Shows
Paper TalkEp 174: Season 7 Finale - Small Steps, Big ChangesEach season of the Paper Talk Podcast holds a special place in our hearts, but Season 7 felt like a turning point. It reminded us that growth doesn’t have to be loud. It can be slow and quiet, a series of steady, intentional steps that shift us in ways we don’t always notice right away. And it reminded us that when we share our goals with others (and when we say them out loud) something begins to shift.
As we close out this season, we want to invite you to pause with us. Pour a cup of t...2025-07-0320 min
Paper TalkEp 173: A Look Into Our Mastermind – The First Two WeeksThe beginning of anything creative is often the most challenging part. In this episode of Paper Talk, we’re sharing a heartfelt look into the first two weeks of our Mastermind. If you’re starting a handmade business, building your creative brand, or craving support from like-minded artists, then this conversation is for you.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
How to overcome perfectionism when starting a creative business
Why naming your business doesn’t have to be forever
The power of encouragement in an artist’s life
Tips for making and organizing paper flowe...2025-06-1930 min
Paper TalkEp 171: Our Paper Flower Journeys: Finding Our WhyEvery flower has a root—and so does every artist.
In Episode 171 of Paper Talk Podcast, we - Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui - sat down to reflect on the winding paths that led us to paper flowers. From music studios to courtrooms, finance offices to wedding aisles, our stories are as unique as the blooms we now craft. What binds them together is the quiet but powerful realization that creative joy, purpose, and community can truly transform a life.
“Without knowing why, it’s hard to say yes to the right o...2025-05-2240 min
Paper TalkEp 170: Why Your “Why” Matters: Building a Creative Business with PurposeThe journey of a creative entrepreneur is rarely a straight line. More often, it's a winding path full of experimentation, burnout, big dreams, and even bigger doubts. That’s why on this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim open up about what it truly takes to thrive, not just survive, as an artist today.
At the heart of their discussion is their upcoming 6-week Paper to Profits: The Mastermind program, which runs from May 20 to June 24, 2025. Together, they’re inviting creatives to join a community built on trust, strategy, and transformation.
2025-05-0832 min
Paper TalkEp 169: Finding Inspiration & Purpose on Social MediaIn this episode, you’ll get an inside look at how our signature course, Paper to Profits: The Mastermind actually works—what it's like to be in the “hot seat,” how we work through challenges, and how clarity (and action) often comes from just one powerful conversation.
Jessie takes the hot seat to discuss a challenge many creatives face: staying inspired and motivated to post on social media. With Instagram’s evolving algorithms and the pressure to create content, Jessie asks: How can we use social media authentically without feeling burnt out?
Quynh and Sara share insi...2025-04-2429 min
Paper TalkEp 168: Crafting Success with Paula MilnerWelcome back to another inspiring episode of Paper Talk! In Episode 168, we are thrilled to host the incredibly talented Paula Milner, also known as The Crafty Lass. Paula joins Quynh, Jessie, and Sara to discuss her creative journey, the transition from a corporate career to becoming a full-time artist, and her latest book, Simple Paper Flowers. Plus, we have an exciting giveaway where you can win a copy of Paula’s book!
In this episode, you'll hear about:
Paula’s Creative Journey: Learn how Paula transitioned from a corporate role to building her dream career in the...2025-04-1057 min
Paper TalkEp 167: The Exciting Relaunch of Paper To ProfitsPaper to Profit: The Mastermind isn’t just an online course; it’s a transformative journey for creative entrepreneurs seeking to turn their passion into profit. In our latest episode of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara reflect on the program's growth, sharing insights and personal experiences that have shaped its evolution.
"The key part of Paper to Profit is learning how to overcome challenges faster by sharing experiences within a supportive community." - Quynh
From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Community
Launched in 2020,Paper to Profit: The Mastermind quickly b...2025-04-0329 min
Paper TalkEp 165: Personal Branding and Mastermind Magic with Lauren V. DavisIn this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara welcome a very special guest—Lauren V. Davis of Lauren Davis Creative. As Quynh’s mastermind coach and mentor, Lauren has been instrumental in helping her refine her personal brand and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs. Lauren shares her journey from running a vinyl record store to becoming a sought-after personal branding consultant and mastermind facilitator.
The Journey from Vinyl to Visibility
Lauren’s entrepreneurial path began at the age of 19 when she co-founded a vinyl record store during the 2008 recession. Navigating the challenges of runn...2025-02-2739 min
Paper TalkEp 164: Overcoming Challenges and Growing a Paper Flower Business with Gina ArzolaIn this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Gina Arzola of Gina’s Paper Mountain to discuss her journey into the world of paper flowers. From discovering the art as a hobby to landing high-profile opportunities with the National Gallery of Art, Gina’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and growth.
Gina opens up about overcoming a life-changing injury that temporarily halted her ability to create and how she regained her confidence through determination and support. She also shares how she turned her passion into teaching, navigated her first television appearance, and tackled the logistics of creati...2025-02-1339 min
Paper TalkEp 163: Quynh's Hot Seat - Tech Upgrades, Audio Essentials, and Content TipsIn this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh finds herself in the hot seat! She brings her questions about upgrading audio equipment and perfecting sound quality for her video recordings. With Jessie and Sara by her side, the conversation expands into insightful tips, personal experiences, and must-know tech hacks for creators looking to improve their content quality.
What you'll hear in this episode of Paper Talk:
1. Finding the Right Mic Matters 🎙️
Quynh is exploring wireless and shotgun microphones to enhance her video tutorials. Sara shares her experience using RODE mics but high...2025-01-3025 min
Paper TalkEp 162: Building a Supportive Creative CommunityIn this episode, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara discuss a topic that resonates deeply with many creatives: the importance of building a supportive community. Drawing from personal experiences and listener questions, they explore why community isn’t just “nice to have” but vital for growth, connection, and overcoming challenges.
“Find those people who move your needle.” – Quynh
What you'll hear in this episode:
Why Community Matters: A creative community helps you feel less alone and offers the encouragement and challenges needed to grow.
