Creative books to give… and get!

Here’s my favorite list of hands-on, crafts, discovery books that will thrill you — and anyone on your gift list. They will be enjoyed several times … by the reader, while doing, and by the receiver of the craft while receiving — it’s a Win / Win idea! Think Creative!

If anybody asked me what would be my favorite gift books to give I would have to answer with this list. Why? Because these books represent fun, exploration, discovery and a hands-on experience that not only provides fulfilling fun for the user — but a pass-along pleasure for others. Get creative. Participate in the experience.

The 12 Days of Christmas Anniversary Edition: A Pop-up Celebration

The 12 Days of Christmas Anniversary Edition: A Pop-up Celebration
by Robert Sabuda
A true holiday classic literally comes to life in this stunning pop-up edition of a seasonal favorite. With a partridge popping, snow scattering, and lords a-leaping off the page, this lavish book is a gift for readers of all ages. For this special anniversary edition legendary paper engineer Robert Sabuda encloses his own gifts to the reader: extra pages with a pop-up Christmas tree with real lights aglow, and a beautiful pop-up ornament of two turtledoves. The ornament is packaged with the book and is perfect for adding a celebratory touch to your tree. This beautiful anniversary package is one to treasure!

The 12 Days of Christmas Anniversary Edition: A Pop-up Celebration
Author: by Robert Sabuda – Regular price: $26.95 – our discounted price: $17.79
USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Pop-Up Cards: and Other Greetings that Slide, Dangle & Move

Pop-Up Cards: and Other Greetings that Slide, Dangle & Move
by with Sandi Genovese
Pop-up cards, with their wonderful interactive, dimensional nature, are all the rage these days. And now crafters can duplicate the amazing techniques at home! Renowned artist Sandi Genovese shows you how with 25 wonderful projects that make cards pop. A birthday greeting becomes even happier with a multi-tiered chocolate cake design, topped with candles. The accordion-folded “Hand in Hand” card displays a variety of hand shapes that seem to applaud enthusiastically when it’s opened and closed. And an elaborate celebratory Christmas card showcases a three-dimensional tree bedecked with hanging ornaments.

Pop-Up Cards: and Other Greetings that Slide, Dangle & Move
Author: with Sandi Genovese – Regular price: $24.95 – our discounted price: $16.47
USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

3D Pop Up Greeting Cards

3D Pop Up Greeting Cards
by Keiko Nakazawa
Flowers. . .gardens. . . seasonal motifs such as snowflakes and angels. . . traditional Japanese designs like Kabuki masks and geisha. . . animals. . . scenes. . .all these and many others become delightful greeting cards that are even more special because they’re hand-made. Here are easy-to-follow directions-as well as cut-out templates-for creating 60 different, intricate-looking designs. Twenty-four color illustrations of the finished projects are followed by step-by-step instructions and diagrams. Whether it’s to say, “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Spring,” “Just thinking of you,” or “Get well soon,” readers will find inspiration and hours of enjoyment in this beautiful and practical book

3D Pop Up Greeting Cards
Author: by Keiko Nakazawa – Regular price: $18.00 – our discounted price: $12.24
Published by: ; Paperback; USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Cards that Pop Up, Flip & Slide

Cards that Pop Up, Flip & Slide
by Michael Jacobs
This creative guide will teach readers how to craft one-of-a-kind cards with moving parts such as pop-ups, sliders, and flaps. Using step-by-step instructions and easy-to-follow templates, readers will learn how to:
* Put together clever and dynamic interactive cards using simple tools that are easy to find in craft stores
* Use a variety of papers, from handmade and printed to recycled, for unique graphic looks
* Create their own envelopes for a stunning total package
Readers will also discover how to jazz up any project using inks, collage, colored pencils, and more.

Cards that Pop Up, Flip & Slide
Author: by Michael Jacobs – Regular price: $19.99 – our discounted price: $13.59
Published by: ; Paperback; USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Pop-Up Cards: 19 Spectacular 3D Greeting Cards

Pop-Up Cards: 19 Spectacular 3D Greeting Cards
by Jo F. Mathieson
Pop-Up Cards contains a lively collection of easy-to-make and entertaining novelty pop-up cards. Whether you want to say, “Happy Birthday,” “Merry Christmas,” “Get Well Soon,” or “Congrats” to a friend or loved one, there’s sure to be a fun way to express yourself in this book. A highly practical instruction book, the various construction methods for the cards are ingenious yet uncomplicated, and there are clear, concise instructions that allow anyone in your family to construct them quickly and easily

Pop-Up Cards: 19 Spectacular 3D Greeting Cards
Author: by Jo F. Mathieson – Regular price: $19.95 – our discounted price: $13.57
Published by: ; Paperback; USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Vintage Pop-Up Cards: Making Your Own Timeless Treasures

