Shop Owner Interview: Gale from Paper Whimsy
Posted on | July 28, 2011 | 45 Comments
I actually discovered Nancy Maxwell James through Paper Whimsy. It’s a delightful shop full of all kinds of vintage and whimsical goodies you can use in your mixed media, altered art, collage and digital art, and paper crafts. It also features a lot of tutorials!
And now, here’s Gale of Paper Whimsy.
Tell us about your store. What kind of supplies do you offer for crafters and artisans?
My store is entirely on line but my warehouse is brick and mortar – it’s installed in what used to be our home (we still live there but most of the rooms have something PaperWhimsy in them). I offer supplies for mixed media, collage and digital artists; predominately my line of collage and digital images along with mediums, ephemera, papers, embellishments, paints, brushes… all those terrific things that make mixed media and collage artists drool. Lovely goodies that I’d use in my own art. [Above photo: Fiberlicious Bag]
Is there any particular item you sell that you like to use regularly when you’re creating?
I’d have to say my collage sheets and digital images. I also love (and use) Perfect Paper Adhesive, Stickles, gold leaf, brads, paints…
When did you open your store and what inspired you to do so?
I’ve been selling my collage sheets since 2001. I started on eBay and then in 2002 I launched my first website. What inspired me to open my store, and specifically to sell collage sheets, was that I needed money to feed my obsession for collecting antique photographs. I felt I could justify sitting on eBay bidding and trying to win these lovely old photographs if I actually had a way to pay for them. And also, I loved using old photographs in my art and at the time I started creating and eventually selling my collage sheets there were virtually no collage sheet artists out there.
What do you offer your customers that the larger stores can’t?
Well, my collage sheets, for one 
I also host an online community for artists who are using PaperWhimsy images in their artwork – a fun place to meet up, share their art, and participate in some really cool projects. We “Whimsies” are very much a family. The ladies who participate in my PaperWhimsy Art Forum are absolutely wonderful and so very talented! I adore them. [Photo: Collage source]
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love making photographs. I love playing in Photoshop, spare time or otherwise. I love visiting graveyards – this might be a “fun fact” about me, too: I am a self-professed taphophile (I just discovered this word describing people who love to visit graveyards)
What’s a question you wish I would’ve asked? And please answer that question.
Ummm… what’s my favorite muse? Poetry. Without a doubt. If I’m in the mood to create something but nothing is clicking for me – a good line of poetry does it for me every time. Just google “Hilda Conkling” and read a few of her poem, then tell me you weren’t inspire to create some art 
Please include ten fun facts about yourself. (Example, like I like black jelly beans; I love “24;” etc).
Well, I hate black jelly beans but I love the banana- and buttered popcorn-flavored Jelly Bellies
[Photo on left: Wild Saffron Brads]
I don’t know if this would be considered a “fun fact” but I love watching reality TV: Survivor, Destination Truth, Ghost Hunters, Ghost Hunters International… those are my favorites
I can make clotted cream. This is a pretty mean feat for a person who is a kitchen-phobe, AND American. And also darned phenomenal since I love cream teas.
I have a small collection of BJDs, Ball-Jointed-Dolls. It’s a kind of wacky obsession because I don’t really do anything with them other than admire them. I desperately wanted to have a few BJDs so I splurged on two big ones and three small ones and now they’re tucked away in a special case. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do with them now that I have them. I did dress them, though.
I love to collect antique photos
I’m a taphophile – I love visiting graveyards. My next big hobby is going to be gravestone rubbings. (Yeah, I know I used this as something I do in my spare time but I think it bears repeating. Plus I’m not sure I’m going to come up with TEN things that are fun about me)
I love to go letterboxing (which is very similar to geocaching). My first introduction to letterboxing was when my husband (who was my boyfriend at the time) and I went to Devon and roamed the foggy and rainy hills and dales of Dartmoor, the moors, looking for boxes under rocks. Dartmoor is the home of letterboxing. Very cool and very addicting.
[Photo on left: Byzantia Paints]
I love Starbucks. If I’m in a grumpy mood, stick me in the car and drive me to Starbucks… TRANSFORMATION. The particularly funny thing about this Starbuck’s addiction I have is that I can’t do caffeine, though my coffee-drinks would curl the hair of even the stoutest of sailors. I drink it STRONG. Definitely not a weany coffee drink even if it is decaf.
I love books – old and new. I have hundreds of them all over my house. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, art books, smelly old moldy books that make me sneeze every time I open them. Heavenly!
[Photo on left: Byzantia Gild Chips]
I’ve always wanted to write a book. My current idea is to write some books about my husband’s and my holiday travels. It seems like a spectacular gig if I could somehow pay for a holiday by selling a book about it. Clever, yes? Or maybe a book about fairies which would still require me to travel since all the fairies live in the UK.
Please list your website, blog, and/or any of your other urls.
Paper Whimsy
Paper Whimsy Forum
Gale Blair’s website
Paper Whimsy Etsy Shop
Paper Whimsy Blog
Paper Whimsy Inspiration and Tutorials
Paper Whimsy on Facebook
Paper Whimsy on Twitter
Giveaway
Gale is offering a generous giveaway to one lucky person! Ten (10) free collage sheets (value up to $50) of the winner’s choice from the Collage Images category.
