PaperArtsy Blog - 2023 Year in Review {Quarter 3, Topics 7 to 9}

Hi everyone, it's Leandra back with you for the 3rd instalment of the annual PaperArtsy blog review, and this one really is a doozy! Our blogger by this part of the year were thoroughly enjoying the theme, and how the 3 topics could bounce off each other, so we saw a fair bit of cross-pollination of topics this quarter! But first a bit of behind the scenes catch up from me!

I've been hearing from lots of people that 2023 seemed like it was the most 'normal' year we have had in some time! Yay for that, right!?

Mark and I still have lists and lists of things that need doing in and around our property here in France, it seems to take forever to get things done when juggling work, visitors and planning forward, but we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves. It is a never ending surprise that we have met so many people since our arrival, and in particular we have become super friendly with people from the closest neighbouring houses. But even in the nearest villages as we settle into a Sunday routine of Brocante visits and such, we are gradually meeting up with other 'regulars' on the similar schedule! We never expected to be so lucky to be surrounded by so many chatty, welcoming people in this little corner of rural France. We feel so fortunate and are content to be here.

This year we were also joined by our parents from New Zealand who each stayed for 3-4 weeks, as well as other New Zealand friends - the house was full from early Spring to late Autumn. In November we managed a trip to New Zealand ourselves for our niece's wedding, which was also an opportunity for us to catch up with many New Zealand people who we have not seen in a very, very long time! Nothing like a wedding for a good excuse to catch up!

After a few tough years, not only planning a move, but navigating covid, for us 2023 finally felt like a year of enjoyment, social activites and a lot less stress, which was truly needed! We are finding a nice balance and starting to understand the seasonal cycles that French life is very much based around, be it what you eat, through to what you do. It is a culture full of tradition and ritual, and people here use the seasons to plan events, festivals, celebrations and food or wine related harvests, there is always something new to learn and discover, be it a place, a flavour or an activity. 

One of our serendipitous highlights was booking a last minute vineyard tour to one of the higher-end producers in St Emillion. We had 4 kiwis here, and as the 6 of us drove up to the magnificent building on the estate, we realised harvest had begun (it only lasts for 2 weeks, you'de be surprised how small each vineyard is physically, and during harvest, with all hands on deck, it is quite common for tours to stop). We not only got to taste the grapes that had just been picked, but ohhh the smell as you walked through the room of tanks holding the new season's liquid was like you were being blasted with raisin vapour. It was incredible to smell the fresh grapes already being squeezed of their full juice. A real treat to see all the action of harvest up close. 

Speaking of learning new things .... Quarter 3 on the blog had the theme of 'Transparency' running through all the posts, another wonderful concept with wide reaching creative opportunities easily incorporated into crafty projects. Our bloggers came up with many fabulous ideas!

The topics were also popular: 7: Art Dolls, 8: Master Colour Wheel and 9: Lynne Perrella, designer focus. I was super keen for this entire quarter and what it would bring - all my favourite elements were coming together for this quarter!

Come along with us as we take a look back at some of the highlights...

Transparency can be anything from delicate overlays like mica, vellum or acetate, to see through layers we apply: glaze, embossing powder, glass or wax, or perhaps something that disappears like tissue paper. Head over here to see the topic introduction and a wide range of ideas that Dounia presented. We thought it would be nice to highlight a few of the transparency interpretations by our bloggers...

Martha Ponsanesi made a gorgeous mini accordion book with printed tissue in the background and Lynne Perrella stamps throughout. The transparent part of this project was the vibrant alcohol inked cover/ sleeve that surrounds the book-in-a-box. It's a delightful cheery idea. Check it out here

What about this resplendent Egyptian tribute? Riikka Kovasin used tissue paper onto wood in tiny squares for the garment on this Egyptian goddess. It wasn't all plain sailing though and she did have to tweak things a bit but the resulting impact is fantastic. Read all about it in her blog post here

Etsuko Noguchi created these two little shrine boxes with see-through panels, the overall style was quite steampunky - Darcy's stamps do often head in that direction. The accents with metal embellishments fit in beautifully. Etusko's  blog post is well worth a read, she always explores interesting products and ways to use them!

