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I Hand-Cut Paper Into Hundreds Of Tiny Pieces To Create Sculptures Of Birds, Bees, And Other Creatures
I’ve had quite an exciting career over the last 18 years, I’ve worked as an animator, directed music videos and I’ve also owned and was the creative director of an animation company in London. All these things were a great life experience and I learnt a lot about myself. One of the main things I realised, was I that I missed creating work of my own. I wanted to slow down, get off the computer and feel a bit more free.
I started to create designs out of paper about 6 years ago. I started to make things in my spare time while I worked on graphic design and animation projects. I first made a 2D paper hummingbird. I loved working with the paper and found the whole experience really relaxing, almost like meditating.
As time went on I was lucky to become a member of the Paper Artists Collective, a global group of super talented paper artists. I started to experiment with 3-dimensional models and tried to challenge myself with more difficult designs.
My first real break came from Waitrose Magazine in the UK. I was asked to make a paper blue tit for the cover. It was a real challenge to work out how to construct the wing, I needed to find lots of images of a blue tit in flight, shot from as many angles as possible in order to work it out.
On average it takes 5 days to make one of the models. The blue tit’s feathers were all hand cut and fringed, the body was made from hundreds of hand-cut pieces of paper. The chameleon and bee are both made from approximately 600 little hand-cut paper triangles.
I find the greatest inspiration for my work comes from nature. I love the patterns, symmetry, colour, geometry and texture. I love the detail. I then try to give it a modern twist, taking inspiration from the design world – such as fashion, interiors and graphic design. My hope is to create an exciting fusion of the two, to try and create something new and fresh.
I’m currently making a series of insects inspired by fashion designers and victorian entomological illustrations.
My first model was a bee. I decided to go for an abstract pattern using gold, pink and blue – my inspiration came from the latest Mary Karantzou ‘resort 2018’ collection. Such beautiful and inspiring work, I love her use of pattern, texture and colour.
My next project looks like it will be a stagbeetle with some popping colour, but I’m still in the early stages of design…
More info: lisalloyd.net | Instagram
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What do you think ?
Bored Fox 6 years ago
These look great! If you make more of these please post the pictures to Bored Panda. :)
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you, that's really kind - I might put the next few insects up when they're ready.
Load More Replies...
Randy Inbred 6 years ago
Absolutely incredible! If I had 2 hats I would take them both off to you!
Katrine Damsgaard-Sørensen 6 years ago
Wauw, what a gift you have. I am blown away of your talent. It is such a pleasure to see detailed, time-taking handicraft ✨
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Hi ya, thanks so much! I sell signed prints on my website, here's my URL: www.lisalloyd.net
Load More Replies...
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Yes that would be good one to do! Maybe in the future :)
Load More Replies...
Julianna Metz-Root 6 years ago
These are absolutely incredible. Is the base for the animal made from paper too?
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you so much, here's a shot of the body under construction :) IMG_5054-5...d39ea0.jpg 
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Here's a work in progress shot.. you can see the scale and also the beginnings of the body construction. IMG_5054-5...856f0e.jpg 
Jo Morris 6 years ago
How are these tiny pieces of paper stuck together? I get my fingers sticky and make a mess using a glue stick to stick two bigger pieces of paper. It is amazing how they are cut out but to me it's the putting together that's intriguing.
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you! I use tweezers to dab each little piece of paper on a little puddle of fast drying PVA glue, it's a bit of a race against time to use all the glue before it dries!
Load More Replies...
Chloe 6 years ago
I like making handcrafts too. I think when i am doing that, I can be very calm and enjoyable.Sometimes I can reflect on myself when i doing this.
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
It would be lovely to see your work, it is so calming to zone out and forget the world for a while!
Load More Replies...
MysticalMan 6 years ago
A wonderful inspiration. There are still many, so many wonderful things in the world.
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you so much, that's really kind :)
Load More Replies...
Magpie 6 years ago
So well observed, such delicate and precise cutting. Thank you for showing us. :)
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you for your lovely comment! :)
Load More Replies...
Claire steele 6 years ago
It certainly is. I wish I was as talented. It's a real joy to witness things if such beauty
Load More Replies...
Farrina 6 years ago
Amazing works!
I was also greatly happy to see works in the wet origami technique: https://www.livemaster.com/topic/2782591 d0e444715b...c260aa.jpg 
Ethan Slusser 6 years ago
Do you plan on selling any of them? Or make copies and than sell? I want one
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Hi ya, thank you- yes I sell signed prints and also create originals for private commissions.
Load More Replies... vozagij 6 years ago
yes Google paid each week on-line from home over $4000+ simply by operating merely on-line. Last month I actually have got paid $19523 simply by operating four weeks on-line. Its simply wonderful and my earnings ar currently far better than regular nine to five workplace job. This job is simply outstanding. attempt currently to induce additional money on-line from the small print here...... MARSMART.COM
Melody Lanzatella 6 years ago
I wish I had some sense of what it is like to have a creative mind like yours. This is just staggering to me. How you even come up with the idea, let alone create it with such incredible precision!! Now, having seen your incredible and inspiring work, if I were to attempt to make one of these, it would just be disastrous! (think along the lines of a kindergarten aged child with safety scissors and construction paper...and most likely...blood.) Just when I think I have seen the limit of the beauty of creativity, I see work like yours that has me aghast! Lovely! Just lovely!
