All Things Paper

Tying Bonds Across Borders: The Ethereal Mizuhiki Art of Yuinobi

2026-04-14T10:30:00.002-04:00

Recently, a paper-friend in Germany alerted me to a beautiful online site, Yuinobi, which features the Mizuhiki creations of Japanese artist Miho Muto. I knew immediately that I wanted to share her elegant work with you, so I wrote to Miho and invited her to be featured in the Artist Spotlight series. She graciously responded with thoughtful answers to my questions. Enjoy!

Dimensional Card Making Meets Modern Tech: Simulated Embossing

2026-03-31T10:03:00.009-04:00

A warm welcome back to Laura Shirley, whose first guest post and papercraft project here on the All Things Paper blog was the beautiful Moroccan Lantern. In her latest tutorial, Laura shares her "Simulated Embossing" technique—a way to achieve that luxury, old-world tactile feel using your modern electronic cutting machine. With precision-cut layers, you create deep shadows and a substantial boutique feel.

Simulated Embossing: Luxury Textures with Layers

Hello! It is such a joy to be back with the All Things Paper community.

I’ve often felt I was born a hundred years late, and perhaps you can relate. For years, I have been captivated by the elegance of antique craft styles and design. I’m Laura, the founder of Bella Carta Design, and my journey began with a simple, lifelong love affair with paper.

Drawing from my professional background in art and publishing, I’ve spent years translating a timeless, nostalgic aesthetic into modern cut and engineered paper designs. And I’m so excited to see an old-world aesthetic, like embossed paper, coming back!

Mr. and Mrs. Layered SVG Card for Cutting Machines

The Architect of Paper: A Spotlight on Christina Lihan

2026-03-25T13:09:00.002-04:00

This past holiday season I visited friends and family in Florida where I was lucky enough to see an exquisite art piece created by today's featured artist, Christina Lihan of Fort Lauderdale. Because her paper cut sculptures are truly remarkable - she describes them as being about light and shadow, texture and detail - I knew immediately she would be a great fit for the Artist Spotlight series.

An assemblage at The Londoner Hotel, London

A Dozen New Reasons to Love Paper: Spring 2026 Book Round-Up

2026-03-03T09:15:00.017-05:00

New books! I've rounded up twelve newly released and upcoming paper art and craft titles that look nothing but enticing. As per usual, paper flowers are popular with makers, and there are three such books included. The same goes for paper folding and origami, with four titles to explore. I've also included a stunning jewelry compendium, two that teach bookbinding, and two expanded versions of the popular international magazine Flow - one for adults plus an earlier one for children.

Sculpting the Sheets: How London Artist Nathan Ward Redefines Paper Art

2026-02-17T13:07:00.001-05:00

Enjoy a look at the range of diverse figures and installations that London paper artist Nathan Ward is creating. In the handful of years since completing studies in Art and Design and his BA in Illustration Animation, Nathan has garnered a strong reputation for producing eye-catching displays for a number of high profile clients... Google, Victoria & Albert Museum, and Hermès, to name just a few.

Elevated Scraps: Sophisticated Paper Maché for the Modern Home

2026-02-04T09:34:00.008-05:00

You might be wondering, "How can paper maché possibly be considered refined when it's an activity that children enjoy in elementary school and summer camp?" Let's agree that it's usually considered a craft form from which not a lot is expected.

But prepare to have your mind changed! These sophisticated paper maché accents prove that with a bit of vision, recycled pulp can be transformed into high-end home decor.

The Magic of the Warp and Weft: A "Weaving with Paper" Book Review & Giveaway

2026-01-20T09:46:00.008-05:00

Ready to try your hand at a new-to-you paper crafting technique? You just might love paper weaving! Helen Hiebert's most recent book, Weaving with Paper, provides loads of inspiring ways to repurpose a variety of papers.

Junk mail, wrapping paper scraps, holiday cards, outdated calendars, old atlas pages and road maps are all fair game. Or perhaps now is the time to cut into those specialty papers that you put aside for a 'someday' project.

