Paperhugger Studio is a humble online art business that offers artworks by Yang Pulongbarit-Cuevo (that’s me!) for personalized gifts and home décor. Based in Chicago, I mainly focus on papercutting and illustration where I transform sketches into mesmerizing single-sheet cut paper. I also explore more possibilities with papercutting by incorporating paint and illustration, creating abstract and multi-dimensional pieces for interesting mixed media artworks.
Recognized as one of Etsy’s top shop for gifts, Paperhugger gained momentum when it launched its personalized papercut celebration maps to the market. Eager brides, newlyweds, wedding guests, wives, husbands, friends, and more, have chosen to commemorate memorable life events through the ancient art of papercuttting.
My work has been featured in several online and offline publications, gift guides, editors’ picks, and articles, including Preview Magazine and a cover and spread for The Chicago Reader. Paperhugger was also selected as one of Etsy’s up-and-coming shops to watch out for across the USA in an article published in Etsy Journal. More recently, Paperhugger was a Finalist at the Etsy Design Awards for the Personalized Gifts Category. To see more of Paperhugger Studio in the media, please visit this page.
FAQs
Why Paperhugger?
I activated my Etsy shop while I was in the middle of the woods for a quick summer weekend. My first paper art collection was mostly inspired by nature and forest animals. The heartwarming presence of trees, their beauty and embrace as they shield us from a hot summer day, made me appreciate them even more. And my primary medium comes from trees! So it reminded me of tree huggers, which then transformed to paperhugger. I lovingly cut paper to create, not destroy.
Do you only papercut by hand?
I draw and cut all of my designs by hand. I do not use machines to create my papercutting pieces. I only turn to the lasercutting machine when trying to incorporate my designs into different materials such as wood and acrylic – a scalpel knife won’t do the trick for those. *wink*
How much does it cost?
Pricing for custom art pieces depends on the approximate size required by the client.
How long does it take?
Commissions may take anywhere from 2 to 7 weeks. However, each turnaround time highly relies on the complexities of the design and the size of the artwork. I’d be glad to discuss a shorter timeline for an expedited fee. Estimated finish date is always clearly communicated with the client to meet (and even exceed) expectations.
How do you ship the artwork?
I carefully pack all my art pieces and send them via USPS First Class Package or Priority Mail. You may request to have it sent via UPS/FedEx by letting me know during our coordination process.
All my items ship from Chicago, IL. They arrive in an acid-free plastic sleeve with protective chipboard, in a rigid mailer.
Do you offer framing for commissioned work?
Yes. I partnered with Framebridge to offer optional custom framing to my clients. Clients can select their preferred frame, finish, and other extras from their website and I will make the same selections upon handing over your commissioned papercut piece at the Chicago location.
What does Framebridge use for custom framing my art and how do you ship framed items?
Frames are custom cut and hand-made by Framebridge, who ships them to you ready to hang. Framebridge’s mouldings are made of solid wood with premium finishes, including acid-free materials and acrylic with UV protection.
Each frame is inspected by their experts to ensure perfection before it is shipped out to you from their studios here in the United States. International shipping is not available at this time.
I am interested in learning paper-cutting! Do you have any starting point for me?
It delights me that more and more people are getting into this fascinating art! I offer in-person demos for private and public events, as well as virtual classes on a per-booking-basis. However, I have created a Starter Toolkit for papercut beginners and the papercut-curious!I also partnered with Excel Blades to help you in acquiring the basic tools that you need to get started. My Starter Toolkit has recommendations of the reliable items that I always use in my personal practice and you get a 15% discount using the code PAPER when you make your purchase.
May I use your art photos?
If any of my photos catch your interest, please contact me to ask for permission before using any of my own images. I will immensely appreciate your understanding and respect. ❤
Where else can I find you?
If I am not sketching or cutting paper, I am making playlists and spinning music for 107.1fm in Chicago. You can also keep up with what I’m up to on Instagram and Facebook. Thank you so much for being here! (:
handcut paper illustration by yang pulongbarit cuevo 