Art Dolls have been a passion of mine for some many years, there even used to be a magazine dedicated to them back in the day! It is a theme we regularly come back to because the scope is so wide, paper dolls, stuffing, filled dolls .. or event a bottle doll perhaps! If you want more inspo for this theme, check out the topic intro post

Renata Peley's post created a bit of a buzz using Nicci Battilana's articulated doll stamps. The 'stage' frame was an inspired choice and really helped set off those dolls and thier personalities so perfectly. Check her blog post here.

I hope you did not miss this ... by Floss Nicholls. She painted onto some thick plastic packaging and then scratched off some of the paint to make patterns with an embossing stylus - this packaging became part of her art doll's clothing. She also stamped onto organza, and we love how the 'hair' comes from a Sara Naumann foliage stamp! Here's her blog post .

We were absolutely blown away by Rikka's take on the art doll theme - she made a pair of crows! These imposing characters challenged Riikka initially, but after one came into being, she had to make another. Her story is a fabulous read, you can find out all about the process here. The Scrapcosy stamps she used were stamped onto the black fabric, and then embroidered to highlight the petals in a monochromatic colour scheme. Riikka often ties her work into her Finnish roots, so with each post, she also weaves a tale throughout, making her blog posts extremely interesting and educational!

For our colour topic, we decided it was time for a sort of round up post. By this time (18 months or so with a colour topic every quarter) we had been studying numerous 'colour theory' combinations (complementary, split-complementary and so on), so we thought, why not create a 'master wheel' where we chose the 3 starting fresco colours, and then each blogger could explore the various combos each colour way could allow, and they could choose to make something with one of those combos. 

Our 3 colours, after much deliberation, were Butter, Aqua Duck Egg and Candy Floss, these can be identified as primary colours, and they mix to create a soft, user-friendly, well balanced master-wheel. Those 3 colours created over 100 possible combinations. The topic intro to is a handy review post, so if you want to know more about colour mixing and combinations, this is a really good one to read - here's the link: Topic intro post

Nikki Acton chose this split-complementary colour combination. Butter with the colours created either side of opposite (blue-grey and purple).

Nikki layers her colours and page layers to get a balance of elements. She's used France Papillon images throughout, and when you look at the up close image below, you can see how the colours work so well together. Her transparent element was stamping Alison Bomber quotes onto paper towel, and then using wax to make them transparent. Check her post here for more info. 

Autumn Clark discovered 4 options within the Triadic colours created when you have 3 gaps selected between each. which one would you choose? The eagle eyed among you might notice that she substituted Lake Wanaka for Aqua Duck Egg ... but what a gorgeous wheel....

Autumn worked with Sara Naumann's bird series of stamps to make a wonderful book. You can see how the Peach, Purple and Teal colours she created all bounce off each other. You will find more pictures of the pages over at her blog post here.

Etsuko Noguchi was asked to add grey to her master wheel - this adds shade to the colours, taking them in another direction. The result was the frame above. In her blog post she explains really well how she mixes them to create more colour options For example, here is the chart she made ... 

Here Etsuko shows how the slightly edited colour is used to stamp over background layers

We hope you've found our deep dive into colour useful, but most of all, we hope it gives you confidence to try colour mixing yourself to open up new creative options as you unlock new colours. Etsuko's  blog post is full of lots of useful tips.

