Neale - Paperie: 100 creative papercraft ideas - gifts, decor, stationery, accessories

As a material, paper is familiar to everyone. Thanks to technology, we may use it rather less than we once did, but its still part of most peoples everyday life. From fragile tissue to thick, strong cardboard, plain white copier paper to highly patterned gift wrap, its as varied in texture and type as it is versatile in application. But, while theres every chance youve already used it creatively in some way (who hasnt folded and thrown a paper plane across their desk?), you may have less than positive preconceptions about the idea of papercrafting.

This book sets out to show you its not only possible, but also simple to create beautiful, contemporary projects from paper. Using it as both a material and, in some cases, a tool, the projects cover a range of techniques, including origami, collage, papercutting and papier mch. Many projects can be completed with everyday types of paper, such as gift wrap or scraps of wallpaper, while others offer the perfect opportunity to recycle or re-purpose materials like old maps, books and security envelopes.

At the back of the book, youll find some instant projects ideas you can cut out and make straight away, plus a selection of patterned papers to use elsewhere. Some of the pages are double-sided, so you can make the project and then use the patterned side of the leftover scraps, or photocopy the sheet and use both sides in full.

Whatever your level of skill and experience, the ideas throughout can be adapted to suit your taste, requirements and the paper supplies you have to hand. Use them as inspiration, not just instruction, and enjoy creating beautiful projects for yourself, your family, your friends and your home.

You can start making paper-based projects with the most basic of supplies plain paper, scissors and maybe a pen or pencil but these are some extras you might also find useful.

Craft knife find one thats comfortable to hold, and keep a good supply of fresh blades on hand, too.

Self-healing cutting mat buy the largest you can afford and you can then use it for projects of any size.

Steel ruler dont try to use a plastic or wooden ruler when cutting with a craft knife.

Scissors youll need a large, general-purpose pair, plus a small, sharp pair for cutting fine details.

Hole punch a standard office punch will often do, but for more versatility, e.g., cutting through thick card, try a Crop-a-dile (this also works as a useful eyelet-setting tool).

Paper punches youre likely to use simple, adaptable shapes the most, so start off with circles, squares, flowers and a heart.

Corner rounder these give a smart, alternative finish to cards. If you like the look, buy an inexpensive, punch-style version or something stronger, like a Corner Chomper.

Disposable nail file or fine sandpaper for smoothing edges, joins and papier mch pieces.

Brayer an optional tool for flattening layers and strengthening adhesion over large surfaces. (You can sometimes use an old rolling pin instead.)

Piercing tool used to pierce holes in paper. A large, sharp needle will often work instead.

Sewing machine or needle and thread its almost always possible to adapt a machine-stitched project to one that can be sewn by hand if you dont have a machine.

Computer and printer these are optional but useful tools for printing out text, patterned paper, templates and so on.

Small paintbrushes for detailed worked on projects.

Craft foam or old mouse mat use as a surface when piercing holes in paper.

Embossing stylus you may be able to use a dried-out ballpoint pen for some projects as an alternative.

Stamps see Techniques: for types.

Patterned paper use gift wrap, scrapbooking paper, origami paper and so on, or try printing sheets at home, either from pattern sourcebooks or digital files sold online.

Recycled or upcycled papers for instance, old/unwanted magazines, books, catalogues, maps, stamps, postcards, leaflets, packaging, security envelopes or notebook pages (lined, squared, graph, manuscript, and so on).

Tissue paper plain and patterned sheets.

Thin card white and coloured, also pre-folded card blanks for making greetings cards.

Thick/strong card this is sometimes known as chipboard. You can recycle pieces from board-backed envelopes. Alternatively, it is sold in larger sheets as greyboard in art and craft shops.

Mountboard similar in weight and strength to greyboard, it has a clean, white core and comes in a wide range of ready-to-display colours. Its also found in art and craft shops.

Tracing paper useful for transferring patterns, or as a translucent, vellum-like design detail.

Corrugated card this can be recycled from large grocery or packing boxes.

Watercolour paper available in various weights, with thicker sheets being more like card than paper. Cold-press has a bumpy, textured surface, while hot-press is much smoother.

Grungeboard this is a very strong, flexible type of card, which is almost impossible to tear. It is usually only available to buy in very small sheets.

Adhesive most of the projects in the book will specify the best type of glue to use, whether its a glue stick, PVA (also known as white or tacky glue), spray adhesive, double-sided tape or a clear, hard-drying glue, such as Glossy Accents.

Hot glue gun an instant-grab adhesive that bonds very quickly and is especially tough on porous surfaces, such as cardboard. Not essential, but useful.

Paint standard acrylic, plus spray paint for some projects.

Dcoupage medium spreadable matte or glossy adhesive, such as Mod Podge, or artists gel medium. Mod Podge can also be used as an alternative to varnish over a finished project.

Wallpaper paste use for papier mch projects, buy in powder form and mix as needed. The paste and unmixed powder can be stored in jars for long periods.

Fine nylon/beading thread useful for stringing banners, mobiles and so on. Much stronger than regular sewing thread, but just as fine, flexible and easy to use.

Permanent marker pens for adding details to projects.

Paper fasteners also known as brads, basic types can be found in stationery supply shops, or a variety of shapes, colours and sizes in craft ranges.

Varnish to seal and protect finish projects (optional). Use a paper-compatible artists varnish in matte, glossy or satin finish, as preferred.

Paper clay air-drying modelling material made from paper fibres. Store in an airtight container, to prevent unused pieces drying out.

Washi or decorative tape for adding decoration to projects.

General embellishments items such as beads, buttons and sequins for decorating.

Picture frames