Projects, Inspiration Melinda Fabian Projects, Inspiration Melinda Fabian

Fun Leaf Collecting Activity for Kids — Great Reference for Artists

Looking for a fun activity that you can do with your children or grandchildren? You can enjoy an afternoon discovering nature and help them with their writing and researching skills!

Looking for a fun activity that you can do with your children or grandchildren? You can enjoy an afternoon discovering nature and help them with their writing and researching skills! Of course, there will have to be some art involved too.

When I was researching and planning out my next 3D paper sculpture, I started to gather up my reference materials. As soon as I pulled out my old scrapbook, it brought back a lot of fun memories.

When my children were young, we enjoyed collecting leaves and acorns that were plentiful in our backyard. We would comment about the shape and the colors of the leaves. We especially enjoyed looking for leaves in the fall season — trying to find the best leaf possible. Sometimes the kids would hunt for the most colorful red, yellow or orange leaf, and another time they would hunt for who could find the largest or the smallest leaf.

When we would go back in the house, I would get out the scrapbook and my many tree and leaf reference books. My children would flip through the pages of the books to identify which leaf they found. We had quite a few different types of oak trees and maple trees to identify. Along with sassafras, sourwood and even a big tulip leaf. I can’t believe how big those leaves grow – it takes up almost the entire page in the scrapbook.

After we would all agree we identified the leaf correctly, we would carefully tape the leaf inside the scrapbook, making sure it stayed flat. Then we would take turns writing the name of the leaf on the page so we could remember the name and identify the leaves. Of course, we would also get out our pencils and crayons and trace or draw a few leaves too. After all, my fridge always seemed to need a new piece of art!

It was always such a good activity I enjoyed playing with my children. We got to “play” outside, exploring for a bit, and then go inside, and continue onto another project that all related to the environment and leaf collecting. Little did they know, I kept that scrapbook all these years and the leaves still look good!

IMG_6190.JPG

I love seeing the pages where my children printed the names of the leaves when they were beginning to learn how to print and write their letters. Of course, those are my favorite pages! The other thing they didn’t know or realize at the time is the leaf collecting project became a wonderful scrapbook filled with reference material in it for me to refer back to time and time again, whenever I need to draw or paint a leaf. I think it is amazing how good all these leaves still look after all these years. And I still refer back to it!

Where did I come up with this idea? My mom of course! We used to flatten flowers or leaves inside a big heavy book, like an old encyclopedia, squishing the plant between two sheets of wax paper. We would check on it a few weeks later after it had time to dry. Every once in a while, you’d forget that you “hid” a flower inside a book, and years later, flipping through a book, a flower or leaf might fall out, which of course would always make us laugh. While we didn’t identify them and create one big scrapbook, my mom’s idea was definitely passed down to me.

Well, I hope this gives you some more ideas of things to do with your children or grandchildren. It is a very fun way to enjoy and learn about nature and our environment, too!

Read More
Artwork, Inspiration Melinda Fabian Artwork, Inspiration Melinda Fabian

Miniature ‘Stars and Costars’ Under the Sea

I enjoy collecting seashells and have many different varieties. Some of them are small enough that I can display them in old printer drawers. One of my recent paper sculpture illustrations was inspired by some of the shells I have collected over the years.

I enjoy collecting seashells and have many different varieties. Some of them are small enough that I can display them in old printer drawers. One of my recent paper sculpture illustrations was inspired by some of the shells I have collected over the years.

This miniature paper sculpture illustration is three-dimensional. The shells come up and out of the piece of paper and are quite small. Even the sand on the beach is made of paper that was cut by hand and then painted in watercolor and gouache. The outside frame measures just 3.5 inches by 4.5 inches.

Sometimes when I’m working on a miniature painting such as this one, I use a 000 brush with just has a few short bristles. This allows me to add a lot of detail on such a small scale. The brush marks that I need to make are tiny, so I can only put a small amount of paint on the bristles.

By the time I move the brush from the paint to the painting, the paint is already completely dry. In order to remedy that, I will sometimes mix the paints right on the side of my hand. Then I can quickly move the brush immediately to the painting to add the necessary details. This is one of the adjustments I (and probably many others) make when working in such fine details in miniature art.

Here is a photo of me working on the “Stars and Costars” painting.

I wanted to really emphasize the colors and exaggerate the brightness of the shells, drawing attention to their beauty. I also imagine there are still many more “star and costar” shells under the sea that are yet to be discovered, waiting to show off all their glorious colors under the sea.

Read More
Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian

Teeny, Tiny, Little Miniature Things!

I’ve been making a large variety of teeny, tiny, little miniature things out of paper and paint. I am working on my next round of miniature art shows. Check out all the photos and you will get a glimpse into some of my upcoming miniature paper sculptures.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve been working on several new pieces for some upcoming miniature art shows. Miniature art shows have a few requirements regarding artwork size.

The main rule is that the subject must measure one-sixth scale of the actual size. Most often, the image size cannot be any larger than 24 square inches. The outside frame measurements can’t exceed 48 square inches, which is a 6-inch by 8-inch frame. Generally, sculptures should be less than 6 inches in height.

Because of these requirements, I’ve been making a large variety of teeny, tiny, little miniature things as I am working on my next round of miniature art shows. I thought you might like to get a glimpse into some of these teeny, tiny, little miniature things.

