Decorative Paper Craft, by GMC. Review.

Decorative Paper Craft

Origami/ Paper Cutting/ Papier Mâché

By GMC Editors

GMC Publications May 2016

Paperback £9.99 UK/ $14.95 US

ISBN 978-1-78494-174-1

Star rating: ***

This title is a pleasant compendium of papercraft projects – sourced from Making magazine. I get the impression that it was compiled a bit hastily (carousel-style memory book looks a bit dated with 2011 labels, lack of spelling agreement, etc.), although for the most part the projects are attractive (as you would expect, coming from Making) and  well-chosen.  

The makes are divided into four categories: Gifts, Celebrations, and For the Home. Projects within each category are a grab bag of papercraft techniques. Confession: I’ve never been a fan of papier mâché. Labour-intensive and results often underwhelming.  Having said that, the projects in this book are very appealing. The Money-Box Bear (polar!) is lightly painted – I love how the newsprint shows through - not fake anything - real pm. Its construction is very clever. The paper mâché teacups are charming and would make sweet desktop storage containers. 

The paper cutting projects are simple yet elegant. The Valentine’s Papercut, Moroccan Cards, 3D Flower Picture, and Papercut Note Cards (stylish Scandi-style bird motifs) are all winners and do-able as handcuts. (Not as keen on the Cutaway Clock.)

Sometimes the how-tos are a bit sketchy. Example: Fans & Windmills. “Attach to a stick” is a bit vague for the nitty gritty of the project – the bit most novice crafters would want a detailed assist on. (How do you attach the papery construction to the stick, yet allow it to rotate freely???)

Other projects include a Rolled Paper Bowl – magazine paper coils – a clever take on recycling (sure to appeal to paper bead enthusiasts). If you are OK on repurposing books, then the Book Sculpture is a simplified take on the book-folding trend - the pages are cut to shape, rather than folded. 

The on-page step-by-steps are mostly fine. Projects are accompanied by how-to photos or detailed illustrations as needed. Templates are back of book – lots of photcopier enlarging to do.

So – a likable mixed bag of papery projects. Might make a fun gift for a newbie.