Available Works | Singular Paper Sculptures & Made to Order Flowers

Play, Experimentation & Beautiful Accidents

Colour is at the heart of my practice. One of the most joyful and liberating stages is hand-dyeing the paper itself — the moment raw sheets of fine Italian crepe paper are transformed into something alive with possibility.

I work exclusively with premium Italian crepe paper from Cartotecnica Rossi, a leading Italian manufacturer celebrated for its outstanding quality. The paper’s beautiful base colours, rich pigment payoff, and perfect stretch make it ideal for creating sculptural flowers with depth and vibrancy.

Unlike conventional painting, dyeing crepe paper is a true collaboration between artist and material. There is intention, but also surrender. The paper, pigments, water, humidity, and sometimes the weather all play their part. This unpredictability is what keeps the process exciting and alive.

Hand with bright pink dye on the fingers after dyeing paper, wearing a gold ring – behind the scenes in Emmeli Kimhi’s studio — *Proof of a dying session in Hackney, London, 2022.*

The Dance Between Intention and Accident

Some dyeing sessions begin with a clear vision — carefully mixing pigments to capture the exact velvety burgundy of an anemone or the subtle veining of a fritillaria. Other days I work with complete openness, allowing colours to collide and reveal unexpected harmonies.

I frequently use leftover scraps from previous projects, turning the process into something cyclical and resourceful. Soaking the paper first helps the colour penetrate deeply, while the residue left in the water can offer beautiful clues for future palettes.

Bright green and deep blue crepe paper strips soaking in dye baths, part of the hand-dyeing process in Emmeli Kimhi’s London studio

Large sculptural instalVibrant hand-dyed pink crepe paper, layered and draped in Emmeli Kimhi’s London studio

Multiple long strips of hand-dyed pink crepe paper in varying shades laid out on the studio floor, prepared for a large-scale paper sculpture by Emmeli Kimhi

Vibrant shades of pink and magenta, handmade from hand-dyed crepe paper by Emmeli Kimhi

Hand-dyed crepe paper in multiple shades of green, from olive and khaki to vibrant lime, laid out in Emmeli Kimhi’s studio

Thick stack of vibrant orange and yellow hand-dyed crepe paper showing rich texture and colour variation, prepared in Emmeli Kimhi’s studio

Abstract hand-dyed paper with organic deep blue and cream patterns, created through experimental dyeing techniques by Emmeli Kimhi

Textured hand-dyed crepe paper in deep blue and indigo tones with organic variations, created through experimental dyeing by Emmeli Kimhi

Vibrant yellow and golden hand-dyed crepe paper with organic texture and subtle purple accents, created through experimental dyeing by Emmeli Kimhi

Materials and Mediums

My palette combines natural and artistic mediums: beetroot, onion peel, turmeric, red cabbage, coffee and tea for earthy tones, alongside liquid watercolours, inks, watered-down acrylics, and bleach for reverse-dyeing and delicate patterning.

Dyeing is one of the most time-intensive parts of any project. It involves considerable trial and error, layered applications, and patient waiting for each layer to dry. I always try to dye the paper several days before production begins. This allows me to observe how the colours develop over time, sleep on the results, and return with fresh eyes to make subtle variations and adjustments.

I also remain mindful that colours can shift slightly when glue is applied during assembly — something I carefully account for in the final stages.

*Bleach-painted paper for Snake’s Head Fritillaria flowers, London, 2023.*

Artistic Influences

I draw significant inspiration from Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings when developing colours and mood. The way these artists captured light, atmosphere, and emotional resonance deeply influences my work. Even Vincent van Gogh’s Irises serves as a fascinating reference — originally painted with more violet tones, the painting has naturally shifted over time to its now iconic blue hues due to pigment changes. It’s a beautiful reminder that colour is never entirely static, even in great masterpieces.

*One of my favourite happy accidents. This sheet was left outside with dye on it and got caught in the rain, North London, 2025.*

From Dyed Paper to Sculptural Flower

These hand-dyed sheets become the foundation for every sculptural flower. The colours and textures achieved during this early stage directly shape the emotional character of each finished piece — from the quiet melancholy of a Snake’s Head Fritillaria to the bold energy of a Parrot Tulip.

*Vibrant hand-dyed paper achieved by layering a pink sheet on top of wet green paper, Hackney, London, 2023.*

Caring for Your Paper Flowers

Because the colours are achieved through delicate pigments, I recommend keeping the flowers out of direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause gradual fading. With proper care, these pieces will retain their vibrancy for many years.

Hand-dyed crepe paper with streaky pink, orange, yellow and green tones using ink and watercolours, prepared for iris sculptures in the Completed Works x Matches collaboration by Emmeli Kimhi — *Ink and watercolour paper for Irises. Created for the Completed Works x Matches collaboration. I layered ink and watercolours to achieve these soft, streaky, almost iridescent tones, London, 2021.*

A Final Reflection

For me, hand-dyeing paper is far more than a technical step. It is a daily practice in presence, curiosity, and acceptance of what emerges. Some of the most beautiful outcomes arise precisely when control is balanced with openness — when I allow the material, the moment, and sometimes even nature to have their say.

Wild Rose Branch

£165.00

This graceful Wild Rose Branch captures the delicate charm of wild roses in nature. Each flower is meticulously hand-cut, painted, and shaped, while the leaves feature stunning variegated colouring — transitioning from deep green to soft gold and bronze.

The branching structure gives this piece a natural, organic feel, making it perfect as a standalone sculptural element or as the centrepiece of a larger arrangement.

Details:

One statement branch with multiple blooms
Hand-painted and dyed Italian crepe paper
Variegated handcrafted and hand-painted leaves
Approx. height: 50-55 cm
Wired stems for natural shaping and movement
One-of-a-kind piece — each branch is unique

This wild rose branch brings a refined, romantic, and slightly wild touch to any interior. Ideal for year-round beauty in homes, studios, or special events.

The Art of Hand-Dyeing Italian Crepe Paper