About

Welcome to Beyond the Fold Paperie

Beyond the Fold Paperie. My Brand . . .

When I was starting Beyond the Fold Paperie I knew I wanted to create a place for paper lovers to come, connect, and create.

My business name, Beyond the Fold, comes from marketing (the field I worked in for over 20 years). I remember hearing somewhere that when doing a mailer, you always wanted people to open it to read beyond the fold. For my business, I always want to take you beyond your "fold." Beyond what you first see, beyond what you think you can do, or beyond what you've already done.

My logo is the little paper airplane. Paper has always been my own little adventure. That's why I chose the handmade paper airplane in flight. Paper has always taken me beyond what I thought I could do and given me wings to fly. I hope to do the same for you whenever you connect with Beyond the Fold Paperie.

My core values—beauty, creativity, connecting, adventure, and fun, are essential for healing and creating a healthy lifestyle. I strive to put them into action in my own life and believe everyone should have access to them. Beyond the Fold Paperie is a place where you can find them whenever you want.

About Claire

Claire Formilan has had her hands in paper crafts since 1992, when she made her first ribbon-bound photo album from a kit—and she’s been hooked ever since! Based in sunny Tampa, FL, Claire teaches bookmaking, flower pressing, and paper crafts, always bringing a mix of laughter, encouragement, and lighthearted fun to every class she leads.

A lifelong paper lover (yes, even wrapping paper!), Claire believes in the transformational power of making things by hand—especially beautiful, functional pieces that become part of your everyday life. Whether it's a journal, pressed flower card, or handmade book, her workshops guide people through new creative processes in a way that’s fun, inviting, and boost your confidence. As she says, “When you start with a pile of supplies and end with something you have made yourself, it always does something inside. It give you a spark of joy!”

Claire’s deep love for nature and gardening is reflected in everything she creates. Her books and pressed flower pieces often feature botanicals she’s grown herself or beautiful botanical themed papers. When she’s not teaching or crafting, you can find her in the garden, making fresh pasta, exploring the outdoors, or relaxing at home with her husband Cody and their very spoiled cat, Cici.

Claire is the owner of Beyond the Fold Paperie. She’s been sharing her creative spark with the Tampa Bay community for over five years, helping people unplug, get inspired, and reconnect with the joy of making. Claire believes that everyone is creative—and she celebrates it, one class (and laugh) at a time.