Famille Summerbelle

Bouquet cut out full of colours

I wanted flowers that never fades so I made this cut out bouquet using Caran d'Ache Neocolor Wax Pastels. The flowers were then cut with a scalpel and I used a thin wire at the back to reinforce the paper stem. Have you ever made paper flowers?

Free printable LOVE Pop Up card to make at home!

You loved the first pop up card I had made during the lockdown in 2021 so I am delighted to share with you this new illustrated pop up to make at home and to gift to your loved ones!

Here are the 3 steps to receive your free printable:

A. Sign up to Famille Summerbelle newsletter
 on the home page (a pop up window will appear or you can also sign up at the bottom of the home page)
B. You will receive an email from Famille Summerbelle with the free printable
C. Download and print the .pdf document.

1. Before you start prepare the following items:

- 2 x white A4 size sheets (A4= 21 x 29.7cm) Make sure the paper weight is a minimum of 150 or 200 gsm (if the paper is too light it won't hold the cut out shapes)

- 1 x coloured A4 sheet for the back cover of the card

- A pair of scissors and a scalpel with sharp blades (I use Swann Morton A10 blades)
No need to mention to keep this sharp tool out of reach of children!

- A cutting board if you use the scalpel

- Paper glue

2. Print in colour the 2 illustrated sheets. We will start by folding the main card with the heart:

Fold the A4 sheet in half.
Follow the indication written on the triangle: the dots are to be cut, the straight line, to fold.
Fold in half the sheet (with the illustrated side in front of you)
With scissors cut the two long dotted lines on the bottom of the two large triangles.

3 + 4. Fold the 2 large triangles towards the middle of the sheet. Repeat on both sides, press hard on the fold. Unfold the triangles.

5+6. Cut the small dotted lines of the small triangles and fold as seen on the photo.
Unfold them and open the A4 sheet flat.

7. This is the trickiest part!
Open flat the A4 sheet and then gently close the sheet and pull towards you the folds in the middle of the large triangles and at the same time the small triangles. Press them folded while you close the sheet in half.

You should now open and close the A4 sheet with the large and small triangles opening up in 3 dimensions (see photo)

Open again and do the same with the small triangles. Now, you should be able to open and close the A4 sheet and see the large and small triangles folding on the inside as you close the A4 sheet.

8. Make yourself a nice cup of tea or coffee, it's time to use the other illustrated sheet and start cutting the leaves, flowers and birds.

9+ 10. Once all the illustrations are cut, start to glue the different elements on the folded triangles. Start to glue on the large triangles.
Have fun composing your page with the leaves and flowers as seen on the photo.
Open and close the A4 sheet as you add each elements to make sure they fold nicely together.

11. Once all the elements are glued and dried it's time to make the cover of your card. You can use a coloured A4 sheet and add to the front a fun title or some cut outs. Make sure to only glue the parts that are not folded.

Take your favourite pen and write a message full of love to the person you cherish!

I hope you have enjoyed making your own pop up card :-)

It would make me so happy to see the cards you have made! Please share your creations and link it to Instagram @famillesummerbelle #famillesummerbelle

Or leave me a comment below, i'd love to hear your thoughts about this printable and tutorial.

If it is something you'd like me to do more often, let me know!

Happy Valentine's, Galentine's & Malentine's Day! Or just share your LOVE all year round with this pop up card!

Julie x

Happy New Year! Bonne Année!

New Paper Cut Love

I made this cut out Love Birds inspired by my series of drawings that you can see below. I had made a number of loose drawings on tissue paper as a personal project and I wanted to make a cut out from one of the designs.
I'm happy to present my latest cut out piece named Love Birds!

The new Love Birds paper cut is available as a limited edition on Famille Summerbelle website

New Book! Schooljarenboek

I’m so proud to present the SCHOOLJARENBOEK that I illustrated and made together with my beautiful friend Esther van de Paal along with our fantastic Dutch publisher Snor and talented Studio Fabienne for the book layout!

You will love this book as finally you will be able to keep in one place your child annual school photos and memories from nursery until their final school year!



Each year together with your child, write down key events of their school year, answer the fun questions adapted to each class level and stick their class photos, portraits and drawings.


Colourful stickers are provided to stick their class photos, portraits and drawings.

You can purchase the Schooljarenboek here (In Dutch language for now!)

Esther van de Paal, concept and author and I! This is the second book we collaborated on. It is always so much fun to work together with our Dutch publisher Snor on project like these.
Our previous book Vriedenboek (Friends book) is still a best seller in the Netherlands!

New! Illustrated Advent Calendar

Hi! Do you remember the illustrated advent calendar I made for my children last December? Well, after your many enthusiastic feedbacks I am happy to offer you a new version to customise at home!

In each box you will find 24 illustrated paper pockets, 24 wooden pegs and a long jute string. All you have to do is fill these pouches with sweet treats and little surprises to the delight of your children!

This do-it-yourself box is available in limited quantities so don't delay ordering it on Famille Summerbelle website.

