In Episode 186 of Paper Talk, we welcome the incomparable floral designer and educator, Hitomi Gilliam for a deeply thoughtful conversation on floral mechanics, Ikebana, color theory, and what it truly means to make flowers feel alive.

Hitomi brings decades of experience in floristry, Ikebana, and teaching to our discussion. In it, she shares how “economy of means” shapes her work, why neutrals like browns and grays quietly hold color stories together, and how mechanics become the bridge between imagination and execution. Together, we explore the powerful overlap between paper flowers and fresh floristry, sustainability, interdisciplinary learning, and the idea she calls the “hand of nature.”

“Mechanics are the enabler. Without them, the vision stays a sketch.” - Hitomi Gilliam

This episode is especially valuable for artists interested in sustainability, Ikebana principles, and designing with intention rather than excess. Learn more about Hitomi on her website and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube!

👉 Join Hitomi and Quynh at their Paper Flower Crown Workshop in April 2026! Sign up before February 15th to get FREE complimentary paper flower supplies. Register here.

👉 The Best Thing We Bought for Under $20

Quynh: Petite Knit Sophie Hood Pattern
Jessie: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
Sara: Brown woven scalloped baskets

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If you’ve been craving a creative community or wondering how to take your next step, let this episode remind you that you are not alone. You can start small. You can begin today.

Ep 186: The Hand of Nature: Where Floral Mechanics Meet Paper Art with Hitomi Gilliam