TO BECOME THE PREMIER INSTITUTE FOR PRODUCING

HIGHLY QUALIFIED ARTISTS AND TEACHERS FOR THE PAPER TOLE INDUSTRY

Dee Overduin, a 20-year veteran of the paper tole business, founded the Paper Tole Institute. Ms Overduin’s qualifications included an accounting degree and a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

She wrote articles about paper tole and authored of two popular instruction books about paper tole as a hobby and as a business. Her workshop of feathering was featured on the Carol Duvall show. She spoke at numerous service clubs and social functions both in Canada and he United States.

Ms. Overduin taught several courses on how to start a small business at the community college level. Over the past 20 years she successfully started and sold two paper tole businesses and devoted much of her time to the development and growth of the Paper Tole Institute.

Through the Paper Tole Institute she hoped to enhance and raise the level of craftsmanship found in today’s paper tole. Ms. Overduin is active in the National Guild of Decoupeurs and has been its executive direct.

After years of research and in conjunction with a number of experienced paper tolers, the Institute has developed a set of standards for paper tole. These standards are used in judging the paper tole for teacher certification.

Ms. Overduin’s vision has been carried on and nurtured by the two presidents who have followed her. Ms Marit Gabler of Norway was President of the Paper Tole Institute for two years. During that time she helped to grow and further the goals and standards of the Institute as established by Ms. Overduin.

In 2009, Ms. Nona Church purchased the Institute and became its President. She is currently growing and nurturing the vision of the Institute. She is revamping the website, planning further exhibits and seminars, encouraging new artists, and seeking input from other paper tolers.

Our Mission Statement

The PAPER TOLE INSTITUTE has been formed to:

• Raise public awareness and appreciation of the artistry involved in Paper Tole;
• Create and promote learning experiences and opportunities for artists and teachers;
• Promote a commitment to excellence;
• Advocate the highest standards of craftsmanship;
• Create a pool of qualified teachers and artists who practice and promote high standards in Paper Tole; and
• Promote and industry where the paper tole artist is respected and appreciated.

The PATH TO GET THERE REQUIRES:

• Providing members with the tools to become more accomplished paper tolers;
• Providing information to members through a quarterly newsletter;
• Offering three different levels of membership to fit the requirements of tolers and teachers;
• Offering a Teacher Certification Program;
• Offering technique seminars; and
• Offering business seminars.