Magenta Style Paper Magic is a full color paper craft book that offers ideas and techniques for cardmaking, gift wrap, tags, and home decorations. While using many Magenta Style products, it is not necessary to purchase these products to appreciate the elaborate samples on each page.

The book contains twenty five main projects, with a few variations on each project. Each project has a materials list, instructions, and colorful photos that define the project. While I am not familiar with Magenta Style, there was very little information in the book that I did not feel comfortable finding a substitute for.

Techniques used in the book include criss cross binding, masking, embossing resist, stained glass window panels, unique paper folding and layering, and how to pop an image. While many of these techniques may be fairly common, they are presented with unusual examples that make an old technique seem fresh and new.

One fun project is in the book is a glass and paper bead necklace. Beads can be made from a strip of colored paper; roll it tightly around a skewer, cover it with embossing powder and then heat it. You can repeat this procedure a few times to create an even finish, and you can finish the bead by adding ink on the sides. You can also create a frosted effect on your glass beads by rolling them onto a rubber stamp covered with permanent white ink and embossing it. To make your necklace, mix the paper beads and the embossed glass beads for a unique, fun look.

The table of contents lists the following chapters: folding, tearing and cutting paper, layering, coloring and embossing techniques, adding distinctive embellishments, beyond paper, and templates. Reading the content covered, I would guess the book was for beginners. The photo of finished products suggests otherwise.

On a subject as basic as folding, tearing, and cutting paper I was wooed into believing that this technique was a simple one step process for beginners, but as I turned the page to the first example and I realized I could learn from even the most basic subjects. The first sample is a shaped panel card; something I have been doing for year. But the sample does not look like a beginner’s sample, so I had to take a closer look. The very simple directions give suggestions how to personalize the card and make it my own. The directions point out how to add details that give a more elegant look, and bring a beginner card up to a higher level.

Templates included in the book include a cube box and cover, tri fold card, swivel panel card, and star box.

This book will go on my bookshelf with all of my other paper crafting books, but I know I will reach for it again when I am looking for refreshing ideas.