Many of you will know that Lynne Perrella's inimitable design style is a stand out masterclass in how create lots of details within a stamp! We are always so excited to see what she does next, and what we also love, is to see bloggers use her stamps in their unique way. Each time we shine the spotlight on one of our designers we share a bit of the back story for you, then you get a better understanding how they tick! If you would like to read about Lynne, then head here to the topic introduction post

Lynne loves bright, but Jennie loves muted, so immediately you see a different take on how these designs can look. Jennie's envelopes and tags were so delicate and pretty with the touches of lace, tying in perfectly with the lace series of stamps Lynne designed not too long ago. Check the blog post here.

What about this by Mags Woodcock? The transparent part of her doll was the bottle structure support. Lots of rusted fabric layers, and a terrarium hat no less! Read all about it in her original post. That stamp is A5 tall, so it's a beauty for a larger format project like this.

Also, I hope you saw this by Keren Baker. Her  blog post is here and you will discover she made a treasure box holder to keep the hand sewn brooch in! Again so many details to explore, from the stamped box to the acetate painted lid.

A few of our bloggers in this quarter challenged themselves to bring together all 3 topics (Art Dolls, Master Wheel and Lynne Perrella) from this quarter for example Jenny Marples here

This post is quite incredible, as Jenny makes a colour wheel, then dyes fabric to match the 'Master wheel' topic. Her Art Doll is hand made with lacey undergarments, and the Lynne Perrella stamps are not just the face of the dolls, but also make up the accoutrements of her attire too. The planning, thought and passion that goes into a creation like this is just stunning, even the backdrop wallpaper uses the Master wheel colours. And like I say, Jennie wasn't the only blogger to take this approach! 

We truly are so spoiled by our blogging team and the lengths they go to creating their projects. I hope you can appreciate the time they put into each piece, but more importantly, how much they enjoy what they do while creating.

We'll be back in a few more days with more highlights from the PaperArtsy Blog, hope to see you again!

Leandra

2023 Topic 09: Lynne Perrella - Topic introduction

Hi everyone, Leandra here with you today. 

This year we have set aside time each quarter to deep-dive into one of our Stamp designers to find out more about their story. It's time to talk about Lynne Perrella, illustrator, researcher and interested historian, exhibiting artist, author, teacher, and a stamp designer with over 40 years experience creating products, classes and inspiration to many the world over.

LPC049 Mixed Media Card by Autumn Clark

Perhaps you may not know that much about Lynne. Well, that is about to change! Unless you have been a stamper for longer than a decade, perhaps even two decades or more, she may not have been someone you know all that much about. I think Lynne might be perceived as one of our more mysterious or elusive designers for those outside the USA in particular) as she is not on social media, which we rely on so much for instant information. If you want to get a better sense of her, head on over to her website here, and make sure to sign up for her newsletter which offers a beautiful insight into her personal creative style.

Lynne Perrella

If you read Stampington publications regularly, you will more often than not read an article written by Lynne. She has been a contributing editor for some years now, and creating content for Stampington has been a regular rodeo for her for as long as I can remember.

Lynne first came on my radar when I laid hands on the Stampington Publication 'True Colours' (Stampington, 2003). This was a round robin collaborative project coordinated by Lynne where she invited artists to create a journal themed by a colour. The journal was passed between the 15 contributing artists, and each would create a spread or series of pages in their own creative style but within the colour restriction of each book.

I absolutely treasure my copy, and when I bought it back in 2003, I poured over each page, desperate to find each detail, and grasp the intention behind each page. The photography was stunning, and the style of each creator so different, and the colour combinations, like Teesha Moore's Pink and Orange and Lynne's own 'white' book knocked my socks off. For many crafters at the time, this publication was a revelation about what our creativity could evolve into. Read more about True Colours here, Lynne's own words on Seth's blog (from May 10, 2010)

NB there are numerous interviews on Seth's blog from many of the other artists who were involved in this project

LPC047 Acetate Cover Mini Book by Keren Baker

You might be wondering how the collaboration between Lynne Perrella and PaperArtsy came about? I will share that story at the foot of this post, for now, here is our interview with Lynne seeking to discover a bit more about how she ticks! Lets hear from Lynne herself ...

