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.