I have been an avid reader as a student, individual, aunt and mother. Reading helps to develop so many aspects of your personality as well as improve and develop life long skills.
As a small child, I was taught to respect the written word and books that kept them safe and organized. Book Fairs and the library were the most exciting places to spend hours akin to amusement parks.
Even the JC Penney catalog was kept in pristine condition until a new one arrived. But when it was ready to be discarded, I would have paper doll heaven. I cut with the little round nosed scissors until the imprint in my finger hurt. The thrill of creating my own paper world fulfilled my creative desires.
Su Blackwell, as Emeril Lagasse would say, “Kicked it up a notch!”
In her own words, “I often work within the realm of fairy-tales and folk-lore. I began making a series of book-sculpture, cutting-out images from old books to create three-dimensional diorama’s, and displaying them inside wooden boxes.”
With this collection, you won’t even feel a loss at not being able to read the books.
I promise.
Did you ever imagine a cut up book could be so creative and beautiful?
I didn’t.
Her works of art put my JC Penney based paper dolls to shame, but then again, that comparison isn’t even fair even considering the vast age difference. Su obviously has an abundance of patience and a great love of paper because she cuts each piece by hand.
I will always cherish the innocent era of playing in my grandmother’s bedroom with paper doll homes spread out from her cedar dresser so shiny and clean, all the way over to the corner of the room next to her side of the bed that always smelled of powder.
Cut out advertisement models and furniture made of paper laying flat on the floor, but in my imagination they were talking, laughing, cooking, sleeping and walking to the neighbors house.
Childhood innocence and creativity is so wonderful.
When we can grow up and let our wildest imaginations bloom from paper dolls to works of cut out book art, it just proves that life can be an exciting adventure!
Don’t you agree?
Sincerely,
A paper doll pro,
By Word of Mouth says
hmmmm … just color me 'blonde' … since you already follow her you very kind blogfriend!
Love the blonde blog btw, yes, she should never have to change a tire!
ceemee says
Wow! Lovely work! She sure has lots of patience!
moonduster says
Oh my goodness! Those are beautiful! Stories in 3D! I especially love the butterflies! Thanks so much for sharing this!
Anonymous says
Hi Sherry, this is mom, I love this paper post!! Your mom is still in that creative state of her child hood. That is where all my beds come from and all the things I make you girls. I bet if you looked hard enough you will find that "little red" is still in there waiting for you to visit. Have a great day.
mom
Teresa Wilkinson 1984 says
Red these are great. I love the 3D and imagination of the stories.
I was not a paper doll enthusiast (spllng). I was to busy outside trying to keep up with my brother. LOL
Thank you for sharing.
PJ says
Hey mom! What a Beautiful comment. You make me tear up and wish my mom was still here so that I might hear some of those same loving and encouraging words.
Red, that is one thing I never learned to do. I played with "store bought" paper dolls, but never learned to make them for myself. I can't believe this! Almost 57 years old and crying cause I want my momma! I hope this doesn't sound distasteful during this critical time with your dad, because he is precious too, but HANG ON TO MOM FOR DEAR LIFE. Cherish every moment. I miss mine so bad! Oops! I forgot this was a comment section, not an e-mail. Gotta go.
Love ya
PJ
Bossy Betty says
Love these pictures and your thoughts too!
Teresha@Marlie and Me says
another amazing talent! where do you find these people?
Madison says
Wow. Her work is stunning!
Nick says
Talk about books coming alive
Holly says
WOW!!! INCREDIBLE!!!