Oh, and one other thing, just in case you are wondering, these items do seem to take even longer to make because they are so small. I often need to make a bunch of different, individual parts that will eventually go into the final art piece. Sometimes I make them several times until I get it small enough or until it looks just right.

Here we go. Click through the gallery to see al 12 photos!

Can you tell which items mentioned above were used in the following paper sculpture piece? This piece is titled, “Can You Find My Four-Leaf Clover?”

Read More
Projects Melinda Fabian Projects Melinda Fabian

A ‘Window’ Into My Studio Renovations

Renovations are still underway, and I wanted to share more about what I have planned as well as some things I learned about creating a workspace that is just right.

I started telling you all about my new studio space after recently moving. Renovations are still underway, and I wanted to share more about what I have planned as well as some things I learned about creating a workspace that is just right.

I am waiting to have a large bay window installed in my studio, which will be wonderful light. When I first had my desk set up in the studio, I placed it facing the window that I am opening into the bay window eventually. After a few days, I quickly realized that wasn’t the right spot and shifted everything around. It took me a couple of tries as I kept moving my desk until I decided which location felt most comfortable.

I definitely would recommend setting up your studio and testing a few different configurations to see what really feels best. Live with the desk in its new location for a couple of days to see if that is the correct placement. Is the light coming in the room at a good spot? Or do you prefer your desk in a different part of the room? It is easier to move everything around before everything gets unpacked!

I did figure out one neat way of utilizing my large, 48-inch by 36-inch drafting table. I use the one side of the drafting table to do my paper sculpting and painting. Before, the other half of the desk wasn’t used and quickly become a space where loose, miscellaneous papers piled up into a messy stack.

This time I set the other side of the table up for my computer work. I don’t know why I never thought of this before! It seems like such an obvious solution. I was very close to sawing off the back half of the desk to give me more space in my studio since it is a bit smaller room than my previous one. I am so thankful I didn’t do that!

Now I can keep my computer on the other half of the table, which is so convenient. I don’t have to clear my desktop off just to use my computer — I always have a clean space for it in order to work on the business side of things. Somehow, I even had an extra comfy office chair that I can keep on both sides of the drafting table.

Photo of a large art desk with a computer on the left, a

Or should I say… Now my cat Molly and I both have a nice, comfy desk chair available!

Studio_5_Molly_Melinda_Fabian.jpg

Since I finally decided where I want to keep the desk in my studio, I was able to have my monitor installed on the wall. After using my small desktop computer for months, I forgot just how big my monitor screen is and how nice it is to use for reference material.

The spot where I mounted the screen is on the wall but over the middle of my desk. That allows me to turn the monitor to whichever side of the desk that I am working on. When I am working on my computer, I can turn the monitor to face me. I can then have the monitor with my reference photos up on the screen, facing my workspace where I can paint and sculpt.

Read More
Artwork Melinda Fabian Artwork Melinda Fabian

Settling Into a Brand-New Art Studio

Moving is usually a bit stressful. When you have a home-based business, such as an art studio, it adds additional stressors to the situation.

I recently relocated to Pennsylvania. Moving is usually a bit stressful. When you have a home-based business, such as an art studio, it adds additional stressors to the situation, or at least this has been my experience when moving.

After this move, I had to decide what supplies I would need right away to keep working. I plan on doing renovations in the studio. Many of my art supplies and reference books will need to be stored until after the renovations are complete. Therefore, I had to think through the resources I would want to have close at hand in the meantime. Right away, I knew I at least needed:

  • Paint brushes

  • Paints

  • Scissors

  • Glue

  • And of course, paper

Then I had to think ahead about the art shows that I want to participate in. What type of paper sculptures do I hope to complete for upcoming shows? Next I had to think about what reference materials I may need to complete those sculptures. Will I be framing the art, or will it be free-standing and placed under domes? I will need to keep those frames and domes nearby.

I also have finished, framed art that I need to keep track of. In an art business, things are always moving and shifting. Framed pieces need to be shipped to gallery shows or to a customer. If entering juried shows, those deadlines need to be tracked and I need to keep an eye on where my art is being shipped, sold, and sent out to clients.

With all my planning aside, several renovations have already occurred in my studio. First, the old paneling in the room was taken down and replaced with fresh dry wall. The rug was removed, and a new subfloor and wood laminate flooring was installed.

Photo of brown and tan laminate flooring

One tall and one short shelving unit was set up along with my large drafting table. Normally I have another shelving unit in my studio loaded with all my reference books. The walls in the room still need to be painted, so I don’t want to unpack all my books because it will be too hard to move the shelves if they are loaded up with books.

So, for now, almost all of my reference books and sketch books are still boxed up. I am discovering this is not all that convenient as I am trying to paper sculpt. I often refer to my sketch books for ideas, so despite all my planning, I still have to dig through various boxes to find what I need. This takes a lot of extra time — but it’s all a work in progress.

Stay tuned for what else I have planned with renovations in my new studio space!

Read More
Artwork Melinda Fabian Artwork Melinda Fabian

A Squirrel Takes to the 'Soapbox'

In this paper sculpture titled, “On My Soapbox,” I wanted to see if I could recreate a squirrel’s woodland scene in miniature using only paper and paint.

In this paper sculpture titled, “On My Soapbox,” I wanted to see if I could recreate a squirrel’s woodland scene in miniature using only paper and paint. I love the challenge of creating a miniature piece. This entire piece fits under a glass dome that measures 4” in height by 4.5” in width, which includes the wooden base.