The Role of Safe Spaces: Not every creative struggle require...2025-01-1628 min
Paper TalkEp 161 - Coaching for Creative Entrepreneurs with Chris MitchellIn this episode of Paper Talk, Jessie, Quynh, and Sara sit down with Chris Mitchell, a life, career and professional development coach for artists and creatives. Chris has helped numerous creatives, including Jessie herself, to refine their approach to productivity, work-life balance, and artistic growth. Her unique approach to coaching focuses on supporting artists and creative professionals at any stage in their careers. She emphasizes the importance of carving out dedicated time and space to reflect, strategize, and set aligned goals, whether clients are balancing multiple responsibilities or transitioning into new creative ventures. Unlike a mentor who might give...2025-01-0237 min
Paper TalkEp 160: Bonus Round - Marketing Tips for Paper ArtistsIn this special bonus round of Paper Talk, Quynh, Jessie, and Sara dive into one of the most frequently asked questions from their community: “How do you effectively market yourself as a paper flower artist?” This episode features practical, actionable tips on building a personal brand, creating captivating content, and connecting with your audience authentically.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
Defining Your Brand Through Your Personality - Quynh emphasizes the power of infusing your unique personality into your brand. By sharing relatable tidbits—like your favorite hobbies or quirks—you create a brand story...2024-12-1917 min
Paper TalkEp 159: Building a Creative Business and Life with Janna Willoughby-LohrIn this episode of Paper Talk, we welcome back returning guest Janna Willoughby-Lohr, who shares her journey as both an artist and business owner. Janna, a mother of three, reflects on the changes and challenges she's faced since her last appearance in Episode 121, including navigating life as a parent while continuing to expand her paper art business. Janna offers insights into everything from taking a structured maternity leave to reinvesting in her team and scaling her business thoughtfully to allow more time with her family.
Here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:
The D...2024-12-0554 min
Paper TalkEp 158: Hot Seat with Sara KimIn Episode 158, we’re introducing something exciting for Season 7—Hot Seat Sessions! 🎉 This time, we’re putting the spotlight on our co-host, Sara Kim, as she opens up about the unique challenges she's faced throughout her 13-year journey as a business owner and artist.
Here’s what you'll hear in this episode:
The Challenge of Time & Mastery - Sara shares her reflections on how dedicating time is one of the biggest challenges of growing both her art and business. Drawing inspiration from an interview with Billie Eilish and her brother, she talks about the 10,000-hour rule: the idea tha...2024-11-2121 min
Paper TalkEp 157: Welcome to Season 7: Reflecting on Growth, Mistakes, and Connections in the Creative WorldIn our season premiere, we - Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim - welcome you to Season 7 of Paper Talk! With over five years and 150 episodes behind us, we reflect on the evolution of our journeys as artists and entrepreneurs. This season, we will dive into the theme of growth and resilience, sharing both the successes and mistakes that have shaped our careers.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
Reflecting on Growth: We look back at their respective creative journeys, as we discuss how the lessons we’ve learned have shaped us as ar...2024-11-0738 min
Paper TalkEp 156: Embracing Creativity in the Paper Talk Podcast Season FinaleWelcome to the season finale of the Paper Talk Podcast! As we wrap up this incredible season, we’re taking a moment to celebrate everything we've learned together and look ahead to the exciting future of our paper flower community. This season has been filled with inspiring stories, invaluable tips, and expert insights that have helped us all grow as artists and entrepreneurs. We couldn’t be more grateful for your support and enthusiasm throughout this journey.
In this special episode, we dive into some of the most impactful topics we've covered, from the power of workshops to e...2024-06-1325 min
Paper TalkEp 155: Mastering Workshop Promotion and MarketingWelcome to an exciting new episode of the Paper Talk Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the world of workshop management, where we'll uncover the keys to success alongside our regular hosts, Quynh and Sara, as well as our returning host, Jessie. Whether you're a seasoned facilitator or just starting your journey, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to elevate your workshop game and create unforgettable experiences for your participants.
In this dynamic conversation, we'll explore the essential elements of hosting successful workshops, from crafting a professional web presence to navigating pricing...2024-05-3054 min
Paper TalkEp 154: Thriving as a Creative Entrepreneur with May Ling ChenWelcome to Paper Talk Podcast, where we delve into the fascinating world of art business and entrepreneurship. In our latest episode, we're excited to share insights gleaned from our conversation with May Ling Chen who has mastered the art of success in the competitive art market. Join us as we uncover valuable strategies for overcoming challenges, adapting to market trends, and ultimately thriving as artists and art business owners.
Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:
How to diversify offerings to generate interest.
Pricing challenges and strategic marketing insights.
The importance of community and coll...2024-05-1653 min
Paper TalkEp 153: FAQs - Creative Collaborations & Entrepreneurial InsightsWelcome back to Paper Talk Podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to bring you an engaging conversation between your hosts, Sara and Quynh. Join us as we answer some of our frequently asked questions. We share our insights, experiences, and perspectives on navigating the creative landscape and forging paths of innovation and collaboration.
As we delve into the discussion, listeners are invited into a dynamic exchange that explores the intersection of art and business. From the intricacies of creative collaboration to the challenges and opportunities of cross-border creativity, our conversation offers a rich tapestry of insights that...2024-05-0231 min
Paper TalkEpisode 149: A Panel Discussion on Book Publishing for Paper ArtistsWelcome to the vibrant world of PaperTalk Podcast, where creativity blooms, and artistic journeys unfold. In this episode, we invite you to join us on an illuminating exploration into the realm of paper artistry and book publishing. Join Quynh and Sara, alongside artists Jessie Chui, Anna Chedid, Lucia Balcazar, Susan Beech, and Eileen Lim.
Through engaging conversations with our guests, we uncover a tapestry of insights, experiences, and invaluable advice. Prepare to be inspired as we delve into the passion-driven endeavors of our guests and glean firsthand knowledge from our publishing endeavors.
Here’s what you...2024-03-0741 min
Paper TalkEpisode 148: Our Favorite Paper Flower Tools and SourcesWelcome to the Paper Talk Podcast, your gateway to the captivating world of paper crafting. In our latest episode, join us as we delve into the heart of paper artistry, exploring the importance of experimentation, unveiling our must-have tools, and divulging our favorite sources for paper flower supplies.
Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:
Explore the difficulties between cardstock paper and crepe paper, and the techniques used to overcome these challenges.
Learn about our preferred tools like hot glue guns, wire cutters, and guillotine cutters, and the importance of finding tools that suit indiv...2024-02-2244 min
Paper TalkEpisode 147: Cultivating Flowers, Community, and Expos with Anne Long of Dahlia HouseWelcome to the Paper Talk Podcast! We're thrilled to dive into another exciting episode, where we'll be discussing all things floral with the wonderful Anne Long from the Dahlia House. Get ready to be captivated by Anne's passion for flower farming and her journey to creating a beautiful and welcoming space at the Northwest Flower and Garden Show.
What you’ll learn when you listen:
How the botanical world can offer insights into the art of paper flowers.
The transformative power of flowers and their profound impact on our lives.
Behind the scenes of the Northwest Fl...2024-02-0836 min
Paper TalkEpisode 146: Cameras, Microphones, and Equipment Upgrades for CreativesHello Paper Talk Podcast aficionados and creative entrepreneurs! Welcome to Episode 146, where we're about to unravel the secrets of upgrading your content creation game. If your small business journey has included becoming a podcaster, videographer, or photographer, this episode is your golden ticket.
