Wycinanki
PAPER ARTIST
Ashley Terpstra
Personal Commissions
Art for Purchase
Ashley Terpstra
About My Work
My work is rooted in the traditional Polish paper-cutting art of Wycinanki, a craft I began practicing after visiting a Polish museum in 2016. Wycinanki (pronounced vee-chee-non-kee) translates to “paper-cut design,” and I was immediately drawn to its ornate beauty, symmetry, and storytelling.
With a background in wallpaper design, the discipline of pattern, color, and precise placement felt like a natural transition. While traditional Wycinanki was originally created using sheep shears, I taught myself the craft using fine scissors, honoring the historic process while adapting it to my own hands.
Today, my work offers a modern interpretation of this folk art. Through bold color palettes and unexpected motifs—ranging from animals like foxes, armadillos, and otters to intricate Indian paisleys—I seek to keep Wycinanki alive while allowing it to evolve. Each piece balances tradition with contemporary design, celebrating both heritage and creative reinvention.
I am also open to commissions and enjoy collaborating on custom pieces for homes, nurseries, meaningful gifts, and special projects. If you’re interested in a one-of-a-kind paper-cut artwork, I’d love to connect.
Pet In- Memory Portrait
Nursery Commission
Wall Decor
“Beauty is all around us. By simplifying and distilling the bright patterns of our world, I aim to highlight the quiet magic of everyday life.”
Ashley Terpstra • Wycinaki Artist