The squirrel in the scene is gathering nuts, getting ready for the winter ahead, while the newly fallen leaves are beginning to change colors during the colorful autumn months. I wanted the scene to look realistic, from the squirrel’s furry coat and fluffy tail to the acorns and leaves around him.

Like my other paper sculptures, I want viewers of this squirrel to find a moment of escape that evokes an emotional response, whether that’s joy, delight, surprise, nostalgia or tranquility. Can you smell the cool autumn air and hear the squirrel chirping to his nearby friends from his tree trunk soapbox? Perhaps he is reminding them to collect all the acorns they can before the cold winter sets in. You might see your own version of the story as you look at the squirrel in his natural habitat.

I want my paper sculpture habitats to serve as a reminder that we can find joy in our everyday intersections with nature. Stopping to appreciate these moments — like a squirrel with his acorn in the fall — can be a reminder of the importance our environment plays in our lives and the animals around us. I want to capture these snapshots that we often overlook in our busy, everyday lives.

 It is these little moments in time that can bring us so much joy and help use tune into the important things in life. I also hope to make you smile when you realize what you can do with just paper and paint, a steady hand, and a bit of patience!

Read More
Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian

How Viewers Perceived My Country Garden Retreat Installation

With my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” exhibition, I hoped people viewing the art would take away feelings of contentment and peace.

As an artist, when I create a new piece, I am not only considering the piece I want to make, but also the feeling, thought or emotion I want the viewer to experience and take away from my art. I like creating fun art that engages viewers with my art, hoping it makes them feel joy.

One of the problematic issues as an artist, like many of us who work alone in a studio, is you can only imagine how your audience will receive your art and hope it is in the way you planned. But, unless you are at a gallery watching or talking with guests, you can never really be certain how the art was perceived.

With my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” exhibition, I hoped people viewing the art would take away feelings of contentment and peace. The porch scene would be a place where they could want to come and have a cup of tea — a place to relax and enjoy themselves. And, of course, as they look at my art, I was really hoping they would begin to notice all the details I added such as the family pets, birds, butterflies, ants, bumble bees, and the not-so-obvious items such as a dragon fly, caterpillars, and pinwheels. I wanted to help capture this moment in time for viewers, long enough to realize the beauty in these everyday experiences we often walk right past.

I also was curious what people’s favorite part was of my country garden paper sculpture installation. I have my favorite things to create, and even one or two things that I would prefer to not make again. But what about those who saw it in person?

1_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Installation_1.jpg

This installation was such a large project — about 1.5 years’ worth of work — and I was curious how my plans compared with people’s real experiences of the work. I decided to send out a mini survey to some of the people who viewed my art installation in person. I kept asked two questions:

1. What was your favorite part of my paper sculpture installation?

2. How did it make you feel when you viewed my art?

Here were the results from my very unscientific survey:

Perhaps unsurprisingly, people had many different answers for their favorite part that spanned the entire installation. The animals, including the turtle, owl, corgi and dogs, cats, all the butterflies and moth, and the character of the ants. One said they liked all the animals, and the “sense of playfulness.”

For others, it was the setting that really stood out, including the hand-woven wicker paper sculpture table and chair, grapevine wreath, flowers in the vase, the silhouette of the couple dancing, and the teacup. The wisteria, peonies and all the flowers also got votes, along with the hidden objects throughout the installation.

When I asked how the art made people feel, I also got such a wonderful variety of responses as to what spoke to people. Many expressed the detail and finding hidden treasures among the work made them smile — there was a joy in finding something new every time you look at it. There was also surprise that the entire installation was made out of paper!

Some found a sense of love and romance because of the couple dancing in the window in the background of a nostalgic porch scene. Others felt content and peace, relaxation in a peaceful garden, nostalgia for simpler times and a reminder of being young.

“It's such a creative representation of how beautiful things can be we walk past every day and seeing it in art form where there are new things to discover every time you look is a reminder to do this out in the real world too,” said one visitor.

I am happy to see the fur critters were so popular, since they are something that I really enjoy making. It was a pleasant surprise to see a nice variety of items people liked, especially because I included such a spectrum of smaller pieces for the installation, from the trees to the smallest ant. I was also glad that several people mentioned it reminded them of yesteryear — feeling nostalgic, relaxed on the porch, and of course, the fun of looking for all the objects.

Read More
Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian

20 Fun Facts About My Country Garden Paper Sculpture Installation

This week, I thought I might share some fun facts about the installation, including how much paper it took, how many roses are in the installation and more.

You may have seen my FAQ post from last week, where I answered some of the most common questions I get about my large-scale paper sculpture installation, “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat,” currently at the Paper Works show at the Mansion at Strathmore. This week, I thought I might share some fun facts about the installation, including how much paper it took, how many roses are in the installation and more. Let me know what you think!

1.)   It took me 1.5 years of working on the installation full-time to complete “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat.” I worked 40–60 hours a week in the first months, but the last six months, I was working on the project 60–80 hours a week, sometimes more.

2.)   It took approximately six weeks to sketch, come up with a tentative schedule, develop a plan in detail of the display, and research art papers I was going to use in the installation.

1_Sketches_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture.jpg

3.)   Approximately 29 square feet of paper was used to make this squirrel.

Paper_Squirrel_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustrator.jpg

4.)   It took five weeks to construct, build, assemble, and weave this table and chair — this does not include the time it took to do the research, sketches, design, and planning out how I was going to make the furniture or the amount of time it took to prepare the paper to begin the weaving process. That took about an additional two weeks.

