craftevolution

Okay, this is why I love this blog. I get letters like this in support of my book club project:

Hi Simone!

While I am really making an effort to not increase the size of my craft book library, I am so happy that I bought this book! I am a huge fan of Patricia Zapata’s blog,  A Little Hut. It is a never-ending source of inspiration.

I made the Shadow Forest and found the instructions to be concise, the project to be forgiving and the results to be wonderful. I only wish I could have photographed it better!

There aren’t many things in this book that I would not make! My only challenge is finding the larger paper sizes, but that is a matter of my locale, not the paper. I guess it’s time for a trip to the “big city”!

Thanks for making this round a paper project! Loved it!

Looking forward to the next book!

Your friend in Florida,

J.

Today we are discussing Home, Paper Scissors by Patricia Zapata who also publishes A Little Hut. This book was my introduction to paper crafts. Paper, visual arts, drawing, painting, all that intimidates the heck out of me. So for me it was good to sit down with a friendly, pretty book that took down my approach anxiety. The book begins with an overview of the different types of paper and tools one would need for these projects. Following this brief introduction, the book is divided into Decorating, Entertaining and Gifting chapters. As I leafed through the projects there were a bunch that I would like to make such as:

• The Bird’s Nest Bowls on the cover
• The Floating Cubby
• Definitely the Mod Wall Clock
• The Magazine Bowl
• Stationary Set, and the
• Journals Set

This is where I came to my first realization. You need to plan ahead a little to make these projects. Many of them require larger sized or heavier paper, so look through the book and make a supply list.  The next time you find yourself wandering around in an arts supply store, you can efficiently whip out your list and shop around with a specific project in mind.

Ever the procrastinator I went with the Shadow Forest Wall Hanging on p. 24. I only had white card stock and decided to print out digital scrap booking patterns on two sheets to substitute the different colored card stocks used in this project. This was my first adventure with my crafting knife. It was surprising how easy it was to cut the patterns . . . once I changed the dull blade. I loved Patricia’s transfer trick. Copy something onto tracing paper and then turn the paper around and retrace the pattern thus transferring the pencil lead unto your paper. Tada!

I did not have the requisite balsa wood strips necessary to separate the sheets to create the three-dimensional feel of the hanging. However, I do have a lot of wooden clothespins. I separated the halves of the pins and glued those between the sheets. Another clothespin substituted the hanging mechanism. I’m quite happy with this hanging except for the glue warping the paper on the top. Next time I’ll be a little bit more sparing with the white stuff.  The hanging woud be a nice addition to a guest room or a weekend house. For now it’s hanging on my shelf.

The Giveaway . . .

Will close at the end of October 31st and involves these gorgeous needles. Contribute to this book club meeting and you might win these needles. You can find more details here.