First Art Kit

by Boo Paterson

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

First Art Kit is a tutorial guide with papercraft projects by Boo Paterson. Released 11th May 2021 by Simon & Schuster on their Tiller Press imprint, it's 160 pages and is available in hardcover format.

This is a fun and quite useful and uplifting book of affirmational projects. They are arranged in project chapters which each contain a complete tutorial. Each includes tools and supplies, necessary templates, a finished picture of the completed project, and step by step instructions. The projects range from whimsical to profound, but all are creatively done and will give readers ample scope for uplifting crafting time with the aim of reducing stress and improving mental health.

Completely aside from the finished products, there is a lot of value to be found here in the skills and learning process and instructions in the 25 tutorials. Tools and supplies are minimal, easily accessible, and will already be available for most crafters. The supplies include things like pencils, pens, tape, glue, various papers, cutting implements like craft knives, x-acto, cutting mats, straight edge, and similar.

There are several of the projects which I really love and want to make for myself or friends. I love the writing prompts and the letter and decorated envelop, the stand-up stage diorama, the cut out phoenix and many others. There are quite a number of these which would be great for therapy or sessions with kids or in a patient type setting (obviously closely supervised). The techniques can also be used for many other crafting projects. I love that the full size templates for each project are *contained in the relevant chapter*! (Seriously, why don't most books do this?).

Four stars. Well written and informative.

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