1_Tea-Time_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illusrator_2.jpg

5.)   I made three miniature cardboard models of different chair deigns to help me figure out the construction of the chair and a basic design shape.

6.)   Every piece of paper that was used to weave the chair and table had to first be hand-cut to the correct width.

7___Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustrator.jpg

7.)   To make the “brick” walls, I spray-painted paper. I added sponge painting overtop to give the bricks added texture.

Bricks_Walls_Melinda_Fabian_2.jpg

8.)   The first harp silhouette I cut out tore when I was hanging it in the window. I had to remove it and cut a new harp silhouette. The second harp turned out even better than the first one, so it was a happy accident!

9.)   Did you see the soccer ball in the flower garden? The soccer ball is also three-dimensional and comes out of the flat paper background. I added it to the flower garden because I wanted to add some hints that children “live” here too, not just grown-ups.

Soccer_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustrator.jpg

10.)  In many of my illustrations and art projects, when possible, I will include things that relate to members of my family. One of several in this installation is Cricket the cat, which is named after my daughter’s cat. He was also used as a reference point for this furry critter.

Flowers_2_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustrator.jpg

11.)  It takes 2.5 hours to create one wisteria flower because each petal is individually attached to the stem.

12.)  Over 80 wisteria flowers were paper sculpted for this installation.

Wisteria_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture.jpg

13.)  Over 75 roses were used in the climbing roses.

1__Roses_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illusrator_2.jpg

14.)  Over 80 white and ivory roses make up the trellis.

Rose_Trellis_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illusrator_2.jpg

15.)  It took four days to install the full paper sculpture piece at the Mansion at Strathmore.

Strathmore_1.jpg

16.)  Over 15 ladybugs inhabit the scene. (Can you find all of them?)

17.) There are also four bumble bees in this garden retreat.

Insects_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture.jpg

18.)  At least 17 butterflies can be seen at the exhibit.

Butterflies_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illusrator_2.jpg

19.)  Four cats, two dogs, two squirrels, one chipmunk and two adorable bunny rabbits live at the “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat.”

Animal_Friends_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustration.jpg

20.)  My favorite thing to make for the “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat”? Honestly, I loved making all of it. Yes, there were some aspects of the final paper sculpture piece that were more challenging than others, but truly, I loved every minute of this project. I am so thrilled to be a part of Paper Works: The Art of Paper. Thank you Strathmore!

Installation_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustrator.jpg
Read More
Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian

‘Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat’: Frequently Asked Questions

From how much paper I used to my inspiration for the paper sculpture, here are answers to 12 of my most frequently asked questions.

As I have been talking about my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” installation in the Paper Works show at the Mansion at Strathmore, there are several questions that I have been asked often. From how much paper I used to my inspiration for the paper sculpture, here are answers to 12 of my most frequently asked questions.

1.     What was your inspiration for this piece?

I want to use my art to bring families together, creating three-dimensional habitats that remind people to look for the little everyday moments that happen all around us that bring us joy and serve as a reminder of what is really important in life. 

Sa_Chipmunk_PapeSculpture_Melinda_Fabian_Illustrator.jpg

2.     How long did it take you to make this paper sculpture installation?

I was asked to participate in the Paper Works show in October 2018. In April 2019, I had my first in-person meeting with the curator, Lesley Lundgren. After that meeting, I began working on the installation in earnest. So, about 1.5 years working full time, beginning with the sketches, then continuing on to create each individual paper sculpture element for the installation.

3.     How big is the final installation?

“Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” measures 12 feet high, 18 feet long and 30 inches deep.

1_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Installation_1.jpg

4.     How much paper did you use to make this sculpture?

That is a difficult one to calculate. I will have to get back to you on that one. 

5.     How did you get the full installation to the Mansion at Strathmore?

I created everything in smaller sections and individual pieces for two reasons. First, it was easier to transport. I also wanted each item to be saleable so it could be sold as one large installation piece or as individual pieces. I rented a truck to take the larger pieces to Strathmore on the first day, and then on the second day, I took all the furry critters in the car. The pets seemed to like the drive because I didn’t hear a peep out of them the whole way down! You can read more about the journey on my blog here and here

2020_Gray_Kitten_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustrator.jpg

6.     Is the entire installation really made out of paper? 

Yes, everything you see in “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” is made out of paper. I used a variety of different types of papers. Some are very thin papers and some are thicker papers. The paper siding and painted brick walls are attached to a narrow wood frame, using the same concept that an oil painter uses when they attach their canvas to a frame.

The flower stems are paper covered wire so they will stand up straight and tall. Originally, I thought I would try to make the flower stems out of paper too, which I have successfully done in the past, but I quickly realized it would take too long to make that many paper stems for all the flowers I needed for this installation. It would have added a couple more weeks or months to the project of this size. So, I covered the wire stems in paper.

1__Roses_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illusrator_2.jpg

7.     How many flowers are there total in the installation?

There are 80 wisteria flowers, over 75 tulips and more than 100 roses. The rose trellis has over 75 roses.

Trellis_Melinda_abian_Paper_Sculpture_1.jpg

8.     How long does it take to make one paper sculpture wisteria flower?

It takes approximately 2.5 hours to make each wisteria because there are so many petals to one flower and each petal is attached individually to the stem.

Wisteria_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustrator.jpg

9.     Is the grapevine wreath really made out of paper?
Yes, even the grapevine wreath is hand-sculpted using painted papers.