Join us through the realm of equipment upgrades, including the specifics of gear that resonate with creative entrepreneurs, paper florists, and small business owners. As we step into the new year, this episode is tailor-made to elevate your content creation journey. Get ready for an exploration into cameras, backgrounds, lighting, and the often underestimated...2024-01-2531 min
Paper TalkEpisode 145: Happy New Year with Quynh and SaraWelcome back, Paper Talk enthusiasts! As we embark on a new year filled with creative possibilities, we invite you to join us in the latest Paper Talk Podcast Episode 145. In this candid and insightful conversation we share our perspectives on navigating the intricacies of the creative realm in 2024.
Join us to delve into our approaches to the new year, exploring resolutions, to-do lists, and the delicate art of balancing creative endeavors with personal well-being. In this episode, you'll discover practical tips for mastering your to-do list, syncing tasks seamlessly, and embracing the ever-evolving tech landscape.
...2024-01-1127 min
Paper TalkEpisode 144: Fine Art Shows and Exhibitions with Jessie ChuiWelcome to Paper Talk Podcast, where we uncover the stories, inspirations, and creative processes that breathe life into the beautiful world of paper flowers. In Episode 144, Jessie Chui joins us again to delve into the exciting world of exhibiting paper art and flowers. As one of the original founders of Paper Talk Podcast, Jessie always brings a treasure trove of insights to the show, and we’re so glad to have her back for this episode.
Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:
The power of networking and mentorship in the art world.
How to sho...2023-12-2849 min
Paper TalkEpisode 143: Reflecting on Another Year of Paper Talk PodcastDive into the holiday spirit with Paper Talk Podcast's latest episode! Sara and Quynh share exciting updates, lessons, and upcoming projects, making it a must-listen for anyone passionate about the art of paper crafting and building a thriving small business. Join us for valuable insights into the paper flower industry and spark your creative flame this festive season!
Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen:
Discover behind-the-scenes details of Quynh's upcoming book release.
Learn about our upcoming collaborations and workshops.
Get valuable tips on being a great podcast guest and leveraging podcast episodes to prom...2023-12-1424 min
Paper TalkEpisode 142: Elevating Your Wedding Business with Tri-MastermindWelcome back to the Paper Talk Podcast! We're thrilled to have you join us for Episode 142, where we'll dive into the exciting world of creative businesses and introduce you to an incredible opportunity for wedding entrepreneurs - the Tri-Mastermind.
In this episode, we're all about empowering creative entrepreneurs, especially those in the wedding industry. Our aim is to inspire and guide you towards achieving new heights in your business journey. We're excited to share a transformative program that can play a pivotal role in your success - the Tri-Mastermind.
Here’s what you’ll learn when...2023-11-3034 min
Paper TalkEpisode 137: Unveiling the Secrets to Lasting Happiness with Ellen WongWe know that the journey of pursuing our artistic passions and building our small businesses is both exhilarating and demanding. In the midst of chasing deadlines, perfecting our art, and managing the daily intricacies of our creative ventures, happiness might sometimes take a backseat. But what if we told you that finding happiness and fulfillment can actually enhance our creative process and elevate our businesses?
That's why we're excited to share some invaluable insights with you from Episode 137 that touched upon a topic near and dear to our hearts: achieving lasting happiness as creative entrepreneurs. We've dived d...2023-09-2150 min
Paper TalkEpisode 136: Mastering Mass Production and Scaling Your Creative BusinessEpisode 136: Mastering Mass Production and Scaling Your Creative Business
Join us on Paper Talk as we explore the world of mass production, sharing essential tips for creative small business owners and paper artists like you.
As your business grows, you might find yourself in need of help. In this episode you can discover the significance of bulk orders in scaling your craft and boosting your business. From planning and logistics to packaging and shipping, we'll guide you through the process, ensuring quality and efficiency.
What you’ll learn when you listen to Episode 136:...2023-09-0731 min
Paper TalkEpisode 134: Welcoming a New Host and Navigating TransitionsWe are thrilled to introduce our new co-host, Sara Kim of Handmade by Sara Kim. With her expertise in cardstock paper flowers and her passion for building successful small businesses, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussions on supporting creative entrepreneurs in the world of paper art and paper floristry.
In Episode 134, we invite you to join us in getting to know Sara and learn all about our exciting plans for the upcoming season. You'll also get a sneak peek into the upcoming projects from hosts Quynh Nguyen and Jessie Chui, including the changes in...2023-08-1026 min
Paper TalkEpisode 132 - What It Takes to Create, Print, and Ship Fine Art PrintsWe discuss all of the research and decisions it took for Jessie to create fine art prints of her paper flowers. Learn what it takes to sell digital art.
******
Branching out your paper flower business can bring more financial stability and keep you excited creatively. The world of fine art prints can open an entirely new world of possibilities.
In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we chatted about how Jessie has expanded her business from paper flower commissions, to writing a book, and now offering fine art prints. The amount of work...2022-07-2828 min
Paper TalkEpisode 131 - Season 6 Preview: Back to BasicsSeason 6 will get back to the basics of our craft. We’ll debate the best tools, materials, and techniques to use when making paper flowers.
At the end of the day, we’re here because of paper flowers.
On this podcast, we’ve talked about a wide variety of subjects to support paper florists on their journeys. For Season 6, we’re getting back to the heart of the matter: the actual paper flowers!
In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we gave a sneak peek at what we’ll be discussing in Season 6. Wh...2022-06-1648 min
Paper TalkEpisode 130 - Over Coffee: Why It Can Be Good to Shift DirectionWe wrap up our season about finding your why as a paper florist. Learn why it can be beneficial to shift your artistic and business direction as you hone in on what matters to you.
Making changes is difficult, but necessary. Shifting direction can help you uncover your why and get closer to what will bring you true joy.
In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we wrapped up Season 5 by talking about how our whys have shifted and how we made changes accordingly. You don’t have to keep doing the same thing out of...2022-05-1241 min
Paper TalkEpisode 129 - Building a Positive Reputation Through Networking with Rebecca GrantRebecca Grant shares how she built an incredibly successful and well-respected wedding planning business, in large part due to networking.
Many of us rely on word of mouth to advertise our paper flower businesses. Clients are going to trust a friend’s or event planner’s advice over a random ad any day.
But where do you start? How do you connect with people who can recommend your work?
In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we talked with Rebecca Grant of New Creations Weddings. She is a very recognized and respected wedding plan...2022-05-0548 min
Paper TalkEpisode 126 - Over Coffee: How We Use and Experiment with Crepe PaperJessie and Quynh discuss the various weights of crepe paper, including their strengths and limitations. We share lots of tips for how we use them and how to experiment with crepe.
The world of crepe paper has grown so much in recent years.
Paper florists are being seen and celebrated outside our industry, and supplies are becoming ever more accessible. That includes changes to which crepe paper is available.
