Customer Reviews

Creative Paper Art: Techniques for Transforming the Surface

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Creative Paper Art provides a quick tour of approximately thirty different techniques for transforming paper surfaces. The generously illustrated book contains large color photos of the basic techniques as well as the techniques applied to completed projects. Brief and simple instructions introduce the techniques. Ms. Welch also provides bullet points of ideas to vary the techniques. Although this is not a detailed or in-depth exploration of any of the techniques, it provides a basic introduction and ample inspiration to encourage creative adventures using simple, inexpensive materials. Although I was looking for something with greater depth, I must admit the book is appealing and even served as a reminder to explore and push the basic techniques to achieve new results. I would especially recommend this book for individuals in the early stages of exploring paper arts or for those that need a reminder of just how many ways paper can be transformed.

This book provides an astounding overview of techniques and variations along with tons of color photos. No one technique is explained in much depth, and sometimes the exact materials or technique is not clear enough to be executed well on the first try. I was not able to use acrylic paint on wallpaper size to marble (I think I need to mordant the paper). Watercolors didn't work for suminagashi. The "absentee artist" technique took a lot of tries to get the right amount of paint and the right paint consistency. Despite these problems, I have had good luck after trial and error, and the book's myriad suggestions gave me the inspiration to experiment. I also was introduced to many techniques that I want to pursue further by looking at books on those techniques alone. This book provides a great introduction to the possibilities of paper as well wonderful photos. And my numerous "mistakes" have made great fodder for collage.

Although I agree with the other reviewers that no technique is explored in depth, this is a wonderful introduction to lots of ways to decorate paper. The book is full of large color photographs of some of the most beautiful paper art I've seen. While I doubt that most beginners will produce the same quality of results, they should have a great deal of fun trying. Many of the techniques are suited for children, especially the bubbling technique. This involves coloring water, blowing bubbles in it with a straw, then pressing paper to the bubbles to make them pop and leave a circular mark on the paper, repeating to create a pattern. All my nephews and nieces should get a kick out of that one (even the fourteen-year-old boy!). A fun book.

Although this book is a very quick read, it immediately sets off your creative thought processes! It gives you just enough information and beautiful illustrations to starting you thinking
about your own artistic endeavors.

If you're looking for a step-by-step paper arts guide, this is not it. However, if you are familiar with various paper techniques, this book lists alternative ones and starts your creative mind working on new ones of its own! Author Welch certainly shows "the sky's the limit" with her various techniques!