Creative Philosophy

Created by Lynne Perrella : Offerings 1

Q:  How would you describe your general philosophy in creating art? Can you sum it up in 3 words?

A: Three words:  “Always keep working.”    Work is always the answer for me, no matter what.  I go to the studio every day, including weekends, because I know I will make discoveries there regardless of outcomes

LPC061 Pages by Leandra Franich

Q:  What are your feelings about “art” vs “craft”?  Do you think it matters?  Where do you position yourself and does it matter to you? 

A:  Starting at the age of 5, I’ve always considered myself an artist.  I’ve always been aware that my authentic interests and curiosities were about art --- so it’s been easy for me to self-identify as an artist.  However, as a former commercial artist I greatly respect the role that designers play.  A designer has to work with all the creative fervour of a fine artist, but also has to wrangle deadlines, think about end-use, consider the requests and needs of a client, etc.  My former career as a self-employed commercial artist and illustrator has been endlessly helpful to me, providing me with discipline and practicality.

Created by Lynne Perrella : Offerings 2

Q:  What do you try to present to the world with your art?  Is that important to you?

A:  Difficult to express………..but when I create something, I am trying to ADD something to the world that does not already exist.   My working premise is to bring something forward that adds fresh value, or unique beauty, or shared happiness, or a kindred spark. 

LPC051 King and Queen Playing Cards by Keren Baker

Q:   How do you go about evaluating your own art, practice and progress?  Do you tend to compare yourself to others?  Do you feel pressured by external opinions? 

A:  My own self-evaluation comes down to one tried-and-true “acid test”:  Am I getting to the studio and spending my time wisely? If so, I  know the (imperfect) process will unfold, and I will make discoveries and move forward.   

Shakespeare supposedly said “Comparisons are odious.”  Although I have great admiration for fellow artists, I don’t compare myself to anyone.  After decades in the art world, I totally expect that many people will not “get it” about my art, so I create for my own self-expression.  Exhibiting and/or selling artwork assures that one will hear opinions  – pro and con – and that is part of the game.   In the world of design, I think the most interesting designers are always looking ahead, innovating, and setting their own trends.

LPC059 Venetian Mind by Keren Baker

Q: What would be your main advice to people starting creating or looking to further their artistic expression?  

A:  This reminds me of a quote by American author Mark Twain:  “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”   Great, right?   

The most authentic discoveries are made in the act of “doing”.  First, give your Inner Critic the day off.  Give yourself some uninterrupted time, and just start.  Use low-tech materials that are non-intimidating. Remember that you are making discoveries, not creating important finished works of art. 

Keep going.  

Artistic Practice

Created by Lynne Perrella : Shapeshifter 2

Q:  Where does your inspiration come from?  Where do you start a piece?  Has that changed significantly since you started?

A:  Inspiration is, literally, everywhere.  I can become inspired by something as mundane as a postage stamp, or as vast as a cloud formation.  I suspect we all have a languishing inner library of fascinations and interests that have accumulated over decades.  

These topics simmer, bubble, or even evaporate --- and then something comes along that ignites our inspiration.  Wow!   Many of the topics that inflame my imagination have been simmering for decades.  And now I feel it is my destiny to explore them, or interpret them as a piece of art, or an illustration.  It feels like kismet.

I start by note-taking or list-making. (I’m a lifelong list maker.)   I think of a list as a way of notating “connections”.  So, a list about a potential rubber stamp collection might include book titles, museum exhibits I’ve seen, travel experiences, reference resources, quotations, etc.  I like to look back at the notes and lists at the end, to see if the initial “flash points” were instrumental or just momentary suggestions.  “The good is never wasted.” – This is a phrase from my mentor, Sas Colby, and it reminds me that one idea can become the shoulders for a better idea.   

Every idea matters.  

LPC003 Triptych by Marie Hampson

Q:  Is there an art supply that you cannot do without?  Has that changed? 

