Simply Cards and Papercraft
Emily Hogarth's book was released at the end of 2019 and became an instant favourite with us. Packed with inspiration for keepsakes, cards and artwork, Emily's book is a must for anyone who loves and appreciates this stunning art form. From basic techniques, to highly detailed step-by-steps for beginners, to a unique opportunity to learn more about the history of papercutting, and see visuals from artists around the globe specialising in the spectacular creative outlet.
MyShelf.com
These days papercutting too often conjures up images of mass-produced die cuts produced by machines. Im no Luddite, so I can certainly see the appeal, particularly if you have to produce a lot of one image, but this is only one type of papercutting. The other is the ancient craft of doing it by hand which suits anybody who only wants one or a few of an image and eliminates the need for expensive equipment. All you need to do it is with paper, scissors and a craft knife, plus perhaps this book!
This is a reprint of a much-loved classic produced back in 2012. Since then it has been reprinted five times, and it is easy to see why. I have been a fan of this craft from an early age and these days it has the appeal of not only being cheap to do, but also giving the opportunity for using up leftovers from other crafts and recycling. This book shows you how to be your own die cutter, starting with a short chapter on its history around the world and what you need to get started. This is not much, and it includes tips on handling your tools and the best way to begin. This includes choosing papers, using templates, finishing off your work, etc. This is followed by 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 coloured 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 theatre, 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. May it be reprinted many more times!
If you cannot find a good range of papercutting materials locally try http://www.searchpress.com for a list of suppliers.
Craft Focus
Back by popular demand, The Crafter's Guide to Papercutting introduces readers to this satisfying medium. With basic techniques and creative step-by-step projects inside, the book demonstrates how to create exquisite works of art. It's published on 1st November, with a retail price of £12.99.
Papercraft Essentials
Issue 93
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.
Myshelf.com
Feb 13
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.
Handmade Living
Jan 13
Emily Hogarth is an Edinburgh based paper-cut artist and illustrator whose work has appeared on many greetings cards and prints. In this user-friendly book she shares her knowledge and ideas to help even the most artistically challenged of us to make beautiful cards and pictures. You'll find a host of information about papercutting, its history and techniques, as well as step-by-step projects and templates to use. With a wide range of makes this book will appeal as much to the advanced paper-cutter as to the beginner.
Craft Focus
Dec 12/Jan 13
This is an introduction and complete guide to cutting paper for artworks, greeting cards and keepsakes. Paper-cutting crafts appeal to a wide audience and anyone can try it. The equipment required is relatively inexpensive and the results are stunning. Ideal for beginners, this title includes everything you need to get started, from the basic techniques to creative step-by-step projects, but also progressive techniques and inspirational projects plus 50 specially commissioned templates.
Workshop On The Web
Dec 12
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.
Customer
Sept 12
Received this today and am delighted. The first part of the book has a lovely overview - history, tips and how to design your own. The second section deals with 20 different projects - instructions, cutting tips, how to adapt the design to make variations etc. The final part of the book (about a 1/3rd of the pages) has ready to cut and copy templates backed by coloured paper. Very well put together, the book would make a great gift and could be used to make great gifts and artful decorations.-"E.R.", Amazon
Machine Knitting Monthly
Dec 12
We've all heard of cutting paper, but who would have thought it make such lovely embellishments as cupcake decorations and gift tags? Anyone can try it, the equipment is cheap and the results are stunning. This lovely book introduces us to an amazing craft and shows how to create exquisite works of art. Beginners can start with the basics and experts will be motivated by inspirational projects.
Simply Cards & Papercraft
Iss 103
The complete guide to cutting paper for art, greetings cards and keepsakes, this new publication gives you all the knowledge you need to get started, from basic techniques to creative step-by-step projects, and features beautiful projects with 50 templates for practice.
Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts
Oct 12
Paper cutting at its best, this fabulous book shows you how to do it. Even for beginners, this is an excellent book with clear photos and instructions. You'll learn basic techniques that you can use in projects. For those who have already delved into this popular craft, there are over 50 templates. The book includes a history of papercutting. The Getting Started section is good and I like the projects. This book covers layering, cutting, even shadow puppets. I love the use of colour in the projects too not to mention the design. Projects include greetings cards, botanical artwork, keepsakes, mobiles and more. This book offers many useful tips and has great features such as the backwards alphabet. Folds are clearly shown. There is a good showcase of artist works to inspire you to create unique projects. I would be happy to recommend this to anyone.
thepapercraftpost.blogspot.co.uk
Oct 12
Artist Emily Hogarth has written the right craft book at the right time. The craft of papercutting is having a moment Why? Papercutting is a craft for hard times. With just a cutting implement and a piece of paper, you can create a thing of beauty. Plus, papercuts have an irresistible graphic appeal. This is a well-thought-out and beautifully produced book that has a usefulness beyond its lovely projects. It begins with a whirlwind, worldwide illustrated history of papercutting and continues with a how-to guide for novices. There are tips on tools and materials, notes about paper choice, cutting advice for scissors or craft knife, info on how to transfer design to paper, single and multifold designs, layering and multicutting. Beyond the basics, the chapter on designing papercuts is chock full of practical advice and presents material I havent seen before - such as how to get your head around backwards papercutting patterns (they are copied reversed onto the flip side of the paper). Theres also a section about the importance of positive and negative design elements, which is the nitty-gritty of papercutting. Emily Hogarths projects, which have heaps of personality and playfulness, form the core of the book. The projects have a contemporary feel, while taking on board traditional papercutting styles. Best of all, Emily has thought outside the box for her projects, not limiting her ideas to the usual 2-D cards and silhouettes. There are lots of 3-D and layered projects, and several projects make use of double-sided paper (a simple, but show-stopping trick). The zig-zag fold NYC skyline has wow factor, yet is achievable by relative newcomers to the craft. Nice. Each project has a step-by-step photo tutorial. A handy feature is the Take Special Care corner, which flags potential tricky spots. The back of the book consists of a template section. The brave can actually cut up the book. The timid and the reverent can photocopy or trace the designs. A nice feature: there are more templates than projects in the book. The extras refer you to similar projects in the book for how-to guidance. Digital papercrafters will find lots in Emily Hogarths book that applies to their craft. Many of the design concepts - such as positive/negative and layering - apply to both hand-cut and machine-cut papercraft designs. And Emilys beautiful designs can supply inspiration.
