Sliceform Snowflake Happy New Year Card

Time to get crafting with this time-sensitive Twixtmas project - a sliceform snowflake Happy New Year greeting. Make it today, post it a.s.a.p. - and surprise its recipient in the New Year. This flat-pack Snowflake card conveniently fits into a C6 envelope.

If you have never assembled a sliceform, then this card makes for a friendly intro to a nifty papercraft phenomenon - where craft meets mathematics. 

Here is your free Happy New Year greeting:

SliceformSnowflakeHappyNewYear1of2.pdf

SliceformSnowflakeHappyNewYear2of2.pdf

SliceformSnowflakeHappyNewYear1of2.svg

SliceformSnowflakeHappyNewYear2of2.svg

To assemble:

1 Print and cut sliceform components.

2 Glue like pieces back-to-back, aligning edges. You can use a glue stick or thinly-applied PVA glue.

3 Join the centre slots of the the two base pieces.

4 Insert pieces to either side (slots at bottom of piece). Turn the structure over.

5 Insert the remaining pieces to either side. (You will have to gently clear the way and coax the pieces into place - that's why it's called paper manipulation!) 

6 Flatten the hinges to fold the sliceform flat. Fits into a C6 envie. Gift tag included.  

Have a happy and creative 2019! Have fun learning new craft techniques - this is my first sliceform (been meaning the crack them for ages). :D

Mitten Milk Carton '18

Here's a cute gift packaging idea that can be used beyond Christmas and into the new year - a mini milk carton with a mitten motif. 

Here is your free gift box:

Mini-MilkCarton18.pdf

Mini-MilkCarton.svg

To assemble: print, cut, score the fold lines. Crease the fold lines. Seal the side tabs with d/s tape, tuck in the base closure. Fold the top of the milk carton, folding in the "eaves" and securing the top closure with d/s tape.

Season's Greetings - have a happy and creative '19!

Mitten Pillow Box

Need some last-minute gift packaging? Here's a super-cute pillow box with a pair of mittens motif, plus gift tag. There's a bit of playful dimensional interest - the mittens extend beyond the box edge. : ) It's snowing in the background!

Here's your freebie gift box:

MittenPillowBox.pdf

MittenPillowBox.svg

As you can see from the pic above, the colours are much more cheerful than my low-light photography would have you believe!

Have a great holiday season!

The Art of the Fold, by Hedi Kyle and Ulla Warchol. Review.

The Art of the Fold

How to Make Innovative Books and Paper Structures

By Hedi Kyle and Ulla Warchol

Laurence King Publishing

Hardback, £24.99

ISBN 9781786272935

Star rating: *****

This spellbinding papercraft book is a labour of love by renowned book artist Hedi Kyle. In The Art of the Fold, the magician reveals a careers-worth of secrets – all her very best innovative paper-folding moves.  Although this book deals with bookcraft – a very specialized field – the author’s folding tricks can be applied to general papercrafting – including cardmaking and box-making. The designs all possess wow-factor architectural beauty – and yet are achievable via clear step-by-step illustrations and accompanying instructional text. The co-author, incidentally, is the author's daughter - so this book is very much a family affair.

The book is divided into five sections: The Accordion (yay! Pleats), Blizzards (these are books that have pocket- or boxlike enclosures), One-Sheet Books (Booklet Fold Star Pop-up – a gift for cardmakers), Albums, and Enclosures.

Many of the designs incorporate the surprise factor – such as flag books, “which may be described as a portable, expandable file that can display an array of materials in an animated way.” Clock the Wheel of Fortune – a starlike marvel.  In the Enclosures section, you will find the Sling Fold – a book that’s a bendy card, and also the Telescoping Ziggurat, similar in effect to a quilled shape. All in all, it is origami meets pattern-making in an irresistible mix.

This book would make a delightful gift for a papercrafter. It would be great to dip into on a wintry evening or crafty weekend. Lots of ideas to mine for cards and keepsakes.

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

Cutting Machine Crafts, by Lia Griffith. Review.

Cutting Machine Crafts

Cricut®_,  Sizzix®, or Silhouette®

Projects to Make with 60 SVG Files

By Lia Griffith

Clarkson Potter 2018

Paperback £14.99 UK/$16.99 US/ $22.99

ISBN 978-1-9848-2235-2

Star rating: ****

Books on digital crafts are few and far between, so this new title by Lia Griffith is cause for celebration. It includes 50 projects for home-makes, party decorations, and giftables. Not all the projects are papercrafts – many are for vinyl  – but there’s plenty to keep papercrafters very happy. Lia Griffith is a prolific name designer with a team that helps to make the magic happen.