A:  I love white gesso.  It is the first thing I add to a canvas, or an art journal page.  It is the ideal way to prep any surface.  When I am working on an assemblage or shadowbox, I always sand the outer surface and coat it with white gesso.  Coating both sides of an art journal page keeps my pages from warping and rolling.  Gesso is essential.

Created by Lynne Perrella : Shapeshifter 4

Q:  How do you know when a piece is done?  Is that hard for you? 

A:  I hear this question frequently, and luckily I have a sensible straight-forward answer. 

I know a work of art is done when I am satisfied with it.   My mixed media artwork includes endless layers, so in theory I could keep working indefinitely.  Layering isn’t simply a case of “add, add, add, add” – it is about using an array of colors, materials, images, etc. in a complex way for collective richness.   I’m comfortable determining when a work of art is complete and I have a few tricks up my sleeve for can’t-fail “finishing touches”.

LPC008 - Haunted by Etsuko Noguchi

Q:  You seem to love teaching.  How did that come about?  Did teaching come naturally?  Do you find it fulfilling/rewarding?  

A:  I started giving workshops in 2001, and I enjoy it more and more each year.  The pandemic stopped in-person workshops, and I think the break made me reflect how much I crave working and meeting with other artists.  

My classes are extremely interactive and my specialty is on-the-spot brainstorming.  I cover a lot of techniques and do fun demos, but my favorite thing is creating deep connections within a group of kindred artists.  Most mixed media artists love to share and cross-pollinate, so my events are very lively learning experiences for everyone.

Before I began giving workshops, the word “teacher” intimidated me; but then I realized that I could transmit my techniques and enthusiasm to other artists and create a nurturing, fun environment in the classroom.  That awareness changed everything, and now I feel proud to think of myself as a teacher and a mentor.

Product Designer

Created by Lynne Perrella : Shapeshifter 1

Q:  You had your own stamp company.  How did that come about, and why rubber stamps as your item to create?  What brought you to stamping?

A:  I got very interested in Correspondence Arts in the 1970s.  I was a self-employed illustrator at the time, and my daily work consisted of “on-assignment” illustrations for the corporate communications world; plus I also took any other assignments that came my way.  I designed annual reports, needlework kits, posters, logos, packaging, anything and everything!   I loved it.

Just for fun, I explored Mail Art, and I liked creating quirky objects that could be sent via (postal) mail.  I amassed a huge collection of rubber stamps, (I still have them!)  and eventually I tried my hand at designing my own images.  I founded my own stamp company, Acey Deucy, and some of my first designs were nostalgic/Pop Culture images, followed by Southwestern images, and designs inspired by vintage graphics.

Eventually, I looked at the drawings in my own personal sketchbooks, and my so-called “goddess” stamps were born.  These collage-style images in my signature style were totally new and different in the rubber stamp industry.  The stamps were my entrée into the collage world, and I ended up in a new community participating in art journal round-robins, specialized deck projects, art doll collaborations, and more.

This all lead to becoming a regular contributor to Somerset Studio Magazine, and I am on their editorial advisory board.  I do fine art collage, and am represented by the Lynn Hanson Gallery in Seattle, Washington.

LPC027 Panel by Sue Carrington

Q:  Your stamp designs are full of intricate details.  How and where do you find your references? 

A:  My studio is located in the midst of my art library.  I’ve been amassing my reference library since the start of my illustration career, plus I am an inveterate collector of books, prints, maps, engravings, and more.

I moved to Manhattan right after art school, and at that time there were entire neighborhoods full of antique book/print dealers.  Illustrators and art directors traded recommendations about these quirky places, and I started a serious collection of archival images.  

Eventually my travels took me to paper emporiums and antique book sellers in Europe, and I always came home with an “extra” suitcase full of ephemera.  Vintage typography, old correspondence, detailed engravings of people and products, sheet music, and more --- I include these in my designs because they are unique and elegant; plus they reflect my personal interests and collections.

