What kind of card stock do you use?

For all of my box designs, paper flowers, and the majority of my gift bags I use heavy weight 80# card stock. This card stock is acid free and was processed chlorine free. It is made in the USA from recycled paper with 30% post-consumer waste content by paper mills that use renewable energy sources and that are noted for utilizing responsible mill practices.

Some of my gift bags and gift tag sets have been made from medium weight card stock (about 65#). This card stock is often used in scrap booking and features a printed side and a blank (white) side. Some of these papers have a texture. This paper is not recycled.

What is Yuzen/Chiyogami paper?

While the terms Yuzen and Chiyogami are used interchangeably today, Chiyogami is the specific word that is used to describe this highly decorated traditional Japanese paper that often features small receptive designs. In the old days, the designs used to be block printed onto the paper, but today the designs are created using silkscreening. Many designs found on Chiyogami paper can be traced back to the Edo period of Japan, from 1603 to 1868 (also known as the Tokugawa period). Yuzen refers to the patterns designed for the silk textile industry in Kyoto where the art reached its height. The Yuzen designs produced for kimonos were elaborate and often included details in gold. Today these textile designs are also found on paper along with the Chiyogami designs.

What is Bristol board?

Bristol board is a 100# white heavy weight paper that is often used for drawing. Due to its weight, I like using it in some of my box designs.

What are fine papers?

Fine papers are high quality printed papers that are imported from various European countries, usually Italy or France. Many of these papers feature traditional European designs.

What is Lokta paper?

Lokta paper is a type of handmade paper that comes from Nepal. The paper is made from the bark for the Daphne bush (botanically known as the Daphne Bhoula or Daphne Papyracca). The bush grows in the Himalayan mountains at an altitude of 6,500 to 10,000 feet. The Daphne bushes used in the production of Lokta paper are know for their re-growing after pruning and as such Lokta paper is eco-friendly paper choice. Lokta paper is known for great strength and beauty.

Do you recycle paper?

Yes. When I’m working on a project, I try to fit as many projects that I can on a single sheet of paper – I try not to waste anything. Paper scraps that I can’t use go right into the recycle bin in my studio. Paper scraps that I can use get turned into other useful items such as gift tags or bookmarks.

What is Cello-Mount?

Cello-Mount is a thin double sided dry adhesive mounting film that creates a strong permanent bond between two sheets of paper. The film is opaque white in color. Cello-Mount is manufactured in the USA.

I was introduced to Cello-Mount in my graphic design classes – we used to use it to mount our artwork to matboard for presentations. Trust me, when the manufacturer said permanent, they mean permanent. The adhesive is top notch.

Is the double sided tape that you use in your designs acid free?

Yes, it’s acid free and archival safe so you don’t have to worry about the tape eating through the paper someday.

What kind of adhesive do you use to glue the crystals to your products?

I use a small dot of bookbinders glue. The glue is pH neutral and archival safe, however, it is not waterproof. Although considering the item is made from paper, you wouldn’t want to get it wet anyway. The glue is manufactured in the USA.

What kind of crystals do you use in your designs?

I only use Swarovski – I love the color and the quality of these crystals.

Some of your boxes feature a lacquered design. What kind of lacquer do you use and is it safe? Also how do you care for a lacquered item?

I use 3D Crystal Lacquer that is manufactured by Sakura Hobby Craft in the USA. The product is acid free and non-toxic. The lacquer is water based, so keep all lacquered items away from water.

As for care, all you have to do dust it off from time to time with a dry soft cloth.