In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we chatted all about the foundation of our craft: paper! We discussed where the newish 90 gsm Italian cr...2022-04-1455 min
Paper TalkEpisode 122 - Over Coffee: The 100 Day ProjectLearn about The 100 Day Project and how Quynh is participating, plus the strategies that are helping her achieve her goal.
How do you stick to a goal and see it through to the end?
It’s really hard! We all want to build new habits and skills, and we all have projects we want to finish.
In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we chatted about how Quynh is participating in The 100 Day Project. It was founded by Lindsay Jean Thomson as a way to commit people to working on a specific project dail...2022-03-1742 min
Paper TalkEpisode 118 - Navigating Craft and Art Shows with Ashley ReaganAshley Reagan chats with us about how she finds and chooses which shows to sell her paper flowers and other art at. Learn how to choose the right audience and diversify your income.
As this pandemic has stretched on, paper florists and artists like us have had to become more flexible than ever before.
Revenue streams that we relied on have dried up. Guessing what events will look like in a month’s time feels as accurate as guessing what they’ll be like in fifty years.
Now more than ever, we have to div...2022-02-1745 min
Paper TalkEpisode 117 - Trying New Things to Find Your WhyLearn more about how trying many different things will focus your purpose and bring you happiness on your paper flower journey. Understand the reasons behind your why.
What will bring you happiness and fulfillment as a paper florist?
You won’t know until you try it!
In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we discussed the importance of trying new things in order to find your why.
Finding your why is the entire focus of Season 5, and we’ll be helping you better understand the purpose in life and paper flowers that wi...2022-02-1020 min
Paper TalkEpisode 116 - Over Coffee: Focusing on Your WhyWe discuss how to find the why behind our creativity and our businesses. Learn how to get back to the joy and fulfillment you first found in paper flowers.
Is the joy that you first found in creating paper flowers missing? Does the stress of your business override the fun that you used to have as a paper florist?
You need to refocus on your why.
For this new season of Paper Talk, we’re getting back to the heart of our purpose: our whys. When you focus on your why, you’ll be h...2022-02-0338 min
Paper TalkEpisode 115 - Over Coffee: How to Get Back to Your WhyWe reflect on the past year of the podcast and our paper flower businesses. Learn how we’ll focus on the heart of our craft moving forward, plus what goes into building a successful partnership.
Season 4 is over! We can’t believe it! Thank you to our Patrons who have made it possible for us to keep making this podcast.
In our last episode of Season 4, we reflected on what went well and what didn’t last year, as well as what kind of changes we’re planning on making for the podcast and our paper fl...2021-12-0823 min
Paper TalkEpisode 114 - Over Coffee: Creating, Packaging, and Shipping Paper Flower KitsDive into the details of what it really takes to offer paper flower kits to your customers. We talk packaging, shipping, client expectations, and more.
Many paper florists end up teaching our craft. People want to know how you created that amazing paper flower! And once you start offering tutorials or classes, you are inevitably going to be asked about where to source our specialized materials like a crepe.
One answer to this issue? Offering kits with your tutorials.
In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we dove into what it really takes t...2021-12-0127 min
Paper TalkEpisode 113 - Shipping and Packaging Tips and an Update from Mike BensonWe share our best tips for packaging and branding products and how to safely ship paper flowers. We also check in with a longtime friend of the podcast, Mike Benson.
As the holidays near, everyone’s got shipping on their minds.
How do you package your paper flowers to withstand being tossed around in the back of a truck? How do you save money on shipping costs? Just how bad are these shipping delays we keep hearing about?
In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we chatted about all this...2021-11-2430 min
Paper TalkEpisode 111 - Over Coffee: How to Run Promotions like Black Friday SalesLearn how to time a sale, what to offer at a special rate, why newsletter lists are so powerful, and how to promote a sale like Black Friday or other holiday promotions.
With a slew of holidays around the corner, we’ve got sales on our minds.
People are primed to shop right now. As creative small business owners, days like Black Friday are a fantastic opportunity to promote your products and get a boost in profits before the end of the year.
That said, special sales take planning. In our...2021-11-1025 min
Paper TalkEpisode 109 - Over Coffee: Creating Digital Evergreen ContentJessie and Quynh discuss how to create and promote digital evergreen content that will bring in a steady stream of passive income.
Imagine this: you create a paper flower template, you put it up for sale online, and without any further work from you, it brings in a steady stream of income.
You can do exactly this with digital evergreen products.
On our latest episode of Paper Talk we chatted about how you can make passive income from your digital content. Now, you can’t just post a template and ex...2021-10-2717 min
Paper TalkEpisode 107 - How to Build a Floral Community with Amy McGeeWe chat with Amy McGee about how she’s built up a community of florists with her education and resource website.
If the past year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of virtual communities.
In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we talked with Amy McGee of Botanical Brouhaha. Last year we loved learning about how she has pivoted her business over time. In this episode we chatted about one of her newer projects, Bloom Trust Co. She’s brought together educators and resources in one place that makes it easy...2021-10-1336 min
Paper TalkEpisode 105 - Generating More Income With Physical Paper Flower ProductsListen to our discussion of generating more income with physical paper flower products. We talk about scarcity, branching out your product line, and meeting customer expectations.
Who couldn’t use a little more money?
As much as we love our craft, we also need to eat. This season of Paper Talk, we’ve been focusing on ways to build up your paper flower income. In our latest episode we tackled generating more income from physical products, meaning anything you can hold in your hand.
Our conversation covered many different ideas. S...2021-09-2927 min
Paper TalkEpisode 101 - Join Us for Season 4 and Awesome Blossom!Welcome to Season 4!
We’ve been busy this summer with lining up guests and planning our yearlong Awesome Blossom! workshop series.
You know that our goal at Paper Talk has always been to share, connect, and grow the paper flower community. Awesome Blossom! is all about helping more people fall in love with paper flowers.
You can listen to our latest episode of Paper Talk to hear about each individual flower we’ll be teaching and the techniques we’ll focus on for each one. In the meantime, here are three...2021-09-0112 min
Paper TalkEpisode 100 - How We Made it to 100 Episodes of Paper TalkWe’re wrapping up season three of our podcast, and we’re sharing what’s made it possible to reach 100 episodes.
We made it to ONE HUNDRED episodes of Paper Talk!
Cue the celebration! 🎉
Season 3 of our podcast is drawing to a close, and in our 100th episode we chatted about how we’ve gotten this far and what’s next for Paper Talk. We’re so grateful to have spent so much time sharing, connecting, and growing with you and our paper flower community as a whole.
Li...2021-06-1612 min
Paper TalkEpisode 98 - How to sell a want: Building your creative business with Sean LowLearn how to reframe your mindset about your creative business to help it thrive artistically and financially.
Paper flowers are not a need.
Yes, they create a great amount of joy, but at the end of the day, no one needs to buy them. That’s why you have to entice clients to want them.
