Paper Jewelry by Barbara Baumann is a creative and inspiring guide for anyone interested in crafting unique, eco-friendly jewelry from recycled paper. With 55 projects to choose from, the book offers a variety of designs, from necklaces and earrings to brooches and hair accessories. Baumann’s instructions are clear, and the colorful photography brings the projects to life, making it easy for readers to follow along.

The beauty of this book lies in its versatility. It provides ideas for using a wide range of recycled papers—like maps, magazines, and candy wrappers—allowing for endless creative possibilities. Whether you prefer sleek and refined pieces or bold and contemporary designs, there’s something for everyone. The projects cater to different skill levels, making it a great choice for beginners and seasoned jewelry makers alike.

This book not only offers step-by-step guidance but also encourages sustainable creativity by showing how to repurpose everyday materials into stunning accessories. Paper Jewelry is a must-have for crafters looking to explore the intersection of art, fashion, and environmental consciousness.

Being a library director, I love the idea of using books and paper to create things, so I thought Paper Jewelry by Barbara Baumann (also a librarian) would be right up my alley. While some designs were eye-catching and quite creative, I was more often left wondering about the appearance and comfort of actually wearing the pieces. There was not one photo of any item being worn, and I'm certainly not going to go through the often painstaking and time-consuming process of constructing jewelry that ends up being unattractive or bulky when worn.

Most of the directions seem pretty straightforward, but there were times when they were too simplistic and vague. Having a more developed list and descriptions of tools and supplies needed would be helpful, especially if it were located at the front of the book rather than the back. As for materials for individual projects, I noticed at least one where there were items listed that were never used in the step-by-step instructions. This wouldn't be a big deal unless you were to go out and purchase glass beads just to find out they aren't necessary.

I would recommend this for someone who has some experience with paper projects. It can be a bit confusing at times for a beginner. It's definitely good for some inspiration even if the jewelry does lean more toward artistic than practical.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for providing a copy of this book that I chose to honestly review.

Lots of interesting and different projects to use paper for. Many I had never thought of. Great ideas for recycling all that paper that we accumulate!