Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

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.

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!

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.

This is a great book. The author starts with very basic, simple cuts and folds, and progresses through more difficult techniques.

The book has very clear, step-by-step instructions, and photos of completed samples. Each technique explained also shows several variations, along with a completed project. You won't find instructions for all of the completed projects though, (the bird on the cover, for example), because I think the idea is for you to experiment on your own, using the techniques illustrated in the book.

I found the size of the book to be a big help. Print you can actually read and photos that are a good size. All around nice book.

This is a very nice book and has some great basic instructions; however, I bought the book strictly because I wanted the pattern and instructions for the dove featured on the cover. It wasn't included in the book, which seems strange to me: not including the complete pattern for your cover picture.

This book had a lot of basic information on what to do to achieve basic results. There were beautiful pictures of pop up from easy to very advanced pop ups but not all of the had the directions to do them. In the back of the book there are many,many designs with hearts and the directions to do them. It is a great book for one who wishes to learn the basic and take off on their own. I personally was looking for more designs to fool around with before I started to design myself. I plan on doing lots of hearts

Thats what the title says and hence i bought the book.
Its not exactly step by step. The cards i liked didnt come with any instructions at all!
Its very frustrating---because you can see the card but cannot make it.
The directions (wherever you are lucky to find it)...are not very helpful also...for eg---there are drawings for the cut out but no dimensions...it didnt help me at all.

I would recommend this book only if you are a accomplished paper engineer and can "see" the technique of making these cards

No, this book doesn't have luscious designs for you to copy & make.

What it does have that makes it a superior book on the subject are logical. easy to understand directions on how to design & make your own versions. This book also alerts you to problems that might appear if you ignore underlying structural mechanics.

Of the books I own on this subject, this one has been the springboard that has allowed me to design my own successful and creative pop-ups.

If you want to make someone else's designs, this isn't the book for you. If you want to express yourself using imaginative pop-ups that are your own designs -- and that work -- then I recommend this book!

A thorough guide to paper engineering of pop-up books. Careful instructions and illustrated examples.

Really good book. Takes you through all the steps for many techniques; lots of pictures and diagrams.