If you have an electronic cutting machine, you know that SVG design files (scalable vector graphics) provide the instructions for your machine to cut out the design outlines. SVG files can be accepted by many brands of cutting machine, which makes this book possible. The SVG files are accessed by going to a link on Lia Griffith’s design studio website, where the design downloads can be accessed by a code. The physical book is a “look book” which displays the designs (lovely photography) and also provides step-by-step how-tos for project assembly.

The projects are exquisite – they are stylish, modern, and totally professional-looking in appearance. My one big gripe about the book is that instructions for accessing the design files should appear prominently – and repeatedly – throughout the book. How-to access the templates is mentioned inconspicuously in the upfront matter of the book. Detective work should not be required!

Projects are divided into three categories: For the Home, For the Kids, and For Celebrations. Papercraft projects include Tropical Leaves (fabulous cheese plants and ferns), Southwest Cacti  (fun 3D plants), Mushroom Meadow layered picture, Boxwood Greenery (fun topiary plants on a Styrofoam base), Meadow Cloche (lovely bell  jar-enclosed scene),  Fall Leaves (a wreath project), and Paper Lanterns.  Lia Griffith is particularly strong on paper flowers – elegant shapes, 3D effects, but not too fussy. Papercrafts for the kids include paper boats, and bunny goodie boxes. A fun party idea is an “Ice Cream Stand”:  themed projects which include a bunting and ice-cream cone holders.

Cutting machines have revolutionized papercrafting. Let’s hope that there are more titles like this one in the pipeline.

Note: I was provided with a review copy of this book.

Paper Crafts, A Maker's Guide. Review.

Paper Crafts

A Maker’s Guide

Foreword by Rob Ryan

Thames & Hudson in association with the V & A, 2018

Paperback £14.95

ISBN 9780500294185

Star rating: ****

This delightful (and highly giftable) book has a winning concept – dip into the wondrous archives of the V & A museum to find inspiration for 15 paper craft projects which survey the varied possibilities of working with the versatile material. Highly illustrated and with an intro by paper cutter extraordinaire Rob Ryan, the mix is irresistible!

The book is divided into four sections – Folding, Cutting, Sticking, and Forming, with useful “upfront” info, capsule bios of the gifted project contributors, and an index.

I have given the book four – instead of five – stars because the projects vary a little in “I want to make that” quality – but the winners far outnumber the middlings. Projects include fun “Moneygami” Outfits (an origami wardrobe folded from notes); a Pleated Origami Vase Cover, which provides a crash course in the popular technique of paper pleating; Wycinanki-Inspired Cards (a colourful intro to Polish paper-cutting techniques); and a Framed Quilled Motif (a quilled mandala – with templates provided for three different styles). The how-tos are provided on-page, with most templates full-size.

All of the featured paper craft techniques are put into historical perspective, fascinating text illustrated with exquisite examples from the V & A archives. The book makes for a fascinating journey through the long history of paper crafts – with added makes.

In short: a project book  plus.

Paper Crafts is the newest addition to a series of mould-breaking books from the V & A/Thames and Hudson. Previous titles are Patchwork & Quilting, and Embroidery.

Note: I was given a review copy of this title.

Paper Pattern Play, by Lotta Jansdotter. Review.

Paper Pattern Play

By Lotta Jansdotter, Photography by Jenny Hallengren

Mix-and-match patterned papers, plus postcards, stickers, gift wrap & other bits and bobs for creating, writing & exploring

Abrams, 2018

Paperback, £21.99

ISBN 9781419728914

Star rating: ****

You probably are familiar with the playful patterns of Swedish designer Lotta Jansdotter. Her delightful prints grace licensed products the world over. (Just an educated guess – but I have a feeling that the ubiquitous dotty IKEA sac is one of hers.) Her style is breezy and informal – sort of Mid-Century Modern updated. Now, Abrams have published an unconventional book – a collection of Lotta Jansdotter papers to craft with as you see fit.

The book contains double-sided papers (twice the possibility!), some gift wrap sheets, postcards, labels, gift enclosures – lots of variety. There’s an intro (and a bio) by Lotta Jansdotter,  and a project section at the back. The projects are minimal, but effective. Less is more when you have such fabulous papers to work with. The cake-toppers are especially cute – full-size templates are 

provided.

Yes, I know. You want to admire, not cut – but get over the psychological hurdle. Crafting and gifting with these luscious papers will improve the quality of your life.

If you would like to learn even more about Lotta Jansdotter, click on the link to read an interview with the designer which was posted on the very lovely Make it in Design blog.

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

Cut and Fold Techniques for Promotional Materials, by Paul Jackson. Review.