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Wow thank you so much, that's so kind. I bet you could do it if you gave it a go, you can start with large pieces of paper and work your way down to smaller ones. Thanks for your kind words :)
Load More Replies...
Helga Kelly-Nagy 6 years ago
this is stunning, and that you have the patience and talent to create such works of beauty, amazing!
Lisby Lanser 6 years ago
You must be one of the most patient people on earth. They are beautiful.
Daniel Holcombe 6 years ago
Is this just a hobby? You are seriously talented, I hope you earn a good living from your art because it rocks
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Oh thank you that's very kind, it's starting to feel like it's taking off a bit now which is exciting- fingers crossed!
Load More Replies...
Nicky OldfieldDesciple 6 years ago
These are so incredibly beautiful. The attention to detail, the patience needed (and shown) and the intricacy is amazing. You really are a very talented person. I hope you go really far with these. You deserve every success. Good luck. ☺☺♥♥♥☺☺
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Wow thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it!
Load More Replies...
Kenny Kulbiski 6 years ago
Thanks to the pictures I can kinda see "how" but my head still thinks " impossible". I can see myself up to my neck in itty bitty pieces of paper babbling like an idiot. Kudos.
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Ha ha yep that sounds like me too :)! Thank you!
Load More Replies...
ElisabethN. 6 years ago
Omg! You have such a great talent, and you are really great at details, I really like your work! Congratulations!
Camelia Rolea 6 years ago
This is absolutely beautiful ! I don't place in my home art of my own. This is something I want ! Are you also selling them?
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Hi ya, oh thank you so much that's really kind! Yeah I do sell signed prints on my website: www.lisalloyd.net xx
Load More Replies...
Sarah Kim 6 years ago
Takes a lot of effort and patience to do something like this! Thank you for your time to make others smile at your creativity.
Brenda Paul 6 years ago
Wow! This is amazing. The attention to detail is phenomenal. These are gorgeous! Girl, you have got some hardcore talent.
Emily 6 years ago
These are really lovely Lisa! So intricate and it appeals to my love of detailed craftsmanship. I would consider designing a Pangolin - the scales would lend themselves to your technique and it's an animal that really could do with a bit more attention (especially as they're the most smuggled animal in the world, if I recall...)
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you Emily! That's really kind :) A Pangolin is an amazing idea - how awful that they are the most smuggled animal in the world. After the insect collection I might contact a Pangolin charity to see if I can come up with something for them, thanks for giving me the idea!
Load More Replies...
Lizard Queen 6 years ago
They are mosaic sculptures, and are astonishing in detail. The chameleon is particularly well done.
Peter Zoon 6 years ago
Wow! Beautiful! And the colours you've picked for your artwork are perfect!
Noctis Nix 6 years ago
Wow, just wow. These are spectacular! They just make me happy to look at, and I love the whimsical feel the colors give to it. What's your process? Do you make the shape of the animal yourself or do you use a base of some kind? I'm so curious!
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you! I make the body from strips of paper, I can afford for it to be a bit messy as it gets covered with the little pieces of paper..!
Load More Replies... 
Bored Fox 6 years ago
These look great! If you make more of these please post the pictures to Bored Panda. :)
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you, that's really kind - I might put the next few insects up when they're ready.
Load More Replies... Randy Inbred 6 years ago
Absolutely incredible! If I had 2 hats I would take them both off to you!
Katrine Damsgaard-Sørensen 6 years ago
Wauw, what a gift you have. I am blown away of your talent. It is such a pleasure to see detailed, time-taking handicraft ✨
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Hi ya, thanks so much! I sell signed prints on my website, here's my URL: www.lisalloyd.net
Load More Replies... Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Yes that would be good one to do! Maybe in the future :)
Load More Replies... Julianna Metz-Root 6 years ago
These are absolutely incredible. Is the base for the animal made from paper too?
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you so much, here's a shot of the body under construction :) IMG_5054-5...d39ea0.jpg
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Here's a work in progress shot.. you can see the scale and also the beginnings of the body construction. IMG_5054-5...856f0e.jpg
Jo Morris 6 years ago
How are these tiny pieces of paper stuck together? I get my fingers sticky and make a mess using a glue stick to stick two bigger pieces of paper. It is amazing how they are cut out but to me it's the putting together that's intriguing.
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you! I use tweezers to dab each little piece of paper on a little puddle of fast drying PVA glue, it's a bit of a race against time to use all the glue before it dries!
Load More Replies... Chloe 6 years ago
I like making handcrafts too. I think when i am doing that, I can be very calm and enjoyable.Sometimes I can reflect on myself when i doing this.
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
It would be lovely to see your work, it is so calming to zone out and forget the world for a while!
