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.
Veronika Efremova's mission is to breathe new life into things that would otherwise be discarded. I was stopped in my tracks when I spotted her elegant paper maché ballerina, who is positioned on a glass base reclaimed from a lamp.
In Veronika's Etsy shop, reFreshESP, located in El Espinar, Spain, you'll also find this decorative tray that is shaped from recycled paper pulp. The natural driftwood handles and jute cord complement its rustic look.
Sentimental Sculptures from the U.S.
U.S. paper sculpture artist Renee Parker of created by Renee crafts beautiful paper maché bowls featuring wire cursive sentiments. Phrases like "love is the answer" or "kindness is key" make these such thoughtful gifts.
I'm also an admirer of her handsome faux-iron rabbit... it has such a wonderful weight and presence to it.
Whimsical Lighting from Istanbul
Emrah Yilmaz of Puffin Cycle Design in Istanbul, Turkey makes an array of charming, hand-painted bird table lamps and night lights. Crafted from paper pulp and other biodegradable materials, these pieces, from parrots and puffins to cockatiels and cockatoos, are sure to bring a smile. Plus, delivery is free. Shown above is Budgie and below is a cockatiel night light.
My hat is off to Emrah for the inspiration behind Puffin Cycle Design: "After coronavirus, forest fires, global warming, earthquakes and many other disasters, we decided to do something before the alien invasion started. In such a period of continuous crises, we decided to build the foundation of our business on sustainability."
Statement Pieces from Ukraine
Ukrainian artist Julia Yalanzhi Melnychenko's peony pendant lamp is simply lovely. Inspired by the natural form of the flower and made of recycled paper, it creates a soft, organic focal point. Her shop, Yalanzhi Objects, is based in Kyiv.
For those looking for a true statement piece, the Pendant Lamp Grona 11 measures an impressive 45" x 45" x 45". All of Julia's lamps are available in an array of colors.
Geometric Wall Art from Latvia
Kristiana Smith of Kristiana Smith Studio in Latvia creates geometric paper maché wall art sculptures. This first piece feels like a fine nod to Picasso's portraits of disjointed figures, and the second example would be right at home with mid-century modern decor.
All Kristiana's works are made in soothing shades of beige. As a professional artist and interior designer, she draws inspiration from the elegance of nature and the expressive curves of the human body. Shipping is included.
Modern Sconces from Barcelona
Maria Fiter of CreaReDesign in Barcelona creates uniquely modern paper lighting. Her painted paper pulp wall sconce casts a subtle, warm glow, while her globular Prussian blue vase serves as a striking and unusual accent piece.
Maria's designs have been featured in Vogue, Elle Decoration, and Architectural Digest. I love what she says about the "poetry" of her process:
"There is a certain poetry in paper, in the transformation of pulp. My lamps are not merely paper creations - they are crafted from newspapers that capture moments, snapshots in time. Each lamp holds within it messages of wars, pandemics, elections - fragments from our collective memory. In the process of becoming pulp, these messages mix and fade, transforming into something new and fresh."