In our latest episode of Paper Talk we chatted with Sean Low of The Business of Being Creative. He specializes in helping creative businesses thrive by recognizing that an artistic business has very different needs...2021-06-0240 min
Paper TalkEpisode 96 - Overcoming Anxiety as a Paper Florist with Holly DionisiListen to our discussion with Holly Dionisi about how she overcomes her anxiety in order to build up her paper flower business.
Why should I even try?
If you’ve ever reached that point on your paper flower journey, you’re not alone. We all encounter difficulties that make us want to give up at the peak of our frustrations. But sometimes there’s an even deeper issue under the surface, holding us back from trying new things or finding the motivation to keep going.
Today, we’re talking abou...2021-05-1934 min
Paper TalkEpisode 95 - Uplift Marginalized Groups on International Paper Flower DayLearn how paper florists can help bring meaning, healing, and more to the world this International Paper Flower Day.
Art is powerful.
Your paper flowers are powerful.
At first glance, people might dismiss paper floristry as simply a pretty craft, but we know that it is much more. We pour our hearts and souls into our work. That gives it power, and that power can be used to support great causes.
In our latest episode of Paper Talk we talked with Kate Alarcón of The Cobra Lily. She is the...2021-05-1228 min
Paper TalkEpisode 94 - Marketing Your Paper Flowers Locally with Martha Lucia TokosLearn how our guest Martha Lucia reaches out to her local market in order to successfully promote her paper flower business.
How do you market your paper flowers to local customers?
Selling online is fantastic. We all do it for a reason. But it has drawbacks like high shipping costs and more competition—plus, you can miss out on a customer base that will be more loyal to you and is more accessible to only you.
You need to tap into your local market!
Here’s what you’ll hear when...2021-05-0525 min
Paper TalkEpisode 91 - Using Art as Medicine with The Wild MotherLearn about The Wild Mother’s project to commemorate the Greenwood Massacre of 1921 and how you as a floral artist can get involved.
Have you heard of the Greenwood Massacre of 1921?
If you haven’t, you’re not alone. Quynh, who was raised in Tulsa where it happened, didn’t learn about this tragic event at all while growing up. In short, one of the most thriving black communities in America was decimated. Dozens were killed, hundreds injured, and thousands displaced—but this history has been covered up and denied for a century. 2021-04-1132 min
Paper TalkEpisode 89 - How We’ve Updated Paper to Profits We’ve made some big changes to our online course that will make it even easier to successfully build your creative small business.
Can you build a successful business when you’re an artist at heart?
Yes! We know you can! You can learn to be an entrepreneur. You can love your job. You can have the right tools.
How? With Paper to Profits. We’ve put together all of our knowledge about building creative small businesses and made it easy for you to be successful from the very beginning of your busi...2021-03-3136 min
Paper TalkEpisode 86 - How we’re revamping Paper to ProfitsWe’ve brought in the amazing Christina Shay to help us update Paper to Profits to be easier for students to use and complete. Learn all about it in our latest episode.
Do you have a to-do list a mile long? Feel like you’ll never get through it all?
We’ll be honest: we’ve felt completely overwhelmed many, many times. You may think we’ve got our crap together, but we don’t always.
That’s one reason why we brought on Christina Shay to our Paper Talk team. She is a...2021-03-1023 min
Paper TalkEpisode 85 - The Power of Saying NoJessie and Quynh discuss how powerful it is to say no to certain projects. Learn how they judge when to turn down work and which factors you should weigh.
When starting out as a paper florist, every paid project feels like a blessing. You’re grateful for the money, the exposure, and the experience. But at some point, you’ll have to say no to a job. Maybe you don’t have the time, or maybe it’s more complicated: you’re starting to lose the joy that you first felt when making paper flowers.
...2021-03-0335 min
Paper TalkEpisode 84 - What We Love About ClubhouseLearn why you should be on Clubhouse and how you can connect with us for our weekly meeting.
Have you heard about Clubhouse?
It’s an app that lets you gather together in virtual rooms to have audio-only conversations. Think somewhere between Zoom, Whatsapp, and old-fashioned phone calls. The app hasn’t been around that long, so don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with it. We’ve been exploring Clubhouse and chatted all about in our latest episode of Paper Talk.
You can hear all of the ins and outs of how th...2021-02-2515 min
Paper TalkEpisode 79 - The Best Kai Scissors for Paper Flowers with Devin Head Kai ScissorsLearn which scissors Devin Head recommends for paper flower making and how you can best care for them so that they live a long and sharp life.
Could you make a paper flower without scissors?
For paper florists like us, the thought is quite terrifying. Imagine a peony without the distinctively shaped petal edges, or making flower centers without fringe. Our craft requires precise cuts, and that means our scissors need to be top notch to do the job correctly. We cut out thousands of petals and leaves. Our tools should be u...2021-01-2721 min
Paper TalkEpisode 76 - Paper Flower Business Goals for the New YearTwo professional paper florists share their artistic and business goals for 2021 and give insight into how you can improve yourself this coming new year.
The last year threw us all for a loop. Like us, you probably had to cancel plans and restructure your goals for your paper flower business.
So what will 2021 bring?
We have hope that things on the Covid front will improve enough to gain back some semblance of normality, but one of the biggest lessons we learned from 2020 is to be flexible. With that in mind, in our latest ep...2021-01-0629 min
Paper TalkEpisode 71 - Using Competition to Refine Your Paper Flower Voice and Stand Out From the Crowd with Quynh & JessieJessie and Quynh chat about how to use competition in the paper flower industry as motivation to build a unique brand and embrace what makes you unique.
Scrolling through Instagram, are you ever overwhelmed by what other paper florists are creating? We’ve all had those moments when we worry we won’t ever be as good as our peers, or we don’t know if we’re keeping up with pricing or trends in the paper flower industry.
Here’s the good news: paper florist competition isn’t ruthless. As we discussed in our latest ep...2020-12-0223 min
Paper TalkEpisode 70: How Paper Florist Christina Funderburgh Built Her Business So QuicklyOur Facebook admin Christina Funderburgh hasn’t been in the paper flower business long, but her artistry and business have taken off at an incredible pace. We chatted with her about how she has grown so successfully, so quickly.
You’ve jumped into the paper flower world. You know that you want to turn this hobby into a business. Where do you start? How long will it take?
Christina Funderburgh proves that you can build up a successful paper flower business without waiting years and years. She has always been a DIY, creative soul...2020-11-2629 min
Paper TalkEpisode 66 - Books to Read That Are Helping Us Build Our BrandsHear about the books Jessie and Quynh are reading right now and some of the valuable information they’ve learned about branding and building their businesses.
Do you wonder where we turn for info about building our brands? While experience is important, learning from others can save a lot of time and heartbreak—one reason why we’re committed at Paper Talk to share, connect, and grow with our community of paper florists.
