This week on the blog, I’m featuring an artist whose hand-cut paper works are among the largest and most intricate I have ever encountered, Tusif Ahmad (@tusifahmadart ). A software engineer by day, he transforms sacred verses from the Qur’an into monumental visual compositions that play with light, shadow, and depth.
Whether he’s working in traditional paper or experimenting with modern vinyl, his goal remains the same: to promote harmony and share the inherent beauty of his faith through the delicate art of the cut.
Learn more about him over at allthingspaper.net. The link is in my bio LinkTree.
Is there anything more special than receiving a card that doubles as a piece of art?
This week on the blog (link in my bio LinkTree), I’m showcasing some of my favorite spring designs from Quilling Card (@quillingcard ). As a longtime quiller, I am constantly awestruck by the detail these master artisans achieve—from Renoir and van Gogh reproductions to strawberries and even ingenious sticky note pad covers.
Beyond the art, I love that every card supports the Fair Trade Federation, providing meaningful work and fair wages to over 1,000 talented artisans. Their quilling is incredibly precise!
Mother’s Day Reminder: To ensure your quilled choice arrives in time, the shipping deadline for guaranteed delivery is May 4 within the U.S.
Swipe through to have a look at beautiful art pieces made by Miho Muto of Yuinobi (@yuinobi_mizuhikiart ).
Can you believe the knotted cords are made of paper?!
Mizuhiki is the Japanese term for tightly wound washi (paper) cords that might appear delicate, but are actually durable. Miho has found so many elegant ways to create with them - from fine jewelry to framed art.
She explains Mizuhiki this way: “For centuries, it has carried meaning, with each knot symbolizing connection, intention, and the wish to bring people together. The act of tying is a gesture of care, expressing things that words cannot always hold.”
Miho is in the Artist Spotlight on the All Things Paper blog where she tells about her personal journey from finding comfort in teaching herself to create with Mizuhiki during lockdown in Japan, to moving to Germany where lockdown continued.
Miho has filled her online shop with so many pretty choices with new ones arriving often. She also offers DIY kits and leads workshops in Germany.
Read our interview and see more of Miho’s incredible art on the blog - the link is in my bio LinkTree.
Laura Shirley (@bellacartadesign ) is sharing a new technique on the All Things Paper blog this week that she developed for use with electronic cutting machines... she calls it ‘simulated embossing.’
Using this wedding card as a case study, she devised a way to craft multiple precision-cut layers of cardstock with a Cricut. This created a deep, luxurious, raised texture that mimics traditional embossing, but without the need for an embossing machine or folders.
By building up dimension with layers instead of using a press, you create deep shadows and a substantial, boutique feel.
Additional designs available so far include a thank you card and one that’s expressly for Mother’s Day - swipe to see all three pretty designs. And then visit the link in my bio LinkTree to choose one of the SVG templates for free from the Bella Carta Design shop.
While visiting Florida this past holiday season, I was lucky enough to see an exquisite art piece that completely redefined my view of paper architecture. And so, this week on the blog, I’m thrilled to feature Christina Lihan (@christinalihanart ) in the Artist Spotlight.
A former architect, Christina has spent the last eighteen years transforming Fabriano Artistico watercolor paper into massive, all-white installations for hotels, museums, and galleries worldwide.
Using only her hands, an X-Acto blade, and glue, she builds installations that play with light and shadow in ways that truly feel magical.
Get to know Christina and learn more about her process via the link in my bio.
Is there anything better than a fresh stack of paper craft and paper art books to inspire a new season of making?
This week on the blog I’ve rounded up twelve fresh and enticing titles. Whether you’re looking to master the art of realistic paper blooms with Prudence Rogers (@prudencerogersdesign ), Lia Griffith (@liagriffith ), and Sofia Vusir Jansson (@sofiaatmokkasin ), admire Angela Simone’s (@angelasimonepaperjewel ) corrugated cardboard and cellulose pulp jewelry, or explore sophisticated folding with Kate Colin (@kate_colin_design ), there is something for every paper enthusiast. AND seven more titles that include bookbinding (@barizaki ), zine making (@lsberke ), folded paper geometry (@pauljackson.foldedpaper ), origami animals (@kamikey_origami ) and origami boxes (@fusetomoko ), along with two beauties from the publishers of Flow magazine (@flow_magazine ).
