PAPERGEMS: Whimsical, magical functional paper creations

AUTUMN 2005:

Welcome to PAPERGEMS' musings:
 

“Everything is flux,” Heraclites [or Heraclitus]

As I live this concept, I am discovering the true key is to have the patience to realize the pauses and interruptions one goes through during change and transition. It is these pauses, which force us to consider the points of time where change becomes transition. Which is why, I feel, journaling is so important. Our journals, no matter their form, become a permanent record of our lives’ transitions. Something we can pause with, re-examine and learn from. Just as summer has blurred into the season of change, my summer journals are transforming themselves into something more.
 

   
PARANORMAL PLATTER: TRICK OR TRAY
My Ouija Board Tray has been published in the October issue of Budget Living Magazine on newsstands now!! Seeing the trash I collected while out on a hot, summer Atlanta jog, transform into a Papergem and find its way onto the pages of a national magazine. I am ecstatic! What a great way to recycle too! Functionality at its finest.

I will gladly transform your old game boards into functional trays, so you can re-live the nostalgia of these fabulous toys. Just click here for details.
 

 
NEW VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS: EXPANDING CONCEPTS
Expanding my services I am now offering Virtual Goal Setting and Organizing Workshops [facilitated completely virtually, via a phone connection] in addition to my real-time Goal Setting Journaling Workshops in Northampton, Massachusetts.

These Virtual Workshops make wonderful gifts! Contact me and I can coach your favorite disorganized gift recipient into becoming more goal-oriented and better organized. It’s easy when I am there to help. See FINAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT below.

100 BEIJING JOURNALS PROJECT: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION….
In early September Andrea Kreuzhage, Hollywood Film Producer and Director, arrived at my doorstep, just days after my household belongings, shipped from China, were delivered to my new Western Massachusetts Design Studio. Andrea [and her cameraman] filmed me opening my box of 100 Beijing Journals. [Side Note: I was fortunate to have 20 of the 100 journals involved in my journaling project returned to me]. Andrea then interviewed me on my process of creating my journaling project and all of this interview will be a portion of the documentary Andrea is creating on journaling, slated for completion in the fall of 2006.

It amazes me how creative projects and life can come full circle! And how long those circles can take to cycle. Allow me to explain. In 2001, when I first heard of the 1000 Journals Project, I attempted, unsuccessfully, to get my hands on one of the journals in this experimental project. Try as I did, I just could not locate a journal. Undaunted, in early 2004, I created my own 100 Beijing Journals Project. Last autumn, Andrea was doing research for her documentary, discovered my project, and contacted me.  We have been in touch, virtually, ever since. Another year rolls by and now in 2005, I finally met Andrea and held the only journal, of the 1000 Journals Project, to be returned to its originator. Andrea had brought this lone journal, which had begun its travels in California moved onto Connecticut then made its way over to Europe and finally returned to California, for participants to peruse. To have the opportunity to leaf through this journal, chock-full of artistic drawings, writings and collages was a feast for my eyes, as well as my soul. I delight in seeing how other people journal.

What has this entire process taught me? Keep trying, don’t give up, keep putting your art out into the world, collaborate with others, when one avenue closes seek another, look for links, ask questions, and the biggest secret is: to have the patience to allow the creativity to unfold, because it will, all in due time.

PAPERGEMS FOR SALE IN MINNESOTA:
Just in time for the holidays the Minnesota Center for Book Arts will hold their 4th Annual Book Art Festival and Sale At Minnesota Center for Book Arts November 19 and 20th. Journals make lovely gifts, for a special someone. Contact me to chat about a custom gift journal I can create for you.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS: CARROTS FOR MYSELF
Papergems is planning to exhibit again in the 3rd Annual Wordhouses, Visual Journals & Wild Idea Catchers show occurring in January 2006, San Jose, California, at The Red Dragonfly. Stay tuned for more transformational details concerning which of my journal entries I will include.

PAPERGEMS’ EXPANDED WEBSITE: A WORK IN PROGRESS
A never-ending work in progress, I recently designed changes to the Papergems’ website. Have a peek and send me your comments. My website is maintained by my wonderful Virtual Assistant, Kate Large. Kate’s services [as well as her friendship] are a support system I daily thank my Guardian Angels, I have. Put more hours in your day by delegating to your very own Virtual Assistant, email Kate. 

 
EVERYTHING PUMPKIN: IS IT A CULT?
Muffins, bread, ice cream, Woopie Pies [naughty little cream-filled cakes], pudding, even beer [hey don’t knock it until you try it and if you do try it the only Pumpkin Beer worth consuming is Post Road Pumpkin Ale] and just about everything else, edible, has been produced with pumpkin here in New England. As I drive about the Pioneer Valley, I fully believe there is an underlying Pumpkin Cult using pumpkins as its icon. Luring people with these adorable orange squashes.

SPELLS ARE OPTIONAL
Oftentimes it is difficult for me to believe all that has happened in the last 4 months. Falling through life at hyper-transitional speed can be indescribably described as: daringly dashing, industriously intense, perseveringly perky and it’s all going to be fine, fine, fine.

In addition to creating my Papergems I am adjunct teaching a graphic design course at Westfield State College and in addition to real-time teaching, I am developing this graphics class as a virtual online course. I also substitute teach and do some temporary jobs as I continue on my life’s quest... filled with all its changes and transitions.

FINAL FOOD FOR THOUGHT: A CHECKLIST OF CHANGE
BROUGHT TO YOU BY WILLIAM BRIDGES

1. Take your time
2. Arrange temporary [and when you can permanent or semi-permanent] structures
3. Don't act for the sake of action
4. Recognize why you are uncomfortable
5. Take care of yourself in little ways
6. Explore the other side of change
7. Get someone to talk to
8. Find out what is waiting in the wings of your life
9. Use this transition as the impetus to a new kind of learning
10.Recognize that transition has a characteristic shape

THOSE IN THE USA:
Be sure to note my new US phone number : 413.454.5813 leave a message, should I be away from the phone and I will get back to you. As always, I can be reached via email too.

Visit Papergems to view more of my designs.

All material copyright 2005 by Mary Wiseman, however, I would be thrilled if you forward this to your wonderful friends so they may also enjoy my musings.  If you no longer wish to receive updates, please unsubscribe at the link below.
 

HOME