Free Keisuke Saka Paper Toy!

I constructed this paper model awhile back, but could not find it again. I just ran across the free download and bookmarked it this time around. There are two different pdf files to download, one of the model, and one for the instructions. The instructions are in Japanese, but I had no trouble constructing the model based on the diagrams alone, except that I missed the part where you have to attach coins to the underside of piece 22 - yen are suggested, but dimes work as well. The pattern is also made for a4 paper (the standard European size), so make sure it all fits on your page when you print. This is one of the best free models to download available. Get it now and save it for a rainy day. Just make sure you print on a thick paper or light cardstock so the model will work properly.

Working Paper Pinhole Camera

So- Now that I've introduced a working paper clock and a working paper pipe organ, I thought I would add a working paper pinhole camera to the list. This Dirkon Paper Camera was first published in a Czech magazine in 1979. Best of all, this one is a free pdf download! (Scroll to the bottom of the page) Though I'm aware that you can make a pinhole camera with an oatmeal box and a piece of tape, I like prefer this more aesthetically sophisticated version.

Briar Press

briar It has been a few days because I've been out of town for a wedding this weekend, but I'm back today to mention a very cool website. Briar Press has all of the information you could want about all things letterpress. Education, class information, history, and links to keep you busy. One of the highlights of the site is a wonderful archive of vintage cuts you can download and modify for your own use.

Happy Owl Glass

owlWhat do you get when you cross glassworks skills with an interest in Illustration? Happy Owl Glass is a fun place to find glass pins, coasters, and other items that are truly unique. Meet all 35 creatures in the Glass Badge Menagerie. My favorite has got to be the sloth.

Graphic Narrative Workshop

Writer and artist, Kazu Kibuishi, will be teaching a graphic narrative workshop at Nucleus on Friday June 24th! This is a great opportunity to meet Kazu and get some insight on the artform. I had been looking forward to this event, but unfortunately will be out of town this weekend. I do hope that I can spread the word - you won't want to miss it. Check out Bolt City for more of Kazu's work, or the Nucleus website for more info.

A Working Paper Pipe Organ

It has been a few days since I've updated because my hard drive and operating system has been reinstalled, but I'm back to contributing. Benjamin Hurdle's Paper Pipe Organ actually plays music when constructed! You can even write your own songs for it to play. This model can be bought from Marcle Models in Britain. If you are curious as to how a paper model can play music, read the explanation of Pneumatic Drives and Paper Mechanics on Walter Ruffler's site.

Wax Poetic Show Photo

I went back to Wax Poetic yesterday to take a few photos of the show before it comes down next month. I thought I would post an overview of my section of the show.

Miroslav Sasek

Miroslav Sasek's famous "This is" series of children's books is being reprinted a couple of books at a time. The newest additions to the reprinted series are "This is Ireland" and "This is Venice". There is extensive information on Sasek's art and history on his website.

Affordable Artwork at Tiny Showcase

Tiny Showcase is a website where you can buy small artist's prints for about the same price as a cd. It is a wonderful opportunity for would-be collector's to hang great quality prints (like the one above by Tracy Maurice) without breaking the bank. The list of artists participating is extensive and distinguished. If your walls are white, check out the website.

English Proverbs

My first large-scale piece has recently sold at the Wax Poetic show. It is a six-foot wide piece inspired by Brueghel's 16th century painting "Flemish Proverbs". There are 99 English Proverbs Illustrated in the scene. I do plan to get the piece on my website in a way that will let you see some of the details, but until then - here's a sneak peek of the painting if you have not seen it in person. Prints are currently in the proofing stage, but they will be available soon.

Walter Ruffler

Here's this week's paper automata plug. Walter Ruffler's website is probably the most comprehensive paper toy site in the business. It has a catalog of all of his models with their animations and purchasing information (the picture above) but also includes a catalog of paper automata from all over the world. Walter is a huge fan of the craft and has opened up his workshop and collection to visitors so that they may share his enthusiasm. This is a great place to log on for an overview of the artform.

The Skillful Huntsman

The Skillful Huntsman is a book documenting the creative thought process in designing for entertainment through the work of four talented artists. Khang Le, Mike Yamada, Felix Yoon, and Scott Robertson show their talents in this must have book for aspiring and professional artists. There will be a one day signing of this book at Gallery Nucleus in Alhambra on Saturday June 11 at 7 pm for those who happen to be local. Otherwise, purchase a copy from the gallery.

100 Proof Press

I've been missing a day here and there in posts because I've been busy working on a book and have begun training for my second marathon (which I'm not sure I'm looking forward to just yet) but I will try to keep up with the blog. I thought I'd post this site where you can buy all kinds of rubber stamps. 100 Proof Press has a great collection that includes lots of vintage clips. Their catalog is really great and has imagery that may inspire new projects. I've been thinking of using decorative stamps on envelopes for promotional mailings, but there are endless other uses for this forgotten and fun craft.

The Can

This painting that is currently on the first page of my website was created for a very interesting project. The Can is the creation of Jeffrey Brown, a talented illustrator, and is an online graphic novel written and illustrated by several artists. Each artist begins where the previous one left off. If you want to see what my painting "Molly" is all about, go to the website and enjoy the illustrated story.

Paper Clock

Here's a paper clock much different from the last post, because this one requires twelve hours of undivided attention. Build a working clock from paper. You can download the pattern for $10 off of the Fryer's Kits website. You'll need a few common household items, glue, scissors, and some serious patience.

Clock on Paper

Check out this link to a handwritten clock. I stumbled across it and find it hypnotic.

3x3 Magazine

The new issue of 3x3 magazine is now available! I always look forward to this beautifully printed periodical arriving in my mailbox. If you are an illustrator or a fan of illustration, subscribing to this magazine is worthwhile. Charles Hively's 3x3 Magazine features interviews with illustrators, pictures of artists' studios, practical advice, and portfolios showcasing several artists in each issue. I'm a subscriber, but have seen the magazine at Barnes and Noble recently, so look out for it there if you don't want a year-long commitment.

Pop-up History

As it has to do with paper mechanics, I am obviously interested in pop-up books. I found a very cool illustrated history of pop-up books online. The website highlights some of the most well-known mechanical book designers in history, showcasing some great vintage graphics like this cat from "Puss in Boots", published by Blue Ribbon Press, 1934. And for all you could want to know about my favorite contemporary pop-up genius Robert Sabuda, check out his website.