I had the pleasure of featuring Leneen Carr's handmade paper gift cards in my shop for many years and am so delighted to again have her creations at our open house. Her gift cards are artful little collages of handmade papers, ribbons, charms, and hand cut paper embellishments. Last holiday season, Leneen began crafting wreaths of northwest greenery adorned simply, but beautifully, with elegant ribbons. We will have ordering information for you at the open house. I recently had the opportunity to catch up with Leneen, a busy mom, wife and artist!
Q. You make some of your own papers for use in your cards and the textures and colors are so interesting. What are some of the ingredients you add to the mix?
A. Handmade paper is a wonderful way to recycle what some might view as "junk!" I may incorporate egg cartons, junk mail, dryer lint and dried flowers. Many of the flowers are from my garden or my friends' gardens. Every handcrafted paper turns out different.
Q. Your new holiday wreaths are beautiful! Approximately how big are these and what greens are you using this year? These must be a lot of work!
A. The wreaths are the same size as a standard wreath but end up being bigger because they are so full of greens. What would that be... maybe 26 inches or so? Since we live next to the Trillium woods, we go on many hikes, and that is where my inspiration for our lovely wreaths of northwest greens came from. I like to use wild huckleberry greens, salal, cedar and sometimes pine and hemlock.
Q. I know you enjoy working with nature's bounty and I've heard rumors of flower designing..... What's coming up for you?
A. Yes, the rumors are true. I did two weddings this past summer and really LOVED working with flowers. I also did all of the handmade paper cones, guestbook and invitations!
Leneen's artistic flair and attention to detail is evident in all she creates. Stop by on Monday, Nov. 14, to see her work in person. Her handcrafted cards make perfect keepsakes for friends and loved ones, and her fresh wreaths will add fresh Northwest beauty to your holiday home!
