With gorgeous photography but mediocre instruction, this book is best for inspiration. You'll need some paper crafting experience to be able to follow the specific projects. ( )

Flowers are everywhere this time of year, and it's even in our craft books! I am a knitter and crocheter, but I used to dabble in origami & every once in a while I still do. I was thrilled when I was contacted to review this book because I was hoping it would inspire me to play with paper again - and it did !

Maria breaks the book up by materials and technique - using crepe paper (maybe obvious to a lot of people, but news to me!), scrapbook paper, construction paper (which to me immediately means affordable and bright colors!), paper napkins (another affordable option), origami paper (easily bought at craft chains like Michael's, and I happen to have a package here), quilling paper strips (something I've never done but might try thanks to this book), and recycled paper. Maria also talks about what type of glue and wire you should use, and what other materials she recommends, making it easy for beginners like me to get started.

Another feature I appreciate is the fact that the book is spiral bound so the pages lay flat. Why don't all craft books do this?

There are also step by step photographs besides the written direction.

Some of my favorite projects include the tulip (unbelievably lifelike using doublette crepe paper in yellow, black, and green), bird of paradise (also using doublette crepe paper), pinwheels (not really a flower, but very cute, and uses double sided scrapbook paper), and the Kusudama Flower, using scrapbook paper, and something I actually made before years ago as a teen (I vividly remember making some to give to my dad for Father's Day).

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to begin playing with paper.

I received a copy of this book to review for free for my blog & other websites but was not paid or otherwise compensated for my review, direct from the author, Maria Noble. ( )