✨ 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.
🐧 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.
🎨 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.
✏️ 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.
🕯️ 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.
Sponsored by: this amazing newsletter!
Upgrade your newsletter subscription to join us for the next live workshop:
Daily Pages x Scrapbooking — Saturday, May 4 (aka National Scrapbooking Day!)
This workshop blends creative journaling with scrapbooking techniques for all kinds of stories. Replay included.
“I joined for the workshops and stayed for the friendships!” — Julie
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:
Check out the FREE Daily Pages 101 mini-course.
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.
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Yay new paper people!!!
Thanks so much for including me 💚