Book Review- Everyday Papercraft

Vertical Inc. specializes in English translations of Japanese books. They have a strong focus on manga but also do cookbooks and craft books, and are starting to do more of them. This is a translation of a book that came out in 2010 by Keiko Komatsubara.

As a papercrafter who loves origami, kirigami, upcycling and Japanese crafts, I'm thrilled with all these wonderful English translations. They are done very well, with the original photos and illustrations.

This book focuses on practical projects, that are whimsical and charming. Boxes made from paper, notebook covers, portfolios and some wonderful gift bag projects. There are 25 projects total, and they are all simple, clean looking projects that would make wonderful gifts.

The paper measurements are mostly international sizes rather than American paper sizing. However, the types of projects translate well and are doable with US sized envelopes and papers.

The book starts with the gallery of projects with descriptions and page numbers given for instructions. After that you find a materials list with photos. The materials used are mostly easy to find at your local office supply store and craft store. A few specialty items like decorative twist ties might take a bit more searching.

I love a lot of the projects. There are some lovely boxes that would make wonderful gifts by themselves or used as a unique, functional wrapping for another gift. The books, journals and portfolios are all handy to have as well. My favorite projects are the paper pencil case shown in orange on the cover- it's easy to make, and easy to personalize, the house shaped gift bag also on the cover and the pocket tissue box which is one of the last projects.

If you enjoy the charm and clean look of Japanese crafts as much as I do, you'll enjoy this book.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book to review, I received no other compensation, and my review is my honest opinion of the book. You can read more about my review policy here.

Printable Bat Box

I hope you enjoy this printable gift box! Last night my daughter was asking me about hashtags and a running joke on FB and Twitter is that I occasionally use #rosemarysfault. Rosemary and I are close friends who talk about well, nearly everything. This box is #rosemarysfault, because she's very fond of stained glass effect boxes and of bats.

Click the image below for a larger version to print and assemble. Print on card stock, cut out, score folds, fold, glue!

The Amazing Turnip Girl as Daryl Dixon

Every year for the last 5 years, The Amazing Turnip Girl has kept her costume top secret until the first event she dresses up for. She usually decides by May what she's going to be, and gets costume items from thrift stores and garage sales plus of course, duct tape. She hand sews components, and uses cardboard and duct tape in inventive ways to put together her outfit.

This year, she is dressing up as Daryl Dixon from The Walking Dead and she's topped herself for details.

The cross bow is made from layers of corrugated cardboard, yarn, duct tape and fabric for the carry strap.

The ears are made from layered cardboard, and covered with brown plastic grocery bags for color and more detail.

Duct tape quiver! and check out those wings on the back of the corduroy shirt that had the arms ripped off to make a vest.

Really, check them out. Those are all hand stitched details and she makes up her patterns on the fly.
Even this one.

She says she's not happy with the feet, but really, isn't that just adorable? I'm still trying to talk her into doll blogging.

I'm so impressed with her costume. She has Daryl appropriate long sleeved shirts to wear when she's out in the cold all layered up under that great vest.

October Birthstone and Flower Mandala

October's flower is calendula or marigold- another edible flower and a personal favorite for how bright and cheery they look. The birthstone is opal. 

Sorry this is so late! After I replaced my computer, the same day, a windstorm knocked out my internet connection. So now I'm playing catch up. 


This is part of my Birth Flower/Birthstone series of printable mandalas to color. You can see the rest of the series here-
The Birthstone and Flower series of Mandalas

Click the images below for larger versions to print and color.

Small jpg:

Large transparent PNG:

Some gift ideas in opal
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