My very first blog & the story behind paperfinery

Here goes nothin'. I'm not a writer. In fact, it makes me a bit anxious. I've realized that being vulnerable is just part of life and that sometimes risks are worth taking. I've always dreamed of having something to focus on or have an 'out' in life. Some people turn to the Bible, their guitar, running, etc. and they find a sense of peace with the world around them. For me it's creating something tangible. My journey with art began in 2015 when I was on maternity leave with my youngest son. I started making earrings and necklaces using glass domes & really enjoyed it. I've always felt a pull to come up with something for people to enjoy. I had an Etsy store for a bit, but having 2 young boys and a new career made it difficult to invest the time needed to focus on it.

Fast forward a few years... I mean, I had 2 young boys. There was no time for anything. Time sure does fly by. When they were just a tad older and could verbalize their wants and needs, I realized that I NEED creativity in my life. Like a daily dose of it to stay sane. So here's the story of how paperfinery came to life!

I recall staring at the wall of cardstock at Michaels in October 2019 thinking, how could I turn that paper into an accessory, a pair of earrings. I started out hand-cutting paper into the 'teardrop' shape (shown below for the original pair - oh how far I've come). I set up a working station in the garage to spray some toxic, nasty smelling chemical on them to make them 'waterproof'. Yikes. With all that said, this is where the name paperfinery came about. Actually, one of my favorite humans came up with my business name, because well, that's just not my thing. Paperfinery came to life in 2019 & the 'football' pattern is the only design on the site that is made out of specialty paper. Check them out!

I have awesome neighbors. They have supported me through this entire journey. I had my very first 'make & take' earring party at a neighbor's house scheduled on 12/7/2019. We had plans for apps, wine, and I had all the faux leather pre-cut for my friends to make their own earrings while drinking wine and socializing! I was SO excited, people were excited!  It was winter and people tend to hibernate in their homes during the winter months of MN so having an event to get out to was exciting! 

The party never happened. My best friend, my person, my mother, passed away the day of the party. Whew, typing those words still brings me to tears. Paperfinery really came to life after her passing. She would have LOVED all of this... so much. I channeled my pain and grief into something meaningful and beautiful. There's a lamp in our 'hobby room' where I make all my earrings that flickers ALL the time. Light flickers have become 'the sign' from mom/grandma. (I'll have to make another blog post of how the light flickering sign came to fruition at another time). I share this room with my hubs who loves and collects Star Wars legos, 1980's Transformers, and Garbage Pail Kids cards (yes, even the pink sticks of gum.)  It's our sanctuary. I love my 'hobby room'. I love playing Joshua Radin, Michael Buble, Beegie Adair, and Country tunes while creating. I'm so thankful. 

So, there ya go. 1st blog in the books. You've learned a little about me and the story behind paperfinery. I'm hesitant to post this, but what the heck... vulnerability is a beautiful thing. 

Cheers,

Michelle