PAPERGEMS: Whimsical, magical functional paper creations

MAY 2004: The Journey of Journaling 

Welcome to PAPERGEMS' musings:
"When you play it too safe, you're taking the biggest risk of your life...time is the only wealth we're given." Barbara Shea

100 BEIJING JOURNALS PROJECT:
The 66th Day Gathering was spent under the stars chatting with newly found and old friends alike. There is still time to contribute to this project and several journals await pick up at the Timezone8 Bookstore in Dashanzi. The 99th Day Gathering will be Tuesday, June 8th, 2004 beginning at 7pm. Those interested in dropping off their completed journals or raising a toast to the project may join me at First Cafe, Nansanlitun Lu 50 m south of the Sanlitun beer mug statue (call 6501-8812 for directions).

EXCLUSIVE DESIGNS:
Artella Online Shoppes which celebrates the passionate spirit of the artisan, is now carrying PAPERGEMS’ "Beijing
Opera Journal." 

PAPERGEMS' Beijing Opera star ponders important thoughts such as: “Gloss on my lips and a bra in my pocket.” Hand-stitched turquoise beads anchor a metal index pull to this whimsical handmade accordion journal, which stands ready to record all your musings and then invites you to lighten up and interchange the cover with your own silly sayings.
 

PAPERGEMS’ Chinese Take Out Journal includes a Little Black Book spins a sassy take on this ancient Chinese secret. Tote your journal in this unique red, silk covered, take-out box designed exclusively for The Shoppes of Artella.  Papergems’ Chinese Take Out Journal has old Chinese coins, red feathers and jade-green beads hand-stitched to its 3 1/8 inch square, handmade, accordion journal which folds neatly into its black, textured, double covers. Forty blank, ivory-colored, sturdy, smooth pages (front and back) are ready to record all your important numbers and even your artistic inspirations. This journal and its tote weigh 14 oz and ships from Beijing, China.

 

WELCOME TO MY WORLD:
My designs and ideas begin as small mind-seeds germinating, growing, and with perseverance and luck they come into fruition. For some time now, I have pondered inviting others into my Beijing Studio. To have this space available for rent, [or swap] when I am not here and possibly when I am.

Imagine, traveling to Beijing, settling into this magical space at Woodlands, in the Capital’s Paradise. Once here, you combine the experience of quiet reflective time with all the wonders the thriving metropolis of Beijing offers. Hike the Great Wall. Head downtown to explore Beijing's ancient Chinese secrets. Pop into the many art galleries around town. Shop until you drop. Bicycle down the road to visit a nearby village or peddle further on into the countryside. Lounge by the pool. Or simply spend time journaling and creating your artwork, here, in my studio.

Consider this an invitation to wonder how you would enjoy this experience.  The 3-bedroom townhouse comes complete with full amenities including cleaning & cooking services if you so desired.

With this tiny first step, I have planted my idea into your mind and would like to ask your assistance: Would you [or someone you know] be interested in more information about my Beijing Studio? Rental prices will be determined upon response and availability.
 

FUNKY FUN:

Playing with some quirky ideas, I’ve begun a line of Funky Fun Journals.  These journals, fresh off my work table, make fabulous graduation, birthday & father’s day gifts and they are ready for you to order right here, right now.  Prices for these journals begin at US$8 (silky pouches, postage and shipping are available at extra charges).

Each journal has forty pages, ivory-colored, sturdy, smooth pages (front and back), ready for all your musings and range in size from 3 1/8 inches square to 3 1/2 by 6 1/4 inches. Some journals [such as the red compass journal] may be ordered in quantities, while others have been created in limited numbers so be sure to email me for specifics.

To view close ups and more information on these Funky Fun Journals, click the images!

SUMMER 2004 USA ROAD TRIP:
After I attend two-weeks of paper and bookmaking courses at Ox-Bow Summer Institute in Saugatuck, Michigan while Xernay stays at Camp Pellant in the Twin Cities, Xernay and I plan a Road Trip to sight see, visit friends and family and research how best my PAPERGEMS will fit in the retail and gallery outlets we will be visiting.

Our journey will begin in Minneapolis, then we'll be off to Fond du Lac and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chicago, Illinois, Elkhart, Indiana, Cleveland, Ohio, Falling Water, Pennsylvania, Westtown, New York, Northampton, in western Massachusetts, then onto Boston. Beyond that we will be heading south to New York City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, further south along the Appalachian Mountains to Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina and ending up in Atlanta, Georgia.

If you know of a shop or gallery, along our trip route, who you feel would be a good retail fit for PAPERGEMS, please email me, I would love to hear your ideas.  Of course, Xernay and I will have our journals in tow scribing along the journey.

PAPERGEMS' website continues to undergo changes, share you thoughts with me.  All material copyright 2004 by Mary Wiseman, however, I would be thrilled if you forward this to your wonderful friends so they may also enjoy. "The Journey of Journaling." If you no longer wish to receive updates, please unsubscribe at the link below.
 

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