Matboard Magic – by Eileen Hull, ISBN#0-9749683-1-5, published 2007 by BookMasters, Inc. Matboard is a heavy, sturdy fiber board most often used to frame watercolors, photos and memorabilia. We’ve all seen it, but you may not have thought of the other uses for it that Eileen introduces us to. In this book Eileen uses fabric, paint, glitter, rubber stamps, embossing, stencils and more to decorate the matboard. Projects range from simple desk accessories like a blotter and can wrap to hold pens to a 3-dimensional wedding cake. The card storage box would be the perfect add on for a gift of handmade cards, or a secure and pretty place to store your own collection. Eileen’s directions are clear and complete. The first chapter tells you everything you need to know to start crafting with this exciting medium. I especially like the tips on “ damage control” to help you out if things don’t go exactly as you had hoped. She also includes supplies, vocabulary and techniques. Next come an assortment of great projects that are labeled beginner, intermediate and advanced. The “ Ideas for Inspiration” chapter will have you heading out to purchase some matboard of your own. Buy this book if you’re looking for an amazing new material to work with and you want all the tips from an expert before you get started.
The Simplicity of Iris Folding, by Sarah Decker, ISBN # 978-159858-427-1, published by Dog Ear Publishing. Iris folding is one of my favorite techniques, and Sarah Decker is one of our loyal readers who offers free iris folding patterns on her website. The book includes over 40 full sized templates that all fit a 5”x&” card or frame. I can’t decide if the lamp post or the baby carriage is my favorite. Sarah even teaches you how to make your own patterns and templates,so you can use any shape you like to make your projects. The four pages of greetings included in the back of the book are a real bonus – you can quickly make the perfect card for almost any occasion. As a special book owner exclusive, Sarah has a password protected section on her website with additional patterns to download. Right now there are 27 additional patterns with more to come. Buy this book if you love iris folding, always wanted to learn it, or are looking for an inexpensive paper craft that has a “wow” factor.