Vintage Pop-Up Cards: Making Your Own Timeless Treasures
by Taylor Hagerty
Holiday cards, sweetheart cards, humorous cards: they’re all “popping up” in this charming vintage collection. Warmly colored, and richly adorned with lace, beads, satin, and feathers, there’s nothing like them in the stores! These elaborate pre-1923 classics are not only beautiful in and of themselves; when disassembled, they also form the basis for 25 brand-new projects. After learning in detail exactly how these dimensional treasures are put together — the tools and techniques, the basics of construction, and the most authentic embellishments — you’re armed with the inspiration to create your own. Each project includes a photo of the card in its original form, images of every element in the card to photocopy or cut out, and instructions for rebuilding and redecorating your masterpiece

Vintage Pop-Up Cards: Making Your Own Timeless Treasures
Author: by Taylor Hagerty – Regular price: $19.95 – our discounted price: $15.96
Published by: ; Hardcover; USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects

The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects
by Paul Jackson
Pop-ups are three-dimensional cut-and-folded paper constructions that are widely used for children’s books and greeting cards. They have a magical appeal as they mysteriously fold and unfold. Expanding on pop-up material covered in his earlier The Encyclopedia of Origami & Papercraft (LJ 3/1/92), Jackson offers an instructional guide leading the craftsperson through an introductory section of basics to sections covering techniques and original design. The step-by-step projects are exercises in technique only, with complex constructions shown as examples. Like the author’s previous books, this one is notable for its clear instructions and bright, colorful illustrations. For users of all ages; highly recommended for public libraries.

The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects
Author: by Paul Jackson – Regular price: $25.00 – our discounted price: $16.50
Published by: ; Paperback; USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Elements Of Pop Up: A Pop Up Book For Aspiring Paper Engineers

Elements Of Pop Up: A Pop Up Book For Aspiring Paper Engineers
by David A. Carter, James Diaz
Believe it or not, the first known pop-up element in a book appeared in an astrological manuscript in 1306. During the ensuing centuries, movable mechanics were used in more and more books–but only for adults. In the 1700s a British bookseller came up with the idea of illustrating well-known children’s stories with movable flaps of paper. The rest, as they say, is history. Now aspiring paper mechanics (creative engineer-artists who create dimensional and movable books, otherwise known as pop-ups) can learn the how-tos and wherefores of this marvelous craft. From tip-ons to dummies to glue knock-outs, all the intricacies of pop-up production are outlined and explained

Elements Of Pop Up: A Pop Up Book For Aspiring Paper Engineers
Author: by David A. Carter, James Diaz – Regular price: $37.99 – our discounted price: $25.07
USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Handmade Hellos: Fresh Greeting Card Projects

Handmade Hellos: Fresh Greeting Card Projects
by Chronicle Books
Signed sealed delivered! In this delightful book card-making mavens Eunice and Sabrina Moyle of Hello!Lucky letterpress gather together more than 25 projects from today’s most talented paper artists. Simple instructions outline card- and envelope-folding basics plus how to screen print use a Print Gocco machine hand-bind emboss stamp stencil and much more. Ready-to-use patterns and spiral binding ease the process while easy-to-follow directions cute illustrations and finished project photos make it a cinch to create stacks of boutique-worthy greeting cards.

Handmade Hellos: Fresh Greeting Card Projects
Author: by Chronicle Books – Regular price: $19.95 – our discounted price: $13.57
Published by: Chronicle Books; Paperback; 144 USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Merry Christmas from… 150 Christmas Cards You Wish You’d Received

Merry Christmas from... 150 Christmas Cards You Wish You'd Received
by Karen Robert
150 of the World’s Funniest and Most Delightful Christmas Cards — Karen Robert has spent the last several years tracking down the wonderful and wacky Christmas cards represented in this book –the best out of tens of thousands she has reviewed. Featuring everything from young couples in love, classic kids-‘n’-dogs, and quirky workplace situations to every incarnation of Santa –fat, thin, young, old, canine –these cards will surprise you with their irrepressible creativity. Some are heartwarming, some are hilarious, some are simply strange –but every single one was actually sent out as a Christmas card. So whether you’re one of the millions of people who love all things Christmas, looking for inspiration for your own holiday card, or just a desperate Scrooge on the hunt for the perfect stocking stuffer, pick up Merry Christmas from . . . for a holiday pick-me-up.

Merry Christmas from… 150 Christmas Cards You Wish You’d Received
Author: by Karen Robert – Regular price: $14.95 – our discounted price: $10.17
USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

I Love Card Making: 25 Projects That Will Show You How to Make Cards Easily and Quickly

I Love Card Making: 25 Projects That Will Show You How to Make Cards Easily and Quickly
by Amy Gooda
Card making and scrapbooking are hot, hot, hot — a great way for crafters to express their creative side and make something memorable out of simple supplies. In I Love Card Making, Amy Gooda guides readers through a variety of card-making methods including stamping, embossing, and beading, and explains all the essential materials and techniques. Her designs feature a range of styles from retro stripes to glamorous gold shimmer to vintage fabric. Ambitious crafters can try one of the interactive cards that incorporate a detachable button, fridge magnet, or cupcake recipe. Each project is fully illustrated with step-by-step photographs and instructions and includes ways to adapt and customize a card to suit different occasions.

