Floral Sculptures
in Paper

"Twist and Flow II"
11/15 - 12/12/2025 Exhibition Studio Montclair, Inc.
"Not Just Set in Stone"

Sculpting With Fine Italian Crepe Paper

"White Tree of Gondor"

Centaurea

Monarda

The Art and Craft of Crepe Paper Flowers

I sculpt unique floral forms out of fine Italian crepe paper, wire and glue, completely by hand. The paper may be tinted, painted or dyed with inks, pastels, acrylic paint, tea or other natural colorants. The paper may be cut, fringed, crimped, torn or twisted. Real botanicals inspire me, and all designs are my own.

The goal is to explore the response to flowers when botanical realism gives way to re-imagined complex forms that go beyond mere decoration to become more fantastical and impressionistic objects.

There's no end to the possibilities. As Alice says in Through the Looking Glass: '...though she managed to pick plenty of beautiful rushes as the boat glided by, there was always a more lovely one that she couldn't reach. " The prettiest are always further ! " '

The season, climate, and growing conditions are always right. Crepe paper florals won't wilt, don't need water, and won't make you sneeze.

About the artist

I'm Valerie Holliday, and working with crepe paper became my passion when a snap decision led to making hundreds of flowers for my daughter's wedding. I thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, and learned that crepe paper blooms make people really happy. So I decided to keep creating more complex flowers and developing my skills. It is my pleasure to share my ever-evolving portfolio with you through this website.

I am a proud member of the Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, Haverford Chapter.
You can see my work at select crafts shows and galleries. I do a limited number of commissions each year, and also teach an introductory flower-making class.

Floralsmith Studio's booth at
Haverford Guild of Craftsmen 2025 Holiday Art & Fine Craft Show, November 8-9, 2025