Cut and Fold Techniques for Promotional Materials

Revised Edition

By Paul Jackson

Laurence King Publishing Ltd, November 2018

Paperback, £17.99

ISBN 978-1-78627-296-6

Star rating: *****

Out today – a revised and expanded – edition of papercraft guru Paul Jackson’s Cut and Fold Techniques for Promotional Materials. The book contains over forty cut-and-fold designs, four of them new to the edition. The book’s concept is to provide attention-grabbing papercrafts to add oomph to advertising – but you don’t have to be a design or marketing pro to value this fabulous treasure trove of papercraft ideas. For papercrafters, its ideas are indispensable in the run-up to Christmas when you are in need of showstopping, giftable presentation craft projects.

Optical illusions, party tricks, marvels of paper manipulation – you will find them in this compendium of genius ideas. (My Paul Jackson library from Laurence King (pic below) is my go-to reference for papercraft inspiration.) The book sections are Flexagons (shape-shifting paper constructions), Modular Solids (boxing clever), Envelopes (easy to fold, elegant to behold), Puzzles and Illusions, Folded Booklets (keepsake central), and Novelties. All are high on fun factor, most are easy to construct.

What’s new? The following projects, Credit Card Wallet (suitable for giftcard presentation), Reversing Cubes, Photo Frame (ingenious box construction), and Baseball Cap (origami interpretation). There’s also a new bit entitled, “How Should I Make My Chosen Design” – in which suggestions are given for actioning your creations for their intended end-use.

Photos are supplied of all the projects, with instructions on-page. All of the projects are accompanied by clear step-by-steps – line drawn and text, plus additional how-to photos where necessary. No templates required!

If you are into digital papercrafts, many of the suggested makes beg to be made up into print-and-cut projects.

Any papercrafter would be delighted to receive this marvellous bag of tricks as a gift.

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

Quilled Christmas, by Alli Bartkowski. Review.

Quilled Christmas

30 Festive Paper Projects

By Alli Bartkowski

Lark Crafts 2018

Paperback  £14.99 UK/$17.95 US/$24.50 CAN

ISBN 978-1-4547-1038-7

Star rating: *****

Alli Bartkowski is the talented craft entrepreneur behind Quilled Creations, Inc. – purveyor of clever quilling gadgets and supplies.  Her fresh,  imaginative designs explore the possibilities of quilling craft.

This delightful book of Christmas projects caters for all skill levels. The simplest projects – such as quilled embellishments - have appeal even for more experienced quillers because they are cute  - and well-designed.  The decorative swirls and arabesques of paper filigree are well-suited to festive makes. The 30 projects are divided into three categories: Home Décor, Ornaments & Stocking Stuffers (Fillers – UK), and Greetings Cards & Gift Packaging.

There is lots of variety in the designs, which  are modern in appearance and take into account current quilling trends, such as Quillography – in which thicker strips of paper are used on-edge to create pictorial- or word-art (Leaping Deer Card). There are also several 3D projects (another now trend),  using quilled shapes as building blocks to create an object, such as a Christmas Tree centerpiece, a Nutcracker Figurine, or Silver Bell Ornaments.  

Unsurprisingly, the ornaments are particularly effective. (Always fun to use quilled shapes as construction units rather than as glued embellishments.)  There are Holiday Lightbulbs, Round Poinsettia, and Snowflake with Teardrops Ornaments, and a Snowman.  All include variety in shape and form, and, in most cases, colour. The author incorporates texture, too, in many instances – such as for the squiggly “ribbled” ribbing of the snowman’s beanie hat.

Upfront, there’s a thorough how-to section to get your quilling skills up to speed, and to familiarize you with various quilling gizmos – such as a quilling comb. Each project has a lovely beauty shot, accompanied by on-page step-by-steps.

This title would make a sweet pre-Christmas surprise for a newbie quiller. Come to think of it, this book accompanied by a bundle of quilling supplies, would make a memorable gift.

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

Calendar Globe 2019

Calendars'r'Us here at The Papercraft Post this week. Today I have a 3D Calendar Globe for you - 2019, of course. Each month is identified by its own appropriate icon. I have also given you a co-ordinating gift bag and tag - so you can flat-pack it and send it as a gift kit. Assembling the globe is a fun, easy-to-solve, puzzle. 

Here is your free print-and-cut 2019 Calendar Globe:


CalendarGlobe19JanJune.svg

CalendarGlobe19JulyDec.svg

CalendarGlobeGiftBag.pdf

The globe is a platonic solid - a dodecahedron. It has twelve five-sided faces. You assemble the globe by joining its halves along its centre zig-zag points. (First you must assemble each half unit by creasing the folds, joining one end to the other to form a ring, then folding down the top.) I use double-sided tape to join the tabs.

Tip: when you join the halves of the globe, make sure that the colours balance out. If you start by joining April to September, you won't get like colours aligned.

Have fun making and sending your calendar globes. 

