Caroline Simmons photos
It started with a love for all things miniature. Inklosures ( inklosures.com ), created by graphic designer Lizette Gecel, is a collection of paper goods featuring bright colors, pop art, vintage icons and graphic symbols. "I love tiny things," Gecel says. "I have a collection of tiny objects in my home." It began as an assortment of small cards, some with envelopes and others with yarn to attach to gifts, and Gecel soon decided she would expand her hobby into a creative outlet.
She began creating greeting cards as well as calendars — miniature calendars, of course. Once she got going, she couldn't stop. "I started my own collection and didn't even realize it," says Gecel, who uses art images from various sources and manipulates them to her liking using Photoshop, as well as by hand. Many of her creations are inspired by a love of modern Japanese culture and 1960s pop art, and she stresses the importance of simplicity in her work. Gecel also offers custom images for birthdays, holidays and other occasions.
All images are printed using pigment ink on fine recycled paper, and the entire process takes place in Gecel's Richmond home studio, including the packaging. Gecel wants to cater to a wide spectrum of people, everyone from "your 70-year-old grandma to your 5-year-old nephew." She is currently selling her wares at several local shops, including Rostov's and Quirk Gallery, but she hopes to bring the collection to other stores and craft shows soon.
