All Things Paper: 20 Unique Projects from Leading Paper Crafters, Artists, and Designers, the new book by Ann Martin, the talented quilling artist and paper enthusiast behind the blog, All Things Paper, is one that I’ve been anticipating. I have to admit that my anticipation was partially self-centered, as one of the projects in the book is my own, and I was so honored when Ann asked me to participate in the project. I knew that she had invited a host of talented paper artists to be part of the book, but I had no idea who or what would be included, so it was very exciting to receive the book and see all of the projects that were chosen.
As the title says, the book contains 20 unique projects, and each is featured in one of the book’s four categories: home décor, fashion accessories, jewelry, and correspondence. Each project includes a full list of necessary tools and supplies, as well as a step-by-step tutorial with photos for every step. I really appreciate that every single project has step-by-step photos because I’m a visual learner and find it much easier to figure something out when I can actually see what I’m supposed to be doing, especially if it’s a more complex project with a number of smaller steps. Many of the projects have helpful tips, too.
The projects themselves represent a broad range of paper crafting techniques and levels of complexity. You’ll find simple projects, like my Candle Luminaries (above photo), that will appeal to beginners, as well as more complex projects, like Linda Thalmann’s beautiful Fine Paper Yarn Necklace, that will grab the attention of more advanced paper crafters.
Two of my favorite projects in the book come from Ann herself. I’m itching to make her lovely, quilled Antique Key Pendant (above photo), as well as her beautiful Makigami Pendant Flower. I’m also excited to try the aforementioned necklace by Linda Thalmann, the Crepe Paper Lilacs by Jenny Jafek-Jones, and the Sticky Notes Notepad Holder by Stefani Tadio. And Casey Starks’ Citrus Slice Coasters really make me want to get back into screenprinting.
At the end of the book, you’ll find an Artist Gallery and Directory, which has photos of the artists and designers whose projects appear in the book. Corresponding projects with page numbers are listed under each photo, as are URLs to the artists’ websites and blogs. After the directory, you’ll find project templates for photocopying.
The quality of the projects and range of paper crafting techniques found in All Things Paper: 20 Unique Projects from Leading Paper Crafters, Artists, and Designers makes this a book that paper crafters of all skill levels will appreciate having on their shelves. I know that I will!
quilled key pendant photo credit : Ann Martin
additional photos : Kristen Magee
