This photo is a scene from the Fern Floor at nearby Longwood Gardens in southeastern Pennslylvania. I haven't had a chance to visit the holiday display this season, but would especially love to see these massive ribbon coils that flow so gracefully from the enormous tree.


Via the Longwood blog post, Tale of Three Ribbons, I read that they were constructed by bending poplar and mahogany wood, and then were covered on all sides with gilded, textured wallpaper... you knew I'd work paper into the post somewhere. :) The fabric and materials-covered red, silver, and gold ornaments are actually exercise balls.
I wish you a wonderful, festive season and thank you
for returning again and again to read this blog.
My enthusiasm for all that can be done with paper never wanes!

January 2020: Updates via the latest issue of the All Things Paper newsletter.
(You may view it whether or not you are a subscriber.)


All Things Paper is an AWIN (Etsy) affiliate.

"Tis the season of giving and oh boy, do I have gifts for you, courtesy of Heather Eddy Art! If you've ever wanted to create folded book sculptures, click on the links below to be taken to four tutorials. Until a few years ago, Heather sold these same instructions via Etsy, but due to a full-time job as a librarian, part-time teaching, family obligations, etc., the shop had to go by the wayside. Now she is generously making her hard work available to all in the spirit of paying it forward, and asked me to help spread the news.


I don't recall where we first met in the world of paper, but it was most likely via commenting on one another's blog posts. Shortly after that, I featured the cleverly worded paper bead jewelry she was making at the time. Heather, who has a BFA in watercolor, is always full of fresh ideas and enjoys sharing them. For example, she recently blogged about experimenting with Liquid Graphite, while creating one of her remarkable tiny house paintings.…

Each time I send out the All Things Paper newsletter, I include a reader's tip about a process, tool, or material they've discovered that works especially well. Melissa Schnaible, a book binder and quiller in Ohio, let me know about about her convenient method of storing cutting machine dies. I asked her to elaborate on it here, but since this is the season of gifting, before we get to Melissa's how-to, I'd like to guide you to the perfectly hand bound, reasonably priced books and framed quilling that she creates for her shop, Pendant Paper.


Journals, sketchbooks, and miniature books are things that people might not consider buying for themselves, yet would appreciate receiving. Having ordered one of Melissa's book to give this Christmas, I can assure you that as lovely as her photos are, the books are even prettier in person. For example, the cover of this red and gold journal practically glows. It is covered with recycled cotton paper from India in a screen-prin…

From paper artist Helen Hiebert, here's a gift idea for those on your holiday list (yourself included :)) who would enjoy making a very cool paper craft project each month. The Paper Year is not only a how-to book, but also a calendar and planner... a crafting trifecta!

In Helen's own words: The Paper Year is a creative project planner featuring 12 paper projects + an optional custom paper pack with everything you need to create the projects. This makes a great gift, and you'll receive discounts on multiples. Who wouldn't like a fun gift?

Paper Year Trailer from Helen Hiebert on Vimeo.

Learn to make clever paper lanterns,handmade paper, and special cards using origami, pop-up construction, paper weaving, and more. Along with easy-to-follow instructions and photos, there is a list of materials and tools needed to complete each project (the majority of which you already have on hand), plus templates and a monthly planner page where you can jot down notes and paste …

Let the festive season begin! I have such admiration for the perfectly folded, modern paper earrings and necklaces that jewelry designer/origami artist Renata Mayumi Fukuda creates, and have enjoyed gifting her work to delighted friends and relatives. This week Renata is offering the chance to win a pair of Mosaic Earrings of your choice from Etsy shop, Mayumi Origami [giveaway has ended].


No matter how eye-catching these photos are, I can assure you that seeing the pieces in person is even more wonderful. Remarkably lightweight, the designs are delicate, yet durable. All are made with Japanese handmade paper, known for its inherent strength, along with chic, nickel-free findings composed of 24K gold plated brass or rhodium plated brass. Some designs are also available in 24K gold plated 925 silver or 925 silver.


Renata protects the handmade chiogami paper with a water resistant coating, yet it still looks like the natural material it is, not shiny plastic. Admirers will find themsel…

Have you admired the beautiful art of paper cutting and felt your fingers itching to give it a try? Here is your chance to put knife to paper! Joone Creative, a cutting edge (ha, pun) startup in Chicago that works directly with artists to collate exceptional kits, is introducing their newest one, Paper Cutting Foundations, via a giveaway [now closed] for All Things Paper readers.


If you haven't heard of Joone, I encourage you to click over to meet co-owners Whitney and Lauren, and read about the company's commendable mission. The industrious duo works hard to create carefully curated kits that contain appealing projects, the finest supplies, and clear instructions.

In addition to paper cutting, there are exceptional kits for paper embroidery, macramé jewelry, terracotta clayware, and fabric stamping. I'm already excited to see what's ahead for Joone in 2020!


The paper cutting kit, with eye-catching designs by artist Alisa Blundon, will steer you step-by-step through t…

If you're looking for a simple, yet stylish paper craft to make this holiday season, let me show you how to create modern quilled snowflakes. Hang them on the tree, in a window, or dress up a package... a little gift on a gift! If you prefer, turn a paper snowflake into seasonal wearable art by adding a jump ring and necklace chain.


Just like in nature, none of these snowflakes are exactly alike. And guess what... all were made with combinations of the same five basic quilled coils - ring, marquise (eye shape), diamond, tight coil, and oval tight coil.


This tutorial is specifically for the small snowflake shown above (diameter is 1 5/8 inches or 4.13cm), however, instructions are included so you will be able to make all of the designs in the top photo by referring to it for the number and placement of coils. These small snowflakes were made with shiny silver and gold edge quilling strips that are so convincingly metallic, they're ideal for creating jewelry.


There is no need t…