English paper piecing

English paper piecing is a method of wrapping and stabilizing fabric shapes using thin pieces of cardboard or heavy paper. An iron is used to wrap the seams of the fabric around the cardboard shapes. Once the shapes are wrapped and ready, the sewer will hand sew the shapes together one at a time until the shapes become an intricate design. The paper or cardboard is removed once the shape has been sewn to another shape on all sides. This is an art for those who like to sew by hand. 
The practice's name comes from the fact that it was, and still is, popular in Britain. The technique used to paper piece involves wrapping paper shapes in fabric and then stitching the fabric together. Once a shape, bloc, rosette, or finished piece has been made, the papers are removed, leaving the fabric as the remaining item. 
English Paper Piecing should not be confused with Foundation Piecing, nor should its name be shortened to calling it paper piecing. Calling it paper piecing only confuses the art of English Paper Piecing. 
Foundation Piecing is similar in that is uses paper to help create fabric shapes but it uses a sewing machine to sew the fabric shapes together. Paper is used to create sharper points and more detail. Paper is removed after sewing.