Interview with Founder of Pucker Up Paper Lips- Laura Richey

First of all- Laura thank you so much for creating such wonderful work. I first saw your art when you collaborated with a dear friend Vlada- how did that come about? I love your Instagram feed as well!

A few years ago I was asked to make rose gold flowers for a promotional event in Sephora. I wasn't told who. I did find out after that it was for Vlada's rose gold makeup line. I had posted my first set of paper lips and she commented on them. I then started to share with her that i had made rose gold roses for her makeup launch. Then the magic started.

I absolutely love that you’re creating all varieties of things I love – lips, lipstick, paintbrushes, florals- etc. as add-ons to your wonderful 3D lips. What inspires you to create new pieces?

I have been a lover of all things paper for several years and thought why not apply it to the lips. I get a lot of feedback and requests for add-ons so that helps with inspiration. I also adore Pinterest.

What is something you would like to do next with regards to your work?

I would love to make a real art piece. Something like a scene from Paris or England inside the mouth with all kinds of details.

Red carpet gifts, yes? Can you tell me a bit more about the gold lips I am seeing being made now? Emmys? Oscars?

The red carpet lips are being designed for the nominees at an Awards Show in March for the celebrity gift basket. I love the different paper textures I have used for these lips. The upper lip is a full gold glitter, the lower lip has red velvet paper and brushed gold. I added some silver glitter stars on the top to add a little pizazz.

What did your first project look like and how did you create these 3D lips into a full-blown business?

My first lip was a matte red lip for practice. I had just got a few new colors on paper and wanted to try them out. Then I added pearls and gems. After them I kind of went to an artistic look by adding on 3d elements. Covid happened and the paper floral business came to a stop. I needed something else to do while the kiddos were home with me. With having an autistic son home I need to be able to be wherever he needs me. so the lips came easy to me. I can make them anywhere.

I bought lips on Paper Craft World. They were so hard to make. Is this a copycat company?

There are a lot of amazing paper sculptures out there that create templates for all to try. It takes a little more skill to master.

My friend ordered custom lips from you. Is that a fun creative outlet for you? To come up with something custom crafted for the end user?

I have always been a lover of art. I have had my art in a few museums and galleries over the years so this is just an extension of my passion. I love custom inquiries because I know that the client will love it more when it’s a one of a kind piece of art.

What has been your favorite piece to date and why?

That is a very hard one to answer. I don't think I can just pick one. I love the gold bee lips because that was my first creative one.

How long on average does it take to build a regular sized piece?

The base lip can take upwards of 3 hours then the decorating and design is additional

Where do you see yourself in five years?Creating more custom pieces and continuing to improve my skills. I always wanted my own store that carries all kinds of fun paper lips that are accessible to everyone. I want to make more statement lips with more 3d elements like little cities in the lips...or a flower garden.

I certainly see my collection growing with her eyes, brows, etc. and encourage you to watch what Laura does next!