About Me and Paper Willow: A Journey of Creativity and Connection

Meet Jacqueline, the Heart Behind Paper Willow

Hello, I’m Jacqueline! I’m a designer and creator with a passion for bringing beauty to life’s special moments through handcrafted stationery. Based in the heart of Derbyshire, UK, I draw endless inspiration from the wildflowers, woodlands, and wildlife that surround my home. My journey into design wasn’t a straight path, but it’s one I’m proud to share.

Before launching Paper Willow, I spent years honing my craft at StarCutouts, first as a digital printer and later as their designer and product developer. There, I designed original and licensed cardboard cutouts for global giants like Disney and the BBC, bringing iconic characters to life as well as unique in-house party designs like these 'stand-in' cutouts. It was an incredible experience that taught me the power of creativity and precision. In 2011, I took a transformative course at Shillington College, which gave me the confidence to take my skills to the next level and dream bigger.

The Birth of Paper Willow

In 2012, I founded Paper Willow to channel my love for design into something truly personal. At Paper Willow, I design and create bespoke wedding stationery and other stationery items, using a blend of traditional and digital techniques. Many of my designs begin as watercolor or gouache paintings, which I carefully tidy up digitally to enhance their vibrancy, or as digital paintings created on my iPad. The final pieces are produced using high-quality digital printing. My designs are inspired by nature—think wildflowers swaying in the breeze, woodland scenes, and forest animals. Each piece is bursting with vibrant color and originality, crafted to make your moments unforgettable.

What makes Paper Willow special is the bespoke experience. I love working one-on-one with my customers to bring their visions to life, whether it’s a custom wedding invitation, a hand-painted venue illustration, or a beautifully detailed map for your special day. My customers often tell me they cherish the personal connection and collaborative process—it’s what makes Paper Willow more than just a business; it’s a partnership.

Our Values

• Creativity: Every design begins with a watercolor, gouache, or digital painting, ensuring each piece is unique and full of life.
• Connection: I believe in building meaningful relationships with my clients, making every project a true collaboration.
• Quality: From the first brushstroke to the final print, I pour my heart into delivering stationery that exceeds expectations.

Why I Love What I Do

Running Paper Willow from my purpose-built workshop in our garden allows me to balance my creative passion with my family life. I’m a proud mum to my 9-year-old son and our lovely cat, Tilly, who often keeps me company while I work. My customers’ joy fuels me—whether it’s seeing a couple’s face light up when they receive their wedding invitations or hearing how a bespoke map added a personal touch to their day. With over 1,400 five-star reviews and a Star Seller badge on Etsy, I’m humbled by the trust and love my customers have shown me.

Join the Paper Willow Journey

Whether you’re planning a wedding, celebrating a milestone, or simply looking for stationery that tells your story, I’d love to work with you. At Paper Willow, we’re all about creating vibrant, nature-inspired designs that capture the essence of your moment. Visit my shop at www.paperwillow.com to explore my collections, or reach out to start a bespoke project tailored just for you. You can also find me on Etsy, where I’m proud to be a Star Seller. Drop me a message, and let’s create something beautiful together!

Thank you for taking the time to learn about me and Paper Willow. I can’t wait to hear your story and bring a touch of nature’s magic to your special day!