LPC046 Textile Panel by Jennie Atkinson

Q:  Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?  What is your aim when designing? 

A:  I think I caught the mania for “themes” from my wonderful mother.  She had a marvelous sense of humor and always enjoyed anything that was eccentric and “down the rabbit hole”.

Since childhood, I’ve always been theme-crazy.  Nothing much has changed.  I still like to think about ideas that are connected by themes, historic eras, mutual quirkiness, or a collective sense of style.

Ideas for stamps come from just about anywhere.  I was recently looking through my own History of Costume binders, full of saved clippings and articles, and re-discovered “chatelaines”.  These beautiful belts were worn by Ladies of the Chateau and all of her necessary tools, keys, sewing implements, and delicate silver mesh bags dangled from her waistband.  I realized this vintage topic would be perfect for rubber stamps.  (……and I was positive that no one had ever designed any rubber stamps around this theme!

Sneak Peek of new 'Chatelaine' stamp created for PaperArtsy (coming soon)

It has always been important to me to explore fresh design concepts, and not intrude on other designer’s ideas.)  When I design stamps, I try to think of what the customer might have in their studio stash that would go with the designs………In this case, I imagined old keys, bits of jewelry, textiles and trims, old documents, etc.  I try to create each stamp as a discreet illustration that has a story, a design “vibe”, a mood, a journey to an earlier gracious age.

LPC040 Junk Journal by Kate Yetter

Q:  You are probably one of the longest-standing designers still coming up with new stamps.  Does that still excite you?  How do you keep evolving/improving?   How much do you watch what other people are doing with your products?  Does that surprise/inspire you?   

A:  To be perfectly honest, designing stamps is STILL one of my favorite things to do. 

When I begin a new collection, I feel authentic excitement, and the thrill of a fresh assignment.  Working in black and white is a totally different challenge for me; since my mixed media/collage work is totally color saturated.  I want each stamp design to look lavish and layered, but it must also have pristine black/white clarity.  Although I am not designing for my own company any longer, I want to build on my previous design work and make sure that I always deliver something that is intriguing, beautiful, and unique.  Since my earliest days as a stamp designer, my biggest enjoyment is seeing what customers do with my stamps.  I am always inspired by their creativity and their ability to see surprising possibilities that I did not see myself.  

Working with Paper Artsy is a total treat for me.  My intricate stamps are manufactured to the top standards in the industry.  And I am so happy to be one of their Signature Designers.  Thank you, Leandra and Mark!  

LPC30 Card by Liesbeth Fidder De Vos 

Lynne Perrella & PaperArtsy

LPC027 - Panel by Lin Brown

Leandra here with you again and wasn't that fascinating to read! I so enjoy understanding what has influenced a designer through the years. Lynne certainly does stand out as unique in her design style, and she truly does love to go down the research rabbit hole when coming up with new stamp designs! So let me continue with how we first came to work with Lynne, and the lasting relationship this has become.

I used to teach weekend Art retreats with Lin Brown under the name ArtsyCrafts. Lin had a shop for 20 years near Milton Keynes called LB Crafts, and by 2010/11 she was thinking about how to shut shop and semi 'retire' but the retreats were still going to be a thing for the short term. We absolutely LOVED the retreats that we created, but boy was it a lot of work! We estimated sometimes we would spend 4 weeks or more planning the classes, then there was all the kitting (thanks to Karen!) It was all totally worth it when the weekend itself finally rolled around; people would arrive with an apron and scissors, and we would take care of the rest. Bliss. These weekends were a joy to be part of, we made strong friendships and created a wild range of projects over the years!

