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{Book Reviews} Playing with Paper, & The Ultimate Handbook for Paper Crafters

July 18, 2013 By A Spoonful of Sugar - Leave a Comment

If you love working with paper as much as we do, you will love these new titles.

Playing with Paper {Illuminating, Engineering, and Reimagining Paper Art} by Helen Hiebert is a delightful collection of paper techniques and projects, that will have you folding, pleating, and cutting paper to create some wonderful projects. Some of the techniques include origami, model making, pop-ups, book arts and more.

Helen has also included a gallery of work from leading paper artists that expands on the ideas included in the book to give you more inspiration on how to develop the techniques. All the projects are beautifully photographed and use a wonderful range of paper materials. I have some lovely handmade paper that I bought in Japan that would be perfect for some of the projects. It really makes you look at paper differently as you see what a versatile medium it is to work with.

Some of the projects include window stars, shadow ornaments, kirigami butterfly, a hot air balloon, and a pop up castle. The book includes a helpful section at the beginning which shows how to cut, score, fold and weave, which are the basic techniques needed for the projects. Templates are included at the back of the book.

Playing with Paper is recommended for anyone who loves to create with paper. Many of the projects are suitable for older children.

Book Details:
Publisher:  Quarry Books
ISBN:       9781592538140
Format:     Paperback, 144 pages
RRP:        $24.99

Playing with Paper is available from Booktopia and Can Do Books.

The Ultimate Handbook for Paper Crafts over a 1000 designs for making cards. It would be a great resource for anyone who loves to make their own cards and needs some inspiration. The cards are divided into different styles – Fun and Cute, Clean and Graphic, Classy and Elegant, and Shabby Chic and Vintage. You are sure to find a style to suit the recipient of your card. There are also cards that highlight different stamping techniques such as heat embossing, using markers, paper piecing, masking, mists and sprays, and spectrum inking. It would be a good handbook to guide you through these techniques.
The front of each card is shown. It lists the supplies used, and gives a basic description of how to replicate the design. Cards for all occasions are showcased – including birthdays, Christmas, Baby, Wedding, Congratulations and more. The book includes designs that have been previously published in Papercrafts Magazine.
The Ultimate Handbook fro Paper Crafters is recommended for anyone who loves to make their own cards and is looking for new ideas.
Book Details:
Publisher:     Leisure Arts
ISBN:          9781464700521.
Format:        Paperback, 192 pages
RRP:            $29.99

The Ultimate Handbook for Paper Crafters is available from Can Do Books and Booktopia

Disclaimer: Please note we are not paid to write book reviews but we do receive a review copy of the book from distributors/publishers.

Filed Under: Paper Crafts Tagged With: book review

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My Year in NumbersWhat a year it’s been! I’ve lo My Year in NumbersWhat a year it’s been! I’ve loved looking back at 2025 through a few fun little numbers — the patterns released, the scraps used, the cups of tea enjoyed, and all the tiny moments of creativity that made this year feel so full.Thank you for being part of this community. Whether you’ve sewn one pattern or twenty, left a kind comment, shared a photo, or simply followed along quietly — it all means more than you know.If you’d like to join me for an even more creative 2026, comment NEWSLETTER and I’ll send you the link to sign up for my weekly newsletter. It’s where I share new projects, behind‑the‑scenes peeks, and little sewing treats you won’t want to miss.And I’d love to get to know you a little more — tell me something about yourself in the comments. Where you’re from, what you love to sew, or your favourite make of the year.A little reminder too: all patterns are 25% off until the end of the year — my small thank‑you for your support.Here’s to a year of making, learning, and creating together. 💛#SewingCommunity #SewingInsiration #Sewing Patterns #BeginnerSewingProjects #SewistsofInstagram
As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting As the year comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the moments that made this year so special. More than anything, I’m grateful for you — the wonderful makers, followers, and supporters who bring so much joy to this little creative corner of the world.Thank you for sewing my patterns, sharing your beautiful makes, sending kind messages, and cheering on my small business. Your creativity and encouragement mean more than I can ever say.As the year wraps up, I wanted to share a few of the things I’m truly grateful for.  And as a small end‑of‑year thank‑you, all patterns are 25% off storewide until December 31. No code needed — just a little festive gift from me to you.Wishing you a peaceful, joyful, creative Christmas season. Thank you for being here.#SewingPatterns#BeginnerSewingProjects#SewingCommunity#SewingInspiration#HandmadeGiftsIdeas
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Looking for a project that’s quick, stash‑friendly Looking for a project that’s quick, stash‑friendly, and makes the sweetest handmade gift? 🎀 The Ribbon Pouch ticks all the boxes! Here are 5 reasons to love it: beginner‑friendly, quick to sew, perfect for scraps, gift‑friendly, and elevated with trims and ribbon details.It’s one of those patterns you’ll make on repeat—whether for birthdays, Christmas, or just to use up your favourite fabrics.👉 Comment RIBBON and I’ll send you the link to my pattern store so you can start sewing your own Ribbon Pouch today!  #RibbonPouch #QuickSewProjects  #StashFriendlyPatterns #sewingchristmas
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Want to give the gift of handmade but don’t have t Want to give the gift of handmade but don’t have time to sew? 🧵🎄 Put together a curated sewing project kit!I made this one using the Sleepy Cat Coaster pattern, fusible fleece, fabric for the back and face, a charm pack, hexagon shapes, embroidery floss, ricrac trim, cotton, tags, and appliqués. Everything is tucked neatly into a clear stationery case and tied with a ribbon. 🎁It’s personal, elevated, and thoughtful—perfect for sewing friends who will love having everything ready when they find time to stitch.👉 Comment SLEEPY and I’ll send you the link to the pattern so you can make your own kit!#sewingkit #GiftofHandmade #BeginnerFriendlySewing
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