Uncommon Paper Flowers: Extraordinary Botanicals and How to Craft Them

by Kate Alarcón

This visually magnificent book unveils the alluring world of uncommon botanicals, including a prickly cactus that played a storied role in the founding of an ancient city, a tiny pink mushroom that glows green in the dark, and a magnificent blue cactus with rows of golden spines. Celebrated paper designer Kate Alarcón reveals the rich histories and unique characteristics behind 30 remarkable plants alongside instructions for crafting stunning paper versions of each one. These eye-catching creations make perfect wedding centerpieces, beautiful arrangements (that never wilt!) to brighten a home, and cheerful gifts for any occasion. Brimming with fascinating botanical trivia, vivid photography, and essential design techniques, this is a breathtaking resource for flower lovers, crafters, and anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the natural world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts, Reference

248 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2019

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Uncommon Paper Flowers is a gallery and tutorial book full of incredibly realistic paper/crepe flowers. Due out 15th Oct 2019 from Chronicle books, it's 240 pages and will be available in ebook and hardcover formats.

This is a really well written and gloriously photographed book full of recognizable sculptured flowers and plants. The layout is logical and accessible. The first part of the book is an herbal with the botanical names of the plants along with some basic info. Each of the plant sculptures is photographed along with some explanatory text.

The second chapter includes basic instructions for building up the elements used for each of the individual plants and flowers in the third part of the book. The photographs and accompanying tutorial texts are clear and understandable.

The tutorials themselves include step by step instructions, tools and supplies listed bullet-point style in a sidebar, as well as tutorial photos showing the process. The tools and supplies are generally easily sourced (there's no resource or links list included, but I was able to easily find all of the supplies online - most well stocked crafts stores will have pretty much everything as well). The book includes full sized well marked templates and an index.

Beautifully presented, easy to understand, clearly photographed - very well done. Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Uncommon Paper Flowers" taught how to create 30 unusual plants from crepe paper. The author started by providing trivia and historical information about each plant (different flowers, mushrooms, cacti, etc.). She then briefly described the types of tools and materials needed for the projects. You basically need different colors and types of crepe paper, glue, and some paints and markers. She also briefly described the basic techniques for cutting, forming, and decorating the petals, leaves, and stem.

She then provided step-by-step projects for creating the unusual plants that she talked about earlier. There were clear, full-color pictures for each step along with written text describing what to do. Unfortunately, my review copy was missing most of the text directions, so I'm not sure how easy the instructions are to understand and do. I got the impression that a complete beginner might want more direction but that someone used to paper-cutting projects would be fine. There were templates for the petals, leaves, and such in the back of the book that you're supposed to photocopy and cut out. I'm not sure how that would work with an ebook, so buying a paper copy of this book may be best.

I received an ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an extraordinary and elegant book, beautifully photographed with step by step directions, it shows how to make very beautiful and realistic looking paper flowers.
Made out of various grades of crepe paper, shaping/stretching and hand decorating, these flowers are beautiful. Not ones that can made in a hurry or for anyone with little patience, but the end result are works of art.
Apart from the instructions, templates and botanical information, the book is further enhanced buy the flowers put into sections (there are 30 flowers in all) of woodland, desert, glasshouse, cutting and witches garden. Flowers include, foxgloves, agava, lady slipper orchid, holly hocks ,poppies, the king protea on the cover and many other.
The fabulous book with wonderful ideas in a time when artificial flowers are really becoming a decorating tool.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a gem of a book for anyone with a desire to craft beautiful works of art. It does require some patience to make (as any craft like this will), but the instructions are well written and easy to follow. This book is beautifully photographed and organized. I loved that it included descriptions of each flower along with how to make them. I found the informational bits to be funny and engaging not just dry facts. I also love that there is a separate section on basic techniques. It was a great way to introduce the ideas and make them easy to reference without having to search through each individual flowers instructions. I wish I had had this book back when I was planning my wedding. Even now I am inspired to make many more of these flowers!

Many thanks the NetGalley and the publisher for this copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I took up paper flower making last year when I took a class taught by Kate Alarcón on Craftsy. She is a fabulous paper flower artist and a great instructor. I was disappointed as she only taught one class on that forum but shortly thereafter, she published “Uncommon Paper Flowers” which continues with more techniques. I have learned a lot from her class and book and recommend both.
I use this book as a reference book and I’m too lazy to list every time I pick it up. It’s sufficed to say it’s well used and loved.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, here's my deal; if you love flowers or if you are like me, who in this case, loves flowers and would like to know a bit more about some of them without getting bogged down by so much information-then this is something worth checking out. It's neatly written with awesome photos, you'd swoon at.
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.

[Psusan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uncommon Paper Flowers by Kate Alarcon is a beautiful coffee table book even if you never plan to make any of these gorgeous paper flowers. The photographs are simply stunning so one could look at this book for hours. The beginning on the basis principles of making natural like creations was also enlightening.

I enjoy doing paper crafts which is why this book interested me. At first, I was surprised at the lack of directions, but as I read further in the book the directions were there in the second half. However, I could have used more drawing to explain some of the techniques. Still one of my favorites was a mushroom log setting.. All in all I found the book to be inspiring.

The publisher through Net Galley provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.

[Jenny Houle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stunning, though a further test of my increasing dexterity issues. I wish I had found paper crafting a bit sooner in life, because as my MS increases, my difficulties with trying to make tiny details stand out increases. For others I think this book would be an awesome addition to a crafting library.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for anyone who loves doing arts & crafts or is a lover of flowers. Good visuals with easy to follow instructions. I like how the beginning of the book includes information about the real life flora you will be creating.

Free temporary e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of cool flowers that would be fun to make one day!