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

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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.

 

A hand holds up an intricate quilled sea turtle. The turtle's shell is open, revealing a vibrant, 3D coral reef scene inside with seaweed, tiny fish, and a jellyfish. 

 

My name is Tam. I was born in Vietnam and have loved paper ever since I was a child. Like many kids there, I used to fold origami figures with friends. Origami is quite popular in Vietnam. 

 

 

The word 'HOME' created from colorful quilled paper in orange, green, blue, and purple. The letters are sheltered under a curved line representing a roof, with a red quilled heart floating above.

 

It wasn’t until 2005 that I discovered quilling. I received a small handmade birthday card with two tiny birds that, while simple, left a deep impression on me. That was the very first time I heard the word "quilling."

 
A black shadow box depicting a celestial scene. A large, quilled whale swims through a purple and blue nebula filled with tiny, colorful quilled planets, including a prominent Saturn.

 

I moved to Germany in 2008 to study economics, and I have no formal art education. All my knowledge of quilling is self-taught. At first, I only made quilling cards and wall arts as gifts for friends. Their kind words and encouragement meant a lot to me, and I kept creating. 


 

On Inspiration and Business

 

 

The head and neck of a white unicorn in profile. Its mane and forelock are a cascade of voluminous, brightly colored rainbow curls made from quilled paper.


Along the way, I discovered the work of artists like Yulia Brodskaya, Sabeena Karnik, Sena Runa, Judith + Rolfe... their creativity continues to inspire me.  

 

 

A white shadow box frame containing a miniature wall scene. The scene features tiny, quilled green houseplants in pots sitting on white, 3D hexagonal shelves.

 

In 2019, I began thinking: maybe I could try turning this passion into a small business. That’s when I started selling my quilling and origami artworks on Etsy. 

 

In 2023, I expanded my shop, T4PaperArt, to include quilling cards handmade in Vietnam. I chose them for their high quality and beautiful craftsmanship, which I truly admire. 

 

 

On Tools and Process

 

 

A large, intricate maple leaf made from quilled paper. The leaf is shaded from fiery red and orange on one side to yellow and green on the other, filled with tight coils of paper.


In my quilling journey, I work with virtually all kinds of paper I can find - different weights, brands... each one gives a different result. For 3 mm quilling strips, I prefer paper around 90 - 100 gsm as it rolls smoothly and holds its shape well. For wider strips like 10 mm, I usually use thicker paper, between 120 and 160 gsm, depending on the effect I want. 

 

 

The word 'JOY' in 3D quilled letters against a blue background. The letters are adorned with blue snowflakes and topped with white 'snow'. The 'O' contains a miniature winter scene with trees.

  

 

My favorite tool is the needle tool. I use it not only for quilling, but also for origami. It’s surprisingly versatile and precise. 

 

 

A heart-shaped outline filled with a lush garden of delicate quilled flowers, curling green vines, and small butterflies in a variety of bright colors. 

 

 

On Favorite Books 

 

 

One book I always come back to is Painting with Paper by Yulia Brodskaya. Her style is so expressive and powerful, it continues to inspire me. 

 

 

Three small glass domes on cork bases. Each dome contains a miniature scene with tiny origami figures, including a fox and birds, sitting on stacks of paper.

 

 

I also really enjoy Austin Kleon’s trilogy: Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work, and Keep Going. They’ve helped me stay motivated and curious. 

 

 

A handmade greeting card with a textured white background. It features a tiny, colorful origami baby onesie with a heart pattern and a small label below that reads 'Welcome to the world'.

 

Most recently, I finished reading Interaction of Color by Josef Albers. It gave me a fresh perspective on how colors work together. 

 

 

A close-up of a birthday card showing a green origami dinosaur. The dinosaur holds the string of a blue balloon that has the number '6' and the name 'Henry' on it. 

 

 

For me, paper is always the best material - simple, but full of creative possibilities. I love turning something so ordinary into something special, whether through delicate quilling or tiny origami folds.

 

 

A portrait of artist Tam Tran, a woman with dark, shoulder-length hair, smiling gently at the camera. The background is decorated with illustrations of orange physalis flowers.
Tam Tran

 

I’m really happy to be able to share my paper art with people around the world. It motivates me to keep creating, learning, and trying new ideas. I’m excited to see where this paper journey will take me next.

 

 

Thank you so much for sharing your story and beautiful work with us, Tam!

 

Be sure to visit Tam's Etsy shop, T4PaperArt, to see more of her incredible creations. She is also on Instagram.

 

 


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