“It’s one of those few books...that’s very actionable. It’s set out in very straightforward categories, let’s say ‘5 things yo...2020-10-2914 min
Paper TalkEpisode 63: Using Watercolors on Crepe Paper with Sarah SimonLearn how you can improve your painting techniques and create stunning crepe paper flowers with advice from a watercolor expert and author Sarah Simon of TheMintGardener
If you’re unfamiliar with watercolors, you may be intimidated to try them on crepe paper. Do you have visions of a soggy mess when you think about it? Or maybe you’ve tried combining the two and didn’t get the results you wanted.
Here’s the good news: both crepe and watercolor are fairly forgiving mediums, and the end results can be absolutely fantastic for your paper...2020-10-0824 min
Paper TalkEpisode 62: Pricing Your Products with Erin Shackelford and Jesalyn PettigrewLearn how to price your products and services with advice from four small business owners in the paper flower, floral arranging, and flower farming industries.
Does your stomach tie up in knots at the thought of pricing your products or services? A quick search will show that paper flowers come with all sorts of price tags attached. How do other paper florists come up with those price points? Are you charging too much or too little?
Paper florists aren’t the only ones to struggle with this problem. Small business owners of all kind...2020-10-0127 min
Paper TalkEpisode 61: How to Be Part of the Paper Florists Member Directory with Quynh & JessieHey, Paper Florists!
Do you want to spend more time on your craft and less time chasing down clients? Or are you a vendor who needs to reach more paper florists?
Well, look no further. Quynh and Jessie talked about this project in Episode 57, and now it's live. The Paper Florists Member Directory is finally here! When you sign up as a Member, you’ll be listed in our worldwide directory, the first of its kind for paper florists and vendors. With just a few clicks, potential clients can connect with you like never before. We’re ta...2020-08-2712 min
Paper TalkEpisode 57: The Paper Florist Industry is About to Get a Whole Lot Stronger with Quynh and JessieLearn about the exciting new projects you can participate in that will promote and grow the paper florist community, and help us all succeed in our new industry.
You want to connect with more clients. You want your amazing creations to be enjoyed. Spending time to promote your work is not what you imagined doing when you became a paper florist. Well, we’ve got your back. There is strength in numbers, and the paper florist community is about to get a whole lot stronger, together.
Paper florists are scattered all over the worl...2020-07-3017 min
Paper TalkEpisode 50: The Ins and Outs of Starting a Subscription Box with Rachel HeathAs paper flower entrepreneurs, we are always re-evaluating our business and trying to tweak our strategy so we can increase our profit margin while at the same time, saving time. In the last few years, subscription box offerings have been taking off (even our very own Quynh offers one!).
So we wanted to explore why a business owner may decide to include a subscription offering as part of their monetization strategy and how they would go about designing the offer and launching it. Naturally, we reached out to the perfect person to give us a frank perspective - Ra...2020-06-1139 min
Paper TalkEpisode 48 - Selling, Teaching & Buying: Intellectual Property ConsiderationsIn this episode, we address some of the concerns that Quynh has about her collaboration with artists for The Posey Box and the issue of intellectual ownership. We both offer online courses for purchase, and we teach workshops on a regular basis.
As teachers, we want to ensure that we provide high-quality content - from instructions to templates - to all of our students. If you buy a course from us or learn from us at a paid workshop, it’s more than a business transaction for us; it’s a student-teacher relationship. But there’s also the poss...2020-05-2214 min
Paper TalkEpisode 47 - International Paper Flower Day with Kate AlarconMay 14 is International Paper Flower Day, and in celebration of this special day, we've invited one of our favourite artists, Kate Alarcon of The Cobralily, to talk about it with us. Thanks to Kate - she came up with the idea of designating a specific date to celebrate our paper flower community and our art - paper flowers are spreading like wildfire around the world.
Listen to Quynh and Jessie as they talk to Kate about how she came up with the idea of International Paper Flower Day, the impetus for it, and what she hopes it'll achieve.2020-05-1414 min
Paper TalkEpisode 46 - Spreading Hope with Flowers with Holly and Alex ChappleOne of the highlights of Quynh's involvement in Design Days 2020 was having the chance to meet Holly Heider Chapple! You've likely seen Holly's beautiful work all over social media and she's been featured in numerous wedding magazines and wedding blogs. Her flower arrangements are always exquisitely composed and styled.
One look at her websites (yes, she's got 3) and you can see it reflects her personality and her style perfectly. She's the founder of Chapel Designers, the owner of Hope Flower Farm, and the artist behind Holly Chapple Flowers. She's a HUGE name in the floral industry, so much so that...2020-05-0737 min
Paper TalkEpisode 45: Exhibiting Your Work at an Art Gallery with Tiffany McIsaacLast year, Jessie had an amazing opportunity to showcase a few pieces of her floral sculptures at The Freedom Factory Toronto after one of the owners of the gallery, Tiffany MacIsaac, handpicked her to be a part of a juried group show of 60 artists.
The experience was rewarding for Jessie in so many ways - exposure to the local art community, engagement with other artists, commissions, and other unexpected opportunities, and taking a prize home for placing 2nd in the juried event. The most exciting was meeting Tiffany herself - a self-taught artist, curator, and visionary behind The V...2020-04-3028 min
Paper TalkEpisode 39 - Is Covid-19 Affecting You?Over the weekend, our governments began to implement stricter guidelines and policies regarding social distancing in efforts to "flatten the curve" and slow down the spread of Covid-19. Many countries are now prohibiting entry of non-residents and locking down many public spaces like schools, libraries, community centres, and daycares.
Large social gatherings like weddings, workshops, and events are being cancelled and/or postponed worldwide. It's not a surprise if Covid-19 is affecting you.
In this Episode, Quynh and Jessie talk about how Covid-19 is affecting them, how the Covid-19 related policies may affect their relationships with t...2020-03-2019 min
Paper TalkEpisode 37 - Inspirations from Alexandra Farms with Teresa SchaferWhen Quynh went to Florabundance Design Days in January 2020, she met the lovely Teresa Schafer of Alexandra Farms. Alexandra Farms is the largest grower of garden roses in the world. Located in Bogotá, Colombia, the farm grows 60 varieties of those fragrant garden roses that florists (and we!) covet.
Teresa is the Communications Manager at Alexandra Farms and an expert at garden roses. We were thrilled when Teresa agreed to talk to us about all things garden roses and to learn more about her company
We are also excited to announce that we will be working with...2020-03-1026 min
Paper TalkEpisode 36 - Earning Passively with a Purpose with Farren HaygoodFarren Celeste is a paper flower company that offers templates for paper goods. Farren Haygood is the artist and face behind Farren Celeste. She is currently based in The Netherlands, but she is originally from the US. After moving to a country where she had no family and did not know the language, she had to reinvent herself and establish a new form of income.
She found solace in making her own paper flower cardstock templates and began selling them on her Etsy site in August 2019. Since then, her business has grown significantly.
