The Pop-Up Book: Step-by-Step Instructions for Creating Over 100 Original Paper Projects Paperback – January 1, 1993

This book is FAR better than I'd expected. I thought it might have a series of cute design ideas that I could adapt for my current pop-up projects.Instead, this book is full of astonishing and impressive designs with very clear instructions. The projects range from very simple (that children can complete, perhaps with some adult guidance), to pop-ups that are unusual, clever, sometimes complex, and well-suited to fine art.I am absolutely delighted, and recommend this book if you want pop-up design ideas and project patterns for architectural and elegant designs.

I was tentative about buying this based on other reviews here, because I had never made pop-ups before, or even done very much paper cutting, but wanted to learn advanced techniques. This book is great because it shows the basics without spoon-feeding you; instead of giving precise patterns or instructions to be printed or copied, this book shows simple diagrams that explain only the necessary components to make the pop-up work, like which cuts/folds need to be the same size as others, where certain folds should be in relation to edges, and so on, so they can be applied to any shape and size of paper or pop-up. When I first opened the book and looked at the gallery of examples, I was daunted, especially when I compared them to the first few step-by-step examples. But I've found that I can figure out and replicate most of the designs that use the methods I've used so far, and I'm hopeful that by the time I work my way through the whole book I'll be able to more or less duplicate every example in the gallery. I've already been able to implement some of my own designs from some of the most basic techniques in this book, and I'm hopeful about continuing to create my own pop-up work.Simply put, if your goal is to actually master the skills involved rather than simply to produce the designs pictures, this book is a wonderful tool, visually inspiring and formally instructive. Being math-minded might help somewhat, but not in the sense of understanding specific measurements of lengths and angles. Being visually-minded is probably a batter match for this book.One reviewer mentioned that there are no specific instructions for the dove picture on the cover. This is true. However, all of the techniques necessary for creating it are in very early pages of the book. I was able to recreate the dove within the first hour of working from the book.

I you have ever wondered how pop up cards work, and wanted to try them, this is the book for you. The basic principles are explained and shown very well. If you work through this book in order, you will be able to make pop-ups and sculptures that will amaze you. All you need is this book, a pencil, scissors and typing or copy paper. Give yourself plenty of time. The individual projects are not hard, but you will not want to stop. The only criticism I have is that some of the more complex projects, toward the end, could use a little more explanation.

I am very mechanically gifted but I found the instructions were difficult to follow. Most of he book was best just to look at the pictures and figure out the way to make it.

As other people have written in their reviews, I also own several books on Pop-up techniques ... and for me, this is one of my favorites.The book starts with very simple basics. Once you create the easy "basics", the lessons advance with each project... building on the "previous" lesson/formula. And with each consecutive lesson... they becomes slightly more changeling.If you don't take the time to "make" and truly understand each lesson, you will soon find yourself "lost". So take the time to fully learn each lesson before you move on to the next lesson. Even if that means repeating the lesson... over and over.... until you do understand it completely or see a mistake you have made.For this reason, I find this book an excellent teacher. You can't just jump randomly all over the book. And yes, some lessons are "tricky". But, wow! Once you finally "get-it", you see how amazing paper engineering is. And you'll start to get creative ideas of your own.This book pushes you to "think" and "create" on your own.If you want templets and every single measurement down to the millimeter, this book is not for you.If you truly want to learn paper engineering, so you can "create" pop-ups using your own brain and idea's... this book is for you.

This book has pictures of projects that are not contained in the edition, such as the cover photo, among many others, that the schemes are not in the application, although it explains the principles used to make them. Beginners will want clear and precise guidelines about the most challenging applications. In this book lacked that. The schematic level is good, and the explanation of the contents are fairly simple, so that anyone can follow the process. Good impression. Unfortunately my book, despite being new, arrived in poor condition, with spotted leaves and bent.

This book plus "The Elements of Pop-Up" are the only two pop-up instructional books you will ever need. There is some overlap, not surprisingly, but while The Elements of Pop-Up furnish working technical examples of various components, this contains a series of projects with instruction and a large variety of inspiring examples.I would like to add Hiebert "Playing with Pop-Ups" to the list. It contains a good variety of pop-up applications, some nice pop-up projects and a gallery of various pop-up artists creations.And for those who want to make pop-ups but who feel that are not creative or skilled enough, there is Wickings, "Pop-Up" with parts you punch out to easily create pop-ups. This book is particularly suitable for children both in the pop-up subjects chosen (Jungle, Frankenstein Lab, etc) and the skill required to put them together successfully.