Paper quilling has a long history, dating back to ancient China, where some historians believe it emerged alongside the invention of paper. Today, artist Yulia Brodskaya has redefined this traditional craft, transforming rolled and folded paper into intricate, three-dimensional illustrations.

Her works range from detailed portraits to nature-inspired designs, each composed of hundreds of meticulously placed strips. Brodskaya refers to her process as “painting with paper,” using layers of folded strips to create depth, texture, and stunning color gradients. These subtle shifts in tone bring her subjects to life, whether it’s delicate skin tones, vibrant flower petals, or the soft feathers of a bird.

Every piece requires careful planning before a single strip is glued down. Brodskaya constantly adjusts and reworks her compositions to achieve the perfect balance. “Every strip matters,” she explains. “I believe this level of care is something viewers can feel, especially when they see the artwork in person.”

Explore some of Yulia Brodskaya’s most breathtaking paper quilling pieces below, and discover more of her incredible portfolio on Instagram.

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