The Jumbo Book of Paper Crafts. Amanda Lewis. Illustrated by Jane Kurisu. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2002. 160 pp., pbk., $16.95. ISBN 1-55074-940-4. Subject Headings: Paperwork-Juvenile literature. Handicraft-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-7 / Ages 7-12. Review by Linda Ludke. **** /4

excerpt:

Ever since the Chinese mashed up rags and old fishing nets to make paper, it's been one of the most important and useful inventions in the world! For more than 2000 years, paper has been used for cooking, wrapping and building, for making clothing, furniture and insulation. And of course it's perfect for writing on and making art with.

Craft enthusiasts will find more than 60 unique, inexpensive and fun projects in this latest addition to the Jumbo Book series. Different types of paper are discussed in the introduction. The qualities of card stock, construction paper and origami paper are also explored. Lewis explains some techniques to use when working with paper crafts, such as scoring, folding, gluing, pressing and cutting. Her "tricks of the trade" are accompanied by colour illustrations. Some projects require scissors or a craft knife, and readers are cautioned to "Always ask an adult to help you use one. Put a cutting board under your paper when you use an X Acto knife."

     The art projects are organized into five categories: folding, cutting, weaving, gluing and papermaking. Familiar crafts, such as making picture frames, woven baskets and silhouette portraits, are included, but the majority of the projects are refreshingly unique. Readers are introduced to Kirigami, the Japanese art of paper cutting, as well as a paper dyeing technique called Orizomegami. Crafts, such as “Diary Necklace,” “Star Book,” and “Crepe Paper Roses,” are eye catching in their simplicity.

     The clearly written, step by step instructions are easy to follow. Brightly coloured illustrations provide visual hints and greatly add to the interest and appeal of the book. Each craft includes a list of household materials needed. Lewis encourages recycling and suggests reusing wrapping paper, old envelopes, and paper scraps from earlier projects. She shares shopping tips on where to find certain materials and gives some good bargain hunting advice:"Stores that sell wallpaper sometimes give away old pattern books filled with great pieces of paper."

     Crafters are encouraged to combine projects and apply newly learned techniques to other creations. Endnotes offer "Other Ideas" for extending each craft. The origami Kimono is lovely on its own, or it could be used to make a mobile, glued onto a gift card, or turned into a piece of jewellery with spray varnish.

     Grab some paper and a glue stick! The Jumbo Book of Paper Crafts will provide many hours of creative fun!

Highly Recommended.

Linda Ludke is a librarian in London, ON.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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