The countdown to Christmas will begin soon!

New! Tokyo Map Paper Cut

As the Olympic Games begin today in Tokyo, I am pleased to introduce you to this wonderful city through my cut-out illustrations!

On my last trip to Tokyo I had in mind to design a map of it on my return. On the spot I made many sketches of people walking in the street like a group of school kids wearing their randoseru bags or landmark buildings such as the Asakusa temple or some of the typical Tokyo houses with plants in pots growing on the front.
I also took lots of photos of the city, people crossing the famous pedestrian pathway or a young man listening to music while waiting for a friend by the Hachikō statue at Shibuya station.

The idea was to come back at my studio with lots of visual references. I needed to capture the many contrasts of this vibrant capital to create this intricate cut out map of one of my favourite city.

I invite you to view a short video of the making of the map of Tokyo by clicking here.

The paper cut map of Tokyo is available in 2 colours: black and deep blue.
It is laser cut from an original paper cut map.
The map measures 42cm x 56cm and is sold unframed.

Visual Magazine, Spain

What an honour to be featured in 3 double spreads (!!) in the beautiful Spanish graphic design magazine Visual. Thank you Eduardo Bravo for the interview!

Paper Cut Spring Wreath

I made this wreath of flowers during the first long lockdown.

I was lucky to be able to spend time in my garden where I would see beautiful blooming flowers such as magnolia, daisies, clematis and sunflowers.

I created the first wreath cutting a thin sheet of paper by hand with a scalpel. This version is a laser cut created from that intricate original paper cut.

Colour: Green
Size: 26,5 x 26,5 cm
Laser Cut from 240gsm paper

Available at Famille Summerbelle exclusively!

Valentine's Day Pop Up Card - DIY!

Since most of us are in lockdown and cannot hug our dearest friends and family, I thought it would be nice to make something for them to show our appreciation and love.

I illustrated this pop up card for you to print and make at home. It’s a fun activity to make in the evening (instead of watching Netflix!) or during the day with your children.
I made a card with my son Téo (aged 5) and we sent it to his grandmother. She has already received it and I can’t tell you how happy she was to receive this colourful pop up card in the mail!

To receive your free download, you just need to sign up to our newsletter on Famille Summerbelle homepage. A pop up window will appear for you to sign in. You can also sign in to our newsletter on the bottom of our homepage.
Not only you will receive this free printable in your inbox, but also a 10% off discount code to use on your first Famille Summerbelle purchase!

A video tutorial is also available in Stories of our Instagram @famillesummerbelle

A. Sign up to our newsletter
B. Check your email
C. Download and print the .pdf document. It includes 3 pages: one with the colourful illustrations to cut, two with triangles to cut and fold.

To start you will need:

- 2 x white A4 sheets. Make sure the paper weight is a minimum of 120 gsm (I recommend 150gsm)
- 1 x coloured A4 sheet for the card cover
- A pair of scissors and/or a scalpel with sharp blades (recommended)
- A cutting board if you will cut the illustrations with a scalpel
- Glue

1. Print the documents. We will start by folding the pop up card with the triangles:
Fold the A4 sheet in half, with scissors cut the two long dotted lines on the bottom of the two large triangles.

2.As seen on the photo, fold the large triangles towards the middle of the sheet. Repeat on both sides, press hard on the fold. Unfold the triangles.

3.Open the A4 sheet and pull towards you from the middle of the bottom of the large triangles. Leave them folded on the inside of the sheet.

4.Cut the small dotted lines of the small triangles and fold as seen on the photo.
Unfold them and open the A4 sheet flat.

5. This is the trickiest part! Gently close the A4 sheet and pull towards you the folds in the middle of the large triangles and at the same time of the small triangles. Press them folded while your close the A4 sheet.
You should now open and close the A4 sheet with the large and small triangles opening up in 3 dimensions!
Leave on the side while we are cutting the illustrations.
Open again and do the same with the small triangles. Now, you should be able to open and close the A4 sheet and see the large and small triangles folding on the inside as you close the A4 sheet

6. Make yourself a nice cup of tea or coffee, grab a sharp scalpel or scissors and start cutting the leaves, flowers and bird. Little ones will need help cutting these shapes!

7.Once all the illustrations are cut, start to glue the different parts on the folds.
You can glue the word LOVE on the top triangle.
Have fun composing your page with the leaves and flowers.
Open and close the A4 sheet as you add each elements to make sure they fold nicely together.

8.

9.Once all the flowers and leaves are glued and dried it's time to make the cover of your card. You can use a coloured A4 sheet and add to the front a fun title or some cut outs. Make sure to only glue the parts that are not folded.

10.Now choose a pretty envelop and send it to someone that you haven't seen for a while to show them your love and how much you miss them!

I hope you have enjoyed making your pop up card!
It would make me so happy to see your cards. Please share your creations on Instagram @famillesummerbelle #famillesummerbelle
Or leave me a comment below, i'd love to hear your thoughts about this printable and tutorial.
If it is something you'd like me to do more often, let me know!

