Paper Talk

In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim dive into the art and philosophy of creating your own paper flower templates. What begins as a practical discussion quickly blooms into a conversation about creativity, confidence, and the evolution of each artist’s personal style.

They explore how templates serve as both a foundation and a springboard, and how learning from others can give you structure, but learning from nature gives you freedom. The hosts reflect on their early years when few templates existed, the role of technology like iPads and AI in documenting and improving designs, and why embracing imperfection makes your flowers truly yours.

“Templates give confidence, but real mastery comes from experience, skill, and time.” - Jessie

Whether you’re new to paper floristry or refining your craft, this episode is an invitation to experiment, observe, and grow.

What You’ll Hear in this Episode:

• How to transition from using templates to designing your own
  
  
• Finding confidence in imperfection
  
  
• Using technology (Procreate, Canva, ChatGPT) to organize and elevate your creative process
  
  
• How selling your templates can lead to new income streams
  
  
• The joy and discipline of revisiting flowers over time
  
  

👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

When we think of paper flowers, we often imagine something small, intricate, and realistic. But what happens when you scale that beauty up tenfold? In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui explore the bold, beautiful world of large paper flowers and the practical realities that come with going big.

Listen to this Episode to learn:

• Why large flowers require careful structural planning
  
• How to price and protect your work (and yourself)
  
• The importance of weather, shipping, and storage considerations
• Creative ways to include large flowers in your business offerings

Creating giant paper flowers is both an artistic and logistical challenge. As Quynh shared, even the smallest miscalculation can cause a flower to droop or collapse. “I watched one of my large flowers start to wilt before my eyes,” she said. “I had to go back and rewire it.” Wiring each petal, reinforcing the base, and using durable materials are essential steps for any large-scale project.

For Sara, the biggest lessons came from experience. “Even when my flowers stood perfectly in my studio, they would tip over at outdoor events. Wind, heat, and humidity change everything,” she explained. Over time, she realized that offering large flower installations professionally required more than artistic skill, it required business planning, insurance, and honest client communication.

Jessie agreed, adding that the paper flower business side of things can’t be ignored. “It’s not just about making the flower,” she said. “It’s about managing logistics, installation, and liability. Once you step into larger projects, you’re responsible for safety and presentation.”

So, what should artists know before offering giant paper flowers for events or retail displays?

• Structure Comes First - Use strong wiring, test every connection, and consider how gravity will affect your flower over time. Hanging or standing pieces should be tested for at least 24 hours before installation.

• Communicate Clearly with Clients - Set expectations about weather sensitivity and handling. As Sara put it, “Treat paper flowers like real flowers—they’re beautiful but fragile.”

• Plan for Storage and Transport - Large flowers take up significant space. Think about storage, dust protection, and packaging. If you must ship, factor in both the size and fragility—shipping costs can quadruple quickly.

• Protect Your Business - Event venues often require liability insurance, especially for installations. “Even if you’re just setting up a backdrop,” Jessie noted, “you need coverage in case something happens.”
• Start with One Big Bloom - If you’re new to large-scale work, start small. Make one flower for yourself. It’s fun, forgiving, and will teach you about scale, structure, and creativity.

Despite the hurdles, large flowers remain a showstopper. They command attention, tell stories, and redefine what paper art can be. Whether they’re adorning a wedding ceremony, retail window, or photo backdrop, these flowers remind us that art can bloom in any size.

As Quynh summed it up beautifully,

“Paper flowers can bloom in every size. The key is knowing how to make them stand tall.”

👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

In this festive episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Sara Kim, and Jessie Chui share their best tips for preparing your creative business for the busiest time of the year. From managing orders and planning downtime to hosting workshops, packaging ideas, and navigating Black Friday sales, this episode is packed with holiday wisdom.

We discuss how far in advance to plan seasonal events, the importance of scheduling rest, and creative ways to offer gift cards, ornaments, and small-batch paper flower gifts. We also reflect on the power of presentation, and how thoughtful packaging, gift wrapping, and collaborations can elevate your brand.

“Plan your holiday launches six months in advance. Start marketing early and work backward from shipping deadlines.” - Jessie

Whether you’re decorating your tree with handmade blooms or preparing your online shop for holiday traffic, this episode will help you head into the season feeling ready, inspired, and balanced.

Here’s What You’ll Hear in this Episode:

• When and how to plan your holiday workshops and pop-ups
  
  
• Ideas for packaging and giftable presentation
  
  
• Offering gift cards, digital products, and special holiday sales
  
  
• Social media strategies for festive content
  
  
• How to balance business and personal time during the holidays
  
  

Tune in and start your holiday prep early—your future self will thank you.

------ Join the Conversation!

In this episode of Paper Talk, Quynh Nguyen, Jessie Chui, and Sara Kim explore the value of artist talks: those special moments when artists step out from behind their work and share the story, process, and heart behind their creations.

“Sometimes it’s as simple as educating your audience in what we do. You’ll be surprised at how curious people are.” - Sara 

Here's what we dive into:

• What an artist talk is and why it matters
• How sharing your process builds trust and educates your audience
• Tips for pricing and preparing for talks
• Personal stories about overcoming nerves and finding your voice
• Why talking about your art sparks inspiration, confidence, and connection

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just beginning, you’ll leave this episode with practical encouragement to share your work more openly and confidently.

 “The more you practice and talk about your art, the more naturally it comes and the less uncomfortable it feels.” - Jessie

👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20