Tunnel Books & Paper Theaters

January 13, 2026 by Donna from One Beautiful Thing 4 Comments

Massachusetts-based 3D artist and illustrator Alley McGlynn describes herself as a paper artist, but she’s also a paper engineer, if that’s a thing. I was pleased to learn that McGlynn did study both sculpture and mechanical engineering, and the combination is a true winner. She creates shockingly charming pieces with such depth and creativity, it’s hard not to fall in love with them all.

“I’m inspired by miniatures, dollhouses, vintage cinema, midcentury design, autumn, Walt Disney World, classic novels and antique shops but the thread I keep following is nostalgia. Nostalgia informs our personalities and our memories more than any other emotion. Nostalgia can be something that easily bonds people together, like revisiting a beloved movie from your childhood, while at the same time being so personal for each of us and our own unique experiences.” – About Alley McGlynn

You can follow the imaginative Alley McGlynn on her website and on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

@alleymcglynnn
Sea Daffodil 🌼🌊 #paperart #paperartist #3dpaperart #tinyworlds #miniatures #miniatureworld #whimsical #paperflower #cottagecore #tinyart #art #fyp
♬ Beyond the Sea – Bobby Darin & Richard Wess And His Orchestra

@alleymcglynnn
The Nutcracker Paper Theater ❄️🩰🎄✨ Every year, I’ve started a little holiday tradition of crafting a tiny paper theater inspired by a scene from The Nutcracker ballet. 💕 For this season, I wanted to bring an Act I scene to life featuring the magical battle between the Nutcracker’s toy soldiers and the Mouse King’s army. 🐁✨ Last year, from Act II, I created a miniature bunny-ballet rendition of my personal favorite scene, the Waltz of the Snowflakes. ❄️✨ #paperart #illustration #christmas #art #handmade
♬ Suite from “The Nutcracker” ballet op. 71a March (Tchaikovsky) – Orchestra of Classical Music

@alleymcglynnn
a bouquet of paper daffodils 🌼🌼🌼 So many of you have asked how I make these paper flower scenes! This month’s Patreon tutorial video shows you how I make them from start to finish (and how you can make one yourself!) A joyful and vibrant way to welcome June 💛 #paperart #paperartist illustrator #illustration #3dpaperart #cutpaper #tinyworlds #miniatures #miniatureworld #whimsical #cottagegarden #cottagecore #tinyart #paperengineering
♬ Carefree Days – Peaceful Reveries

@alleymcglynnn
It’s that magical time of year when fluffy blue hydrangea clouds float around the garden🪻🪻🪻 (Full tutorial & process video over on my Patreon!) #paperart #paperartist illustrator #illustration #3dpaperart #cutpaper #tinyworlds #miniatures #miniatureworld #whimsical #cottagegarden #cottagecore #tinyart #paperengineering
♬ The Cottage – Elizabeth Jane

@alleymcglynnn
Handmade paper dollhouse 🤍 This little paper house is the first of a new series of miniature handcrafted dollhouses I’ll be creating! As a lifelong lover of miniatures and historic architecture, dollhouses have captured my heart since I was little. My childhood Playmobil Victorian dollhouse has always been one of my greatest treasures (and still resides in my home)! I’ve been fortunate enough to visit some of the most exquisite historic dollhouses at both the Rijksmuseum and the V&A Children’s Museums – the way humans have long been captivated by miniature worlds never fails to fascinate and inspire me. ☺️🏡 #paperart #dollhouseminiatures #dollhouse #miniature #miniatureworld #paperartist #illustration #cottagecore
♬ A Gentle Sunlight – James Quinn

@alleymcglynnn
Moonlight Serenade 🌜✨🩰 It’s been ages since I last created a paper theater! I’ve always been drawn to vintage celestial art, and the visual of a ballerina balancing delicately on a crescent moon has been sitting in the back of my mind for a rainy day. #miniature #art #paperart #whimsical #fyp
♬ Epilogue – Jóhann Jóhannsson

@alleymcglynnn
seashells by the seashore 🐚🌊 #paperart #paperartist illustrator #illustration #3dpaperart #cutpaper #tinyworlds #miniatures #miniatureworld #whimsical #cottagecore #tinyart #paperengineering #coastalgrandmother #nantucket #capecod
♬ Carefree Days – Peaceful Reveries

@alleymcglynnn
A whimsical tunnel book scene 🌳⛲️🌳 (inspired by the enchanting Crane Estate in Ipswich, Massachusetts) This month over on my Patreon (the Paint & Paper Society), I’m sharing a tutorial on how to design and craft tunnel books in full detail, while also showing you how I created this little scene from start to finish.🪻 #paperart #paperartist #illustration #3dpaperart #tinyworlds #miniatures #miniatureworld #whimsical #janeausten #cottagegarden #cottagecore #tinyart #bridgerton
♬ Bridgerton Main Title – Soundtrack from the Netflix Series – Kris Bowers