Wreath_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illusrator_2.jpg

10.  How long did it take you to make the large dog?

It took me about 5–6 weeks to make the large golden retriever, Rusty. All of my furry animals are made out of paper. There is no wire armature or structures hidden inside their body. I bend, fold, cut, twist the paper into the necessary shapes to create the skeletal and muscular structure for each animal.

I want to keep these signature pieces authentic and made entirely out of paper and paint, with of course some adhesive to hold the sculpture together. The animals are all very sturdy. Rusty weighs about 10–15 pounds! Each animal is made out of the finest art papers that are then painted in watercolor and gouache.

Animal_Friends_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustration.jpg

11.   What is your favorite type of paper sculpture to make?

I really like making a variety of different things, but my favorite would have to be the furry animals. I like the challenge of creating fur from just paper and getting the paper sculpture to a life-like appearance. One of my favorite critters in “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” is the last one I made — the little bunny rabbit.

S_Bunny_PapeSculpture_Melinda_Fabian.jpg

12.  Is any of “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” for sale?

Yes, absolutely! The entire installation is for sale as one piece and each individual item within the installation is for sale as well. I also have individual framed pieces available for sale or you could order a piece or purchase a commission. If there is something you are looking for, you can find my contact information here.

Frames_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustrator.jpg

There’s still time to see “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” in person at the Mansion at Strathmore, now through Oct. 31. To learn more about planning your visit, head here.

Installation_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustrator.jpg
Read More
Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian

Capturing a Moment in Time

When I was thinking through what I wanted to create for my large-scale paper sculpture exhibit for the Mansion at Strathmore, I felt I had to take a step back and first think about the guests that will view my art.

When I was thinking through what I wanted to create for my large-scale paper sculpture exhibit for the Mansion at Strathmore, I felt I had to take a step back and first think about the guests that will view my art. What did I want them to see? What feeling do I hope to evoke when they view my artwork?

When I am at a museum looking at art, I like the feeling of being drawn into a piece, taking a step closer to get a better look to examine something special in that piece. Perhaps it is the colors, the brush strokes, the details or the subject matter or the emotions.

For my large-scale paper sculpture illustration exhibition, I wanted viewers to feel happy, excited and have some fun with my art. I want to draw people in by adding tiny elements and details I love to include in all my work. I want visitors to stay for a bit, so they can enjoy the space, feel part of the scene. I want my paper sculpture to be so real viewers feel like they’re seeing real wisteria, hearing baby birds chirping, getting ready to eat yummy desserts and watching a ladybug climb up the tulip petal.

I realized I wanted to capture a moment in time. In our busy world, how can we slow down and take a moment to appreciate what’s around us? That’s what I wanted to accomplish in my paper sculpture.

We often miss little moments in our everyday life. As a child we may have noticed the colors of the flowers or caught the squirrel scurrying away or the ants marching along the path. These moments keep happening around us, but they’re easy to miss and take for granted. Even watching the family cat playing with string or the color of the dog’s fur in the evening sunlight.

In my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat,” I’m asking you to pause, take a look and remember just how much beauty can be found in many moments in our lives. It is exactly these little moments that add up over time and are really important. The whole world is exciting and new and we don’t have to go far — it is right there in front of us, and often best enjoyed with those we love the most.

I have always wanted people to feel joy when they view my art and hopefully they can also have some fun while looking at the entire piece. I want to use my art to strengthen family bonds, from young children to parents and grandparents, sharing in an experience created through my work — bringing families together with my art.

Come and visit my art at the Mansion at Strathmore, in person or online. Look closely and tell me, what can you find? What memories does it remind you of when you see it? Perhaps the next time you are outside at the park or on your own front porch, enjoying a cup of tea, you may look up and hear the birds chirping and notice the little chipmunk at your feet, eating the acorns that fell from that large oak tree. So smile and enjoy this moment in time!

1c_Installation_Melinda_Fabian_Paper_Sculpture_Illustrator2.jpg
Read More
Projects, Artwork Melinda Fabian Projects, Artwork Melinda Fabian

Critters Are Moving to the Mansion at Strathmore

Because my paper sculpture animals are more fragile than many of the other pieces going into my large-scale installation, I wanted to take them separately.

On my first installation day, I rented a truck to take the large paper sculpture items for my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” installation to the Mansion at Strathmore. On the second day, it was time to take the critters to the mansion.

Because my paper sculpture animals are more fragile than many of the other pieces going into my large-scale installation, I wanted to take them separately and not risk them being jostled around too much in the back of the truck.

To pack up these cute furry, handmade, hand-sculpted, critters, I needed to figure out a way to pack them safely without altering their appearance — such as the cute little nose on the bunny rabbit or the fluffy tail on the squirrel.

It seemed like the best way to pack up these cuties was to make a little nest for them to sit in. Using acid-free tissue paper, I carefully made them nests. I didn’t want the whiskers on the cats to become damaged, so I let their little faces stick out of the boxes just like they are sitting in a pet carrier. Well, like the most well-behaved cat ever sitting in a pet carrier.

They looked so cute all wrapped up in their boxes and packed up inside my car – all ready to travel to The Mansion at Strathmore in Bethesda, MD for installation day No. 2!

Read More
Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian

Opening Day for ‘Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat’

This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, Sept. 8 2020! Today is opening day of the show “Paper Works: The Art of Paper” at the Mansion at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland.

