Review by Booklist Review
As one might expect from the Victoria and Albert Museum, this is a highbrow craft book that not only introduces the basic tools and techniques of paper craft but also features examples that happen to be world-class museum pieces. After the introductory how-to sections, the book is divided into four realms of working with paper: folding, cutting, sticking, and forming. Folding includes origami and more; cutting includes Wycinanki, silhouettes, and peep shows (multidimensional works that use cut layers to create a 3-D effect); sticking includes quilling, decoupage, and paper modeling (making 3-D models of items such as buildings); and forming includes papermaking, stitching, papier-mâché, paper flowers, and weaving with paper. The projects are inspired by but not copies of the museum pieces. Although the results depicted may take practice to achieve, the concepts are clear, and the instructions are written in a style that will be familiar to crafters. Not every step is illustrated, so some experience and/or confidence may be required. Templates (for the projects that have them) are shown at 100 percent scale.--Anne Heidemann Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
This beautiful collection of old and modern paper crafts belonging to London's Victoria and Albert Museum, and the accompanying project guide, affirm that paper artistry remains a flourishing art form. Evident throughout is a high level of originality and craftsmanship, illustrating the diversity of paper crafting techniques. The book provides a splendid example of folding with a gorgeous 18th-century opera fan, which served as a seating plan with names of box holders. Paper-cutting techniques are represented by old cut-paper silhouettes of domestic scenes as well as by a contemporary family portrait silhouette. The intricacy of quilling (rolled paperwork) and decoupage (pasting and lacquering cutout paper images onto objects) is shown in tea caddies and framed motifs. Spectacular sculptures and papermaking projects include colorful masks, elegant handmade book covers, and papier-mâché bowls. Suggested design templates, tools, and materials are provided for the budding crafter. In the foreword, Rob Ryan, a London specialist in paper cutting, notes that it is the creative challenges of paper, "a material so light, so delicate, yet surprisingly strong," that draw many to the craft. This book unearths a treasure trove of paper crafts and provides guidance for the modern artisan. Photos. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
Third in a series of "Maker's Guides" from the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, this volume takes aim at the various forms of papercraft. The wealth of the presentation is both in the historical perspectives shared and the many variations offered on each of 15 projects. With this guide, makers can perform long-honored traditions of papercrafting, from origami and silhouettes to "sticking," which includes quilling, decoupage, and paper modeling. Sections include "Folding," "Cutting," "Sticking," and "Forming." Projects include a 3-D peepshow, a tropical bird silhouette, and a handmade paper booklet. Not adhering to any one tradition, this is a greatest hits of the world's papercraft, from Polish Wycinanki paper cuts to Kashmir papier-mâché. Readers will learn how to make not only things from paper but handmade paper itself, down to crafting their own mold and deckle. Each project can be adjusted to challenge both novices and experts, and many can be made with items found in the home. The designs are supplemented with images of completed works held in the V&A Museum, as well as a comprehensive section on tools and techniques. VERDICT Full of inspiration and expertise, this title promises hours of enrichment and activity. Historical and contemporary elements combine artfully to offer plenty of enjoyment for papercrafters.-Linda White, Maplewood, MN © Copyright 2019. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
