Customizable Pop-Up Paper Spheres: 15 Paper Projects from Novice to Advanced

This whimsical manual by paper artist Tsukimoto (Pop-Up Paper Spheres) shows how to create spherical pop-up cards, or three-dimensional scenes made out of interlocking circular paper cutouts. Each project involves copying designs onto craft paper, cutting out the pieces (each constituting a layer or cross-section of the sphere), then assembling them (each ring has notches that interlock with other rings; no glue required). Many of the projects take inspiration from fantasy, including ones featuring Cinderella in front of a castle, a fairy assembling a Christmas wreath, and a mermaid swimming amongst various sea creatures. Others are geared toward special occasions, such as the “Happy Wedding” scene depicting a couple at the altar and “Happy New Baby” featuring an infant playing under a mobile. Project difficulty varies based on the number of pieces involved, and Tsukimoto includes easier and harder variations for each project; for example, the “true novice” version of the Alice in Wonderland–inspired card is made out of four rings, while the expert version is made out of 23. The step-by-step photographs of how to assemble the rings are helpful, though less experienced crafters might wish that Tsukimoto elaborated on preferred paper types. Still, crafters of all levels will be inspired. (June)