Leah Nikolaou in Somerset, England describes her decidedly feminine paper embroidery art pieces as "a fusion of vintage interests." In 2018, after working in media for a dozen years, she began collecting flowers on walks with her toddler daughter to preserve in a toy flower press. This brought back memories of the joy she had felt as a child doing the same activity. Around the same time, she took up embroidery, another earlier pursuit.    

Here's a very nice idea for decking the halls this holiday season... creator and author Robert P. Kelley messaged me to introduce his three new books that feature cut paper snowflake templates. Before you think, "I already know how to do that", let me say he has fine-tuned the process so children as young as three will be thrilled with the results of their handiwork. And by the same token, snowflake cutting can be just as satisfying at age 103!

I'm excited to feature a new book that makes origami simple... wait, that's actually the title in reverse! When Simple Origami was introduced to me by the Director of Marketing and Publicity at Search Press North America, I learned it was originally published in French by Adeline Klam , the owner of a gorgeous paper store in Paris. Adeline has conducted paper crafting courses for years and is known around the world for her paper creations and the decorative papers she sells.  

I'm the first to admit that when it comes to holiday cards, I'm pretty choosy. Because I'm in touch with friends and family throughout the year thanks to social media and email, my list is quite short... and for this reason I'm okay with spending a little more on the few cards I do buy rather than grabbing just anything at my local discount store come mid-December.   While I was looking for a unique card to send this year, I narrowed down my choices and then had the thought, why not share them with you too? Perhaps all my clicking around on Etsy will save you a bit of time in the busiest season of the year.     

Tania Póo in California has been working as a paper sculptor artist, most often creating natural life forms, for the past ten years. Her vibrant sculptures can't help but attract attention and are currently on display in a solo exhibit titled EXTRA+ORDINARY PAPER at the Gallery of the Consulate General of México in Los Ángeles.    Note: For those with a fear of snakes, the post contains several reptile images.  

Perhaps you might recall Joone, creator of high quality craft kits, as I featured the small business a few times here on All Things Paper. Its paper stitching, paper collage, and paper cutting kits were fresh and appealing, and I was sorry when the company closed.   Lauren Venell, one of Joone's original owners, recently contacted me to say she has founded Maydel (rhymes with ladle), a new needlework supply company in Chicago that pairs ethically sourced supplies with inspiring projects from around the world. It focuses on crafts that are frequently overlooked in mainstream needlework, including paper embroidery, and it offers an innovative business model.   Geometric Pinecone paper embroidery by Mayuka Fiber Art   Wanting to learn more about what sets the company apart (there are major differences), I invited Lauren to introduce herself and Maydel: First off, tell us about your connection to needlework and especially to paper stitching.   I've always had a love for craft