Paper posies

WORDS Malibongwe Tyilo

We showcased creative decor ideas for old books in our April/May 2014 REWIND REDO RENEW edition, now on shelves. Just as exquisite is JC Snooke’s new venture, Paper J that turns vintage tomes into delightful flowers.

He’s a dancer, actor, music video producer, MC… and now, Paper J, the latest addition to his creative exploits sees him repurposing old books into modern day origami artworks. The 31-year-old JC Snooke started Paper J at the beginning of the year, and just four months later his creations have a social media following and are feature in boutiques, a gallery and a music video. We caught up JC to chat all things paper. 

How did Paper J come about? 

I was playing around with some ideas after making a Christmas tree out of paper; I saw some great paper flower work all over the internet and finally decided to make my own type of paper protea. From there it developed into various products. 

How has the response been so far?

Well, what started as a gift for a friend developed into a Facebook page, and the demand grew so much that I couldn’t do it from home anymore, so soon I will be opening my doors to a new studio and showroom. It’s growing so fast I have to employ people on a freelance basis to help me keep up with the orders. 

Have you always been into origami?

Oh yes definitely, when I was still working in advertising as an account executive, I redecorated the whole office with origami and, of course, as a child redecorated my mother’s house almost every week.

Where do you source the books you use? 

Paper J prides itself on reusing the old to create something new, so I get all my books from the SPCA bookshop. All the money collected by the bookshop is to feed and medically support the animals there. I am a big animal lover. 

What kinds of projects has Paper J been part of?

I have various clients and projects. Currently I have displays in various small boutiques and Alice Art Gallery in Little falls, window dressing for Diaan Daniels’ beautiful shop at Monte Casino and I just finished a music video for Annica Band – a new up-and-coming band with a classical twist. Her theme was “fairytale out of books” (sprokies verhaal) where everything from the decor, hair pieces, flowers and brooches was created just for that video. It’s part of the kykNet Music video project (kykNet MVP). I also did an interview on kykNet Dagbreek as a small business.

Where are you based?

Northriding, but my studio and showroom is in Randburg, Ferndale.

Where can people get your creations?

They can visit my Facebook page and place an order there. I’ve already posted orders to Eastern and Western Cape, Limpopo and Kathu, to name a few. I am also in the process of becoming a supplier for various decor shops across SA.

Your most popular shape?

The paper protea, most definitely.

Your favourite?

The proteas, as well as the wreaths and dhalia’s 

Future plans for Paper J?

To become a successful entrepreneur in SA, to help the less fortunate and training them all across SA to work with their creativity, and to create and distribute Paper J all over the world for, as I know the paper proteas would do so well in the UK and US (already had some interest from there).

You’re a busy man, from MCing, dancing, choreography, acting through to voiceover artist. Do you sleep?

Ha ha ha! My actual profession is acting, however, there isn’t always work out there so you have to create your own income as a freelancer in SA. In my case that’s producing films, making music videos, managing three upcoming bands, dancing and choreography, doing musical theatre and, now, paper art. I love each of these disciplines as much as the next one. I just love creating creatively, and all of the above are basically in that field. I say love what you do, if you don’t, leave. SA is such an inspirational creative place already, just join in. Luckily I also have a great support system, and yes, I sleep very well thank you!

Like Paper J on facebook.com/paperj14