Publisher's Synopsis
New motherhood and limited access to a press, forced former wood block printmaker Anna Bondoc to turn to what she had at home: cardstock, craft knife, glue and a cutting mat. Applying her admiration for traditional Japanese, Mid Century Modern Scandinavian and Arts and Crafts decorative pattern, she developed her own technique by cutting bold graphic motifs repeatedly from a single sheet, then adhering a second, third and sometimes fourth paper layer, cutting into each sheet as she went. The result? Distinctively geometric, richly textured paper patterns that appealed to both the eye and sense of touch. Though she initially created 'pattern art' prints, she realised she could trim any piece of art and adhere to just about any surface to elevate picture frames, note cards, journals, gift boxes into works of paper art. In a warm, encouraging, former teacher's voice, Anna takes you on her unique journey of developing this technique and shows eager crafters how to use a knife as a drawing instrument to create any manner of gift or home decor. The projects and categories, including stationery, gifts, tabletop, fine art and special occasions, will be familiar to the DIYer and crafter and can be made with easily purchased, relatively inexpensive materials. Though she provides stencils for each project, Anna also encourages readers to strike out on their own, suggesting alternative sizes or applications. She also explains her 'recycling by design' technique in which cut out pieces left behind can be reused and recycled beautifully to enhance gifts. She also provides basic pattern making terminology, demonstrating that a single motif can be arranged in multiple ways to suit any aesthetic or project.
