The Kid Should See This

Paper flower artist Arnold Drake World

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For 11 years, paper flower artist Arnold Drake World has been making paper morning glories, calla lilies, roses, and other flowers from premium quality paper napkins, specifically Tork-brand Premium MB570. He works in the coffee shop at Portland’s Powell’s Books where he can meet with potential customers and admirers. Documentary director Riley Hooper shared World’s botanically-correct work in this 2-minute 2016 profile, in which he advises:

Do something not once, not ten times, not a hundred but a thousand times and then that’ll make you a master of what it is you’re doing.

arnold drake world - paper flowers - riley hooper profile
Oregon Public Broadcasting also spoke with him in 2019:

Arnold World - paper rose
Arnold World - paper callalily

His book, We Don’t Fold We Roll, is on Bookshop. He explains:

I started getting interested in paper flowers, and searched the internet to see what resources there were, but discovered there was nothing that gave clear directions on how to make them. I didn’t realize this was my answer, not right away anyhow. I began experimenting on how to create flowers with paper, and over time, became better at this art form. I finally had a gift and a goal, which is to transform plain pieces of napkins and tissues into a replicated flower. My friends say I followed my calling. You could say I found a way to help others.

Now I’m on a mission to make a difference one flower at a time. I had help building my talent by researching how the classic artists, such as Michelangelo, Leonardo Da Vinci, and Fibonacci created their masterpieces. I then applied their principles and formulas to flower making. If you’ve ever seen my step by step guide, you’ll notice that I start out with one petal, and leaf, and build from there, just like a painter will start with one layer, then add another, and another before the painting is complete. In the same way, I can show others how to make the flowers in an easy format. The way I make my flowers is a simple process of tear, roll and wrap using your fingers and a little water for your fingertips. It takes some practice, but I believe anyone can learn this art.

Arnold World - paper flowers
Find more from Arnold Drake World at pdxflowerguy.com.

Watch more paper craft videos, including Haruki Nakamura’s surprising paper karakuri animals, Engineering the Perfect Pop, and Irving Harper: Works in Paper.

Previously from Riley Hooper: Why Not Now? Vivian Stancil.

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