This is the moment I’ve been waiting for, Sept. 8, 2020! Today is opening day of the show “Paper Works: The Art of Paper” at the Mansion at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland.

My 18 foot long by 12 feet high exhibit titled, “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat,” is featured in this amazing show at Strathmore. I am so honored and thrilled to be a part of the show.

After working on this piece for 1.5 years, it is so exciting to finally see my installation all come together into one large-scale exhibition. I built the paper sculpture art in small sections, so to see it all pulled together as I had conceptualized it after so long is really something.

The installation is made out of paper, from the painted brick walls, to the white paper siding, wicker table and chair and of course all the furry critters that have become a part of this retreat. I hope my art helps to remind us the importance of enjoying the simple moments and joy we can find when we retreat into these moments.

In this exhibit it may be the chirping of the baby robin or watching the playfulness of the kitten or corgi playing on the porch. And if you look closely within this setting, in this habitat, you will find ladybugs, butterflies, cocoons and a praying mantis to name just a few — all the things that enrich the habitats we find ourselves in every day.

I can’t wait to show you my work. You can get a sense in the photos below. Plus, over the next several weeks, I will be blogging about the process and include some behind-the-scenes videos and photos. Please keep checking back for more.  

I would also love for you to see “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” in person. For information about visiting, check out the show’s official page on the Strathmore website here. And don’t forget to join us for a free virtual art reception on Thursday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. ET.

Read More
Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian Artwork, Projects Melinda Fabian

For Immediate Release

Melinda Fabian’s 18-foot piece will be the focal point of Paper Works: The Art of Paper at the Mansion at Strathmore.

Local Artist’s Paper Sculpture Country Garden Retreat Featured in Strathmore Gallery Show

Melinda Fabian’s 18-foot piece will be the focal point of Paper Works: The Art of Paper at the Mansion at Strathmore

BEL AIR, Md., Sept. 8, 2020 — Local Bel Air, Maryland, paper sculptor and illustrator Melinda Fabian will be the featured artist at a new exhibit opening at the Mansion at Strathmore in North Bethesda from Tuesday, Sept. 8 through Saturday, Oct. 31. The show, Paper Works: The Art of Paper, brings together 11 paper artists who use paper as the focal point in their creations, including Fabian’s large-scale paper sculpture installation.

Titled “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat,” viewers of Fabian’s 18-foot installation in the Paper Works show can expect an idyllic setting just outside a country cottage that reminds us of a simpler time. The piece is one in a series of Fabian’s habitat sculptures, which capture the simplicity, joy and beauty of simple moments in time often taken for granted.

“While ‘Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat’ is made out of paper and paint, it is my hope this habitat will remind us of the importance of creating real spaces in our lives that can be our safe haven,” Fabian said of the installation. “I want my work to create an opportunity for viewers to reflect on the healing power in our everyday intersections with nature.”

Visitors to the retreat are welcomed into a serene setting with a beautiful garden framed by wisteria, roses and tulips. The family pets play on the front porch where the wicker table is set with exquisite afternoon snacks. Hidden creatures, like ladybugs, a praying mantis and a chipmunk inhabit the scene for those who look carefully. Fabian’s installation combines hand-sculpted paper elements painted in gouache and watercolor to bring them to life.

Paper Works: The Art of Paper was curated by Lesley Lundgren, Strathmore’s director of exhibitions. Other artists featured in the show include Kate Norris, Ashely Chiang, Gina Gwen Palacios, Daniel Lai, Marylouise Roach, Rosa Leff, Leigh Suggs, Lucrezia Beerli-Bieler, Jennifer Deppe Parker, and Ronni Jolles.

The Mansion is operating with new hours, along with extra COVID-19 safety precautions. Several virtual events will be held throughout the show’s run, so keep an eye on the show’s website. Learn more at https://www.strathmore.org/mansion

About Melinda Fabian, Illustrator

Award-winning illustrator Melinda Fabian creates realistic yet whimsical art designed to bring families together. Melinda’s signature work features paper sculpture designs, which seamlessly blend three-dimensional, hand-sculpted paper elements and watercolor and gouache illustrations to create lifelike scenes. Her imaginative designs literally jump off the page — the swish of a cat’s furry tail or a busy bee’s landing — causing viewers to do a double take upon realizing they’re not just flat paintings. Melinda’s paper sculpture illustrations have won several awards in galleries across the United States. She also created an award-winning line of Can You Find?® hidden object greeting cards, games and jigsaw puzzles as the creative director for the company she previously co-founded, Rocking Chair Studio. Melinda has more than 35 years of experience as an illustrator, freelancing for magazines and publishing companies, and holds a bachelor’s degree in communication design from Kutztown University in Pennsylvania.

About Strathmore

Strathmore presents and produces exemplary visual and performing arts programs for diverse audiences; creates dynamic arts education experiences; and nurtures creative ideas and conversations that advance the future of the arts. The Mansion at Strathmore is located at 10701 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD, one half-mile north of the Capital Beltway and immediately adjacent to the Grosvenor-Strathmore station on Metro’s Red Line. For further information or tickets, call (301) 581-5100 or visit www.strathmore.org.

