This isn’t your Mother’s papercrafting magazine. Cloth Paper Scissors (ISSN#151-8175) is published 6 times a year by Interweave Press, who also publish another mixed media magazine called Studio. Mixed media means exactly that-mix the media you use to create your art. This magazine is a feast for the eyes and an inspiration to any artist or crafter who wants to” step outside the box”. Don’t expect to find specific directions to reproduce the projects shown exactly as you see them. Instead, you will find a materials list and some instructions that will allow you to create art that is an expression of who you are and what your muse is telling you.
The May/June issue includes an article called Mindful Recycling, which features Natalya Aikens’ fabulous work using dryer sheets, of all things! I love the soft, dreamy looks she achieved and can’t wait for the clothes to dry so I can have the dryer sheet!
Melanie Testa writes about visual journaling and techniques with tracing paper-another inexpensive and readily available paper you may be overlooking. I like that she encourages “ happy accidents”.
CelluClay is used to add dimension to a wonderful collage by Sue Pelletier. After she built her image, Sue collaged it with tissue, book pages, interesting papers and paints for an impressionistic feel.
Cate Caulacos Prato’s profile of Jane Maxwell was my favorite part of this issue. Jane’s work was new to me. She is known for her works pairing the female figure with words. Since I loved playing with paper dolls as a young girl, Jane’s work spoke directly to my heart. The way she layers silhouettes, ephemera, wax and words is fascinating!
June’s Reader’s Challenge was “Play on Words”. The twelve entries showcased included everything from paper and paint to roofing nails and dental tools!
The “question” in this issue was
“If you were going to be stranded on a desert island, what one art supply would you take with you and what one natural item would you hope to find there|?”
The answers were varied and extremely creative, and gave me many great ideas to try even with a studio full of supplies!
Cloth, Paper Scissors is available by subscription or at your favorite newsstand. Pick up a copy of you want delicious eye candy, inspiration, and information. But be aware- it may take a long time to read the magazine, as you’ll want to put it down and go create art!
