Library Journal Review

This collection of greeting card projects focuses on paper cut by hand using scissors, a craft knife, or a shaped punch. In addition to the standard birthday, wedding, thank you, and Christmas cards, the editors include designs appropriate for graduation, teacher appreciation, and everyday use. Most of the cards begin with a solid cardstock background that is either cut or punched to reveal an underlayer of colored cardstock or patterned paper, or topped with shapes such as a mortarboard or balloons. There's a nice variety of styles, ranging from modern minimalist (the "Mr. & Mrs." wedding card, with variations provided for same-sex couples) to quirky-cute (the "showered with love" card, which features heart-shaped raindrops falling from a puffy cloud) to lacy and elaborate (the "rosy outlook" card, with its hand-cut roses). Basic tools and tips for papercutting and cardmaking are included in the introduction, as well as tips for transferring templates for cutting. Though some of the patterns are more elaborate than others, the volume is beginner friendly, with plenty of guidance for novices. VERDICT Cardmaking is a fun and functional way to enjoy paper crafting, and the assortment of cards here allow crafters to try out several techniques on a small scale. © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.