Sweet Paper Crafts: 25 Simple Projects to Brighten Your Life

Greene, a well-known crafting presence online, has translated her unique repurposed style to an approachable and enticing set of projects using mostly found paper. After a brief (not illustrated) overview of the various types of paper and tools needed, she offers 25 patterns for banners, hats, cake toppers, and other small-scale paper crafts. Much of the crafting is simply cutting and gluing. Most are similarly styled out of book pages, including a gorgeous Star Cluster Garland that harks back to Moravian stars, and a Paper Ship Package Topper that incorporates map scraps as well. The Flower Fancy Wreath, which stands out as it is made of crepe paper, is a stunner. Each project is clearly illustrated in full-color photographs that detail each step, which somewhat makes up for the surprising lack of templates, which are needed for nearly every project. Chronicle has made them available to print out online, which probably should have dropped the book’s price a bit. What’s best about this book is the reminder that extremely simple tools and materials can create something quite lovely with just a bit of effort. Full-color photos. (July)