Happy Valentines and Galentines!

Julie x

Valentine's Day Illustrations for The House That Lars Built

I am so happy about this latest collaboration designing for The House That Lars Built.
Last year I designed for them three large painted flowers cut outs that you can print yourself or have them framed on their Print Shop.
This year I really enjoyed designing three cards and a home cookie box for Valentine's Day. Numerous international illustrators have also designed beautiful printable for this occasion. Have a look at the variety of great work available for you to download on The House That Lars Built Shop!

Foldable Valentine Cookie Box House:

Arlos Cookies baked these stunning cookies inspired by my illustrations. Look at the details on the little house, the hearts! I love them all!!

"My Home is Your Home Valentine" card printable:

"I'm Lucky to Know You" Card:

"Heart Tile Valentine Cards"

HAPPY 2021

I would like to wish you a very HAPPY NEW YEAR! Let's make it creative, colourful!
May it brings us all the things and connections we missed this past year.
I'm sending virtual hugs to each one of you who has been so supportive this past year!
Julie x

Illustrated Advent Calendar

24 illustrated pockets filled with chocolates and sweet words!

It was super fun to make, I printed my illustrations on A4 sheets of paper that I sewed to make little pouches. I know 3 children who will be very happy to see the calendar up on the wall when they come back from school!

A little present for you

As a thank you for all your support this year, I made this little Christmas wreath. I will add one to your order (but hurry, it's a limited edition!)

New! Paper Cut Family Tree

The holidays are coming up fast, and I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate than by presenting you with my new Paper Cut Family Tree!

Inspired by Scandinavian folk art, this piece features a delicate cut-out of a tree with leaves, flowers and familiar friendly animals.

It comes with 16 openings for your favorite photos of your children and other relatives or friends that you consider family.

If you are looking for a special gift for your mum, then this it!

The Family Tree is available in this stunning Deep Blue with a back print to insert your favourite photos:

The back print comes with guides for placing your photos. Each window measures 3,5 x 4,5cm



The Family Tree is available in this beautiful Forest Green colour:

A guide is included to help you measure and cut your photos to the right size fit into the appropriate windows on the back print.

Make sure to place your Christmas orders soon to avoid postal delays!

Drawings on windows

Have you ever tried drawing on windows? I encourage you as I find it very pleasurable!
When I was in Tokyo in 2019, I was lucky to illustrate a large drawing on the windows at the Galerie Doux Dimanche and another one on the wide windows of the Bonton shop in Takashimaya department store in Shinbuya.

In my studio, I am very lucky to have natural light thanks to these large windows. I had fun drawing directly on the glass with a large Posca. It is a water-based paint marker that washes off easily with hot water and a sponge.
If you want to try it on at home, remember to draw the design from inside otherwise it may fade in the rain!

City Maps Cut Outs New Colour GREEN

Green is our new added colour to our paper cut City maps! Also available in black, deep blue, pink and gold.

New! Spring paper cut collection

Small Bouquet paper cut:

L'Envolée paper cut:

Japanese pot in blue:

Flowers & Folk Pot:

Receive a free paper cut and 15% off on your next order!

How are you?

I hope you and your loved ones are safe and staying healthy during these challenging times.

I wanted to let you know that our online store remains open and you can continue to place orders.

We can immediately ship to the following countries:
Germany, UK, Ireland, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg,Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and Finland.

You can still place orders to be shipped in countries not listed above and they will be shipped once the postal services resume.

***

As a thank you for your understanding and for your patience we would like to offer you 15% off your next purchase with the code STAYHOME to use at checkout.

The offer will remain valid until 15th April.

We will also include this new HOME paper cut for FREE with your next purchase!

Look after yourself and thanks so much for your support 💚

A mobile for a friend

This morning Téo (aged 5) made a drawing for his friend Finn and wrote 'I miss you' and 'I love you'. It was a nice way to keep in touch with his friend after being away from school for 3 weeks due to the confinement. This new situation has proven to be challenging for children, like us they really miss the interaction with their friends!

The drawings of robots Téo made inspired us to turn it into a fun mobile to hang in his bedroom! This was a fun activity to do this morning while his brother and his sister where doing their homeschooling.

I hope this will inspire you to make something similar with your child. A drawing made by your child is a good place to start! It's great to make something to hang in the bedroom and even better if it reminds you of a dear friend!

For materials we used what we had available in the house like an empty cereal box as it is not too thick for cutting nor too thin to hold the paints. We had some paints (but Téo ended up using watercolour crayons), scissors, a pencil and newspapers (for protecting the table). Téo painted a layer of Gesso acrylic primer as a base but if you don't have some just use white paint as a base.

I invite you to follow the step by step photos and improve it to make it your own project! Téo and I would love to see what you will make so please send us a photo via Instagram and tag @famillesummerbelle

Have fun and more importantly look after yourselves!