the artist

Hello! I’m Caroline Belanger, the artist behind the paper.

To make a long story short, I’ve always been artistic and creative. I grew up all over the world and studied painting in Paris en-route to London, where I earned my master’s degree in art history. Since then I’ve worked on the business side of the art world, first as a gallerist and then as a consultant, where I’ve had the privilege to work with some truly wonderful artists, collectors, curators, and dealers.

Thanks to studio visits and deep conversations, I’ve informally continued my art education. I’m fascinated with artistic process and absorb all that I can. I know the value of thinking outside the box and finding inspiration in the most unlikely of places….you.

the concept

My true love is paper and launching Paper Scissors Art was the result of that passion as both an artist and a collector. Though paper is readily available to all, not everyone sees it the way I do. Paper has the potential to bring joy to others, whether it’s through announcing an important life event, declaring ownership, collecting memories, or illustrating imagination. 

In February 2020, I launched Paper Scissors Art. My initial focus was on creating bespoke art, which means that I customize a piece of art to fit your taste and use, either by choosing from my existing portfolio of ideas or working to create a new concept. One of my favorite niches has been taking children’s art that might otherwise be disposed of and transforming it into a work of art with deep personal meaning that suits your carefully curated art collection and home décor. (A selection of these can be found in my portfolio.)

However, once these creative juices started flowing, the floodgates really opened. I began creating my own original works for those who admire my aesthetic. Mimicking the detailed processes of my bespoke works, I paint papers with watercolors in a variety of colors and motifs, then cut them into shapes that I design like butterflies, flower petals, paper airplanes, and birds. I then take these silhouettes and carefully incorporate them into a variety of arrangements, both abstract and representational. The results are colorful, delicate, and three-dimensional objets d’art. Please visit my online shop to see what is currently available.

the process

For original works of art, it’s as simple as picking something that’s available in the shop, making the payment online, and specifying a delivery address. Your new work should be on its way to you shortly. Don’t despair if you spot something in the shop that you love which has already sold. All inventory may not be listed online, or it may be possible to make a similar version just for you. In these cases, please reach out via the contact page.

For small bespoke works of art, it’s a more customized experience. Send along a good contact number using the contact page and we can find a time to chat! Please be sure to take a look at my portfolio and note any styles that speak to you. Once you decide on a style and make payment, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to proceed:

• If you choose to provide art to be incorporated into the piece, please select 5-7 pieces that reflect your chosen color scheme on paper that’s no larger than 11 x 17 inches in size. If you don’t have any existing works on paper, set up a fun afternoon of painting See my blog for ideas…

• Paper Scissors Art will send you a package with return postage already enclosed. Place your pieces in the box, affix the enclosed postage, and return ship it to Paper Scissors Art. It’s that simple! If you are local to the DFW area, we can arrange a porch pickup. Please note that these art pieces will NOT be returned to you.

• Once Paper Scissors Art receives your papers, the creative process begins. Depending on my workload, I aim to have a preliminary layout for your approval within 10 days of receipt of materials. A proof will then be sent to you via email for review and approval.

• Customer satisfaction is a priority. At this point, if you’re unsatisfied, Paper Scissors Art will issue a return of 75% of your payment. If approved, your piece will be packed and shipped to you.

When it comes to large commissions, the bespoke art process requires a more detailed approach as there are a lot of variables to consider. Size, materials, and workload will determine the availability, timeline, and price. Please contact me to learn more.

frequently asked questions

How long does it take to receive my purchased work?

For original works of art chosen from my shop, as long as the shipping process goes smoothly, I aim to have your purchase to you within 14 business days of purchase. In most cases, it ends up arriving within a week. Bespoke projects take longer due to scale, materials, and workload.  

Is the work archival?

Yes, in so much as all my materials are archival and acid-free. I cannot guarantee that whatever materials you provide for any bespoke works will be archival, but steps will be taken to preserve these materials to the best of my ability. All work will be sprayed with a varnish to protect the paper from ultraviolet (UV) light. 

Does the work come framed?

At this time, most original works will be packed carefully and shipped to you unframed. The primary reason is that framing is very personal and can be a significant expense. (Check out my blog about ready-made frames that I love which you can buy online or at retail stores.) In cases in which original works do happen to come framed, this will be noted on its product page of the shop. For large bespoke works, multi-dimensional works will come in a custom-made acrylic box.

What is your return policy?

Customer satisfaction is our priority. For bespoke works, the artwork which you submit will not be returned once a cut-out proof has been created. If you choose to cancel your commission prior to any cutting, your money will be refunded and the unused materials returned to you. If things progress to the cutting stage and you are unhappy with the first proof, we will return 75% of your payment. The 25% deposit paid at the outset will be retained to cover initial labor and material costs. If during the remainder of the process you are unsatisfied with the direction of the project, no further payments will be required and any unused materials will be returned to you.