Fun Zipper Pouches, Paper Party Supplies, and More, Handmade and Curated in Montclair, NJ by Claire Cohen.
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The Writing on the Wall

30 Second Read

As I look back on my work over the years, I can't ignore one thing that has stayed constant- my use of text as a design element. In high school and college my fine art included handwritten poems or random text, smudged but readable, working with shapes and color, to create the final image. My professional work became product-based, but the materials I use, mostly vintage where possible- sewing patterns, cardboard packaging, vinyl banners, calendar tea towels- enable my love of text.

I draw inspiration from artists like Margaret Kilgallen, who loved graffiti and folk art, and Sister Corita Kent, who twisted pop culture logos into meaningful social statements.

Here are some examples of how I use text in everything I make.

NYC credit card caseArtbin full of letters

Letters cut from used Tshirts create text on my handmade zipper pouches.

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Montclair Made logo     My logo is a collage I created from pictures of signage I shot around Montclair.

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Cereal box book cover    Cardboard packaging gift card holders

My friends and family save cardboard packaging for me to use in products like books and gift card holders.

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1969 zipper pouchJanuary birdCoasters

Vintage calendar tea towels are one of my favorite materials to use for a variety of products from zipper pouches, to bird ornaments, and coaster sets.

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property of Lauren pencil case

My signature products are zipper pouches stitched to look like cursive lettering on notebook paper. I stitch the paper lines on my machine, then I hand embroider the words, and then I make the zipper pouch. I'm very proud of this product line!

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Letter BPaper pulp letters drying in the mold

I create any letter of the alphabet with paper pulp and plastic molds. When the letter has dried I decoupage them with vintage sewing patterns.

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Paper heart garland  Encyclopedia page gift tags
Pages from damaged vintage books like field guides and children's encyclopedias are transformed into delicate heart garland decorations and gift tags.
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Yellow banner bag
The repurposed vinyl banner bags I create really highlight the deconstruction and reconstruction of the material and feature the text as design element.
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Tshirt back packs
And finally, the Tshirt back packs I've been making recently are just another way that I incorporate text from the materials into my work.
Thanks for taking this little journey with me!


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  • Susan WAlls on

    Love your true sense of upcycling making pop art out of all the things most people overlook or throw away. Glad to see you pop back up on Fb…although its my turn for radio silence.
    Great creations! Always look forward to seeing them!


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