I'm not entirely sure how I made it so long without using Washi paper, but think we'll have a bright future together.  I've been working on a graduation party banner and came across this beautiful paper in my search for a pattern that combined royal blue, black, and gold.  Pictures don't do the paper justice.  It only came in 8"x 8" squares, and I needed to make a circle with a diameter of 11".  I literally Frankensteined together a 12" x 12" sheet using my glorious scraps.  In doing so, I was able to enjoy the coolest part of Washi paper: It's a giant sticker sheet! I stuck all the scraps on plain white card stock, and with a quick swipe of the circle cutter, I was done.  It seems like the possibilities are endless with this stuff!  I want to cover everything in it. :) 

I put the high school logo all together, and the washi still looks gorgeous.  I think it's coming together nicely.  I still have to hand cut the college logo, so that will be an adventure!  I've been rotating between working on this one, and two others I'm doing for a themed photo shoot.  Lots of exciting projects in the works.  I'm hopeful the spring and summer will bring more opportunities to try new things!  

Hello, All,
This is my very first blog entry for Pulp!  Exciting stuff!  I thought for the first entry I would explain my approach to a typical "project."
I love input and ideas from the client, so the first step is a consultation via phone, email, texts- whatever works!  Once I know what you are envisioning for your event, my wheels start turning.  I am very inspired by color schemes, theme ideas, and any other glimpses into the client's personality.  I really strive to personalize as much as possible!  I literally keep an "idea" book handy, so that when something hits me I can jot it down or sketch out a thumbnail.  For example:  A recent client asked for table numbers for her wedding reception.  Their colors were eggplant and silver, with wisteria accents.  Instead of table numbers, they wanted each table to be named after a beach in California they had been to together.  Images immediately started swirling around in my head!  I drew a little sketch, sent it to the client for approval, and then got to work on a sample.  I usually try to send the sample to the client so they can see it, and feel it in their hands.  If any changes need to be made, I can then tweak it before going in to mass production.  Luckily, the client approved the thumbnail and loved the subsequent sample.  Easy as pie!  I try to stay in constant contact with the client for the duration of each project, often sending quick pictures of my progress along the way. :)

I think the finished products captured the essence of being at the beach, without being loud or cheesy.  Each horizon was slightly different, and the natural elements of paper, shells, and twine, in juxtaposition with delicate metallic and glass beads, created quiet harmony. 
Most importantly, the client was happy!  That is THE best reward.

...So maybe this isn't the best explanation of my methods, but it's a start!  Each project is unique, and has unique needs. Price lists are very difficult to make when materials vary in cost.  I'm working on ways to break it all down, and will have something posted as soon as possible!  Until then, I will answer any and all questions that come my way. :)  

Next blog entry: The Joys of washi paper!