Guest Author - Vivienne Oestergaard
Here is an oldie but goodie!!! An oldie because it was published in 1996 but goodie because the information and theme is timeless. This is my own personal book and I have not received any compensation for this review. Like the title says, it’s a practical guide to making many different types of papercrafting! Clive Stevens is a master paper sculpture artist from the UK (http://www.clivestevenssculpture.com/sculpture.htm). His work is incredibly detailed and very life like.He put together a book with lots of technique, lot of projects, and lots of ideas for a number of paper type crafts. If you are looking for a paper crafting book to purchase, this one is worth getting.
I liked the materials and technique sections as it gives you a complete listing of tools and supplies and then how to use them in various genres of paper crafting. The supplies list include a section on the different types of papers available and what it looks like folded, rolled, crumpled, and torn. The multitude of photographs really help in the technique section so the crafter can see exactly how it should look like. Techniques include paper folding (origami), paper cutting, quilling, scoring, and embossing. With each technique, he included a mini project related to it so one can try it out.
Again, the photos shown in each section are detailed and comprehensive. The instructions are impeccable. Projects include pop up cards, a pull-out card, fun origami figures, origami boxes, interesting ways to fold envelopes, paper weaving, book covers, collage, torn paper collage, lamp shade décor, paper cutting, paper making in various ways, papermache, and of course, paper sculpture. He adds in other artists’ paper examples. In this way, you can see the extreme possibilities for each topic.
I have enjoyed several of his projects. I like practical projects in terms of making useful items and in this, he succeeded. Who doesn’t need some extra cute origami boxes to organize your supplies? And if you have to cover books, here is a really clear answer as to how to do it properly! Clive’s projects are simple enough (with all the photographs) to understand and follow. However, there are a few a bit more complicated so the advanced crafter can really sink his teeth into. In the simple projects, you get an idea of the possibilities for other crafts and/or other projects. For those who have never really paper crafted and are interested in trying, here is a book with everything you need to try various genres.
I think this book makes a great reference book to have in your library. You’ll grab it over and over for the techniques and for the projects. It’s clear, concise, comprehensive, with lots of photographs. You’ll enjoy the book!