In this pod...2020-02-2836 min
Paper TalkEpisode 32: Setting Goals for the New Year with Quynh & JessieWelcome back! In this first Episode of the new year, Quynh and Jessie discuss the special events that took place over the holidays and how they set/manage their goals for the new year.
Catch up with us while we talk about what we are hoping to achieve for Paper Talk and The Paper Florists Collective this year.2020-01-3120 min
Paper TalkEpisode 31: When to Take a Break with Quynh & JessieIn the last Episode of the year, Quynh and Jessie discuss the importance of taking a break to reflect, to recollect, and towards making plans for the future.
This Episode reminds us that although there is no perfect time to take a break when you’re an artist and/or entrepreneur, it’s something we all need in order to grow. And what is a more perfect time than during the holiday season? Exactly. Not to mention that it coincides with the start of Jessie’s maternity leave!
Looking forward to returning in the New Year with...2019-12-1114 min
Paper TalkEpisode 30: 2019 Paper Talk Recap with Quynh & JessieIn the second last Episode of the year, Quynh and Jessie discuss the importance of taking a break to reflect, to recollect, and towards making plans for the future.
This Episode reminds us that although there is no perfect time to take a break when you’re an artist and/or entrepreneur, it’s something we all need in order to grow. And what is a more perfect time than during the holiday season? Exactly. Not to mention that it coincides with the start of Jessie’s maternity leave!
Looking forward to returning in the New Year wit...2019-12-0527 min
Paper TalkEpisode 27 - Paper Flower Art with Jessie ChuiIn this week’s Episode, Quynh and Jessie talk about Jessie’s book, Paper Flower Art: Create Beautifully Realistic Floral Arrangement, published by GMC Publications. A year after writing and shooting the book, Jessie shares the types of flower tutorials and arrangements in the book and how she hopes readers/crafters will use the book.
Paper Flower Art is now available for order and pre-order and it will be released on November 7, 2019, in the UK and January 7, 2020, in USA and Canada.
GIVEAWAY!!
Jessie is giving away a copy of Paper Flower Art to one lucky winner! To...2019-11-1414 min
Paper TalkEpisode 25 - What’s in Our Toolbox with Quynh & JessieJoin Quynh and Jessie as they chat about the tools in their toolboxes such as their favourite cutting tools, glue, and paper shaping tools. The bottom line - use what you have and what works for you. Take a listen as they share their inside tricks and tip, including their “Golden tool”.
Wondering where to get the items mentioned by Quynh and Jessie?
Here are some of the items they mention in this Episode (**As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions for qualifying purchases made through Amazon.com and the links below):
Kai Scis...2019-11-0322 min
Paper TalkEpisode 23: Sugar Flower Artistry with Jacqueline ButlerAs paper florists, we ultimately found our artistic medium in paper. Jacqueline Butler of Petalsweet Cakes found her perfect medium in gum paste. Based in San Diego, California, but internationally renowned, Jacqueline specializes in creating and teaching sugar flower art. She teaches around the globe and is the author of “Modern Sugar Flowers Vol 1” (which Jessie owns and believes every paper florist should have on their shelf).
In it, she generously shares her experience, tips, and tricks. Her style is forever tasteful and stylized; her techniques innovative and applicable across disciplines (like our’s!). In addition to being a ge...2019-10-1636 min
Paper TalkEpisode 22: Lighting the Way to Success with Caroline TranQuynh first got to know Caroline Tran of Caroline Tran Photography when the photographer shot her sister’s wedding a few years back. Fast forward to today and Caroline and Quynh are frequent collaborators on many projects together across the United States from workshops to photography sessions.
She, along with Kelly Lemon, was one of the photography instructors at The Paper Florists Collective Masterclass in Seattle back in April 2019. Caroline first got her feet wet in photography when pursuing a creative side hustle. Eventually, she discovered that her ultimate love was photography. Known for her airy and brig...2019-10-1024 min
Paper TalkEpisode 21 - How to Preserve Your Paper Flowers with Quynh & JessieJoin us this week as Quynh and Jessie have a frank discussion about how they preserve their paper flowers to minimize the effect of fading and damage.
This is a common topic among paper florists and one that is much talked about on The Paper Florist Facebook group.2019-10-0213 min
Paper TalkEpisode 20 - What to Expect on a TV Segment with Quynh & JessieJoin us this week as Quynh and Jessie chat about Quynh’s recent appearance on a local television segment. With some help from her friends (Kate of @cobralilyshop, Kelly Lemon of Kelly Lemon Photography, and Angela Evans of @makeupartist.angela).
Quynh was able to pull off a thrilling 10-minute segment on King 5’s New Day daily talk show, while also plugging the paper flower community.
Watch the TV segment here!
https://bit.ly/3EBEKsu2019-09-2620 min
Paper TalkEpisode 18: Paper Passion with Heather SauerThis week, we talk to Heather Sauer, the owner, and operator of The Paper Place located in downtown Toronto, Canada. Being one of the few brick-and-mortar paper stores in Canada, Heather’s store carries a vast array of paper products, from crepe paper to Japanese washi paper, Rifle paper goods and kits, to birthday cards and origami products.
Everything you see in the store is a feast for the eyes! In fact, Jessie’s paper flower journey started here four years ago when she bought her first fine crepe papers, and soon thereafter, she began teaching crepe paper f...2019-09-1630 min
Paper TalkEpisode 17: Collaborating with a Florist with Alicia SchwedeWe have all seen the incredibly helpful rose colour studies on the Flirty Fleurs blog that are scattered all over the web. In fact, if you have yet to check out the blog, you should do so immediately! The blog is written by no other than the internationally renowned florist, Alicia Schwede. It includes resources and workshop information for florists but is equally relevant to paper florists.
Back to Alicia - she’s has been in the florist industry for more than 16 years and runs her floral studio, Bella Fiori, out of Seattle, Washington. She offers floristry services...2019-09-0528 min
Paper TalkEpisode 16: When to Say Goodbye with Quynh, Jessie & PriscillaJoin us this week as Quynh and Jessie say goodbye to their friend and confidante, Priscilla, as she embarks on a new path in September.
In this touching Episode, Priscilla explains why she’s decided to move on from her wildly successful paper flower business, when she knew it was time, and what she intends to do next.
The paper flower community will miss you dearly Priscilla!!!
You can learn more about us and our work by following each of us on social media:
Quynh https://www.instagram.com/pinkandpo...2019-08-2920 min
Paper TalkEpisode 14: How to Run a Workshop with Quynh, Jessie & PriscillaJoin us this week as Quynh, Jessie, and Priscilla talk about their passion: Hosting workshops around the world!
After the success of the Seattle Masterclass in April 2019, it became obviously clear that there is a growing interest in the art of paper flowers and more importantly, an interest in how WE made OUR paper flowers!
