Member Reviews

Papercutting: Geometric Designs Inspired By Nature
By Patricia Moffett

Not your ordinary craft or how to book. Patricia Moffett’s book is an enchanted land where everyone who enters, regardless of ability or previous knowledge of the art of papercutting, welcome, comfortable, and delighted to be guided through each page.
Papercutting included 25 projects of natural forms and guides the readers through the principles of mathematics seen in nature such as the Golden Spiral, Fibonacci numbers, and symmetry. Tesselations and 2-D weaving, 3-D formations and more bring us beautiful works like Sea Urchin, and expert guidance on the value of display, presentation, and even the type and colors bring forth effects of otherworldly beauty.
Moffett’s style of writing gives us the confidence to attempt these beauties, and great appreciation for all artists working with paper. This photos in this book are exquisite and some make one feel that if you look at them long enough you could easily enter a wonderland!

Was this review helpful?

An absolutely gorgeous book. The designs are stunning - not for an absolute beginner, but very inspiring.

Was this review helpful?

‏I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.

It has been years since I tried papercutting designs. Of course, back then, they were basic and straightforward designs that anyone could do. When I saw Papercutting Geometric Designs Inspired by Nature by Patricia Moffett, I figured this was my chance to really try it.

I was hoping for step-by-step, easy to follow directions for beginners. Instead, Moffett provided an in-depth look at amazing but intricate geometric designs. The book gave me the feeling I was reading someone's term paper for an advanced class whose audience was other students with the same knowledge. The designs were too challenging for me to do.

This book would be perfect for someone who has already been papercutting. However, if you are a beginner, I would suggest you look for something else.

The rating given is three stars. On Goodreads, three means I "liked it." I did like looking at the beautiful designs and, if I become proficient in papercutting, I will come back to Moffett's book and try them again.

For now, Moffet has illustrated several interesting coloring/activity books that are more my speed. My favorite is The All-Round Activity Book: Get Creative with Activities, Games, and Illusions All Based on Dots.

This 200-word review was published on Philomathinphila.com on 5/25/20.

Was this review helpful?

Amazing paper sculptures. Combining art and math can be beautiful. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to go beyond the basics in papercutting.

Was this review helpful?

Patricia Moffett's book, "Papercutting," is a unique, craft book teaching students the art of papercutting, which is exactly what it sounds like. It involves using mathematical formulas and concepts to create symmetrical and proportioned patterns and designs that are cut out to form beautiful creations that inspire the mind and delight the eyes.

These works of art are both very detailed and result in a wonderful effect. There are lots of projects to try to re-create and in some ways they feel like an art such as origami with scissors. This book has some amazing examples and the guide contains step-by-step instructions to show you how to bring the project to life.

I received this as an eBook from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review of the title. I did not receive any compensation from either company. The opinions expressed herein are completely my own.

Was this review helpful?

This is an exquisite book filled with wonderful drawings, diagrams and photographs of the art of papercutting. The book seeks to compare the symmetry found in natural objects to the beauty of the well designed paper sculpture. While there is a lot of technical and scientific content, there is a very practical instruction for cutting the paper and developing the art. The description of the tools used and how to craft the artwork is precise and easy to follow. The book will be enjoyed by the beginner as the instructions are clear and it will be enjoyed by the accomplished crafter for its innovative designs and techniques. This is a well thought out and presented book.

Was this review helpful?

"Papercutting" is a how-to instruction book on papercutting. The author did a great job of explaining different papercutting skills and techniques and building these skills with each new project. Each project had templates so you can copy what she's done, but she taught how to come up with ideas and use the techniques on your own. She clearly explained how to do each project, and even complete beginners should be able to follow the directions. She started with flat, cut-out projects, then she talked about weaving and explained different types of 3D projects. She even talked about how to display the finished projects, including lighting ideas and framing. Overall, I'd highly recommend this informative book to those interested in trying out papercutting.

Was this review helpful?

Whilst I'm not new to papercrafts, I am a complete novice to the art of papercutting. However the cover of this book grabbed my attention and inspired me to give it a go.

This book is truly stunning. There are no other words for it. The author quite clearly knows her stuff and that comes across from start to finish. The theory behind each piece is intricate but fascinating and really inspires. The designs themselves excite.

As an origamist, I already had most of the tools at the ready and so I made my first attempt of the first design - butterfly. And the result? Not bad, albeit it was extremely time-consuming and quite tricky cutting and folding around the smaller parts of the design. I'm not sure that I will be attempting any more from this book, I believe I need some simpler designs, but it's a start.

Overall a great book and art form, but definitely not for a beginner. In my opinion, this would suit someone who is already an established papercutter and enjoys intermediate to complex designs.

Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.

Was this review helpful?

Wow. Beautiful designs. Although they may not be for beginners. There are some really complicated projects in here, but I'd love to give them a try anyway.

Was this review helpful?

A beautiful book suited for intermediate to advanced papercutters. As a novice, I would find the designs lovely but intimidating for my first project. But for an experienced crafter, the geometric and natural designs will be inspiring. Step by step instructions are pretty spare. Gorgeous photography of designs and the natural elements that inspired them will be enjoyable, whether you're intending to actually make your own version or just want to admire their artistry.

Was this review helpful?

After the short Introduction to the maths behind nature and a Techniques & tips there are four main sections to this book which are: Working with a base sheet, Tessellations & 2D weaving, Assembling 3D forms and Display.

The basic tool list is very small at only three and there are a number of wish list tools you could also have to get going if you enjoy papercutting, which looks like the type of thing you can get from Hobbycraft quite easily. The materials you require are also listed with paper, glues and tapes needed.