Visit allthingspaper.net to see the full collection: A Dozen New Reasons to Love Paper: Spring 2026 Book Round Up.
When a client like Google or Hermes needs an eye-catching display, they’ve been known to call Nathan Ward (@thisisnathanward ).
This week on the All Things Paper blog, I explore the incredible portfolio of this London-based paper artist. Nathan bridges the gap between digital precision and traditional craftsmanship, creating everything from low-poly tropical parrots to ethereal, life-size nativities.
Whether he’s mimicking leather with embossed papers or weatherproofing wisteria for outdoor garden experiences, Nathan’s work proves that with enough vision, a simple sheet of paper can become a showpiece.
Enjoy getting to know him via the link in my bio LinkTree.
When you hear “paper maché,” do you think of elementary school art class? Me too—at least I did until I found a dozen refined examples.
From this hand-sculpted ballerina by Veronika Efremova (@reup_pap ) to elegant vases rimmed with wire sentiments by Renée Parker (@createdbyrenee ), this week on the All Things Paper blog I’m exploring how recycled paper pulp is being transformed into high-end, sophisticated home decor.
These pieces, and ten more, prove that there is a certain poetry in transforming otherwise discarded paper into something fresh and new.
You’ll find the direct post link in my bio LinkTree.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS! @prsmith7777@michelebondsart@haleyardenarts I will be contacting you via DM to obtain your mailing addresses. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟Toying with the idea of learning a new crafting technique? Let Helen Hiebert’s new book, Weaving with Paper, entice you to try paper weaving!
If you’ve been looking for a way to breathe new life into your paper stash—everything from junk mail and old maps to those “someday” specialty papers—this book is a must-have. It features prompts and projects that prove you don’t need lots of specialty supplies to create magical woven art.
The 224 page paperback was just released in December by @storeypub . For a full peek inside the book, head to the link in my bio for the latest blog post.
GIVEAWAY!
U.S. and Canada residents: To enter to win one of THREE copies of Weaving with Paper:
1. Like this post and enter a comment.
2. Follow @allthingspaper and @helenhiebert .
3. Bonus entry: Share this post to your Stories by clicking on the airplane icon.
Three winners will be selected at random from comment entries and shares at the end of Sunday, January 25, announced on this post, and notified via Direct Message.
If a winner does not respond to the notification within three days, another name will be chosen in their place. The books will be sent out by the publisher.
This giveaway is sponsored by Storey Books.
Good luck, everyone!
A Year of Paper Magic!
New on the All Things Paper blog this week is my annual round up of beautiful/useful/fun paper-themed items both given and received in 2025.
Because I often choose paper jewelry as gifts, I made this stack of little boxes using sturdy pages from a botanical garden magazine to have at the ready for gift giving season. They sure came in handy!
You’ll find a direct link to the image-heavy post 😀 in my bio LinkTree.
I had the best time learning to make these woven paper ornaments. While they take a little more time than some other ornaments I’ve made in the past, I think they’re worth it as they’re pretty, as well as pretty substantial. 😍 They’ll last for years!
I blogged about them over at allthingspaper.net, linked to a great how-to video, and added tips I learned along the way in case you’d like to make some too. Link in bio.
The metallic paper strips were ordered from @froebelmint ’s Etsy shop. Highly recommend.
Deck your tree with heartfelt charm! From intricate folded stars like these beauties from Froebel Mint (@froebelmint ) to DIY retro foil ornaments, I’ve rounded up a dozen artistic paper ornaments from Etsy shops for you to make or buy this holiday season. You’ll find the blog post via the link in my bio LinkTree.
