Paper Craft Home, by Sarah Louise Matthews. Review.

Paper Craft Home

25 Beautiful Projects to Cut, Fold, and Shape

By Sarah Louise Matthews

Search Press 2018

Paperback £10.99 UK

ISBN 978-1-78221-620-9

Star rating: ****

The author of this delightful new papercraft book, Sarah Louise Matthews, studied textile design. Her training is evident in the graceful shapes of her papercraft designs – she must be great at floral prints, as evidenced by her wonderful floral papercraft creations. The projects in the book are imaginative and exhibit lots of variety – although the book’s title is pushing the envelope a bit.The projects are decorative accessories and not really permanent homeware, paper being best suited to temporary, not permanent makes. Having said that, all the designs are extremely appealing – you will want to make them. 

Cutting, scoring, and folding are required to make most of the projects.One of my favourites is the facetted Minimal Vase, which you pop over a drinking glass. Genius. There’s a Swan Gift Bag (wouldn’t be surprised if it was inspired by Bjork’s famous red carpet dress), a very giftable Flower Pencil Topper, Floral Cake Toppers (ideal, with home baking so very popular). Looking in on another design trend, the facetted Paper Pineapple is great fun (but not functional). And the Cactus Desk Tidy will bring a smile to succulent fans. 

As you progress through the book, the projects gradually ramp up in difficulty (there’s a Cuckoo Clock, complete with working mechanism). On-page photography step-by-steps are supplied, and templates are given back-of-book (many do require enlargement).

A request to the publishers. Many of us papercrafters have gone digital and own digital cutting machines (such as Silhouette or Cricut). A link to a website with downloadable project cutting files (.svg ) would be very handy – and a further incentive to buy the book. Thanks! 

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

Paddle Fan Gift Card

The hot weather's here. This quick make will come in handy and will be an appreciated gift. The paddle fan detaches from the presentation card. It is an ideal petite size.

Here's your freebie fan:
PaddleFan.pdf 
PaddleFan.svg 

PaddleFanCard.pdf 
PaddleFanCard.svg 

The presentation card is a single sheet - it does not open up. You can write your message on the flip side.

To make the fan, glue two cut-outs back-to back using a glue stick. Also glue a handle reinforcement onto each side. I used 160gsm photocopier card, which makes a fan that is robust enough for repeated use. You could, of course, use thicker card or sandwich a chipboard fan shape in between the two print-outs.

Keep cool and enjoy the summertime!
 

Origami Paper Boxes, by Mark Bolitho. Review.

Origami Paper Boxes

By Mark Bolitho

Published by Jacqui  Small, an imprint of the Quarto Group 2018

Paperback (includes pack of 32 sheets of origami paper, patterned + plain),

£14.99 UK/ $19.99 US/$25.99 CAN

ISBN 978-1-9111-27-13-0

Star rating: *****

Mark Bolitho, former chairman of the British Origami Society, is a prolific origami author.  His themed origami books are a delight to behold. Origami Paper Boxes, a new title of his, has particular appeal for general papercrafters, since many of the boxes can be used for packaging small gifts. 

Like so many books these days, an emphasis is placed on the mindful benefits of origami. Peaceful concentration is required to produce the models, and you will also experience awe as you witness the wonder of geometric perfection.

The book features more than 25 boxes presented in four different categories: Classic Designs, Modern Boxes, Two-Piece Boxes, and Modular Boxes. There a several swirl-close boxes, and a sweet mini-shopping bag style called Pinch. The unit-pieced modular designs are all named after tea varieties. The Lapsang Box is hexagonal and  features an appealing diagonal effect. 

A handy feature of the book is that each project is accompanied by a diagram indicating the dimensions of the completed model (when constructed with an 18 x 18 / 7 x 7 in origami sheet).

The projects are attractively photographed, and are accompanied by clear folding diagrams and instructional copy. Star ratings for complexity are assigned – so you can opt for quick results or a challenging folding experience.

The pack of origami paper, tucked inside the back cover, is a good mix of plains and patterns, all coloured on the flip side.

I really had to focus hard on writing this review – I was so tempted to try my hand at making the lovely Origami Paper Boxes.

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