Combat Paper Project

I recently read about The Combat Paper Project on Etsy and was incredibly moved by this amazing powerful endeavor.

The Combat Paper Project is a collaboration initiated by Drew Matott and Drew Cameron, involving war veterans, activists and artists. The premise is as simple as it is impossibly complex: take a uniform of war and transform it into a creative healing initiative.

Combat uniforms are shredded, turned into paper pulp and re-created into powerful, cathartic works of art.

Drew Cameron explains: "The story of the fiber, the blood, sweat and tears, the months of hardship and brutal violence are held within those old uniforms. The uniforms often become inhabitants of closets or boxes in the attic. Reclaiming that association of subordination, of warfare and service into something collective and beautiful is our inspiration."

"Through ongoing participation in the papermaking process, combat papermakers are attempting to progress from creating works specific to their military experiences to expressing a broader vision on militarism and society. The work reflects both the anger of the past and hope for the future. Through this collaboration between civilians and veterans, a much-needed conversation is generated regarding our responsibilities to the returned veteran and an understanding of the dehumanizing effects of warfare."

The Combat Paper Project is based out of Green Door Studio in Burlington, Vermont and has traveled throughout North America. Providing workshops, art exhibitions, and artist talks, the project is a collaboration between artists, collectors, schools and combat veterans.

More information about the papermaking process can be found at the People's Republic of Paper
and more info on the project at Combat Paper.

Etsy Earth

Etsy's havin' a contest-- cast your vote to nominate your fave Etsy item for Earth Day. Vote for the item that inspires you to conserve energy, plant a tree and live sustainably — not only this Earth Day, but every day.

Be sure to check out Etsy's newest: EcoEtsy

And for Earth Day...

HANDMADE FOR EARTH DAY SILENT AUCTION

and


GREEN SHARE

Spring Sighting

At long last- early signs of Spring! Woke up to crocuses budding and to the sound of a chirping robin. Now that's a tweet worth twittering about!

Watercolor by The Mincing Mockingbird

Etsy Love

Loving the handmade handiwork of new Etsy shop, Kema & Co. Not only are we partial to the eco friendly materials and creative designs - but the designer is none other than our fabulous office manager (yoga teacher and mom...) extraordinaire, Kerry. An active participant in the craft and DIY circuit in Chicago, she decided to take the leap by launching Kema & Co last month! The shop features one of a kind necklaces made from repurposed fabrics, earrings and for all the yogis out there, lovely eye pillows made from organic herbs.

While Kerry is the designer and brainchild of Kema & Co., the name implies a budding family business, as it combines her own and her husband's name. They have already been a featured shop on Etsy's front page and are planning on participating in local DIY fairs this summer, so keep an eye out! Be sure to check their Etsy store for new products and follow Kema & Co on Twitter for regular updates and happenings!

Written Word

We truly heart a holiday that celebrates love. And what better way to profess said love than through the written word. A simple sentiment, maybe a poem...nothing fancy, as long as it's heartfelt. Then again, it is Valentine's Day and we are paper people, so why not skip the box of chocolates and spring for calligraphy, because nothing says true love like seeing your sweet's name in script.

Mara Zepeda of Neither Snow is a calligrapher that tugged at our heart strings the moment we saw their lovely flourishes and lingering serifs. Whimsical, organic and unfussy, Neither Snow believes that 'mail matters', and that receiving a note in the mail is exhilarating, a thoughtfully hand addressed one is especially meaningful. Cheers to that!

Neither Snow is making calligraphy accessible for everyday occasions (not just for weddings anymore) by offering services through Etsy in the form of vintage stamp packages. Visit their Etsy site as well as a complete portfolio at their own website.

Images via Neither Snow

Etsy Organic Team

We love to buy organic and local around here, and we also love Etsy for fabulous online indie finds. It seems our wish has been granted with the Etsy Organic, a team that brings together organic etsy sellers and promotes sustainable living.

Just a few of the organic products available include: organic clothing, facial cleansers, body scrubs, botanical perfumes, cloth diaper covers & baby goods, purses, totes and even hard to find heirloom seeds!

To belong to the team, at least 25 percent of a seller's product must be organic and they have to commit to increasing their range of organic products. Organic items must be certified organic or must be made only with certified organic ingredients or materials.

Only products sold by Etsy Organic sellers can be tagged with the EtsyOrganicTeam tag, so buyers will know that they are getting the organic goods.

And for all you tweeps out there, the team also has a Twitter account, @EtsyOrganic. While you're at it, don't forget to follow our updates on Twitter @greenpaperco!