New and Upcoming Papercraft Books and Paper Goods
Enjoy this fresh round up of beautiful papercraft books that are out now or on the horizon, as well as supplies to have on hand the next time you need to wrap a special gift.
Bouquet in a Book by Prudence Rogers looks to be an ingenious press-out and make book. It contains 128 pages and will be released on April 1 by David & Charles. Included are paper pieces to make roses, peonies, daisies and more that are easy enough for beginners to do. Photographic instructions are provided and there is also a video library of techniques accessible via a QR code.
By the way, all upcoming books mentioned in this post can be pre-ordered.
The Simple Art of Japanese Origami for CICOBooks by Mari Ono, an experienced origami book author, was just released in January. It features 24 projects that are ideal for paper folding beginners. Both step-by-step images and written instructions are included in the 96 pages. Having the right weight paper is essential for origami success and this book smartly includes the added attraction of 50 sheets to get you started.
Paper quillers are always on the lookout for new designs and Quilling Round the Year by Rachel Warrillow looks like just the ticket. It is a 144 page paperback that will be released by Herbert Press on April 29. The concept is a neat one... seasonal designs with tutorials inspired by nature, wildlife, and weather.
Each season includes one quick and easy project, two intermediate options, and one more involved piece. By the way, quillers might recognize Rachel's name as she has a popular website, The Quirky Quillers.
Another upcoming title with an interesting concept is the 32 page press-and-play paper doll book, Dress Up Zendaya. Smith Street Books will release it on May 6. Julia Murray has illustrated a dozen stellar outfits for a Zendaya paper mannequin that will appeal to fashion-obsessed pre-teens and/or fans of the super-popular actress and singer.
Little Animals of the Forest is a book of crafting and writing papers - 100 strong - that are illustrated with adorable images gathered from acclaimed Japanese author Saeko Inui's two picture books, I
Love You and I’ll be By Your Side. It will be released by PIE International on July 1. The collection can be used as gift wrap or tear out your favorites to frame.
As a longtime fan of Tuttle's gift wrap, I was happy to see a new collection was released recently. Matrix Patterns includes six black and white op art designs, two sheets of each, that are ideal for craft projects and present wrapping. Each one is perforated along the folder's binding and can be removed without ripping.
Currently, the price is discounted 37%. My philosophy is that if you enjoy wrapping gifts as much as you do choosing just the right present, then it's worth it to splurge a bit on special sheets. Then again, who doesn't appreciate a good deal?!
Another example of high quality gift wrap is this metallic gold and white foxy Stargazer Wrapping Paper from Etsy shop prismofstarlings. Matching gift tags are available along with a wide array of paper products including many more gift wrap designs. Each one features original illustrations by shop owner Kirsty Baynham in Edinburgh, Scotland.
These heart clasp envelopes made by Tiffany at Etsy's PopsOfHappyShop are extra special. She offers them in many beautiful colors of heavyweight, textured paper. Delivery is free for U.S. customers from Toronto, Canada when you spend $35 at the shop.
Last, but definitely not least are the birthday gifts I wrapped up for our daughters-in-law (yes, both are named Jessica and they even look quite a bit alike!). I used MASU's eco-friendly papers that are premium quality, and then enjoyed making name tags by painting a silk tree leaf with metallic gold paint for one and cutting a lemon from pearlized paper for the other.
Libby Hampel, MASU's owner and pattern designer, offers lots of pretty wrapping paper choices, as well as cards, tags, and stickers. I enjoy following her on Instagram, @givemasu.