Lacy Motif 2019 Calendar

Today I have a pretty 2019 calendar for you, suitable for gift-giving. You can print the calendar up as three full-size pages, or, you can cut each page into four months and assemble a pocket calendar. There's an envelope and gift tag for for the pocket calendar.

Each month is represented by a lacy motif.

Here are your free printables:

JanApril19.pdf

MayAug19.pdf

SeptDec19.pdf

Envelope&Tag.pdf

The pocket calendars make super stocking fillers. A quick-make gift that will be appreciated.

Happy crafting!

Pleated Stars

These nifty pleated stars are easily folded from a shaped strip of paper. Simply print the template on the wrong side of your paper, then crease and fold. The stars can be used as holiday decorations or as card- or giftwrap embellishments.

Here are your free star designs:

PleatedStars.pdf

PleatedStars.svg

So - you print the pattern on the flip side of your paper. Score the fold lines with a fine-point embossing tool held against a small metal ruler. Cut the star strip out. Crease mountain or valley folds as indicated. The folds meet at the star centre. The last segment overlaps (you can glue this, if desired). On the back, glue the seal over the star centre to secure it in place. Easy.

Of course, you can reduce or enlarge the patterns to suit your craft-y purpose.
For an ornament, punch a hole in a star point and add a hanging loop.

Have a starry craft session! *

Fanvelopes Stationery

A handwritten message is a special occasion these days, so make the most of it with this fun coordinated stationery idea. The side panel of the envelope is accordion-pleated to create a realistic fan effect, and the envelope flap bears a fan image, too. And there's a choice of two styles of notecard - plain open or fold-up (for longer messages).

Here are your free designs:

Fanvelope.pdf
Fanvelope.svg

FanvelopeCard.pdf
FanvelopeCard.svg

FanvelopeFold-Up.pdf
FanvelopeFold-Up.svg

Have a fantastic time making your print-and-cut fan mail. :D

Paper Christmas, by Emily Dawe. Review.

Paper Christmas

16 papercrafting projects for the festive season

By Emily Dawe

Search Press 2018

Paperback £9.99 UK/$14.95 US/$17.95 CAN

ISBN 978-1-78221-558-5

Star rating: ***

This is a collection of quick-make holiday papercraft  projects aimed at the complete newbie. Many of the projects are well-designed and appealing (Paper Bird Trims, origami Diamond Decorations) – but others are a bit too Mickey Mouse (examples – a mini-bunting of paper triangles glued onto baker’s twine, simple paper snowflakes, stamped tags dipped in glitter – the vibe is too primary school).  A crafter looks to a book for lightbulb ideas  and inspiration – not the obvious.

The Advent Houses  and  Paper Feather Tags are attractive, well-designed projects in which the author’s pattern design skills are showcased. A very big plus is that full-size templates are included back-of-book, a fact which will be appreciated by entry-level papercrafters.

There are photographic step-by-steps for all the projects.

Pleated Globes '18

Pleated paper baubles - this year's update features a trendy chevron design and the option to make it solid or with louvre-style slats. 

Here is your freebie download:

PleatedGlobe18.pdf

PleatedGlobe18.svg

The secret to success is to score and pre-crease the pattern template. Overlap the end segments to make a continuous strip, then a ring. To achieve the slat appearance, cut the purple sections on their angled and short sides, then stick them down on the wrong side. (Print the wrong side of your card in matching purple for the see-through version.)

For a Pleated Paper Globe Tutorial, click on this link.

It would be fun to enclose a jingle bell in the see-through globe.

Happy pleating! 

Dinky Frame Ornaments

Today I have pretty 3-D hanging frame ornaments that are fun to fold. Print, crease carefully, pop the picture inside, then add the back with a hanging loop.

I have included festive medallion designs - but you could, of course, add a pic or photo of your own choice.

Here are your free ornament downloads:

SquareFrameOrnament.pdf

SquareFrameOrnament.svg

HexagonFrameOrnament.pdf

HexagonFrameOrnament.svg

Print the template on to photocopier card. Score and crease the fold-lines carefully. I find that the quickest method to assemble the frames is to use double-sided tape. 

Happy holiday crafting! :D

Snowflakes & Snowflake Garlands '18

I know that some of you have been busy holiday crafting all summer, but I can't get serious about my holiday makes until September rolls in. Today I have snowflakes - have them your way: solo or garlands. 

Here are your free print-and-cut files:

Snowflakes18.pdf

Snowflakes18.svg

I have given you two types of garlands - a chunky 3-D version or side-to-side links with a more fluid drape. The solo snowflakes can be used as ornaments or gift tags (just pierce a hole and add a hanging loop) or as gift wrap decorations.

You can leave the centre petals of the snowflake creased but un-tucked or you can tuck in the petals one-by-one to form a centre rosette. 

Happy crafting.