Marla Taviano

Marla makes each piece of word art by hand, on original pages (no copies or prints are made). She says her obsession with word art started in August 2023 when she cut some of her poems out of a book, glued them on to illustrations of Frog and Toad, and shared them on IG. She has made art out of poems/words and old kids’ books every day for the past three years.

When she began making art, she gave it away. Then she began asking for small donations to help cover the costs of stamps, envelopes, and supplies (used books, glue sticks, laminating sheets, printer paper, ink, replacement laminator etc.). Each time someone orders a book from her, she tucks art into the pages for free.

There was no system for ordering art because she didn’t need one; she traded art for donations to just cover supplies. A July 24, 2026 post changed everything and Marla is doing her best to fulfill orders.

FAQs

When will I get my art?

July 2026 HR + FT orders (Heated Rivalry + Frog & Toad): Marla is working her hardest to fulfill all orders as soon as possible. 700+ pieces were ordered in 24 hours, and Marla had to close orders (despite continued demand). If you ordered a piece of art and have not yet provided your address, please DM Marla. Read more here.

Free art with book order: Marla fills signed copy book orders within 5 days of receiving them and a free art piece is included with each order.

How do I order art?

Orders are not currently open due to the number of existing orders, high demand, and each piece being created by hand.

If you order a signed copy of one of Marla’s books, you receive a free piece of art and can provide your art preference on the order form. (Available for United States shipping addresses only; preferences not guaranteed as each piece is created on an original book page).

How does Marla make these?

Each piece is made by hand. Marla buys books, tears out illustrations, cuts them to size, types and prints words (her poems, quotes, etc.), cuts the words into strips, glues them to the illustrations, laminates them, then cutes that to size. Her word art is a passion project that takes a lot of time.

Can Marla make copies or prints?

Marla creates each piece by hand, from books that she owns. She does not make copies or prints of someone else’s illustrations.

What does Marla’s art cost?

Marla began requesting a donation that goes towards her cost of creating each word art piece once providing her art for free outside of book sales wasn’t sustainable. Free art is still included with each signed book order, including an option to provide your art preference (subject to availability). Profiting from her art was never her intention; due to increased demand, she is looking into options to open orders and ensure sustainablility.

How can I support Marla?

Ordering books from Marla, and becoming a paid subscriber on Substack, helps free up Marla’s time to create more art. She currently divides her time between creating the art so many have fallen in love with, writing her books, and taking on writing and editing jobs for others to pay the bills.

Can I make my own word art?

Yes! Marla wrote books that encourage you to cut up the poems and make your own art, both adult and kid versions. Plus, you can take inspiration from her ideas and pair your favorite words with whatever art or pictures you’d like. She would love to see your creations. Tag her! @marlataviano

Can I request a donation of art for an event or conference?

Marla loves donating art to good causes when she is able to. These requests are decided on a case by case basis, please contact Marla directly.