Signe Elisabeth Scharling

Paper sculptor

The subtle details behind paper flowers

Signe creates paper flowers sculptures and teaches her craft to others
Her pieces often show the stages of a flower’s life
She finds joy in imperfect yet detailed floral pieces

Signe Elisabeth Scharling, a former psychologist from Copenhagen, discovered her passion for paper flower art by chance. A simple encounter with a paper peony on Pinterest sparked her curiosity. What began as a hobby evolved into a full-time pursuit in 2023. With no formal training, Signe taught herself through books and experimentation, developing a unique style using crepe paper, steel wire and hand-applied colours. Her creations often feature intentionally imperfect details to capture the fleeting beauty of real flowers. Now an established artist with a large Instagram following, she shares her craft through a variety of online tutorials and workshops, continually finding joy in the creative process. “It makes me happy to make things that are beautiful,” she says.

Interview

What is the essence of your creations?: I like to freeze the stages of a flower’s life in one creation. Many arrangements have a bud, a fresh flower and a flower that is fading. This shows the passing of time. It is also quite typical for my pieces to have some sort of flaw purposely added.
What has been the highlight of your career?: My biggest accomplishment is being able to make a living with my art. It is also great to have my work appreciated by others. Therefore, being able to participate in Homo Faber 2024 feels like a big recognition and means a lot to me.
What aspect of your craft is most fulfilling?: I want people to feel proud of their creations. Transitioning from psychology, I now aim to positively influence others through my flowers and teaching. I hope people find peace creating, as I do. Making something I am proud of recharges me, and I hope others experience that too.
Can you tell us about a special piece?: In 2023, I crafted a large bouquet with faded roses and paper clay fruit for a fine jewellery store in Copenhagen. My favourite piece is always the one yet to be made! As I continue to develop my skills, I am often proudest of my most recent creation.

Signe Elisabeth Scharling is a rising star: she began her career in 2023 and she started teaching in 2023