On October 6th 2010, I received an email from Lynne Perrella asking if we were open to hosting her for a mixed media creative workshop. Can you imagine how absolutely blown over I was to get an email from my most favourite ever rubber stamp designer! And how the heck did Lynne know about what 'we' did in the UK??? At that time, both Lin and I had been avid stampers for over 15 years, and both of us were huge fans of Lynne's stamps under the Acey Deucy label, so of course we were going to do everything possible to make this event happen! The next day after much excited talking with Lin, I wrote back with questions, trying to figure out how we could make this work. It was a year in the planning and in October 2011 the Mixed Media Magic event went ahead.

1. Leandra and Lin (ArtsyCrafts, Oct 2011)
2.Lynne Perrella Shadowbox class sample for ArtsyCrafts
3. Lynne Perrella teaching the Triptych project at ArtsyCrafts

I got to know Lynne with our regular emails back and forth during the planning. Within those discussions, I discovered that Lynne's back catalogue of Acey Deucy designs were only available via Stampington, but they were not interested in commissioning new work from her! (what!) So I approached her with an idea that she design stamps for us! Hey Presto, we had 4 stamps for the event. 

Initially I thought these designs would be a one-off, but as talks progressed, I realised Lynne was keen to make this a regular thing. wahooo! Lynne became a signature designer for us from the start. Above are the first 4 sets she created. Still available here because we do not discontinue products. (Many of our retailers also carry the LP line) 

So back to Lynne's classes at Artsycrafts....

Lynne taught for for 3 days, and Lin and I for 2, just so we could take at least one of her classes. I was astonished how a face printed onto blue copy paper became this beauty under her expert tutelage.

Not everyone ended up with blue faces, it was possible with the high coverage of our fresco paints, to edit the face to any shade you could wish for! This is the class where we also learned how to 'bump' and blend stencils, one into the next, and layer upon layer. I was mesmerised!

Watching Lynne teach was a real eye-opener for us. We just adored her calm, encouraging, wise-woman manner with students; everyone ended up digging deep within themselves to create a project that resonated personally. We absolutely loved that each student's project evolved into something unique for them: colour, arrangement and so on. We were enthralled at how Lynne brought out each participant's creative individuality so gently. 

It was obvious Lynne was an 'enabler'. Each student felt they had been advised, coached, guided, encouraged, and ultimately felt emboldened to make key decisions more independently as class progressed. Over the course of the weekend we could see confidence blossom. The projects people created were absolutely wonderful. Each so different. 

As a life-long teacher, this made clear the value in giving students space to explore, experiment and evolve during class. A teacher is there to help people find and walk their own creative journey, but also be a guiding hand. Lynne just brought out the best in everyone that weekend. The event, even though we only got to do one day with Lynne, had a huge impact on my personal longstanding passion for people to find their own creative style and expression. It made us think hard about how we could provide even more opportunity for personal choice in every session we offered in the future too.

If you ever get a chance to take a class with Lynne, do not hesitate! You will love every minute I promise!

So here we are 12 years later and still happily receiving design proposals from Lynne on a regular basis. Every release still gets me as excited as the first.

In September 2023, we will have a new release taking us to set number LPC063/064/065! An absolute honour for us to still be able to bring these beauties to you. Shhh you have not seen this sneak, but ohhh I am swooning over the Chatelaine theme!

Shhh Sept 2023 new coming very soon

Throughout this post we have added samples of art work that has featured on this blog over the years made with Lynne Perrella's stamps. It has been our absolute joy to work with, and to learn from her. The designs are always amazing in the details and pleasure they bring. 

12 x 12" canvas board by Lin Brown

Over the course of this topic coming up, our bloggers have been given free reign to use Lynne's stamps however they wish. Their creations will be shared here to the PaperArtsy blog, and to our social media pages too. 

If you want to create along with us, we would love to see what you get up to! Come and join our Facebook community PaperArtsy People to share your love of Lynne Perrella's designs. And if you have examples of things you have made in classes or with Acey Deucy stamps we would love to see those too!!!

Happy stamping and creative happy wishes to you all!

Leandra