As a result, we quickly began to plan our next workshop and paper flower retreat. The culmination of all of our efforts is this Fall’s 2-Day Paper Flower Workshop in Toronto on September 14th and 15th. We have worked incredibl...2019-08-2235 min
Paper TalkEpisode 13: Reviving Crepe Paper Art with Lia GriffithIt’s nearly impossible to make paper flowers and not have heard of Lia Griffith, the internationally renowned designer, educator, and author. When we started our crepe paper flower journeys years ago, Lia’s lifestyle website was one of the few that provided paper flower tutorials for crepe paper.
As a leader of the craft industry, Lia’s business model has evolved to a subscription model to provide consistently amazing handmade craft projects for “a handcrafted lifestyle”. She’s partnered with some big brands such as Joann’s and Cricut; she has a line of her own craft tools wit...2019-08-0819 min
Paper TalkEpisode 12: Teaching what You Love with Amity LibbySome of you may not be aware, but Amity Libby of Flower and Jane (formerly Florabeane) was highly involved in The Paper Florist Collective when the idea of organizing an international community of paper florists was in its infancy. At the time, she was known by her maiden name, Amity Beane. Now, she’s more focused on her family and spreading the word of paper floristry in another way and by doing what she does best - teaching. She has built a successful business through her online courses (and fresh flower farming) while living in a small town in Maine.2019-08-0124 min
Paper TalkEpisode 11: Uncommon Paper Flowers with Kate AlarconMost of you know Kate Alarcon’s work through her IG account, @cobralilyshop, and her unique paper flower tutorials on Design*Sponge. This week, we are sitting with our friend to discuss her art and her forthcoming paper flower book, Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Create Them, now available for purchase and to be released October 15, 2019.
Listen to Kate as she talks with Quynh, Jessie, and Priscilla, about her paper flower art and her book.
Let’s get to know Kate a little bit first:
1. Who is Kate Alar...2019-07-2519 min
Paper TalkEpisode 10: Drawing Inspiration Close to Home with Stine EvensonThis week, we get to know Stine Evensen, the artist behind the IG account, @tabletakes!
With only watercolour paper and paint, Stine is able to create these wonderfully intricate wildflowers and common flowers that she sees every day around her surroundings. Her IG account is filled with bright and beautifully photographed images of her creations. She was a bit of a mystery to us as she seldom (if ever) shares much of her personal self on social media so it was a joy to finally meet her face to face (albeit virtually) and get a chance to h...2019-07-1624 min
Paper TalkEpisode 9: How to Conduct a Bridal Consultation Quynh, Jessie & PriscillaJoin us this week as we discuss how we consult with potential clients/brides that approach us for unique commissions. Each of us has varying but extensive experience with wedding inquiries, so we often get questions about how we go about communicating with our clients, what issues to address and confirm during our communications from the initial contact to delivery, and what questions to ask so you don’t get burned.
We all approach our consultations slightly differently, but we all agree that there are a number of topics that must be part of the discussion early on...2019-07-1120 min
Paper TalkEpisode 8: Staying True to Yourself with Lynn DolanToday, we are in conversation with the amazing and always thoughtful, Lynn Dolan. Lynn started her paper flower journey nearly 7 years ago and before long, she was teaching how to make paper flowers and botanicals at Castle in the Air. She currently teaches workshops at Etui (Fall workshop schedule forthcoming).
Be sure to listen to Lynn as she talks with Quynh, Jessie, and Priscilla, about her art and inspiration.
Lynn has been around the block for a while now so it’s no surprise that she’s got tons of useful insight in...2019-07-0428 min
Paper TalkEpisode 6: The Etiquette for Sharing on Social Media with Quynh, Jessie & PriscillaIn this week’s episode of Paper Talk, we discuss the proper etiquette for sharing photos on social media and what to do when you are not properly credited.
This can be a bit of a hot topic for some people who aren’t familiar with the ins and outs of social media and don’t understand why it’s not ok to share a photo that isn’t theirs without permission. Many of us have been in a situation where someone takes one of our photos, something we worked very hard to create and uses it for their...2019-06-2014 min
Paper TalkEpisode 5: Building Your Own Creative Brand with Margie KeatesIn this Episode, we are chatting with the beautiful and lovely Margie Keates of The Lovely Ave! We met Margie at the Masterclass and we immediately became smitten with her down-to-earth character and bubbly personality (yes - she really is as friendly and fun as she appears online!)
Listen to Margie as she talks with Quynh, Jessie, and Priscilla, about her business, her “house”, and her new studio space.
Margie is such a well-spring of information for paper florists and had some great insights to share with us!
Check out wha...2019-06-1233 min
Paper TalkEpisode 4: Providing Color Solutions with Jodi DuncanIn this podcast, we are in conversation with Jodi Duncan of Design Master. Design Master is a company that provides colour solutions to the fresh floral industry. Internationally, they are associated with Oasis-Smithers.
Jodi herself has years of experience as a fresh floral designer and she is very well known in the fresh floral industry. Her knowledge about the colour products is astounding. At the 2019 Masterclass, she demonstrated how to use Design Master products on both fresh and paper flowers.
We love using Design Master spray paints because they come in a wide spectrum of co...2019-06-0629 min
Paper TalkEpisode 3: How We Got Started with Quynh, Jessie & PriscillaIn this week’s podcast, we have a frank chat over coffee about how we each started our paper flower journeys. Although we all have a similar passion for making paper flowers, we each took it up at different points in our lives and for all together different reasons.
I think how we got started also shaped our business model and approach to paper flower making. We each faced a turning point where we could decide to do nothing and continue our lives as they were, or decide to do something and pursue that new path - ou...2019-05-3021 min
Paper TalkEpisode 2: Chatting With the Crepe Paper King with Mike BensonIn our second podcast, we are chatting it up with the king of crepe paper (at least on this side of the ocean), Mike Benson of Carte Fini. Carte Fini is based in San Diego, California and it is an online distributor of Cartotecnica Rossi Italian crepe paper and ships worldwide.
We first met Mike at the 2019 Masterclass in Monroe, Washington, where he generously sponsored part of our swag bag for the attendees. He even enthusiastically participated in paper flower making for the first time (and did a darn good job!). Mike is an ardent supporter of our...2019-05-2327 min
Paper TalkEpisode 1: Crafting from the Heart with Wendy MiddaughIn our very first podcast, we are featuring the wonderful Wendy Middaugh of WJM Paper Floral Designs. We met Wendy at our Masterclass in Seattle this past spring and was so impressed by her art and personality. Wendy resides just southwest of the Twin Cities in Minnesota, U.S.A. She’s been making paper flowers for about 1.5 years, picking up the craft via YouTube tutorials.
She currently works full time as a lab technician, however, you can find her making paper flowers all the time and selling them via her website, WJM Paper Floral Designs. She’s also...2019-05-1424 min