Susan Schneider crafts home goods using an old technique that prints a marble-like design on paper, fabric, leather, and other surfaces. The delicate process of paper marbling creates, according to Schneider’s motto, “things that make you smile.” From paper marbled lampshades and leather designs to furniture accessories made from precious gems, Schneider’s earthy, colorful products have resonated with clients and designers alike, and her work has been featured in publications including House Beautiful and the New York Times. This week’s Maker Monday is the head and heart of studio Shandell’s, Susan Schneider.
Schneider departs from paper marbling in the fashioning of finials from fossils, amethyst, and other gems, grounding the lamp accessory on antique brass.
Andrew Joseph: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
Susan Schneider: Color and lots of it. Hope to see the days of gray on gray go away. There are plenty of rooms that it is okay, but life is a garden of color – it needs to be used. I am a color gal, love it everywhere.
AJ: What are three words to describe where you live?
SS: Mayberry, serenity, joy.
Shandell’s belts are created from vegetable-tanned leather inscribed with marbled or double marbled paper designs.
AJ: Are you a pet person? Why either way? Dogs or cats?
SS: I am a dog person, I have had cats growing up as well as had some, but true to my heart, my life is not complete without a dog(s). I would prefer ten, but two is my limit right now. Their souls are pure, their love is unconditional, they were put on this earth to give us joy.
AJ: If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?
SS: I would sit on my couch with one of my new books with my dogs & enjoy reading.
Schneider’s primary passion at Shandell’s is custom, marble paper lampshades.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
SS: Go to art school.
About The Maker | My name is Susan Schneider, and I’m an artist who works in paper, leather and fabric, transforming them into lampshades, home goods and wearable art. Shandell’s is where I create exciting, original solutions that bring delight to everyday living.
My particular specialty is custom lampshades, which I began making more than 20 years ago for my own and my customers’ antique and contemporary lamps. You can read about my collaborations with leading designers in House Beautiful, Country Living, Victoria and the New York Times.
I offer my designs online and at my studio in Ashley Falls, Massachusetts, and collaborate with customers on custom projects large and small, from lighting solutions to custom papers for wallpapers, weddings, events, and gifts.
I’m passionate about the ancient art of paper marbling, and host Sunday workshops in my studio in the Berkshires so that you, too, can explore the beauty of color and pattern. Come visit me on Instagram, online or at my studio in Ashley Falls and book a workshop and find things that make you smile.
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