The giveaway is open worldwide, with the following stipulation: if the winner is located internationally you would have to select the option to download the collage sheets. People within the US can can choose either the download or printed paper option. The photo below is a representational view of the 370+ collage sheets from which the winner can choose from in the Collage Images category.
To enter, the mandatory entry is to like Paper Whimsy on Facebook and be a follower of this blog, Screaming Sardine. If you don’t have Facebook, please choose your favorite item at the Paper Whimsy and leave it in a comment. For extra chances, you can sign up for the Paper Whimsy newsletter, tweet about the giveaway, and/or blog about it. Deadline for entries is August 4th at 11:59 pm Central time, USA. You may leave all your chances in one comment or in multiple comments as you do them.
Additionally, Paper Whimsy is having a 22% off six or more Collage Images in one order through July 30th! So if you don’t want to leave it up to chance that you’ll be a winner, get thee to the sale!
Tags: altered art > interviews > mixed media > paper crafts
Comments
45 Responses to “Shop Owner Interview: Gale from Paper Whimsy”
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My dearest Tessa and sweetest Sage
July 28th, 2011 @ 12:39 PM
I am a HUGE (underlined and highlighted) fan of Paper Whimsy (and Gale). How sweet to see her interview on your site (which I follow via email).
I, too, am a Taphophile and have been to a graveyard with dear Gale…who lives near some FINE ones.
Please enter my name in the drawing. I’d love to win, but if not, I always have an order ready to send to Paper Whimsy!
Hugs
Jan
July 28th, 2011 @ 1:06 PM
I don’t mean no harm, but I wish you had images of people of color. I know I’ve mention this before. I just feel I have to say it again. Thank you
July 28th, 2011 @ 1:10 PM
I too am a Paper Whimsy addict-Gale’s collage sheets are an inspiration to create-even without a poem! I love all the fun facts about Gale-(taphophile?) but I love graveyards too.
There is always something fun going on at PW, challenges, projects etc. CHECK IT OUT!
Of course I would love to win the 10 collage sheets. Put my name down for sure!
thanks
Chris t
July 28th, 2011 @ 1:18 PM
Am a follower of screaming sardine.
July 28th, 2011 @ 1:19 PM
I liked Paper Whimsy on Facebook
July 28th, 2011 @ 1:21 PM
I signed up for the Paper Whimsy newsletter.
July 28th, 2011 @ 1:24 PM
My favorite item is the Botanica Collage Images. They are lovely
July 28th, 2011 @ 1:29 PM
I found PaperWhimsy in 2009. I owe this site my new found love for all things paper and Digital… I enjoy all the group activity and have made many friends through Gale. THANK you xoxoxoxo
July 28th, 2011 @ 2:27 PM
I use at least one of Gale’s splendid images in nearly every project!
July 28th, 2011 @ 2:43 PM
I am a follower of Screaming Sardine, an I liked Paper Whimsy on facebook.
July 28th, 2011 @ 3:00 PM
I have been a fan of Paper Whimsy since the beginning–I have a few collage sheets still that I ordered from Gail years ago–I just love them! I order whenever I have a little extra money–Gail has always packaged her items beautifully, and it’s now so wonderful to have the option to download collage sheets. I discovered your blog through this interview- I am now a fan (and follower) of Screaming Sardine, too!
July 28th, 2011 @ 3:01 PM
PS-I “liked” Paper Whimsy on FB awhile back!
July 28th, 2011 @ 3:34 PM
I use so many of PaperWhimsy’s items in my work! Very few pieces leave my head and hands without one. I love the colors, subjects and layouts. My dream would be to have one, or two(^-^), of every collage sheet they make!
July 28th, 2011 @ 3:41 PM
I liksd PW on FB and signed up as a follwer on SS-YAY!
July 28th, 2011 @ 3:51 PM
Follower of both and would love to win!! Great interview, love your site. Kim xx
July 28th, 2011 @ 4:00 PM
I’m a new follower from “Keepin Company Thursday”! I just started my blog but have a great start! Hope you’ll stop by if you get a chance.
((I too am a starbucks lover!))
July 28th, 2011 @ 4:20 PM
How nice to read more about Gale. Love her products and her creativity. She rocks!!!
July 28th, 2011 @ 4:57 PM
Unfortunately I disqualify cuz I’m not on FB and not ready to jump in,however, still had to lv a comment for dear Gale. I’m a HUGE PW fan and user-such divine products!! I’ve learned so much thru Gale, fellow whimsiettes and our group projects and am so very proud to be a part of it!! You ROCK PW!!!
July 28th, 2011 @ 5:16 PM
Gale has the BEST images out there — perfect! And the only ones I use. LOVE her shoppe!!! xox
Please enter my name — can never have enough PW sheets!
July 28th, 2011 @ 6:20 PM
So wonderful to get to know Gale better through this interview! I already know her collage sheets/work are amazing – hope your readers will check out Paper Whimsy so they can become addicted too!
