About

Professionally trained as an architect, Vana Chupp has always been artistically inspired by the sweet and simple moments in life.  Her craft was born with the birth of her beautiful boy Nikolas. Documenting her son’s milestones by cleverly capturing his personality, emotion, playfulness and essence, she began using silhouettes to tell her own life story.  It’s a love story – continuing to blossom, with Nikolas as her muse. Coming full circle, Vana was able to combine her passion and artistic experience and share it all with you! In 2008 Vana launched her dream job; Le Papier Studio,  a small woman-owned business that expresses creativity and inspiration, all the while giving her time to fulfill her most important job; being a mom.

Vana recently completed writing Silhouette Art – a book featuring instructions, papers and patterns for making modern heirlooms  published and released by Chronicle Books in Fall 2010.  Read more about Vana, her products and services here.

R. Nathaniel Brooks is an architectural designer specializing in high quality residential architecture. His lifelong interest in historic and traditional design led him to pursue a Masters degree in architecture at Judson University outside of Chicago. Nate contributes with our Monday morning Before and After and Inspirational series.

Lisa Gainor is the Creative Director and owner of Step Brightly.  Lisa has been in the graphic design, branding and marketing inudstry for 10+ years.  Lisa believes that communication design is at the heart of human experience. As a jack of many trades–print, interactive, marketing, color and inspiration–her intention is to communicate clear messaging and emotion that will help inspire positive and sustainable change for her clients. Lisa assist with our Startup Business series. She will be sharing some of her trade secrets to help enliven your business as well as provide you with tips and tricks to take that leap of faith.

Melissa is the author of Melisa Loves, a blog featuring amazing finds daily. Melissa is a dear friend who has so kindly accepted to assist with our Thursday Favorite Finds. She will be sharing her lovely finds – things for home, to wear of even give.

Sabine, owner of  la marquise des anges , a lovely boutique featuring lovely handmade clothing and antique wares. Sabine is assisting with our Through my Eyes series – sharing photographs from overseas – inspiring us all to go visit southern France one day.

Kim Stoegbauer is the editor and designer behind The Tom Kat Studio, a lovely blog where she shares fabulous party planning and decorating ideas! Kim will be assisting us with the Before and After series – sharing some of her most recent decorating projects.

Callie is the author of Grayson: a different shade of grey a blog where she shares her finds and what inspires her. Trained as an architect and interior designer, Callie has an eye for unique inspirational items to feed the soul &  heart: shiny things + sparkly too! decor, design and the process. Callie is contributing with our DYI, Before and After, and Inspirational series. Join me as she takes us behind the scenes on her house and landscaping DIY projects.

Kerry Brooks is an amazing artist whose work features stark and simple compositions, allowing common and familiar subjects to be graced with beauty and dignity. Kerry developed a love for representational art and portraiture while studying at a young age with a local artist and teacher. Her interest in traditional art forms led her to study at the Ukrainian Academy of Art in Kiev, and the Repin Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia. She furthered her studies at the New York Academy of Art. Kerry will be assisting us with the Friday / Inspirational post as well as some Before and After posts.

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