✨ Paper People: A Link Roundup of Inspiring Creative Humans

Kick off 2025 by learning how Your Story Matters

Hi friends,

Spring always feels like fresh starts and new notebooks. I’ve been thinking a lot about the people who inspire me to keep showing up creatively—especially those of us doing magic with paper here on Substack.

I’ve been full-time here on Substack for a few months now, posting daily, sharing my stuff out in other places, and one of the things that has kept me drawn into the community is the other humans.

Today, I’m sharing a special Paper People roundup.

Everyone here on the Substack platform is a human being, and it feels that way. It’s not just a bunch of brands (and humans performing as brands) talking at each other, like it is everywhere else. So today, I wanted to share some of my favorite newsletters with you—hopefully you’ll find another new human to love, just as much as I do!

These are folks I’ve been following and interacting with here on Substack lately. And most of them don’t fit neatly into a single box—they’re storytellers, artists, journalers, and paper crafters doing cool, intentional, and meaningful things with their hands (and then also writing about it).

Here’s what we’ll cover in this email:

• 20+ paper-loving creators worth following

• Personal thoughts on what they’re making and why it’s great

• All the cozy corners of the internet you might want to join

Let’s get into it.

📚 Paper People You Should Know About

🃏 Dans Mon Crane – V and the Tarot

Vanessa Oliver-Lloyd

has been one of my internet friends for more than a decade now. She’s one of the coolest and most interesting humans I know. Her substack is part visual journal, part mystic scrapbook, this post blends archetypes, storytelling, and incredible collage. She brings the good stuff.

V and The Tarot

🐧 The Penguin Post – When in Doubt, Journal

April Wu

is awesome and this post is basically a love letter to journaling as a lifeline. There’s real feels here, mixed with humor and introspection — perfect for Daily Pages lovers.

📓 Dave Conrey – How to Make a Zine

Dave Conrey

is one of my favorite people on Substack right now. He’s always asking interesting questions, bringing DIY energy and sharp insight. This post is a practical, accessible, guide to zine—perfect even if you’re just starting.

How to make a zine

🎨 Oficina Caracolinho – Colour Week Is Back
Teresa’s newsletter is a visual treat. Bursting with color, creativity, and gentle invitations to experiment. Color Week is a great excuse to go play in your stash.

🧵 YvetteJa – Introduction to Bookbinding

Yvette Ja

shares a calming and approachable guide to bookbinding that makes you want to gather your scraps and start stitching. She’s a must-follow if you love the slower, meditative side of paper arts.

🪑 Journaling Dan – On Keeping a Desk

Daniela

writes all about stationery shops, notebooks, and her hobbies. Her page is such a delightful stroll and you should absolutely check out her shop recommendations; especially if you’re traveling.

On Keeping a Desk

✏️ Natasha in Your Phone – My Favorite Journaling Supplies

Natasha in Your Phone

is like your cool BFF who’s always got the best pen recs. Her newsletter is personal, honest, and full of paper love. This post is a great peek into what she’s using right now in her journal.

🌈 kryscolours – What I Made in March

Krys Kinsel

is the queen of Free Zine Fridays—seriously, go check them out. This post is a rad take on all those art challenges we tend to get sucked into, and a reminder that you can do them your way. Zines, color, intention, and lots of grace.

✨ Starmoth – Exciting and Mundane, All At Once

Contemplative Creativity

’s Rikki takes a poetic look at the small rituals of everyday life and how paper holds space. Equal parts dreamy and grounded.

🍽️ Meghan Splawn – A Whole Week of Winning Dinners

Meghan Splawn

’s writing is technically about food—but, it’s also definitely about paper. So if you’re someone who keeps a meal planner or just love peeping into other people’s sketchbooks, this hits the spot. Meghan brings serious cozy-weeknight energy with real life food and her storytelling.

A Whole Week of Winning Dinners

🕯️ Journal as Altar – Free Printable for the People

Journal As Altar

—I’ve known Erin for a long time (internet friends are great) and she is so full of heart. This post has a free printable journal card download, so you can get some art into your Daily Pages notebook asap. And she’s all about treating your notebook like a sacred space. Perfect for anyone who wants journaling as ritual and reflection.

📦 The Workbooks – Putting Together a Daily Pages Kit

Julia Garza

is awesome—another human that I knew from those ‘other social media sites’. This one is a must-read for Daily Pages fans. She puts together her own Daily Pages kit, and it’s awesome.
→ Bonus: her about page is a gem. She writes, “I believe everyone has a story worth telling, and writing every day is a way to discover yours.” Big yes to that.

So many paper people out there are showing up, sharing honestly, and making really cool things. The best part? There’s room for all of us.

Your Turn: Who are your favorite Paper People right now? Drop a comment and tag them! Let’s build the biggest paper hype squad on Substack.

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Daily Pages x Scrapbooking — Saturday, May 4 (aka National Scrapbooking Day!)
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“I joined for the workshops and stayed for the friendships!” — Julie

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Here’s what we covered today:

• A curated list of amazing paper people here on Substack

• A few thoughts on on internet friends, creativity, and connection

• A bunch of inspo from all these great artists

Action step: Follow one new Paper Person this week and let them know their work inspired you.

Talk to you next week!

xoxo,

Kristin

P.S. If you’re enjoying these newsletters, please consider sharing this edition with a friend who might need a little creative boost today.

And whenever you are ready, there are 3 ways I can help you build your creative habit:

1. Check out the FREE Daily Pages 101 mini-course.

2. Upgrade your Substack subscription and join me Monday-Friday at Noon ET for my Daily Pages creative time (bring any project you’re working on). And—join us on the first Saturday of the month. for our live masterclasses, a new topic each month on building and sustaining your creative habit. See the full archive here.

3. Check out the free Awesome Ladies Project community + app and join us for weekly challenges, free stickers, and amazing friendships!