The Paper Bride: Wedding DIY from Pop-the-Question to Tie-the-Knot and Happily Ever After

by Esther Smith

The one-stop guide to making a celebration that's all about you with ubiquitous, affordable, recyclable paper! Letterpress artist, designer, and once-bride Esther K. Smith inspires you with one-of-a-kind invitations, albums, guest books, and more.

Planning an elaborate event? A simple, sophisticated soiree? Or something wild and wonderful? Customize your wedding with fresh paper ideas from the author of the classic How to Make Books and the ingenious Magic Books & Paper Toys . Learn to make your own exciting, affordable mementos, invitation wraps, pop-up maps, save-the-date postcards, and party décor—projects with maximum impact that require only simple tools and basic skills .
 
New to paper crafts? Start with lined envelopes. Ready for a challenge? Learn to stitch special bindings for your guest book and photo album. There is even a project for the groom-to-be. Just grab the good scissors, choose your paper, and begin!
 
Smith's inventive techniques and no-nonsense wit will inspire you to make your own paper-perfect wedding.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Crafts

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[RF · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this author...and own all three of her bookmaking/paper art books.

This one is not just for brides - it has great project for any special occasion... I am LOVING it.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really cute ideas, but most are waaaay toooo involved

[Krista Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice how-to book on how to use bookcrafts to make the elements of a traditional American wedding and courtship. The materials could, of course, be adapted for any big event. Although some material repeats from her other two books, this book also includes some original material.

[Lana. · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had extreme paper envy. It's obvious the writer is talented in paper design from the pictures shown (Project Runway junkies will probably agree her paper dress is just as fabulous as the finalists from Season 6's challenge). but overall the book doesn't live up to it's DIY classification and expectations.

Pros:
- Includes a project for the guys (or at least the one proposing) - a hidden ring box book.
- Some good information for paper crafts techniques (e.g. how to make flour paste, how to take care of rubber stamps...)
- Inspiring photos of paper projects produced from their company - but, (CON) not necessary the types of things that could be produced from the book.

Cons:
- Projects don't live up to the high glamour level that it claims.

Ultimately, an interesting look book for some inspiration, but I won't necessarily try any of the projects.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm someone who does a lot of crafts, but paper crafts are not my thing. So I was really looking just to look, not to actually make anything. And I didn't. But what I really liked was the practical advice in the areas of paper-related wedding stuff. Like wording for invitations, as to what is the traditional for clergy-officiated versus not in a house of worship. And the proper way to address envelopes in these modern times. I'm sure that is all information I could have gotten elsewhere, but I found it here first and that was enough.

[Sarah]

How much you like or dislike this book will really depend on how much you like papercrafts. Everything in this book is made of paper, however most of the focus is on the usual paper items -- invites, save the dates, programs, and memory books. There are a few reception items and wearables but this is not the focus. Personally I found it interesting but I'm not planning on making anything out of this book. There is just a devotion and love for papercraft in this book that I don't share. But it is a welcome addition to the DIY wedding canon.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

not exactly what I envisioned in terms of amount of and variations of projects, but my sister liked it and I got it for her wedding planning, so...