July 28th, 2011 @ 6:25 PM
I am a huge fan of Gale and am happy to have found your blog through the interview. Well done!
July 28th, 2011 @ 8:40 PM
I love PW and Gale is absolutely charming!
July 28th, 2011 @ 9:36 PM
I like the image DIGI 019 from Paper Whimsey!
July 28th, 2011 @ 9:37 PM
I subscribe to the Paper Whimsy’s newsletter.
July 28th, 2011 @ 9:59 PM
I LOVE PAPER WHIMSY and HIGHLY recommend both Gale’s wonderful store AND her PAPER WHIMSY art group ~ fabulous people there that are so warm and friendly and the art and swaps are fantastic!!
July 28th, 2011 @ 10:18 PM
I am a follower of both.:)
July 29th, 2011 @ 7:23 AM
I follow this blog and like Paper Whimsy on FB (Suzanne Gregg).
July 29th, 2011 @ 7:40 AM
Paper Whimsy helped save my life! I was stuck in the grind of everyday life and getting no joy from it at all until I discovered the amazingly talented and generous Paper Whimsy group. I slowly began to rediscover my creativity and the joy crept back in and spilled over everything. It has also enabled me to find amazing sites such as these to keep the joy alive! Thanks PW!
I am not on FB, and I there is no way to choose a favorite item at the PW shop~they are ALL favorites.
Wonderful interview!
July 29th, 2011 @ 9:55 AM
Her items are charming! And I loved reading the fun facts. Really helps you to connect to a seller.
July 29th, 2011 @ 11:58 AM
Following the blog!!
July 29th, 2011 @ 11:58 AM
And like PaperWhimsy on FB, as Despina Vnt
July 29th, 2011 @ 8:22 PM
Amazing giveaway and such a Beautiful shop!! My favorite item is the digi 006! Thank you so much for the chance to win!!
July 29th, 2011 @ 9:32 PM
What a great interview-I love it!
I’m already a follower of Screaming Sardine and I purchase Gail’s wonderful collages quite a bit! They are fabulous!My favorite? ALL of them! And I “liked” Paper Whimsey on FB. I would be over the moon to win! Thank you for the chance!
Have a great weekend.
xo, Sonya
July 29th, 2011 @ 9:32 PM
Oh I already receive Gail’s newsletter too!
July 30th, 2011 @ 1:58 AM
What a fun and interesting interview!!! I’ve been a big fan of the PW images for years and like so many others, I use them in all of my art.
Through Gale, I’ve exchanged some gorgeous art with some fantastic artists.
July 30th, 2011 @ 7:29 AM
Paper Whimsy is wonderful – images to drool over and inspire your art!
July 30th, 2011 @ 1:07 PM
Gale is my hero! I adore her and her Paperwhimsy forum. She creates the most stunning collage sheets and what she does with vintage photos is magical. But the best thing about Gale, is her kindness. And her kindness permeates the Paperwhimsy forum, which was the very first place I found when I began creating. I credit her and the forum members for encouraging me and oooin and ahhhing over what I made. It made such an impression on me and helped me to grow! Thank you so much Gale!
Hugs,
Terri
just friended you on Facebook.
July 30th, 2011 @ 10:54 PM
I’m so glad that Gale’s humor came through in this interview. She has a very humorous outlook on life. She is extremely artistic aside from the fact that her collage sheets are as wonderful to look at as velvet is to touch.
Gale has been involved in creating art as far back as I can remember. Always! She is a great encourager; you see, and my sister. And I do use Paperwhimsy collage images in much of my work also. They can be used in jewelry and in fiber arts as well, which are the mediums that I love to work in.
From beginners to the hard-core collage artists, there is something for sure to be found at the Paperwhimsy website. My favorite thing to do is peruse magazines to see how many of my sis’s images I can find in artist’s submissions.
Thank you for a fun to read interview. I like Screaming Sardine, too!!
Laura
July 31st, 2011 @ 12:51 AM
I have been a PaperWhimsy fan for many years now. Gale is a sweetie and her little whimsy characters are the best! I love that her images are digital now too….I’m an instant gratification kinda gal!!!
August 1st, 2011 @ 6:00 PM
Great interview Gale and Tracy! I would love to win some of Paper Whimsy’s collage sheets.
1) I am a follower of Screaming Sardine.
2) I ‘liked’ Paper Whimsy on facebook.
3) I signed up for the Paper Whimsy newsletter.
4) I tweeted this great giveaway!
Thanks for the opportunity, Deb
August 3rd, 2011 @ 10:39 AM
I follow screaming sardine, tweeted about this giveaway and love Paperwhimsy! (Liked ‘em on Facebook too).
August 3rd, 2011 @ 12:54 PM
I liked her on FB.
August 3rd, 2011 @ 12:55 PM
Happily following you. Thanks for linking up at Market Your Biz and Giveaways.
August 4th, 2011 @ 2:02 AM
Am already a follower of your blog and already like Paper Whimsy on FB.
August 12th, 2011 @ 6:34 PM
Hello newest follower from the hop look forward to reading your posts