A number of templates are included in the book with the actual photograph of the finished project. It provides templates for things beginners like butterflies, a sunflower, a honeycomb and then moves onto a more complicated designs such as a lampshade, a 3d flower and snowballs. There are some designs shown such as a the trees in winter scene or lattice type shapes which don't have a template to follow but would be nice to do. Some of the 3D shapes include photographs of the steps need to complete the design.

Overall it's an interesting book, but feel some of the images included should have had steps to follow as they looked the most interesting. Otherwise, these would made great gifts or nice Christmas decorations.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Paper cutting can be a beautiful art as this book shows. For how short it is, it has beautiful projects almost anyone can do. Some are easier than others. I goes through various concepts, the type of paper, ways to cut, and concepts like folding and layering.

Was this review helpful?

Papercutting is a tutorial and theory guide to paper sculpture by Patricia Moffett. Due out 28th Sept 2019 from Schiffer publishing, it's 128 pages and is available in paperback (and possibly hardcover, it's not clear from the publishing info).

The inspirations for the pieces which are included in this volume come from nature. There are birds, insects, trees, and natural landscape features among the projects. The forms are fluid and dynamic. The detail on some of them is stunning. All are gorgeous. Even the most intricate pieces are built up of simple units into a deceptively complex whole.

The introductory chapters (~13% of the page content) cover tools, materials, Fibonacci sequences, cuts, folds, transferring patterns, scoring, using templates and more.
The following chapters contain the tutorials and are generally progressively more complex. There are really good general discussions of axes of symmetry and the subchapter on tesselations was concise and easy to understand.

I was so impressed with the inclusion of a really good discussion of the mathematics and symmetry of nature in the form of whorls on flowers, insects, fruits, shells, the growth pattern of trees and more. This is a layman accessible book, but it really adds to the depth and detail of the sculptures to know some theory behind the forms.

This would make a very good book for crafters as well as a wonderful resource book in a classroom art setting for middle-grades+ to tie-in with coordinating math lessons. It would be a good addition to the homeschooling library as well.

Five stars. Really lovely book.

Was this review helpful?

I literally once wrote a whole paper that was based on sacred geometry and the nautilus shell. It was for an architecture course, and I wanted to write about gesamtkunstwerk, or 'total work of art'. It was some of the most fun I've ever had writing a research paper because it was so fascinating. When I received this ARC, I had no idea that it would delve into the Fibonacci sequence and symmetry, and basically satisfy me far more than paper ever has in my life ever. If I were to want to explore the art of papercutting (which is truly a beautiful form of art) I would definitely want this book on hand to teach me about it. Not only does it give you instructions on how to physically work at the piece, but it also tells you the significance and importance of the steps you are taking and the cuts you are making, which I think makes it a much more intimate form of art than we'd really expect. I am continually fascinated by sacred geometry and I wish the world embraced it more often to get a sense of inner harmony. I suspect we could start here.

Was this review helpful?

Papercutting - Geometric Designs Inspired by Nature
by Patricia Moffett

If you are already a crafter with paper and looking to expand on your experience, this book will do just that for you.

At this point you should have all the necessary tools if your starting this advanced level, but a list is included just Incase. Materials are listed for papers and glues for the patterns in this book. Included are photos showing techniques you’ll be using also.

Each pattern is a product of nature. The flowers that you can find in your garden along with birds and butterflies. Even more unique is the instructions on creating a waterfall. There are many patterns along with detailed instructions and photos for completing each project.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#Netgalley

Was this review helpful?

A really well explained and detailed book on making beautiful art pieces through paper cutting and the use of light and shadows or with the addition of colour and technique. I dabbled in paper cutting at Art school and it is an art form that can become very addictive, enjoyable and peaceful. Beautiful effects can be achieved with a little thought.
Who would have thought that a few pieces of paper and a cutting tool can create such amazing pieces.

Was this review helpful?

Wonderful book!

I have been papercutting on and off for a few years now, so it's great to have found a book that has progressively difficult papercuts to work through, in both skill required and moving from 2D to 3D. The instructions seem very clear so I'm looking forward to having a go.

I really liked the nature inspired designs, I think they are beautiful and I am excited to make them. I'm so pleased I've got this book.

Was this review helpful?

Looking for a new hobby? I love learning about and trying new to me crafts and this book caught my eye. The projects range from simpler ones that would make a great starter project to more complex projects to tackle as your skills advance. Even the simpler projects are beautiful. The photos are shot well, showing details clearly and instructions are easy to follow with good tips along the way.

Thank you to Schiffer Publishing Ltd. and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the designs in this book, though many are still well above my skill level. Cannot wait to try the few I feel confident enough for. They are stunning. This book really goes through the different materials that are best used for papercutting, and the designs are good for someone to grow their skills with.

Was this review helpful?

A good, well written, easy to understand book.
I enjoyed the concepts contained within. My teenage son also enjoyed them and found another dimension to mathematics through reading this book, although he has not yet attempted any of the ideas, he does intend to try some of the projects.
The projects were very interesting and well explained, with easy to follow instructions. This was easy to see after completing the simplest project, which, although this was my first attempt turned out pretty well.
This was a great introduction to the craft of paper cutting and I am looking forward to working my way through the projects from beginning to end.
A great book with fascinating facts and insights and plenty of practical instruction to complete the various models. After reading the book and trying something simple I feel that this could be the beginning of a new and unique hobby for myself.
Definitely worth checking out

Was this review helpful?