One-of-a-Kind Paperblanks Bag

Between our Peek Inside posts and our Artist Profile series, we’re often taking a look inside the Paperblanks notebooks of some very creative journallers and sketchers. But it’s rare indeed that we get to appreciate the unique direction in which people are inspired to take the outside of our books! We recently came across this amazing fashion project and just had to find out more.

Kirsten Jensen, a Danish stationery-shop employee and amazingly creative DIY-er, has turned her outdated Paperblanks catalogues into a truly one-of-a-kind fashion accessory: a mosaic purse featuring years of our journal covers. Talk about thinking “outside the book”!

We spoke with Kirsten about this project and here’s what she had to say about this uniquely stylish bag.

What inspired you to make this Paperblanks bag?
What really caught my eye was the amazing patterns on the journals, dayplanners and address books, as well as the great design of the magnetic wrap closures and metal clasps.

Take us through the process; how long did you spend on this project?
Producing the bag took many hours and days, depending on my available time. First, the images from the catalogues had to be cut out, sometimes very selectively.

About 600 images were used for this Paperblanks bag. Each image was cut into an 8cm by 15cm (3″ x 5″) rectangle. Then, each piece was covered with clear tape and folded into a specific shape. All the individual pieces were then woven together one-by-one.

I began with a large rectangular piece that formed the bottom of the bag, then the rest of the items were woven into long strips, which were turned into rings (the width and length of the bag). These rings were then sewn together. Finally the zipper and rims were sewn into the bag. All stitches are hidden within the structure of the folded items.

How did you find Paperblanks?
I work in a 100-year-old stationery shop where we stock several Paperblanks products, so I am never far from inspiration.

Do you have a favourite Paperblanks design?
Difficult question! I am not sure I have a favourite. However, my current wish list includes Silver Filigree Esmeralda, Florence Nightingale, Letter of Inspiration and Stitched Splendour Rosa Accordion Box.

What sets Paperblanks apart from other journals you’ve used?
The beautiful patterns on all the products. High-quality paper to write on too. All in all, Paperblanks goes the extra mile in quality and design.

What would one find in the pages of your Paperblanks journal?
I own several Paperblanks journals, dayplanners and address books, about twenty in total. Most of them are used mainly as decoration, although I do write in my dayplanners daily. That is, each of my three dogs has a dayplanner that I use to keep track of vet appointments, shows, etc.

Do you have any advice for other creative people?
Look for the opportunities in recycling. I have created bags from many different kinds of paper, such as interesting wrapping paper and chocolate bar paper. I have also made small baskets woven from newspaper, dog-food bags and even the paper of individually wrapped teabags – but that’s a tricky one as they are very tiny items.

What will be your next Paperblanks-inspired creation?
The next project is probably going to be yet another bag, although not a Paperblanks model as I’m out of catalogues again. My first bundle of Paperblanks catalogues was used for a clutch, which was a Christmas present to my boss. The second bundle was dedicated to myself!

I am often approached by strangers who compliment my bags. The Paperblanks model in particular has received a lot of praise and admiration.

About Paperblanks: At Paperblanks, we believe that art should have a place in all aspects of life. That’s why we follow the artist’s way in everything we do – creating, crafting and releasing designs we believe have the power to touch people. For more about Paperblanks, go to our website at paperblanks.com.