The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects [Paperback]

Paul Jackson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1993

The Pop-Up Book is a clear and practical guide to the craft of the three-dimensional paper movement, illustrated with full-color photography.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Pop-ups are three-dimensional cut-and-folded paper constructions that are widely used for children's books and greeting cards. They have a magical appeal as they mysteriously fold and unfold. Expanding on pop-up material covered in his earlier The Encyclopedia of Origami & Papercraft (LJ 3/1/92), Jackson offers an instructional guide leading the craftsperson through an introductory section of basics to sections covering techniques and original design. The step-by-step projects are exercises in technique only, with complex constructions shown as examples. Like the author's previous books, this one is notable for its clear instructions and bright, colorful illustrations. For users of all ages; highly recommended for public libraries.
Constance Ashmore Fairchild, Univ. of Illinois Lib., Urbana-Champaign
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Add to the list of occupational titles a new one, that of paper engineer. The forms and folds, scores and creases, that Jackson transforms into striking shapes and designs truly deserve acknowledgment. What is also unusual about his instructions is his patient explanation, taking up more than half the book with all the techniques possible with either one or multiple sheets of paper. Although the process appears complicated, each how-to is accompanied by step-by-step color photographs, building on the previous lesson. As for actual projects? He selects three formsa single heart, a double heart, and a heart with an arrowand demonstrates 7 to 16 different methods to fashion pop-ups. A 20-page gallery at the end cinches the initial reaction that pop-ups are more than a craft. Barbara Jacobs

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Holt Paperbacks (1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805028846
• ISBN-13: 978-0805028843
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,229 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

72 of 75 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Favorite Pop-up Book, November 21, 2005

By 

Picfactory (California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects (Paperback)

I own several books on pop-up techniques and this is one of my favorites. This is a large format, beautifully illustrated book filled with sound, easy to learn techniques, well-photographed and explained. It also includes lovely examples of more professional work using the techniques which serve as a gallery of inspiration. Jackson is a natural instructor whose passion for paper engineering is infectious.

In answer to the reviewers who were disappointed that this doesn't spoon feed you exact projects to slavishly copy down to the last fraction of an inch, there are examples to copy in here, but I don't believe that was the point of this book. The step by step examples are actually quite good, but this isn't meant to be a pattern book to cut out or copy and then glue together. The point is to allow the reader/user to master the basics of paper engineering techniques and materials so that the reader can then make his/her own projects. The step by step examples are meant as teaching tools. The point of the book is to learn skills, be inspired by photographed examples, and to use this as a starting point for creating your own work.

The author did do another which I believe is called "Paper Pop ups" that does have page after page of pop ups that you can cut out or copy and glue together, and there are some other wonderful pop ups in there that are not in this one. However, one of the things I love about this book is that it clearly explains the basics for someone who is unfamiliar with the techniques, yet it isn't dumbed down. He teaches you skills and provides pictures of examples that provide a foundation for using your imagination so you can create, rather than copy templates.

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Incredible fun, June 18, 2004

By 

wiredweird "wiredweird" (Earth, or somewhere nearby) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects (Paperback)

This book is simply amazing. Using only a sheet of paper, a hobby knife, and this book, you can create some very beautiful work.

The Pauls who wrote the book give clear directions for making a wide variety of different popups, using a variety of different folding techniques. They start simple, just single cuts and simple folds. They work up to some mind-boggling creations; those require significant precision and care.

Directions are in the form of patterns, ready to transfer from the book to your own paper. That could be a problem for some people. The patterns are shown reduced in size, and in somewhat schematic form. When multiple pieces of paper are involved, it takes a bit mechanical insight to figure out just how each piece fits each other - the directions aren't always explicit.

The directions are clear enough, though. With a little work, you should be able to put most of these patterns together, then start improvising on your own. Of course, you can add whatever illustration or decoration you want - the structure is just the beginning of your finished piece.

You'll find clear directions for projects of graded complexity. There's probably something here for everyone. Go ahead, have fun with them!

37 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good starter book for folded pop-ups, July 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects (Paperback)

This book covers basics of pop-ups created using folds and cuts. The "gallery" in the back is amazing. Within two weeks of buying this book I was making birthday cards. The kiss for the valentine's day card alone was worth the price of the book (ah, what a crafty person can do....). If you're looking for pop-up construction with pull tabs, wheels, levers, etc, check out Hiner's books.