This book is packed full of simple beautiful designs. It's amazing what can be done with thread and paper. The book is packed full of designs that can be used throughout the year. Not only are there are designs for cards there are also designs for gifts and wrapping. The book also provides you with what you need to know to design your own projects. The book makes it so simple to make the projects and create something magnificent. It truly is special what can be created. If you've never embroidered then I would highly recommend this book. If you do embroider then this is a different way you can use it to make new and interesting projects. The book is split into 5 sections; Drawing with Paper Embroidery, Writing with Paper Embroidery, Creating with Paper Embroidery, The Foundations of Paper Embroidery & Templates. The first section covers everything from Birthday and Christmas cards to Notebooks. The 2nd section has everything from a paper clock to a welcome sign. The 3rd section has everything from gift boxes to bookmarks. The 4th section shows and talks you through everything from what tools you will need to teaching you each of the stitches. The 5th section is packed full of all the templates you need to create the amazing projects. I would highly recommend this book! It's a perfect addition to any crafters collection. * Crochet Addict UK * This is a beautiful book. The illustrations and clear and have a simplicity to them that takes a small stitched piece of paper to another level. The projects are mainly cards but that does not do the exquisite attention to detail justice. Many embroiderers are familiar with Japanese papers and combined with stitch produce a quality all of their own. The ideas in this book could be adapted for mix media Artists, sketchbooks etc. Each project is accompanied by detailed templates and there is a chapter on how to stitch your own designs. A delight to read. -- Muriel Campbell, Board Chair * Embroiderers Guild * Surface embroidery is most commonly used as an embellishment for cloth, but there are numerous traditions, both European and Asian, for embroidering on paper. The interplay of textures is fascinating, and paper embroidery allows crafters to embellish everyday objects such as file folders and notebooks, as well as special-occasion items including cards and ornaments. Japan-based artists Atsumi, Minako Chiba, and Mari Kamio present a variety of small projects showcasing the use of embroidery on an array of paper goods. As is typical with Japanese crafting books, the focus is more on the gallery of finished items than on the educational aspect of the book, and aside from a brief overview of supplies for paper embroidery and basic embroidery stitches, there isnt much direction provided. The traceable templates for the projects include stitch guides, allowing crafters to duplicate the authors work; however, novice embroiderers may find themselves wishing they had more information about how to prepare the paper and form the stitches. VERDICT Stitching on paper is an easy way to get started with embroidery, and stitched embellishments are increasingly common in many kinds of paper crafts, including scrapbooking. But unless crafters are specifically interested in one of the projects in this collection, theyd be better served with an embroidery stitch reference, such as Search Presss AZ of Embroidery Stitches. * Library Journal USA * There's a long tradition of both paper craft and embroidery in Japan, and this delightful book cleverly brings these two together. There are interviews wirh each designer and photographs showcasing inspiring ideas for more than 20 projects - you won't be able to wait to get started! The back of the book features basic stitches for paper and also all the templates required. We think the concept of adding stitching as an embellishment to paper craft projects is a real winner. * Love to Make * As a follow-on to the colouri
After graduating from Tama Art University, Atsumi worked with apparel and at the university while establishing herself as an embroidery artist. In 2009, she launched her own brand Itos. Visit her website www.itosigoto.com Mari Kamio is a costume designer and her textile creations feature in exhibitions and in print publications throughout Japan. Visit her website www.kamiomari.com Minako Chiba is an embroidery artist whose work is prominent within the Japanese zakka scene. She teaches on the subject and collaborates with various corporations and advertisers in Japan. Visit her website www.kuroyagishiroyagi.com