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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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We offer over 100 affordable PDF sewing patterns available for download from our store website or Etsy store. Each pattern includes detailed instructions, numerous photos, and templates.

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A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun look A lot can change in 10 years ❤️ It’s been fun looking back at where I was in 2016 and how far life has come since then. Swipe for a little trip down memory lane.Back in 2016, my priorities were firmly centred around family. I was working full‑time, sewing in the guest room, sharing tutorials on my blog, and slowly dipping my toes into selling a handful of patterns on Etsy. It was a busy, full season — and creativity was something I fitted in around everything else.  Fast forward to 2026… I’m now retired and living the creative life I once dreamed of. My kids have grown up and are living in their own homes nearby. My husband and I are free to travel, explore, and enjoy this stage of life. And I get to spend my days designing, sewing, and connecting with this beautiful community.Life looks different now — in the best possible way.Were you following me back then, or what has changed for you over the past 10 years? I’d love to hear your story too.Tagging the lovely makers of my quilt: @arabesquescissors @ministryoffabric @belloquacity @alittlepatchwork @sameliasmum coleandtaffy @quiltymamaof4 @shequiltsalot @downgrapevinelane @lizzierosesews @lovethatfabric @sew_mimi.k #2026isthenew2016 #10yeartransformation #sewingjourney #sewingcommunity #aspoonfulofsugardesigns
Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve Fall in love with sewing all over again ❤️I’ve rounded up 10 heart‑themed makes — from quick gifts to charming quilt blocks — perfect for weekend stitching or using up your favourite scraps. Whether you’re sewing for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just because, there’s something sweet for every maker.Comment HEART and I’ll send you a link to my Heart Pattern Collection.#sewingproject #heartsewing #quiltblock #scrapsewing #easytosew
Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or i Raw edge appliqué doesn’t have to feel fiddly or intimidating. With a few simple techniques, you can create neat, crisp shapes — even tiny details like penguin beaks and hearts.I’ve put together My Top 5 Secrets for Raw Edge Appliqué to help you feel confident, whether you’re brand new to appliqué or looking to refine your finish. Save this for your next sewing session.If you’d love a quick, beginner‑friendly project to practise these tips, my Penguin Love Mugrug is the sweetest Valentine’s make — scrap‑friendly, gift‑ready, and such fun to sew.Comment PENGUIN and I’ll send you the link to the pattern. Available now in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop.  #rawedgeapplique #appliquetips #sewingtipsandtricks #mugrugpattern #penguinlove
If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets t If you’ve ever wanted to add eyelets or grommets to your sewing projects, here’s a quick look at how I install them using my DK93 snap press. It’s the same tool I use for snaps — and it makes installing eyelets beautifully quick and consistent.For this Ribbon Pouch, I used the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection (printed on Lasenby cotton and released in January 2026). The colours and motifs pair so well with the little ribbon tie detail.Here’s how to install the eyelets:Punch out the four holes using a hole‑cutting die.Place the eyelet into the hole.Press it into place using the snap press.That’s it — easy peasy, and it gives the pouch such an elevated, professional finish. I love how clean and sturdy the result is.Fabric is Gifts from the Garden by Liberty - kindly provided by @regent_street_fabrics — thank you!If you’d like the Ribbon Pouch pattern (it comes in 3 sizes), comment RIBBON and I’ll send the link straight to you.Ribbon Pouch Sewing Pattern: available in our Pattern Store and Etsy shop ( links in profile).#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #Eyelets #Grommets #SnapPress
The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set show The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad & Placemat Set showcases one of my favourite FPP designs — a stunning kaleidoscope‑style block that always turns out beautifully. Kaleidoscope blocks are some of my most popular FPP patterns, and this set is such a fun way to use them.  This set includes six sizes, making it incredibly versatile: use them as hot pads, trivets, placemats, or simply as a way to add a pop of colour to your kitchen.For these samples, I went with a monochromatic scrap‑busting approach, pairing fabrics from the same colour family with a low‑volume background. The black‑and‑white striped binding adds such a crisp, modern finish. It’s a wonderful project for building your FPP confidence — and a fantastic way to use up those treasured scraps.The Twirling Treasures Hot Pad set is our Pattern of the Week. It is currently 25% off this week in our Pattern Store and Etsy Shop.If you’d like to sew your own set, comment TWIRL and I’ll send the pattern link straight to you.Happy sewing! Lisa 🌸#FoundationPaperPiecing #Quilting #HotPads #ScrapBuster #KitchenSewing
The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that The Ribbon Pouch is one of those little makes that feels special from the very first stitch. I made this sweet trio in the Liberty Gifts from the Garden collection, and the colours couldn’t be more perfect for gifting, organising, or adding a little beauty to your everyday.Each pouch features: 🌼 A simple ribbon tie closure 🎀 Optional sew‑in tags or DIY felt/fabric labels 🧵 Three practical sizes — perfect for notions, treats, or small gifts ✨ A quick, beginner‑friendly sewIf you’d like to make your own, comment RIBBON and I’ll send the pattern link straight to your inbox. Save this for your next weekend project — it’s such a satisfying little sew. Pattern is available in our Pattern Store.Thanks to @regent_street_fabric for the Gifts from the Garden fabric collection. (released Jan 2026)#SewingInspiration #SewingProjects #LibertyFabric #SewingPatterns #BeginnerSewing
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