Handmade and Heartfelt: Paper Treasures of 2025

2026-01-06T12:15:00.039-05:00

And just like that, another year begins. But before we completely turn our backs on 2025, I'm staying true to my annual tradition of highlighting the (mostly) handcrafted things I both gave and received during the holidays - along with a few items of interest from earlier in the year - all of which are made of paper.

Weaving Holiday Magic: DIY Shimmering Paper Wreaths

2025-12-16T11:32:00.029-05:00

Each Christmas season, it's become a personal tradition to make a new-to-me paper ornament to share on the blog. I do this to challenge myself, but also to shine a light on the many ways paper can be used to create holiday decorations that are pretty enough to rival store-bought ones.

Yes, we had an early snowfall this year!

Deck the Halls with Paper: 12 Artistic Handmade Ornaments

2025-12-09T09:30:00.021-05:00

From classic folded stars to intricate 3D creations, paper ornaments offer a nostalgic, budget-friendly way to add unique texture and tradition to your festive decor. I've rounded up a dozen examples found in creative Etsy shops... some are ready to hang, while others will need your help with printing and assembly.

Cheedeegifts

These red and white quilled ornaments, each with a pretty pearl center, made by Cherry Ann of Chedeegifts in Virginia are surefire attention-getters - so vibrant and quite large as each measures three inches in diameter. She offers them in other color combinations as well.

FroebelMint

Recently, I ordered metallic paper strips from Frances Jane of FroebelMint to make ornaments that will be appearing on the blog next week (if I find success). The strips alone are enticing, but the shop also offers ready-made folded paper star ornaments and tree toppers in an array of solid colors and patterns.

The rich colors of these Shimmer Mix stars are luxurious!

xoFetti

These festive honeycomb paper ornaments come as a set of six from Kait of xoFetti in Philadelphia, a shop that lists more than 1000 items! They feature a magnetic closure, can be stored flat year after year, and are currently 25% off. Choose red/pink or blue/green. They'll arrive gift-ready and delivery is free.

LaurenFaulkenberry

Printmaker Lauren of shop LaurenFaulkenberry in Iowa offers lots of lovely items in her shop, but for this post I'll stick to the topic and show you a set of four cute paper bird ornaments that she illustrated to look like a woodcut design. It is an instant download. Lauren suggests you might enjoy coloring the birds as she did with the blue one.

ESethCollectibles

For vibrant color lovers! At first I thought these paper mache ornaments were decoupaged, but no, they're hand painted and can be found in the shop, ESethCollectibles. Owner Hemant Kumar Seth sources them from skilled artisans in the Kashmir Valley of India. The 2-inch balls ship from New Jersey.

ThePaperHeartDesign

Vihra of ThePaperHeartDesign in Bulgaria offers a number of digital downloads of paper ornaments that you'll print on white copy paper, and then use a cutting machine or cut by hand. For instance, these pretty vintage style examples. Bonus: the file includes a garland. You'll also receive easy-to-follow assembly instructions along with clear photos.

I love what Vihra says about making at this time of year, "Creating Christmas decorations by hand is more than just crafting - it’s a way to slow down, build beautiful memories and - also - gently improve our fine motor skills."

PapuanLass

Wendy Talené of PapuanLass in Washington makes special miniature book ornaments. Each one is unique and measures just a few inches tall. They are sweet replicas of actual books, feature some of the text, and can be personalized, if you wish.

Chocoholics would love the example shown above, especially if you double it as a gift topper on top of a box of the real thing!

[Uh-oh, Wendy just closed the shop for the season, but you can request to be alerted when it reopens... after all, books are a good gift no matter the time of year.]

MaisyandAlice

I love the embossing on these recycled card snowflakes along with the fact that the segments are stitched together. They're from shop MaisyandAlice in York, UK. which delivers to the U.S. You'll be able to hang them on the tree year after year as they can be stored flat... in fact, they will arrive that way.