Contact

Melinda Fabian, melinda@melindafabian.com

###

Screen Shot 2020-09-07 at 6.19.23 PM.png
Read More
Artwork Melinda Fabian Artwork Melinda Fabian

Get a Studio Sneak Peek in Strathmore Art Talks

In June, I had the opportunity to sit down with Strathmore exhibition coordinator Gabrielle Tillenburg to give viewers a little insight into my upcoming paper sculpture installation at the Paper Works show at the Mansion at Strathmore

In June, I had the opportunity to sit down with Strathmore exhibition coordinator Gabrielle Tillenburg to give viewers a little insight into my upcoming paper sculpture installation at the Paper Works show at the Mansion at Strathmore, “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” — including a look inside my studio!

In the two talks — one for kids and one for adults — I showed off some of the furry creatures that will make an appearance, including Rusty the dog and his corgi sidekick. Other creatures, like a squirrel and cardinal, also make an appearance, along with a close-up preview of the delicious treats set on the table.

You don’t want to miss this preview for my upcoming installation, so you can watch both videos below! The first art talk is great for kids:

And there’s an art talk for the adults too if you want to know more about my tools and creative process:

The Paper Works show will run at The Mansion at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland, from Sept. 8 through Oct. 31, 2020. Visit Strathmore’s website for more.

Read More
Projects, Artwork Melinda Fabian Projects, Artwork Melinda Fabian

Supersize Painting for Paper Sculpture Leaves

One of the pieces I am making is a large wreath for the front door of my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat.”

For the past year, I’ve been working on many large items for my upcoming art installation. The exhibit, Paper Works, will be held at the Mansion at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland, Sept. 8 through Oct. 31. For the show, I am working on the largest piece I have ever done. There are lots of furry critters, birds and all sorts of surprises within the exhibit.

One of the pieces I am making is a large wreath for the front door of my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat.” It is going to be a grapevine wreath with a variety of pretty flowers and leaves and a beautiful bow — all made out of paper. I am making all the pieces separately before I start attaching them to the wreath.

Since I will need to make a lot of leaves, I wanted to mix up a large amount of watercolor paints at one time. The only paint trays I had were these small watercolor trays with individual cups with lids. I really like these trays, but since I need a lot of paint, someone suggested I could try canning jars.

Paint_Trays_Melinda_Fabian_2.jpg

I used the jars a few months ago to mix up the paints I needed for my paper sculpture dog, Rusty, and it really worked out well. The other nice thing about using canning jars is that it is so easy to mix paints. I add various colors to the jars, put the lid on tightly, and give it a good shake. Open it up and test the out the color and decide whether it’s good to go or it needs another mix.

16_Paint_Jars_Leaves_Melinda_Fabian_Illustrator.jpg

I use watercolor and gouache paints, so it takes more paint than I am used to using for my smaller paper sculptures — and big brushes too! It was fun mixing up the colors and slathering watery paints onto large sheets of papers.

To show you the final product, here are some of the leaves I’ve been painting up in my studio. Hopefully I will have enough leaves already, but if not, I can easily make more. I still have paint left over to make sure they will be the same shades of greens.

Read More
Inspiration, Artwork Melinda Fabian Inspiration, Artwork Melinda Fabian

Blooming Paper Sculpture Irises

Flowers are a fun thing to make out of paper, especially because there are so many varieties to choose from.

Flowers are a fun thing to make out of paper, especially because there are so many varieties to choose from. It is nice to make paper sculpture flowers when the real plants are blooming so you have great reference photos to choose from.

This year, my white iris seems to be standing extra tall in the flower bed and look larger than I remember them being from previous years. And because they stood out, it only seemed natural I should include some irises in my upcoming art installation, “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat,” in Paper Works at the Mansion at Strathmore in fall 2020.

My art installation for the Paper Works show will be the largest piece I have ever done to date, and it’s taken more than a year to complete. Despite the size of the installation, I don’t want to lose the details or color I bring to all of my paper sculpture work. That’s why you can expect to see many different flowers in the installation.

When I was making the paper sculpture version of these irises, I brought in one of the stalks from my real iris plant so I could get a closer look at them. They do not last very long inside — just a day or two. Even though I am working from a white iris for what will eventually have more color, it is still helpful see a live flower for reference.

When figuring out how to make something out of paper, it is similar to when I draw something. I have to check out the subject carefully, breaking it down into simpler shapes. It’s often easiest to start with the smallest elements. For instance, with the iris, instead of looking at the entire flower bud, I examined the shape of the petals: Are they round, oval or triangular shaped? I then cut those basic shapes out of paper free hand.

By cutting free-hand, I can ensure each flower I make is completely individual and unique. Though there are thousands of flower petals in my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” installation, they are all cut by hand. While it may have been faster to automate the process with a laser cutter, for instance, I wanted to capture the true artistry of nature — every petal is slightly different.

Irises come in a large variety of colors, and since I love working in an array of bright colors, I couldn’t help but make some using purples. I looked through my photo files and came across some purple iris flowers that I could reference.

15_Iris_Purple_Melinda_Fabian_Illustrator.jpg

And here is just one of the final paper sculpture irises, completely hand-sculpted out of paper and painting using watercolor and gouache. You can see this — and many other — flowers up close at the Paper Works show at the Mansion at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland. The show will run from Sept. 8 to Oct. 31, 2020.

1__IRIS-Paper_Sculpture_Melinda_Fabian_Illustrator.jpg
Read More
Artwork Melinda Fabian Artwork Melinda Fabian

Paper-Sculpting a Robin, the First Sign of Spring

The paper sculpture robin, pictured here, was framed in a shadowbox frame.

