Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

We chat to Ann, give you a chance to win the book and learn how-to make candle luminaries and a jungle beads necklace.

Tell us a bit about the book?

The book brings together eighteen paper artisans who are experienced in making beautiful things from humble, but versatile paper. You’ll find new ideas for home décor, fashion accessories, jewelry, and correspondence. Many of the projects are eco-friendly and all are stylish and useful. Learn new techniques for stitching on paper, crocheting with paper, and even fabricating fine rope. Create paper flowers from crepe, fringed, mulberry, and metallic papers. Gain new skills such as screen printing, paper cutting, bookbinding, and box making. Each project is clearly detailed with step-by-step instructions and photographs, along with helpful tips. A beginner will gain a sense of confidence, while the most experienced crafter will be engaged by the wide variety of projects.

What was the inspiration behind it?

I enjoy introducing paper artists and crafters via my blog All Things Paper (http://www.allthingspaper.net/), so when an editor pitched the idea for a book with the same theme, I was intrigued. I contacted designers whose work I admired to ask if they would be interested in submitting projects for consideration. It was so much fun to see the descriptions and photos arrive in my inbox. A very special thing about the book is that each designer supplied all of the photographs for his/her project and they are gorgeous! I could be wrong, but I believe this is the first time a compilation craft book has been done completely digitally. Because the group hailed from around the world, it was a practical matter – much more efficient than making and shipping step-by-step versions of each project to one location for photography.

Which is your favourite project?

That’s like asking me to choose my favorite child! I can honestly say I love all of the projects equally, but of course you’d prefer a specific answer… okay then, I’m smitten with the Phone Book Letter Holder because it offers a use for an object that arrives on my doorstep and goes directly into the recycling bin. Such a waste! By transforming it into something pretty and chic, the guilt can subside.

What is your craft space like?

You would not believe the jumble of paper strips and other supplies parked in a corner of the dining room! Quilling, my specialty, requires just a short list of necessities, so I gather whatever I need and head to the brightest spot in the house at that moment. My computer desk looks out to the backyard; I’m happily distracted by birds, chipmunks, and the resident neighborhood cat.

Have you always been creative?

I’ve always been a maker, but was more of a pattern follower until I discovered paper quilling. I’ve surprised myself at just how much I enjoy the challenge of creating original designs.

When did you first start crafting?

My mother and grandmothers sewed, knitted, tatted, upholstered, you name it! Luckily, they were role models of patience while introducing me to many crafts, and Christmas always included kits and supplies under the tree. As for the first thing I made, do mud pies count? I remember spending summer days as a five year old mixing up delicacies in pot pie tins to decorate with pebbles and flowers.

Who are your crafty heroes?

Richela Fabian Morgan, who designed the clever Everyday Tote Bag made from paper bag handles for All Things Paper, is incredibly creative. Lately her material of choice is duct tape. For her book, Tape It & Make It, she came up with 101 projects and has already written a sequel with another 101!
Jeffery Rudell is a talented paper engineer, graphic designer, and writer who creates stunning art pieces for store windows, events, and advertisements. He is the author of Paper Blooms and Halloween Silhouettes.
Hannah Nunn’s book Illuminate: Contemporary Craft Lighting is a beauty. She makes gorgeous cut paper lamps that are featured in the book along with many other hand crafted lights created by a variety of artisans around the globe.

Where do you find inspiration?

To be honest, everywhere! Magazines, books, and online, of course, but I’m especially inspired by what I see outside – colorful plants and beautifully shaped gates, doors, and windows often catch my eye.

What's next for you?

I’m currently working on a compilation-style quilling book that will be released later this year. I’ll continue blogging (there won’t ever be a shortage of amazing paper creatives to feature!) and quilling marriage certificates, ketubahs, and wedding invitations.

Ann Martin has searched the world over for unique and beautiful paper crafts to feature on her popular website—AllThingsPaper.net. In this book, she gathers completely new projects and shows how each is created, step-by-step.

All of the paper products in this book are designed by respected paper craft artists, such as Benjamin John Coleman, Patricia Zapata, and Richela Fabian Morgan, who have been making amazing things with paper for many years. Each of the projects, from simple to more complex, has easy-to-follow instructions and detailed photos enabling you to create your own! These colorful and impressive pieces include art objects to display at home as well as items which have practical uses. All of the pieces make a wonderful keepsake or a gift that expresses the beauty, elegance, and versatility of paper.

Projects include:

• Candle Luminaries


• Citrus Slice Coasters


• Mysterious Stationery Box


• Everyday Tote Bag


• Silver Orb Pendant


• Fine Paper Yarn Necklace


• Wedding Cake Card


• Perfect Journey Journal