TheEnchantedPage

Book lovers, here's another idea for you. Literary ornaments made by Hermione of TheEnchantedPage (dispatched from Oklahoma) have a paper mache base onto which she decoupages decorative papers and text from well-loved book pages. Each is finished with beads and ribbon.

MakamoCreations

'Tis the season of shine, so make a quick batch of these foil cardstock retro tree ornaments by Roma of MakamoCreations. While they are designed to be used with a cutting machine, the downloadable templates are simple enough to cut by hand.

I checked with Roma as to whether this foil cardstock at Michael's would work well for the ornaments and she replied, yes, that 65 lb is ideal. I also found this poinsettia set on Etsy, as well as gold... both are from the same manufacturer as the Michael's brand.

MargoHome

Gosia of MargoHome in Rugby, UK designs and assembles intricate laser cut star ornaments - your choice of kraft brown or white paper in small and large sizes. Reviewers appreciate them, as this statement attests: "Exceptionally pretty and surprisingly sturdy decoration perfect for the season."

kissadesign

Last, but far from least, Kathleen of kissadesign in Michigan creates stunning showstoppers... i.e. Polish star ornaments made from a selection of pretty papers. (Did you know they're also called hedgehog ornaments?) But Kathleen sticks to the apropos name Candy Cane Ornament for this shiny red and white beauty.

In need of a glamorous topper for your tree? She makes star ornaments in a range of sizes. Free delivery too.

Deck the halls with heartfelt charm using simple paper!

Wrap Your Holidays in Joy with MASU's Eco-Friendly Collection

2025-11-25T09:32:00.002-05:00

Vibrant, American-Made Gift Wrap for the Holiday Season

In the spring of last year, I featured MASU, a unique gift wrap and card small business owned by surface designer Libby Hampel. Why is MASU unique? Because Libby settles for nothing but the best when it comes to creating her line of environmentally-conscious, high-quality paper items that are produced by companies that share her ecological concerns.

Wow-Worthy Paper Jewelry by 9 Etsy Designers

2025-11-11T14:01:00.023-05:00

I always feel a rush of excitement when researching (i.e. window shopping) exceptional paper jewelry for a Holiday Wishlist round up. Etsy's creative artisans are full of surprises, so I know I'll come across pieces that are special indeed. This time was no exception... I found new-to-me shops, longtime favorites, and unique, yet wearable designs.

Verde Alfieri Jewel Design

The Exquisite Paper Art of the Quilling Card Company

2025-10-28T08:00:00.022-04:00

Are you familiar with the Quilling Card company? Its lovely greeting cards, framed art, and ornaments are perfectly crafted by highly skilled artisans. The precise paper rolling and folding techniques they use are often paired with printed watercolor backgrounds that add depth and beauty to the designs.

Wild Turkey

"The Kew Book of Paper Gardens" by Fideli Sundqvist: A Review

2025-10-14T09:21:00.006-04:00

The Kew Book of Paper Gardens is a wonderfully creative book by paper artist Fideli Sundqvist that features no less than fifty enticing botanical paper projects. Originally published in Swedish, at last it is available in English.

Painting with Paper: Inside Yulia Brodskaya's Online Course

2025-09-30T10:09:00.012-04:00

As an ardent admirer of paper art created by Yulia Brodskaya, as I know many of you are, I was curious to learn more about her unique method of creating paper 'brushstrokes' via her user-friendly online course, Painting with Paper Foundations.

Celebrating Life's Small Moments in Paper: Ana Papercut

2025-09-16T10:00:00.011-04:00

Today we'll meet Ana Teresa Fernandes, the Portuguese paper artist and graphic designer behind the brand Ana Papercut. Many of her detailed designs capture small moments that depict childhood joy.

Quillwaukee Designs: The Nature-Inspired Quilling of Autumn Petri

2025-09-02T10:00:00.004-04:00

I can't resist featuring each and every quilling artist I come across whose fresh designs capture my attention, usually on Instagram (what would I do without Instagram?!). Autumn Petri is one such person, and because here we are at the unofficial start of autumn, it's only fitting that she is in the Artist Spotlight today.

