The Crafter's Guide to Papercutting [Paperback]

The type of crafts I love best are the ones that give the crafter the opportunity to do a lot with a little, and preferably to recycle something that might otherwise be thrown away. Papercutting fits the bill here: all you need is paper, scissors and a craft knife to create magical works of art. Papercutting hooked me into its web at an early age and has lately been neglected in favor of the type of papercrafts that involve spending a considerable amount of money. This book shows you how to be your own die cutter, from a brief chapter about its history around the world to what you need to get started. This is not much, and it includes tips on handling your tools and the best way to begin, including choosing papers, using templates, finishing off your work, etc. Then it is on with the projects, which constitute most of this book, but with a difference. Instead of tracing, photocopying or scanning and printing (although you can also do all of this) this is a book with the actual printed sheets at the back, ready to use. There are fifty sheets of good quality card to cut out and use complete with colored fronts and backs (some of them patterned) and ranging from simple beginners pieces to the more complex. The projects tell you what you need to obtain and include some illustrated stages as well as a photo of the finished piece. I particularly liked the way it highlighted the most difficult places to cut and why. This is so useful and not always obvious at first glance. There are cards, a shadow puppet theater, mobile, cupcake cases, bunting, window decorations, silhouettes and more. Most are general purpose but a couple are for Christmas, although sadly none of them are cards. Styles vary to the layered variety reminiscent of Poland to the Swiss and German types associated with the Pennsylvania Dutch traditions and classic silhouettes. This is the sort of book that is a lot of fun and takes some time to get through so an excellent value for your money, especially as the end results are creations that are inexpensive to make but show off your skill. Who needs a die cutting machine anyway. --Myshelf.com

This beautiful book is a complete guide for cutting paper for artwork, greetings cards, keepsakes and more, and shows you how to create your own exquisite works of art. Beginners will have all the knowledge they need to get started, plus it's also a great resource for the more advanced paper cutter. Learn about the history of paper cutting and be inspired by the work from many international paper-cutting artists. --Papercraft Essentials

Most of us will be familiar with the work of Rob Ryan and possibly Béatrice Coron, both expert paper cutters. This book is taking this interest in the art form of Papercutting and introducing the reader to its basic concepts. The history of Papercutting is explored in relation to current artists and plenty of pieces are shown throughout in exquisitely detailed illustrations. All the tools of the trade are given and many of these materials you probably already have (though a craft knife is a must, unsurprisingly). Techniques are explained for the best results and examples of different kinds of work support this. For the best paper cutters, pre-drawn designs are not required but, for the rest of us, there is a series of projects and templates. They range from very simple to more complicated but, by using the techniques described, step by step instructions will have you mastering intricate designs. I loved this book, for the beautiful artwork contained within it and for the promise that it could all be achieved by me. --Workshop on The Web

Emily Hogarth's relationship with paper started while she was studying textiles at Edinburgh College of Art. She found papercutting was a quick way of creating sharp, bold, and uniquely individual stencils for screen printing. After graduating she went on to study an MA in textiles, where her papercutting developed and she learned to apply and integrate these unique designs to illustrations and graphic designs. Today she runs her own design business, Emily Hogarth Designs, as well as exhibiting work throughout the UK. She currently lives and works in Edinburgh. This is her website: www.emilyhogarth.com.