Episode 133: An Exclusive Interview with German Crepe Paper Manufacturer Werola

07/27/23 • 38 min

Title: Episode 133: An Exclusive Interview with German Crepe Paper Manufacturer Werola

Welcome back to Paper Talk Podcast, Season 6! We’re so excited to be back with more of the best in the world of paper flowers and creative small businesses.

In this highly anticipated episode, we dove into the vibrant world of crepe paper with an exclusive interview featuring Bernd Firmbach, the Vice President of the German crepe paper division Werola at Seaman Paper. This was such an incredibly rare opportunity, and you won’t want to miss a moment of our conversation. Join us as we explore the production process, sustainability initiatives, and the future of German crepe paper. This episode is a must-listen for paper florists and enthusiasts seeking to discover new insights to unleash their creative potential.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll hear when you listen.

Why Is Each Sheet of German Crepe So Unique?

Bernd took us behind the scenes at Werola, where the art of transforming jumbo rolls of paper into exquisite crepe paper comes to life. Dyeing, dipping, cutting, and rolling are just a few of the intricate techniques employed by their skilled artisans. Bernd emphasized the importance of quality control and revealed how the manual nature of their production leads to the fascinating variations in color and texture that make each sheet of Werola's crepe paper unique.

If you’ve used German crepe paper before, you know firsthand how beautiful and unique it can be! You won’t want to miss the details of what goes on behind the scenes to create this favorite paper.

How Sustainable and Safe Is German Crepe Paper?

At Werola, environmental sustainability is a core value, making German crepe paper a wonderful choice for paper florists who want their art to have a positive impact on the world. In the episode, Bernd discussed Werola’s conscientious efforts to conserve water, recycle dyes, and prioritize the use of recycled paper whenever feasible. Listen to hear how these efforts are part of the reason why German crepe paper has those variations in color discussed above.

Bernd also addressed common concerns regarding the safety of crepe paper. You can get the full rundown by listening, but know that Werola conducts rigorous tests to ensure their crepe paper meets strict safety standards. Their products are free from harmful substances, further exemplifying Werola's commitment to consumer well-being.

Any Exciting Product Developments on the Horizon?

Bernd shared about exciting collaborations and emphasized the growing demand for certain colors from our paper flower community. With a keen eye for artistic styles and cultural preferences, Werola's team continuously explores new color options. Listeners will be thrilled to learn about the potential for expanded color ranges and even larger folds of crepe paper, allowing for endless possibilities in our creative endeavors. Be sure to listen for details about which colors and products they are planning to add.

Bernd also acknowledged that Werola is keen to improve market accessibility, responding to feedback from the artistic community. Listeners who yearn to find Werola's exceptional crepe paper in local stores will be delighted to learn that the company is actively working to expand sales distribution and forge new connections to better serve artists and crafters worldwide.

What You’ll Learn When You Listen to Episode 133

The intricate production process behind Werola's crepe paper
Werola's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility
The safety of Werola's crepe paper for contact and ingestion
Exciting collaborations and expanding color options
Werola's plans for enhanced market accessibility

We collaborated with Werola to bring two lucky winners a packet of German crepe paper featuring ten beautiful colors. All you have to do is answer our poll questions by August 3 to enter.

To enter into the giveaway, click here to fill out the poll questions.

This exclusive interview with Bernd Firmbach of Werola unraveled the captivating world of German crepe paper. We would love to see what you have done with this incredible paper! Tag us on Instagram with @papertalkpodcast and let us know what you want to explore in future episodes.

You can also join our Facebook group where you can share, connect, and grow with us. Please also consider donating on our website to help us keep producing great content like this. Thank you for your support!

Title: Episode 133: An Exclusive Interview with German Crepe Paper Manufacturer Werola

Welcome back to Paper Talk Podcast, Season 6! We’re so excited to be back with more of the best in the world of paper flowers and creative small businesses.

Here’s a peek at what you’ll hear when you listen.

Why Is Each Sheet of German Crepe So Unique?

How Sustainable and Safe Is German Crepe Paper?

Any Exciting Product Developments on the Horizon?

What You’ll Learn When You Listen to Episode 133

The intricate production process behind Werola's crepe paper
Werola's commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility
The safety of Werola's crepe paper for contact and ingestion
Exciting collaborations and expanding color options
Werola's plans for enhanced market accessibility

We collaborated with Werola to bring two lucky winners a packet of German crepe paper featuring ten beautiful colors. All you have to do is answer our poll questions by August 3 to enter.

To enter into the giveaway, click here to fill out the poll questions.

Previous Episode

Episode 132 - What It Takes to Create, Print, and Ship Fine Art Prints

We discuss all of the research and decisions it took for Jessie to create fine art prints of her paper flowers. Learn what it takes to sell digital art.

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Branching out your paper flower business can bring more financial stability and keep you excited creatively. The world of fine art prints can open an entirely new world of possibilities.

In our latest episode of Paper Talk, we chatted about how Jessie has expanded her business from paper flower commissions, to writing a book, and now offering fine art prints. The amount of work that went into digitally creating the art, choosing a printer, and figuring out how to ship to customers is quite staggering. But that’s why we’re sharing what Jessie learned along the way so that you can more easily explore how to offer prints of your work.

Here’s what you’ll learn when you listen to our conversation:

► All about Jessie’s new limited edition print collection.

► How to work with and select printing and shipping companies for fine art.

► What to think about when expanding your product line.

► How Jessie created her digital artwork from photos of her paper flowers.

► Tips for the best frames for Jessie’s art if you purchase prints.

If you can’t listen right away, here are some tips that apply to expanding your paper flower business in any direction.