Meet the Mother-Daughter Team Behind Easy Quilling Paper

2025-08-19T09:34:00.010-04:00

Interest in the creative and relaxing paper craft of quilling has surged in recent years. With so many folks searching online for paper strips and tools, it's exciting when a new quilling supply company arrives on the scene.

Meet the Artist: Judi Cook's Fantastical Paper Shoes

2025-08-05T08:31:00.009-04:00

What a fascinating career British shoe designer Judi Cook has had! I was delighted when she agreed to be featured here on All Things Paper after her incredible work caught my eye on Instagram.

Jungle

From Economics to Etsy: An Interview with Quilling Artist Tam Tran

2025-07-22T09:45:00.007-04:00

I first introduced you to the paper art of Tam Tran in a recent post about stylish origami home decor in which her coi fish framed art was featured. Tam is also an incredible quiller... not only is her work perfectly executed with elegant lines, but the designs are imaginative too.

I invited Tran to tell us about herself because it's always fun to hear how others have come to love working with paper. I think you'll find her story as inspiring as I do.

10 Fun Paper Craft Kits to Beat Summer Boredom

2025-07-08T13:00:00.011-04:00

With long, sultry days of summer stretching ahead for school-age kids, it's helpful to have a few paper crafting ideas ready to pull out on short notice. Kits are ideal for developing new interests and teaching skills, not to mention the best ones ease frustration by providing the necessary supplies.

Whether you're a mom, grandmom, nanny or sitter, enjoy this selection of appealing paper craft kits that I've rounded up from a number of sites.

1. Floral Llama Garland Kit

Folded Paper Decor That's Anything But Flat

2025-06-24T10:02:00.007-04:00

While my husband and I were babysitting for our grandson this past weekend, an origami lamp from Studio Snowpuppe that we gave to our son and daughter-in-law a decade or so ago caught my eye. It hangs in their foyer and looks as chic today as it did when it was brand new. Thus, the impetus for a post about origami home decor was born... I do love a virtual shopping experience!

A quick click over to Etsy and soon I had a link list of handmade origami items that fulfilled my requirements of stylish and practical (and if a bit of whimsy is involved, that's fine too).

Meet the Artist: The Incredibly Detailed Quilling of Shelly Krzyzewski

2025-06-10T09:02:00.002-04:00

Living in the online world as much as I do, at least when it comes to looking at paper art, it's easy to forget that real life is going on outside the world wide web. However, many people choose to not spend their time on social media looking at (and likely being influenced by) the work of others, but instead are focusing on what appeals most to them when it comes to creativity. A fine example would be paper quilling artist Shelly Krzyzewski in South Bend, Indiana.

Quill a Beautiful Hummingbird: Free Project from "Modern Quilling"!

2025-06-03T11:02:00.013-04:00

A recent post featured Jessica Janiak's brand new quilling book, Modern Quilling. The publisher, Search Press, has allowed me to feature a complete project from its pages to give quillers a taste of what they will be able to achieve by following Jess's clearly written instructions and step-by-step photographs.

I chose the appealing cover model - a vivid hummingbird - as the tutorial to share with you because 'tis the season... tiny, but magnificent hummers have arrived in Delaware for the summer months. I love watching them dart about and sip sugar water at a feeder in my backyard.

Beyond the Mainstream: Stunning Modern Paper Jewelry Finds

2025-05-27T12:00:00.005-04:00

A fallback topic for a post on this blog is almost always paper jewelry. Why? Because as an inveterate window shopper, I love the ease of researching the world via Google images, and because readers seem to enjoy the surprise that paper jewelry offers as much as I do.

Have a look at this latest round up of handcrafted paper jewelry. The half dozen makers create contemporary art jewelry... the kind that is not at all mainstream, yet is clearly admired by others.