Turning Pain into Paper Craft Miracles: The Story of Jonna Willoughby-Lore
By: Hilario Caro, Talent Optimization at StaffBuffalo
In this heartfelt episode of the Pain Points Podcast, I sat down with Jonna Willoughby-Lore, founder and creative force behind Paper Craft Miracles, to explore her remarkable journey of turning personal tragedy and resilience into a thriving, eco-friendly art business. Jonna’s story is one of grit, creativity, and the belief that handmade art can bring joy and connection into people’s lives.
From College Experiments to a Life’s Calling
Jonna’s introduction to papermaking came as a freshman in college when she discovered bookbinding and papermaking classes. What started as electives soon grew into a passion strong enough to design her own major—blending art, entrepreneurship, and social work.
By the time she graduated, she had a business plan, a website, and a clear vision: to be an artist who could make a living by creating meaningful work for others.
Loss, Resilience, and Perspective
Life, however, brought painful challenges. During college, Jonna lost her mother, navigated her estate at just 20 years old, and months later survived a dorm fire that destroyed all her belongings.
Instead of despair, she found perspective. “It doesn’t matter—I lost everything, and I realized I didn’t need any of it,” she reflected. The fire gave her clarity: life is short, things are temporary, and what truly matters are connection and impact.
These lessons shaped not only her outlook but also her art. She began creating artist books—immersive, one-of-a-kind works combining words, materials, and sensory experiences—that allowed her to process grief and inspire others.
Building Paper Craft Miracles
What started as small-scale art shows and side projects evolved into Paper Craft Miracles, a studio dedicated to “making magical things out of paper that make people happy.”
From handmade journals and wedding invitations to paper flowers, plantable stationery, and large-scale art installations, the business has become a hub of creativity and sustainability. Clients range from couples planning weddings to companies seeking unique, eco-friendly promotional products.
“I don’t want to just make stuff,” Jonna explained. “If you’re going to have things, they should matter. They should tell a story.”
Teaching Others: The Business of Art
After more than a decade of running Paper Craft Miracles, Jonna is now channeling her knowledge into a new program: The Art of Business, The Business of Art, designed to help other artists turn their passions into sustainable careers.
“I’ve lived through it—every pain point, every challenge,” she said. “Now I want to make the path easier for other artists, especially moms who struggle to balance family and creativity.”
Part of the program’s proceeds will go toward funding childcare at professional events, helping mothers access the resources they need to grow as leaders.
A Mission Beyond Paper
From custom seed bombs that grow wildflowers to heirloom journals passed down through generations, every piece Jonna creates carries a story. Her mission goes beyond art: it’s about connection, healing, and making the world a little brighter—one handmade miracle at a time.
At StaffBuffalo, we celebrate entrepreneurs like Jonna who turn challenges into opportunities and passions into lasting impact. Just as Paper Craft Miracles reminds us that even the smallest gift can carry meaning, we help businesses and professionals create meaningful careers and connections.
If Jonna’s story inspires you, visit papercraftmiracles.com or stop by her Buffalo studio to experience the magic firsthand.