Research the Unknowns

As Jessie shared on the podcast, she did a lot of research for her new venture. Which size should she choose? Which paper? There are a million options and they all make the art look a little different. Which company meets the right quality standards for printing fine art? Do they ship directly to the customer?

If you’re looking into creating your own prints, this episode is the perfect place to start your own research! Jessie shared so much useful information about these questions.

We’ve also covered many other topics on this podcast about areas that many paper florists explore. Learn about building a YouTube channel in Episode 112, what it takes to run a brick and mortar shop in Episode 110, or creating digital magazines and writing books in Episode 102. Search our archives for a plethora of topics that can get you started.

Whatever new direction you’re contemplating, start researching now!

Learn New Skills

Paper flowers are a fairly new industry. That means you’re probably really good at experimenting and learning new skills as you grow as an artist and business owner. We wear many different hats, and as you expand your horizons, you’ll wear even more.

“That’s where your creativity grows, when you push yourself to those limits, when you challenge yourself with doing something more.” -Jessie Chui

Jessie shared in the episode about how she had to learn new things in Photoshop as she created her digital art. It took time. That’s okay! What’s fantastic about this new skill is that Jessie can definitely use that knowledge again.

This could be an important consideration when deciding which direction to push yourself. Which skills would you need to be successful? Will those skills be useful for other projects? If you’re not sure, it can still be worth it to pursue your idea. If your new knowledge will help you in other areas of your business, that’s even more incentive to put in the time and effort to learn.

Share Your Work

Putting yourself out there can be scary, especially if it’s art you’ve put your heart and soul into. Will anyone buy it? Will anyone even like it? Is it worth the time, energy, and money?

You should weigh the pros and cons of any decision. You should make sure that you’re not pouring so much into a new venture that it will make it impossible to recover if things fail.

All that said, go for it! If fear is holding you back, take a leap of faith. Maybe no one buys your work, but you’ve learned something new and put your art out into the world. As Jessie shared, even if no one buys her new work right now, they now know that she offers that product. It can open new doors later. You never know what will happen, so try!

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Learn more about Jessie's first art print collection, Paper Flower Art Collection, on her website.

Join our Facebook group where you can share, ...

Next Episode

Episode 134: Welcoming a New Host and Navigating Transitions

We are thrilled to introduce our new co-host, Sara Kim of Handmade by Sara Kim. With her expertise in cardstock paper flowers and her passion for building successful small businesses, Sara brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussions on supporting creative entrepreneurs in the world of paper art and paper floristry.

In Episode 134, we invite you to join us in getting to know Sara and learn all about our exciting plans for the upcoming season. You'll also get a sneak peek into the upcoming projects from hosts Quynh Nguyen and Jessie Chui, including the changes in Jessie's role within the podcast.

What You’ll Learn from Episode 134:

What the shift in hosts means for Paper Talk moving forward.
The difference between a coach and a mastermind group.
How to navigate outsourcing parts of your small business.
Important topics we’ll cover in Season 6 and how to suggest ideas.
Where we’re all headed in the near future on our paper flower journeys.

If you're unable to listen to the episode right away, take a peek with these three important lessons that you can glean from Episode 134. These lessons are applicable whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, providing valuable insights to help you thrive in the world of paper artistry. Be sure to listen to the podcast for all of the important details.

Lesson 1: The Power of Internet Friendships and Community Growth

In the vibrant world of paper floristry, connecting with like-minded individuals is essential for growth and inspiration. In Episode 134, we are excited to share our own experiences of forming strong bonds and building our creative community through the power of internet friendships.

We first met and connected on Instagram, where we recognized our shared passion for creativity and running successful businesses. It's incredible to witness the potential of online platforms in bringing together artists, paper florists, and entrepreneurs from all corners of the globe. Through this virtual connection, we found not only friendship but also a source of motivation, support, and collaboration.

We can't emphasize enough the importance of internet friendships in the creative community. It offers a platform for artists from around the world to share their work, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. By connecting with fellow enthusiasts online, we can tap into a vast network of knowledge and experience, breaking through geographical barriers and finding a sense of belonging.

Moreover, the joy of seeing our community grow is immeasurable. As more individuals join this vibrant network, opportunities for collaboration and support multiply. We are thrilled to witness the growth of our community and the countless possibilities it brings. By actively engaging in online communities, paper artists and florists open themselves up to a world of connections.

Lesson 2: Seeking Guidance and Support during Transition

As fellow creative entrepreneurs, we understand the importance of seeking guidance and support during periods of transition. In the episode, we open up about our personal experiences of seeking help, joining mastermind groups, and redefining our business identities.

Transition periods can be challenging and overwhelming, but they also present valuable opportunities for growth. By seeking guidance from mentors, coaches, and successful peers, we have been able to gain clarity and merge our artistic passions with effective business practices. Learning from the experiences of others and implementing new strategies has proven to be invaluable in navigating these transitions with confidence and purpose.

Joining mastermind groups has been a game-changer for us. These supportive communities of like-minded individuals provide a platform for brainstorming, accountability, and learning from each other's successes and challenges. Through mastermind groups, we have gained insights and perspectives that have propelled our businesses forward. The power of collective wisdom and collaboration cannot be understated when it comes to navigating the intricacies of running a successful creative business.

As our businesses evolve and adapt to changing landscapes, it is essential to take the time to reflect on our values, goals, and the direction we want to move in. Seeking guidance during these times of redefinition can help align our artistic vision with our business strategies, ensuring that we are staying true to ourselves while effectively meeting the needs of our customers and clients.

Navigating periods of transition can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be a solitary journey. Seeking guidance and support is crucial to staying on track. We encourage all creative entrepreneurs to tap into the wealth of knowledge and support available within our vibrant community.