This little robin bird is an example of a three-dimensional bird similar to a bird or two that you may find flying around in my “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” paper installation at The Mansion at Strathmore in Bethesda, Maryland.

I liked the idea of making a robin. It’s a common bird on the east coast where I’ve lived my whole life. When I was growing up, you wouldn’t see robins until the warmer weather arrived. Every spring, people would spot the first of these red-chested birds and say, “I saw a robin today. It is the first sign of spring!”

The paper sculpture robin, pictured here, was framed in a shadowbox frame and has been sold. I wanted this male robin to look like a young bird, sitting in a tree, slightly hidden among the new spring leaves that are just starting to grow back in.  

1_Little_Robine_Bird.jpg
Read More
Projects, Artwork Melinda Fabian Projects, Artwork Melinda Fabian

Creature Feature: Playful Squirrel Playing on Wisteria Vines

The squirrel is a three-dimensional paper sculpture made completely out of paper.

Wisteria vines wrapped tightly around each other, growing up a tree, around a fence, back down again to the ground, sprouting up a new shoot. Squirrels scampering over the vines. Bumble bees buzzing in the newly opened spring blossoms. A safe haven for new life in spring — butterflies, praying mantis, and tiny ants — all wanting to call the wisteria their home too.

That’s the scene I am working to capture with this squirrel perched on top of a wisteria vine, part of my upcoming art installation, “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat,” at The Mansion at the Strathmore in 2020. This squirrel is ready to check out what is happening below. He’s thrilled it is finally spring — and he’s ready for some new adventures.

The squirrel is a three-dimensional paper sculpture made completely out of paper. Even his tail is made out of paper. The tail is actually the easiest part of making squirrels, and it goes the fastest. It takes many, many hours to apply the paper fur to his face and body, however, which is what took the longest.

After the squirrel is shaped out of paper, he is ready for some paint. He is made out of the finest of white papers and painted in watercolor and gouache.

Screen Shot 2020-01-01 at 11.04.50 PM.png

The wisteria flowers and leaves are also three-dimensional and are hand-cut and sculpted to form the shapes I need to create this beautiful squirrel’s spring habitat he and his other friends in the “Charming Victorian Country Garden Retreat” will also call home.

Read More
Projects Melinda Fabian Projects Melinda Fabian

The Process of Bringing 'PAPER' to Life as a 3D Sculpture Illustration

Melinda Fabian outlines the process for creating her marketing paper sculpture design, "“PAPER.”

As a self-employed illustrator, I have to continually market my work. One of the ways I do that is to come up with creative ways to show people my paper sculptures, which is a medium and style that is a little unconventional. I want to convey to people quickly that it is something different and exciting and explain to someone in a visual way what my illustrations are. I also want to demonstrate to a potential client how I can solve a project and what medium I use to illustrate it.

This whole process of coming up with marketing materials is similar to being in college, and being assigned your next project by an art teacher. Except now, you come up with your own assignments for your marketing and advertising needs and figure out the goal, the problem that needs solving and the parameters you have to stay within.

So, with this marketing assignment, I want to use the final image on all of my social media sites and also on a postcard to market my paper sculpture illustration business to art directors. The problem is, how can I quickly portray my paper sculpture medium and my process to someone unfamiliar with my work? How can I demonstrate that I can help solve a publication's needs?

My concept was to create a one-word sign appropriately titled PAPER. I could show a progression beginning with a simple, plain white piece of paper and end up with a fully illustrated 3D paper sculptured letter. Using just one word will quickly explain my process visually and I will also be able to show different ways of visually and graphically communicating a solution to a publication's message using my medium, paper sculpture.

Here is my thought process for each of my paper sculpture letters:

Just like the way I work in paper sculpture, the first letter of the sign ‘P’ is just a plain white piece of paper — nothing fancy, just a basic letter cut out of a flat sheet of paper.

For the letter ‘A,’ I wanted to show the beginnings of a transition to manipulating the medium, using a small scissors to cut out the plain paper to make a box letter ‘A,’ cutting, bending and shaping the paper to transform it from a flat sheet of paper to a simple 3D form — just the basics.

This is where the real fun begins — the second letter ‘P.’ I wanted to highlight the transition from materials into a project. You see the little scissors in the previous step. But now, as things start to get more complicated, I need my pencils to sketch with, my paper, paint brushes, a paint tray, and paint. I also like that each one of these items begins with the letter ‘P,’ which was a fun added bonus. This is the first letter of the sign where each of the objects are a more advanced 3D paper sculpture, all made out of paper. The shapes all work together to form the letter ‘P.’

Next up, the transition from white paper to the painted paper. For the letter ‘E,’ I started with the stark white paper sculpture flowers, which can be very beautiful all on their own in white. But, I wanted to show that these flowers transition into realistic full-color flowers.

Lastly, my favorite, a completely painted 3D paper sculpture letter that completes my PAPER sign. The heron, turtle and little red birds (all words that have the letter ‘R’ in them) all surround this tree and create the letter ‘R.’ It was a challenge to figure out how to create the letter ‘R’ using those critters, and I think I successfully solved that tricky situation. The letter comes across as an ‘R’ and is clearly legible, which is so important when creating decorative lettering.

“The letter comes across as an ‘R’ and is clearly legible, which is so important when creating decorative lettering.”

I feel that my paper sculpture sign has successfully fulfilled the requirements of my assignment and I accomplished all of my goals that I originally set forth — to visually explain what it is I do and demonstrate that I can help communicate any message for a publication's needs.

Read More