Martin - All things paper : 20 unique projects from leading paper crafters, artists, and designers

Acknowledgments

All Things Paper is dedicated to the delightful group of paper artisans who were with me every step of the way on a journey that took us from the posts on my blog to the pages of this book. We created a new type of craft book in which all of the projects were written and photographed by the original artists at their studios around the world.

I thank the designers for their attention to detail, willingness to meet deadlines, and for making my inbox such a happening place! Heartfelt thanks also to my editor Bud Sperry for his helpfulness, my agent Kate McKean for her professionalism and quick wit, and especially my never-say-cant husband for his positive attitude.

CHAPTER 1

Home Dcor

Eye-catching projects to beautify your desk, dining table, and walls.

Candle Luminaries

by Kristen Magee

These pretty paper luminaries are a very easy and inexpensive way to add a little pizzazz to your table for a special occasion or just because. Make a few to complement other decorative accessories, or make many and group them together to create a glowing tablescape.

SUPPLIES AND TOOLS

Small glass or cylinder vase

Copy paper white

Pencil

Measuring tape

Ruler

Scissors

Decorative edge scissors (scalloped and clouds) and/or pinking shears

Hole punches a variety of sizes

Tape runner or double-sided tape

Tealight candle or battery operated tealight

Paper trimmer optional

Kristen Magee

A freelance designer who loves to craft and cook in her spare time, Kristen shares her love of paper as the editor of Paper Crave papercrave.com and documents her craft and kitchen exploits at Domestifluff domestifluff.com

Why Paper?

I love working with paper because its such a versatile and accessible medium. Theres nothing more relaxing to me after a long day in front of the computer than sitting down with a few sheets of paper to fold, score, and cut to my hearts content.

HOW TO MAKE THE CANDLE LUMINARIES

STEP Measure the circumference and height of the container with a measuring tape. Add approximately inch (13 mm) to the circumference so there will be enough paper to overlap when it is wrapped around the container.

STEP Use a pencil to mark the length and width on a piece of copy paper. Draw corresponding lines with the aid of a ruler. Use scissors or a paper trimmer to cut the paper.

STEP Cut along one edge of the paper with decorative edge scissors or pinking shears. Be sure to stay as close to the edge as possible, using it as a cutting guide.

STEP Pierce a hole with a small hole punch in the center of each scallop or pinked V. It may be helpful to dot the centers with a pencil before using the punch. This allows for more precise placement.

STEP Use a larger punch to make a row of evenly spaced holes along the bottom edge of the paper.

STEP Apply a strip of double-sided tape to one end of the paper. Wrap the paper snugly around the container, overlapping the ends. Try different papersvellum, parchment, or tissuefor a variety of looks.

Phone Book Letter Holder

by Allison Patrick

At least once a year a stack of phone books arrives in my building lobby where they languish for a few weeks until someone bundles them up for the recycling pile. In this Internet age you might not need old fashioned phone books for looking up information, but they can be put to good use and help with organization at the same time, as this pretty mail sorter demonstrates. Its the perfect accessory for a front hallway or desk. Not only is it eco-friendly to use an otherwise discarded material, but the project cost is low because the phone book is free. The petal design looks elegant even when not in use, and I love the bright pop of colorful ribbons that can be chosen to match the color scheme of any room. This project is not only fun and recycles wasted paper but is also functional and decorative. The finished letter holder measures 7 x 4 inches (18 x 10 cm). Because the phone book is divided in half and then cut into strip sections, quite a few letter holders can be made from just one phone book!

Allison Patrick

A recent graduate with a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University, Allison Patrick began designing eco-friendly housewares and lights in 2010. Selling both in person and via Etsy shops, Zipper 8 Design and Zipper 8 Lighting, allows her to fund all those crazy and creative projects she wants to try, while following a more eclectic path professionally. Her recent work experience includes an internship in the exhibition design department at The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and teaching lower school science in New York City. Looking for a place to showcase the more random craft projects she undertakes, Allison started her blog, The 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Redecorate. She features projects for the home that are based on unusual and eco-friendly materials, often bringing new life to otherwise overlooked items. Her work has been featured on numerous blogs and in magazines, as well as on the cover of Illuminate, Hannah Nunn's 2012 contemporary craft lighting book.

Website: zipper81ighting.com

Blog: the3rsblog.wordpress.com

Why Paper?

Paper is one of my favorite crafting materials. Whether bought new or reused from another source, paper is inexpensive and accessible. Even if I buy fine quality paper for an intended project, I can first practice on a much less expensive kind. Paper is also more versatile than almost any material. It can be a thin, flat sheet or with just a few creases, transformed into a complex, three-dimensional shape. Layer it to create texture or wrap it around something like a skin. And everyone has access to paper no matter where they aregrab a newspaper off the street or a sheet from a printer. The most amazing creations can be made with just a bit of imagination, allowing the mind of the artist to shine through.