Ultimate Paper Craft Bible. Review.

Ultimate Paper Craft Bible

A Complete Reference with Step-by-Step Techniques

Collins & Brown

Paperback £17.99 UK/$19.95 US/$22.95 CAN

ISBN 978-1-911163-42-8

Star rating: ****

Just out – this delightful compendium of paper craft techniques, begging you to dip in for inspiration whether you are a newbie or an experienced paper crafter. Paper is such a versatile craft medium, there’s always something new to discover in terms of craft techniques.

Here, you will find chapters on Colouring, decorating and texturing; Card making; Envelopes, gift-wrap and gift boxes, Scrapbooking; Paper cutting; Origami; and Other paper crafts. A nice touch – the sections are index-tabbed for go-to convenience. There’s a good section on paper flowers – check out the show-stopping Sunflowers.

This title does a good job of covering a pretty big subject. It comes up with fascinating techniques you may not be acquainted with – for example, Bubble Printing, Making Polymer Clay Embellishments, and using a sewing machine to pierce holes for paper embroidery. Step-by-step how-tos are provided with illustrations and text; projects are photographed. 

If you are already a paper crafter, you may be familiar with the two main contributors to the book: Paula Pascual and Sarah Beaman, superstars both. Other contributors have top paper craft credentials, such as Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell and Hilary More. 

The section on Paper Cutting is especially strong. Irresistible projects include suede-look Victorian cut-and-pierced paper gloves (clever use of a pattern wheel marker!) and Mexican-style paper cut banners.

So, a good new title. There is however, something missing. No digital paper crafts. There are an ever-growing number of digital paper crafters out there. Different platforms make it a challenging topic to cover - but this vibrant and exciting crafting area should not be ignored!

Ultimate Paper Craft Bible is part of a series. You will probably want to check out some (or all) of the other titles, which include Ultimate Sewing Bible, Ultimate Crochet Bible, Ultimate Quilting Bible, Ultimate Knitting Bible, and Ultimate Wood Work Bible.

Note: I was supplied with a review copy of this title.

Magic Message Card

Pleats are neat! This fun interactive novelty greeting card carries two messages on its accordion-pleated surface. Look to the right: Season's Greetings. Look to the left: Happy New Year. 

Since the greeting is dimensional, so is its envelope - a custom-tailored pillow box.

Here are your free Magic Message Card files:
MagicMessageCard1of3.pdf 
MagicMessageCard2of3.pdf 
MagicMessageCard3of3.pdf 
MagicMessageCard1of3.studio3
MagicMessageCard2of3.studio3
MagicMessageCard3of3.studio3

To Make Up:
1 Print and cut the files onto photocopier card (copy paper for the liner).
2 Mark the fold lines with an fine-point embossing tool (for straight lines, hold against a small metal ruler).
3 Crease the folds. Use a bone folder for the straight lines.
4 Accordion-pleat the card front. Stick it onto the card base at either side. A plece of double-sided tape under the pleats holds it in place.
5 Place the liner in the card (d/s tape again).
6 Assemble the pillow envelope. Pop the card inside and shut the sides.

Season's Greetings/Happy New Year! October's almost here - time to get busy on the card-making assembly line. :)

 

Harvest Cards

Sweater time. Thinking autumnal thoughts. Made a slow cooker stew for the first time in a while last week. So - here's a Harvest Card for you. Words and pictures.

This print-and-cut card and envelope gave me some quality get-acquainted time with Silhouette Studio's latest incarnation. Boy, I am so glad I upgraded to Business Edition. It makes saving files sooo much simpler!

Here are your freebies: 
HarvestCard.pdf 
HarvestCardEnvelope.pdf 
HarvestCard.studio3 
HarvestCardEnvelope.studio3 

Happy Autumn!