Load More Replies... MysticalMan 6 years ago
A wonderful inspiration. There are still many, so many wonderful things in the world.
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you so much, that's really kind :)
Load More Replies... Magpie 6 years ago
So well observed, such delicate and precise cutting. Thank you for showing us. :)
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you for your lovely comment! :)
Load More Replies... Claire steele 6 years ago
It certainly is. I wish I was as talented. It's a real joy to witness things if such beauty
Load More Replies... Farrina 6 years ago
Amazing works!
I was also greatly happy to see works in the wet origami technique: https://www.livemaster.com/topic/2782591 d0e444715b...c260aa.jpg
Ethan Slusser 6 years ago
Do you plan on selling any of them? Or make copies and than sell? I want one
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Hi ya, thank you- yes I sell signed prints and also create originals for private commissions.
Load More Replies... vozagij 6 years ago
yes Google paid each week on-line from home over $4000+ simply by operating merely on-line. Last month I actually have got paid $19523 simply by operating four weeks on-line. Its simply wonderful and my earnings ar currently far better than regular nine to five workplace job. This job is simply outstanding. attempt currently to induce additional money on-line from the small print here...... MARSMART.COM
Melody Lanzatella 6 years ago
I wish I had some sense of what it is like to have a creative mind like yours. This is just staggering to me. How you even come up with the idea, let alone create it with such incredible precision!! Now, having seen your incredible and inspiring work, if I were to attempt to make one of these, it would just be disastrous! (think along the lines of a kindergarten aged child with safety scissors and construction paper...and most likely...blood.) Just when I think I have seen the limit of the beauty of creativity, I see work like yours that has me aghast! Lovely! Just lovely!
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Wow thank you so much, that's so kind. I bet you could do it if you gave it a go, you can start with large pieces of paper and work your way down to smaller ones. Thanks for your kind words :)
Load More Replies... Helga Kelly-Nagy 6 years ago
this is stunning, and that you have the patience and talent to create such works of beauty, amazing!
Lisby Lanser 6 years ago
You must be one of the most patient people on earth. They are beautiful.
Daniel Holcombe 6 years ago
Is this just a hobby? You are seriously talented, I hope you earn a good living from your art because it rocks
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Oh thank you that's very kind, it's starting to feel like it's taking off a bit now which is exciting- fingers crossed!
Load More Replies... Nicky OldfieldDesciple 6 years ago
These are so incredibly beautiful. The attention to detail, the patience needed (and shown) and the intricacy is amazing. You really are a very talented person. I hope you go really far with these. You deserve every success. Good luck. ☺☺♥♥♥☺☺
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Wow thank you for your kind words, I really appreciate it!
Load More Replies... Kenny Kulbiski 6 years ago
Thanks to the pictures I can kinda see "how" but my head still thinks " impossible". I can see myself up to my neck in itty bitty pieces of paper babbling like an idiot. Kudos.
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Ha ha yep that sounds like me too :)! Thank you!
Load More Replies... ElisabethN. 6 years ago
Omg! You have such a great talent, and you are really great at details, I really like your work! Congratulations!
Camelia Rolea 6 years ago
This is absolutely beautiful ! I don't place in my home art of my own. This is something I want ! Are you also selling them?
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Hi ya, oh thank you so much that's really kind! Yeah I do sell signed prints on my website: www.lisalloyd.net xx
Load More Replies... Sarah Kim 6 years ago
Takes a lot of effort and patience to do something like this! Thank you for your time to make others smile at your creativity.
Brenda Paul 6 years ago
Wow! This is amazing. The attention to detail is phenomenal. These are gorgeous! Girl, you have got some hardcore talent.
Emily 6 years ago
These are really lovely Lisa! So intricate and it appeals to my love of detailed craftsmanship. I would consider designing a Pangolin - the scales would lend themselves to your technique and it's an animal that really could do with a bit more attention (especially as they're the most smuggled animal in the world, if I recall...)
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you Emily! That's really kind :) A Pangolin is an amazing idea - how awful that they are the most smuggled animal in the world. After the insect collection I might contact a Pangolin charity to see if I can come up with something for them, thanks for giving me the idea!
Load More Replies... Lizard Queen 6 years ago
They are mosaic sculptures, and are astonishing in detail. The chameleon is particularly well done.
Peter Zoon 6 years ago
Wow! Beautiful! And the colours you've picked for your artwork are perfect!
Noctis Nix 6 years ago
Wow, just wow. These are spectacular! They just make me happy to look at, and I love the whimsical feel the colors give to it. What's your process? Do you make the shape of the animal yourself or do you use a base of some kind? I'm so curious!
Lisa Lloyd (Post author) 6 years ago
Thank you! I make the body from strips of paper, I can afford for it to be a bit messy as it gets covered with the little pieces of paper..!
Load More Replies... You May Like 108 Impressive Paper Craft Ideas That Redefine The Standard Use Of Paper Magical Land Art By Andy Goldsworthy 30 People Draw Their Dreams And Others Offer Their Explanations
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