Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi! I’m Eileen and I grew up in sunny Singapore. I am a full-time, self-taught paper artist and I love making flowers (and bugs!) out of Italian crepe paper. I am a big Jane Austen fan, pink is my favourite colour, and I can’t go without at least one cup of coffee a day!
Tell us a bit about your new book?
Crepe Paper Blooms, Bugs and Butterflies celebrates the endless possibilities of crepe paper art! It was important for me for the book to be vibrant, whimsical, colourful, and not too intimidating for beginners. My hope is that this book can be a friendly and inspiring companion to both beginners and experienced crafters alike, so that everyone can learn to craft their very own crepe paper gardens.
Which project would you recommend from your book for a beginner to try?
The Simple Peony, because it’s simple and it’s a classic! I’ve been teaching this peony since the very start of my career and I do think it is beginner-friendly and not intimidating at all. You’ll also be introduced to all the major flower-making techniques and lingo in this project.
What is your favourite project/technique featured?
Each project holds a special place in my heart, but perhaps the one that stands out to me is the lo Moth project – it made me the most nervous! The lo Moth was a last minute addition to my book and frankly, I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off. Thankfully, I am very happy with how the project turned out and I adore how furry this bright yellow moth is!
How do you think you reached this point in your craft?
I have to credit my supportive family – they gave me the space to try new things, to grow, and to make my mistakes on my own terms. When I first started out and business wasn’t great, my family never judged me or told me to give up on my dreams. Without that time, space, and freedom to explore this craft, I would have never been able to develop my skills and aesthetics to reach this point, and I would have never been brave enough or comfortable enough to take risks and to pitch my book idea to international publishers!
Where do you look for inspiration?
Instagram is the richest source of inspiration for me, not just seeing what other makers are making, but to also see how florists, fashion designers and sculptors break traditional boundaries and prove that crea;vity is limitless.
In one word, how would you describe your book?
COLOURFUL!