I Love Card Making: 25 Projects That Will Show You How to Make Cards Easily and Quickly
Author: by Amy Gooda – Regular price: $17.95 – our discounted price: $14.00
USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Cut-and-Make Pop-Up Cards

Cut-and-Make Pop-Up Cards
by Duncan Birmingham
Easy-to-follow instructions and simple assembly diagrams help create 8 different 3-dimensional greeting cards — each with a colorful background and a picture that pops up when the card is opened: dancing couples, a skateboarder, an all-terrain vehicle, assorted animals, more. Cards measure 4 1/4″ x 6 1/2″ when folded.

Cut-and-Make Pop-Up Cards
Author: by Duncan Birmingham – Regular price: $6.95 – our discounted price: $6.95
Published by: Dover; ; 32 USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Pop-Up Note Cards

Pop-Up Note Cards
by David A. Carter
Thirty dynamic designs incorporating a variety of pop-up and 3-D mechanisms — 10 project chapters plus a gallery of ideas provide readers with a range of inspiration. Both innovative and surprising, the projects in Paper Pop Up incorporate ingenious elements that will leave recipients speechless with delight–from pull tabs and slider bars, to turning wheels, envelope reveals, and, stunning pop-ups. Grouped by holiday, including projects celebrating new babies, Mother’s and Father’s Day, birthdays, weddings, new homes, and more, the projects feature the most appealing and contemporary papercrafting and scrapbook products on the market, as well as step-by-step instructions, illustrated guidance, and fool-proof techniques to ensure finished products that will charm and amuse.

Pop-Up Note Cards
Author: by David A. Carter – Regular price: $18.95 – our discounted price: $12.89
USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Surprisingly Simple Novelty Cards: Over 35 Easy-to-Make Designs

Surprisingly Simple Novelty Cards: Over 35 Easy-to-Make Designs
by Sue Nicholson
Exciting ideas for cardmaking, one of the most popular papercrafts with over 200 step-by-step photographs, instructions are easy to follow. Includes 40 individual greeting cards to provide inspiration With this book, crafters will be learn to create 30 innovative novelty designs that are as fun to make as they are to receive. No matter what the occasion, the guide features an appropriate novelty card. Pop-ups, jigsaw cards, pocket cards to contain vouchers or money, an opening box card, shaker cards, and a hidden message card are just a few of the amazing designs featured. Materials and techniques required are thoroughly explained, and the projects themselves combine step-by-step instructions with clear, easy-to-follow photographs that ensure amazing results.

Surprisingly Simple Novelty Cards: Over 35 Easy-to-Make Designs
Author: by Sue Nicholson – Regular price: $19.99 – our discounted price: $17.99
USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Pop-Up Paper Structures: The Beginner’s Guide to Creating 3-D Elements for Books, Cards & More

Pop-Up Paper Structures: The Beginner's Guide to Creating 3-D Elements for Books, Cards & More
by Heidi Pridemore
Sometimes paper crafting just seems so…flat. No more! Pop-Up Fun shows crafters everywhere how to bring more dimension to books, cards, gift cards, scrapbook pages, and much more with easy, exciting pop-ups. All that’s needed are card stock and a few basic supplies. Dozens of photos and easy step-by-step instructions make it so easy to add pop-up fun to images, words, and sayings. Special ideas for holidays, birthdays, and invitations let friends and family enjoy the top of the pops, too. * Add 3D pizzazz to any paper craft–cards, scrapbook pages, gift tags, more! * 12 simple pop-up techniques and 9 complete projects * Great ideas for holidays, birthdays, weddings, parties

Pop-Up Paper Structures: The Beginner’s Guide to Creating 3-D Elements for Books, Cards & More
Author: by Heidi Pridemore – Regular price: $19.95 – our discounted price: $13.57
USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

The Pocket Paper Engineer, Volume I: Basic Forms: How to Make Pop-Ups Step-by-Step

The Pocket Paper Engineer, Volume I: Basic Forms: How to Make Pop-Ups Step-by-Step
by Carol Barton
A brilliant book which explains in detail how to make popups. Starting with a short history of paper engineering and the mechanics of how to make 3-D forms come alive. The simple concept of a pop-up delights everyone. From the easiest of folds to the more complicated constructs with layered movement that pulls out from the page when opened. It’s a must to start at the beginning of this book, as all materials and directions are neatly explained. The language is aimed at a young audience, but this is great when introducing precise techniques neede to make pop-ups work. The design of the book, with its oversized portrait layout and spiral bind gives the reader the feeling they are entering a great hands-on instruction manual rather than a sit-in-bed under-the-covers kinda book. — from the Whip Up Blog Archive

The Pocket Paper Engineer, Volume I: Basic Forms: How to Make Pop-Ups Step-by-Step
Author: by Carol Barton – Regular price: $24.95 – our discounted price: $16.47
USA – cards, pop-ups, folding, crafts

Oh, by the way … if you’d like to give me a gift, any of the above would be wonderful!

Thanks for reading

Fred Showker

Don’t forget … we encourage you to share your discoveries about favorite or famous graphic designers and illustrators with other readers. Just comment below, join the forums for discussion, or give me a tweet at Twitter/DTG_Magazine