulted in a smallish, custom envelope woven from several different patterns. Time consuming? Yup. I don't know how many of these I'll make, but I sure do like the look and feel. The paper has taken on a bendable fabric

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-30487230095376562092009-05-22T17:18:00.000-07:002009-05-26T15:47:24.945-07:00No need for pastels

After a few days away and an evening spent in the company of a great group of friends – many of whom have been having babies lately – it's gotten me thinking about baby gifts. I love browsing through Etsy or contemplating gifts I can give that are handmade instead of hitting up the nearest Babies-R-Us. One of my favorite gifts to give is a blanket and hat combo I've knitted myself. I'm not an

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-57479954254407986602009-05-20T07:55:00.000-07:002009-05-20T08:25:47.895-07:00Paper options limited

As much as I love paper and communication via a tangible item, people are often surprised to find that I'm also a strong believer in using technology to communicate – e-newsletters, email, web sites, electronic brochures, social networking, etc. To me, using electronic forms to communicate daily makes the occasional paper communication that much more important and meaningful. I love when I

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-29081737796602383612009-05-16T10:15:00.000-07:002009-05-16T10:25:15.413-07:00Patterns within patterns within patterns

As I noted in an earlier post, I've been working on some projects using the patterns found in security envelopes. After a couple of false starts, I finished up the first set of cards yesterday. Cut freehand with an exacto knife, I'm pretty happy with the outcome – pairing two patterns together.Shown: 4" x 6" blank, folded card and 2.5" x 4" blank, folded gift tag

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-72326928896229574902009-05-14T08:12:00.000-07:002009-05-14T08:43:47.260-07:00Scraps take on a new life as bookmarks

I love paper – shiny, handmade, banana, hemp, linen, wood – paper of all kinds. But, I often find the me-that-loves-paper at odds with the me-that-wants-a-sustainable-lifestyle. I have a hard time reconciling the two sides, especially when I walk into de Medici Ming or even Paper Zone and begin drooling over all the pretties. I end up keeping a lot of scraps. After all, they'll be useful for

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-110159217663432502009-05-11T17:44:00.001-07:002009-05-12T08:22:51.526-07:00Using patterns in different ways

I just posted a new box over in my store. I've found that I love to take a pattern or item and use it in a different way than expected. In this instance, I used the same "net" pattern one would use to make a dreamcatcher and turned it into a more lacy pattern on the top of this box.I'd love to hear about and/or see examples from others who have repurposed well-known patterns/items and used them

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-86735245217372539212009-05-07T08:35:00.000-07:002009-05-07T09:15:14.158-07:00Pocket sketchbooks with some style

My dad is an amazing artist. He does do a decent amount of his work away from his studio, so I thought he'd be a perfect test case for some mini books I'd been wanting to make for a while. I did feel a little guilty combining a test case with a Christmas gift - a little.I love the concept of the thinner Moleskine notebooks intended to carry in a pocket so you always have a notebook with you. But

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-62229227825692768322009-05-01T14:00:00.000-07:002009-05-01T14:16:20.761-07:00Hidden beauty in security envelopes

Lately, I've been collecting security envelopes as they arrive in the mail. Although not a new idea to re-use security envelopes, there are a few projects that will incorporate the inside patterns.It's been fascinating to me to collect and actually pay attention to these patterns. They are as varied as they are beautiful. It's a good reminder about how much of our world is purposefully designed

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-599145827796950812009-04-29T16:59:00.000-07:002009-04-29T17:40:52.168-07:00No more Jordan almonds – creative wedding favors

Over at Etsy, Vanessa has posted a new article in their “Handmade Wedding” series on wedding favors. She’s shown some amazing Etsy finds as favors, all of them way better than those jordan almonds that no-one seems to actually like.It reminded me of the wedding favors we handed out at our wedding. We still get compliments on them almost ten years later. We had many people at our wedding who had

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-91313770651064541332009-04-27T16:20:00.000-07:002009-04-27T16:50:57.553-07:00Making scratch paper

Despite my best efforts, as a graphic designer, I print – a lot. If the papers I print don't have proprietary information, then I add it to my “stack” of paper to be used as a “blotter” when I'm glueing items. Great for a gluestick/PVA junkie like me. But lately my stack is getting a bit tall, so I've been looking for alternative uses.I came up with a stack of scratch paper for notes, figures,

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1079071772963196968.post-68212980081028865662009-04-27T10:59:00.000-07:002009-04-27T11:13:06.323-07:00Dryer balls actually work

I'll be honest, making and using wool dryer balls was more of an experiment than something I thought would work to get rid of static cling, but they do. Creating these felted wool dryer balls to use in lieu of dryer sheets or fabric softener was really easy. I just keep the basket on top of my dryer and toss one in with each load of laundry going into the dryer. And I've made a couple of sets

Corbae Creativehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07758297819208068308noreply@blogger.com0