Questions

Q: Does the special packaging come as part of the purchase price?

A: Yes it does. I feel like I am helping you with an entire process. I want you to be able to present the packaging I have designed so that you feel great about the gift you are giving—with limited hassle to buy it and deliver it to your friend or loved one. I am not one for fussiness in packaging. I hope you appreciate the organic feel of a craft paper box adorned with my “egg in a nest” logo. Inside, your treasure will be wrapped in a coordinating tissue paper that finishes off your gift beautifully. My hope is that you feel tremendous about giving this little luxury.

Q: I like your artwork and would like to buy the original piece of paste paper artwork; will you sell it to me?

A: Thank you, but I have decided to keep the original artwork and not sell it. I am glad you like it, though.

Q: I see a variety of different scenes (animals, people, etc.), but I do not see a night light version of the owl. Is it possible for Nelley Kelley to produce a single night light for me from the piece of art I choose?

A: I have struggled with this because I would love to provide you with exactly what you want at a price that is good for all concerned. The challenge is that if I ask my manufacturer to produce a single night light, as compared to producing 25 of them, the price for one, is too high. I plan to keep a running log of what folks are asking for and see if I can find a way to get these individual requests satisfied at a reasonable price. Please e-mail me and let me know what you would like to see and I will research it and let you know what I can do.

Q: I don’t really understand what painting with paste paper means. I understand the idea of collage, but can you explain this a bit more for me?

A: Thank you for asking. My husband keeps recommending that I have to explain it better –let me try to put the whole process into perspective. Once I have an idea of what type of scene I want to create (e.g. a beach scene), I take a photo of it. I then decide what colors I want to use to “paint” this scene. This is where the paste paper comes in.

The art of paste paper dates back to the 16th century when artists mixed paint with a specially prepared paste and painted them on paper. The paste that was mixed into the paint allowed the artist time to carve various designs into the paint and once dried would create a beautiful textured, almost linen-like, piece of art. Paste paper back in the 16th century was then used to cover manuscripts and was used as end papers in books. Today many paste paper artists use their papers to cover journals and boxes just like in years past. While I do this too, I have found that my collages come to life when I cut up my paste paper and use it like a painter uses their paint brush. The end product is a collage that has the look and feel of an oil painting - while my finished work is a collage on gesso board, the paste papers that I use to create it are all handpainted by me.

I typically will create enough paste-paper to take me through a series of artwork that I am developing. I do this so that all the artwork has a cohesive feel with color and texture much like a “collection” ... it is actually the excitement of the finished paste paper that helps me shape the artwork to come. I hope this helps.

Q: Can I get any of your original art on a vintage tin?

A: The simple answer is yes. However, the vintage tins do present a bit of a problem, because I am always at the mercy of trying to find salvage houses that have them in stock. As you know, they come from ceilings in old homes and warehouses, so they are not readily available. I am always on the look out for them and when I find them, I scoop them up. Once I have the tins, I can put any piece of my artwork on it. I plan to update the website as I get new tins and create new products, so please check back when you get the chance. If you would like me to put you on a waiting list, please send me an e-mail.

Q: Have you thought about taking some of your artwork and doing sheets or wallpapers with it?

A: Thanks, yes I have, but for right now, I am focused on offering my products to consumers. If however, a company likes my artwork and would like to talk about licensing it, I’m open to talking.

Q: Do you plan to produce more original artwork?

A: Yes, I am planning to create some seasonal scenes, such as fall and winter. I am currently working on a new grouping of paste papers that will help me develop my next collection of art. Please check back or send me your e-mail and I will keep you up to date.