Handmade Blog Feature: Vibrant Shadows by Jordan Schwartz

Jordan is a young woman who's work I discovered in the etsy forums by being captivated by her striking avatar. It looked moody,imposing and depicted the greek colisseum. So I went to her shop thinking it was filled with equally moody striking photography.
I then got the shock of my life when I saw that her avatar and products were not photographes but beautifully detailed paper cuts that she photgraphes with the sky shining through the openings. I was amazed. And I think you will be to with the beauty and modernity of her work.

So welcome one and all to the work of VibrantShadows by Jordan Schwartz. http://www.vibrantshadows.etsy.com/

Colosseum by http://www.vibrantshadows.etsy.com/

Hi Jordan. First up how did you get into the art of Paper Cutting and how did it evolve into your business http://www.vibrantshadows.etsy.com/ ?
Well I have loved crafting my whole life and I love to learn new arts and techniques. I have done sewing,knitting,candlemaking... you name it and i,ve probably tried it.
I stumbled upon paper cutting online one day and decided to give it a try and I was hooked!
I built up a little stock and decided to give Etsy a whirl.

How do you decide on what the subjects for your artwork will be?
I tend to flow with inspiration....sometimes I just randomly come up with a idea and I write it down so I can try it out later.I keep a small notebook with me at all times now.

Starry Night Paper cut inspired by Vincent Van gogh.www.vibrantshadows.etsy.com

Can you describe a bit about the process and what materials you use?
I use paper especially made for this craft as it is fade resistant to last for years and it is thin enough for me to cut very intricate pieces. As for knives... I use a simple #11 straight  blade xacto knife.

What is the most fulfilling aspect of your business?
I LOVE custom orders! There is nothing more rewarding than being able to take someone's precious family photo and turning it into a one of a kind piece of art for them.

Custom Paper cuts http://www.vibrantshadows.etsy.com/

Whats the hardest aspect of your business?
Taking great photo's. I try and come up with ways of taking photos of the cuts so you are able to tell they are cuts and not printed.When a person can't actually see the item before buying,great photos are a necessity.

Ferris wheel Paper cut by http://www.vibrantshadows.etsy.com/

Whats next for Vibrant Shadows?
Larger pieces! I have dreams of making huge intricate cuts 24x36 inches and beyond!

Water Ripple by http://www.vibrantshadows.etsy.com/

Who are your favorite etsians and why?
http://www.fiddlekate.etsy.com/  a small shop but absolutely wonderful to talk to and they make gorgeous handmade cutting boards.
http://www.titaniumknights.etsy.com/ who make titanium rings. I bought my wedding bands from them.Amazing quality,beautiful,durable and great communication from them as well!

For more of Jordans work check out her shop and her Youtube channel:
http://www.vibrantshadows.etsy.com/ and www.youtube.com/vibrantshadowsart